Do you have high expectations for the Michigan Wolverines in 2016?
Videos by FanBuzz
I'll bet they aren't quite as high as one of the most respected and trusted projections systems available.
Bill Connelly of SB Nation released his updated S&P+ projections on Friday and, well, fans of the Maize and Blue should be quite pleased with what the system indicates. While there is nothing particularly noteworthy (or different) about Michigan's placement in the overall rankings (6th), there are two numbers that are very intriguing and encouraging for Jim Harbaugh's team.
First, the Wolverines are projected for 10.1 wins, which is easily the highest number in the Big Ten and the second-highest total (behind Clemson at 10.4) in the country. Then, Michigan also ranks second in the country in another intriguing stat, as Connelly's numbers say that the team has a 37.5% likelihood of winning at least 11 (yes, eleven) games this season.
Unless the singular loss on an 11-1 mark came in the finale against Ohio State, that type of performance would place Michigan in phenomenal position to join the College Football Playoff conversation at the end of the regular season. That, of course, an optimistic viewpoint, but these numbers really love the Wolverines and that is fun to consider.
