Athlon, Lindy's football previews size up Michigan with anonymous scouting reports
Michigan football will not speak up on anyone in 2022 after a Big Ten Championship campaign last season. We have reached the point of the offseason where football preview magazines start hitting newsstands – The Wolverine’s can be preordered here – with plenty of pundits weighing in on this edition of Jim Harbaugh’s team.
Both the Athlon Sports and Lindy’s previews feature scouting reports from anonymous sources. Athlon’s is a little heftier and 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 a 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. They had two good backs that got downhill, one is coming back this year, and I expect more of the same on offense. They have good tight ends and they’re still young overall on offense. The big pieces are in place on this side of the ball. We’re curious how they’re managing two quarterbacks and if J.J. [McCarthy] gets more time. They both have upsides, but that’s always a tricky thing to manage correctly.
“Defensively, you just can’t replace those edge guys. Those are NFL players, and Michigan is great, but that’s not a plug-and-play situation for anybody. So the defense will have a different identity. The measure of this program is how they replace league-caliber guys who leave. How deep can you stock your roster to where you’re sending these guys off and still competing close to that level? [DC Jesse] Minter will transition right in; I don’t think you’re going to see any kind of departure in terms of scheme. … What you’re looking for this year is how fast they resupply. What ’21 the exception or the new rule?”
Lindy’s anonymous scouting report weighs in on Michigan
Lindy’s source was a little more pessimistic on Michigan despite breaking through last season. They do not believe the Wolverines have the goods to beat Ohio State a second year in a row.
“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.
