Illinois 21, Michigan 7

 

Fake punts are either super fun or terrible

Bad game plans are the norm. After Saturday's 21-7 loss to Illinois, Sherrone Moore said he needs to re-evaluate himself as a head coach. I'm not ready to throw Moore out after half a season with no functional quarterback, but I am very disappointed in him and offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell. There are all kinds of glaring issues with this offense:

• If ground-and-pound is your identity, stick with it. Michigan needs to be a run-first team. That's the only way they're going to win. Everybody has known that the entire off-season, even when we had higher hopes for Alex Orji or Jack Tuttle or Davis Warren or whoever. Early in the game, Michigan was using the passing game and Donovan Edwards. How are you going to wear down a team down the stretch by throwing the ball with a weak passing game and running Donovan Edwards? The bulls in the backfield are Kalel Mullings, Benjamin Hall, and Alex Orji. Pound the ball!
• Speaking of Alex Orji, he should be on the field. Probably the most frustrating thing about Michigan's offensive personnel decisions is that Alex Orji - who played last year while J.J. McCarthy was here and who was deemed "one of the best 11" by Campbell in the off-season - has disappeared from the offense for the past two games. How do you go from one of the best 11 to a guy who doesn't see the field at all? I was not a fan of Orji as a starting quarterback who played the entire game, but he can be used as a mooseback runner. Hell, Michigan used Hassan Haskins in a wildcat role. You can put a 6'3", 235 lb. guy back there with Mullings and/or Hall and/or Edwards and still do some things. Orji just can't be playing an entire game as the only option.
• Donovan Edwards is both underused and frustrating. How did Michigan take one of the better receiving backs in the country and turn him into a guy who has 9 catches for 46 yards through seven games? He also had zero receptions in this game. Michigan needs to figure out ways to get him the ball. And then, of course, he had a very frustrating fumble on Michigan's longest run of the day, a 19-yarder where the ball was punched out. He had 7 carries for 38 yards, but with the 19-yarder ending in a fumble, that's basically 6 carries for 19 yards . . . which is nothing special.
• Plan for Jack Tuttle. Tuttle isn't a guy who can do straight dropback stuff to win the game. He's a game manager type who needs to be a complement to the run game. The offensive line can't pass block - although I feel like they did slightly better in this game - and the receivers can't get open with regularity. Michigan's coaching staff should be using for Tuttle the game plan they used with Alex Orji, while occasionally mixing in a downfield/intermediate shot, maybe once a quarter.

Hit the jump for more.

Michigan's 10 Longest Plays vs. Illinois

 

Derrick Alexander (image via Bentley)

Here's a look at the biggest plays in Michigan's history against Illinois:

1. Todd Collins 90-yard TD pass to Derrick Alexander (1993)
2. Tate Forcier 76-yard pass to Roy Roundtree (2009)
3. Denard Robinson 75-yard TD pass to Roy Roundtree (2010)
4. Steve Breaston 74-yard punt return TD (2003)
5. Gil Chapman 73-yard kickoff return TD (1972)
6. Tony Boles 73-yard TD run (1989)
7. Amani Toomer 72-yard punt return TD (1994)
8. Scott Dreisbach 72-yard TD run (1995)
9. Denard Robinson 71-yard TD pass to Jeremy Gallon (2012)
10. Shea Patterson 71-yard pass to Ronnie Bell (2019)

Hit the jump for a highlight of Alexander's 90-yard TD catch.

Preview: Michigan vs. Illinois

 

Illinois QB Luke Altmyer (image via The Telegraph)

RUSH OFFENSE vs. ILLINOIS RUSH DEFENSE
Michigan is #39 in rushing offense (191.3 yards/game) and #44 in yards per carry (5.06). Kalel Mullings has emerged as the #1 back for the offense (589 yards, 6.5 yards/carry, 6 TD) because of his ability to break tackles and move the chains, but he and Donovan Edwards (353 yards, 4.8 yards/carry, 3 TD) split carries in the last game with 14 each. There may be a shakeup on the offensive line: injured LT Myles Hinton is expected to return, which could allow fill-in tackle Jeff Persi to get a shot at right tackle; and it sounds like Greg Crippen will get a start at center over Dominick Giudice. Defensively, Illinois is #77 against the run (149.2 yards allowed/game) and #96 in yards allowed per carry (4.54). The last two opponents, Penn State and Purdue, have both run for 239 yards. The leading tackler is redshirt sophomore safety Matthew Bailey (6'2", 215) with 38 stops; following him are redshirt junior MLB Dylan Rosiek (6'1", 235) with 35 and redshirt junior free safety Miles Scott (5'11", 210) with 33. The Illini don't have a ton of size up front - their biggest regulars are two 305 pound nose tackles - but they do have a 6'3", 275-pounder at OLB in Gabe Jacas who leads the team with 5 tackles for loss. Michigan should have an advantage when running the ball, especially if Crippen and/or Persi can be improvements over Giudice and redshirt freshman RT Evan Link.
Advantage: Michigan

Hit the jump for more.

2025 Recruiting Update: October 16, 2024

 

Lake Worth (FL) Santaluces WR Jamar Browder (image via Inside Pack Sports)

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2025

Saint Louis (MO) Christian Brothers defensive end Triston Abram, an Indiana commit, was offered by Michigan. He's a 6'4", 225-pounder who also has offers from Boston College, Kansas State, and Memphis, among others. He's a 3-star, the #58 edge, and #782 overall.

Lake Worth (FL) Santaluces wide receiver Jamar Browder, a North Carolina State commit, was offered by Michigan. Browder is a 3-star, the #119 wide receiver, and #782 overall. He committed to NCSU back in June. The Wolfpack are having a rough season, and Browder recently visited Michigan's campus for an unofficial visit. He's planning to return in early November for an official.

Massillon (OH) Washington offensive tackle Nolan Davenport, a Wisconsin commit, was offered by Michigan. Davenport is a 6'6", 260-pounder with offers from Missouri and Penn State, along with the Badgers. He's a 3-star, the #54 offensive tackle, and #716 overall in the 247 Composite. He has been committed to Wisconsin since June 2024.

Hit the jump for more.

2024 Ex-Wolverine Updates: Week 7

 

Nikhai Hill-Green (image via CU Athletics)

Here's a roundup of the former Michigan player, former commits, and former coaches (or players-turned-coaches). NOTE: I will not regularly post updates about offensive linemen since stats are minimal and just posting PFF grades is kind of boring, but I did this week just to show who's playing where and what their opening day role was.

FORMER PLAYERS

WR Andrel Anthony (Oklahoma): Anthony has not played since week one due to an injury.

LB Jeremiah Beasley (Missouri): Beasley made 1 tackle in a 45-3 win over UMass.

QB Alan Bowman (Oklahoma State): Oklahoma State (3-3) had a bye following their third straight loss. So far this season, Bowman is completing 59.3% of his passes for 12 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.

LB Semaj Bridgeman (Michigan State): Bridgeman has not recorded any stats yet this year for MSU.

Hit the jump for more.

2024 Ex-Wolverine Updates: Week 6

 

Nikhai Hill-Green (image via CU Athletics)

NOTE: I meant to post this mid-week but somehow it slipped through the cracks, so this is for the games from eight days ago, not yesterday.

