Phil Steele has UM ranked #22

Submitted by unWavering on

Link here.

I personally think it's a little low, especially when you consider that he has ND at #21.  Notable:

 

Pointing downward are the fact that 
they benefitted from 3 net close wins, were +7 in TO's, had 
beneficial off (12.2) and def (18.5) ypp's and my Stock Market 
Indicator (pg 27) has them -5.0. This is an improved tm that 
probably won't match LY's 11 win total with gms away from 
home vs Alabama, ND, Neb and Ohio St but unlike LY, they 
could find themselves in the B10 Title game
 
Not much here that everyone doesn't already know, and he mostly just regurgitates game stats and results from 2011.  As with any pre-season ranking, take this with a massive grain of salt and always remember that he predicted this for us last season.
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phil steele

graybeaver

May 24th, 2012 at 5:47 PM ^

Why? I have a feeling that you think that about anyone that doesn't think Michigan is #1. If Michigan goes 9-3 and loses their bowl game they very well could finish the season ranked around #22. I think ranking them in the top ten is just as ridiculous.

Joined: 03/30/2012

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Perkis-Size Me

May 24th, 2012 at 9:29 PM ^

I think this is a little more accurate than ESPN placing us at #10. Way too many questions on both the offensive and defensive lines. Lewan is the only real standout on the offensive line (you could make a case for Omameh and Schofield, though), and considering our depth situation, its very likely freshman on the offensive line will have to see playing time. That and the defensive line are the last positions I'd want to see true freshman playing.

And even though Roh is returning, he was the least productive of the four starters on the defensive line last year. No offense to the guy, as I know he's putting in the effort, but its just the reality. Aside from Roh, the other three spots, likely to be taken by BWC, Black and Clark all just have too many question marks attached. They've all shown flashes, though, and they've got Hoke, Mattison and Montgomery in their faces every day, so who knows? Hopefully Pip does not have to see the field, either.

Don't really agree with Steele's All-Big Ten teams, but I think he's got his rankings right.

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