Conclusion
Yes, it’s taken longer than people in Ann Arbor have envisioned to reach the mountaintop, but those writing it off just because it hasn’t happened yet are foolhardy.
We’re not predicting that Michigan wins the big prize or more than a share of the Big Ten East like it had in 2018 just yet. But all of the factors above indicate that this 2020 squad is more poised to make a run than it was in 2019.
Yes, we anticipated a lot more than a 9-4 record in 2019, but given the struggles on offense, mitigated by constant turnovers, it’s unlikely the 2020 unit will suffer the same fate, just based on offensive, coaching and playbook consistency alone. As a matter of fact, the offense should take a big step forward, if anything.
The defense could very well do the same, so long as Michigan finds a way not to make costly mistakes as it did a year ago, and if the defensive front can get consistent pressure. The personnel is there, and the experience of the returning starters should play a big role.
The schedule is about as favorable as it can get, save for opening the season on the road in Seattle and finishing in Columbus. If you can get to that final game unblemished, then having that confidence that the scheme and plan works could help mitigate any mental uncertainty.
It’s a lot of factors that have to come together, but Michigan has the proven talent and still has depth across the board at most positions. The mixture of returning coaches on the offensive side of the ball and infusion of new blood on the defensive side should pay dividends as well.
But, as always, Michigan has to prove it’s capable — something it has not done in years.