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Michigan Wolverines: 5 Reasons They Are Serious Championship Contenders

By Evan Massey
Published on: 02:24 PST, Sep 29, 2016

Jim Harbaugh took over the Michigan Wolverines’ head coaching job before last season, and many thought that he would have the program back on track within a few years. He completely shocked the college football nation by putting the Wolverines back on the map in his first year as the head coach.

Michigan ended up finishing last season with a 10-3 record and defeated the Florida Gators in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl. It was a huge step in the right direction for the program. They have started off 4-0 this season and are without question a contender in the Big Ten.

We have previously mentioned here at the Inquisitr that Jabrill Peppers is a serious Heisman contender. He is without question one of the best playmakers that college football has seen in quite some time.

There are some that aren’t buying the Wolverines as a serious championship contender this season. It won’t be easy for Michigan to win out, but they certainly have the potential to do so.

It will be interesting to see what the rest of the season holds for the Wolverines. They still have the No. 8 ranked Wisconsin Badgers, No. 17 ranked Michigan State Spartans, and No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes left on their schedule.

All of that being said, what five reasons can be given to prove that the Michigan Wolverines are serious championship contenders this season?

Jim Harbaugh Is Exactly the Leader Michigan Needs

One of the biggest reasons to believe in Michigan this year is the presence of Jim Harbaugh. He is exactly the kind of leader that college football teams need to be serious contenders. Harbaugh has the complete trust of his players, and they all seem to have bought into him.

Jabrill Peppers Is the Most Versatile Playmaker in College Football

Michigan will need Jabrill Peppers to continue playing like the superstar he has been so far this season. He is one of the most versatile playmakers that has played in recent years. Peppers is going to be one of the major keys that decide just how far the Wolverines end up going this season.

Wilton Speight Is One of the Most Underrated QB’s in the Nation

Harbaugh has to be thrilled with the way that Wilton Speight has played so far this season. He has completed 63.2 percent of his pass attempts for 875 yards, nine touchdowns, and an interception. Speight is playing at the level needed to lead Michigan to the playoffs and certainly gives the Wolverines a big reason to believe in their chances.

Michigan’s Running Game Can Be Lethal

Outside of Speight, the Wolverines have also shown that their ground attack is capable of being lethal. The combination of De’Veon Smith and Chris Evans will be tough for any opposing defense to stop. Michigan will need their running backs to continue producing throughout the remainder of the season to have a legitimate chance of winning the Big Ten championship and advancing to the playoffs.

The Wolverines Have a Top-Notch Defense

Perhaps the strongest aspect of the Michigan football team is their defense. Harbaugh has a very tough and hard-nosed defense that doesn’t give up many big plays. They are also very good at shutting down opposing teams on third downs, which will be extremely important down the stretch of the season.

Expect to see the Wolverines strongly compete for the Big Ten championship. They should also be taken seriously as National Championship contenders.

Do you think the Michigan Wolverines should be considered legitimate National Championship contenders this season? What do you think are their biggest flaws? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[Featured Image by Tony Ding/AP Images]

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