Daily Brews: Computers higher on Michigan than coaches

A couple weeks ago I called out an early ranking from Bill Connelly’s SP+ rating system which had Michigan in the lower end of the top 25. Connelly has run some updates since then, bumping the Wolverines up to No. 17 heading into the 2021 season. SP+ favors the defense (10th) over the offense (28th) given the roster composition and recent results.

This feels like an interesting change given the Coaches Poll that debuted earlier this week. Michigan was stuck in the ‘receiving votes’ portion of the rankings, which is completely justified coming off a 2-4 record. No one was expected the Wolverines to land 17th in the opening poll, but it is always notable when the analytics are more favorable than the eye test.

There are plenty of tough games on the schedule per SP+. Washington (13th) comes to town Week 2, trips to Wisconsin (6th) and Penn State (10th) are never fun, and Indiana (28th), Nebraska (32nd), and Maryland (38th) show how deep the Big Ten is. Of course, Ohio State (4th) sits near the top yet again.

Recruiting News

• The Michigan Insider ($): 2022 three-star DT Kenneth Grant quickly rising up boards
• The Michigan Insider ($): 2023 three-star OL Dylan Senda excited by Michigan offer

ICYMI at Maize n Brew

• DB George Johnson could be a difference maker
• George Helow is tasked with revamping the LBs

Around the State of Michigan at SB Nation

• Detroit Bad Boys: Killian Hayes continues to grow in Summer League action
• Bless You Boys: Jacob Robson gets a shot in the big leagues
• Pride Of Detroit: Lions make a change in the secondary