Michigan Football Fact Check: Wolverines Are "Overrated"

College football expert Phil Steele recently said on SportsCenter that Michigan football is overrated, so we’re going to check the facts.

Phil Steele, whose website looks like it was put together in 1997 and then left alone for the last 20 years, is certainly not the first to say it, but he’s one of the more notable names to be attached to the campaign that says Michigan football is overrated heading into this season.

Before assessing Steele’s argument, let’s take a look at what he said on SportsCenter.

"They have an over/under of nine [wins] coming into it, and Michigan only returns five starters this year. They also play a tough schedule. They’re an inexperienced team taking on Florida out of the box. They play Penn State off a bye, Wisconsin on the road the week before Ohio State and of course, Ohio State. They’d have to win two of those games to go over that total from Las Vegas. Even though Michigan ranks in my top units in all eight categories, I’m going with them [as overrated]."

Steele also said North Carolina is an overrated team because of its lack of experience and that it’s playing five road games against bowl teams.

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As for the Wolverines returning five starters this year, that is absolutely true. Wilton Speight could be back at quarterback, and Mason Cole and Ben Bredeson will be somewhere on the offensive line, while Khalid Hill will be at fullback. Linebacker Mike McCray will be the lone returner on defense.

According to a chart released by Steele himself after the NFL draft deadline, Michigan is returning less starters than every other team in the country.

What Steele doesn’t mention—and this is the same mistake others make—is that the Wolverines won’t be throwing new names and faces onto the field next season.

For example, when you look at a unit that’s not returning any starters, players like Rashan Gary and Maurice Hurst (combined 16 1/2 tackles for loss in 2016) are going to be among the two most feared defensive linemen in the Big Ten.

There are serious points of concern on this team—like cornerback and receiver—but to say Michigan is only returning five starters and then call it a day is not painting an accurate picture of what’s going on.

The “tough schedule” thing seems to get tossed around almost automatically when we talk about why teams are going to struggle; but is there such a thing as an easy schedule, especially when it comes to Power 5 teams?

Steele certainly does point out the toughest games on Michigan’s schedule this season: Florida, Penn State, Wisconsin and Ohio State.

It seems to be implied that Steele is saying Michigan is overrated in terms of win/loss ratio, as opposed to pure talent that will be on the field, which is reasonable. While the opener against Florida will be at a neutral site, the only home game of the four is Ohio State.

So, back to the blanket claim that Michigan is “overrated”…

Verdict: Mostly False

Next: Top 10 running backs in Michigan history

There can’t be a clear and convincing argument put forth that says Michigan isn’t going to skip a beat this season and will be fighting for a playoff spot, but there is certainly enough evidence to say the Wolverines have a good chance to steer clear of a collapse. If Michigan is indeed overrated, it is only slightly.

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Michigan Football Fact Check: Wolverines Are “Overrated”

By Tyler Fenwick | Jul 10, 2017

College football expert Phil Steele recently said on SportsCenter that Michigan football is overrated, so we’re going to check the facts.

More from GBMWolverine

Verdict: Mostly False