It’s come down to one final, sure-to-be-agonizing Saturday for Michigan football—and unfortunately for the Wolverines, it can’t come soon enough.
And, in a twisted sort of way, that’s something to be thankful for.
The fall of 2014 didn’t go as planned for Team 135, which was supposed to have a much-improved O-line, feature a bolstered running game and tout a more confident and effective quarterback—none of which happened, leading to a 5-6 (3-4 Big Ten) record and most likely postseason-less year No. 4 for coach Brady Hoke.
The addition of offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier was supposed to remedy some of the woes, but it didn’t. Instead, the Wolverines have occupied the Big Ten’s basement of total and scoring offense for most of the season.
However, during Monday’s presser at the Crisler Center, Nussmeier was quick to point out that his team had averaged better than 200 rushing yards during its recent three-game stretch.
And he realizes one important thing: “We have to score more points,” he said.
Better late than never.
That said, it’s probably best to just slam the door on 2014, take a look at the minimal amount of good and move forward into 2015.
Change on the Field
With Devin Gardner, a fifth-year senior, running out of eligibility, the Wolverines will have a new quarterback under center—hopefully not on his back—in 2015.
Shane Morris, a junior-to-be, is a likely candidate. But so is Wilton Speight—the 6’6”, rocket-armed will-be-redshirt freshman can certainly take over and deliver results for an offense in desperate need of change.
At this point, fans want anyone but No. 98.
Drake Johnson and De’Veon Smith, as referenced by Nussmeier, have on occasion taken steps in the right direction, suggesting that the opposite of what was produced on the field this year—the Big Ten’s No. 7-ranked rushing offense (166 YPG)—will be present next fall.
For a team that’s built on grinding out yards—a return to that will be a welcome difference in 2015, especially given the perceived talent in the backfield. Derrick Green broke his clavicle Oct. 4 versus Rutgers but has since quickly recovered. But he won’t be available Saturday, Hoke said Monday, so it’s on to next year for the former blue-chip prep.
Smith will also be a junior, and although he's struggled mightily, strong potential remains. He's had difficulty choosing lanes, though, and that's been his biggest problem. Once corrected, Smith should see the light in 2015.
And since next year is the topic, it only makes sense to take a look at those who return on the O-line: The No. 1 left tackle since arrival, Mason Cole stands to anchor the front as a sophomore in 2015; another year of experience has Graham Glasgow in position to have a strong senior year at guard.
Jack Miller returns for one more go at center. That’s a good thing.
The only question will be the right side, as sophomores Ben Braden (RT) and Kyle Kalis (RG) made their share of mistakes in 2014 and leave room for doubt heading into 2015. Their showings against the Buckeyes will either amplify or relieve some of that uncertainty.
As a whole, the O-line has performed far below expected levels. The “youth” excuse has run its course. That word can no longer be used when talking about the line—or anything else—because there will be more “Jr.” and “Sr.” tags next go guys’ names on the depth chart.
Change off the Field
Students, alumni and fans got what they wanted when Dave Brandon resigned on Halloween. It was a treat after several tricks from the athletic director, who didn’t seem to have a clue about much of anything.
The flyovers, while entertaining, are no more. Fans can no longer buy two Cokes and receive free tickets from the former pizza baron. Future plans for fireworks after touchdowns won’t be made, either. The Brandon era is done—and to say that fans and supporters are thankful would be an understatement.
Furthermore, Brady Hoke probably won’t be the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head whatever for too much longer. As a matter of fact, he seemed to be aware that his time has come during Monday’s press conference. With his irritation cloaked with a smile and pounding, rah-rah fist, Hoke deflected questions pertaining to his job status, instead choosing to focus on the Buckeyes and what “The Game” means to players.
But he knows the deal. The clock is on its way to hitting all zeroes. Being the man he is, Hoke’s taking it all in stride and with class. Michigan fans probably couldn’t ask for more from a guy in his position. He’s definitely taken the high road.
Breezy, Baby
Commits to Hoke’s 2015 class have been dropping like flies since December of 2013.
Stumbling backward since going 7-6, the Wolverines have lost George Campbell (5-star WR), Damien Harris (5-star RB), Shaun Crawford (4-star CB), Garrett Taylor (4-star CB) and Darian Roseboro (4-star DE), just to name a few, but the recent change of heart was the real kicker: Local star Mike Weber decommitted as Team 135 dropped senior day to the visiting Maryland Terrapins.
And, of course, he did it on Twitter.
The loss of the 4-star superstar running back out of Detroit Cass Tech is devastating—the Wolverines are in need of depth at the position.
During the same game, Chris Clark, a 4-star tight end commit, tweeted that Michigan had “officially hit rock bottom," per 247Sports.
One can only assume that he's reconsidering and that more ship-jumpers are on the way.
But hey, at least Jabrill Peppers is sticking around. He’s even gone as far as to publicly deflect transfer rumors. Breezy is Michigan’s for keeps.
Before being redshirted due to a lower-body injury, the former 5-star everything was viewed as a savior-esque recruit. Peppers was going to take the Big Ten by storm and attempt to fulfill his dream of winning the Heisman as a true freshman.
He’ll have to settle for doing it as a redshirt frosh like the rest of them. But at least he’s safe and secure in Ann Arbor.
Beilein Time
Caris LeVert, Zak Irvin, Derrick Walton—what’s not to like about John Beilein’s team?!
Plus, the coach develops his guys. Walton is better than he was last year. Irvin is too. And coincidentally, so is LeVert.
What a novel concept: Guys are improving with time—and there are noticeable leaps across the board for Michigan, which has a good shot at competing for a top spot in the Big Ten this season.
Be oh so thankful for that.
Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81
For what should Michigan be most thankful? Feel free to start a conversation in the comments section.
Unless otherwise noted, quotes and references were obtained firsthand by the writer
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