If you could only pick 10 things to happen during Michigan’s 2024 college football season, what would you choose? Here’s a look at our season wish list:
It’s beginning to look a lot like college football season everywhere you go. Here’s a look at our 2024 Michigan football wish list:
No. 1: Michigan wins on the road in Columbus
It’s been more than 30 years (1988-93) since Michigan won four in a row against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Columbus is one of the most hostile environments in college football, especially for the Wolverines. If Michigan could go into The Shoe and come out with a victory, it’d be a pretty impressive start to the Sherrone Moore era.
b2b Donovan Edwards TD runs, you say? pic.twitter.com/Om1RQZ2t0i
— Michigan On BTN (@MichiganOnBTN) January 9, 2024
No. 2: Michigan wins at least two of its top-25 matchups
As it stands on the schedule, Michigan has games against four ranked opponents, including No. 4 Texas, No. 23 USC, No. 3 Oregon, and No. 2 Ohio State. While it’s easy to get greedy after winning a National Championship, Michigan likely doesn’t need an undefeated season to make the College Football Playoff in 2024; a program with multiple wins against ranked-opponents stands a solid chance.
No. 3: Make the College Football Playoff
If there’s anything that would continue to cement Michigan back into the world of college football powerhouses, it’s another trip to the CFP with first-year head coach Sherrone Moore.
No. 4: Win the Big Ten Championship — again
There’s a lot of buzz around Ohio State and Oregon, and even Penn State, this season, but Michigan has won the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis three years in a row. The early-season game against Texas won’t impact the team’s chance to be one of the highest-ranked teams in the Big Ten if the Wolverines can manage wins over Oregon and Ohio State.
No. 5: Michigan’s QB completes multiple 30+ yard touchdown passes
With reports swirling that Jack Tuttle’s recovery process is keeping him out of the quarterback race early on, the battle may have narrowed down to two quarterbacks. Whoever wins the starting job, be it Alex Orji or Davis Warren, it’d be nice to see them hit a few longer touchdown passes to help give some life to the offense.
No. 6: Semaj Morgan returns a punt for a touchdown
While there’s something methodical about Michigan’s ability to move the ball and sustain drives through its run game, there’s something special about a big return on special team.
No. 7: Michigan has four defenders compile at least five sacks
At the end of the 2023 season, Michigan’s defense registered 40 sacks on the year. Jaylen Harrell led the team with 6.5, followed by Josaiah Stewart (5.5), Derrick Moore (5), and Braiden McGregor (4.5). The good news is two of those four players are back on the roster this season. Michigan finished the season averaging about 2.6 sacks a game, would be nice if the Wolverines could improve on that, even just slightly.
No. 8: Will Johnson has at least six interceptions
We’re going to miss a lot of things Mike Sainristil brought to the defense in 2023, but Will Johnson’s experience and talent will help soften the blow. If Johnson can improve upon his four interceptions last season, that’d be something to celebrate, especially if teams are trying to avoid throwing his direction.
No. 9: Sherrone Moore continues telling reporters, “Talk to this guy.”
It’ll be a little weird at first, not having Jim Harbaugh on the sidelines, but if Sherrone Moore continues pulling over players for post-game interviews it’ll give us a little reminder of the little ways Harbaugh impacted this team. Plus, we could get another iconic Semaj Morgan interview, so there’s that.
I’ve watched Semaj Morgan’s postgame interview more than any highlight from yesterday
pic.twitter.com/XuL8x3nX7z— 〽️att Hartwell (@MaizeCrusader) December 3, 2023
No. 10: Donovan Edwards is Michigan’s leading rusher
While it’ll be nice if Michigan uses Donovan Edwards in the passing game, I’d still like to see him have a successful season as Michigan’s primary back. The offense needs his ability to make big plays on the ground with the difficult schedule ahead. Donovan Edwards performing well on the field should help the team build confidence.
What are some things on your season wish list? Let us know in the comments!