2014 Michigan football vs. 2024 Michigan football
Linebackers: Jake Ryan, Desmond Morgan, James Ross III vs Jaishawn Barnham, Ernest Hausman, Jimmy Rolder.
I loved this 2014 group of linebackers for Michigan. They had something about them that was special. Jake Ryan was a freak athlete who could rush the passer as well as drop into coverage. He went on to have a solid five-year NFL career. Morgan and Ross were the smart players who both tackled really well. This group of 2024 Michigan football linebackers has two key performers that were both transfers. Hausmann came to Michigan last year as a transfer from Nebraska.
He made an immediate impact recording 46 total tackles. Jaishawn Barnham enters this year as a transfer from Maryland. He averaged 48 tackles in his two seasons at Maryland. Jimmy Rolder has been solid in-game action he has seen up to this point but will likely play more of\ a key role this year. They present a unique combination of speed and strength. Edge: Push
Defensive Backs: Ramon Taylor, Blake Countess, Jarrod Wilson, Thomas Gordon vs Will Johnson, Ja'Den McBurrows, Rod Moore, Makari Paige.
Countess and Taylor were both very good and reliable corners during their time at Michigan. Jarrod Wilson could come into the box to hit you and also play in space to cover. He went on to have a solid NFL career starting for the Jaguars for multiple years. Thomas Gordon was built like a tank and is as physical of a safety as there was in college football.
The 2024 Michigan footbal secondary has three returning all-conference players in Johnson, Moore, and Paige. Will Johnson is a future first-round pick and has potential to be the best defensive player in the country next year. Rod Moore and Makari Paige have both started each of the last two seasons and will be leaders in the back end. If Mc'Burrows holds his own and brings his physicality, this will be one of the best secondary units in the Big Ten. Edge: 2024.
Special Teams: Brendan Gibbons, Matt Wile vs Adam Samaha, Tommy Doman.
I give a slight edge to Gibbons over Samaha because of experience. I give the edge to Doman over Wile because Doman has the potential to be one of the best punters in the country next year. Edge: Push
The final tally is three wins for 2024 Michigan, two wins for 2014 Michigan and three ties. My final score prediction in a real-life game would be 2024: 31 2014: 14.
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This 2024 Michigan team has a different level of confidence compared to the 2014 roster and they are slightly more talented as well. I know I speak for all of us when I say I can't wait to play NCAA Football 25. It has been too long since we all were able to enjoy one of the best video games of all time. Go Blue!