Here's a roundup of the former Michigan player, former commits, and former coaches (or players-turned-coaches). NOTE: I will not regularly post updates about offensive linemen since stats are minimal and just posting PFF grades is kind of boring, but I did this week just to show who's playing where and what their opening day role was.

FORMER PLAYERS

WR Andrel Anthony (Oklahoma): Anthony has not played since week one due to an injury.

LB Jeremiah Beasley (Missouri): Beasley did not record any stats in a 41-10 loss to Texas A&M.

QB Alan Bowman (Oklahoma State): Bowman completed 10/19 passes for 116 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions in a a 38-14 loss to West Virginia.

LB Semaj Bridgeman (Michigan State): Bridgeman did not record any stats in a 31-10 loss to Oregon.

Hit the jump for more.

Washington 27, Michigan 17

 

Jack Tuttle (image via Toledo Blade)

I guess it's Tuttle time. After a couple drives of Alex Orji's version of the offense doing nothing (0 points), Michigan surprisingly inserted seventh year Utah/Indiana transfer backup Jack Tuttle. The offense immediately got a boost as Washington tried to adjust. Michigan rather quickly put up 17 points across the second and third quarters before doing nothing in the fourth. Tuttle completed 10/18 passes for 98 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. He also ran 5 times for 14 yards and lost a fumble. Orji completed 3/7 passes for 15 yards and ran 3 times for 11 yards before departing. The offense looked more cohesive and calmer with Tuttle behind center, at least until the end of the game, when Michigan was down a couple scores in hurry-up mode. I would imagine Tuttle's time on task has not been significant running a two-minute offense since he's been hurt for the past several months, but the game was out of hand at that point. Michigan was not going to get two scores in the span of a minute or so.

Hit the jump for more.

Preview: Michigan vs. Washington

 

Washington (and former Michigan) WR Giles Jackson (image via SI)

RUSH OFFENSE vs. WASHINGTON RUSH DEFENSE
Michigan is #34 in rush offense (194.8 yards/game) and #44 in yards per carry (5.13). Kalel Mullings has emerged as the top running back (77 carries, 540 yards, 6 TD) with Donovan Edwards (59 carries, 258 yards, 2 TD) still playing a big role as a backup. QB Alex Orji is the third-leading rusher, but he has just 55 yards on 22 carries since taking over as the starter two weeks ago. LT Myles Hinton is likely to miss the game due to injury, and naturally, he's Michigan's best lineman, so fifth year senior Jeffrey Persi will likely get the start on the left side. According to PFF, Persi is the second best run blocker of the linemen, so perhaps the drop-off there will not be too significant. The rest of the line has been overwhelming, but it will be interesting to see if Michigan's platoon of Dominick Giudice and Greg Crippen continues at center. Defensively, Washington is #51 in rush defense (121.8 yards allowed/game) and #58 in yards allowed per carry (3.74). Last week they gave up 184 yards on 33 carries to Rutgers, including 25 attempts for 132 yards and 1 touchdown by Kyle Monongai. The leading tackler is senior MLB Carson Bruener (6'2", 226) with 30 tackles, followed by fifth year senior WLB Alphonzo Tuputala (6'2", 230) with 25. The Huskies start five transfers, including two on the defensive line; head coach Jedd Fisch brought with him from Arizona a redshirt sophomore DE/OLB Isaiah Ward (6'5", 227), who is quite clearly undersized. Senior DT Sebastian Valdez (6'4", 305) is in his first season at the FBS level after transferring from Montana State.
Advantage: Michigan

Hit the jump for more.

2024 Ex-Wolverine Updates: Week 5

 

Nikhai Hill-Green (image via CU Athletics)

Here's a roundup of the former Michigan player, former commits, and former coaches (or players-turned-coaches). NOTE: I will not regularly post updates about offensive linemen since stats are minimal and just posting PFF grades is kind of boring, but I did this week just to show who's playing where and what their opening day role was.

FORMER PLAYERS

WR Andrel Anthony (Oklahoma): Anthony did not play in a 27-21 win over Auburn.

LB Jeremiah Beasley (Missouri): Missouri (4-0) had a bye. Beasley has 2 tackles this season.

QB Alan Bowman (Oklahoma State): Bowman completed 26/50 passes for 364 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions in a 42-20 loss to Kansas State.

LB Semaj Bridgeman (Michigan State): Bridgeman did not record any stats in a 38-7 loss to Ohio State.

Hit the jump for more.

Michigan 27, Minnesota 24

 

Mason Graham (image via SI)

That's an ugly score. I didn't mind writing about a 27-24 victory when it came to the USC game, but I do have a problem with it after playing the Minnesota Gophers. In the game preview, I predicted a 38-13 victory. I had heard that Colston Loveland was likely to play, but I also assumed Will Johnson would play and I had no idea that Josaiah Stewart would miss the game. Regardless, Michigan has had some injury issues in past years against lesser Big Ten programs, and it didn't have a huge effect. Michigan had to hang on in a nail-biter here, and that doesn't bode well for the rest of the season.

Hit the jump for more.

Preview: Michigan vs. Minnesota

 

RUSH OFFENSE vs. MINNESOTA RUSH DEFENSE
Michigan is now #31 in rushing offense (205 yards/game) and tied for #33 in yards per carry (5.57) with UNLV. The breakout star of this year's team has been RB Kalel Mullings, who had 17 carries for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns against USC last week, including a 53-yard touchdown, a 63-yard run to set up the winning score, and the game-winning 2-yard score on 4th down. Those numbers are made even more impressive by the fact that the all-new offensive line has struggled. Michigan received just a 57.5 run blocking grade against the Trojans. There has been some platooning going on at center between Dominick Giudice and Greg Crippen, but the personnel at the other spots has been steady. RB Donovan Edwards broke out with a 41-yard touchdown last week, and new starting QB Alex Orji ran 13 times for 43 yards and averages 4.4 yards/carry for the year. Defensively, Minnesota is #56 in rushing defense (123.5 yrds allowed/game) and #62 in yards allowed per carry (3.81). Last week Iowa's Kaleb Johnson ran 21 times for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns, and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton put up 129 yards in week one, albeit on 30 carries for a so-so 4.3 yards/carry clip. Redshirt sophomore MLB Maverick Baranowski (6'2", 230) leads the team with 27 tackles, followed closely by fifth year senior WLB Cody Lindenberg (6'3", 240) with 26 stops. Baranowski and fifth year senior nickel Jack Henderson (6'2", 215) lead the team with 2.5 tackles for loss each, chased by fifth year senior OLB Danny Striggow (6'5", 255) with 2.0 TFLs. The middle of the line features fifth year senior DT Jalen Logan-Redding (6'4", 290) and redshirt junior NT Deven Eastern (6'6", 310); Eastern has only graded out on PFF higher than 57.0 when he played against FCS Rhode Island, while Logan-Redding has a couple grades in the 70s balanced with sub-60 scores against the two Power 4 opponents.
Advantage: Michigan

Hit the jump for more.

2024 Ex-Wolverine Updates: Week 4

 

Myles Rowser (image via Twitter)

Here's a roundup of the former Michigan player, former commits, and former coaches (or players-turned-coaches). NOTE: I will not regularly post updates about offensive linemen since stats are minimal and just posting PFF grades is kind of boring, but I did this week just to show who's playing where and what their opening day role was.

