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Michigan football: 5 reasons Wolverines finally beat Ohio State and win the Big Ten

By Chris Peterson

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 24: Head Coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines watches his team warm up before a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 24: Head Coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines watches his team warm up before a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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(Nabil K. Mark/Centre Daily Times/MCT via Getty Images)
(Nabil K. Mark/Centre Daily Times/MCT via Getty Images) /

5. New offense means new heights

The biggest change from 2018 to 2019 is the addition of Josh Gattis. The former Alabama co-offensive coordinator who also coached at Penn State under James Franklin should be a revelation for Michigan football as its finally ready to ditch its old-school offense.

There is nothing wrong with being tough. But being tough and physical isn’t enough to win every single week. You need athletes and you have to find a way to get them the football.

Last year, the Wolverines had the athletes. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins and Tarik Black are all NFL-caliber wideouts. The offensive line is solid and quarterback Shea Patterson should be better in the offense for a second year.

The issue is that the offense never opened up and showed their talents. Dwayne Haskins threw it all over the lot, while Patterson was stuck being a game manager.

That’s fine and dandy when it’s Wisconsin, Michigan State or even Penn State. But against Ohio State? No. Against the Buckeyes, Michigan football needs the pedal to the medal. If that had happened last year, the Wolverines would have stood a chance.

This year, if they win, it will be the reason why.

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