The Michigan Wolverines capped off their 2015 season with a Citrus Bowl win over Florida, pushing them to 10-3 in head coch Jim Harbaugh's first season in Ann Arbor. There's as much excitement as ever surrounding Michigan heading into the 2016 season, and for good reason. Here are four reasons why the Wolverines can not only win the Big Ten, but make the college football playoff next season:
4) Dominant defense
Like the mark of every Harbaugh team, Michigan's defense really led the way for them this season. They finished the 2015 season ranking fourth in yards allowed (280.7 per game) and sixth in points allowed (16.4 per game) this season. They went three straight games without giving up a single point and improved with each game this season, and their play has turned them into one of the nation's top teams. Expect them to only get better with another year in Harbaugh's system.
3) Explosive offensive weapons
The Wolverines' offense hit their stride late in the year, but they were very inconsistent throughout most of the season. That won't be the case next year as all of their key skill players will return. Wide receivers Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh figure to make up perhaps the best receiving duo in the conference, while running backs De'Veon Smith and Drake Johnson emerged as dominant forces on the ground. And, of course, star tight end Jake Butt will be back, and he's probably the best player at the position.
2) 3 returning All-Americans
Butt headlines the three All-Americans that will return to the Wolverines next year, along with the versatile Jabrill Peppers and star cornerback Jourdan Lewis. Butt and Lewis were two of the best at their positions in 2015 and would've been very high draft picks, but opted to return for another year in Ann Arbor. Peppers, who just finished his sophomore year, has the ability to make an impact on both offense and defense make him a dark horse Heisman candidate for next season.
1) Year 2 under Harbaugh
Michigan improved by leaps and bounds under Harbaugh this year, improving from a 5-7 team to 10-3 this year despite a majority of the roster learning the playbook as the season wore on. Now, with a full offseason under Harbaugh, the Wolverines will be as prepared and well-coached as anyone. This year was no fluke, and adding another year of Harbaugh seasoning to this talented roster should result in big things.
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