2023 ESPN Preseason SP+ Rankings: Michigan 3rd
ESPN+ content: https://www.espn.com/college-football/insider/story/_/id/35651872/2023-college-football-rankings-every-team
Bill Connelly posted his preseason SP+ rankings for 2023 and Michigan is 3rd behind Georgia and Ohio State. Takes into account returning production, recent recruiting, and recent history to build out projections for the upcoming year.
Notable overall and offense/defense rankings below:
1. Georgia (6 offense, 2 defense)
2. Ohio State (1 O, 10 D)
3. Michigan (8 O, 4 D)
4. Alabama (5 O, 9 D)
5. Penn State (21 O, 5 D)
25. Wisconsin (46 O, 11 D)
27. Iowa (81 O lol Brian Ferentz, 1 D)
30. Minnesota (61 O, 7 D)
47. Michigan State (48 O, 47 D)
February 14th, 2023 at 10:14 AM ^
This is bullshit yahearme, bullshit.
February 14th, 2023 at 10:34 AM ^
I'd rather have OSU overrated than underrated. Let's face it, the media gives them so much love all of time. I can see where Michigan's offense would rank 8th due to the running game and less yards passing. The passing offense is a gaudy stat and will always get attention.
I'm hoping to see more passing in the Michigan offense. Blake and Donovan will be the best combo for running in all of college football. Donovan should get more receiving opportunities. It should be a fun offense to watch.
Just win, baby!
February 14th, 2023 at 11:50 AM ^
Blake & Donovan has the potential to be among the best RB tandems of all time, possibly in the McFadden/Jones & Cadillac/Brown stratosphere
February 14th, 2023 at 11:25 AM ^
I believe that #8 for offense is about right, given the current history on JH likes to run his offense. I believe that if we want to take it to the final level (Top 2 or 3), then some more balance will be needed.
It will all come down to how much will they put on JJ. Yes we have Blake and Donovan. Yes, we have 2 time Joe Moore winning OLine (with plenty returning talent). But this past year JJ was just getting his feet under him. IF JH unleashes JJ complete potential, then this offense could easily be top 2 or 3.
Couple that with a Top 5 defense, it is easy to see why this year will be a Natty or bust type meme...
February 14th, 2023 at 1:56 PM ^
Need the receivers to step it up if JJ is to have a Heisman caliber season.
February 14th, 2023 at 11:40 AM ^
I'd rather be ranked much lower than #3 given past history when we've been ranked in the top five, but I guess it's nice to be well-regarded.
February 14th, 2023 at 1:45 PM ^
So we expect defense to be the strength of the MSU team this year?
February 14th, 2023 at 1:51 PM ^
We need a "Spring Game" countdown. And a HUGE turnout. It's an area we are lacking in.
February 14th, 2023 at 7:33 PM ^
Kinda interesting in comparing the S&P vs. Record.
February 14th, 2023 at 8:38 PM ^
I think we are about where I would expect. Ohio & Bama should be swapped & PSU seems high.
Roadies vs. PSU, MSU, Minny, Nebrasker, Maryland next year. Gonna be tough to go 5-0 in those.
February 15th, 2023 at 9:29 AM ^
After whooping their asses two years in a row and still be ranked lower than them is hilarious. That should be even more motivation to beat them again this year.
February 15th, 2023 at 11:34 AM ^
MSU is literally perfectly 47