Even though this season has been disappointing, the Wolverines are hoping to clinch bowl eligibility for a fourth consecutive year. Sherrone Moore emphasized the importance of Michigan playing in a bowl game and what it would mean for the program:
Even though this season has been overwhelmingly disappointing, the Michigan Wolverines are pushing for a sixth win in 2024 to clinch bowl eligibility for a fourth consecutive year.
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore emphasized the importance of playing in a bowl game and explained what it will take for the Wolverines to get one more win this month.
“We have to get it, it’s huge for us and for the program,” Moore said. “It just gives you another chance to continue to play football, get better and impact this team. We’re just going to keep fighting. It’s my job to make sure the players are in a good head space so we can continue to push forward in a positive way and try to win.”
The Wolverines have to win at least one of the three remaining games with matchups against the Indiana Hoosiers, Northwestern Wildcats and Ohio State Buckeyes on the horizon. None of the upcoming games are guaranteed wins, but the path to postseason play is still within reach, as ESPN FPI gives Michigan an 82.3 percent chance to play in a bowl game.
Michigan has become accustomed to being a legitimate contender. It made eight bowl games in nine seasons under former head coach Jim Harbaugh, and is coming off three straight trips to the College Football Playoff.
Failing to appear in a bowl game in Moore’s first season would be a significant setback and could raise questions about the direction of the program entering a pivotal offseason. Despite being a far cry from the CFP this season, any bowl game would provide the Wolverines with additional practices and valuable postseason experience, which would benefit the underclassmen.
Sherrone Moore emphasized the importance of reaching a bowl game in his first season as #Michigan head coach.
“We have to get it. It’s huge for the program. It just gives you another chance to play, get better and impact this team.”https://t.co/fWevNtXOaQ pic.twitter.com/HUiWK85fhy
— Chas Post (@chas_post23) November 6, 2024
Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant said playing in a bowl game is important to the entire team and would be an opportunity for younger players to see increased playing time.
“It’s important to everybody. For the younger guys, it’s important because sometimes they don’t get as many reps as they want to, so the bowl game would allow them to do that,” Grant said.
If the Wolverines are able to get one more win, there are several bowls that would be potential landing spots , including the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, GameAbove Sports Bowl, Music City Bowl, Pinstripe Bowl, Rate Bowl and more.
But regardless of which bowl game they make and regardless of how “meaningful” it would be for spectators, these extra practices would be priceless to the future of the program. Young guys that we haven’t seen much of this season like running back Jordan Marshall, offensive linemen Andrew Sprague and Blake Frazier, and even quarterback Jadyn Davis, would have the opportunity to get better and compete for more playing time in 2025.
While this year has not gone according to plan, Michigan still has a chance to extend the bowl streak, which would serve as a foundation for Moore’s long-term vision of the program. Moore remains focused on becoming bowl eligible, stressing that it offers critical opportunities for player development and program growth.