5 reasons why Michigan could lose its season opener in post-Jim Harbaugh era

The Michigan Wolverines open the 2024 season, wishing it might still be 2023. A season ago, Michigan won the national title and then watched a big chunk of the program leave.

From players bound to the NFL to head coach Jim Harbaugh taking the Chargers' job, Michigan had big losses. They could open 2024 in legitimate jeopardy even as a three-touchdown favorite over Fresno State.

5 reasons why Michigan could lose its season opener

Michigan QB Alex Orji is an inexperienced passer who could struggle in Week 1. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#1. QB is uncertain

Michigan goes from having J.J. McCarthy to a major question mark. Alex Orji is hyped as a runner but is massively uncertain as a passer. Davis Warren is a former walk-on with a limited ceiling. For a team that might actually need to rely on its quarterback, having an uncertain situation with a pair of limited QBs is not an ideal start.

#2. All new OL

A season ago, Michigan's offensive line was key. The Wolverines rushed for 169 yards per game and gave up just 20 sacks all season. But the entire Michigan starting lineup is new. The veteran of the group is Northwestern transfer Josh Priebe, who should be solid. But there are a ton of unknowns in this position group.

#3. Unknown receivers

The one big-time receiver left at Michigan is tight end Colston Loveland. He'll help things along, but the big-play target at receiver is a complete unknown. Semaj Morgan, with 204 yards a year ago, is the top returning receiver. A season ago, Michigan leaned heavily on Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson, but both are gone.

#4. Front seven turnover

Michigan has had an elite defense, giving up just 9.5 points per game last season. But up front, the Wolverines return just one starter from a season ago in the defensive line or linebacking corps. Mason Graham is the sole returnee. Granted, some of the reserves, like Derrick Moore, are ready for big-time minutes. But the odds are that some of them will still be a bit shaky.

#5. Fresno is for real

Forgotten in all of Michigan's problems is that Fresno is a decent football team. A season ago, Fresno went 9-4. They return QB MIkey Keene, who passed for 2,976 yards and 24 touchdowns last year. Running back Malik Sherrod had 966 yards, and he is back. No. 2 receiver Jalen Moss is back (706 yards, six TDs). Fresno's defense is a little more uncertain, but so is Michigan's offense.

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