The Best Michigan Team of All-Time?
The Michigan Wolverines won their first national championship since 1997, defeating the Washington Huskies 34 to 13. One question that comes to mind is “is this the best Michigan team ever assembled”?
I’ve been saying all year that one of the biggest reasons this team has achieved so much this season is because of their defense. A top 10 rushing and passing defense all year, they did their best to make life difficult for Washington Quarterback Michael Pennix Jr. The defense combined with the efficiency on the offensive side of the ball makes this team historically good.
![HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 08: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)](https://wrif.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/01/MICH-NATTY.jpg)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 08: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Best Michigan Team Ever?
When going through the all-time history books, there have been other Michigan teams that have gone undefeated and won a National Championship. This team has an argument for the best team in history. Looking at the 1997 title team, Charles Woodson, Brian Griese, Tom Brady, Chris Howard, Sam Sword and Dhani Jones. Many could argue that this squad was the best Michigan team ever.
While there are other teams that deserve an honorable mention. Like the 1948 team, or the 1985 squad, 1973 and so on. All these teams had remarkable talent on both sides of the ball. 2 teams in the running as well include the 2016 team led by 2-way star Jabrill Peppers and the 2021 team led by Aidan Hutchinson. However, a big problem is neither of these teams won the title.
Best Michigan Team Ever?
I believe you have to win it all to be considered the best. This year the best Michigan team of all-time was on full display. An all-around juggernaut and the stats back it up. They have one of the best coached defenses I have ever seen. Full of expert coordinators who are great and getting the very best out of each and every player under their supervision. Junior Colson, Michael Barrett, Mike Sainristil, Rod Moore, and Will Johnson all were major impact players for the Michigan defense this season.
Flipping it over to the offensive side of the ball, Michigan’s offensive line was not as dominant as past years. Even still, this team had no problem scoring the ball and was still a top 20 offense. JJ McCarthy evolved as a passer and is smarter than ever. Blake Corum had yet another spectacular year running the football. With over 1100 yards and 25 touchdowns on the season.
![HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 08: Mike Sainristil #0 of the Michigan Wolverines intercepts a pass intended for Jalen McMillan #11 of the Washington Huskies in the fourth quarter during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)](https://wrif.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/01/MIKEYYYY.jpg)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 08: Mike Sainristil #0 of the Michigan Wolverines intercepts a pass intended for Jalen McMillan #11 of the Washington Huskies in the fourth quarter during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
While Michigan will enjoy their victory over the Huskies, we can all revel in the fact that the best Michigan team to ever play won the National Championship for the 2023 season. Even if the NCAA comes after the University of Michigan next year for the cheating scandal, nobody can ever take away the memories. This very well may be the last time we see a team this good in Ann Arbor. At least for quite a while.
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