FORMER PLAYERS

WR Andrel Anthony (Oklahoma): Anthony did not play in a 25-15 loss to Tennessee.

LB Jeremiah Beasley (Missouri): Beasley did not record any stats in a 30-27 win over Vanderbilt.

QB Alan Bowman (Oklahoma State): Bowman completed 16/33 passes for 206 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in a 22-19 loss to Utah. He was benched at halftime.

LB Semaj Bridgeman (Michigan State): Bridgeman did not record any stats in a 23-19 loss to Boston College.

Hit the jump for more.

Michigan 27, USC 24

 

Kalel Mullings (image via ESPN)

A win is a win. I always try to keep things in perspective. Herm Edwards famously said "You play to win the game," and Michigan won the game. The Wolverines are 3-1 and their primary goals are still within play: win the Big Ten, beat your rivals, make the College Football Playoff, and win a national championship. Sometimes you win ugly, and sometimes you win pretty. It might help put things in perspective that star tight end Colston Loveland missed the entire game with an arm injury and Will Johnson was absent at the end of the game. This just happened to be an ugly victory, but oh well.

Hit the jump for more.

Preview: Michigan vs. USC

 

Zachariah Branch (#1, image via ESPN)

NOTE: Unfortunately, I ran out of time to finish the preview this week due to an unexpectedly busy Thursday night and Friday. So I'm posting what I had already written, plus a prediction for the outcome.

RUSH OFFENSE vs. USC RUSH DEFENSE
Michigan is #50 in rush offense (176.3 yards/game) after a big week last week against Arkansas State, totaling 301 yards on the ground. The big gainer was RB Kalel Mullings, who had 15 carries for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Wolverines are #42 in yards per carry (5.24), and Mullings is gaining 7.5 yards every time he touches the ball. Meanwhile, Donovan Edwards seemed to run a little harder last week and gained 82 yards on 17 carries with 1 touchdown. The offensive line seemed to gel a little bit against the Red Wolves with RG Giovanni El-Hadi notching the highest PFF run blocking grade. Michigan also introduced its six-lineman package, inserting Andrew Gentry as the extra man. It's rumored there will be a change at center, where Greg Crippen will likely replace Dominick Giudice. Michigan also announced they would be making a change at QB, where 6'3", 235 lb. Alex Orji will put to use his skills that have allowed him to run 10 times for 58 yards so far this year. USC is allowing 100 yards/game on the ground, which is good enough for #33 nationally, but they're #77 in yards allowed per carry (4.17). The leading tacklers are senior LB Eric Gentry (6'6", 215) with 14 tackles, senior LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (6'0", 231), and redshirt sophomore S Kamari Ramsey (6'0", 204) with 14, 13, and 12 stops, respectively. Mascarenas-Arnold (Oregon State) and Ramsey (UCLA) were both poached this past off-season, with Ramsey having come from defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn's prior stop with the Bruins. In fact, six of USC's defensive starters were playing for other teams last year, including fifth year senior DT Gavin Meyer (6'3", 290) and fifth year senior DT Nate Clifton (6'4", 295). Lynn is from the Ravens coaching tree, just like Wink Martindale, Mike Macdonald, and Jesse Minter.
Advantage: Michigan

PASS OFFENSE vs. USC PASS DEFENSE
We don't really know what the pass offense will look like this week, because Orji is taking over. Orji has not thrown the ball much, completing just 3/6 passes for 15 yards and 2 touchdowns. Michigan needs to take some shots downfield to keep the defense honest, but it remains to be seen whether Orji can complete any passes that are farther than about three yards downfield. Both touchdowns have come to players leaking out of the backfield in Edwards and TE Hogan Hansen. The pass blocking looked better last week, but it was against Arkansas State, so I'm not sure how much that translates. USC is #72 in pass defense (205.5 yards allowed/game) and #51 in yards allowed per attempt (6.2). They're #81 in passing efficiency defense. Both of their opponents have completed at least 66% of their passes, and LSU's Garrett Nussmeier completed 30/39 throws for 308 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Both of USC's interceptions have come from linebackers, and no defensive back has recorded a pass breakup except for third-string CB Marcelles Williams, playing late in a 48-0 blowout win over Utah State. I have questions about how well their secondary can hold up, but I also have questions about whether Michigan can effectively pass the ball. The Trojans are #94 in sacks per game (1.5) with Gentry and Ramsey notching one each.

ROSTER NOTES

• USC players recruited by Michigan include: DT Bear Alexander, WR Zachariah Branch, S Zion Branch, LB Raesjon Davis, WR Kyle Ford, S Marquis Gallegos, WR Makai Lemon, DE Anthony Lucas, OL Jonah Monheim, OL Mason Murphy, DT Kobe Pepe, OL Makai Saina,
• USC players from the state of Michigan include: LB Desman Stephens (Clarkston)

PREDICTION

• USC 31, Michigan 23

Michigan vs. Arkansas State Awards

 

Kalel Mullings (image via MLive)

Let's see more of this guy on offense . . . Kalel Mullings. I respect Michigan's 1-2 punch at running back, and they've done a good job (for the most part) of keeping guys fresh over the past several years and having at least two very good running backs. From Charbonnet/Haskins to Haskins/Corum to Corum/Edwards, the Wolverines have garnered a lot of respect. A couple games ago, though, the "Thunder" in this year's thunder/lightning duo only had 6 carries. That's not enough. Mullings had 15 carries for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns against Arkansas State, and he deserves to have just as many carries as Donovan Edwards, if not more. Michigan has a big game coming up this weekend, and Mullings should be getting the rock.

Hit the jump for more.

Michigan's 10 Longest Plays vs. Arkansas State

 

Kalel Mullings

Michigan played Arkansas State for the first time last Saturday. Here's a look at the ten longest plays of the day for the Wolverines. (Okay, there are thirteen since there's a six-way tie at 13 yards.)

1. Kalel Mullings 38-yard run (2024)
2. Davis Warren 33-yard pass to Marlin Klein (2024)
3. Kalel Mullings 30-yard touchdown run (2024)
4. Kalel Mullings 30-yard run (2024)
5. Davis Warren 20-yard pass to Colston Loveland (2024)
6. Davis Warren 17-yard pass to Fredrick Moore (2024)
7. Benjamin Hall 14-yard run (2024)
8. Keshaun Harris 13-yard kickoff return
9. Semaj Morgan 13-yard run (2024)
10. Alex Orji 13-yard run (2024)
11. Davis Warren 13-yard run (2024)
12. Davis Warren 13-yard pass to Colston Loveland (2024)
13. Davis Warren 13-yard pass to Fredrick Moore (2024)

Hit the jump for a couple clips.

Michigan 28, Arkansas State 18

 

Kalel Mullings (image via Fox)

Just go away already, Red Wolves. I just wanted Arkansas State to quit. Michigan kept gashing them in the run game. Michigan kept stuffing their run game. And yet . . . Arkansas State wouldn't quit. It was 28-3. And then it was 28-10. And then it was 28-18 after a touchdown and a two-point conversion against Michigan's third- and fourth-stringers. So the final was closer than it should have been, because Michigan was trying to get its top players a rest going into the USC game next week. Those two teams are not just a 10-point differential away from each other. But the situation will be forgotten shortly and people will just look at the score. Good for Arkansas State for not quitting, but I wish they would have.

Hit the jump for more.

