Michigan Football: 5 takeaways from Wolverines’ 2017 season

5. Not enough quarterback improvement

Michigan began its 2017 season with returning quarterback Wilton Speight. After an impressive 2016 season with Speight, it was a good feeling to start the season with him.

With Speight’s steady hand, the Wolverines dominated their season opener against the Florida Gators. We said goodbye to Speight for the season after he endured a back injury in the fourth game vs. Purdue. Shortly after, the Wolverines find that injuries will have a huge impact for their quarterbacks and it’s hard to go out and perform as a strong team when there is no set leader.

Michigan started the season unstoppable, ranked No. 7 when things got started, but no one could have guessed what was to come.

It turned out to be the season of low points, and players flopping in big games. Michigan has never really seen such a downfall in this position on the field.

However, Speight did begin the season, leading his new starters on field — completing 54.3 percent of his passes. But after his injury, he made the decision to graduate transfer.

Next, the Wolverines brought out John O’Korn and he struggled mightily after losing to teams like Michigan State and Penn State. Brandon Peters then took over, winning against Maryland and but losing to Wisconsin.

During the season, the Michigan quarterbacks were taking too many hits. Peters took a hit in the Wisconsin game that ended with him suffering a concussion.

Looking to 2018, Joe Milton, a top quarterback recruit will enroll for spring practice and Shea Patterson is transferring from Ole Miss which means the Wolverines will not have a true veteran quarterback, but in the end, quality players are important.