The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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michigan football that day, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, along with covering 199 yards through the air. The Wolverines certainly weren't the only team to struggle that season against the Crimson Tide, which rolled to a 13-1 record and a second consecutive national championship. Alabama destroyed Notre Dame in the BCS title game, 42-14. Alabama's offense scored 40 or more points no less than eight times over the course of the season, averaging 38.7 per game. The Crimson Tide did it with an overpowering rushing attack (227.5 yards per game) and plenty of bite in the passing game, with quarterback A.J. McCarron throwing for 2,933 yards and 30 touchdowns. That's the sort of balance Hoke wants to see in Michigan's offense, and he made it clear upon introducing Nussmeier that he's anxious to work with him toward that end. "It's a great day for Michigan football in a lot of ways," Hoke said. "We're excited to have Doug here [to impact] what we'll do, both as an offense and as a football team." Hoke noted he first encountered Nussmeier when Hoke was the head coach at Ball State. Hoke had played football with the man serving as Nussmeier's agent during his NFL career. "Doug and I had a brief conversation, and I've tracked his career for a long time," Hoke noted. "He's a great fit, and will do a tremendous job with what we're doing offensively." Hoke mentioned Nussmeier's extensive experience coaching in college and professional leagues. He also pointed out an aspect to his coaching that makes him particularly attractive to Michigan, with a quarterback coming off an uneven first year of starting and several younger QBs. "He's developed some outstanding quarterbacks — A.J. McCarron, Jake Locker, Marc Bulger — at every level," Hoke said. "His tutoring of those guys is excellent. What's also exciting is the balance, from an offensive perspective, that Doug brings." Early 2014 Top 25 Does Not Include Michigan Following the conclusion of the 2013 college football season Jan. 6, many media outlets took a quick peek at 2014, revealing a projected top 25 for next fall. Michigan did not make ESPN.com's, SI.com's, USA Today's or AthlonSports.com's top 25. The closest the Wolverines came was ranking No. 28 by Athlon. "The bad news: Michigan underachieved in 2013. The good news: There's enough talent to rebound back into the top 25 in 2014," Athlon wrote. "Quarterback Devin Gardner returns, but the Wolverines have to get more help around him. Most of the defense returns, and another solid recruiting class will help Brady Hoke get Michigan back on track." Three of Michigan's 2014 opponents rank among the consensus top 25: Ohio State at No. 4, Michigan State at No. 8 and Notre Dame at