As Sherrone Moore said at the UM Club of Flint golf outing on Monday, he prefers that his team flies under the radar. And somehow, the defending national champion Michigan Wolverines are doing just that.
It may be the coaching change with Jim Harbaugh leaving for the NFL, or the personnel losses from last year’s team, or the tougher-than-usual schedule, but not many across college football are giving the Wolverines much of a chance this upcoming season.
That’s the feeling that CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli has as he looks at the over-under for Michigan football (set at nine wins) and prognosticates each win for the maize and blue in 2025.
Over/under 9 wins
Wins: Fresno State, Texas, Arkansas State, USC, Minnesota, at Washington, at Illinois, Michigan State, at Indiana, Northwestern
Losses: Oregon, at Ohio StateAnalysis: I can’t help but believe everybody’s being too quick to write off the Wolverines. No, I don’t anticipate another national title, but while there isn’t much experience on offense, there’s still plenty of talent. Plus, the defense will remain one of the best units in the country, so the Wolverines offense doesn’t need to be prolific. Pick: Over 9 (+105)
While this would be an excellent first year for Sherrone Moore — going 10-2 and assuredly making the College Football Playoff — certainly fans would be disappointed after starting the season 8-0 before falling to Oregon and ultimately Ohio State. Given the state of desperation of the Buckeyes, it stands to reason that they would turn the tide in the rivalry after a three-game losing streak, but with that being the most important game on the schedule, continuing to win is atop Michigan football fans’ priority list.
Notably, Fornelli has OSU going undefeated and Oregon’s only loss being to the Buckeyes.