Patience is running thin and Michigan football has big questions to answer.
After going 7-6 and then 5-7 in the final two seasons under Brady Hoke, you would think that Michigan football would be happy with three 10-win seasons in five years and never winning fewer than eight games under Jim Harbaugh. And yet, things in Ann Arbor are anything but cheerful right now as the head coach has simply not met expectations.
The bulk of that boils down to the fact that, despite the overall success, Harbaugh has yet to beat rival Ohio State. Moreover, they’ve seemingly been prone to letdowns in big games, largely due to the fact that Michigan has been unable to find consistent potency on the offensive side of the ball in this current era.
Will that change in the 2020 season? This is a talented Wolverines team who could shock some people — but how much so? Let’s dive into the five biggest questions facing Michigan football this year.
5. Can returning running backs spearhead a dangerous Michigan attack?
If there’s one area of the offense that you can’t question coming into 2020, it’s the skill position players. Nico Collins leads a highly talented group of wide receivers. But as good as that group can be, with questions at quarterback, the returning running backs might be substantially more important. With what the Wolverines have returning, that’s not a bad thing.
Sophomore Zach Charbonnet is back in the fold after flashing big-time in a timeshare last season. The 220-pounder had 149 carries for 726 yards and an impressive 11 touchdowns in 2019, all of which led the team. As a touted recruit out of high school, big things should be expected from him in his follow-up effort.
Charbonnet will be joined by Hassan Haskins, who finished second on the team in rushing with 121 carries for 622 yards and four touchdowns. Another big back, he can be part of a thunder-thunder 1-2 punch out of the backfield. However, those two aren’t alone as a returning Chris Evans and Christian Turner will get their share of touches as well.
There are undeniable concerns on the offensive line, which we’ll address shortly, but the rushing attack has the talent to be a strong suit for this Michigan football team. That will be critical as they’ll have inexperience at quarterback, which a good run game can help take the pressure off of early on in the year as they get their footing.