Peach Bowl Depth Chart
This is for my Florida pals that are curious about what they can expect to face this coming weekend against Michigan.
With several key players sitting out this bowl game, it is time for us to find out just how deep those 2016 and 2017 recruiting classes actually were.
Statistically speaking, Michigan and Florida are a lot alike in many ways. Offensively, Michigan is stronger at quarterback down the depth chart, but overall both offense gain about 427 yards per game. Michigan edges out Florida in scoring by just over three points per game. Defensively, both defenses have the ability to shut an opponent down, though they do both have apparent weaknesses that can be exposed by superior offenses. Michigan does have an edge in rushing defense, though Rashan Gary and Aubrey Solomon are sitting out and moving on so things may be a little equaled out here.
It should be a tight game!
Offense:
Quarterback
Shea Patterson
Joe Mixon
Brandon Peters
Patterson is staying put in Ann Arbor and will use this game as a primer going into the offseason. I expect both Mixon and Peters to get a snap or two as well, but it's Patterson's opportunity to pad his resume. Florida does have the nation's #10 passing defense, so it will be no walk in the park. This group really needs to impress for this team to reach .500 in bowl games under Harbaugh.
Running Back
Chris Evans
Ben Mason (FB)
Tru Wilson
Christian Turner
Jared Wangler (FB)
Karan Higdon is out so Evans takes over for this game. He is more than capable of carrying the load against the Gators, but expect Mason and Wilson to get some work too. Mason, in particular, will get a majority of any short yardage and goalline carries, but he can surprise some players with his receiving ability too. This could be Turner's opportunity to gain some trust from the coaches. Also, look for Wangler to get some work at fullback in his final game as a Wolverine too. A good showing from this group would be a great sign to close out the year. The Gators do rank 73rd in the nation in run defense, so there is a chance for this group to rack up some yards on the ground.
Wide Receiver 1
Donovan Peoples-Jones
Grant Perry
Oliver Martin
DPJ is looking to be an All-American next year. He will try to use the Gators as a springboard to put himself in the national spotlight. Being that it will be Perry's final game with the program, expect him to play a lot too. Martin will probably get a few reps too.
Wide Receiver 2
Nico Collins
Tarik Black
Ronnie Bell
Like Peoples-Jones, Collins could be a top NFL prospect next season. Together they are looking to become an unstoppable force on the perimeter. Black could have a big game now that he is fully recovered from an injury that kept him out of the first half of the season.
Tight End
Sean McKeon
Zach Gentry
Nick Eubanks
All three of these guys will be back next year. And all three of them have proven to be valuable commodities to the team. The Gators are 21st in scoring defense, so points will come at a premium. This group needs to play tough for the offense to work.
Left Tackle
Jon Runyan Jr.
Jalen Mayfield
Joel Honigford
This is where a lot of the big work needs to get done in order for to beat the Gators. Like Michigan, Florida can rush the passer and make tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Runyan Jr., who was a First Team All Big Ten this season, needs to keep those Florida pass rushers from getting the edge on him. "Buck" linebacker/end Jachai Polite has 16 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, five forced fumbles, and four passes broken up. He's the first guy Runyan will be assigned to stop from getting into the backfield.
Left Guard
Ben Bredeson
Stephen Paea
Bredeson's run-blocking should be a huge asset against the Gators. He was Second Team All Big Ten this year. He will have his work cut out for him against this Florida front seven, but he should be able to generate some push in the run-game.
Center
Cesar Ruiz
Stephen Spanellis
Ruiz was solid in his second season and will look to take his game to the next level in order to pad his resume and raise his draft stock.
Right Guard
Michael Onwenu
Chuck Filiaga
There is nobody on the entire Florida roster that is as big as Onwenu. The entire interior of the Michigan O-line should pave the way for victory.
Right Tackle
Juwann Bushell-Beatty (inj.)
Andrew Stueber
It will be JBB's swan song, so expect a big effort here from him at right tackle. He is solid and it's important to note that all five staring linemen got some sort of All-Conference accolades after the season. Stueber will be ready to step in too if needed.
Strongside Defensive End
Kwity Paye
Aiden Hutchinson
Paye will play in place of Rashan Gary at the 'anchor' position. He filled in there well when Gary missed the Maryland, Wisconsin, and Michigan State games due to injury, and the defense held up just fine. In fact, they had some of their best showings of the season.
Defensive Tackle
Carlo Kemp
Bryan Mone
Ron Johnson
The Gators rank 27th in rushing offense. Mone and Kemp will be asked to do a lot dirty work in the trenches, but both guys are capable. This is Mone's last game, but Kemp will be back.
Defensive Tackle
Michael Dwumfour
Lawrence Marshall
Donovan Jeter
Dwumfour will look to establish himself as a leader going into the offseason now that Gary, Mone, Marshall, and Winovich will be gone next year. Jeter might get an opportunity to play too.
