What is the deal with Michigan? by Andrew Zajac
As we all know by now, the Michigan Wolverines won the College Football National Championship last January against the Washington Huskies in Atlanta. But what in the world is happening to their program? Just last year, former coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended twice, the whole Connor Stallions sign stealing scandal, and on top of that they still beat Ohio State in the Big House. But, this season they have a new coach, basically a whole new team with J.J McCarthy, Blake Corum, Roman Wilson, Zak Zinter, and a bunch of other defensive weapons that were gone with the NFL Draft.
The Wolverines season has been a weird one so far. They currently are sitting at 3-1 with a loss to the number one team in the land, the Texas Longhorns. They also are coming off a big home win against the 13th ranked USC Trojans. New quarterback Alex Orji has been very sub-par with only 10 completions for 47 yards and two touchdowns, but there is major room for improvement as the season goes on. Donovan Edwards has been decent with 224 yards on 50 carries for two touchdowns. The wide receiver room has been decent as well with Semaj Morgan, Kendrick Bell, Frederick Moore, and C.J Charleston each playing a role. Tight end Colston Loveland returned from last year and has made a massive impact on the offense with 19 receptions, 187 yards, and a touchdown.
The Wolverines defense has shown up this season with Mason Graham, Will Johnson, Ernest Hausmann, and Jaishawn Barham making big impacts. Mason Graham has 15 tackles and a sack, Will Johnson has 11 tackles and two interceptions, Ernest Hausmann has 19 tackles and a sack, and Jaishawn Barham has 18 tackles. Michigan has allowed an average of 20.75 points per game and only allowed 7 red zone touchdowns.
My prediction is the Wolverines will lose in “The Game” to Ohio State, 28-17 and not make it into the Big Ten Championship game. They will sneak in as an 11 seed into the newly expanded college football playoff, but lose in the first round to either Ole Miss or Alabama. New coach Sherrone Moore will lead the Wolverines to a 9-3 season, already losing to Texas, losing to Oregon, and to Ohio State.