Preview: Michigan vs. Arkansas State

 

Jaylen Raynor (image via Land Grant Holy Land)

RUSH OFFENSE vs. ARKANSAS STATE RUSH DEFENSE
After two games, Michigan is in unfamiliar territory as the #101 rushing team in the country (114 yards/game) and the #87 team in yards per carry (4.0). The Wolverines are one of just eleven teams in the country with zero rushing touchdowns at this point. Michigan is also tied for #114 in rushing attempts per game (28.0), and that signifies the biggest issue. They have been unable to sustain drives, and Donovan Edwards (8) and Kalel Mullings (6) managed just 14 carries between them against Texas last week. That's not enough touches for two of the three best athletes on the offense. Pro Football Focus ranks Michigan as the #47 run blocking team in the country. LG Josh Priebe and LT Myles Hinton rank as the top two blockers on the line, but there have been some major struggles opening holes. Starting running back Donovan Edwards has managed just 68 yards on 19 carries (3.58 yards/carry) so far this year. Arkansas State is #115 in rushing defense (199 yards allowed/game) and they're #131 in yards allowed per carry (6.22). They've squeaked by Central Arkansas and Tulsa by a combined seven points, but they've given up 235 and 163 yards rushing, respectively, and 5 total rushing touchdowns. Senior hybrid safety Justin Parks (6'0", 197 lbs.) and fifth year senior LB Charles Willekes (6'1", 225) - a former Michigan State linebacker and the brother of former MSU DE Kenny Willekes - are tied for the team lead with 17 tackles, followed by fifth year senior LB Marvin Ham (6'1", 231), a Colorado transfer, with 14 stops. The starting defensive tackles are 288 and 294 pounds, and some of the key backups are in the 270s. If Michigan is going to get back to playing smashmouth football, it needs to start this week against an undersized and less talented defense.
Advantage: Michigan

Hit the jump for more.

2024 Ex-Wolverine Updates: Week 2

 

Alan Bowman (image via SI)

Here's a roundup of the former Michigan player, former commits, and former coaches (or players-turned-coaches). NOTE: I will not regularly post updates about offensive linemen since stats are minimal and just posting PFF grades is kind of boring, but I did this week just to show who's playing where and what their opening day role was.

FORMER PLAYERS

WR Andrel Anthony (Oklahoma): Anthony did not play in a 16-12 win over Houston.

LB Jeremiah Beasley (Missouri): Beasley made 1 tackle in a 38-0 win over Buffalo.

QB Alan Bowman (Oklahoma State): Bowman completed 27/48 passes for 326 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. He also ran 5 times for 7 yards.

LB Semaj Bridgeman (Michigan State): Bridgeman did not record any stats in a 27-24 win over Maryland.

Hit the jump for more.

Texas 31, Michigan 12

 

Davis Warren

What's Michigan's offensive identity? Obviously, Michigan is still trying to feel out what it's good at besides hoping a tight end can make a play. With a walk-on quarterback, it needs to be a run-oriented program. With that being said, Michigan needs to commit to more creativity in the run game. This team can't subsist on 14 total rushing attempts from its top two running backs. Donovan Edwards (8 carries, 41 yards) and Kalel Mullings (6 carries, 25 yards) may not have had great days, but the offensive coordinator (and the offensive-minded head coach) need to figure out creative ways to get them the ball, get them going in the run game, and play complementary offensive football. The offense seems to be very disjointed as the staff appears to be relying on an odd mix of runs and straight dropback passing. They need more misdirection in the run game and they need to get Warren moving a little bit. I don't think the coaching staff has done a good job of adjusting to its personnel this year.

Hit the jump for more.

Preview: Michigan vs. Texas

 

Quinn Ewers (image via Southlake Style)

RUSH OFFENSE vs. TEXAS RUSH DEFENSE
After one week of the 2024 season, Michigan is tied for #79 in yards per game (148.0) and #72 in yards per carry (4.35). Kalel Mullings kinda sorta seemed to take the lead running back role with 15 carries for 92 yards against Fresno State, passing up #1 RB Donovan Edwards (11 carries, 27 yards) in both attempts and yards. Michigan finished #22 in run blocking according to Pro Football Focus, but there were definitely some struggles. New LG Josh Priebe scored the highest in run blocking among offensive linemen (69.9) while new starting center Dominick Giudice was the lowest graded run blocker on the entire team (57.4). On the Texas side, fifth year senior DT Vernon Broughton (6'4", 305) graded out the highest among defenders against Colorado State with a grade of 89.8, but he was just a 56.8 against the run and made 2 tackles. Junior nickel Jaylon Guilbeau (6'0", 190) led the team with 8 tackles, followed by sophomore LB Anthony Hill, Jr. (6'3", 235) with 5 stops. Texas allowed 118 yards on the ground (#66 in the country) and ranked #70 in yards allowed per carry (3.69). I think Michigan will be able to run the ball, but the speed and size on defense is going to limit big plays.
Advantage: Michigan

Hit the jump for more.

2024 Season Predictions

 

Colston Loveland (image via SI)

NOTE: I want to acknowledge that this post is coming out after Michigan's first game. I usually get this post done prior to the season - for obvious reasons - but I was scrambling to finish the countdown and just couldn't get it all wrapped up. Some of these predictions were already shared in the season countdown posts, but some were not addressed.

LEADING RUSHER
I'm not sure how well this prediction holds up after watching game one against Fresno State, in which Kalel Mullings outgained Donovan Edwards. But I believed Edwards would be the lead back and put up a good chunk of yards.
Prediction: Donovan Edwards, 1100 yards

Hit the jump for the rest of the prognostications.

Visitors: Michigan vs. Texas

Julius Holly

1992

Derek Jeter - SS - Kalamazoo (MI) Central: Jeter was committed to Michigan as a baseball player in the class of 1992 but chose to sign with the New York Yankees instead. The Hall of Famer will serve as an honorary captain for the game against Texas.

2025

Avery Gach - OG - Franklin (MI) Groves: Gach is committed to Michigan (LINK).

Julius Holly - DE - Alpharetta (GA) Alpharetta: Holly is committed to Michigan (LINK).

Bobby Kanka - DT - Howell (MI) Howell: Kanka is committed to Michigan.

Andrew Marsh - WR - Fulshear (TX) Katy Jordan: Marsh is committed to Michigan.

Eli Owens - TE - Alcoa (TN) Alcoa: Owens is committed to Michigan (LINK).

Ivan Taylor - S - Winter Garden (FL) West Orange: Taylor is committed to Michigan (LINK).

Hit the jump for more.

All-Time Leaders: Longest Interception Returns

 

Will Johnson (image via YouTube)

On the heels of Will Johnson's pick-six last Saturday night against Fresno State, here's a look at the longest interception returns in program history:

1. 94 yards - Brandon Herron (2011 vs. Western Michigan)
2. 92 yards - Thomas Darden (1971 vs. UCLA)
3. 88 yards - Ernest Shazor (2004 vs. Miami-OH)
4. 86 yards - Will Johnson (2024 vs. Fresno State)
5. 81 yards - Mike Rotunno (1955 vs. Missouri)
6. 81 yards - Mike Sainristil (2023 vs. Washington)
7. 80 yards - David Long, Jr. (2017 vs. Maryland)
8. 73 yards - Josh Metellus (2018 vs. SMU)
9. 72 yards - Blake Countess (2013 vs. Minnesota)
10. 72 yards - Mike Sainristil (2023 vs. Michigan State)

Hit the jump for some videos.

