U of M Podcast Jacob Miller

We may be months away from Kickoff, but that doesn't mean we can't talk about football. With a lot to to look forward to in the 2022 season, why not look back at some of the biggest games that came out of 2021 and rank them based on how much of an impact they had on the success of the season, regardless of the outcome.

Its been, shall we say, an interesting start to the offseason for the Wolverines. First our Defensive Coordinator leaves to go back to the Ravens, then our Head Coach flirts with an NFL team on Signing Day, now, our Offensive Coordinator leaves for the Miami Hurricanes on terms of feeling "unappreciated". Hold on to your seats, this one's gonna be bumpy.

The most empty time of the year beings, the offseason. Just because the season is over doesn't mean there is a shortage of developing stories on the horizon. We may be looking for a new head coach and a plethora of defensive players are moving on to the NFL Draft leaving us with anxiety and anticipation for what next year has in store for the Michigan Wolverines.

While the loss to Georgia in our first appearance in the College Football Playoffs hurts, it doesn't take away from the fact that the 2021-22 season was a successful one for the Michigan Wolverines. From reestablishing the running game, to winning at venue for the first time in decades, to finally  beating your hated rival, to being on the receiving end of a 12-1 regular season and arguably the best feat of all, winning the Big Ten Championship, once again returning Michigan to the rightful owner of the phrase, "The Champions of the West".

Let's be honest, Michigan has out-performed expectations as of November 27th, anything else at this point is just decoration. In at least 4 games this year, the Wolverines have proven that they deserve to be taken seriously by the Playoff Committee, from winning under the lights against Washington, to winning for the first time in 2 decades in Camp Randall, to finally getting the victory over Ohio State. Even after the doubters have been proven wrong time and time again, Michigan once again faces off against the odds for a chance to get their first bowl win since 2016. Vegas has made their mark saying that Georgia will win by a Touchdown, but after their embarrassing loss to Alabama in the Sec Championship, the Bulldogs look vulnerable and the Wolverines smell blood in the water.

Bowl Season is officially under way as of December 17th and we less than 3 weeks until Michigan plays in their long awaited game against the Georgia Bulldogs. Until then, we get to sit back and watch other Group of Five, Power Five and Big Ten teams play Russian Roulette with each other. With the selection committee having finalized the teams who will be competing, the Big Ten will  be sending 9 teams to the bowl games (Minnesota, Maryland, Purdue, Penn State, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan State, Ohio State and Michigan).