Michigan football: 5 questions the Michigan Wolverines must answer in 2020
4. Could the Michigan defense be one of the country’s best?
Throughout Harbaugh’s tenure — and largely due to the ineffectiveness of the offense over that time — Michigan football has long sported a talent-laden and quality defense. But with the malaise that has seemingly fallen over Ann Arbor entering year six under the head coach, the fact that this might be one of the best defenses in college football is seemingly getting overshadowed.
To be sure, there are some holes that need to be filled after watching some good players head to the NFL. Looking at the secondary, there will be a competition for the second cornerback spot and for a time in the nickel. However, with the way Ambry Thomas played in 2019, there is hope that this unit can be an outright strength, especially with two returning starters at safety, including a possible star in Daxton Hill.
Linebacker should see a solid group as well with Cameron McGrone ready to build off a breakout 2019 season. The big question there is if they can replace Khaleke Hudson in the versatile VIPER role on this defense but Michael Bennett seems ready for that job.
Where the defense will shine, though, is with an experienced unit up front. Aidan Hutchinson has top-50 NFL Draft pick talent and he pairs with Kwity Paye, who is not far behind his mate at defensive end. Meanwhile, Carlo Kemp is back again at defensive tackle and there is depth there as well.
As the offense again has questions in Michigan, the defense should be a point of strength with the talent to keep them in games with any opponent.