3 X-factors for the 2024 Michigan Football team

The narrative around Michigan football entering the 2024 season is that there are going to be a lot of new faces on the field that the public does not know. This is true for the majority of people who do not consume Michigan football 24/7/365.

The team lost 10 starters offensively and five starters defensively. However, Michigan has a lot of talent coming back including four potential first-round picks in Will Johnson, Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Colston Loveland.

Then, some guys haven't seen as much playing time and have been waiting their turn because they sat behind two of the best teams ever at Michigan football. A lot of these guys would have had a year of starting under their belts at most schools. They are more than capable of being high-level performers and I want to point out a few that I believe can be x-factors for this team.

1. Rayshaun Benny

Michigan football has the best front four in all of college football and I do not think it is particularly close. The area of concern for some fans is the depth of the defensive line. Last year, Michigan had eight starting-caliber defensive linemen and it allowed them to be fresh all game... just ask Jalen Milroe.

The best defensive tackle tandem in college football resides in Ann Arbor with Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. However, those guys need a rest and Rayshaun Benny is going to be the first guy to come and fill in.

Benny was as solid as it gets coming in last year as a rotational player. His biggest moment last year came in the third quarter at Happy Valley when he stripped Drew Allar and Makari Paige fell on the ball for the turnover.

Last year, he totaled 13 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble before being injured in the Rose Bowl. Benny was a highly rated four-star recruit out of high school and I expect him to have a big year this year. If he does, this run defense up the middle will be the best in the Big Ten without a doubt.