Michigan Wolverines
Big Ten
From early on there were signs that this Michigan team was not going to be as good as expected. Following a nice 41-30 win against Notre Dame, the Wolverines nearly lost to both Akron and Connecticut. After tallying a couple Big Ten wins against Minnesota and Indiana, Michigan lost four of their last five contests. Of course they nearly ruined Ohio State’s perfect year in the season finale, but in the end it was just another loss in a disappointing season.
2013 Record: 7-5, 3-5
Coach: Brady Hoke
Coach Bowl Record: 2-2
Big Wins: 9/7 Notre Dame (41-30), 10/5 Minnesota (42-13)
Bad Losses: 10/12 at Penn State (40-43), 11/23 at Iowa (21-24)
Strengths:
At times Michigan has a very potent and explosive offense. Quarterback Devin Gardner threw for 2,960 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also rushed for 11 scores and is always a threat to tuck and break a big run. Gardner also has a couple great receiving threats. Jeremy Gallon caught 80 passes on the year for 1,284 yards and nine scores, while tight end Devin Funchess added 47 receptions for 727 yards and six scores. Fitzgerald Toussaint had a decent year, rushing for 646 yards and a dozen touchdowns. Freshman Derrick Green showed flashes and took over for Toussaint at times. As the season progressed, Green kept getting better. Against Indiana the offense totaled 751 yards. Gardner threw for 503 yards in that game. Gallon caught 14 passes for 369 yards. Toussaint added 151 yards and four scores on the ground. Sure it was against Indiana’s defense, but that is what this offense is capable of.
Weaknesses:
In the Wolverines very next game they showed just how inconsistent this offense can be. Against Michigan State the team rushed for -48 yards and had just 168 yards of total offense. The loss to the Spartans spurred a streak of horrible performances where Gardner spent way too much time running for his life. Gardner turned things around against Ohio State, but the lack of consistency is a huge problem. And the consistency concern goes over to the other side of the ball too. Raymon Taylor and Blake Countess have made some huge plays in the secondary and Frank Clark has emerged as a quality defensive end, but if the turnovers are not coming, the Wolverines can allow quite a few points.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Fitzgerald Toussaint, RB, 646 yards
Passing: Devin Gardner, QB, 2,960 yards
Receiving: Jeremy Gallon, WR, 1,284 yards
Tackles: James Ross, LB, 81; Raymond Taylor, DB, 81
Sacks: Frank Clark, DE, 4.5
Interceptions: Blake Countess, DB, 6
2013 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 130.8 (99th in nation, 11th in conference)
Passing Offense: 252.1 (43, 4)
Total Offense: 382.8 (82, 9)
Scoring Offense: 33.8 (39, 4)
Rushing Defense: 139.4 (31, 5)
Pass Defense: 228.0 (60, 7)
Total Defense: 367.4 (39, 6)
Scoring Defense: 26.5 (62, 8)
Turnover Margin: 0.4 (35, 3)
Sacks: 1.92 (67, 7)
Sacks Allowed: 2.92 (109, 10)
Recent Bowl Appearances:
2012 Outback Bowl South Carolina (28-33)
2011 Sugar Bowl Virginia Tech (23-20)
2010 Gator Bowl Mississippi State (14-52)
2007 Capital One Bowl Florida (41-35)
2006 Rose Bowl USC (18-32)
2005 Alamo Bowl Nebraska (28-32)
*all team stats through 11/30
