Today's Big Ten football preview takes us to the Jim Harbaugh led Michigan Wolverines. Michigan had an impressive first season under Jim Harbaugh, finishing 10-3 in the coach's debut.
The Wolverines will have to find a starting quarterback this fall after losing Jake Rudock, but will return an ample amount of viable weapons on both sides of the ball. The wide receiver corps that features Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson, along with tight end Jake Butt, should be more than enough to help out whatever quarterback steps in to replace Rudock.
The Wolverines return four starters on the offensive line which should help a run game that finished 83rd in the nation a season ago.
The defensive unit is where the Wolverines shined during the 2015-16 season. Michigan finished fourth in total defense and first in the nation in pass efficiency. Defensive safety/line backer Jabrill Peppers returns to help out the Wolverines secondary.
The Wolverines have to travel to Iowa, Michigan State and arch-rival Ohio State this season, but their non-conference schedule should not cause them too many problems.
Key Returners
WR: Amara Darboh
TE: Jake Butt
S/LB: Jabrill Peppers
Key Losses
QB: Jake Rudock
LB: Royce Jenkins-Stone
C: Graham Glasgow
For more information about the 2016-17 season for Michigan, watch the video above of head coach Jim Harbaugh addressing the media at Big Ten Media Days, and listen to Joe Quinn and Nick Handley of AM 590 ESPN Omaha talk to Michigan beat writer Mitch Baumgardner below.
