Analysts rave about Michigan Wolverines football after watching fall practice

Over the weekend, Jim Harbaugh and his Michigan Wolverines football program had their first fall practice scrimmage in the Big House. While media and fans were not allowed anywhere near viewing range, a few Big Ten analysts were. Since seeing the Maize and Blue in action, these analysts are raving about the Wolverines and their potential for the coming season.

Big Ten analysts rave about Michigan Wolverines football after seeing fall practice scrimmage

The Michigan football offensive line is elite — there are no two ways about it. That said, this year’s defensive line is looking elite as well, and according to Jim Harbaugh (who addressed the media on Tuesday), the defensive line had a 51/49 edge over the O-line throughout the weekend. According to Big Ten analyst Howard Griffith, who spoke about the Wolverines on the Big Ten Network, this report is accurate.

“I don’t know where to start, but you can start up front with that defensive line,” Howard Griffith explained when breaking down what he saw from the Michigan Wolverines football fall practice. “There was a period they went short yardage and goal line. We know how good this offensive line will be and can be, but you talk about just being able to dominate an area. (The defensive line) really did an unbelievable job on the goal line — so I think it ultimately starts up front. Then you think about this linebacker group that can run and really make a lot of plays.

“… They’ve really done — since we’ve watched this happen, when they were starting to build and recruit guys that are juniors now — they really have elevated the talent, and they’ve really stacked those classes together,” Griffith concluded. “You introduce the (transfer portal) to that, and they’re able to really field an elite football team. This is a really good football team; a really good football team.”

On top of Griffith’s assessment, fellow Big Ten analyst Gerry DiNardo added that the Wolverines are “probably all better at this point than they were a year ago.”

“Part of their success, I think a lot of this has to do with the way they’re prepared. This was a physical practice, so this defense saw downhill run today, they saw third-and-long against an offense that can throw the ball,” DiNardo added. “This defense sees more variety from this offense than any other defense we’ve seen or will see. I think that has a lot to do with preparing them for the season.

“They’re getting spread work here, as well. My point is, they’re getting downhill and a spread, more so than any other offenses that we’ve seen. We’ve seen maybe some offenses that run it more than Michigan does, and we certainly will see offenses that throw it more, but no other defense will see a blend, in my opinion, of the spread and the downhill run that they saw today.”

While the fans and media have not been able to see Michigan Wolverines football in action yet this fall, it’s clear that Jim Harbaugh has something special on his hands right now. Analysts are raving about the Maize and Blue after getting a glimpse, and fans should be thrilled that the season is only 17 more days away.

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