10 teams that will take the next step after big win in bowl game

2. Michigan

8-4 (5-4)

Outback Bowl: Wolverines vs. South Carolina, Monday, Jan. 1

Similar to Stanford, which of course can thank Jim Harbaugh for its resurgence over the past decade, Michigan should be considered among the early national championship contenders for 2018. A win over South Carolina in the Outback Bowl would practically guarantee that level of offseason hype.

The Wolverines endured a rebuilding season in 2017, most notably replacing all but one starter on defense and more than half its offense from the 2016 squad. And while no one in Ann Arbor was happy with four losses during the regular season, it’s worth noting all four came to teams in the top 16 of the final College Football Playoff rankings.

The two-deep will have many more familiar faces heading into the 2018 season. The defense currently features three senior starters and four others that contribute, which is great news for a unit that ranks third nationally in total defense (268.6 yards allowed per game) and seventh in yards per play (4.47). In addition to star linebacker Devin Bush and defensive lineman Rashan Gary, all four starters could also return for the secondary that led the country in pass defense (142.7 yards allowed per game).

Offensively, running back duo Karan Higdon and Chris Evans, who combined for 1,590 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, should return as well as each of the eight top pass catchers from the ’17 squad, headlined by dynamic freshman Donovan Peoples-Jones. Such experience at the skill positions should help the quarterback, whether it’s Brandon Peters or former Ole Miss signal Caller Shea Patterson, improve upon the mediocre 354.9 yards of offense the Wolverines produced per game during the regular season, as well as the 5.34 yards per play gained.