Michigan Football: 5 Questions Wolverines must answer in 2020

Can the offense be elite?

Obviously, the development of Milton is going to play a key part in ramping up the Michigan offense that was good last season, but didn’t really meet the preseason expectations.

But that really wasn’t the fault of Gattis. Looking back, I was far too bullish on an offense with a first-year coordinator. It takes time to change systems and the idea that it was going to happen overnight was foolish.

Down the stretch though, really from the second half at Penn State on, the Wolverines were much better offensively. There were still execution issues against Ohio State and Alabama, which in my opinion, were a failure of the quarterback, yet progress was made.

Now that Milton has had an entire year in this system and nothing is changing, that bodes well for him and the rest of the offense. Plus, despite losing four starters on the offensive line as well as Nico Collins, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Tarik Black,  this group is loaded with talent.

The running back room with Zach Charbonnet, Chris Evans, Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum is as good as I can remember. And even if Collins doesn’t come back, Ronnie Bell, Giles Jackson, Cornelius Johnson, Roman Wilson and A.J. Henning should be more than enough weapons.

Not to mention tight ends like Nick Eubanks and Erick All. The offensive line also will be much better than some think. Jalen Mayfield and Ryan Hayes are solid at tackle and Ed Warinner will get this group playing at a high level.

We know this offense will be effective. But will it be elite? That’s what I expected when Gattis arrived and that’s what I hope the speed-in-space offense brings in 2020 — an offense that can finally compete with the likes of Ohio State.