Michigan Football: Hype won’t be an issue for Wolverines in 2021

The preseason Big Ten poll wasn’t kind to Michigan football which makes it clear that the Wolverines won’t be overhyped heading into 2021.

Michigan football fans know a thing or two about the hype machine. It’s been going non-stop since Jim Harbaugh arrived as head coach.

It was cranked up after a 10-win season in his debut campaign in 2015 and from that point on, the expectation has really been to beat Ohio State, win the Big Ten, and make the playoff.

Of course, we all know Michigan football hasn’t achieved those things and despite a trio of 10-win seasons and NY6 Bowl appearances, the Wolverines haven’t met expectations under Harbaugh.

Last season, the bottom fell out. Joe Milton didn’t work out at quarterback. Injuries and opt-outs took away many of Michigan’s most talented players and it resulted in a 2-4 record.

On Wednesday, one day prior to Big Ten media days, reporters who cover the Big Ten voted on their preseason poll and the result was that U-M was projected fourth in the Big Ten East.

Ohio State obviously led the way, followed by Penn State and Indiana. Then it was Michigan, Maryland, Rutgers, and Michigan State. Wisconsin, Iowa, and Northwestern were the top three picks in the West division.

Hype won’t be an issue

When Harbaugh and Michigan football players take the stage for Big Ten Media days it will much different than the last time it happened in person back in 2019.

Then, Michigan was picked as the preseason favorite, even though it was fresh off a lopsided loss to Ohio State. And the hype train has really been going full bore since 2015.

Now, it’s slowed down a bit. People are doubting Harbaugh and it seems like a perfect time for Michigan football to surprise some people.

But fans shouldn’t expect a 10-win season in 2021. It’s possible if everything goes perfectly, but the schedule is tough and the Big Ten East is very difficult. Even Rutgers, which won three conference games and returns 20 starters, is eyeing a bowl game as is Maryland.

There won’t be any easy wins in conference play for the Wolverines but at least fans won’t have to worry about unrealistic expectations and the inevitable disappointment that comes with them.

And heck, who knows, maybe with lower expectations, this team will surprise, because Harbaugh and the Wolverines are a little better than people think.