2024 Season Countdown List

 

Colston Loveland

Now that the 2024 Season Countdown is in the rear view mirror, here's the full list so you can see it all in one place.

1. Will Johnson
2. Colston Loveland
3. Mason Graham
4. Kenneth Grant
5. Donovan Edwards
6. Josaiah Stewart
7. Jaishawn Barham
8. Alex Orji
9. Ernest Hausmann
10. Dominic Zvada
11. Myles Hinton
12. Tommy Doman
13. Derrick Moore
14. Giovanni El-Hadi
15. Josh Priebe
16. Semaj Morgan
17. Max Bredeson
18. Tyler Morris
19. Makari Paige
20. Jyaire Hill
21. Kalel Mullings
22. Zeke Berry
23. Quinten Johnson
24. Greg Crippen
25. William Wagner
26. Fredrick Moore
27. a) T.J. Guy, b) Rayshaun Benny
28. Raheem Anderson II
29. Davis Warren
30. Marlin Klein
31. Aamir Hall
32. Jeffrey Persi
33. Jimmy Rolder
34. Evan Link
35. Andrew Gentry
36. Wesley Walker
37. Ja'den McBurrows
38. Amorion Walker
39. Trey Pierce
40. Cameron Brandt
41. Jaydon Hood
42. Jaden Mangham
43. Enow Etta
44. a) Hudson Hollenbeck, b) Adam Samaha
45. Deakon Tonielli
46. C.J. Charleston
47. a) Zack Marshall, b) Brady Prieskorn
48. Keshaun Harris
49. Brandyn Hillman
50. Dominick Giudice
51. Greg Tarr
52. a) Cole Cabana, b) Benjamin Hall
53. Jack Tuttle
54. Ricky Johnson
55. Kendrick Bell
56. Tristan Bounds
57. Micah Pollard
58. Kechaun Bennett
59. Christian Boivin
60. Peyton O'Leary
61. Joe Taylor
62. Deyvid Palepale
63. Evan Boutorwick
64. Aymeric Koumba
65. Tavierre Dunlap
66. Connor Jones
67. Tyler McLaurin
68. Breeon Ishmail
69. Kody Jones
70. Myles Pollard
71. Dominic Nichols
72. Jalen Hoffman
73. Jordan Marshall #23
74. Nathan Efobi
75. Jason Hewlett
76. Joseph Klunder
77. Jayden Denegal
78. Jo'Ziah Edmond
79. Andrew Sprague
80. Henry Donohue
81. Brooks Bahr
82. Channing Goodwin
83. Ike Iwunnah
84. Joel Metzger
85. Cole Sullivan
86. Dale Chesson
87. Jacob Oden
88. Alessandro Lorenzetti
89. Owen Wafle
90. I'Marion Stewart
91. Blake Frazier
92. Ben Roebuck
93. Lugard Edokpayi
94. Micah Ka'apana
95. Chibi Anwunah
96. Joshua Nichols
97. Jadyn Davis
98. Micah Davis
99. Max Reyes
100. Nico Andrighetto
101. Daniel Taraboi
102. Jake Guarnera
103. S Bryce Wilcox
104. TE Noah Howes
105. DT Ted Hammond
106. TE Brandon Mann
107. CB Jeremiah Lowe
108. DT Peter Simmons
109. DE Devon Baxter
110. TE Hogan Hansen
111. LB Alexander Lidback
112. LB Mason Curtis
113. K Stone Anderson
114. OG Luke Hamilton
115. EMPTY DUE TO HAYDEN MOORE TRANSFER
116. EMPTY DUE TO SEMAJ BRIDGEMAN TRANSFER
117. EMPTY DUE TO AMIR HERRING TRANSFER
118. EMPTY DUE TO JEREMIAH BEASLEY TRANSFER
119. EMPTY DUE TO D.J. WALLER TRANSFER
120. QB Anthony Arnou
121. EMPTY DUE TO CRISTIAN DIXON TRANSFER
122. LB Jack Mackinnon
123. S Shomari Stone
124. LS James Kavouklis
125. EMPTY DUE TO DANNY HUGHES TRANSFER
126. EMPTY DUE TO JOSH BEETHAM TRANSFER
127. RB Bryson Kuzdzal
128. DT Manuel Beigel
129. LB Zach Ludwig
130. LB Liam Groulx
131. LB Grayson Dee

Michigan 30, Fresno State 10

 

Davis Warren (image via Clutch Points)

Please consider helping out TTB by using this Amazon link (LINK).

PWO QB FTW. Well, it was a mild surprise when it was announced that former walk-on Davis Warren was named the starting quarterback for the season opener over Alex Orji and Jack Tuttle. Orji had received most of the hype in the off-season, and Tuttle is the most experienced. But Tuttle has been dealing with injuries and soreness, so he wasn't really an option. Rumors started coming out a couple days before the game that Warren would be the guy. He finished 15/25 for 118 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception and graded out as Michigan's #4 offensive player (69.7 on Pro Football Focus). Overall, I thought Warren was mostly accurate. He overthrew a deep shot to Tyler Morris, and he underthrew Fredrick Morris on an open post route that could have been a touchdown but turned into an interception. There were a lot of checkdowns and short throws, probably by design to make things easy for Warren in his first start. But overall, I thought Warren looked composed and accurate.

Hit the jump for more.

2024 Ex-Wolverine Updates: Week 1

 

Alan Bowman (image via SI)

Here's a roundup of the former Michigan player, former commits, and former coaches (or players-turned-coaches). NOTE: I will not regularly post updates about offensive linemen since stats are minimal and just posting PFF grades is kind of boring, but I did this week just to show who's playing where and what their opening day role was.

FORMER PLAYERS

WR Andrel Anthony (Oklahoma): Anthony caught 1 pass for 4 yards in a 51-3 win over Temple. This was Anthony's first game back after tearing his ACL last season.

LB Jeremiah Beasley (Missouri): Beasley made 1 tackle in a 51-0 win over Murray State.

QB Alan Bowman (Oklahoma State): Bowman completed 25/34 passes for 267 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 44-20 win over South Dakota State.

LB Semaj Bridgeman (Michigan State): Bridgeman did not record any stats in a 16-10 win over FAU.

Hit the jump for more.

2024 Season Countdown: #1 Will Johnson

 

Will Johnson (image via Wolverines Wire)

Name: Will Johnson
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 202 lbs.
High school: Grosse Pointe (MI) South
Position: Cornerback
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #2
Last year: I ranked Johnson #2 and said he would be a starting cornerback with 50 tackles and 4 interceptions (LINK). He made 27 tackles, 1 tackle, 4 interceptions (for 80 yards and 1 touchdown), and 8 pass breakups.
TTB Rating: 91

Johnson went ahead in year two and staked his claim for being one of the top cornerbacks in Michigan history. He was a First Team All-Big Ten corner and an All-American, helping to slow down some of the best receivers in the country. The 6'2", 202-pounder limited Ohio State's Marvin Harrison, Jr. to 5 catches for 98 yards when matched up over the past two seasons, and top-10 pick Rome Odunze for Washington had 5 total catches for 87 yards and 0 touchdowns in the national championship game.

