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Michigan Wolverines Not Expected to Put Up a Fight in Big Ten

By Iain MacMillan

Jim Harbaugh was signed to a four-year contract extension after the disappointing 2020 season.
Jim Harbaugh was signed to a four-year contract extension after the disappointing 2020 season. / Justin Casterline/Getty Images
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To the surprise (and dismay) of Michigan fans, Jim Harbaugh signed a four-year contract extension this offseason that will keep him with the team through the 2025 college football season.

Many people expected more from Harbaugh when he signed on as the school’s head coach in 2015, but he led the Wolverines to a 49-22 record through the 2020 season which includes an 0-5 record against rival Ohio State. The Wolverines also have a 1-4 record in Bowl games since bringing on Harbaugh to be their head coach.

Vegas is expecting Michigan to have yet another disappointing season in 2021, as WynnBET has their projected win total set at 7.5. A regular season record of 7-5 or 8-4 would be the worst mark in Harbaugh’s tenure as head coach, outside of last year’s 2-4 record in the shortened season.

There will once again be a battle for the starting quarterback position this season, as Cade McNamara will compete with five-star recruit J.J. McCarthy for the starting role.

Whoever gets the nod behind center, they’ll likely lean heavily on their running game as the running back position is the area for the Wolverines that’s the most filled with talent. Hassan Haskins, last year’s starter, will be returning for the 2021 season. With him, sophomore Blake Corum, and freshman Donovan Edwards are expected to serve as some of the best “change of pace” backs in the Big Ten.

The biggest question mark for Michigan this year is its defense. Mike MacDonald was hired as the teams new defensive coordinator, and he’ll of the tall task of implementing a new scheme with an inexperienced group of players.

Michigan will likely rely on Aidan Hutchinson this season, who is by far the Wolverines best defender. The star defensive end is expected to be a high selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he’ll provide the defense a much needed leadership voice.

Michigan isn’t expected to be in contention for the Big Ten title this season, as WynnBET haas them listed with the fifth best odds to win the conference. Ohio State (-120), Penn State (+800), Wisconsin (+850) and Iowa (+1100) all have shorter odds than the Wolverines.

If Michigan can sneak into a bowl game this year, consider the season a success.

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