The Odyssey was surprised that Michigan football is as highly regarded in 2018 as the Las Vegas Oddsmakers and the Way-too-early Top 25’s indicate.
First, the Big 10 East is loaded. UM must travel to face its two arch rivals. The narrative seems to be this: Michigan was held back by poor quarterback play in 2017. Ole Miss transfer, Shea Patterson, is the antidote assuming the NCAA waives the usual one-year sitout rule for those who are not graduate transfers. That eventuality is no sure thing.
Neither is the antidote assumption. Michigan’s offensive line was below average in 2017 and loses 4-year starter, Mason Cole. When is the last time Michigan had a running back capable of making big plays? This is a trick question since the answer is Denard Robinson who often was the QB.
The quality of UM’s receiving corps is difficult to assess. Tarik Black was the Wolverines’ leading receiver when he cracked a bone in his foot in the Air Force game. Out for the year. Senior-to-be Grant Perry is a possession receiver and Donovan Peoples-Jones did not have a Freshman year befitting a 5-star recruit.
Further, some of the luster has come off Jim Harbaugh’s esteemed coaching pedigree. UM has suffered 6 late season losses in the past 2 years. Coach Khaki’s team had 2nd half leads in all 6 games. A great coach who cannot close? Hmmmm……
We could not believe our eyes when the Westgate rolled out its 2018 national championship odds and UM had the 5th lowest odds. In our opinion, this could have been the byproduct of increased legalization of marijuana.