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Michigan Football: 5 reasons why the Wolverines will struggle in 2017

By Andrew Miller

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines lead his team onto the field before a college football game against the UCF Knights at Michigan Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines lead his team onto the field before a college football game against the UCF Knights at Michigan Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines looks on while playing the Hawaii Warriors on September 3, 2016 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines looks on while playing the Hawaii Warriors on September 3, 2016 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

4. Fewest returning starters of any FBS team

According to Land of 10, Michigan only returns five starters from their 2016, the fewest of any FBS team in the country. Only one of those returning starters is on defense, senior defensive tackle Maurice Hurst Jr.

If Wilton Speight does not keep his starting job then that would put the Wolverines at just four returning starters from a season ago. Getting this team ready will be one of the tallest tasks that Harbaugh has ever faced in his coaching career. Quarterbacks John O’Korn and Brandon Peters could get a shot at the starting job as well.

Watch out for senior running back, and former USC transfer, Ty Isaac to really make his mark in 2017 with the departure of De’Veon Smith. However, freshman Chris Evans will get the bulk of the carries this season.

Transitioning the defense while facing such a tough schedule out of conference and in the Big 10 is the toughest thing to deal with when you’re talking about 10 new starters with this Michigan team.

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