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CBS Sports: Michigan Football's Preseason Ranking is Overrated

CBS Sports Labels Michigan Football's Preseason Coaches Poll Ranking as Overrated

In a bold critique that has stirred debate among college football enthusiasts, CBS Sports has deemed the University of Michigan Wolverines' placement in the preseason USA Today Coaches Poll as significantly overrated. The Wolverines, fresh off a national championship victory in 2023, entered the 2024 preseason rankings at No. 8, a position that places them among the elite programs in the nation. However, analysts at CBS Sports argue that this ranking fails to account for the substantial challenges and uncertainties facing the team this upcoming season, potentially setting unrealistic expectations for a program in transition.

To understand the context, it's essential to revisit Michigan's recent triumphs and the factors that propelled them to the top. Under former head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines achieved unprecedented success in recent years, culminating in a perfect 15-0 season in 2023 that ended with a dominant win over Washington in the College Football Playoff National Championship. This victory marked Michigan's first undisputed national title since 1997 and solidified their status as a powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference. Key to this success were standout performances from players like quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, and a formidable defense that ranked among the best in the country. The team's resilience was also evident in overcoming off-field controversies, including sign-stealing allegations that led to Harbaugh's suspensions during the season.

Despite this storied backdrop, CBS Sports points out several red flags that suggest Michigan's No. 8 ranking might be inflated. Chief among these is the departure of Harbaugh, who left Ann Arbor to take the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. His exit represents a massive loss of leadership and strategic acumen, as Harbaugh was instrumental in rebuilding the program from mediocrity to championship caliber. Stepping into his shoes is Sherrone Moore, who served as offensive coordinator and interim head coach during parts of the 2023 season. While Moore showed promise—guiding the team to wins over powerhouses like Penn State and Ohio State—analysts question whether he can maintain the same level of dominance without Harbaugh's influence.

Player turnover further complicates the outlook. Michigan lost a staggering 13 players to the NFL Draft, including McCarthy, Corum, wide receiver Roman Wilson, and several defensive stars like Mike Sainristil and Junior Colson. This exodus has depleted both the offensive and defensive units, leaving significant voids. On offense, the quarterback position is now a battle between Alex Orji and Davis Warren, neither of whom has extensive starting experience. The running back room, while featuring talents like Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings, lacks the proven depth of previous years. Defensively, the secondary and linebacker corps will need to rebuild quickly, with new faces stepping into prominent roles.

CBS Sports emphasizes that these changes come at a time when the Big Ten is more competitive than ever. The conference has expanded to include formidable teams like Oregon, USC, UCLA, and Washington, all of which bring high-caliber talent and coaching. Oregon, in particular, enters the season ranked No. 3 in the Coaches Poll and is seen as a favorite to challenge for the conference title. Michigan's schedule doesn't do them any favors either, with tough matchups against Texas (ranked No. 4), USC, Washington, and the perennial rivalry game against Ohio State (No. 2). Analysts argue that without the same level of experience and cohesion, the Wolverines could struggle to replicate their 2023 success, potentially finishing with a record that doesn't justify a top-10 preseason billing.

Moreover, the lingering effects of the sign-stealing scandal cannot be ignored. Although Michigan navigated the controversy to win the title, ongoing investigations by the NCAA could result in penalties that impact the program's future. CBS Sports suggests that the poll voters might be giving Michigan the benefit of the doubt based on past glory rather than a realistic assessment of the current roster and coaching staff. This sentiment echoes broader discussions in college football about how preseason rankings often rely on reputation and hype rather than tangible evidence.

Not everyone agrees with CBS Sports' assessment, of course. Supporters of Michigan point to the program's strong recruiting classes and the culture of excellence instilled over the Harbaugh era. Moore, as an internal hire, brings continuity and familiarity with the system's intricacies. Players like defensive tackle Mason Graham and cornerback Will Johnson return as potential All-Americans, providing a foundation for what could still be a top-tier defense. Offensively, Edwards has shown flashes of brilliance, and the offensive line remains one of the strongest in the nation, having won the Joe Moore Award for the best unit in 2022 and 2023.

In comparing Michigan to other ranked teams, CBS Sports highlights programs like No. 9 Ole Miss and No. 10 Florida State, which they believe have more stable quarterback situations and fewer question marks. Ole Miss, led by Jaxson Dart and bolstered by transfer portal additions, is seen as a more complete team on paper. Similarly, teams like No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 5 Alabama, despite their own transitions (Alabama post-Nick Saban), are ranked lower than Michigan but arguably face less roster upheaval.

The debate underscores the subjective nature of preseason polls, which are voted on by a panel of FBS head coaches. These rankings serve as a starting point for the season, influencing playoff considerations and media narratives. For Michigan, being labeled overrated could add motivation, much like how they used doubters as fuel in 2023. However, if the Wolverines stumble early—say, in their high-profile Week 2 clash with Texas—it could validate CBS Sports' critique and lead to a rapid drop in the polls.

Ultimately, while Michigan's championship pedigree earns them respect, CBS Sports' analysis serves as a reminder that past success doesn't guarantee future results. The 2024 season will be a true test of the program's resilience under new leadership. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Wolverines can defy the skeptics or if their preseason ranking indeed proves to be a case of overhyping a team in flux. As the season kicks off, the narrative around Michigan's potential will evolve, but for now, the overrated label from CBS Sports adds an intriguing layer of intrigue to what promises to be a compelling college football campaign. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/cbs-sports-calls-michigan-football-coaches-poll-ranking-overrated/2f5e90448cd52d3dd2467dd9 ]