As alumni of the University of Michigan, our pride in the Wolverines runs deep. With the 2024 football season fast approaching, there’s a renewed sense of anticipation as the team faces a pivotal year under new leadership. Sherrone Moore, who has taken over as head coach following Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL, is at the helm of a program that is expected to compete at the highest level. However, with significant changes in key positions, including the quarterback spot, Michigan faces both challenges and opportunities. The season’s success will hinge on the performance of Alex Orji, the team’s potential starting quarterback, and the Wolverines’ ability to triumph in crucial matchups against Texas, Oregon, and Ohio State. The 2024 football schedule has Michigan playing those 3 teams who are all in the top 5 strength of schedule. As a result Michigan has a an FPI ranking 12th hardest schedule in all of college football.
The Quarterback Situation: Alex Orji Steps into the Spotlight
With J.J. McCarthy now leading the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL, Michigan enters the 2024 season with uncertainty at the quarterback position. Alex Orji, a dynamic and athletic quarterback, is the frontrunner to take the reins. Orji, who has been biding his time behind McCarthy, brings a unique skill set to the position. His combination of size, speed, and arm strength makes him a dual-threat quarterback capable of making plays with both his legs and his arm. If and when he starts games, expect Orji to act as a back up running back to Donovan Edwards. He will run just as much as he throws, which we haven’t seen since the days of Denard Robinson.
However, Orji is relatively unproven as a starter, and his ability to handle the pressure of leading a program like Michigan remains to be seen. The coaching staff, led by Sherrone Moore, has expressed confidence in Orji’s ability to step up, but the true test will come when he faces live game action against top-tier opponents. Texas will be a second week test like we have not seen before in recent (and not so recent) history. Orji’s development will be critical to Michigan’s success, as the Wolverines’ offense will need to be both efficient and explosive to compete for a Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Behind Orji, Michigan has a solid quarterback room with players like Davis Warren and Jayden Denegal, who can provide depth and push Orji in practice. The competition in the quarterback room should foster growth and ensure that whoever takes the field is prepared for the challenges ahead. For Michigan to realize its potential this season, the starting quarterback will need to embrace the spotlight and lead the Wolverines with poise and confidence, just like JJ McCarthy did in the glorious 2023 national championship season.
The Texas Challenge: A Defining Early Season Test
One of the most anticipated games of the 2024 season is Michigan’s non-conference showdown with the Texas Longhorns. Texas, under the leadership of Coach Steve Sarkisian, is expected to be a top contender nationally, making this matchup a crucial early-season test for the Wolverines. Texas’s offense, led by the highly-touted, but, like Orji, very inexperienced quarterback Arch Manning, will present a significant challenge for Michigan’s defense.
For Alex Orji and the Michigan offense, the key to success against Texas will be establishing a balanced attack. Michigan’s offensive line, traditionally one of the best in the country, will need to control the line of scrimmage and create running lanes for senior running backs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards. A strong running game will take pressure off Orji, allowing him to settle into the game and make plays through the air when necessary or take off and run when he sees an opportunity or is called upon to do so.
Defensively, Michigan’s ability to contain Arch Manning will be critical. Manning, who possesses a rare combination of arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ, will test the Wolverines’ stellar secondary led by Rod Moore (recovering from an injury), Makari Paige and breakout cornerback star Will Johnson. Michigan’s defensive front must generate consistent pressure on Manning to disrupt his rhythm and force him into mistakes. If Michigan can execute its game plan and come away with a victory, it will send a strong message to the rest of the college football world that the Wolverines are serious contenders in 2024.
The Oregon Encounter: A Clash of Physicality
Another major hurdle in Michigan’s 2024 campaign is the matchup against the Oregon Ducks. Oregon, known for its physical style of play and tenacious defense, will provide a stern test for the Wolverines, particularly in the trenches. The Ducks’ defense, anchored by a formidable front seven, will challenge Michigan’s offensive line and running game.
For Michigan to succeed against Oregon, Alex Orji (or whoever starts at QB) will need to be at his best. The Ducks’ defense will likely focus on stopping the run, forcing Orji to make plays through the air. Michigan wide receivers Tyler Morris and Semaj Morgan along with 2023 star tight end Colston Loveland, will need to step up and create separation against Oregon’s secondary. Orji’s ability to make quick, accurate throws and extend plays with his legs will be key to keeping the Ducks’ defense off balance.
On the defensive side of the ball, Michigan’s very strong and NFL draft-worthy front seven must dominate the line of scrimmage and control Oregon’s powerful running game. The Wolverines’ ability to stuff the run and force Oregon into passing situations will be critical to their success. A win against Oregon would not only bolster Michigan’s playoff resume but also provide valuable momentum heading into the heart of the Big Ten schedule.
The Ohio State Showdown: The Ultimate Rivalry
No discussion of Michigan football is complete without addressing the annual clash with Ohio State. The rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State is one of the most storied in all of sports, and the 2024 edition promises to be another epic showdown. Ohio State, as always, is loaded with talent, and this game will likely have significant implications for both the Big Ten title and the College Football Playoff. Ohio State has lost 3 straight rivalry games and they are out for blood.
The stakes are higher than ever for Michigan. Ohio State will be eager to reclaim their dominance with a key transfer: quarterback Will Howard, who has lots of experience from Kansas State. Michigan will need to be at its absolute best to secure a fourth consecutive victory.
Alex Orji’s performance will be under the microscope in this game. The pressure of leading Michigan against its archrival is immense, and Orji will need to play with poise and precision. The Wolverines’ offensive line must protect Orji and open up running lanes for running backs or for Orij himself to keep the Ohio State defense honest. Keeping turnovers to a minimum will be key as always. Additionally, Michigan’s wide receivers must win their matchups and make big plays downfield as always.
Defensively, Michigan must find a way to contain Ohio State’s high-powered offense. The Wolverines’ ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the Buckeyes’ passing game will be crucial. Michigan’s secondary, which has shown promise, will need to rise to the occasion and limit big plays.
A win against Ohio State and Oregon would most likely secure a fourth straight spot in the Big Ten Championship Game but also likely punch Michigan’s ticket to the College Football Playoff in the top 5 if not #1.
The Road Ahead: A Season of Promise and Potential
As we look ahead to the 2024 season, there is much to be excited about as Michigan alumni. Under the leadership of Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines have the talent, depth, and coaching to compete with the best teams in the country. The quarterback situation, with Alex Orji stepping into the starting role, is a significant storyline that could define the season. The matchups against Texas, Oregon, and Ohio State will be challenging, but they also present opportunities for Michigan to prove itself as a legitimate national title contender.
Ultimately, the success of the 2024 season will depend on the Wolverines’ ability to execute in these key games. If they can rise to the occasion and secure victories in these marquee matchups, there is no reason why Michigan can’t make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. As alumni, we should be proud of the direction the program is headed and excited about the potential for this season. Go Blue!