There are a few things that could help make or break the 2024 season for the Michigan Wolverines, including things that are out of their control:.
The Michigan Wolverines are starting the season looking for another Big Ten championship after winning three in a row, but an expanded College Football Playoff means the margins for making the postseason aren’t as slim.
Here is what has the potential to make or break Michigan’s season.
Make: Alex Orji wins the starting QB job and his passing game exceeds expectations
There’s no question Orji is one of the quarterbacks getting the most attention because of his athleticism. Seeing him pick up popcorn kernels off the ground while balancing on one leg proves his freak athleticism.
Even with a strong ground game, Michigan still needed a competent passing attack in order to win the Big Ten the last few years. If Orji is going to help Michigan win in big games, he’ll need to complete some big-time passes.
Break: Michigan loses the turnover battle
We’ve seen Michigan struggle in some of its bigger games over the last few years, especially when it comes to turnovers. Michigan’s defense is going to be really good this season, but if the offense turns the ball over regularly, it’s hard to imagine the Wolverines will be able to sustain the kind of success they expect on that side of the ball.
Make: The coaching staff gets creative with Donovan Edwards
Edwards is a special player, but the team’s choice to use him creatively on offense has the potential to help take pressure off the quarterback in more ways than one. We’ve seen him throw the ball before, and he’s certainly one of the best receivers out of the backfield Michigan has had in a long time. He’ll be a versatile option that should be used as many ways as possible this fall.
Break: Injuries on the offensive line
Head coach Sherrone Moore and company have helped build up Michigan’s solid offensive line play over the past few seasons. While the Wolverines are rebuilding after six linemen declared for the NFL, the players expected to start should still help the team compete for a chance to make the College Football Playoff for a fourth straight season.
Since Michigan is breaking in a new quarterback, struggles on the offensive line could lead to some bigger issues. Most importantly, that includes putting the ball in precarious positions, or receivers trying to make a big play over protecting the football. Having an inconsistent offensive lines would really limit Michigan’s season.
Make: Wink Martindale’s scheme perfectly utilizes the talent on defense
Michigan’s defensive scheme has been a game-changer over the past three seasons. There’s some hesitation in the fan base about Wink’s system, but he’s going to have a very talented group of guys, particularly on the defensive line.
Last year, Michigan’s defense registered 40 sacks. Imagine getting pressure on Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, for example, early and often — even if Texas has a solid run game, it’s tough to move the ball if you’re one dimensional.
Break: Major injuries in the secondary
While Michigan secured some depth in the secondary through the transfer portal, it’s still not where it was at last season. In a season where you could have multiple CFP games and tests with top-25 opponents throughout the regular season, it feels like injuries can make a huge difference.
Michigan already lost Rod Moore, so another major injury in the secondary would hurt Michigan badly, especially in games against USC, Oregon and Ohio State .
Make: Dynamic player on punt return
The only thing that’ll make Michigan’s defensive performances even better would be a player able to pick up some extra yards on a punt return. Last year’s Michigan team had a total of 30 punt returns for 316 yards, averaging about 10.5 yards per return. If sophomore wide receiver Semaj Morgan can manage some of those big returns this season, that could certainly help kickstart the offense, or at least keep the defense from defending a short field.
Break: Struggles in the kicking game
Touchdowns won’t be as easy to come by this season compared to the early parts of 2023. If Michigan’s offense is struggling to move the ball, it’ll surely help to have a reliable kicking game to pick up some points, especially in the games against ranked opponents. The Wolverines went and got a reliable option in the portal in Dominic Zvada, who is kicking the lights out in fall camp right now, according to Sherrone Moore.
Make: Chip Kelly doesn’t “fix” Ohio State’s offense
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day got rid of quarterback Kyle McCord, brought in offensive coordinator Chip Kelly (after losing once-hired Bill O’Brien to Boston College), and gave up play-calling duties. Michigan’s path to the Big Ten Championship gets easier if Ohio State isn’t undefeated when the Wolverines head to Columbus this November. Ohio State faces Oregon and Penn State on the road, and if one or both of those teams manages to win, there could be less pressure riding on Michigan heading into The Game.
Break: USC’s DC D’Anton Lynn fixes Trojans’ defensive struggles early
Right now, it seems like Michigan is most likely to finish 9-3, but that’s if it loses all the games against higher-ranked opponents. Lynn, who was hired by Lincoln Riley this offseason, managed to turn UCLA’s defense around quickly . If he makes improvements for the Trojans right out the gate this year, it seems like Michigan’s game against USC is more concerning. Michigan doesn’t seem like the team built for winning a shootout, and that’s especially true this season. If Michigan lost all its games against ranked opponents, that’s not exactly the start to the Sherrone Moore era we’re hoping for.
What are some things you think could make or break Michigan’s season? Let us know in the comments below.