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Michigan Football: 3 reasons Wolverines deserve top-10 ranking in 2018

By Chris Peterson

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines participates in warmups with is team on the field prior to their game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines participates in warmups with is team on the field prior to their game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Young players will shine in 2018

Looking back at last season, with all the youth playing key snaps for Michigan, it probably was no surprise to see UM fall to 8-5. But this time around, the expectations are legitimate. And in 2018, Michigan should have the perfect blend of experience and skill required to contend for a championship.

Michigan Wolverines Football
Michigan Wolverines Football /

Michigan Wolverines Football

In addition to a great defense, the Wolverines should have an excellent ground game. Chris Evans and Karan Higdon could each hit a 1,000 yards this season and their continued development into top Big-Ten running backs will be key.

Others like Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tarik Black, Aubrey Solomon and many more need to develop into standout players. Black was tremendous until he got hurt. Peoples-Jones did some good things, but dropped some key balls. He has to better and Solomon, the top-ranked defensive tackle in 2017, needs to help fill in for the loss of Maurice Hurst.

The schedule is going to be daunting, especially with games against Michigan State, Ohio State and Notre Dame on the road. UM also has to make a trip to Northwestern, as well as hosting Penn State, Wisconsin and Nebraska.

Next: Top 15 Michigan quarterbacks of all time

If you are considering talent, coaching and recent recruits, Michigan definitely deserves top-10 consideration heading into next season. Now it’s time for Harbaugh and the Wolverines to start fulfilling that promise.

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