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Rocky road: Athlon Sports has interesting projection for Michigan
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There might be some grumblings in Ann Arbor at the end of the 2021 season if a recent projection from Athlon Sports turns out to be true.
The publication made its prediction for Michigan for the upcoming season, slotting Jim Harbaugh’s team into the fourth spot in the B1G East. Michigan is expected to finish behind Ohio State, Penn State and Indiana and round the year out with a 7-5 record and go 5-4 in the conference.
Last year, Michigan finished the season with a 2-4 record, forcing Harbaugh to make some serious staff adjustments in the offseason. While a 7-5 mark would get the Wolverines back into bowl eligibility and an improvement on last fall, but it’s still a long way from being at the top of the B1G.
Could a 7-5 finish put Harbaugh on the hot seat? Or does he have job security until at least the 2022 season with his new contract? Those are the questions that would surface in Ann Arbor if Michigan ends the year just above .500.
“The Wolverines are entering a season with more questions than answers,” the publication says. “While the talent is certainly there, it’s up to Harbaugh and his re-tooled coaching staff to put that talent in the best position to win in 2021 in what is shaping up to be a critical season for Harbaugh’s tenure in Ann Arbor.
“His future may ride on how successfully (Mike) Macdonald can implement his new defensive scheme.”
Michigan’s schedule is fairly difficult, playing 10 Power 5 opponents. The Wolverines take on Washington in nonconference play and has cross-division contests against Wisconsin, Nebraska and Northwestern. That’s in addition to already-tough games in the B1G East against Ohio State, Penn State and Indiana.
Harbaugh’s squad kicks off the season on Saturday, Sept. 4 with a noon kickoff against Western Michigan.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB