Jim Harbaugh sets lofty expectations for Michigan football: Can they be reached?
Can Michigan win the Big Ten?
There’s no question Michigan will be in contention for the Big Ten title. However, they’ll have to get through Ohio State in the East and then Wisconsin or someone else in the West to do it.
Last year’s success was driven by defensive stalwarts like Aidan Hutchinson, Daxton Hill and David Ojabo. That trio left for the pros.
Prediction: No, this feels like Ohio State’s year in the Big Ten.
Can Michigan win the national championship?
They made it to the College Football Playoff last year, so you can never say never.
At the same time, the Wolverines couldn’t contend with eventual champion Georgia in the CFP Semifinal.
The Bulldogs aren’t going away. Alabama is still a juggernaut. Ohio State is set up for success. If last year’s Michigan team couldn’t get over that hump, it’s hard to imagine the 2022 squad getting it done.
Prediction: No, even if the Wolverines manage to reload after key departures while beating out Ohio State in the Big Ten, SEC powers like Alabama and Georgia loom.
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