Some of Johnson's highlights include jumping a Harrison slant route for an interception and returning an interception for a touchdown against Minnesota. He's been making highlight-worthy plays since the second half of his freshman year, including a mostly stellar game against Purdue in the Big Ten Championship Game in 2022. Every player is going to get beaten sometimes, but it seems like challenging Johnson is almost always a poor choice.

I had a tough time picking a #1 player this season. It came down to DT Mason Graham (who was #3), TE Colston Loveland (who was #2), and Johnson. I was recently listening to the Move the Sticks podcast with Daniel Jeremiah, who talked about a study that came out comparing defensive performance between pass rush or coverage. The results of the study showed that good coverage helps out the pass rush more than a good pass rush helps out coverage. On top of that, Michigan has decent backups on the defensive line (T.J. Guy at edge, Rayshaun Benny at DT), but even Michigan's #2 corner Jyaire Hill is unproven. If Johnson were to go down, it would likely be up to Hill and FCS transfer Aamir Hall to hold down the corner spots. Ultimately, if Johnson were to get hurt, games against Texas's Quinn Ewers, Oregon's Dillon Gabriel, and the wide receiver talent of Ohio State look a whole lot more difficult.

Prediction: Starting cornerback; 35 tackles, 3 interceptions

2024 Season Countdown: #2 Colston Loveland

 

Colston Loveland (image via SI)

Name: Colston Loveland
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 245 lbs.
High school: Gooding (ID) Gooding
Position: Tight end
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #18
Last year: I ranked Loveland #16a and said he would be a starting tight end with 35 catches for 435 yards and 5 touchdowns (LINK). He caught 45 passes for 649 yards and 4 touchdowns.
TTB Rating: 85

Loveland took a big leap in 2023 despite the presence of Indiana transfer A.J. Barner, who then got drafted and made the Seahawks roster. Always a talented athlete, I thought he might just play second fiddle to other passing targets, but he was a prime target for quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Loveland finished #3 on the team in receptions, but it was by a thin margin: WR Roman Wilson had 48 and WR Cornelius Johnson had 47. They were a three-headed monster.

Though he has yet to have a 100-yard game, he did top the 70-yard mark four times last season, including a 4-catch, 79-yard, 2-touchdown performance against Michigan State. And he went for 5 receptions and 88 yards against Ohio State.

This year Loveland will be more of a focal point for opposing defenses because no proven receivers return. There's no speedy downfield threat like Wilson who has made plays downfield (though Fredrick Moore and Semaj Morgan have potential), there's no 6'3" target on the outside like Johnson (though Amorion Walker has potential), and there's no other proven tight end like Barner (though Marlin Klein has potential). So until those players show productivity on the field, it just makes sense that other teams would do their best to limit Loveland's catches. He's been talked about as the possible #1 tight end off the board for the 2025 NFL Draft, but with a weaker cast around him, it's likely to be tougher sledding in 2024.

Prediction: Starting tight end; 40 catches for 520 yards and 4 touchdowns

2024 Season Countdown: #3 Mason Graham

 

Mason Graham

Name: Mason Graham
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 320 lbs.
High school: Anaheim (CA) Servite
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #55
Last year: I ranked Graham #9 and said he would be a starting nose tackle with 45 tackles and 4 sacks (LINK). He started thirteen games and made 36 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass breakup, and 3 quarterback hurries.
TTB Rating: 84

Graham was expected to be a huge impact player in 2023, and he did not disappoint. He was voted by conference coaches as a First Team All-Big Ten player (yeah!), by Big Ten media types as a Third Team All-Big Ten player (huh?), and by other media as Second Team All-American. And he deserved all that hype and more. After getting a PFF grade of 80.3 as a freshman in 2022, he topped it by scoring a 90.0 as a sophomore in 2023.

Graham had a cast on his arm for a chunk of the season, and he was beating Minnesota linemen to death despite being one-armed at the time. Graham is extremely quick off the ball, has powerful hands, plays with great leverage, and has the explosiveness to finish plays that other guys come close to making. Along with Kenneth Grant, Michigan's top defensive tackles are the best duo I remember in a Michigan uniform. There is no better tackle combo in the NCAA in 2024, at least.

This year could be Graham's final season in a Michigan uniform. He has been talked about as a potential first round draft pick, and I wouldn't blame him for jumping to the pros if he has another good season. The bar has already been set for all-conference and All-American accolades, so it might be hard to top that season. But Michigan has at least one season left (barring injury) to watch Graham and Grant manhandle opposing linemen. Let's enjoy it while we can.

Prediction: Starting defensive tackle; 45 tackles, 4.5 sacks

2024 Season Countdown: #4 Kenneth Grant

 

Kenneth Grant (image via Rivals)

Name: Kenneth Grant
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 339 lbs.
High school: Merrillville (IN) Merrillville
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #78
Last year: I ranked Grant #18 and said he would be a backup nose tackle (LINK). He started five games and made 29 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 5 pass breakups, and 6 quarterback hurries.
TTB Rating: 85

Grant made some giant leaps from 2022 to 2023. While he played in a bunch of games as a freshman, he made just 8 tackles and didn't really have a signature play. Linemen usually take some time to percolate in college, and . . . boy oh boy, Grant percolated.

He percolated into a 339 lb. defensive tackle who could chase down Penn State running backs in the open field from behind.

He percolated into a guy who could get his big, meaty hands in the path of quarterbacks' passes to break up 5 attempts and intercept another one.

And he percolated into a dude who perp-walked a Washington offensive lineman back into Michael Penix's face for a sack in the national championship game.

I often hear that planet-sized, athletic defensive tackles don't grow in the midwest like they do in SEC country, but Grant is an exception. He's quick, he's fast, he's strong, he can play low, and he has good anticipation. Physically, he's among the most athletic defensive tackles Michigan has fielded in my time watching the Wolverines, right up there with long-time NFLer Alan Branch and current NFLer Maurice Hurst, Jr.

I think Michigan's offense is going to struggle at times this season without an elite passer and without savvy veteran wide receivers - plus with a whole new offensive line - so there's going to be a ton of pressure on the defense to win games or at least give the offense a fighting chance. And without much proven depth behind the defensive tackles, keeping Grant healthy will be a big step toward battling for playoff contention in 2024.

Prediction: Starting nose tackle; 35 tackles, 3 sacks

2024 Season Countdown: #5 Donovan Edwards

 

Donovan Edwards

Name: Donovan Edwards
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 212 lbs.
High school: West Bloomfield (MI) West Bloomfield
Position: Running back
Class: Senior
Jersey number: #7
Last year: I ranked Edwards #13 and said he would be a part-time starting running back with 1,050 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, plus 30 catches for 350 yards and 4 touchdowns (LINK). He ran 119 times for 497 yards and 5 touchdowns; he caught 30 passes for 249 yards; and he completed 1/1 pass for 34 yards.
TTB Rating: 90

Well, Nostramagnus did a great job with the 2023 predictions, because I predicted Edwards would catch 30 passes and he did.

We're just going to ignore the fact that I predicted 1,050 rushing yards (he had 497) and 8 touchdowns (he had 5) and 350 receiving yards (he had 249) and 4 receiving touchdowns (he had 0).

Just ignore it.

