Michigan football takes on Alabama in the Citrus bowl next week, but it isn’t too early to take a small look into the 2020 season.
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While there still is another game on the schedule for the 2019 Michigan football team, that doesn’t mean it’s too early to talk about the 2020 season. It’s December and that season doesn’t start until next September, so while this preview won’t be an in-depth edition, it’ll still get your mind onto what the future could bring next season.
Michigan will have some players leaving due to the NFL or graduation, but the losses aren’t as huge as they were heading into 2019. The biggest group that will need some work is the offensive line as at least three players are graduating, while a fourth could declare for the NFL.
While the 2019 season schedule was tough, 2020 seems to be even more daunting with Michigan’s toughest games on the road. Overall, things will change in nine months, but for now, this is going off of what we know right now and what we can predict in December before things look differently in July and August.
2020 Football schedule
- Week 1 @ Washington
- Week 2 VS. Ball State
- Week 3 VS. Arkansas State
- Week 4 VS. Wisconsin
- Week 5 VS. Penn State
- Week 6 @ Michigan State
- Week 7 @ Minnesota
- Week 8 VS. Purdue
- BYE
- Week 10 VS. Maryland
- Week 11 @ Rutgers
- Week 12 VS. Indiana
- Week 13 @ Ohio State
When looking at this schedule, the first big challenge is playing Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan State, and Minnesota four straight weeks. While two of those are at home, those games won’t be pushovers. Wisconsin won’t have running back Jonathan Taylor anymore so that could be an easier game, but nobody knows yet.
Penn State could have another solid year and be a contender in the Big Ten East. Michigan State will either have a rebound year after going 7-6 this season or another poor season that will force head coach Mark Dantonio to retire. All that depends on what he does in the off-season this year. Minnesota could be a daunting challenge after their impressive 2019 season as well.
The opening game against Washington will be without their head coach Chris Petersen, who resigned after the regular season ended as he is transitioning to an advisory role for the university, along with starting quarterback Jacob Eason, who declared for the NFL draft after their bowl win over Boise State this month.
Then finally you end up against Ohio State on the road and if it’s anything like it has been the last two years, Michigan will most likely get knocked around unless something major happens to the Buckeyes and head coach Ryan Day. Michigan has a chance to go between 9-3 and 11-1 next season, it just depends on how they can do on the road against good competition.
Next, which players you might have to keep your eye on next season…
1. QB Dylan McCaffrey
After stepping onto the field for a banged-up Shea Patterson at quarterback, Dylan McCaffrey wowed fans and coaches against Notre Dame in 2018. He didn’t put on a show, but he went 4/6 for 22 yards and had three carries for 10 yards. Since then, some fans have been clamoring for McCaffrey to be the starting quarterback over Patterson.
That dream will most likely come true next season as McCaffrey will probably be the starting quarterback. How will he do? He’s done well so far in his limited time on the field for the Wolverines. In his career so far, McCaffrey is 18/35 for 242 yards with three touchdowns, along with 23 carries for 166 yards and two touchdowns.
McCaffrey seems to use his legs more than Patterson, but his arm talent is impressive itself. He’s had a full year as the backup under the offense run by offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, and another year learning more of the playbook could see McCaffrey shine.
2. LB Cam Mcgrone
After taking a redshirt last season, linebacker Cam McGrone saw some playing time this season. The playing time was due to starting linebacker Josh Ross getting injured and McGrone saw the opportunity to impress the coaches and to not be looked at as a backup but as a starter.
His movements and skills reminded people of former starting linebacker and first-round pick Devin Bush. His quickness to get behind the offensive line and make an impact on the play was impressive. His tackling ability was there and he could read plays well.
McGrone so far has 59 total tackles, eight and a half tackles for loss, two and a half sacks, and a forced fumble this season. A full season as a starter could be huge for him and if McGrone gets more time as a starter in practice and he’s learning more, he could be a big star on the defensive side of the ball in 2020.
3. OT Andrew Stueber
Like I said earlier, the biggest group getting affected in 2020 is the offensive line. Starting left tackle Jon Runyan Jr., left guard Ben Bredeson, and right guard Michael Onwenu are all graduating. Center Cesar Ruiz is also receiving high marks as a junior for the NFL, so if he decides to declare, Michigan could only have Jalen Mayfield as the returning starter from the 2019 season.
Before the 2019 season, one of the starting job battles as at right tackle between Mayfield and Andrew Stueber. Stueber played in 2018 when right tackle Juwann Bushell-Beatty went down with an injury and Stueber did well. Stueber seemed to be just above Mayfield in the battle before the season started, but then Stueber went down with an ACL tear and his season was over and the job went to Mayfield
2020 will see Stueber return and he and Mayfield will now work together as the starting tackles, with Stueber most likely starting at left tackle. If Ruiz returns, then Michigan will have three experienced offensive lineman starting next year with inexperienced guards. If Ruiz leaves, the entire interior will be inexperienced. Stueber’s return will be huge and a boost for an offensive line that will need all the help they can get next year.
Finally, three freshmen who could make a splash their first year on campus…
