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ESPN analyst predicts 3-loss regular season for Michigan in 2024
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ESPN’s Heather Dinich isn’t optimistic about Michigan’s chances to successfully defend its national championship this fall.
The Wolverines have a new coach, a new quarterback and numerous other key pieces on both sides of the ball. Dinich gave her take on Michigan’s outlook on Tuesday morning’s episode of “Get Up.”
“When I look at this team, I see 3 losses,” Dinich said. “At home against Texas, at home against Oregon and, as we just talked about, against the Buckeyes.”
Dinich cited Michigan’s severe lack of returning production in her prediction, particularly on offense. The Wolverines rank 132nd nationally (out of 134 teams) in weighted offensive returning production, per Bill Connelly’s latest SP+ update.
Michigan also has an unforgiving schedule. The 3 teams Dinich is predicting Michigan will lose to are all expected to reach the College Football Playoff in 2024 and could all be preseason top 5 squads.
If Michigan does go 9-3 with losses to Texas, Oregon and Ohio State, its College Football Playoff case will be interesting. The Wolverines will likely have to hope for some help from other teams around the country in order to squeeze into the top-12, even if their only losses are to Playoff contenders. Michigan also has to face USC, Michigan State and Washington, amongst others, during the regular season.
Still, Dinich left the door open for the Wolverines to get back to the CFP in 2024.
“That doesn’t mean they’re out of the College Football Playoff,” Dinich added. “We don’t know if a 3-loss team can get in the CFP. But it will be a lot more difficult, that’s for sure.”
Michigan has been the Big Ten’s most dominant program over the past 3 seasons. The Wolverines are 27-1 in conference play over that span, with the lone loss coming to Michigan State in 2021.
Michigan is currently +750 to win the Big Ten this season, per the latest odds at FanDuel. That’s 4th amongst Big Ten programs. The Wolverines’ regular-season win total has been set at 8.5 wins.
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GET THE APPMichigan will open the 2024 season against Fresno State on Aug. 31.
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Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.