[jwplayer ezCqWlzU-XNcErKyb]
With some other early Top 25 predictions coming out before LSU won the College Football Playoff national championship on Monday, now we have a further idea of the landscape and pecking order, given the Tigers defeat of the — well — Tigers.
Some teams will return a lot, like Clemson with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. While others, like Alabama or even Ohio State — which will have Justin Fields back, but not its running back, star defensive end or cornerback, among others — will have to reload quite a bit.
Michigan is in similar territory to the latter, having to replace quarterback Shea Patterson, wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, four offensive linemen and Sean McKeon on offense; Josh Metellus, Khaleke Hudson and Lavert Hill on defense. But there’s a lot of faith in Josh Gattis’ system, especially with either Dylan McCaffrey or Joe Milton under center, along with Nico Collins’ return, and another solid group of running backs in the stable.
Thus, when USA TODAY Sports put together its too early Top 25, Michigan found itself just outside the top ten.
12. Michigan (9-4)
It’s not quite make-or-break time for Jim Harbaugh, but we’re getting close. Let’s ignore the matchup against Ohio State, which again seems destined to go in the Buckeyes’ favor. Overall, Michigan matches up well with the second tier of elite teams in the FBS and should be considered a strong contender for the Rose Bowl. Here’s the question: When, if ever, will the offense find the balance it needs to take the next step?
According to said projection, Michigan will have a tough road in 2020, but not quite as tough as 2019 seemed to be.
The season would start off on the road against No. 24 Washington, with No. 7 Penn State and No. 18 Wisconsin at home, before finishing off the season against No. 3 Ohio State in Columbus.