Edwards struggled in 2023 by a lot of metrics. First, his production was way down, and his yards per carry was among the lowest of qualifying running backs in the Big Ten. He wasn't breaking big plays . . . or tackles. He supposedly started seeing a sports psychologist because of some of his on-field frustrations. And when he couldn't eke out a short yardage touchdown, he campaigned visibly to stay on the field . . . and the coaching staff still replaced him with Blake Corum to ensure they would score.

That's the bad stuff.

The good stuff is that he broke off a big touchdown run against Penn State and had two huge touchdown runs early in the national championship game (41- and 46-yarders) that set the tone against Washington. So he had his moments, but not nearly as many of them as we expected.

Now Corum is out of the way, and Edwards should be the unquestioned #1 back. He's on the cover of NCAA '25 and is rated as one of the top 50 players in the game. He got up to 214 pounds by the spring (now listed at 212) after being right around 200 earlier in his career, and the added weight/strength showed in the spring when he seemed a little more willing to try to bring the contact to defenders. A wholesale shift from finesse back to ground-and-pounder is unlikely, but if he can add a little thunder to his lightning for 2024, that would be an improvement. I have faith that Michigan's coaching staff is going to restore some of his confidence and figure out ways to help him return to his 2022 form, especially if he's on the field with run threat Alex Orji and fellow running back Kalel Mullings at times, because those are three dynamic runners that teams would have a very difficult time figuring out how to defend.

Prediction: Starting running back; 1,100 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, plus 25 catches for 225 yards and 3 touchdowns

2024 Season Countdown: #6 Josaiah Stewart

 

Josaiah Stewart (image via 247 Sports)

Name: Josaiah Stewart
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 245 lbs.
High school: Everett (MA) Everett
Position: Defensive end
Class: Senior
Jersey number: #5
Last year: I ranked Stewart #23 and said he would be a backup defensive end with 25 tackles and 4 sacks (LINK). He made 38 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and 3 quarterback hurries.
TTB Rating: N/A

Michigan was very lucky to land Stewart in the transfer portal from Coastal Carolina last off-season. The Wolverines needed some juice at pass rusher, and they were able to find it. It's not often that players spurn a Michigan offer out of high school to become a Chanticleer, but Stewart was one who did it, so it makes sense that the Wolverines circled back to him after he had made a name for himself for Coastal. And it paid off with Stewart being a key piece of the national championship defense. After struggling a little bit against the run early in the season, he was able to steel himself, improved throughout the year, and was on the field for the game-sealing 4th down stop of Jalen Milroe in the Rose Bowl against Alabama.

This year Stewart will step into a bigger role now that Jaylen Harrell is playing for the Titans in the NFL. He has some quickness off the edge, but perhaps his best attribute is the power he possesses despite being undersized at just 6'1" and 245 pounds. His leverage advantage and toughness have been a pleasant surprise, and with another year of technique and strength work under his belt, I expect him to be even better in 2024 than he was in 2023.

Prediction: Starting outside linebacker; 40 tackles, 7 sacks

Preview: Michigan vs. Fresno State

 

Fresno State QB Mikey Keene (image via AP/David Zalubowski)

RUSH OFFENSE vs. FRESNO STATE RUSH DEFENSE
Michigan finished #55 in rushing yards (169.1 yards/game) and #52 in yards per carry (4.5) in 2023. Those aren't the world's most impressive numbers, but the consistency with which Michigan pulled off its run game was. Whether it was a good opponent or a bad one, Michigan was willing and able to run the ball. The guy on the cover of NCAA '25 is senior RB Donovan Edwards (119 carries, 497 yards, 5 TD last season), who had 41- and 46-yard touchdowns in the national championship game. He struggled for much of last year and was near the bottom of the Big Ten in yards per carry until the game against Washington. The backup is former LB Kalel Mullings, a 6'2", 233-pounder who ran 36 times for 222 yards and 1 touchdown last year. Up front the Wolverines lost their top six linemen to the NFL (four got drafted, two got signed as UDFAs); the assured starters are OG Giovanni El-Hadi, OT Myles Hinton, who transferred from Stanford prior to 2023, and OG Josh Priebe, who transferred from Northwestern this year. For Fresno State, one of the better players is fifth year senior DE Devo Bridges (6'2", 255), who had 30 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks last year. The other bookend is former 5-star USC DE Korey Foreman (6'4", 245), who has 24 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 1 interception over three years in college. Both starting defensive tackles are sub-300 pounders. The leading returning tackler is weakside linebacker Malachi Langley (6'1", 236), who made 84 tackles and 5 tackles for loss a season ago. The Bulldogs finished #97 in rush defense (166.2 yards allowed/game) and #81 in yards allowed per carry (4.33) last season.
Advantage: Michigan

Hit the jump for more.

2024 Season Countdown: #7 Jaishawn Barham

 

Jaishawn Barham

Name: Jaishawn Barham
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 248 lbs.
High school: Baltimore (MD) St. Frances
Position: Linebacker
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #1
Last year: Barham played for Maryland. He started eleven games and made 37 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 pass breakup.
TTB Rating: N/A

You might remember Jaishawn Barham from when Michigan recruited him as a 4-star linebacker out of Baltimore (MD) St. Frances back in the 2022 class.

You might also remember Jaishawn Barham from when he picked off J.J. McCarthy in the red zone of Michigan's narrow escape against the Terps in 2023.

Michigan opponents are going to remember Barham for living in their backfield in 2024.

Barham escaped Maryland after two years of playing for his home state Terrapins. It's one thing to play in your home area, but when it becomes apparent that toppling the likes of Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State is going to be tough even when the program reaches its peak, that has to be frustrating. Meanwhile, Michigan lost its top two linebackers and leading tacklers from 2023 to the NFL draft with both Junior Colson and Michael Barrett getting picked.

So there was an opening for a linebacker alongside Nebraska transfer Ernest Hausmann, who was the #3 tackler for the Wolverines last year. In steps Barham, who has earned rave reviews from all parties. Offensive line coach Grant Newsome called Barham the most gifted second-level athlete in his time at Michigan, and Newsome has been with the Wolverines through the Devin Bush era, a guy who could blitz and fly sideline to sideline. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has praised Barham for his physicality, athleticism, and versatility.

I think we can expect to see Barham used as both an inside linebacker and an edge rusher in 2024. He's fast enough and big enough to be an edge guy (he's taller and heavier than starting outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart), but he's also athletic enough and instinctive enough to roam the middle. If Barham lives up to the hype, he could be an exciting chess piece for the Wolverines to use in a variety of ways.

Prediction: Starting middle linebacker; 65 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 interception

2024 Season Countdown: #8 Alex Orji

 

Alex Orji

Name: Alex Orji
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 235 lbs.
High school: Sachse (TX) Sachse
Position: Quarterback
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #10
Last year: I ranked Orji #50 and said he would be a backup quarterback (LINK). He played in six games and ran 15 times for 86 yards.
TTB Rating: 55

Orji had a really weird odyssey last year as a quarterback, especially for one who is supposedly the heir apparent to the quarterback position. He started off the season as a deep backup who wasn't allowed to pass the ball at the beginning of the season to . . .

. . . well . . .

. . . yeah, he was just never allowed to pass all year. Not even once.

I say that with one caveat, and that's that there was a trick play - a QB pop pass call - against Alabama in the Rose Bowl where it looked like throwing the ball was a possibility, but Alabama covered it well so Orji kept it and ran. But it amounted to zero pass attempts.

