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Michigan Football: 5 reasons Wolverines will struggle in 2018

By Patrick Mayhorn

MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines prepares to take the field with his team prior to a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines prepares to take the field with his team prior to a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

3. No true workhorse running back

Just about every great Michigan team in modern history had two things in common. Firstly, they all had an excellent defense. That’s been a program staple since its inception, and defense is something the coaches, fans and players all take great pride in. There’s no reason to think Michigan won’t have an elite defense in 2018. They’ve got half of the equation done.

The other half is more tricky. In almost every great (11 or more wins) season since at least the 70s, Michigan has had a go-to, workhorse back. From Mike Hart, Jamie Morris and Billy Taylor to the likes of Fitz Toussaint and Denard Robinson, there’s only been one elite season in the last 50 years without a great back.

Strangely enough, it was the 1997 season, also known as the most recent national title season in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines leaned on a running back by committee system with Chris Howard and Anthony Thomas. That team dominated with defense, and their offense was generally average. This years team could look a lot like that, especially in the backfield.

After Ty Isaac went down with an injury last year, Michigan went to that same committee format, splitting carries between Karan Higdon and Chris Evans. Isaac is gone, while both Higdon and Evans return, meaning they’ll likely stick to that format.

Unlike in 1997, I don’t see it being effective enough to compete for a title this year. That 1997 defense was better than this defense will be, as was the offensive line. I wouldn’t be surprised if Higdon and Evans put up good numbers, but the style of play in college football has changed. Just good numbers won’t cut it with a defense that isn’t utterly dominant, or a passing game that doesn’t light it up.

Offenses need to be explosive to survive in 2018 and save for some flashes from Evans, I just don’t see either of these two doing that. The lack of a dangerous rushing attack will hurt Michigan a ton against great defenses, especially in cold weather Big Ten games.

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