Controversy and multiple departures to the NFL surround the Michigan Wolverines entering this season. New coach Sherrone Moore only returns 36% of last year's roster, which creates speculation if we could see a down year from the defending champs.
ESPN's SP+ rankings don't think so, as they rank the Wolverines as the No. 7 team in the country. Michigan is also ranked third in the Big Ten behind Oregon and archrival Ohio State.
FINAL 2024 SP+ PROJECTIONS
— Bill Connelly (@ESPN_BillC) August 13, 2024
* UGA: No. 1. SEC: No. 1.
* Conventional wisdom is smarter this year. No fun.
* Iowa State: Returning Production national champ
* Most likely conference champs: Liberty 48%, Boise 44%, Memphis 34%, UGA 30%, Ohio State 30%https://t.co/wha5HHWRPq
I know what you're thinking — what on earth are these SP+ rankings? These stats measure tempo, a team's overall efficiency, and how good a team looks in wins or losses.
Michigan's offensive ranking at No. 41 makes sense. The Wolverines lost JJ McCarthy, Blake Corum, Roman Wilson, and six offensive linemen to the NFL, so to say it will be a new-look Wolverine offense would be an understatement.
Running back Donovan Edwards will demand a lot of attention from defenses, especially with new starting quarterback Alex Orji at the helm.
However, Michigan's defensive ranking at No. 4 tremendously helps their overall SP+ ranking. The Maize and Blue's defensive line will be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant combined for 6.5 sacks last year, as well as a couple of forced fumbles.
Will Johnson is also in the conversation for the best defensive back in the country. The junior had four interceptions and played a vital part in a solid secondary last season.
The Wolverines are ranked No. 9 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, two lower spots than the SP+ analytics. So ESPN's rankings see value in Michigan to have another strong season despite their many losses.
