BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Back in January, when the afterglow of Michigan football’s national championship burned bright, athletic director Warde Manuel revealed the moment he became convinced Sherrone Moore would be a worthy successor to Jim Harbaugh.

The group up front has taken a major step back this year under new offensive line coach Grant Newsome, a surprise given the continuity on staff and Moore’s history with the line. Injuries have played a part continuity-wise, a departure from recent years when the group seemed to work well together no matter who was in there.