The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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THE WOLVERINE 2021 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 53 "The Wolverines allowed 17.2 points per game in Harbaugh's first four seasons. That number increased to 31.4 points per game the last two seasons. Michigan needs that defense to rebound around Hutchinson and Daxton Hill." Fornelli: "I think Michigan's biggest problem last season is the same problem Michigan has had for a while now: it doesn't have the QB to compete at the top level. "We've reached a point where it feels like if you're going to win a Power Five conference (Okay, maybe not the Pac-12 yet), you need a first-round quality QB. It makes sense consider- ing how pass-friendly the sport has become and how rule changes have allowed that to happen. "Michigan had plenty of problems last sea- son — a lack of a real pass rush among them — but a top-tier QB solves a lot of problems." Lassan: "The lack of consistency at quar- terback and a defense that regressed signifi- cantly from the previous year were the big- gest problems that plagued Michigan in 2020. "Quarterback Joe Milton had a strong de- but against Minnesota, but his struggles start- ing in the following game versus Michigan State opened the door for Cade McNamara to see more playing time. Of note: Seven of the team's nine touchdown passes came in two games. More consistency and steady play from game to game under center is a must in '21. "After giving up 4.7 yards a play in '19, Michigan surrendered 5.6 last fall. This unit gave up too many big plays and allowed 34.5 points a contest — the second-highest mark in school history. The preseason opt out of cor- nerback Ambry Thomas certainly hindered the pass defense, but the Wolverines had too much talent to be giving up nearly 35 points a game." Revsine: "Where do we start? Defense would be an obvious one. They were dreadful — his- torically bad by Michigan's admittedly impres- sive standards — eight straight games (and counting) allowing at least 24 points, which is the longest streak in school history. They have to figure out a way to force some turnovers and get some pressure up front to make things easier on the corners, who were underwhelming. "On the other side — can the QB play im- prove? Can the OL stay healthy? There are just a ton of question marks all over the field." Rittenberg: "It's the same thing we talked about before last season, even though there are obvious issues on defense that need to get better. If they don't get better at quarter- back, they're never going to beat Ohio State, they're never going to win that division. "That's the position, and that's the area of growth that needs to happen this year with Jim and Josh Gattis and obviously the play- ers. So that's what I'm most interested in. Joe Milton, they sold us as the answer; he wasn't the answer at Michigan. That's the position that we thought would be firmly in place by now under Harbaugh, but for what- ever reason hasn't gotten there." Which of Michigan's position groups do you see as being in the upper echelon of the Big Ten? Bender: "Aidan Hutchinson's return was big news for a defensive line that could re- emerge after a dormant 2020. Taylor Upshaw should improve at the other defensive end, but it comes down to whether Christopher Hinton, a five-star recruit, can emerge as a dominant player in the interior with Don- ovan Jeter, Mazi Smith and Oregon State transfer Jordan Whittley, a 358-pounder who could be a difference maker in the middle. "The Wolverines have sent 10 defensive linemen to the NFL since Harbaugh arrived, and this group could emerge as a force. They'll need to for the defense to bounce back." Fornelli: "It'll come as a surprise con- sidering the problems last season, but I still think it's the defensive front. I think this is still a roster filled with talent that's better than just about everywhere else in the Big Ten that isn't Columbus or State College, but the problem has been the position groups where Michigan has fallen behind." Lassan: "Michigan's running back unit is definitely among the best in the Big Ten this year. Hassan Haskins has been impressive in limited work the last two seasons, and Donovan Edwards is poised to play right away after ranking as one of the top running back recruits in the '21 class. "There's intrigue at receiver and up front, but running backs are the only offensive unit I would feel comfortable with saying is in the top half of the conference going into the year. On defense, I think the line should be among the best in the Big Ten. Aidan Hutchinson's return is a big deal and changes the entire outlook for that group." Revsine: "Offensively, I like their receivers. Everyone knows about Ronnie Bell, and Cor- nelius Johnson got me excited at times last year. I like their safeties on the other side — Dax Hill and Brad Hawkins are upper-echelon players." Rittenberg: "There's real potential at re- ceiver. That group hasn't delivered the way that we thought they would, but I think there's a chance they could be really good. They're not Ohio State — Ohio State's clearly the best group in the Big Ten — but I don't think Mich- igan's particularly far off with their group. "I even think the defensive line and second- ary could get there, especially with this new coaching staff — they have a chance." ❑ The Wolverines have the potential to feature a strong defensive line this season, but need for- mer five-star Christopher Hinton to emerge as a dominant player in the interior. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN ATHLETICS