As Week 2 of camp begins and the pads come on Saturday, there is a lot to look forward to over the next few weeks.
This week, we should learn much more about the offensive line rotation, the wide receiver room, Bryce Underwood’s progression, and how the defense is developing. There are also rumors about the possible return of a major piece of the defense. There isn’t a ton of information out there right now, but where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire.
Several players have already shown their talent and made major strides following a tough offseason. The new strength and conditioning staff has pushed this team hard and made sure the Wolverines enter the season in much better shape.
Players like Jordan Marshall, Rod Moore, Zack Marshall, Zeke Berry, and others have raved about the changes and talked about how this feels like one of the most normal camps they’ve been a part of.
The growth along the offensive line has been especially noticeable. Some players are reportedly benching more than 100 pounds heavier than they were a year ago, while the group as a whole feels stronger, faster, and healthier. With the new staff in place, Michigan will also hope to see fewer injuries. The Wolverines dealt with several injuries toward the end of last season that affected the team and, in some cases, the outcomes of games.
Coach Harding should have the offensive line ready. In a very short amount of time at Michigan, he has already made an impact.
Harding also mentioned the “Rhino” package this past week, which puts a sixth offensive lineman on the field. It was something Utah used frequently, so we may get our first look at Coach Beck and Harding incorporating it into Michigan’s offense during camp.
Andrew Marsh Is Thinking Big
Before we get into the schedule, we have to talk about Andrew Marsh.
Marsh was recently asked about his thoughts on his new offensive coordinator’s system and what goals he has set for himself this season.
His word to describe Coach Beck’s new offense?
“Explosive.”
Marsh also said Michigan is going to be “airing out the ball a lot more.”
As for his personal and team goals, Marsh isn’t thinking small. He wants to reach 1,000 receiving yards, win the Big Ten, and ultimately win a national championship.
He also made it clear that he never planned on leaving the program and wanted to help make sure everyone stayed together during the transition to the new coaching staff.
This could be a massive year for Marsh as he steps into the WR1 role. If Michigan truly opens up the passing game the way Marsh suggests, he could become one of the biggest pieces of this offense.
Now, let’s get into the schedule.
Western Michigan, Oklahoma and UTEP
Michigan opens the season at home against Western Michigan on September 5 before hosting Oklahoma on September 12. The Wolverines then wrap up non-conference play against UTEP on September 19.
In my opinion, all three of these games are wins.
That doesn’t mean Oklahoma will be easy. Heisman candidate John Mateer leads a strong Sooners team looking to make another playoff push. Coach Brent Venables has built a program around a stifling defense and a physical style of football, and Michigan will have its hands full.
Still, starting 3-0 in non-conference play is very possible.
Prediction: 3-0
Iowa, Minnesota and Penn State
The next three games bring Iowa, Minnesota, and Penn State.
Iowa will be tough. The Hawkeyes traditionally bring a gritty defense, and Kirk Ferentz-coached teams have a way of making games uncomfortable regardless of where they are played.
Minnesota will mark the first time Michigan leaves the Big House, as the Wolverines travel to take on a scrappy Gophers team led by promising quarterback Drake Lindsey.
Then comes Penn State.
Michigan returns home to take on Matt Campbell and the new-look Nittany Lions, led by quarterback Rocco Becht. This one could be tricky, but I think Michigan survives the stretch.
If everything falls into place, the Wolverines could begin a difficult season 6-0.
Prediction: 6-0
Indiana, Rutgers and Michigan State
This is where things really start to get interesting.
Reigning national champion Indiana comes to town led by head coach Curt Cignetti and quarterback Josh Hoover, the TCU transfer. This will be a massive test for Michigan, but I think this is where the Wolverines pick up another statement win and significantly boost their College Football Playoff résumé in Year 1 under Coach Whitt.
Michigan may finally be able to catch its breath against Rutgers, although nobody should expect a Greg Schiano-coached team to roll over. Rutgers will bring another gritty, physical challenge.
Then comes Michigan State.
The Spartans are looking to revive their program under new head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Michigan State may be coming off a difficult offseason involving recruiting and the transfer portal, but this rivalry is never a gimme.
Alessio Milivojevic will most likely be the starter after Aidan Chiles entered the transfer portal and landed at Northwestern during the offseason.
Michigan could — and probably should — be 9-0 heading into the final three games.
Prediction: 9-0
Oregon, UCLA and Ohio State
This is where I think things get a little bumpy for the Wolverines.
Michigan travels to Autzen Stadium to take on Oregon in what could be its toughest challenge of the season. In my opinion, the Ducks should be among the favorites to win the national championship.
Oregon is led by head coach Dan Lanning and star quarterback Dante Moore, and Autzen Stadium will provide one of the most difficult environments Michigan faces all year.
I think this is where the Wolverines finally stumble and suffer their first loss of the season.
Michigan then returns home to face UCLA, a program looking to right the ship. The Bruins could present another challenge, especially with starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava looking to put together a breakout season.
Then comes the one everybody circles.
THE GAME
Michigan. Ohio State.
It doesn't need much of an introduction.
The Wolverines will enter arguably their toughest environment of the season when they travel to face Ryan Day and the Buckeyes.
Ohio State should once again be loaded with talent. Players like Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, Bo Jackson, Chris Henry Jr., and Brandon Inniss give the Buckeyes another roster capable of competing for a national championship.
Unfortunately for Michigan, I think this is another spot where the Wolverines stumble.
It would give Michigan its second loss of the season, but it wouldn't erase what could otherwise be an outstanding first year under the new coaching staff.
Final Prediction: Michigan Finishes 10-2
When it's all said and done, I have the Wolverines finishing the regular season at 10-2 and earning a College Football Playoff berth.
For Coach Whittingham and his staff, that would be an outstanding first season and a major step toward getting Michigan back where the program expects to be.
There are still plenty of questions to answer during camp. We need to see how the offensive line comes together, whether the passing game truly becomes more explosive, how Bryce Underwood develops, and whether this defense can stay healthy.
But the talent is there.
The expectations are there.
And if Michigan can survive the middle of its schedule before entering that brutal closing stretch against Oregon, UCLA, and Ohio State, the Wolverines could find themselves right in the middle of the College Football Playoff conversation.
Final Record Prediction: 10-2