Michigan football has reached the midpoint of the season, and it's clear the Wolverines still have a long way to go if they hope to live up to their lofty preseason expectations. As we examine the team's performance thus far, it's apparent that some position groups have stepped up to the plate while others have left much to be desired.
Tight ends have been one of the bright spots for Michigan this season. Their production has been consistent and highly effective, often serving as a safety net for quarterback J.J. McCarthy in crucial situations. The emergence of stars like Colston Loveland has given the Michigan offense a new dimension and has forced opposing defenses to reevaluate their strategies.
Another area where the Wolverines are meeting expectations is their defensive line. This unit has been a force to be reckoned with, consistently generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks and disrupting their offenses. Led by the tandem of Kris Jenkins and Cam Goode, Michigan's defensive line has been nearly unblockable at times, giving the team a much-needed boost on the defensive side of the ball.
Unfortunately, not all position groups have been as fortunate. Despite an influx of talent, Michigan's wide receiver corps has been a major disappointment thus far. Their lack of separation and inability to make big plays down the field has limited the Wolverines' ability to stretch the defense and has often forced McCarthy to settle for check-downs.
Another concern for the Wolverines is their special teams unit. This has been an area of strength for Michigan in the past, but this season has been a different story. The team has struggled to contain opposing return men, and their own return game has been largely ineffective. These miscues have often given opponents favorable field position and have hindered Michigan's chances of winning.
As the Wolverines move into the second half of the season, it's imperative they address these issues if they hope to make any noise in the Big Ten. With a schedule that's only going to get tougher, Michigan will need all facets of their team working together if they hope to achieve their goals.