Weakside Defensive End
Chase Winovich
Josh Uche
Luiji Vilain
You can be that Winovich will show up and give his best effort. There is no way he is ending his Michigan career with that flop in Columbus. Uche will most-likely get some work as a standup pass-rusher. It would be interesting to see if Vilain is finally up to the task of seeing the field. He was a Top 50 recruit two years ago. Florida is 5th in the nation in tackles for a loss allowed and 18th in sacks allowed, so they can protect the pocket, but the passing offense is only ranked 77th. This leaves me to believe that the quarterback situation is a little fragile.
Strongside "Viper" Linebacker
Khaleke Hudson
Jordan Glasgow
It is unclear whether or not Hudson is coming back for another year, but I am willing to bet that he will still be a Wolverine and will play in the Peach Bowl. He didn't have as much of a standout year as he did in 2017 so he might just have a few things to prove. Glasgow can hold down the fort for half a game if needed, but he doesn't appear to be a longterm answer anywhere.
Middle Linebacker
Josh Ross
Noah Furbush
Cam McGrone
With Bush now moving on the NFL, Ross will most-likely slid into this spot. He had a bit of a breakout season as a sophomore in which he was fourth on the team in tackles. This will be Furbush's last game as a Wolverine so expect him to get some opportunities to play as well.
Weakside Linebacker
Devin Gil
Jordan Anthony
Gil has made several starts throughout the last two years and made 27 tackles this year. He will probably start next to Ross in this game. Hopefully we will get to see some more of Anthony, as he was a very highly-touted player coming out of high school two years ago.
Cornerback
Lavert Hill
Ambry Thomas
Vincent Gray
Sammy Faustin
At the moment it looks like Hill is going to play. He could easily sit out considering he is probably a sure-fire second round pick. A great game from him could elevate his draft stock and keep him from coming back. Thomas is a good backup and one of the fastest player on the team.
Cornerback
David Long
Brandon Watson
Benjamin St-Juste
Myles Sims
Long is planning on playing as well. That is a great thing. He might actually be a better pro prospect than Hill and his presence is necessary to help keep Florida from taking advantage of the lack of depth behind him. Watson has mostly been solid, but his coverage ability got expose by Ohio State. I still expect him to play, so watch for the Gators to attack #28 whenever he's on the field.
Rover Safety
Josh Metellus
Brad Hawkins
J'Marick Woods
Metellus is a big-bodied, athletic safety that could also play some linebacker. He might be a slight liability in deep pass coverage but his presence up near the box is key to this defense clicking on all cylinders. Hopefully, he has a much better game than he did last year against South Carolina.
Cover Safety
Tyree Kinnel
Jaylen Kelly-Powell
It will be Kinnel's last game. He has been decent throughout most of his career but he has had a few letdowns too. Look for Florida to go after him a little as well. JKP hasn't had much playing time but he should get some opportunity to gain experience against the Gators.
With several key players sitting out this bowl game, it is time for us to find out just how deep those 2016 and 2017 recruiting classes actually were.
Statistically speaking, Michigan and Florida are a lot alike in many ways. Offensively, Michigan is stronger at quarterback down the depth chart, but overall both offense gain about 427 yards per game. Michigan edges out Florida in scoring by just over three points per game. Defensively, both defenses have the ability to shut an opponent down, though they do both have apparent weaknesses that can be exposed by superior offenses. Michigan does have an edge in rushing defense, though Rashan Gary and Aubrey Solomon are sitting out and moving on so things may be a little equaled out here.
It should be a tight game!
Offense:
Quarterback
Shea Patterson
Joe Mixon
Brandon Peters
Patterson is staying put in Ann Arbor and will use this game as a primer going into the offseason. I expect both Mixon and Peters to get a snap or two as well, but it's Patterson's opportunity to pad his resume. Florida does have the nation's #10 passing defense, so it will be no walk in the park. This group really needs to impress for this team to reach .500 in bowl games under Harbaugh.
Running Back
Chris Evans
Ben Mason (FB)
Tru Wilson
Christian Turner
Jared Wangler (FB)
Karan Higdon is out so Evans takes over for this game. He is more than capable of carrying the load against the Gators, but expect Mason and Wilson to get some work too. Mason, in particular, will get a majority of any short yardage and goalline carries, but he can surprise some players with his receiving ability too. This could be Turner's opportunity to gain some trust from the coaches. Also, look for Wangler to get some work at fullback in his final game as a Wolverine too. A good showing from this group would be a great sign to close out the year. The Gators do rank 73rd in the nation in run defense, so there is a chance for this group to rack up some yards on the ground.
Wide Receiver 1
Donovan Peoples-Jones
Grant Perry
Oliver Martin
DPJ is looking to be an All-American next year. He will try to use the Gators as a springboard to put himself in the national spotlight. Being that it will be Perry's final game with the program, expect him to play a lot too. Martin will probably get a few reps too.
Wide Receiver 2
Nico Collins
Tarik Black
Ronnie Bell
Like Peoples-Jones, Collins could be a top NFL prospect next season. Together they are looking to become an unstoppable force on the perimeter. Black could have a big game now that he is fully recovered from an injury that kept him out of the first half of the season.
Tight End
Sean McKeon
Zach Gentry
Nick Eubanks
All three of these guys will be back next year. And all three of them have proven to be valuable commodities to the team. The Gators are 21st in scoring defense, so points will come at a premium. This group needs to play tough for the offense to work.
