Saturday Blitz
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 26: Mike Weber #25 of the Ohio State Buckeyes rushes the ball against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 26: Mike Weber #25 of the Ohio State Buckeyes rushes the ball against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

3. Competition at the top of the Big Ten

Every single one of the Big Ten teams ranked inside the Coaches Poll top 10 is a team that Michigan has to face this year. Two of the three teams they have to face from that group are on the road. And the other team is the Ohio State Buckeyes, who currently own a five-game winning streak over the Wolverines.

More from Michigan Wolverines

The Penn State Nittany Lions get Michigan at home, at Beaver Stadium in Happy Valley, and will be sure to look for revenge for their embarrassing defeat in 2016. Moreover, the Wisconsin Badgers have one of the best defenses in the country and get the Wolverines at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.

Even if Michigan wins one or two of those games, that would likely still not be enough to make it to the Big Ten Championship Game. The Michigan State Spartans will be looking for a comeback season in 2017 and could give the Wolverines a scare. Minnesota, with first year head coach P.J. Fleck will be a tough test as well. And don’t count out the Indiana Hoosiers from giving the Wolverines a run for their money.

Home/Michigan Wolverines