What about next year's football team makes you optimistic?
Michigan football's Twitter account has been posting highlight films of various returning players. I watched the Sainristil clip today. He only played in 6 games, had 8 catches and 1 touchdown, and yet it's obvious he has great potential. If he's used right, he could be a great contributor.
That got me thinking about reasons why we should be optimistic for next season (assuming it happens). Here's my list of the good things:
1) The WR corps. We've got our top-2 receivers (in terms of production) from 2019 back, and three second-year players (Sainristil, Jackson, Johnson) who you'd expect to make a sophomore leap. I know, nothing matters if we don't have a QB and system that will get them the ball, but the improvements I saw in the passing game in the last three regular season games have me thinking that the coaches at least started to figure things out. Just need the QB to execute.
2) The RBs. The top-2 rushers are back, and they were both first-year players. Chris Evans is back, and if he can get back to the player he was, then he should have another fine season. Christian Turner, another second-year player is back. We should see improvement across the board in terms of quality of play. We can complain about coaching left and right, but the RB position has always seemed to move in the right direction in terms of development (albeit slowly).
3) Defensive stars. The depth of the interior DL is still a problem. Cornerback doesn't appear to be strong in terms of depth (although I'm interested in seeing some of the Freshman and RS-freshman perform). But I think we should be geeked about Hutchinson, McGrone, and Hill returning. I'm betting they all wind up on the All-B1G first team.
Honorable Mention) The QBs. I've accept that Shea Patterson didn't have "it", whatever that is. His accuracy was an issue. His decision-making was bad. His leadership skills weren't there. I do believe McCaffrey and Milton both have more raw talent, and that a true competition will see a strong and capable QB emerge this year (with a great backup, assuming the backup sticks around).
And YOU????
The lack of service academy on the schedule
This is the correct answer
QB Play. Seeing how little value the rest of the world placed on Shea Patterson's performance from 2019 should reinforce that a change at the position this year is not a bad thing. I'm excited for the new elements that will come to the offense from the new starter (increase in QB run plays if McCaffrey wins, increase in downfield shots if Milton wins).
If Milton takes any meaningful snaps this season, then we’ll be in for Hoke level pain.
I'm not sure we can say any of that right yet. I would assume DCaff would be the better option from what we've seen so far, but we don't know that. Milton seems to have all the tools (in theory), just may need the time to develop those tools. I think if Harbaugh has shown us one thing is that he can beat the teams he should beat.
I'm looking forward to the offense going 60% out of the gate, rather than 10% like last year. I realize there will be some growing pains with a new QB and all, but I hope the new QB knows more of the offense.
If DCaff doesn't get his head taken off in Wisconsin, we'd know the QB answer already. Think the decision was made at halftime in Madison.
On offense I am excited to see how Dylan steps into a leading role, and if Milton can beat him out. Collins returning, the RB's, and TE development (All in a Funchess type role?). Would love to see some of the higher-rated OL start to pan out.
On defense there's McGrone and Daxton Hill. Seeing major steps forward from them would be great. Peppers had that "it factor" that no player since him has had. Hopefully Hill has it.
Secondary development, Barrett at Viper.
I'm very curious about the defense. This is all on Brown now. We should be taking some steps forward this year, as we were very young last year. If we don't, I think it's about time to look in another direction.
He's feeling a little "RichRod of the defense" to me, but I'm willing to give him one more year. I'm sure Warde and Harbaugh will consult with me in December.
I wouldn't say I'm optimistic, but I sure am excited about seeing what DCaff can do.
Also, I am optimistic / hoping on the fact that I am 100% wrong, and that all the Harbaugh apologists are correct and Jimmy just needs more time. I would never be so happy in all my life to be wrong.
a new quarterback.
They play PSU and Wisconsin at home.
I can't wait till Wisconsin goes back to the B1G West.
Under Jim the only thing I look at The top teams and who Michigan plays at home.
Just not even close to a really good team against top competition on the road.
Without being a Bama, OSU, or Clemson in recruiting, the only way we are ever going to win a National Championship is with a QB that has a Heisman caliber season. McCaffrey is still mostly unknown, and has a higher ceiling than Patterson did, so in my mind there is a bigger chance of that happening.
LSU proved the model. Their best recruiting classes were '14-'16, when those players were juniors and seniors they won. '16-'17 were UM's best recent classes, those players need to step up along with McCaffrey playing his way into being a top 5 pick in the draft.
What was Shea’s ceiling? He had a QB rating of 150 and a completion percentage of 64% in 2018. For whatever reason, he regressed considerably in 2019. I’d take 2018 Patterson numbers out of McCaffrey gladly.
April 28th, 2020 at 11:48 PM ^
The passing numbers from 2018 for sure. Add in an actual rushing threat off the RPO and we’re cooking with gas.
I could not, for the life of me, understand why Shea never kept the ball on RPO last season. If he was too injured then he shouldn’t have been out there.
