Michigan Football: What we’ve learned so far in fall camp

The talent is underrated

Michigan football isn’t ranked in either top-25 poll — the coaches or AP — which is understandable after last season but the Wolverines have more talent than people realize.

The Wolverines will have to play five AP top-20 teams this season: Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Penn State, and Ohio State. Three of those games are on the road but two are at home.

And while many have said the schedule is difficult and it is, DiNardo, the BTN analyst, and former Big Ten head coach believes it sets up perfectly for Michigan football:

"“I think the schedule is perfect for the talent,” he said. “Western Michigan — obviously [Michigan] has more talent. Washington — should be a great non-conference game, but regardless of the outcome … then Northern Illinois, Rutgers and Wisconsin. So you take a team that has this much talent … if they’re physical, if they come together — I love the schedule.”"

Backing up DiNardo’s comments is the fact that Michigan was one of the 16 teams with a blue-chip ratio required for winning a national championship.

The Wolverines could have two first-round picks on defense in Aidan Hutchinson and Daxton Hill, as well as a number of others with pro potential on both sides of the ball. U-M was among the leaders with nine players on the Senior Bowl watch list.

The expectations are lower this season and that’s a good thing but don’t mistake that for thinking this team doesn’t have the talent to be a 10-win team because it does.