We are two weeks into the Michigan football season, and already, there are question marks about the Wolverines.
That will happen when you lose a game on national TV. It doesn't hurt that Michigan didn't play particularly well, despite the 24-13 score. The gap felt wider than that, although a few plays here or there, and things could have been a different story.
Michigan football players didn't play well. Their coaches also didn't put them in a position to succeed. It was a failure on all accounts. But one game doesn't make a season, unless of course, it's "The Game."
Michigan has plenty of time to turn things around. The Wolverines can afford another loss on the road, to Nebraska, USC, or even Michigan State, a team that shouldn't be overlooked by the Wolverines or their fans.
The key for Michigan is winning all six home games, which won't be easy with Ohio State coming to town, then going 4-2 on the road. That also includes games against Northwestern and Maryland. The schedule isn't easy. Eight or nine wins aren't guaranteed.
With that in mind, here are three players who need to step up for Michigan football in order to help spark a turnaround.
Greg Crippen
Sometimes, it can be hard to judge the offensive line. You don't always know the assignments; however, Greg Crippen graded out poorly according to PFF last week. He wasn't the only Michigan offensive lineman, but he hasn't become the solid player Michigan was hoping for.
After some stellar play at the center position from 2021 to 2023, there was a huge drop-off in 2024. Crippen didn't win the job coming out of fall camp last season. Eventually, he became the starter but didn't play the way you expected of a top 250 recruit with three years to develop.
Crippen talked this offseason about how last season wasn't acceptable. So far, though, not much has changed. Crippen needs to emerge like Andrew Vastardis did in his senior year. He's got more than enough talent to do that, and it's time.