Michigan Football Preview 2017

2017 Michigan Football Preview

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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Top Five Goals In 2017 Michigan met some of the goals we set for them last year, including beating a rival (Michigan State) and securing an- other elite recruiting class. Here are our top five expectations for the 2017 Wolverines: 1. Beat The Buckeyes Beating a rival was No. 2 on this list last year, and Michigan did, dispatching Michigan State on the road. The Wolverines and Spartans now seem to be headed in opposite directions — U-M on the ascent, MSU in turmoil. Now it's time to beat the rival and slay the dragon that is Ohio State. Turnovers, bad breaks and [cough] a sketchy spot cost the Wolverines last year in a game in which they outplayed the Buckeyes, but all that matters is the 'W' or the 'L.' Michigan has only one in the former column against its rival in the last 13 meetings and is 0-2 under Jim Harbaugh. 52 ■ THE WOLVERINE 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2. Split two big road games to be in position to make the Big Ten Championship Game Again, it should have happened last year, but it's almost unfathomable that the Wol- verines haven't been in any of the six Big Ten title games. The Wolverines have to replace 10 starters on defense and seven on offense, but there's enough talent here to improve throughout the season and beat any team on the schedule. Basketball coach John Beilein always talks about "being in position to be in posi- tion," and the Wolverines will have to win at Penn State or Wisconsin, most likely, to be in contention for the Big Ten East Division title heading into the finale, a home game with Ohio State. Michigan has not beaten Ohio State since the 40-34 victory in 2011, but they do get the Buckeyes at home this season. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL

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