Wisconsin Football: Top Five Big Ten Running Backs

#3 – Karan Higdon, Michigan

Jim Harbaugh’s seat is starting to get just a little bit warm, as Michigan’s performance on the field during his tenure has not quite met expectations to this point.

Next year will be a very important season for him and his program. If the Wolverines are going to take that next step forward this year, they are going to need senior running back Karan Higdon at his best.

Michigan’s passing game last year was simply not very good. The quarterback position was shaky, as Brandon Peters and Wilton Speight (who has since transferred to UCLA) split snaps. Neither player was particularly impressive. Much of the offensive load fell on Higdon’s shoulders, as well as those of fellow backs Chris Evans and Ty Isaac.

Higdon put together a great season for the Wolverines, rushing for 994 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He had multiple games with at least 200 yards.

Evans had a solid season as well in 2017 and returns this year. While he will definitely get his share of carries, Higdon was the alpha dog in Michigan’s stable of backs last season and that should not change in 2018.

Michigan fans have very high hopes for new quarterback Shea Patterson, a former top high school recruit who transferred from Ole Miss. While Patterson has a ton of talent, he still has much to prove at this level. Like last season, the Wolverines are going to need Higdon to step up and take pressure off the passing game.

With Ty Isaac having exhausted his eligibility, the vast majority of carries will likely be going to Higdon and Evans. Taking into account his experience and a likely uptick in touches, expect Higdon to go well over 1,000 rushing yards this season as Michigan pushes for a Playoff berth.