That I'm already anticipating a loss at the end of the season and writing that off.
But everything else has the chance to be great. Offense looks solid (on paper). Defense will be fine. Should be another solid, yet unspectacular season.
Ambry, Nico, McGrone, Dax, Giles, Ultimate Punt Up Back Michael Barrett, soph DTs, the end of the Shea Patterson Experience (as much because we don’t have to argue about him anymore as anything).
This could actually be a pretty fun team if we weren’t running everything through all of our various BPONE filters.
Michael Barrett as Ultimate Punt Up Back might be a thing. His former QB skills can be utilized in the fake game. He's physical, thus can block incoming punt-blocking missiles. He's fast, so we can get downfield for coverage or can run on fakes. And he can tackle. What am I missing?
We don’t yet know if he can fly. Other than that, perfect up back.
There's plenty to be optimistic about. Everyone keeps harping on the DL, but we have a 4-star (Smith) and a 4.5-star (Hinton) who've been on campus a year and have the necessary size. If that's the weakest link, we're in good shape.
This is what I was thinking. We don't have depth this year, but our D Line could be entirely comprised of 4-star prospects excepting Paye:
Paye-Hinton-Smith-Hutch
Ojabo - Jeter - Kemp - Vilain
Hinton / Smith / Vilain were all top 100 players, Hutch was damn near it and Paye is really good. That's not deep, but it could be a very good D line if Hinton / Smith can step up to their pedigree. Even Jeter and Kemp were four star recruits.
Nothing
the high likelihood that we probably won't lose to Ohio State this year.
I feel like the offense will be good but the defense could be worse.
2000 without the known QB talent. I hope we’re gnashing our teeth mad that McCaffrey/Milton didn’t start in 2019 based on their 2020(21?) play.
McCaffrey got a concussion and odds are that MIlton, given how raw he was, will be much better this year than whatever he was last year.
Interesting, because I feel the opposite about the defense for 2020. The line should be improved with Hutchinson and Paye returning and Hinton stepping into an actual DT role. Then you have McGrone as a legitimate star (my opinion), Thomas as a lock-down corner, and Hill stepping into his own at safety.
There are questions but not as many as there were going into 2019.
Heck, just having competent DT play would be an enormous boost. Here's hoping that Hinton takes the next step and Smith becomes serviceable.
New QB's and second year of Speed In Space. I honestly have no idea what to expect from Milton and McCaffery. I'm super nervous about the QB's, but super excited to see someone new at the position
I think we know what we're going to get on the defensive side of the ball. It's been the most consistent unit under Harbaugh other than the poor QB play.
The offensive scheme. The offense was humming by the end of the season despite Shea's many limitations. I thought many of his problems were because of his early-season injury, but that fact that no NFL team even signed him as a free agent suggests that we should be able to plug someone else in. Frankly, I thought McCaffrey was on the verge of replacing him at Wisconsin before he got concussed.
I am optimistic that we don’t lose to Ohio State in 2020 because the season is postponed or cancelled.
That was my thoughts too.
If we play OSU in an empty shoe, that's going to help us and hurt them. No crowd to feed on. I imagine every game might feel like a road game for the teams.
Maybe we wont lose by 30 or points to the buckeyes
1) Penn State and Wisconsin have to come to Ann Arbor. Wisconsin has lost Jonathan Taylor and Penn State is minus KJ Hamler. That should make things easier on the defense. And then Washington is losing its head coach and starting QB.
2) MSU is down. Tucker may get things turned around but it certainly won't be in year one with that disaster of a roster.
3) Warriner. I know he'll be able to make the most of what he's got on the OL, and there's definitely some talent there to work with.
4) Nico. Just get him the GD ball or just chuck it up to him and let him draw PI.
5) McCaffery. Really want to see what he can do. I know Milton supposedly has a shot, but this is McCaffery's team next year. If nothing else, we will finally see a QB that Harbaugh actually recruited take the reins.
6) There is enough talent on your roster to beat everyone not named OSU. I chalk that game up as an automatic loss, but outside of them two of your three toughest opponents come to Ann Arbor. If you can take care of business at home and then get out of Minnesota alive in what I'm sure will be a raucous night game, you've got a shot of walking into Columbus at 11-0, with a chance to go to the Rose Bowl. Let's be honest, we're not beating OSU anytime soon, so if they go to the CFP next year, getting to the Rose Bowl is a reasonable goal for Michigan.
Agree with everything you've said, but Michigan always finds a way to start super slow against quality teams and I think that bones them early on.
It sucks that Washington, Wisconsin, and Penn St. are all early in the season. This offense is going to need some time to gel and get things going. It's just the nature of the beast with Harbaugh and his offenses.
Washington and Wisconsin have more to put back together for the beginning of next year than UM. PSU is a problem but no Hamler is a good thing.
