10 preseason questions for Sherrone Moore's Michigan ahead of 2024 season
Last season was a triumph for Michigan football, as it had a perfect season, a national title, a measure of vindication for the program and league. But so many things have changed since then.
Jim Harbaugh went to the NFL, as did many of the top players, particularly on offense. Here are 10 questions new UM coach Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines will face this season.
10 preseason questions for Michigan Wolverines
#1 How ready is Sherrone Moore?
The first time coach did get a brief taste of the role a year ago, serving as acting coach for four games during Jim Harbaugh's NCAA-related exile.
Nevertheless, he's still a first-time coach and will ride the difficult reality between imposing his own philosophy on the program and recognizing that when it's most assuredly not broken, it might not need much fixing.
#2 What's going on at quarterback?
JJ McCarthy certainly left big shoes to fill, and it's not entirely clear what direction Michigan will go at quarterback.
Alex Orji is a talented runner (86 yards, one TD last year) but has been an uncertain passer. Jack Tuttle and Jayden Denegal got some end-of-game minutes in blowouts last year, while Davis Warren has a big arm. But who will it be, and will we see several of these QBs at some point in 2024?
#3 Can Edwards replace Corum?
The loss of power back Blake Corum is huge. Donovan Edwards, who had a great season in relief in 2022, is hyped as the replacement.
Last season, he had 497 yards but just 4.2 yards per carry for a UM team that averaged 4.5 as a squad, including sacks. Can he be a 20 carry a week back? If not, can Kalel Mullings or Jordan Marshall help?
#4 Who is WR1?
While All-American tight end Colston Loveland will be the top receiver, who will be the big play wide receiver for UM?
Roman Wilson is gone, as is Cornelius Johnson. The top returnee is Semaj Morgan (22 catches, 204 yards), but Tyler Morris or Frederick Moore could shine, as could Youngstown State transfer CJ Charleston.
#5 How much of a falloff will the OL have?
It's an entirely new crew on the line. Moore was, of course, an offensive line coach, but even he will have his work cut out.
Northwestern transfer Josh Priebe is experienced, but many of the others who will play aren't. Trying to be adequate up front will be an early key for the Michigan Wolverines.
#6 Who's the top pass rusher?
While the defense isn't as decimated as the offense, there are questions on that side of the ball. Senior edge Josiah Stewart had 5.5 sacks a year ago, while junior Derrick Moore added five more. Will Michigan have a dominant pass rusher or several capable ones?
#7 How's the new defensive coordinator going to fit?
Don Martindale has to take over a defense that won a national title while lalowing just 10.4 points and 247 yards per game.
Good luck going anywhere but down from there. Given the loss of personnel and the questions on offense, Martindale might play a bit more bend-but-don't-break style that he'd prefer.
#8 Will they be ready for Texas?
Michigan's first test of 2024 comes in Week 2. Texas has a high-octane offense and a talented defense. Michigan will host the game but will have to show some genuine explosiveness to keep this one close. It will be a significant early challenge.
#9 How many losses can Michigan endure to still have a decent season?
A 9-3 season seems like a reasonable one for the team. The Wolverines play Texas, USC, Oregon and Ohio State, albeit with only the last of those four on the road.
There are many questions with the new season, so handling the weaker foes and being competitive against the big dogs could be sufficient for 2024.
#10 What's the path to the playoff?
First, it's got to include probably 10 wins. Oregon and Ohio State are the two most likely suspects for the Playoff in the Big 10, so beating one of them would be significantly helpful.
At the end of the day, the entire path is something of a long shot but is far from impossible.
What are you wondering about Michigan in 2024? Share your questions or reactions below in our comments section: