Gang, I just got chills thinking about writing the preview post this time next week as defending National Champions. Stop and think about that for one minute. How long we have come and how long we have waited for have that feeling. I know sometimes its hard to understand or feel the moment when we are experiencing it. The 2023 season is one season we will never forget.
Next week a new chapter of Michigan Football gets under way. Michigan has a new head coach, new players, and new position coaches. It's time to celebrate the "Natty" one last time and focus on business in the 2024 season.
So what do we expect, when we are expecting continued greatness?
- Michigan is not going to leave the power run game. The cupboard is stocked with talented RB's, offensive line, and tight ends. I expect Orji to start and for Michigan to try to grind Fresno State into dust on the ground. The Don is your starter and Mullings the clear #2. I also expect a nice dose of Jordan Marshall and Ben Hall. I'm concerned about Cole Cabana.
- Let's address the Wolverine in the room at QB. The buzz in camp is its a close race between Orji and Warren. That is good news actually because they have different skill sets. I expect Orji to take the first snaps but Warren to play against Fresno. Texas is around the corner and Michigan will need to score points in that game. Fresno will be good barometer on who starts week 2. If Michigan struggles to move the ball on the ground, I expect Warren to be in quickly to hit our talented TE's and fast WR's. Tuttle who might be the best version of Orji/Warren with experience continues to be injured and not expected to be ready to play early in the season.
- Speaking of WR's: Here is my take: Morris is the #1, Morgan in the slot #2, Moore #3, deep threat and jump balls go to Walker, and we see a ton of sets with Loveland and Klein in the game (both are walking miss matches). I expect Klein to have a huge year. I also expect to see that YSU transfer in on 3rd downs to move the sticks.
- Defense I expect to dominate. They will be tested by very good offenses this year and Michigan has the talent to win those games on this side of the ball. I was not a fan of the Wink hire, I wanted someone young, smart, and ready to confuse offenses like the last 2 DC's did. I could be wrong here and hope I am. Wink could be mixing up some crazy shit that confuses these college OC's and QB's. I hope this stint has given Wink new life and the ability to dominate on this side of the ball.
- Special Teams was not good in the Rose Bowl and we really didn't need much from them in Houston. Field goal kicking is going to be very important this year and lets hope that transfer is very accurate. When you run the ball and have a dominate Defense, getting 3 points is really important. For the return game, lets put a kick returner back there that can be electric and make the right decisions. For punt returner, just catch the ball. Michigan must continue to play clean and not give opponents short fields if they are going to continue to win championships. At times this offense may struggle scoring points. We need to make sure we are not giving the opponents free points.
In conclusion, I'm still going to fall back on my comp from after the National Championship game. This team is going to be like Alabama 2023. Talented Athletic QB that is going to struggle from time to time, a very good running game, and a dominate defense. If I remember correctly, didn't Bama also host Texas in the 2nd game of 2023? (lets hope that is different outcome from Alabama 2023).
I like this team, its talented no doubt. I think Sherrone did an excellent job finding coaches that can coach and also recruit. Michigan last year executed at a high level in pretty much every area. I don't believe we are going to get that level of execution this season. The schedule is difficult and this is everyone's Super Bowl every time they face Michigan. Careers are on the line when Michigan heads to CBus later in the year. This is going to be a bumpy ride, but one I'm looking to take. If Wink can hold the fort down while the offense finds itself. This could be a playoff team. It's almost time to find out and take the field as National Champions.
- Recruiting insiders are now calling for Michigan commit DL Nate Marshall to flip to Auburn. My guess is, there is a large NIL bag waiting for him there.
- Speaking of former Michigan DC's: Seattle traded the "King of Pop" for Michael Barrett his former LB at Michigan. You don't see rookies getting traded like this too often.
- Excited for week 0. GameDay with Saban should be interesting.
3 comments:
Saban should be good in the booth. He already slipped and talked about how he illegally recruited someone. What? No NCAA investigation?? And let's not forget about Tommy Boy, The GOAT, Mr. TB12 going into the booth this year as well. I expect nothing but greatness from Tom. Good read, too about how Tom transfered all his assets into his mother's name before the divorce. Gready Gizzelle wanted half of everything. Can't beat that Michigan education!
Bob, what's your concerns w Cole Cabana? Sam McGiffie 2.0? I remember Sam breaking a few big runs, then getting hit by a B1G linebacker and shattering like a fine piece of china. They should play the Copa Cabana song when Cole breaks off a run.
Speaking of songs, how about that late 70s song, '"More more more! How do you like it? How do you like it? More More more! in honor of the WR trio Morgan, Morris, and Moore.
Yes, let's get a real punt returner. Jake Thaw cost me 3 years of my life and permanent PTS every time someone fields a punt.
Hugh Freeze isn't afraid to pay a brutha, he lost his job at Ol Miss over it. Rules are different now so he's just handing bags of cash. That's the game now, either be in it or lose talent because of it. There are no morale victories. $uckeyes just bought a team this year and they won't even get a second look from the NCAA as to how. Now buy a kid a burger and the inspectors come calling.
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