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Who’s up next? Breaking down Michigan’s replacement plans for 10 starters slated to miss bowl game vs Alabama
TAMPA, Fla. — Normally a team needs all hands on deck to take down a perennial power like Alabama. For the Michigan football team in Tuesday’s ReliaQuest Bowl, the Wolverines are going to be missing more than a few of those hands.
When Michigan faces off against the Crimson Tide Tuesday (Noon, ESPN), it will do so without 10 starters, and several key rotation players. As many of their top players rehab injuries, prepare for the NFL Draft or even transfer to other programs, the Wolverines will be tasked with replacing veterans in their sixth top-12 matchup of the season.
Below, we break down who’s out for Michigan, who is slated to replace their role in Tuesday’s game, and what to expect in the spot duty.
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Running back
This is a double-whammy for Michigan, because the Wolverines will be without both Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards for this game. They combined for 312 of the Wolverines’ 418 carries this season and 1,540 of their 1,928 rushing yards. None of Michigan’s other running backs had more than 13 carries this season.
So where do the Wolverines turn? Ready or not, it’s time for some underclassmen to get carries.
Expect to see a lot of Jordan Marshall on Tuesday. The former top-100 recruit (No. 78 in the 2024 247Sports Composite) enrolled in the summer and endured injuries in the fall, limiting his impact on the field. But Michigan’s highest-rated skill position recruit in three years had a prolific high school career — he logged 6,196 all-purpose yards, including a program-record 4,878 yards rushing with 80 touchdowns for Cincinnati’s Archbishop Moeller. He also ran a 10.8-second 100-meter dash in high school and won Michigan’s kickoff returner job.
Marshall has the potential to be Michigan’s next lead running back, and he should have ample opportunity to show it Tuesday.
“He’s a young kid, he’s dynamic,” Sherrone Moore said this week. “We really felt really good about him throughout the year. Had a couple of bumps and bruises and was limited a little bit, and is at full strength now. He’s got a chance to be a really special player.”
With 10 starters set to miss Michigan’s upcoming bowl game against Alabama, many fans are wondering who will step up to fill the void. In this post, we’ll break down the Wolverines’ replacement plans for each of the key players who will be sitting out.
1. Quarterback – With starting QB Shea Patterson sidelined, backup Dylan McCaffrey is expected to take over under center. McCaffrey has shown flashes of potential in limited playing time this season and will have the opportunity to showcase his skills against a tough Alabama defense.
2. Running back – Without leading rusher Zach Charbonnet available, the Wolverines will turn to Hassan Haskins and Christian Turner to carry the load in the backfield. Both players have seen significant playing time this season and have the ability to make an impact on the ground.
3. Wide receiver – Michigan will be without top receiver Nico Collins, so Donovan Peoples-Jones and Ronnie Bell will need to step up in his absence. The duo has been reliable targets for Patterson all season and will be counted on to make plays against the Crimson Tide.
4. Offensive line – The Wolverines will be missing three starters on the offensive line, including All-American left tackle Jon Runyan Jr. The coaching staff will need to shuffle the lineup and rely on backups like Andrew Stueber and Jalen Mayfield to protect McCaffrey and open up running lanes.
5. Defensive line – Michigan will be without standout defensive end Kwity Paye, so Aidan Hutchinson and Carlo Kemp will need to anchor the front four. The Wolverines’ pass rush will be crucial in disrupting Alabama’s potent offense.
6. Linebacker – With Cameron McGrone sidelined, Jordan Glasgow and Josh Ross will need to step up at the linebacker position. The duo will be tasked with stopping the Crimson Tide’s dynamic running game and covering tight ends and slot receivers.
7. Secondary – The Wolverines will be missing multiple starters in the secondary, including Lavert Hill and Josh Metellus. Young players like Vincent Gray and Daxton Hill will need to step up and make plays in coverage against Alabama’s explosive passing attack.
While Michigan will be without several key players in their upcoming bowl game, the coaching staff is confident in the depth and talent on the roster. It will be an opportunity for younger players to showcase their skills and prove they are ready to step up when called upon. Stay tuned to see who will rise to the occasion and make an impact against Alabama.
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Michigan football, bowl game, Alabama, replacement plans, starters, college football, Michigan Wolverines, injured players, lineup changes, player substitutions, game strategy, college sports, team roster, player injuries.
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