Maybe Washington, but definitely not Wisconsin. Taylor, Cephus, and Biadasz are gone on offense while the defense losses Orr and Baun. That's seven to eight returning starters on offense and nine on defense. Wisconsin will be favorites in the West Division and should be a Pre-Season Top 15 team.
Michigan is on the road vs Washington. Harbaugh & Michigan struggle on the road against quality opponents. Michigan in general struggles against PAC-12 teams on the road. While Washington has to replace a lot of talent and is introducing a new coach, they are no slouch.
Michigan players will be attending classes in person just as often as OSU players this fall
Simple..that we HAVE A FOOTBALL TEAM
The defense is going to be much better than last season.
I expect a breakout year from Hinton. Mazi will improve and so will Kemp. Combine that with improved play from both Paye and Hutch and the D line is going be a really strong unit.
McGrone is a potential 1st round pick. The dude is sick and combined with Ross will be one of the better LB tandems in league. Viper is an unknown...Barrett or one of the younger guys.
The DBs are going to be good. Ambry will be All Big Ten. Gray has experience. Hill and Hawkins will provide better safety production than last year. We need a couple youngsters to step up to provide depth.
This defense could be a dominating top five to ten type defense. Now go figure out OSU.
Defense - McGrone & Hill both have the potential to be standouts (high level NFL picks). If your defense is elite thru the middle, you usually have a good defense. It's harder for offenses to beat you on the perimeter consistently.
Sneaky pick here - the return of Josh Ross. The Mcgrone/Ross duo might be the best linebacker pair in the conference. Speed, athleticism, sure tackling. A year of experience for McGrone hopefully puts an end to his misreads/wrong gapping, which makes him very likely a first team all big ten guy. He may benefit from having Ross on the field for communication as well.
Offense - Development of running game. There's going to be a real battle in camp and weekly for opportunities to carry the football. Charbonnet will hopefully be back to 100%. Haskins will only be stronger and meaner, and Evans gives the offense a home run threat (Turner does as well, and Turner beating out Evans for that role imo would be a positive development. His issues have mostly been fumbling, and that can be solved as guys get over their nerves as they mature).
While the offensive line will have 4 new starters, they will come from a pool of highly recruited and talented players who have spent years in the system. The 4 drafted lineman were all excellent at Michigan, but overall I believe all were better pass protectors than run blockers. Unfortunately Shea couldn't capitalize consistently enough on the elite pass protection. But I think there will be a renewed focus on the running game. The X factor in the running game is the QB play, as I believe both Dylan and JM will provide more than Shea did last year. I could see the running game improving significantly, into the top 25 or so in the country, and the passing game having more relatively easy big plays in play action as a result.
That even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes?
I'm excited for a new QB and for the offense to continue clicking like it was doing at the end of last year. It should since there's continuity at OC, Nico Collins returning, Zach Charbonnet/Hassan Haskins coming back too. I feel good in Gattis being able to gameplan around having to replace 4 O-lineman that were drafted in the NFL.
Other than that,I don't know. Realistically it feels like it is going to be a carbon copy of last year. They'll paste underwhelming foes. Defense will look great in spurts but they'll still struggle from time to time. This year, hopefully the offense can carry the team to extra or unexpected wins (looking at you OSU).
The possibility that we won't have to play and lose to OSU for the 9th straight time and 16th out of the last 17 due to coronavirus.
False hope mostly.
The big question mark is 1) QB, 2) o-line, and 3) DT. Pretty much every other position has lots of returning production. There is reason for optimism for all. We have two 4-star QBs, neither in their first two years vying to replace Patterson. We have lots of 4-star talent on the line to step in and replace graduating seniors. And, we have two highly rated DTs with another year of development under their belts (Hinton & Smith), a solid returning DT (Kemp), and a rising senior 4-star (Jeter). There are bullets in the chamber to get excited about these position groups. But, many will have to develop quickly as second year players will make up a good chunk of our o-line and DT options. And, many of these guys will have to do more than their predecessors before UM will have a season that fans can feel good about. But, there is reason for optimism.
Sparty will suck. Other than that, not much.
Sooooooooooooo excited to see Nico Collins and Giles Jackson in action.
Hopeful that the great offensive coaching we saw the second half of the year will continue.
Hopeful that McCaffrey will be better than Patterson, hopefully a lot better.
Always looking forward to seeing our defense with Don Brown. Hopefully things improve against OSU in that department, but it's always fun to see most of the teams we play get more and more frustrated as our defense wreaks havoc on them.
#1 New QB. I have high hopes for McCaffrey.
#2 Second year of the new offense (Gattis used to be a WR coach and this is a good thing. We need to get value out of our talent at that position)
#3 McGrone mashing people
#4 Charbonnet making those subtle cuts
#5 Dax Hill ball hawking in the secondary
Hoping the O line can stay strong after 4 draftees.... seems like Warinner is the real deal, so who knows, the O line might even improve