The Michigan Wolverine football team had a 2020 season to forget. The Wolverines finished 2-4 with one the worst defenses in the schools history allowing 34.5 points and 434.3 yards per game. On offense it was not much better for the Maize and Blue. As spring football practice is going to be getting under way soon, the Wolverines have much work to do.
Last seasons opening week starter Joe Milton announced he was going to transfer from Michigan. This has been an issue during head coach Jim Harbaugh’s time at Michigan. They need a consistent quarterback who will be there more than one or two seasons. Sophomore Cade McNamara, freshman Dan Villari look to be in a battle for the starter job.
Mike Macdonald who takes over as defensive coordinator, Macdonald comes over from the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. He will be tasked to improving a unit that was very bad. Last season. The Wolverines need much better play from the back end of the defense. The secondary.
Given his time coaching linebackers with the Ravens, it seems likely that Macdonald will begin to move the Wolverines closer to a 3-4 scheme that he is accustom to. Given the fact Michigan may not have the exact players to run the 3-4 it could be that year one under Macdonald will be a mix of what works best to improve the defense.
In my opinion, the unit that needs the most attention is the Wolverines secondary. Michigan’s secondary allowed more than 250 passing yards per game which ranked 90th in the country. This is a unit with talent. It is possible that the talent did not match last season scheme. The Michigan secondary should improve this coming season.
Offensively, the Michigan Wolverines need more playmakers. Running back Hassan Haskins is solid as are wide receivers Cornelius Johnson and Ronnie Bell but while they along with tight end Erik All are solid, none of those players are gamebreakers.
Until Michigan begins to bring in players that move the needle, they will not sniff the Big Ten title game or better.
It all starts soon with spring practice about to ramp up.
