The difference between 8-4 and 10-2 seems obvious, but the reality allows for variance. For example, Washington State finished 9-3 last season, but lost those three games: 37-3, 58-37, and 41-14; Michigan’s season was slightly different.
The Wolverines were the most inexperienced team in the country last season and seemingly only had better luck than Maryland in terms of quarterback health. Did coaching mistakes and inexcusable plays on both sides of the ball happen? Yes. Was Tim Drevno still present? Physically, yes; mentally, it’s up for debate. Did Penn State senselessly beat Michigan into a maize and blue puddle?