Michigan Wolverines - College Football 2019 Season Preview

The Michigan Wolverines and coach Jim Harbaugh hope the addition of Josh Gattis as offensive coordinator will give the Wolverines the spark needed to reach the College Football Playoff and win the national championship. Last season the Wolverines were 10-3 and hope to knock Ohio State off its perch as the Big Ten champion.

Offense Expect an up-tempo no-huddle offense from Gattis which should suit returning quarterback Shea Patterson. Last season Patterson threw for 2,600 yards and 22 touchdowns. Prior to transferring to UM, Patterson was at Ole Miss and ran a similar offense to what Gattis will implement. The offensive line has every player back but one. The lone open spot at right tackle will be filled by Andrew Stueber who has game experience and should fit in seamlessly with the talented returning linemen.

The running game lost both Karan Higdon and his heir apparent Chris Evans. Only Christian Tucker and Tru Wilson return with any starting experience for the Wolverines. Ben Van Sumeren and Hassan Haskins have moved from other positions to become running backs due to the need for depth at the position. At wide receiver, talented returnees include Nico Collins, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tarik Black and Ronnie Bell. The group of four is highly talented, but due to injuries lacked consistency in 2018. Defense The defense lost several top players that would devastate any other program, but Michigan is not just any other program. However, new defensive line coach Shaun Nua will have his hands full finding the right combination. Michael Dwumfour, Aidan Hutchinson and Carlo Kemp all return to anchor the line, and Josh Uche and Kwity Paye can play both the line and linebacker positions. Mike Danna, Julius Welschof, Taylor Upshaw and freshmen David Ojabo and Mazi Smith will all be in the mix.

Josh Ross returns as the strength at middle linebacker and Devin Gil is expected to either start outside or complete with Gil in the middle. Jordan Anthony returns as well and brings game experience. The secondary has Lavert Hill returning at cornerback, while Vincent Gray should take the other corner spot. J’Marick Woods will hold down one safety spot, while Daxton Hill is a true freshman with speed to burn and will cover the speedy wide receivers the Wolverines will face.