Michigan Football Will Be Aided By Weak Non-Conference Schedule In 2016

By Jason Shawley

Jim Harbaugh‘s inaugural season at the University of Michigan ended with an unexpected record of 10-3, which included 41-7 blowout win over Florida in the Citrus Bowl. The program was in the midst of an apparent rebuild following just their third losing season since 1967, but a quick turnaround has the Wolverines in a position to be an immediate national contender.

Everyone wants to see an elite program scheduling competitive opponents in their non-conference schedule, but for the Wolverines, a weaker lineup to open the season could be exactly what the team needs to have a shot at the conference title game and ultimately, a playoff berth in 2016.

Harbaugh will have to break in yet another quarterback for the upcoming season, and it’s anyone’s guess who it will be. That said, chances are it will be someone who hasn’t yet taken a snap for the Wolverines. Shane Morris and Wilton Speight each saw limited time in their careers and have completed just 52-of-112 passes for a touchdown and six interceptions. The competition will likely come down to freshman Alex Malzone and junior Houston transfer John O’Korn. The latter would’ve been involved in last year’s competition if the NCAA didn’t mandate non-graduate transfers sit out a season.

Regardless of who the starter is, there will almost definitely be a transition period, and the non-conference slate consisting of Hawaii, Central Florida and Colorado to open the season should keep the Wolverines on track before their September 24 meeting with Penn State. Opening weekend is a long way away, but the preparation for next year has already begun. Fans will get a closer look at the new-look Wolverines when the team takes the field for the annual spring game on April 4.

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