Jim Harbaugh did praise Orji in the 2023 pre-season and say that Orji could be an outstanding kickoff returner.

Going into the 2024 season, Orji seems to be the betting favorite to win the quarterback position. As has been discussed here and elsewhere, Orji the freak athlete possesses a potential game-changing skill that nobody else has. None of the other quarterbacks have the arm strength of a Joe Milton or the speed of a Denard Robinson. What Orji has is a Tim Tebow-esque ability to be both a quarterback and a power runner. It remains to be seen whether Orji has the leadership or even the throwing ability of a Tebow.

Normally I would rank a starting quarterback higher than #8, but it's not clear whether Orji will even start the opener, let alone hold onto a starting job. Walk-on Davis Warren has been pushing to start, and the most experienced guy on the roster is Utah/Indiana transfer Jack Tuttle, who was the #2 quarterback in 2023 but who has been unhealthy for the majority of his career. It will be interesting to see who starts at QB and whether that guy can hold onto the job throughout the year. But even if Orji ends up as the backup, he should have a package of plays as a rushing threat.

Prediction: Starting quarterback; 1,900 passing yards, 16 touchdowns; 500 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns

2024 Season Countdown: #9 Ernest Hausmann

 

Ernest Hausmann (image via MGoBlue)

Name: Ernest Hausmann
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 235 lbs.
High school: Columbus (NE) Columbus
Position: Linebacker
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #15
Last year: I ranked Hausmann #31 and said he would be a backup linebacker (LINK). He made 46 tackles and 2 tackles for loss.
TTB Rating: N/A

Hausmann is a Nebraska transfer who Michigan was lucky to stumble into after he played his freshman year at Nebraska. With a couple solid linebackers on the roster and then some big question marks, the Wolverines needed an heir apparent to Michael Barrett and Junior Colson. In stepped Hausmann, a good-sized player who had good athleticism and got to play quite a bit under the bright lights already. He could step in as a backup in 2023 without too much pressure, and that's exactly what he did. Backing up both Barrett and Colson, he finished third on the team in tackles behind those two starting linebackers.

So this year it just makes sense that Hausmann steps in to fill their shoes. I was impressed last year with how well Hausmann moved, and he looked even bigger than his listed 237 pounds (down to 235 this year). Hausmann will be the starter at weakside linebacker (Barrett's position) while Maryland transfer Jaishawn Barham comes in to play the MIKE spot. It should be one of the better linebacker units in the conference. Wink Martindale recently said it would be either Hausmann or safety Makari Paige with the "green dot" (in-helmet communications), so that shows how much the defense is going to depend on Hausmann.

Prediction: Starting weakside linebacker; 60 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception

2024 Season Countdown: #10 Dominic Zvada

 

Dominic Zvada

Name: Dominic Zvada
Height: 6’3"
Weight: 180 lbs.
High school: Chandler (AZ) Valley Christian
Position: Kicker
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #96
Last year: Zvada played at Arkansas State. He was 17/22 on field goals and 41/41 on extra points.
TTB Rating: N/A

Michigan has had some solid kickers in recent years that made it to the NFL, including Quinn Nordin and Jake Moody. Last year they took a transfer in James Turner from Louisville, who made some key kicks down the stretch and might end up on an NFL roster this season. So despite having homegrown Adam Samaha and Mississippi State transfer Hudson Hollenbeck on the roster, Michigan took a swing for the fences again and landed Arkansas State's starting kicker. Zvada was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist in 2022 as a freshman, and he was still pretty solid as a sophomore, converting all of his extra points and 17 out of 22 of his field goal attempts.

I don't have a ton of confidence in Samaha, who has seemed a little shaky since arriving on campus. Michigan has a tough schedule in 2024 and might need some clutch kicks this season to either ensure victories or tie up some games late. Michigan was blowing out teams in 2023 on a weekly basis - except for Maryland, Ohio State, and Alabama - but that's not always going to be the case this fall. Zvada has a chance to swing a couple games in Michigan's favor this fall, so I think he will be a key player if Michigan is going to make a run for the College Football Playoff.

Prediction: Starting kicker

2024 Season Countdown: #11 Myles Hinton

 

Myles Hinton

Name: Myles Hinton
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 342 lbs.
High school: Norcross (GA) Greater Atlanta Christian
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #78
Last year: I ranked Hinton #45a and said he would be a backup offensive tackle (LINK). He played in thirteen games and started five.
TTB Rating: N/A

Hinton is a former elite high school recruit who struggled to realize his potential in three years at Stanford. Michigan rescued him from Palo Alto after David Shaw resigned following the 2022 season, and Hinton came in with a chance to win an offensive tackle job in 2023. It wasn't quite meant to be as Arizona State transfer La'Darius Henderson won the left tackle job and Karsen Barnhart won the right tackle job, but Hinton managed to start four games on the right side and one on the left. He was generally good as a pass blocker and improved throughout the year as a run blocker, and he even won Co-Offensive Player of the Week when he started against Maryland after Henderson got injured. Overall, Hinton was significantly ahead of Barnhart when it comes to Pro Football Focus grades, but . . . well, Michigan won the natty, so I guess they made the right choice.

I feel a little queasy about not putting any linemen in the top ten for most important players in 2024, and Hinton was a tough choice to put here at #11. I wanted to rank him higher, but lots of other spots are missing quality backups, too. I think Hinton has the potential to be a very good tackle this year, and I have high hopes for him if Sherrone Moore and Grant Newsome can help him get rid of some of the mental/technique mistakes he made at Stanford. But Michigan does have some veteran tackles vying for playing time - as well as redshirt freshman Evan Link - so I think they might be able to weather an injury to Hinton without a terribly devastating impact to the offense as a whole.

Prediction: Starting offensive tackle; Third Team All-Big Ten

2024 Season Countdown: #12 Tommy Doman

 

Tommy Doman

Name: Tommy Doman
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 215 lbs.
High school: Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary’s
Position: Kicker/Punter
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #19
Last year: I ranked Doman #20a and said he would be the starting punter (LINK). He punted 53 times for 2,345 yards (44.5 yards/punt), forced 26 fair catches, and pinned other teams inside their 20 a total of 18 times; he also kicked off 99 times with 68 touchbacks.
TTB Rating: N/A

Doman was a Third Team All-Big Ten selection in 2023 after playing multiple roles for the Wolverines. It's not often that someone punts and kicks off and holds for extra points/field goals, but those were Doman's roles last year. Holding is often done by a backup quarterback, and kickoffs can be handled by placekickers or dedicated kickoff guys. So it's impressive that Doman was able to master all those things at once. What else can he do?

Pass the ball?

Kick 55-yard field goals?

Decipher opponents' signals?

Michigan has an array of special teams guys to handle the various kicking and holding duties, so it's not clear what roles Doman will handle this year outside of punting. Hudson Hollenbeck dabbled in holding last year, so he could be the answer there. Dominic Zvada was brought in from Arkansas State to handle place kicking. Hollenbeck and Adam Samaha were both in the running to handle kickoffs. But this is bound to be a tougher season for Michigan than 2023 was, and Michigan's defense and special teams are going to have to make up for taking some steps back on offense. So Doman will be a key piece of those field position battles.

Prediction: Starting punter; Second Team All-Big Ten