Where Michigan Football Stands in Joel Klatt's Big Ten Tier System

There are a few surprises as the Big Ten Conference begins. Ohio State, despite not having played anyone yet, is the clear favorite in the Big Ten. Both Oregon and Penn State have struggled, and USC has been on a tear after two weeks of play. On the other hand, the Wolverines have looked like a shell of their 2023 national championship team.

On the Joel Klatt Podcast, Klatt ranked the Big Ten teams by tier. He has Ohio State as the clear favorite and the only first-tier team. The FOX analyst has both USC and Oregon as second-tier teams. Heading into the third tier, Klatt has Penn State and Nebraska as the No. 4 and No. 5 teams in the Big Ten Conference.

The defending national champions? Klatt still considers them a third-tier team, but at the bottom of the bracket as the No. 6 team in the conference. He's excited to see what new starting quarterback Alex Orji could do for Michigan's offense and wants to see what he can do against USC. But through three weeks, the Wolverines have been underwhelming – especially in their most important game against Texas.

“And then I have Michigan,” Klatt explained. “Yeah, Michigan has gone from being a team that was clearly in the second tier at the beginning of the season to being a team that is clearly in the third tier. And to be honest, they are right in the third tier because of the way they play and the problems with their quarterback.

“I think they're sixth in the Big Ten right now, but they reserve the right to change that because they're going to start over with a new quarterback, Alex Orji. I actually think that's a good path for Michigan. Michigan needs to run the football.”

Orji will add a new element to Michigan's offense as long as he is the starting quarterback. He fits the Wolverines' scheme of running the football. Michigan just rushed for 301 yards against Arkansas State last weekend. The most important thing for Orji and the Wolverines is to take care of the football. Davis Warren, who started the first three games, threw six interceptions in that time. Orji needs to take care of the football and give Michigan a chance.

“They have to have a time of possession advantage,” Klatt said. “They have to have a snap advantage and they have to bring that toughness and that physical identity back to their team, and I think Alex Orji fits that. Now, is he going to be good at throwing the football?

“Maybe not, but Orji is the guy I believe can take them to their maximum this year, especially in the Big Ten. I'm really excited about this week's game against USC. I can't wait to watch the film and see what they really are.”

You can watch Michigan vs. USC on CBS on Saturday. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. ET.

– For more coverage of the Michigan Wolverines, visit Michigan Wolverines On SI –

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