The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1517673
APRIL 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 11 ❱ INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS Oregon Will Provide A Huge Test By Chris Balas Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale joked during his first press con- ference with the media that his new posi- tion wouldn't be much different than the one he held in the NFL for the previous 20 years, for one big reason — the schedule. Last year, the Wolverines weren't tested until they traveled to Penn State in November. This year will be much different, with Texas — a preseason top- 10 or even top-5 team, most likely — coming to Ann Arbor in Week 2. But that's not the one we're most concerned about head- ing into the spring, at least on paper. That would be Oregon, which travels to Ann Arbor Nov. 2. The Ducks lose starting quarterback Bo Nix but replace him with former Oklahoma starter Dillon Gabriel. They've got great team speed, have really supplemented their team in the transfer portal as well as just about anyone and are extremely well coached. ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach placed the Ducks No. 3 on his "way too early" 2024 rankings, one spot ahead of the Long- horns. That's how we see it, too, with both teams slated to travel to Ann Arbor. Both, however, will be very challenging, making it tough on Sherrone Moore in his first year at the helm. Regardless, this is the best home slate in years. Texas Game Will Be A Fight By Clayton Sayfie Texas lost 11 players from last year's College Football Playoff team that were invited to the NFL Combine, so it's not as if the Longhorns are bringing every- one back. However, they rank 25th nationally and 18th in the Power Five in ESPN.com's returning production metric, with key pieces still on the roster. Quarterback Quinn Ewers, Alabama wideout transfer Isa- iah Bond and others now know what it takes to compete for the national championship, and there's a reason why ESPN's updated way-too-early rankings released in February have the Longhorns No. 4, behind only Georgia, Ohio State and Oregon. The Nov. 2 clash with the Ducks is certainly near the top of the list when it comes to Michigan's toughest games outside of its trip to Ohio State, but we'll say the fight against Texas will be even more challenging. A lot of our reasoning has to do with where it's placed on the schedule. The Wolverines have a new coaching staff, along with a lot to replace on offense, with no spot more important than quarterback. It's uncertain if one of the signal-callers on the roster, all of whom lack starting experi- ence at U-M, or an incoming transfer would be fully in sync with the rest of the unit by Game 2 on Sept. 7. Texas, meanwhile, will be ready to rock with Ewers and Co. ❱ POINT ❙ COUNTERPOINT ❰ OTHER THAN OHIO STATE, WHICH 2024 MICHIGAN FOOTBALL GAME IS THE TOUGHEST? Michigan Football's March to 1,000 Wins and Twelve National Titles takes a close look at Michigan's first victory against Racine College in 1879. Then, it documents every win from #2 through victory #1,004 which clinched Michi- gan's twelfth national title on January 8, 2024. It is an epic journey that was made possible by the hard work and sacrifices of Michigan's captains, coaches, and players. The Wolverine football program's amazing legacy was built one team at a time and one game at a time. This timely book carefully documents every Wolverine football conquest and includes complete season and decade summaries. It also contains detailed accounts of some of Michigan's greatest gridiron victories. This book is full of pictures, charts, and statistics that bring the Wolverine football story to life. It is a must read for all die-hard Michigan football fans. Go Blue! Barry Gallagher is the best-selling author of eleven books including six about Michigan Wolverines football You can purchase this book on Amazon The First Team To Win 1,000 Games Gets a Book! Find Out How The Michigan Wolverines Built The Winningest Program In College Football History