Michigan Football: 5 bold predictions for 2017 season

Can Michigan football make something of itself in 2017 with so few returning starters and questions at quarterback?

The Big Ten could be one of the best, if not the best, conferences in college football this year. Michigan is the third highest ranked team in the Amway Coaches Poll. They take on a top 25 team from the SEC to start the season.

Michigan faces the Florida Gators in a rematch of the 2016 Citrus Bowl. Florida suspended star receiver Antonio Callaway, and six others, for the season opener. Not having Callaway on offense will help Michigan’s chances.

With five returning starters, Michigan loses more starters than any other FBS team. If Wilton Speight is benched early in the season, that would leave only four starters. The defense only returns one starter. Meanwhile, the offense returns four starters.

The tough part for Michigan is that they face the three other contenders in the Big 10. Two of the matchups are on the road. Michigan travels to University Park and Madison to face Wisconsin and Penn State. The Ohio State Buckeyes do come to Ann Arbor.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh turned Michigan into a media favorite. Harbaugh created his own personality that keeps the Wolverines consistently in the spotlight. He has a difficult task in restoring this Michigan roster to a contender for the Playoff.

Getting past Penn State and Ohio State is tough enough. Avoiding upset from Michigan State, Minnesota and Indiana. Michigan State and Minnesota are real threats to shock Michigan with P.J. Fleck and Mark Dantonio as head coaches.

The quarterback battle has been a story to follow. Speight should start the year behind center but Houston transfer John O’Korn and freshman Brandon Peters could see time. Starting quarterback could have the biggest effect on Michigan’s success.

Now, let’s take a look at five bold predictions for the Michigan Wolverines in 2017.