Opposing Big Ten coaches have many questions about Michigan football in 2024

Not long ago, Athlon Sports spoke to various coaches in the Big Ten Conference and they gave their opinions on the state of the various programs. The caveat here is that you don’t know which coaches – assistants or head coaches – are saying what. Everyone who provides their quotes is anonymous.

“The trick for Sherrone (Moore) is to maintain the momentum of a national championship culture despite all the roster changes. I think you’ll see a lot of familiar practices and ideas from (Jim) Harbaugh in this first season because they have to rebuild before they can bring a new signature to the program.”

Michigan is coming off a full season where it didn’t lose a single game, but after losing Jim Harbaugh, this coach believes the Wolverines will replicate the philosophies Harbaugh has embraced for years — even with Sherrone Moore at the helm. This coach says Michigan needs to rebuild before Moore can give the program his signature. Given what Moore has done through the transfer portal, this coach might be surprised at what the maize and blue do.

“The defense will lead the way for them; that can help bridge the rebuilding on offense. Will (DC) Wink (Martindale) just rip it up and blitz? That will be interesting to see.”

The above quote from a Big Ten coach sounds pretty spot on. They say the Wolverines’ defense will be a game changer for Michigan in 2024, and it will be interesting to see how Wink Martindale handles the defense. Agreed. Martindale is the OG of the defense Michigan has played since 2021. Plus, the Wolverines have so many playmakers returning on that side of the ball, like Will Johnson, Mason Graham, and Kenneth Grant, to name a few, that it’s bound to be a top-five defense again.

“They’re basically turning the entire offense upside down and having to find some talented receivers for whoever gets the starting quarterback spot.”

That seems like a fair statement. Outside of the QB position, wide receiver is one of the bigger question marks. But it may not be as questionable as you think. Michigan lost Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson, but the Wolverines return an electrifying playmaker in Semaj Morgan and a reliable target in Tyler Morris. While neither are quite as proven, both have shown enough to believe Michigan will be well-stocked in the receiving room. The Wolverines also brought back Amorion Walker and acquired CJ Charleston from Youngstown State for more backup.

“It’s going to be a huge transition, even if they keep the interim model from last year. They’re going to take a step back, but maybe not as far as you think.”

The aforementioned coach believes Michigan will take a step back if Harbaugh leaves and Sherrone Moore stays. While I don’t agree – Moore was 4-0 last season and had huge wins over Penn State and Ohio State – you get the feeling that things can only go downhill for Michigan. The Wolverines are coming off an undefeated season, so a loss is technically a step back. Michigan has a full schedule for 2024 and it will be a challenge to replicate that.

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