Michigan Football: Updated expectations after win over Florida

The expectations were always high for Michigan football heading into 2017, but after a 33-17 win over No. 17 Florida, they may be even higher.

With so many young players, it was hard to predict just how good Michigan football would be in 2017. Yet, after the Wolverines impressive win over Florida, we have a much better idea.

Related Story: A complete breakdown of Michigan's win over Florida

Before the 2017 season, the over/under for wins for Michigan football was about 8.5. With games against Florida, Wisconsin, Penn State and Ohio State, it made sense. After all, the Wolverines have 10 new starters on defense and a bunch of fresh faces on offense too.

However, the thing about those new starters, is most of them were highly-touted recruits. Devin Bush Jr. played some last season, but Saturday against Florida, he looked like an absolute beast, posting seven tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks.

The secondary was also highly impressive. Lavert Hill really stood out out to me, as did Brandon Watson who had a critical pass breakup in the fourth quarter.

The run defense for Michigan football was downright nasty. The front seven, with Noah Furbush, Mike McCray, Bush, Rashan Gary, Chase Winovich and Maurice Hurst, plus guys like Aubrey Solomon and Carlo Kemp, looked dominant. They registered six sacks and Florida managed just 11 rushing yards on 27 carries.

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On the other side of the ball, Wilton Speight’s play was disappointing, particularly with the two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. Yet, he responded with some nice throws in the second half. His start was shaky, but there is still reason to have confidence in him. He gives Michigan football its best chance to win.

What will help Speight is a running game that produced 215 yards on 49 carries against a pretty stout Florida defense. A leaner looking Ty Isaac ran 11 times for 114 yards, while Chris Evans added 22 for 78. Karan Hidgon even contributed with 28 yards on seven carries.

Michigan football also got solid contributions from its young pass catchers. Tarik Black caught a touchdown pass and a slew of young tight ends including Sean McKeon and Nick Eubanks, also impressed.

Following the win over Florida, Michigan football should find itself ranked among the top 10 teams in the country.

Few teams looked better defensively than the Wolverines and it’s clear in terms of athleticism, the Wolverines are among the nation’s elite.

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With a favorable schedule, Michigan football could be 6-0 heading into Happy Valley to face Penn State (Oct. 21). The expectation for this team was always to contend for the Big Ten East title, but after Saturday’s win, that possibility, looks even more realistic.