The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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Top Five Goals In 2021 What was an "Ohio State problem" emerged into a big- ger issue last year, when the Wolverines finished 2-4 in a COVID-abbreviated season and looked bad doing it after a season-opening win at Minnesota. Opt-outs, injuries and some bad luck all factored into the dismal showing, one that included a second blowout loss in a row to Wis- consin, and Michigan fans hope that was just an anomaly in Jim Harbaugh's otherwise solid record. That said, here are five of the top goals for the 2021 squad: 1. Solidify the culture Winning a Big Ten title and ending a 16-year title-less streak would normally be No. 1 on this list, but that doesn't seem realistic this year. Head coach Jim Harbaugh needs to start by getting his players (forgive the RichRod reference) 'all in for Michigan,' on the same page and playing for one another. Too many have bolted for the transfer portal at the first sign of adversity, and others have seemed to have eyes on the NFL first. That needs to be fixed, and that's all about accountability — something that used to be a given in Ann Arbor and needs to be again. 48 ■ THE WOLVERINE 2021 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2. Start 4-0 and win the winnable games The Wolverines have a loaded schedule every year playing in the Big Ten East, and the confer- ence schedule makers never seem to do them any favors. This year's crossover games include Wisconsin (again), the Big Ten West annual heavyweight, and Nebraska, both on the road. While the Cornhuskers haven't been good in recent years, that's one of the tougher venues in which to play, due to the crazy atmosphere. The Wolverines play those two games back-to-back after the first four contests, so it's impera- tive to get wins against Western Michigan, Washington, Northern Illinois and Rutgers at home to gain some confidence and momentum. 2021 SEASON PREVIEW The first four games this year for Jim Harbaugh's squad all come at home and give the Wolverines a chance to get off to a good start, before they head on the road for back-to-back games at Wisconsin and Nebraska. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL