Way Too Early Top 25's Are Out: Michigan 7th, 11th

Submitted by BursleyHall82 on January 8th, 2019 at 8:42 AM

(Posted mistakenly to Diaries, too.)

The Way Too Early Top 25 rankings are out, and seeing as how we have nothing else to talk about for the next nine months, here they are.

We're 7th in Sports Illustrated. LINK They have Army and Notre Dame in the top 25, along with Big Ten opponents OSU, Penn State, Wisconsin, Iowa and MSU. That's seven ranked opponents on our schedule.

We're also 7th in USA Today. LINK

ESPN has us 11th. LINK

247 also has us 11th, one spot behind Penn State. LINK

Chalky White

January 8th, 2019 at 8:52 AM ^

I hate stuff like this. By the time they start that stupid daily countdown (in May) the fan base will have convinced themselves that this team is a national championship contender. When it doesn't happen again, the fan base will once again want to slit their throats with a butter knife just like always. Death, taxes, unrealistic expectations.

Monk

January 8th, 2019 at 11:14 AM ^

There is no way the fan base is going to think UM is a NC contender heading into next fall, the OSU game stings too much and most know that until they beat OSU, UM is not even winning the division, much less contend for the NC.  The Fla loss also will make fans more cautious.  These rankings with UM are just click bait. 

4th and Go For It

January 8th, 2019 at 8:58 AM ^

LOL at 247 putting Penn State as a top 10 team next year. McSorely and Miles Sanders are gone. Tommy Stevens is going to lead you to the promised land? After being unable to beat our McSorely his whole career? Ok. They're 15-19 in most of the other polls, which feel about right. 

I'd say us at 11 sounds about right too. Not quite top ten unless some things change on offense. The defense has some major questions marks and shoes to fill at DT, linebacker, and CB/Safety. Hope the young guys can step up.

4th and Go For It

January 8th, 2019 at 9:30 AM ^

True but we've seen flashes from Paye and Hutchinson to think we'll be ok at DE, whereas we have virtually no certainty at DT.  Replacing Bush is a challenge but Hudson coming back was big there for the LBs and we have a ton of bodies to throw at the position group to find a winner. CBs will be ok with Thomas and Vert as the top 2, but the third spot is where the concern lies - again a ton of option there though. With safety, hopefully Dax lives up to the hype and slots in to a starting role to cement that one. It's not all doom and gloom but DT is very worrysome.

4th and Go For It

January 8th, 2019 at 9:13 AM ^

I wouldn't say any of the team on our schedule aren't winnable games except for OSU which I'll say forever until we beat them again. 

The schedule isn't a cakewalk but we do get byes before going to UW and before playing MSU. PSU on the road but they'll take a step back again this year. Notre Dame will be very tough again but they're coming to A2 this time. The others are all games that are at least winnable. At the same time there's almost no room for error with tricky non-conference games to start the season, cross over with Iowa, and going on the road to Indiana before OSU. 

We have some major questions marks still on D and offense will need some new tricks. That said, I'm not ready to hang a definite preseason L next to anything other than OSU right now. 

Warm Cockles

January 8th, 2019 at 9:01 AM ^

When was the last time this team beat the pre season expectations?

When was the last time this team won a game where they weren't favored by a touchdown or more?

MgoWood

January 8th, 2019 at 9:01 AM ^

This is pretty close to where we finish next season, if we maintain current results. Help us offensive explosions next season, you're our only hope!

Guy Fawkes

January 8th, 2019 at 9:02 AM ^

Nothing else to talk about eh? How about that team that's #2 in the nation in BBall. They should be getting ALL of our attention while we put football on the shelf til about July 

MGoStu

January 8th, 2019 at 9:28 AM ^

Nothing else to talk about? Besides our basketball team? Also, I’m wondering if Bama’s Hei2man/Maizen is criticizing Saban’s recruiting and coaching right now

Steve in PA

January 8th, 2019 at 9:28 AM ^

This is autopilot and the perception of the program to the outside world.  Until JH & Co change perception this is the default start and finish general ranking of the program.

 

DualThreat

January 8th, 2019 at 10:38 AM ^

Damn it, how many freaking times are we going to have "one of the most difficult schedules in FBS"?  Every damn year lately.

Rudywasoffsides

January 8th, 2019 at 10:41 AM ^

Soooo a 7-6 MSU (20-18 last 3 seasons) team who is losing Felton Davis (60 percent of receiving) Layne and Willis (more depleted defensive backfield) LJ Scott (run game is terrible if you stop Lewerke) a starting o lineman, starting TE and had a ranked # 36 recruiting class is in the top 25? MSU is looking at losses to Wisconsin, OSU, Michigan minimum. 8-4

Penn state I can see being in the top 15 based on some of the game performances, but they lose quite a bit again and they have Franklin. 10-2.

osu is osu. 10-1 facing Michigan for division.

I would place Michigan around 15th to start the season based on the last two games and what they are losing. Need to adjust that offense that returns practically every starter. 9-2 facing OSU for division.

 

michigan wins finishing 10-2. Go blue.

Synful

January 8th, 2019 at 10:58 AM ^

While they feel a smidge high for us, the Army WTE unofficial ranking - great for them.  Always heartening to see a service academy doing well.