The Michigan Wolverines football team is facing a season of high expectations as they aim to continue their recent success in 2024. After three consecutive Big Ten Conference championships and a national championship, they now have to prove themselves in their first season without Jim Harbaugh. Additionally, the team lost a significant amount of talent to the NFL, with a record 13 players drafted.
Here are the top three areas of concern for Michigan heading into the season:
Quarterback
Last year, Michigan had one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy, who went 27-1 as a starter over three seasons, leaves as one of the most efficient passers in Michigan history, completing 240 of 332 attempts with only four interceptions and 22 touchdowns last season. Despite some risky throws, the coaching staff trusted McCarthy’s abilities.
This season, all eyes are on Alex Orji, who is expected to take over the starting QB role. While there are concerns about his accuracy, his talent as a runner is evident, with 15 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown in 2023. However, he has only attempted one career pass.
Jack Tuttle is also vying for the starting job. He completed 15 of 17 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown last year, adding 35 rushing yards. Tuttle’s career has been hindered by injuries, but he has shown accuracy when healthy and could secure the starting position if he remains fit.
No one expects Orji, Tuttle, or any other quarterbacks to replicate McCarthy’s performance, but that may not be necessary. Michigan is likely to maintain a balanced offense, relying on a strong run game to ease the pressure on the quarterback position, despite the departure of Jim Harbaugh.
Offensive Line
Michigan lost all its starting offensive linemen, along with six total linemen, to the NFL, which is a significant concern for the 2024 team.
Although players like Greg Crippen and Myles Hinton have some experience, losing so much starting talent on the line is troubling. Sherrone Moore, who has coached back-to-back Joe Moore award-winning lines and another finalist group, understands the importance of winning in the trenches. Even with Moore’s promotion to head coach, he will maintain the focus on strength up front.
Additionally, the offensive line will benefit from practicing against one of the best defensive lines in the country. The phrase “iron sharpens iron” applies here, as this in-house competition will help prepare the new linemen for the formidable defenses they’ll face this season.
Cornerback
The loss of Mike Sainristil to the NFL after the 2023 season is significant for Michigan. Sainristil was one of the smartest players on the field and consistently delivered in critical moments. While Michigan added depth to the position through the transfer portal, there is still considerable pressure on Will Johnson.
The addition of CB Aamir Hall, an FCS All-American, helps mitigate the loss of DJ Waller Jr. to Kentucky. However, Hall still needs to prove himself at the Big Ten level. Behind Johnson, the team has Keshaun Harris, Jyaire Hill, and Ja’Den McBurrows. The injury to S Rod Moore further increases the pressure on the cornerbacks, highlighting the depth concerns at this position.
Will Johnson’s presence is a significant positive for the cornerback group. Johnson has proven he can compete with the best, as teams targeted him last year only to be consistently shut down.
What position are you most concerned about heading into the 2024 season? Let us know in the comments.