Michigan Wolverines 2022 College Football Preview
July 26, 2022
2021 Recap
Record – 12-2
ATS – 10-3-1
Yes, guy.
The Wolverines did some fine work as they rocketed off to a 7-0 start before falling to Michigan St in a close and entertaining battle (L 37-33). They rolled the rest of the way and finally booked a win over Ohio St (W 42-27) and then followed up that impressive showing with a CREMATION of Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game (W 42-3). Michigan made their first trip to the CFP and lost to the eventual champs from Georgia (L 34-11). Overall, you’d have to say that was a job well done.
Michigan Wolverines 2022 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Wolverines were productive (36 PPG, #16 FBS) and balanced (214 YPG rush, 229 pass) en route to the Big Ten title. They’re well-positioned for another yuuuge season as almost all of the key components return for battle including the majority of their outstanding OL, and note that they scooped all-Universe center Olusegun Oluwatimi from Virginia to add to the embarrassment of riches. They’ve got two capable starting QBs and Cade McNamara gets a ton of credit for his performance and leadership in 2021. Losing #1RB Hassan Haskins and his impossible 20 (!) rushing TDs is a kick in the JACOBS but a deep RB room still features the dangerous Blake Corum (952, 11 TD, 24 receptions LY) and dual threat Donovan Edwards. Everyone returns at WR and they get back Ronnie Bell who missed almost the entire 2021 season due to injury (1 reception, 76 yard TD). They’ve also got a great 1-2 combo at TE to keep the chains moving. Expect more big things from the Michigan offense this year.
DEFENSE
Things don’t look as rosy on this side of the football and it appears certain that they’ll be unable to duplicate their fine performance from 2021 (17.4 PPG, #8 FBS, 331 YPG, #20). The Wolverines lose a number of stars including the devastating duo of Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo who combined to register 25 (!) sacks LY. The DL has some highly-touted youngsters but they’ll need to produce right away and it’s unclear if anyone can provide major heat on the QB. The LB group moves on with just a single returning starter but Junior Colson has the potential to be a good one. The back end might be the strength of the defense even with the departure of #1 NFL DC Daxton Hill. Two starters will complement other talented pieces including a pair of frosh with high ceilings. It’s important to note that Michigan will be working with a new DC (Jesse Minter, Vanderbilt LY). This looks like an above-average stop unit on paper, but not a killer, unless they find a couple of dangerous pass-rushing threats.
SPECIAL TEAMS
WHOA, NELLIE.
The Wolverines had the great Phil Steele’s #1 special teams group LY and everyone is back for 2022. They were productive at KR/PR and both punter Brad Robbins (44.2 net) and PK Jake Moody (23-25 FG, 56-56 XP, Lou Groza Award winner) had phenomenal 2021 seasons.
Schedule Analysis
Overall – It doesn’t look bad. They should start 4-0 without breaking a sweat, have just two scary-looking tests (at Iowa, at Ohio St), and play eight games in Ann Arbor.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – September 24 – Maryland
The Wolverines might be a little sleepy considering this is their 4th consecutive home game and note that they’ve got a massive road date with Iowa on deck. Not an ideal spot to lay the home chalk, yo.
Season Win Total
per BetOnline July 26
Over 9.5 -115
Under 9.5 -115
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Over
A nine-win season is probably the floor for this team so we see a bit of value with the ‘over’.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
Michigan has started to get their MOJO back at home as they are 20-1 (!) over the last three full seasons in Ann Arbor (2018,2019,2021).
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
There’s many a SLIP between a CUP and a LIP, but it looks as though Michigan will roll through the regular season without much trouble and then battle Ohio St in a DEFACTO “Big Ten Championship Game”. We’re not in love with the defense as we approach press time but we’ll call for a 10-2 season and a trip to a top-notch bowl game.
LET’S GO BLUE!
Want more Michigan football ?
WEBSITE
https://mgoblue.com/sports/football
FORUM
https://michigan.forums.rivals.com/forums/football.20/
https://247sports.com/college/michigan/Board/Stadium-and-Main-103320/
https://michigan.forums.rivals.com/forums/the-fort.18/
NEWS
http://www.detroitnews.com/sports/michigan/
http://www.freep.com/sports/wolverines/
https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/130/michigan-wolverines