6 positives, 3 concerns for Michigan football after dominant opening performance at Minnesota
Here are some of the most positive takeaways from the performance, as well as a few concerns. On Ben Masonโs touchdown, Milton tossed a little dump-down pass that looked simple enough but gave Mason the corner to get to the pylon. But he also returned a kickoff 66 yards to set up a Michigan touchdown. Michigan didnโt necessarily get better at wide receiver by losing Nico Collins and Donovan Peoples-Jones, but this yearโs group has a different look, and it might end up being a net positive. Like Nordin, Hill is expected to return to practice this week after he was removed from the Minnesota game with an undisclosed injury.
Michigan football injury update: Jim Harbaugh expects Daxton Hill, Quinn Nordin back at practice
ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Jim Harbaugh provided an update on the injuries to Daxton Hill and Quinn Nordin after Michigan footballโs impressive opening victory over Minnesota. Harbaugh was asked Monday about the status of Hill and Nordin ahead of the game against Michigan State. You can see Harbaughโs full comments on Hill and Nordin in the video above. โYeah, I anticipate he will be (available to practice this week),โ Harbaugh said of Nordin. Michigan State is off to an 0-1 start after falling to Rutgers.
Michigan expected to be good, not great, again with Harbaugh
ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Michigan has been good, not great, under coach Jim Harbaugh. Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye said the team is under the radar and has taken a lot of punches from people. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel has said more than once that he wants Harbaugh to lead the Wolverines until he chooses to retire from coaching. Heading into his sixth season, though, Harbaugh has just two years left on a deal that pays him about $7 million per season. The Wolverines host rival Michigan State and its new coach, Mel Tucker, in their second game.
Predicting all of Michigan footballโs defensive starters, with confidence levels
Michigan has often been ranked among the top five or 10 teams in the country, and thatโs thanks to strong defensive performances. Kwity Paye #19 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to sack Peyton Ramsey #12 of the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. According to Harbaugh, theyโve only gotten better this offseason, and if Michigan can get some help from the defensive tackles, itโll make their jobs even easier. READ: Defensive line is X-factor for Michigan against quarterback-loaded scheduleWith a less experienced secondary -- particularly at cornerback -- Hutchinson and Paye will be more important than ever. Defensive tacklesStarters: Carlo Kemp and Chris HintonConfidence: 100% and 95%Kemp will be one of the starters at defensive tackle -- thatโs a slam dunk.
Top 10 candidates for Michigan footballโs 2020 team MVP
As a potential first-round draft pick, Mayfield certainly belongs in Michiganโs MVP conversation, even though he wonโt stuff any stat sheets as an O-lineman. Even if he doesnโt ultimately win team MVP, Mayfield could end up being the most important player. LB Cam McGroneCameron McGrone #44 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a fourth quarter sack against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Michigan Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. DE Kwity PayeKwity Paye #19 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to sack Peyton Ramsey #12 of the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Then they would both be candidates for team MVP.
7 reasons for optimism after Michigan football's top-15 win over Iowa
Cameron McGrone #44 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a fourth quarter sack against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Michigan Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Nate Stanley #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes is sacked by Jordan Glasgow #29 of the Michigan Wolverines in the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Speed at defensive weak pointsComing into the season, Michigan had major questions at linebacker and safety. Nico Collins #4 of the Michigan Wolverines makes a first quarter catch against D.J. Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines throws a second quarter pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Michigan Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Michigan football: It's time to start Daxton Hill, Cam McGrone on defense
Daxton Hill #30 of the Michigan Wolverines carries the ball after making a catch against the Army Black Knights on a fake punt during the first half at Michigan Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. There were some obvious changes when Rutgers came to town, namely the presence of Cam McGrone at the middle linebacker position. Defensive coordinator Don Brown of the Michigan Wolverines look on during the second half while playing the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Safety Daxton Hill was on the field much more than usual, making four tackles and getting in on a sack. Defensive coordinator Don Brown of the Michigan Wolverines leaves the field after a 52-0 win over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Michigan football: 5 position battles that will most impact this season
(Joe Robbins/Getty Images)ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Michigan football season will kick off six weeks from Saturday, but the Wolverines still have plenty to figure out before that point. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)Cam McGrone redshirted last season but was one of the top linebackers in the 2018 recruiting class. Michigan has two good options at right tackle with redshirt sophomore Andrew Stueber battling redshirt freshman Jalen Mayfield. Nordin has a huge leg and converted 19 of 24 field goals as a redshirt freshman, so he has shown he can be a successful college kicker. Michigan Wolverines place kicker Jake Moody (2) kicks an extra point during a game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Michigan Wolverines (4) on November 17, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan.