Michigan football could be a Big Ten sleeper, analyst says

Michigan football, with Kyle Whittingham leading the charge, is getting some quiet publicity, but is still flying quite under the radar. Everyone is focused on the other brand names that had bigger and better years last season, and because of that, there isn't much hype surrounding the Wolverines . But ESPN analyst Greg McElroy says don't let that fool you -- this could be one of the better teams in the Big Ten, if not the country.

Of course, there's a lot that has to go right for the maize and blue, but given the resurgence of talent and coaching on the offensive side of the ball, McElroy thinks this could be a top-level unit. He shared more on his podcast, Always College Football: "Let's talk about the quarterback because Bryce Underwood, he's been in the spotlight this year," McElroy said. "He was in the spotlight last year.

I thought he handled it pretty well. He continues to be one of the most hyped up young players in the country. And if you listen to Whittingham, comparing him favorably to Cam Newton in terms of physical gifts and his ability to create with his legs, that's a pretty good place to start, right?

"Jason Beck is the OC, and he's installing a system that will rely on a lot of speedy personnel, some really athletic weapons at wide receiver, talented running backs, maybe not as many multiple-tight-end sets. So this is going to be an offense -- it's really going to suit Underwood really well. Very encouraged by seeing the technical refinements that he might make to become a slightly more consistent passer.