Michigan Football: Wolverines 5 most important games in 2019
This Michigan football team has not seen this much hype in decades but the all-important question remains…Can they deliver?
A senior quarterback and a freshman running back. Those are the likely starters when the season is underway. Shea Patterson slinging the rock for Michigan football for one final year as he cements his future as an NFL prospect.
The wide receivers are healthy and deep. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tarik Black, and Nico Collins are all perfect candidates for a breakout 1,500 yard plus seasons. Behind them: Mike Sainristil, Giles Jackson, and Ronnie Bell are all suitable replacements.
As for the big men up front, both sides of the ball have some incredible talent. Four of five starting lineman have returned and on defense, Don Brown has said this could be the deepest group he has had since taking the gig – that is outside of the defensive backs.
Have no fear, enter Daxton Hill. Top of the 2019 class and one of the highest raked Michigan commits in a long time. All signs point to Hill getting the nod early especially with the uncertainty surrounding Ambry Thomas. All that is known about him is what Michigan is calling a medical issue. Thomas has been working out, although he’s not back to the starting role just yet. Hill will give him an early buffer if he needs to sit out a game or two.
Overall, the team looks complete. A team that is two years removed from 8-5 and less than a year from back-to-back disastrous performances against Ohio State and in the bowl game against Florida.
Will this be the team that takes the next step?
Perfection is a must to secure a playoff spot. The Big Ten has not sent a team since the 2016-17 season and one loss against an unranked opponent will obliterate any chance of a playoff birth.
For Ohio State, Purdue was the nail in the coffin that ensured the Buckeyes would not get a shot at the college football giants.
Will Michigan suffer the same fate? Here are five of the scariest games heading into the 2019-20 season.