Michigan football: 5 bold predictions for 2020
Bold predictions for Michigan football in the 2020 season.
It’s time to put up or shut up for Jim Harbaugh. The Michigan football head coach arrived in Ann Arbor and it was hard not to buy into what he was selling, fan of the Wolverines or not. But half of a decade later, there are no Big Ten titles, no wins over Ohio State and no College Football Playoff appearances to show for it. So now the pressure is on.
Of course, just when you count a blue-blood program like Michigan out is right when they’re able to strike. Harbaugh has consistently been able to recruit well, meaning this roster is talented. But it’s about putting that talent to good use and winning games — or, more specifically, winning the big games.
Will that happen in the 2020 season? Let’s try and figure that out as we make five bold predictions for Michigan football this year.
Michigan football bold prediction No. 5: Dylan McCaffrey is a dual-threat stud
Shea Patterson arrived in Ann Arbor with a ton of hype. He then left Ann Arbor with everyone likely thankful that his time as the starting quarterback was over. Now, his departure will make way for either Dylan McCaffrey or Joe Milton to take over at the position. The safe bet, though, is for the former to be the player who ultimately ends up winning the job.
A former 4-star recruit with NFL bloodlines, the son of Ed McCaffrey and brother of Christian McCaffrey, Dylan McCaffrey has the prototype size and body to play the position. What’s interesting, though, is that the former pro-style quarterback prospect hasn’t been used that often in that capacity to this point. In fact, he has more career rushing attempts (23) than pass completions (18) in his 10 appearances over two years.
Even still, McCaffrey has a ton of promise as a thrower, even if he hasn’t gotten to showcase that just yet. And when you couple that with his ability as a runner, the potential for something special is there.
Yes, there are likely going to be growing pains for the inexperienced quarterback. And there are also several reasons to question the coaching staff when it comes to scheming up an offense. Despite that, he has the goods and versatile skillset to provide a spark for Michigan as a player who can utilize impressive weapons in the passing game while also adding to a potentially dangerous rushing attack.