For the previous three seasons, Michigan’s football program has been anchored by its effective rushing assault and formidable defense. Yes, the Wolverines had some decent quarterback performance in 2021 with Cade McNamara and then outstanding play in 2022 and 2023 with J.J. McCarthy, but Michigan outplayed its opponents on the ground. With assistance from Donovan Edwards, Kalel Mullings, Blake Corum, and Hassan Haskins, the Wolverines were able to chop up the opposition’s front seven.

But despite having such success running the ball behind a strong offensive line, Michigan’s rushing offense is still underappreciated. The 2024 Athlon Sports best running back units were just announced, and the reigning national champs were well down the list.

The top five included Ohio State, Penn State, Georgia, Oklahoma State, and Alabama. What is Michigan’s ranking? ranking 19th in the nation.

Many aspects were taken into account, according to the article. Factors such as depth, total talent, production, degree of competition, and anticipated output in 2024 were taken into account while grading the backfield. Projections were taken into account in addition to the teams’ 2023 accomplishments.

What the Wolverines have accomplished in terms of running the football is the proof. Michigan’s 2021 national ranking came in at number fifteen, averaging 214.3 yards per game. The Wolverines finished fifth in 2022 with an average of 238.9 yards per game. In 2023, Michigan’s average yardage decreased to 169 yards; nevertheless, Blake Corum scored 27 touchdowns on the ground.

Given that Michigan lost both Corum and its entire starting offensive line, it makes sense that the team doesn’t need to be ranked in the top five into 2024. However, the national public is once again not showing much affection for the reigning champs.

Returned senior Donovan Edwards will command Michigan’s ball carrier unit. His dominance has exclusively come in the lead-back role. When Corum was hurt in 2022, Edwards finished the season with 216, 185, and 119 yards as the top back. In the National Championship Game versus Washington the previous year, he gained 104 yards and two touchdowns. He was outstanding. Kalel Mullings will probably be the starting 1B in the backfield to go along with Edwards. In 2023, he averaged a team-high 6.17 YPC.

Famous for his ‘SMASH’ football approach is former offensive line coach Sherrone Moore. People might not remember, but he hit 32 consecutive home runs to lead Penn State to victory in the previous season. Moore will have the O-line for the Wolverines primed. It’s difficult to think that in 2024, the Michigan run game will falter.