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Fox Sports gives five reasons why Michigan could win the 2016 College Football Playoff
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Fox Sports has spent the last couple weeks talking about teams who could win the 2016 college football playoff. Aaron Torres of foxsports.com gave reasons for Ohio State to win it all last Monday.
Yesterday, Torres made the case for Michigan.
No. 5 They have by far the best defense in the Big Ten
“While their biggest rivals Ohio State and Michigan State are in major rebuilding (or at least reloading) mode on the defensive side of the ball, the Wolverines have a unit which isn’t just “as good” as anyone in the conference, but is, point blank, better,” Torres writes. “No one has a combination of skill and experience quite like the Wolverines do.”
Torres has an absolutely spot-on point when he goes on to talk about Jabrill Peppers. Peppers can do it all, and cornerback Jourdan Lewis is a future first-round pick.
No. 4 They have by far the best running game in the Big Ten too
Torres talks about the physicality Michigan brought against its opponents a year ago and then talked about their stable of running backs.
“Nowhere was that more evident than in the running game, where the Wolverines averaged 158 yards per game, and they return the top three rushers from last season,” he said. “De’Veon Smith led the way with over 700 yards and six scores and behind him are veterans Drake Johnson and Ty Issac, meaning that regardless of who’s in the game, this unit shouldn’t miss a beat.”
I’ll say this – the Wolverines may not have the best back in the conference, but they do have the depth needed at the position.
No. 3 Whoever wins the quarterback job will have plenty of help around him
Torres talks about not only the running game the Wolverines possess, but the team’s pass-catchers as well. Yes, tight end Jake Butt and receivers Jehu Chesson Amara Darboh are talented, but will they be able to lift up the uncertain quarterback play? Time will only tell.
No. 2 The Big Ten is down
“Yes, Urban Meyer has recruited his brains out in four years in Columbus, but the Buckeyes will still be one of the most inexperienced teams in college football after losing over a dozen draft picks last spring, including a near-record five first rounders,” Torres said. “Michigan State lost a three-year starter at quarterback and has holes to fill on the defense. Iowa has plenty of question marks too. So does the rest of the Big Ten, where there are no obvious threats to Michigan”
The Big Ten may not have any incredibly special teams, but Ohio State, Michigan State and Iowa all have extremely talented players on their rosters. None of those teams are perfect, but they all play Michigan this season and the Wolverines will be on the road for all three of them.
No. 1 In Harbaugh we trust
Jim Harbaugh’s great, but can he win a national title in Year 2? Let’s give him a little more time.
Torres’ full article can be read here.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.