Michigan Football: 5 Toughest QBs Wolverines Will Face in 2016
Although Michigan will likely field one of the nation's stingiest defenses in 2016, that feisty unit will encounter several tough quarterbacks during the regular season.
The Wolverines have a relatively favorable schedule, especially since some of their better opponents have to replace former starters. Plus, the nonconference slate is particularly weak.
Inside the Big Ten, however, Jim Harbaugh's team will face three of the nation's best signal-callers, partly thanks to crossover games. The other two are first-year starters within the Big Ten East.
Michigan's ability to neutralize—or at least contain—the following quarterbacks will have a big impact on their record in 2016.
5. Tyler O'Connor, Michigan State
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Rivalry matchups get weird, especially when a team is stingy enough on defense to keep the score low. Michigan State should fit that mold.
Connor Cook used up his eligibility, so the Spartans need to replace their longtime starter. Tyler O'Connor is bound for the No. 1 role, all but officially beating out Damion Terry and Brian Lewerke in the spring.
The fifth-year senior has a strong arm and respectable mobility, as evidenced by the final spring scrimmage. He went 10-of-16 for 138 yards and a touchdown, adding a team-best 27 rushing yards.
O'Connor isn't a proven guy, but he'll have seven games as the full-time starter before Michigan travels to East Lansing.
4. Trace McSorley, Penn State
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Christian Hackenberg moved on from Happy Valley, and it might be a good thing? Three years ago, that would've been a laughable thought. Whether his drop-off was due to a coaching change, flat-out regression or both, Hack's college career ended unceremoniously.
Trace McSorley isn't Penn State's official starter, but some recent performances have put him on the right track to earning the nod.
He completed 14-of-27 attempts with 142 yards and two scores after replacing an injured Hackenberg during the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl. McSorley then led Joe Moorhead's new offense in the spring game, completing 23-of-27 for 281 yards and four touchdowns.
Since the Nittany Lions have a trio of potential NFL-bound receivers in Chris Godwin, DaeSean Hamilton and Saeed Blacknall, McSorley won't lack options this fall.
3. Wes Lunt, Illinois
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Illinois may have a quietly potent offense with 19-game starter Wes Lunt under center in 2016.
First, the roster needs to address its losses. Geronimo Allison exhausted his eligibility, Mike Dudek tore the ACL in his right knee again and Marchie Murdock will transfer to Texas State.
But Malik Turner and Desmond Cain—the No. 2 and No. 3 targets last year—return. Dionte Taylor is back, and the Illini signed 6'5" tight end Zarrian Holcombe, who could start immediately.
Through 20 appearances, Lunt has tallied 28 touchdowns with just nine interceptions. He's likely the toughest pure pocket-passer Michigan will encounter this season.
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2. C.J. Beathard, Iowa
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Hip, groin and hamstring ailments limited C.J. Beathard down the stretch of the 2015 campaign, but he still guided Iowa to an undefeated regular-season record and a Big Ten Championship Game appearance.
Beathard performed noticeably better at home last year, averaging 43.3 passing yards more than on the road and tossing a single interception. The Wolverines visit Iowa City on Nov. 12.
As long as he's not injured, Beathard doesn't shy away from utilizing his mobility. He ran for 237 yards and six scores despite essentially removing that part of his arsenal when injured.
The Hawkeyes need to replace a few key pieces on offense, but Beathard will ease the transition and give Michigan a formidable late-season test.
1. J.T. Barrett, Ohio State
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J.T. Barrett probably doesn't need a big introduction.
Last year, the Ohio State star threw just 15 passes for one score during a 42-13 rout of Michigan. But he shredded the defense for a season-best 139 rushing yards and tied a career-high mark with three touchdowns.
Although eight new starters will join the Buckeyes offense—and that's certainly not insignificant for September—the roster turnover should be a moot point by Nov. 26.
The Wolverines must contain Barrett in Columbus, as the Big Ten East will likely be at stake. It doesn't get much tougher than that.
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.
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