Michigan Football: 5 Things Standing in the Way of a Big Ten Championship

National championship buzz surrounds the 2016 Michigan football team, but several elements could keep the Wolverines from even taking the Big Ten crown.

Those factors are both internal and external, including positional questions, execution issues and potential stumbling points on the schedule.

Fortunately for Michigan, its defense should be among the nation's best units—although depth and inexperience at linebacker is a legitimate early concern.

But that possible shortcoming will rarely be exploited. The key for the Wolverines is to address that problem before it matters late in the season—because the schedule is merciless.

5. Run Blocking

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Michigan's offensive line ended the 2015 campaign on a high note, opening numerous lanes to help the running backs gash Florida for 225 yards during the Citrus Bowl.

But that impressive performance was in stark contrast to shaky play throughout the regular season.

Pass protection was rarely an issue for the unit, which only allowed 18 total sacks all year. However, the Wolverines managed just 2.75 yards per standard-down carry, according to Football Outsiders.

Four starters return for another summer of development under position coach Tim Drevno, so there's reason for optimism. Still, Michigan has much to improve before its diverse offense excels both on the ground and through the air.

4. Iowa

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Last year's underdog could be 2016's spoiler. Iowa is out to prove its undefeated regular season was no fluke, but a tougher West division likely means no second-straight unblemished mark.

That doesn't mean the Hawkeyes won't be competitive. Quarterback C.J. Beathard and Thorpe Award-winning cornerback Desmond King highlight a formidable returning roster.

Plus, since Iowa probably won't run away with the division crown, the November 12 contest against Michigan could be a must-win game for Kirk Ferentz's club.

Minnesota gave the Wolverines an unexpected late-season road test in 2015, but it wouldn't be a surprise if the Hawkeyes force Michigan into a 60-minute grind.

3. Questions at Quarterback

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If the Wolverines had a proven returning starter at quarterback, they might be the favorites for the Big 10 and national championships instead of merely top contenders.

But Michigan will pursue those accolades with either Wilton Speight or John O'Korn under center.

Theoretically, this question won't be a major issue. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and pass coordinator Jedd Fisch are masters at developing quarterbacks. Additionally, the schedule should help the new gunslinger ease into his role.

However, when a game comes down to the fourth quarter and the quarterback cannot rely on Michigan's defense to secure the win, will Speight or O'Korn be ready to carry the Wolverines?

While the answer seems like a yes, we don't know it for a fact.

2. Michigan State

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Unless the Michigan State offensive line meshes and supports a dominant running game, the offense figures to be decent at best in 2016, respectable but not explosive.

The defense, on the other hand, will be nasty—in a good way. Malik McDowell leads a unit that ranked 26th nationally and returns a strong group of linebackers as well as defensive backs.

Plus, rivalries are weird.

From bizarre endings to clashes that shouldn't be competitive but are anyway to alternating seven-wins-in-eight-years stretches, this matchup is unpredictable.

Oh, and the Spartans have defended their home turf in each of the last four contests. Michigan has to buck that trend, too.

1. Ohio State

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Two 11-0 teams meeting in Columbus on Nov. 26 would be a dream come true for college football. For the first time in more than a decade, both programs are excellent at the same time.

While the continuing storyline for Ohio State is replacing an immense amount of talent, Urban Meyer's squad remains Vegas' favorite to win the national title, according to Odds Shark. The Buckeyes might drop a game or two, but serious regression isn't happening.

Streaks are meant to be broken, but Michigan's lack of recent success against its rivals is staggering. Ohio State is 13-2 over the last 15 tilts.

If preseason projections were due today, a strong majority would project that the winner of The Game claims the East division, eventually the Big Ten and ultimately a spot in the College Football Playoff.

But the Wolverines have not earned the benefit of the doubt. Like many years before, their championship aspirations—especially in their conference—could end at the hands of the Buckeyes.

All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from CFBStats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.