CBS Sports calls Michigan football coaches poll ranking 'overrated'
Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore had big shoes to fill last season after Jim Harbaugh rode off into the sunset with the National Championship trophy. The former offensive coordinator also had to deal with the losses of prominent players such as running back Blake Corum and quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but he still led the squad to an 8-5 record (5-4 Big Ten) and a ReliaQuest Bowl win.
However, coaches around the country are expecting the Wolverines to take a step forward. Michigan was ranked No. 14 in Monday's preseason Coaches Poll Top 25, one spot behind South Carolina and one in front of Ole Miss. The Wolverines' roster features top defenders such as edge rusher Derrick Moore, defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny, and safety Rod Moore, with 2025's No. 1 national high school prospect Bryce Underwood under center.
Still, CBS Sports' Will Backus thinks that Michigan is overrated in this poll.
"Underwood provides a much-needed injection of talent at quarterback for Michigan, but it's a lot to ask of a freshman to hit the ground running in a conference like the Big Ten," he wrote. "There's also concern about the supporting cast around him. Michigan's wideouts are lackluster, the Wolverines lost key running backs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards -- though Justice Haynes was a nice transfer get -- and top pass-catcher Colston Loveland."
"Plus, Michigan has to replace some iconic players on defense, such as linemen Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant and cornerback Will Johnson," he continued. "There's reason to believe Michigan will be a lot better this season, though a top-15 ranking seems a bit high at this point."
The Wolverines' strength of schedule could offset their lost talent, as No. 2 Ohio State is the only team they face that's ranked in the top 25 of this poll. In addition to those two teams, the Big Ten programs ranked are No. 3 Penn State, No. 7 Oregon, No. 12 Illinois, and No. 19 Indiana.
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