The skill positions are better
This goes beyond quarterback. It feels like the Wolverines will get more out of the running back position this season.
Kalel Mullings was incredible last season. But he didn't have a passing attack able to relieve any of the pressure on him. Donovan Edwards was snake-bitten with the injury bug. Things just didn't work out as planned, despite the heroic runs from Mullings, such as the final offensive drives against USC and Ohio State.
Michigan wouldn't have won those games without him. Justice Haynes, a former five-star running back from Alabama, averaged 5.9 yards per attempt over the past two seasons with Alabama. The Wolverines will feed him the ball, along with Jordan Marshall who ran for 100 yards against Alabama without any semblance of a passing attack.
Even freshman Jasper Parker is generating some buzz. Donaven McCulley has turned into the Wolverines' No. 1 option at wide receiver. The freshmen wide receivers -- all of them -- have been impressive, plus guys like Fred Moore and Semaj Morgan have looked better with a big-time quarterback throwing them the ball.
The tight ends will play a big role in the offense. Colston Loveland will be missed but overall, as a whole, the group surrounding Underwood will be better than last season, especially since Loveland missed a good chunk of the season, too.