Anonymous opposing coach says Michigan is lacking 'national title level' win

The last two seasons have gone about as well Michigan could’ve designed them, winning back-to-back Big Ten titles and making the College Football Playoff. But the end of the seasons could still use some work for the Wolverines.

After getting bulldozed by Georgia in the 2021 semifinals, Michigan tripped up and got beat by TCU in 2022 in a national semifinal. Things have been great for the Wolverines, but the postseason struggles had one opposing coach noting that Michigan lacked that upper-echelon win.

“The only thing they lack right now is that ‘big one’ win at the national title level. There’s no reason they should’ve lost to TCU, and they definitely know it, but they didn’t do anything crazy in response. And remember, Jim [Harbaugh]’s a distraction, but not to Jim. At the very top, that’s a calm, consistent culture,” the coach, who remained anonymous, said in Athlon Sports’ preseason preview magazine.

The big steps for Michigan in the past two seasons has been establishing an equal footing with Ohio State at the top of the league and making aforementioned playoff appearances.

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But with the program humming along — the Wolverines are 25-3 over the past two seasons — and the 2023 team likely to be as good as or better than the past two Michigan teams, it’s time for a next step.

Michigan returns starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who will be joined in the backfield by arguably the best running back duo in college football: Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. Both of Michigan’s starting guards opted not to go to the NFL to come back for 2023 and an infusion of transfer talent should have the Wolverines continue their streak of dominant play up front.

Defensively, there isn’t a wealth of star power beyond cornerback Will Johnson. But with depth in the front seven and at safety, the Wolverines are an answered question away at No. 2 corner from having a stout, complete defense. Plus there are a few transfers, like Ernest Hausmann and Josiah Stewart, who could be poised for big years.

And with a schedule that lines up nicely outside of a trip to Penn State, Michigan can once again be back in the College Football Playoff and get that vindicating victory. Although a third-straight win over Ohio State and a Big Ten title wouldn’t be amiss, either.

“Last season really sealed it for them. This is a different program,” the coach said. “The gap between them and Ohio State hasn’t been this close in decades.”