Big Ten Football - 2021 Michigan Wolverines Preview
Our Michigan Wolverines preview 2021 observes that this team struggled last season going 2-4 and finishing sixth in the conference. That meant for the first time since 2009 the Wolverines did not qualify for a postseason appearance. Michigan’s 28.3 PPG ranked fifth in the Big Ten and 66th in the nation while their 34.5 PPG was 12th and 95th. That discrepancy between PF and PA left the Wolverines with an average deficit of 5.8 PPG. The big question for this team is defense. Mike MacDonald, who replaced longtime coordinator Don Brown, comes to the Wolverines from the Ravens. His scheme is expected to include numerous looks and combinations.
Michigan Offense
With QB Mike Milton going for the transfer portal, junior Cade McNamara is the designated starter. But not so fast! There’s plenty of competition from true freshman J.J. McCarthy, a five-star recruit, and Texas Tech transfer Alan Bowman. The team’s top two receivers from last year, senior Ronnie Bell and sophomore Cornelius Johnson, are back. Bell had 26 grabs for 401 yards and one score, while Johnson made 16 catches for 254 yards and three TDs.
Although the Wolverines lost running back Zach Charbonnet to the transfer portal, they still have plenty of talent at running back. Senior Hassan Haskins averaged 6.1 YPA last season, scoring six times while netting 375 yards. He leads the way with sophomore Blake Corum, who had 26 carries for 77 yards and two scores, being the second man in. Freshman Donovan Edwards adds even more talent to this group. The O-line, which is deep and experienced, should provide good QB protection and ably open rushing lanes.
Michigan Wolverines Preview 2021 - Defense
There’s good news on defense, as senior end Aidan Hutchinson decided to forego the 2021 draft. He’s a leader and anchor on this side of the ball. Senior Taylor Upshaw starts at the other end, while senior Donovan Jeter and junior Christopher Hinton are the starting tackles. There’s a huge amount of experience here.
Three-of-four linebackers are back and the entire starting secondary returns. Senior MLB Josh Ross, who led the team with 53 tackles, is solid, as is junior WLB Michael Barrett, who notched 44 tackles. The safety spots have Brad Hawkins at strong and Dax Hill at free, while the corners are the purview of Vincent Gray and Gemon Green. Together, this group had 18 PBU with Green recording half of them.
Specialists
On special teams, Brad Robbins will likely punt. He averaged 45.3 YPP last year placing eight of 23 inside the 20. However, highly rated freshman Tommy Doman could get a chance. Our Michigan Wolverines preview 2021 notes that at this point Jake Moody is the placekicker. In 2020, Moody had five field-goal attempts with just one hitting pay dirt. He was 9-of-9 on extra points. With receiver Giles Jackson transferring to Washington, the Wolverines lost a talented return man. Mike Sainristil and Ronnie Bell will likely step up.
Michigan Wolverines Preview 2021 - Projection
This Wolverine team has question marks and challenges on both sides of the ball. Our Michigan Wolverines preview 2021 finds that if this club can player better defense, they’ll certainly increase their chances of winning. The offense is not without its challenges. If the Wolverines can find consistency at quarterback and exploit their rush attack while improving their D, this team will be back in contention for a bowl berth.
Big Ten Football - Michigan Wolverines 2021 - Predictions:
Fourth Place - Big Ten East
Bowl – vs. Tennessee