Michigan football: 2022 outlook updated by ESPN's Football Power Index
Michigan is expected to be one of the best teams in college football this season, but how good? The latest prognostications from ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) are in to weigh in on the subject. U-M checks in at No. 6 among all teams in the country in its latest projection.
FPI projects Michigan to finish with a 9.5-2.6 record this year, which lines up with how Vegas views the Wolverines. Most over/under win totals have them set at 9.5 on the season and the computer projection appears dead-on there. Games at Iowa and Ohio State and home tilts with Penn State and Michigan State are the likely swing games on the schedule for this campaign.
Standing in front of Michigan are Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, Clemson and Notre Dame in that order. Rounding out the top ten are Texas, Oklahoma, Miami (FL) and LSU. Michigan State (15), Penn State (16) and Wisconsin (21) are the other Big Ten programs in the mix.
ESPN FPI Top 25
*Team (FPI) | Projected Record
- Alabama (29.0) | 11.4 – 1.5
- Ohio State (28.3) | 11.8 – 1.0
- Georgia (27.9) | 11.6 – 1.3
- Clemson (22.8) | 11.1 – 1.7
- Notre Dame (17.7) | 9.1 – 2.9
- Michigan (16.8) | 9.5 – 2.6
- Texas (16.7) | 9.3 – 3.3
- Oklahoma (14.9) | 9.1 – 3.4
- Miami (14.5) | 9.2 – 3.3
- LSU (14.0) | 7.7 – 4.3
- Auburn (13.6) | 7.4 – 4.7
- Texas A&M (13.0) | 7.4 – 4.6
- Utah (12.9) | 9.4 – 3.0
- Oklahoma State (12.8) | 8.7 – 3.6
- Michigan State (12.6) | 8.0 – 4.1
- Penn State (12.6) | 8.0 – 4.1
- Ole Miss (12.4) | 7.7 – 4.3
- Kentucky (12.0) | 8.2 – 3.9
- North Carolina (11.1) | 8.3 – 4.0
- Pittsburgh (11.1) | 8.7 – 3.5
- Wisconsin (11.1) | 8.2 – 4.1
- Baylor (10.9) | 7.7 – 4.5
- Oregon (10.6) | 8.6 – 3.8
- Mississippi State (9.7) | 6.5 – 5.5
- Tennessee (9.7) | 7.1 – 4.9
What the preseason magazines say about Michigan
Both the Athlon Sports and Lindy’s previews feature scouting reports from anonymous sources. Athlon’s featured a bright outlook for what could lie ahead for Michigan.
“This was a changed program in 2021, and the results reflect that,” the anonymous source said. “Even before they beat OSU or won the conference, I think the coaches in the league knew it could happen. You saw different energy here; they had more speed than in recent years, and they were still just as physical. They were violent on film. It was Michigan football.”
Lindy’s was a little more pessimistic about the Wolverines.
“That was a historic 2021 season but making the college football playoff again will be a stretch,” Lindy’s preview said of Michigan. “They won’t be able to beat Ohio State with their roster this season. … As was the case last year, the run game will need to dominate for the Wolverines to even have a chance. It’s going to be interesting to see if Donovan Edwards can emerge as a difference maker. Physically ready. Can help you in the passing game. If he breaks out in a big way, that’s a helluva one-two punch with [Blake] Corum. As good as anybodys.
“Nobody should underestimate the loss of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald [to the Baltimore Ravens]. … At quarterback, of course, the best player should play. Still a number of questions there. You want to let them compete. Jim [Harbaugh] knows what’s best, but how that plays out will be fascinating.”
Both magazines have Michigan finishing behind Ohio State in the Big Ten and have the team pegged as the No. 6 program in the country. Athlon’s preview has the Wolverines finishing with a 10-2 record and 7-2 mark in Big Ten play, including a trip to the Rose Bowl.
