According to Odds Shark, there are 19 quarterbacks who stand a decent chance of winning the 2015 Heisman Trophy. Luckily or unluckily enough, depending on the point of view and if the odds hold, the Michigan Wolverines could experience the pleasure—or displeasure—of facing up to five of them this fall.
In fact, they could deal with up to three at once on Nov. 28—the date of their regular-season finale with the Ohio State Buckeyes, who boast a stiff-armed-hopeful trio of Cardale Jones (12-1 odds), Braxton Miller (25-1) and J.T. Barrett (2-1).
Capping one of them is a challenge in itself.
Stopping all of them or a combination of the three on the same day would be nearly impossible.
There are also dates with Michigan State’s Connor Cook (20-1) and Brigham Young’s Taysom Hill (40-1). The gritty veterans will greatly influence the outcome of their meetings with Michigan. The arms don’t stop there, though—it appears that Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg and Utah’s Travis Wilson will also be in the way.
That’s a lot of talent—and at least few miles of passing yardage and dozens of touchdowns scattered throughout September, October and November.
However, there is good news for Michigan: Defense has been its backbone for the past three years. With D.J. Durkin at the helm, Greg Mattison shifted to the D-line and Michael Zordich and Greg Jackson mounted in the secondary, there is good reason to believe that the trend will continue this fall.
Fielding a top-15 defense is certainly possible for Michigan.
The word “tough” can mean a lot of things. Today, it means “difficult to play against and ultimately defeat.” With that said, the five “toughest” (likely) quarterbacks on Michigan’s 2015 schedule will be ranked based on individual ability and potential, past experience versus Michigan/other major-conference opponents and team strength.
All of that will be measured against Michigan’s personnel, past against said quarterback and other relevant statistics.
When finished reading, feel free to voice your opinion regarding the order in the comments section.