15-0 in 2018?

Submitted by Zenogias on

I was talking with a friend I trust on things related to Michigan football and he laid out what I thought was a fairly convincing scenario in which we go 15-0 this year, with wins against ND, Rutgers, Wisconsin, MSU, Penn State, OSU, and arch-rivals Illinois in the B1G championship game.

The crux of his argument boils down to the OL developing significantly (the addition of Calvin Anderson helps solidify left tackle), Shea is ruled eligible and takes his performance to a new level under QB whisperer Jim Harbaugh. An opening victory against Notre Dame provides the spark for our offense, who grow in confidence throughout the season. A modest improvement in pass protection combined with Shea's mobility puts opposing defenses in a bad spot, opening up the field so we can run whenever we want. Wide receivers exhibit the growth you'd expect from freshmen becoming sophomores, especially with a dedicated and experienced WR coach in McElwain. We have to rely on our defense against tougher teams, but between the reviatalized offense and Don Brown's dudes in year three in his defense, only a handful of games are even close. Naturally, all the momentum proves impossible to stop, and we steamroll through Clemson and Alabama on the way to a national championship.

I wanted to throw this up to the mgoboard and see what you all think, if this is just an outlier position or if it sounds realistic or plausible.

Merlin.64

February 17th, 2018 at 10:12 AM ^

In 1964, after a couple of very disappointing years (losing seasons, in fact), the Wolverines went 9-1, losing only to Purdue early in the season. We beat both the Spartans and Buckeyes on the road, breaking a string of defeats and holding the latter team scoreless. Michigan won the Big Ten championship and annihilated Oregon State in the Rose Bowl.

We were unlucky to lose to Purdue (with a quarterback named Griese, by the way), whom we outgained, but luck shifted: not only did Purdue later lose a couple of games, but against Ohio State we recovered two fumbles and Rick Volk had two vital interceptions.

With more experience, a more mobile (elusive?) quarterback, and our fair share of luck, we could do very well next year. Most of us would be delighted (stunned) with a one loss season, though those who made unwary bets might be relieved we did not go undefeated.

Or maybe not.

Go Blue!

(Incidentally, I was a student at UM that year.)