2013 Michigan Wolverines College Football Predictions: BCS Odds and Projected Record

2013 Michigan Wolverines College Football Predictions – BCS Odds and Team Preview: Following a BCS bowl appearance in 2011, expectations were high for Michigan last year. However, any national title hopes were quickly crushed when Alabama stomped the Wolverines 41-14 in the opener. From there, an up-and-down offense plagued Michigan throughout the year, and the Wolverines managed just three points in a loss to Notre Dame and nine points in a loss to Nebraska. The year also ended on a couple of sour notes as quarterback Denard Robinson suffered an injury while the Wolverines lost to rival Ohio State in the regular season finale and went down to South Carolina in the Outback Bowl. After following a season when they overachieved with a disappointing campaign, the Wolverines performance in 2013 could go a long way to defining the future of the program. It could also go a long way to determining how long Brady Hoke remains  the coach.

The Good News:

While Denard Robinson did a lot to help revive the program, quarterback Devin Gardner’s passing ability will allow the Wolverines to establish a more balance offensive attack with a traditional ground game. Meanwhile, star left tackle Taylor Lewan elected to return for his senior season to anchor the offensive line, and top-rated running back Derrick Green was signed and should provide some immediate muscle to the ground game. Last year’s starting back Fitzgerald Toussaint will also be back, giving Michigan a solid 1-2 punch in the backfield. On the defensive side of the ball, cornerback Blake Countess returns after missing last year with a knee injury, giving the Wolverines a shutdown corner.

The Bad News:

The Wolverines don’t exactly bring back a lot of starters. Only four starters return on offense and only three for a defensive unit that was the strength of the team for most of last season. The defensive line in particular will need to be rebuilt with just one starter set to return. Worse yet, leading tackler Jake Ryan was lost for most of the year to a torn ACL. Meanwhile, the offense will have to make a transition to a more traditional pro-style attack, and receivers that haven’t been counted on much in recent years will have to step up.

Outlook:

While Michigan has a lot of talented players on its roster, this year’s team is somewhat short on experience, especially on the defensive side of the ball. As a result, it’s tough to see the Wolverines’ defense being able to bail out the offense as it did several times last year. Meanwhile, it’s hard to see the offense becoming an instant powerhouse its first full season as a traditional pro-style attack. The schedule does provide a bit of a break as an easy opening slate should allow Michigan’s newcomers to ease into their new roles. However, the Wolverines will be tested late as they close with three road games and home games against Nebraska and Ohio State. In the end, a road game against Michigan State could decide the season for Hoke and company. The Wolverines squeaked out a 12-10 win in Ann Arbor last year, but with the Spartans’ elite defense returning a lot of starter, the tables should turn in East Lansing. Michigan will have a solid season, but a Legends Division title will likely be just out of reach in 2013.

Prediction: 9-3, Second in Big Ten Legends Division

Preseason Vegas Odds for Michigan’s 2013 College Football Team:
Michigan’s 2013 Odds to Win BCS Championship: +4000
Michigan’s 2013 Odds to Win Big Ten Championship: +500
Michigan’s 2013 Odds to Win Big Ten Legends Division: +250

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