Left Tackle
Jon Runyan Jr.
Jalen Mayfield
Joel Honigford
This is where a lot of the big work needs to get done in order for to beat the Gators. Like Michigan, Florida can rush the passer and make tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Runyan Jr., who was a First Team All Big Ten this season, needs to keep those Florida pass rushers from getting the edge on him. "Buck" linebacker/end Jachai Polite has 16 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, five forced fumbles, and four passes broken up. He's the first guy Runyan will be assigned to stop from getting into the backfield.
Left Guard
Ben Bredeson
Stephen Paea
Bredeson's run-blocking should be a huge asset against the Gators. He was Second Team All Big Ten this year. He will have his work cut out for him against this Florida front seven, but he should be able to generate some push in the run-game.
Center
Cesar Ruiz
Stephen Spanellis
Ruiz was solid in his second season and will look to take his game to the next level in order to pad his resume and raise his draft stock.
Right Guard
Michael Onwenu
Chuck Filiaga
There is nobody on the entire Florida roster that is as big as Onwenu. The entire interior of the Michigan O-line should pave the way for victory.
Right Tackle
Juwann Bushell-Beatty (inj.)
Andrew Stueber
It will be JBB's swan song, so expect a big effort here from him at right tackle. He is solid and it's important to note that all five staring linemen got some sort of All-Conference accolades after the season. Stueber will be ready to step in too if needed.
Strongside Defensive End
Kwity Paye
Aiden Hutchinson
Paye will play in place of Rashan Gary at the 'anchor' position. He filled in there well when Gary missed the Maryland, Wisconsin, and Michigan State games due to injury, and the defense held up just fine. In fact, they had some of their best showings of the season.
Defensive Tackle
Carlo Kemp
Bryan Mone
Ron Johnson
The Gators rank 27th in rushing offense. Mone and Kemp will be asked to do a lot dirty work in the trenches, but both guys are capable. This is Mone's last game, but Kemp will be back.
Defensive Tackle
Michael Dwumfour
Lawrence Marshall
Donovan Jeter
Dwumfour will look to establish himself as a leader going into the offseason now that Gary, Mone, Marshall, and Winovich will be gone next year. Jeter might get an opportunity to play too.
Weakside Defensive End
Chase Winovich
Josh Uche
Luiji Vilain
You can be that Winovich will show up and give his best effort. There is no way he is ending his Michigan career with that flop in Columbus. Uche will most-likely get some work as a standup pass-rusher. It would be interesting to see if Vilain is finally up to the task of seeing the field. He was a Top 50 recruit two years ago. Florida is 5th in the nation in tackles for a loss allowed and 18th in sacks allowed, so they can protect the pocket, but the passing offense is only ranked 77th. This leaves me to believe that the quarterback situation is a little fragile.
Strongside "Viper" Linebacker
Khaleke Hudson
Jordan Glasgow
It is unclear whether or not Hudson is coming back for another year, but I am willing to bet that he will still be a Wolverine and will play in the Peach Bowl. He didn't have as much of a standout year as he did in 2017 so he might just have a few things to prove. Glasgow can hold down the fort for half a game if needed, but he doesn't appear to be a longterm answer anywhere.
Middle Linebacker
Josh Ross
Noah Furbush
Cam McGrone
With Bush now moving on the NFL, Ross will most-likely slid into this spot. He had a bit of a breakout season as a sophomore in which he was fourth on the team in tackles. This will be Furbush's last game as a Wolverine so expect him to get some opportunities to play as well.
Weakside Linebacker
Devin Gil
Jordan Anthony
Gil has made several starts throughout the last two years and made 27 tackles this year. He will probably start next to Ross in this game. Hopefully we will get to see some more of Anthony, as he was a very highly-touted player coming out of high school two years ago.
Cornerback
Lavert Hill
Ambry Thomas
Vincent Gray
Sammy Faustin
At the moment it looks like Hill is going to play. He could easily sit out considering he is probably a sure-fire second round pick. A great game from him could elevate his draft stock and keep him from coming back. Thomas is a good backup and one of the fastest player on the team.
Cornerback
David Long
Brandon Watson
Benjamin St-Juste
Myles Sims
Long is planning on playing as well. That is a great thing. He might actually be a better pro prospect than Hill and his presence is necessary to help keep Florida from taking advantage of the lack of depth behind him. Watson has mostly been solid, but his coverage ability got expose by Ohio State. I still expect him to play, so watch for the Gators to attack #28 whenever he's on the field.
Rover Safety
Josh Metellus
Brad Hawkins
J'Marick Woods
Metellus is a big-bodied, athletic safety that could also play some linebacker. He might be a slight liability in deep pass coverage but his presence up near the box is key to this defense clicking on all cylinders. Hopefully, he has a much better game than he did last year against South Carolina.
Cover Safety
Tyree Kinnel
Jaylen Kelly-Powell
It will be Kinnel's last game. He has been decent throughout most of his career but he has had a few letdowns too. Look for Florida to go after him a little as well. JKP hasn't had much playing time but he should get some opportunity to gain experience against the Gators.
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