Expectations for Michigan heading into the 2020 season are somewhat tempered after a lackluster year in 2019. The Wolverines were selected as the preseason favorite to win the B1G but stubbed their toe more than expected, ending with a 9-4 record.

Now, Michigan enters a rebuilding phase as Jim Harbaugh begins his sixth season with the program. It will have to replace an entire offensive line, its quarterback and some key players at the wide receiver position. It’s a tall order for Josh Gattis, who is in his second season as the offensive coordinator.

There are a lot of moving parts for Michigan heading into next season, but ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit says finding consistency at the quarterback position is the most important for the Wolverines to be successful this fall.

Michigan’s quarterback battle will likely come between Dylan McCaffrey and Joe Milton. Both have paid their dues on the sideline in Ann Arbor and will compete to be the guy in Michigan’s offense.

“I think quarterback play is a big part of it, to me, especially with the new system they’re running with Josh Gattis,” Herbstreit said in a Periscope video. “You need a guy that’s consistent. You need a guy that can run. Kind of a dual-threat. Shea Patterson was a step in the right direction, but I think he was very erratic at times. That tended to backfire on them. Hate to put it all on one position, but that is, to me, a key spot. I’m excited to see McCaffrey, if he ends up getting the opportunity, if he can become that guy.”

Michigan has enjoyed a fair amount of success under Harbaugh, but has yet to clear some hurdles. The Wolverines are 0-5 against Ohio State, haven’t won a division title and are 1-4 in bowl games. Still, winning 10 games three times in five years is no small feat. But there’s an urgency for the program to take that next step.

If it’s going to happen in 2020, the guy under center is going to have a lot to do with it.