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College Football Playoff: Top Legitimate Contenders

By Eric Robinson

Nov 21, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) waits for a play to begin during the first quarter of the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) waits for a play to begin during the first quarter of the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh leads his team onto the field before the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh leads his team onto the field before the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

                                                Michigan Wolverines

Yes, he’s wacky. A little “out there” but let’s face it, head coach Jim Harbaugh is the exact elixir that the Michigan program needed. Harbaugh basically took Brady Hoke’s players and made a 10-3 team out of them last season. Doing it with an Iowa transfer in Jake Rudock, who passed for 3,017 yards, 20 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Michigan Wolverines
Michigan Wolverines /

Michigan Wolverines

He will have a new starter this season with another transfer in former Houston QB

John O’Korn

being the leader of the clubhouse. Leading rusher

De’Veon Smith

produced 753 yards and six scores in 2015. The Wolverines also return four starters on the offensive line that only allowed 18 sacks all season, led by center

Mason Cole

, who played left tackle.

The trio of tight end Jake Butt, and wide outs Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh combined for 2,145 yards and 17 receiving touchdowns last season.

The offense was productive but the Wolverines defense was the foundation of the team in 2015. A unit that was sixth in scoring defense (16.4 ppg), third in passing defense (158.5 ypg), 16th in rushing defense (122.2 ypg), and fourth in total defense (280.7 ypg). Defensive end Chris Wormley led the team in tackles for loss with 14.5 to go along with his 43 total tackles and six sacks.

Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) celebrates with teammates after he scores a touchdown on an interception in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) celebrates with teammates after he scores a touchdown on an interception in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback Jourdan Lewis earned second-team All American honors with 52 tackles, 20 pass deflections and two interceptions. Because of the loss of three linebackers this offseason, the team has decided to move DB/OLB Jabrill Peppers (45 tackles, 10 pass breakups) to the LB position which may pay dividends. It will also be interesting how #1 recruit, DT Rashan Gary, will be implemented into the rotation.

The Wolverines received a stroke of luck with their first road game not coming until October 8th at Rutgers. Their arch rival, Ohio State, lost enough starters to give Michigan the edge when they face off in late November.

If O’Korn is reliable at the QB spot, the Wolverines have more than enough talent to write their own ticket.

Next: Contender #3

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