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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 17: Afolabi Laguda #1 of the Colorado Buffaloes walks away after Ty Isaac of the Michigan Wolverines scored during the third quarter at Michigan Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Colorado 45-28. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 17: Afolabi Laguda #1 of the Colorado Buffaloes walks away after Ty Isaac of the Michigan Wolverines scored during the third quarter at Michigan Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Colorado 45-28. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

2. Weak offensive line

The Wolverines will have trouble enough generating a consistent rushing attack without having a weak offensive line to work with. Moreover, Speight was sacked 20 times last season, which is too many for an injury prone quarterback. The same type of punishment for another year could make that even worse.

There’s two freshmen starting on the offensive line this year. The two guard positions are the ones that will be manned by first year players. That gives opposing defenses a clear point of attack in both the running and passing games. Only one senior returns along the offensive line.

Related Story: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

No conference has better front sevens than the Big Ten. That also spells trouble for Michigan. They have a lot of potential along the defensive line with Hurst Jr. and former No. 1 overall recruit Rashan Gary. However, holding off teams like Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Penn State, is not likely with the current situation at hand for Michigan.

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