[jwplayer EYnOX2Zj-XNcErKyb]
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg looks every year at where college football defenses will rank in the upcoming season, and it seems he doesn’t feel the Wolverines got any better — but also not any worse.
In 2019, the maize and blue took a step back on that side of the ball compared to most years, when it’s been ranked in the Top 4. The Wolverines got out to a slow start, letting Middle Tennessee and Army rack up some yards after some offensive turnovers (though the latter game saw quite fewer yards) before getting eviscerated in the first half at Wisconsin. Don Brown’s unit got significantly better from there, but came apart at the seams in the regular season finale against Ohio State.
Though Michigan allowed the fourth-lowest output to the high-powered Alabama offense, the 480 allowed yards were still more than customary for the Wolverines since Jim Harbaugh became the coach — the sixth-most allowed in his tenure. There are certainly some questions heading into 2020 personnel-wise, given the departures of Lavert Hill, Mike Danna, Khaleke Hudson, Jordan Glasgow, Mike Dwumfour and Josh Metellus, but with some up-and-comers like Ambry Thomas, Cam McGrone, Aidan Hutchinson, Chris Hinton, Brad Hawkins and Daxton Hill, there’s a strong possibility that the defense could take a step forwards rather than backwards.
Yet, as Michigan finished with the No. 11 defense in 2019, that’s where ESPN and Rittenberg ($) predict it will be in 2020.
11. Michigan Wolverines
2019 future defense ranking: 6
Scouting the Wolverines: Michigan’s defense has been the team’s best unit during coach Jim Harbaugh’s tenure, but its general dominance has been overshadowed by struggles in big games against Ohio State and others. Veteran coordinator Don Brown isn’t going to ease off the gas, but his scheme brings both risks and rewards.
This year, the Wolverines lose All-Big Ten defensive back Lavert Hill and All-Big Ten linebackers Khaleke Hudson and Josh Uche, among others, but return a strong line and secondary. Players like end Aidan Hutchinson, safety Daxton Hill and linebacker Cameron McGrone all have multiple years of eligibility left. There’s good short-term leadership with linemen Carlo Kemp and Kwity Paye, cornerback Ambry Thomas and others. Linebacker Josh Ross will be key in 2020 for a reloading group.
Michigan’s recruiting isn’t at 2016 level, but it continues to add strong pieces like Braiden McGregor (ESPN’s No. 2 athlete in 2020) and linebacker Jaylen Harrell.
[lawrence-related id=23437,23430,23423]
There are some teams that don’t get the benefit of the doubt, like Ohio State, ranked No. 3, despite losing players such as Chase Young, Jordan Fuller, Jeff Okudah, Damon Arnette and Malik Harrrison. That’s also not counting co-defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who took the Boston College head coaching job this offseason. Sure, the Buckeyes have been plug-and-play for years, but defensively, they have not been consistent, given that the unit was stellar in 2019 but considerably worse in 2018.
Likewise, Penn State, who retains Micah Parsons but loses both Yetur Gross-Matos and its defensive line coach is ranked No. 10, one ahead of Michigan — despite finishing No. 34 a year ago. ESPN and Rittenberg also have Washington, who the Wolverines play in the season opener, at No. 8, despite bringing in a new head coach in former offensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and finishing No. 35 in 2019. However, the Huskies will return experienced, losing very little on the defensive side of the ball.