Michigan Football: Do Wolverines deserve top-3 ranking for 2018?

Fox Sports released its way too early college football rankings for 2018 and listed Michigan football as the No. 3 team. But is that too high?

During the past two offseasons, Michigan football has gotten plenty of love. They started the past two seasons ranked in the top 10 and recently, in a poll released by Fox Sports, the Wolverines are the third ranked team heading into 2018.

The ranking was done by Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt, who in all fairness, knows a thing or two about Michigan football. Thanks to the new television deal with Fox, Klatt announced a number of Michigan games down the stretch, including the Wisconsin and Ohio State contests.

So he does know a thing or two about the Wolverines and how good they may potentially be next season. Of course, Alabama and Clemson are the top two teams. Ohio State also ranks fifth and Michigan State is 10th.

Certainly, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about next season. The defense, which was one of the best in the country in 2017, will lose only a handful of players. While others such as Rashan Gary should be better than ever.

On the offensive side of the ball, the addition of Shea Patterson looms large. If the electrifying quarterback can play right away, it could be a game changer for Michigan football.

Michigan Wolverines Football

The Wolverines have had great defenses and turned out plenty of pro prospects since the arrival of Jim Harbaugh. However, Michigan hasn’t been able to find the long term solution at quarterback.

Hopefully, Patterson will be that guy. If not, the Wolverines can still turn to Brandon Peters, who will start the Outback Bowl, as well as Dylan McCaffrey and Joe Milton.

The other positive for Michigan offensively, is that almost all of the skill players are back. Tarik Black will be healthy and Donovan People-Jones should be improved. Grant Perry, Eddie McDoom, Kekoa Crawford and Nico Collins are also back.

All the tight ends are back too. The offensive line will be without Mason Cole and Patrick Kugler, but for the most part, the roster is loaded with experience.

Michigan is going to be hungry to win too. After a 1-5 record against Ohio State and Michigan State the past three years, the Wolverines have plenty to prove. But until they prove it on the field, I wouldn’t rank them among the elite teams in college football.

They certainly have the talent and the capability to be an elite team next season. But until UM proves it can win big games and beat top-10 teams, Michigan doesn’t deserve such lofty status.

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Obviously, this poll doesn’t matter at all in the grand scheme of things. It just worries me that Michigan hype train is going like this so early. I do think the Wolverines will be good, but for once, I’d like them to take a back seat on the national radar.