They say it’s harder to defend a title than it is to win one for the first time, and the Michigan Wolverines may prove that theory in 2024. The reigning national college champions began the defense of their crown with a loss and there may be a long battle ahead.
On the opening day of the new campaign, Michigan went down 31-12 to the Texas Longhorns. Playing against the third-ranked team, the result wasn’t even close, and while it’s early days, the loss offers some concerns. Can the team recover, or must fans resign themselves to a less-productive campaign?
A Tough Act to Follow
The Wolverines enjoyed a stunning season in 2023, and it was always going to be tough to emulate that success. Under outgoing Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, the team returned a perfect, 15-0 record, and went on to win the Big Ten Championship.
Michigan moved on to the Rose Bowl where they defeated Alabama, and they subsequently overcame the Washington Huskies to claim the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Based on those returns, it’s no surprise that college football lines placed Michigan as one of the favorites to defend their titles. There is hope and confidence in the camp, but that opening day defeat has left some questions within the roster.
Coach Concerns
The Longhorns have trophy aspirations themselves this season, and they are one of the strongest teams that Michigan will face. The manner of that opening day loss was, however, a cause for concern.
Accusatory fingers will undoubtedly be pointed at coach Sherrone Moore, who had the unenviable task of taking over from the highly successful Jim Harbaugh. Moore has, however, been a part of the Wolverines’ set up for some time, initially joining the coaching staff in 2018.
He will continue to be put under pressure as the season develops, but it’s clear that Sherrone Moore was the obvious man for the job following Harbaugh’s departure.
Lessons Learned
Along with the loss of their coach, Michigan are battling to compensate for the loss of key players from last season. It’s the nature of the college system that players will graduate and eventually be lost to their teams.
Moore acknowledged that fact when talking to the press, but wasn’t looking to make excuses in the wake of that defeat to the Longhorns. His side was outplayed in every department on their home turf, and an immediate recovery is necessary.
There’s all to play for, but what are those key areas that Michigan needs to address?
Key Position
Like all football teams, it all revolves around the quarterback. Following his great contributions last season, J.J. McCarthy graduated as the tenth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, and he leaves a big hole in the roster.
Michigan needs to cover this pivotal position, and there are three contenders for starting QB this term. Moore doesn’t have too much time to deliberate: The coach needs to decide between Jack Tuttle, Davis Warren and Alex Orji before keeping faith with that player.
Absent Offense
The Michigan Wolverines are faced with the task of replacing six key offensive players this season. With each moving on, there is a young and inexperienced look about the frontline.
Michigan won the Joe Moore award for the best offensive line unit in 2021 and 2022. While they missed out in 2023, the attack played its part as the college went on to win the National Championship.
It’s another key issue for Sherrone Moore to address, and if they are going to emulate their success in 2023, they must improve in this area.
Dodgy Defense
That opening loss to the Texas Longhorns underlines some shortcomings in the Michigan Wolverines’ defense. This is an area where the team has been proactive, hiring Wink Martindale in the offseason as the replacement for Jesse Minter.
Martindale has experience in the NFL, but this is a different task. Once again, it’s an area where key players have graduated and cover is needed. Right through the team, recruitment is a key puzzle for Michigan to solve. Much of that work has already been carried out, but have the Wolverines done enough to ensure another successful season?
Wolverines Wounded
It’s only one defeat, but the fact that the Michigan Wolverines enjoyed a perfect regular season last year, has led to a media frenzy following that opening loss. Questions will inevitably be asked as the team looks to build on last term’s stunning success.
Fans of the team may need to lower their expectations for this term. The class of 2023 was a team at its peak, and the loss of its coach and several key players is almost impossible to overcome. Michigan can still go deep into the season, and enjoy some success, but this looks like being a transitional period for Sherrone Moore and his young roster.
