Blue & Gold Illustrated: 2019 Notre Dame Football Preview
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124 ✦ BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW BY BRYAN DRISKELL The retirement of Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, a favorable schedule that has Notre Dame, Ohio State and Michigan State traveling to Ann Arbor, and the arrival of an up-and-coming offensive coordinator have preseason magazines predicting big things for Michigan. Head coach Jim Harbaugh's 2019 squad is considered a strong candidate to earn the pro- gram's first-ever berth to the College Football Playoff. "Things are lining up perfectly for Michi- gan to finally win the Big Ten East, and per- haps even land in the College Football Play- off," TheWolverine.com staff writer Austin Fox said. "The Wolverines have the roster to achieve those goals." Michigan has made its living on defense in recent seasons, but it is the offense that has generated the most excitement during the offseason. Harbaugh hired former Alabama co-offensive coordinator Josh Gattis to make the attack more explosive. "He will be employing an approach that is the opposite of what Harbaugh ran during his first four years in Ann Arbor," Fox explained. "Harbaugh's offenses have been predicated on grinding out drives on the ground and con- trolling the clock, while Gattis has installed a no-huddle, up-tempo system. "He has also preached 'speed in space' and put an emphasis on getting Michigan's playmakers the ball, an aspect the Wolverines failed to do on a consistent basis last season. … Harbaugh has given him complete control of the offense, and that the play-calling duties rest solely on his shoulders, served as music to the ears of Michigan fans everywhere." Senior quarterback Shea Patterson and the return of a gifted group of wide receivers get most of the attention, but Michigan's success will be determined by an improved line that returns four starters. "Michigan's offensive line is in the best shape it's been since, arguably, the Lloyd Carr days," Fox noted. "The group as a whole is expected to not only be the best unit Harbaugh has had during his time in Ann Arbor, but also the best offensive line in the Big Ten in 2019." Athlon Sports and Lindy's Sports concur with Fox, with both ranking the blockers as the best in the conference and a top-10 unit nationally. On the other side of the ball, the loss of first-round NFL Draft pick Rashan Gary and third-round selection Chase Winov- ich at end could derail the CFP push. "Defensive line is undoubtedly one of the top areas of concern for Michigan's roster heading into next season," Fox stated. Reasons For Optimism • Improving offensive line • Weapons at wideout • Favorable schedule Michigan has struggled on offense in big games the last three seasons, but that could change this season thanks to the return of four starting offensive linemen, a veteran quarterback, a skilled group of pass catchers and a schedule that brings its top three rivals to Ann Arbor. Reasons For Concern • Personnel losses on defense • Questions at running back • First-time play-caller on offense Replacing a pair of first-round picks, a pair of third- round picks and two other defensive starters will be challenging … The departure of running back Karan Higdon to the NFL and the season-long suspension of running back Chris Evans, U-M's top two rushers that combined for 1,792 yards and 15 touchdowns from scrimmage last season, could be troublesome for Josh Gattis in his first year calling plays. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES GAME 7 • OCT. 26 • MICHIGAN STADIUM X-FACTOR: The Wolverine offense will need to score more this season, but that will only happen if senior quarterback Shea Patterson can turn his hype and potential into increased production. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN 2019 SCHEDULE Date Opponent 2018 Result Aug. 31 Middle Tennessee State — Sept. 7 Army — Sept. 21 at Wisconsin W, 38-13 Sept. 28 Rutgers W, 42-7 Oct. 5 Iowa — Oct. 12 at Illinois — Oct. 19 at Penn State W, 42-7 Oct. 26 Notre Dame L, 24-17 Nov. 2 at Maryland W, 42-21 Nov. 16 Michigan State W, 21-7 Nov. 23 at Indiana W, 31-20 Nov. 30 Ohio State L, 62-39 QUICK FACTS All-Time Series: Michigan leads 24-17-1 Last Meeting: Notre Dame 24, Michigan 17 (Sept. 1, 2018; South Bend) Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh, 38-14 at U-M (5th year) and 96-41 overall (12th year) 2018 Results: 10-3 overall, 8-1 Big Ten East (tied 1st); lost to Florida 41-15 in the Peach Bowl Returning Starters: 12 (7 offense, 5 defense) Prediction: Notre Dame 27, Michigan 24 RETURNING LEADERS Rushing: RB Tru Wilson (364 yards, 1 TD) Passing: QB Shea Patterson (2,600 yards, 22 TD) Receiving: WR Nico Collins (632 yards, 6 TD) Tackles: LB Josh Ross (61) Sacks: LB Josh Uche (7) Interceptions: S Josh Metellus (3)