Facing Reality

Perhaps Michigan fans were naive at the beginning of this season.  Perhaps it was the neutral-field win against Florida (who has proved to be a far inferior team) gave the maize and blue faithful a false sense of security.  When this year began there were more than a fair number of fans who were declaring that this would be Michigan’s year to reach the College Football Playoff.  Sure there were the naysayers on ESPN and the Phil Steele’s of the world who thought Michigan’s youth would hurt them - but come on - we have Jim Harbaugh and our toughest opponents at home this year.  Surely Michigan would take the next step from a NY6 bowl to a spot in the final four.

Turns out that, yeah, that probably isn’t going to happen.  At the halfway point in the season, two things have become absolutely apparent.  First, Michigan has one of the best defenses in the nation.  Second, Michigan has an abysmal offense.  In fact, the offense is so bad that one of the nation’s top defenses cannot overcome it’s counterpart’s deficiencies.  It can be argued that even a marginally average offense would be able to lead this team to a 6-0 mark this year instead of the 5-1 record that the Wolverines earned following a disasterous performance against in-state rival Michigan State.

Yes, Michigan lost it’s starting quarterback for the year with a back injury.  But let’s be honest, Wilton Speight was not playing well at the time he was injured.  In fact, many were clammoring for John O’Korn to come in and replace him.  And O’Korn did prove to be a spark for the offense in the second-half of the game against Purdue.  But for the last few weeks, fans have seen the Michigan offense get worse.  Turnovers, dropped passes, missed receives, poor blocking, and maybe most importantly, questionable play calling have led to a regression of the offensive unit.

Now Michigan heads to State College to face a team looking to avenge an ugly 39 point loss last year.  A white-out in prime time against the nation’s best player is a recipe for disaster - especially for a team that struggles in the red zone and has been unable to confidently execute offensively for 4-quarters all year.  Penn State is looking to make a statement win before the first playoff rankings are released.  A win against Michigan’s defense would certainly garner them plenty of votes for a coveted spot in the top-4.

So where does all of this leave Michigan?  Realistically finishing the season 8-4.  Outside of the Big Ten championship game and well outside of a spot in the playoff.  Would this make the season a failure?  Depends on your expectations for year 3 of the Harbaugh regime.  Jim Harbaugh didn’t forget how to coach.  He also didn’t forget how to recruit.  Those “fans” clamoring to have him fired or even put on a hot seat are so far removed from reality that it barely warrants a response.

Brighter days are on the horizon for Michigan, but unless Tom Brady comes through the door with a year of eligibility remaining, those days aren’t going to be in 2017.