What Do You Think Happens in 2017?

Submitted by maizeonblueaction on

Obviously, we're all thinking about 2016 first and foremost at this point, but I just got around to reading PFF's Michigan preview, and the thing that stuck out to me was how many seniors we have this year. Of course, that means they will be gone by 2017, and need to be replaced. The big unknown is who steps up this year and becomes an established starter by 2017, particularly at QB and offensive skill positions, and replacing the D Line and secondary. 

 

That being said, how do you think 2017 shakes out for us? Obviously, the Florida game will be big, as it's at a neutral site, and they should be theoretically much improved from the end of 2015 when we last played them, as their offense was absolutely gutted by then. Conversely, we have the two big rivals at home, Wisconsin on the road, and no Iowa. Do you think we take a step back in 2017, then, at least in terms of win total?

 

Edit: Sigh, I'll take my lashing. I'm just getting a little sick of the anticipation for 2016.

MGoBoard

MGoStrength

August 14th, 2016 at 3:04 PM ^

We probably take a step back, but it's hard to to guage when I don't know the makeup of other team's rosters.  I would still imagine we're a winning team, like in the 6-8 win range.  But, you'd have to think it's a rebuilding year when so many new starters and younger players playing.  Offhand, my hunch is that becasue OSU is young & talented that in 2017 they are the big favorite to win the B1G once their younger players gain experience.  They probably don't graduate or have as many guys enter the draft next year as they did this year.  But, you would certainly think our team takes a step back with all the 4th and 5th year players we have on the current roster.  

Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 20002

A Fan In Fargo

August 14th, 2016 at 4:44 PM ^

I think the 2017 offense will be better than the 2015 offense. That much I do believe. Defense has some big shoes to fill experience wise. Lot of talent coming in though. Damn I hope Peppers stays.

Joined: 02/16/2014

MGoPoints: -9997722

MGoStrength

August 16th, 2016 at 8:06 AM ^

So, basically you're basing your entire argument on hope?  What proven contributors will be on the team in 2017?  QB...nope, RB...nope, WRs...nope, OL...nope.  Who will be our playmakers?  Now that's not super unusual since it's a year and a half away.  But, it seems pretty likely we are expecting a bunch of guys who have yet to prove much value to be really good.  History suggests that's not wise.

Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 20002

MichiganMan20

August 14th, 2016 at 4:37 PM ^

Dude there is no way we're just a 6-8 win team in Harbaughs 3rd year. Maybe not a NC contender like this year but we should still win at least 9-10 games. We will be young but the talent will still be there. Let's not forget that OSU won a NC in 2014 with a young team similar to the team we'll have next year in terms youth and talent. I honestly think we should be able to reload with the way Harbaugh is recruiting.



Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

Joined: 05/16/2010

MGoPoints: 4110

MGoStrength

August 16th, 2016 at 8:10 PM ^

I think 6 wins is on the low side and probably would be disapointing, but I'd be surprised if we win more than 9 games.  Remember we play Florida in a neutral site game in TX in addition to OSU, MSU, PSU, and Wiscy.  

 

On offense, the only potentially returning current starters will be Cole, Newsome, whoever is our QB, and whoever is our slot WR.  Both RBs will be gone, both WRs, TE, and 3 OL (Mags, Kalis, & Braden).  To date neither Dawson, Kugler, nor JBB have played much and the other options are true freshman or guys that are freshman right now, whom we've never play in college.  We're probably looking at Isaac & Walker as RBs unless one of the freshman is better.  Do we assume Bunting, Wheatley, Ways, & Harris are our playmakers?  Will a true freshman like DPP, Samuels at RB, or Nico Collins be an impact player?  And, we haven't eve signed any of those guys yet.  Or are we assumning current freshman will be good whom we've never seen play in college?

 

On defense, the only potentially returning starters will be Gary, McCray, and possibly Peppers, but he may declare for the draft.  We lose Charlton, Wormley, Glasgow, Godin, Gedeon, Lewis, Clark, Stribling, and Thomas.  We'll have Mone and Hurst probably back as contributors, but after that it's pretty thin on the d-line.  LBs will probably be current freshman or true freshman.  DBs will be Kinnell, and either Watson or the current freshman (Hudson, Hill, & Long) or true freshman.  Again, not a lot of guys we've seen do much in college yet.

 

That's gonna put a lot of guys into starting roles that haven't seen much playing time yet and a lot of other guys in backup roles who are either current true freshman or will be next year. That is typically not a recipe for a 10-win team.

Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 20002

Alpaca

August 14th, 2016 at 3:06 PM ^

Bringing it back home for the 2nd time in a row of course! But looking at how Harbaugh recruits I think we are getting in place to reloading good players every year. Not worried about Dline because I believe Mattison has done a good job rotating guys to give experience all around.

Joined: 10/20/2013

MGoPoints: 909

ken725

August 14th, 2016 at 3:07 PM ^

  1. Heat a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground chuck and sausage into the hot pan, and cook until evenly browned. Drain off excess grease.
  2. Pour in the chili beans, spicy chili beans, diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the onion, celery, green and red bell peppers, chile peppers, bacon bits, bouillon, and beer. Season with chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, cumin, hot pepper sauce, basil, salt, pepper, cayenne, paprika, and sugar. Stir to blend, then cover and simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. After 2 hours, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder if necessary. The longer the chili simmers, the better it will taste. Remove from heat and serve, or refrigerate, and serve the next day.
  4. To serve, ladle into bowls, and top with corn chips and shredded Cheddar cheese.

Joined: 10/26/2008

MGoPoints: 32866

maizeonblueaction

August 14th, 2016 at 3:26 PM ^

I can't speak for every thread you take issue with, but I'm personally getting tired of the threads where people circlejerk and get actually offended when someone predicts us to go 10-2 (probably a reasonable enough projection).  It seems to me we have talent and questions this year, but I think 2017 sets up to have more questions than talent, so I'm wondering if this is our best shot to win it all for a while.

Joined: 12/19/2011

MGoPoints: 777

Richard75

August 14th, 2016 at 5:50 PM ^

Everyone has questions. That goes without saying.

If you think U-M has more questions than two of its opponents, fine, 10-2 is perfectly reasonable. What annoys people is pessimists constantly saying "But we have questions!" as if that on its own means anything.



Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

Joined: 09/23/2008

MGoPoints: 5291