Over the past two seasons, we have seen Michigan football take a jump that most thought was unachievable under Jim Harbaugh. Since the 1990s, the Wolverines failed to reach “elite” status — Michigan was without a Big Ten title since 2004 and remained without a top-5 finish since 1999 (Tom Brady’s final season).
Michigan football changes narratives
In 2021, all that changed; the Wolverines finished the regular season 11-1 overall with a 42-27 win over Ohio State before crushing No. 13 Iowa in the Big Ten title game, 42-3. Michigan football went on to lose in the CFP semifinal to Georgia; however, the Wolverines still managed to reach 12 wins and finish in the top 3 for the first time since 1997 — Michigan’s most recent National Championship season.
After Michigan’s incredible run in 2021, the Wolverines were faced with an even bigger test: maintaining these on-field results. Being a one-hit-wonder is difficult, but it is easier than trying to stay at the top. In 2022, Michigan football did precisely that.
The Wolverines again won 12 games; this time, Michigan won all 12 in the regular season. Michigan football beat Purdue in the Big Ten title game — 43-22 — and took home the program’s first-ever 13th win. The Wolverines again fell short in the CFP semifinal (losing to TCU by six points) yet still managed to sustain their success from the season prior.
Expectations are higher for the Wolverines
As we head into the 2023 season, Michigan football has some high expectations. The Wolverines return loads of talent on both sides of the ball, retain nearly their entire coaching staff from a year ago (including head coach Jim Harbaugh), and have a great deal of experience at vital positions such as quarterback.
A third-straight Big Ten Championship is what Michigan fans expect right now, and at this point in the offseason, Wolverine fans appear to have their eyes fixed on even more ambitious goals.
On the following pages, we will break down Michigan’s incredibly experienced and highly-touted offense in 2023.