3 reasons Michigan Football can repeat as Big Ten champs
Michigan football is being overlooked by some national pundits but the Wolverines are for real and here are three reasons why they can win the Big Ten again.
2021 was a great season for Michigan football. The Wolverines vanquished its Ohio State problem, won the Big Ten title for the first time since 2004, and finished third in the AP poll.
All in all, it was as good a season for Michigan football since winning the national title in 1997.
But the Wolverines should want more. Jim Harbaugh certainly does. When things didn’t work out in the NFL and he said he was returning to Michigan for as long as it would have him, with a goal of winning a national championship.
It’s a lofty goal. Michigan has only done it once in the last 70-some years. Yet, it would make him a legend and would be just as impressive as winning a Super Bowl in my opinion.
It would at least be the next best thing.
To win the national title though, Michigan needs to win the Big Ten. Most expect Ohio State to do that this season and it’s hard to blame them.
The Buckeyes are loaded with talent, a Heisman-Trophy favorite at QB and maybe the best pound-for-pound player in America in Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
In my game-by-game predictions for 2022, I have Michigan falling to Ohio State. The Wolverines haven’t won in Columbus since 2000 after all and that includes three of the best modern teams in Michigan history in 2006, 2016, and 2018.
All three teams had one loss or were undefeated, and ranked in the top five heading into Columbus and failed to win, although 2016 was a screw job and we all know it.
Ohio State is the favorite this season and it’s understandable. But here are three reasons Michigan football can repeat as Big Ten champions.
An improved offense
Michigan’s offense was underrated last season. The Wolverines generated more 50-yard pass plays than any other team in the country and were 16th in scoring offense.
The Wolverines had a ground and pound mentality, but they could make big plays too and this season, the offense will be even better.
Michigan has added to its offensive line and while there were key departures, the additions, and development of the guys that are back should make this group even better.
Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards could both be Heisman contenders before their careers are over and might be the most dangerous backfield in the country.
The tight ends/receivers have a number of NFL prospects such as Erick All, Ronnie Bell, Cornelius Johnson, Andrel Anthony, Roman Wilson, and many more.
On top of that, Michigan has the best QB room it has had in decades. Cade McNamara is a Big Ten championship-winning QB who has third-team All-Big Ten in 2021. J.J. McCarthy is a five-star with potential superstar, nipping closely at his heels.
The fact that Cade is holding him off is impressive and whoever wins the job long-term, Michigan fans should feel really good about the game’s most important position.
I also see no reason the offense can’t average 40 points a game.