The Michigan football program has shown resilience and determination as it heads into a new season. After a rocky start, the Wolverines managed to turn their fortunes around, culminating in a thrilling upset against the eventual national champion Ohio State. Under the guidance of Sherrone Moore, who took over from current Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, Michigan also triumphed over Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl just before the calendar flipped to 2025.
Reflecting on Last Season
At first glance, an 8-5 record might seem disappointing. However, a deeper look reveals a team that fought hard through adversity. The Wolverines appeared lifeless after a mid-October loss to Illinois, struggling against formidable opponents like Oregon, Washington, and Indiana. Yet, by November, they managed to secure bowl eligibility, showcasing their ability to bounce back when it mattered most.
Looking Ahead: The Future is Bright
As the Wolverines prepare for the upcoming season, ESPN’s Greg McElroy is optimistic about their potential. He believes that Moore’s squad is on the verge of making a significant leap toward College Football Playoff and conference title contention. This optimism persists regardless of who will be under center as the starting quarterback.
McElroy emphasizes the importance of quality quarterback play, something that was sorely lacking last season. “What they didn’t have was quality quarterback play. Anything but quality quarterback play,” he remarked. The struggles at the position were evident, with multiple midseason switches between Davis Warren, Alex Orji, and Jack Tuttle.
The Quarterback Situation
So, what does Michigan need from its quarterback this season? Simply put, the new signal-caller must manage the game effectively. McElroy believes that the Wolverines’ offense doesn’t require a superstar quarterback but rather someone who can make smart decisions and keep the chains moving. “If they can continue to run the ball with efficiency and be a very physical football team that can lean on their defense, they’ll be in good shape,” he stated.
Adding to the excitement, Michigan has secured Fresno State transfer quarterback Mikey Keene, who threw 18 touchdowns last season. McElroy sees Keene as a player who can “steer the ship” for the Wolverines, potentially elevating their offensive game.
A Challenging Schedule Awaits
While the Wolverines have made strides in their roster, they will also face a challenging schedule that could define their season. McElroy points out that Michigan’s October slate is particularly crucial. The month kicks off with a home game against Wisconsin on October 4, followed by a road rematch against USC on October 11. After that, they will host Washington and then travel to face Michigan State in a fierce rivalry game.
“This order of games – home, away, home, away – is tough,” McElroy noted. The Washington game, in particular, poses a significant threat, given the back-to-back challenges against USC and Michigan State.
Setting Goals for the Season
With the right mindset and preparation, the Wolverines should aim to be bowl-eligible again by November. But can they also contend for a postseason berth? That’s the million-dollar question. The potential is there, but execution will be key.
Fans are eagerly anticipating how the season will unfold. Will the new quarterback bring the stability needed to lead the team? Can the Wolverines maintain their physical style of play while effectively managing the game? These questions will linger as the season approaches.
Final Thoughts
As the Michigan Wolverines gear up for the new season, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and hope. With a mix of returning talent and new faces, they have the opportunity to make a significant impact in college football. Only time will tell how this season will play out, but one thing is for sure: the Wolverines are ready to rise to the challenge.
As fans, we can only wait and watch, cheering on our team as they strive for greatness once again. Will this be the year Michigan makes its mark in the College Football Playoff? The journey begins soon, and it’s bound to be an exhilarating ride!
