Michigan 2016 College Football Preview
By Erik Lambert
The return of Michigan football to national prominence was something the NCAA had hoped for. Now it appears at hand.
After finishing the 2015 seasons ranked 12th in the nation, the Wolverines have set their expectations even higher for 2016. That means make the CFB playoff and competing for a national championship. Something they haven’t won in 19 years. Can they do it? Hopefully this season preview will offer some insight into where the program stands, where it has come from and where it is going.
Key Losses:
- C Graham Glasgow
- DT Willie Henry
- QB Jake Rudock
Compared to other rivals like Ohio State, the Wolverines actually made it through the off-season relatively intact. While Jake Rudock really did the team a huge service in 2015 with his 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns, losing him was expected. As for Henry and Glasgow, they were productive components to the strong units in the trenches but not what one might call irreplaceable. All in all this team still has a roster that is aimed towards improving a good deal going into 2016.
Key Returns:
- RB De’Veon Smith
- TE Jake Butt
- DE Chris Wormley
- DB Jourdan Lewis
A lot of turnover is expected on the offensive side of the ball, especially at quarterback. Even so, the good news is whomever ends up being the starter should have a solid compliment of weaponry at their disposa. Running back De’Veon Smith is set to return after compiling 912 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns in 2015. The same goes for tight end Jake Butt. He enjoyed a breakout campaign with 654 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating the talent that has him high on many draft boards.
It was the defense though that drove the success of Michigan. Losing Henry was tough, but getting Chris Wormley back is a big help. He tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks. He really came on down the stretch with 4.5 of those sacks coming in the final six games of the season. Then, while Jabril Peppers is getting all the hype, coaches are certainly glad Jourdan Lewis is back in the secondary. He was their most explosive playmaker with 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, 20 passes defended and two interceptions. One of which he returned for a touchdown.
Biggest Storyline:
There is no doubt that Jim Harbaugh will be the focal point of 2016. What improvements will he be able to make in Year 2 of his rebuilding project for Michigan? It’s clear the head coach has them pointed in the right direction and signs show he’s been able to bring in some quality talent. The question becomes can he get them to close out tight games against top opponents. An inability to step up in the 4th quarter against teams like Utah and Michigan State were why the Wolverines failed to make the playoffs. Harbaugh is expected to better prepare his troops for those inevitable key moments this year.
Most Important 2016 Games:
- September 24th – vs. Penn State
- October 22nd – vs. Illinois
- October 29th – at Michigan State
- November 26th – at Ohio State
Nothing can derail a team with championship aspirations worse than trap games. These are matchups that look like easy wins on paper but might not end up being the cakewalk people assume. Penn State, despite their recent years of struggle is always a difficult team to handle. They made it competitive against the Wolverines during their game last season before a late touchdown put it out of reach.
Illinois? They’ve been a checkmark on the schedule for years, a once great program mired in mediocrity thanks to a string of bad coaches. That changed with the hiring of Lovie Smith. The former NFL coach seems to have reinvigorated their program and is already drawing top recruits. The worst thing Michigan can do is assume it will be the same, old Illini when the teams meet again this year. Expect a tough defensive struggle.
One can bet several Wolverine players are already looking ahead to their visit with state rival Michigan State. The pain still cuts deep from that heartbreaking loss they suffered last year when a fumbled snap on a punt led to a game-winning touchdown for the Spartans in the final seconds. Not only is this a critical game against a top contender, but it’s a win they have to get in order to remove that sour taste from their mouths.
Of course there is no debating the last one. Ohio State-Michigan is always an important game, even when one or both of the teams aren’t necessarily competitive. It’s perhaps the greatest college football rivalry in history and now that both programs are at the top of the Big Ten, this contest gains greater significance.