Final grades for Michigan football’s underwhelming 2019 season - MLive.com

ANN ARBOR — Expectations were sky-high for the Michigan football program entering 2019.

Jim Harbaugh pulled the trigger and hired a new offensive coordinator, Josh Gattis, who was expected to modernize the Wolverines’ offense to fit the personnel already on the roster.

Michigan had its starting quarterback, four of its five starters along the offensive line and a talented crop of receivers back. A potential step back by the defense, most figured, could be made up by a more efficient offense.

More yards and more points are what it needed, right?

Well, things didn’t go according to plan — at least not in the early stages. An embarrassing loss to Wisconsin to open the Big Ten slate put Michigan behind the 8-ball, then a heartbreaking defeat at Penn State a month later sealed their fate The Wolverines, the preseason favorites to win the Big Ten championship and, perhaps finally, crack the College Football Playoff, would play pretender once again.

Adding insult to injury, Michigan dropped its eighth straight game to bitter rival Ohio State and lost another bowl game, this time to Alabama. There certainly was some good, and we’ll get into that, but there was a lot that left many fans scratching their heads.

How could a season so full of promise come up short?

MLive’s Aaron McMann delivers his season-ending grades, position by position:

Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson (2) throws a pass in the fourth quarter of their Vrbo Citrus Bowl game against Alabama at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, on Wednesday, January 1, 2020. Alabama won the game, 35-16. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

Quarterbacks —

For a new offense to work, the quarterback must play at its highest level. Shea Patterson was coming off a season in which he threw for 2,600 yards and 22 touchdowns (with just seven interceptions), proving to be highly efficient and effective. Which made folks eager to see what he could do in a spread-based system. But turnovers, namely fumbles, plagued Patterson’s start. He fumbled the football away in Michigan’s first possession of the season, then again twice the following week in a win over Army. Factor in an oblique injury that he suffered on the very first play of the game and Patterson wasn’t the player we had grown accustomed to watching. He was tentative and unsure of himself, in part because of the injury, but one has to wonder how comfortable he was reading the opposing defense in Michigan’s new system.

It took him about half the season to get going, and he put together some quality games en route to 3,000 yards passing and 23 touchdowns, but when he struggled Michigan cratered. His 384-yard, four-TD game against Michigan State might go down as his best collegiate performance ever, and he followed it up with a similar game the next week at Indiana, but he threw two interceptions and made some poor decision in another blowout loss to Ohio State.

Michigan tried using backup Dylan McCaffrey (10-20, 116 yards, TD) in a few unique packages early on in the season to little success. And Joe Milton (59 yards, TD) appeared, briefly, in four games. This was Patterson’s season, and while he had his moments, his completion percentage fell to 56 percent, he was inconsistent in big-time games and wasn’t the game-changing playmaker most had hoped for. Grade: C-

MORE: Citrus Bowl vs. Alabama ‘not my best game,’ Patterson says

Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

Michigan running back Hassan Haskins (25) breaks a tackle by Ohio State safety Jordan Fuller (4) during a 2-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter of their Big Ten game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, November 30, 2019. Ohio State won the game, 56-27, their eighth straight win over Michigan. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

Running backs —

This was the position on offense that carried the most uncertainty. There were options but few of them had proven much, leaving Michigan to sort of figure it out on the fly. And that it did. Zach Charbonnet began the season as the No. 1 back, while alternating carries with Christian Turner and Hassan Haskins. Turner played his way out of the rotation by fumbling the football, and Tru Wilson never got a steady diet of carries thanks to injury.

By the time the season had ended, Haskins, who was a linebacker last season, had emerged as the No. 1 back. While Charbonnet finished the season with 726 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing, Haskins (622 yards, 4 TD) led the team in yards per carry (5.1). Together, Haskins and Charbonnet combined for just 28 yards lost on the ground. But just like at quarterback, the unit lacked explosive plays at times and was just too inconsistent. There were games in which Michigan became too one-dimensional because it couldn’t get the ground game going.

You can probably chalk the negatives up to a lack of experience. Which means Michigan could be very good running the football in 2020. But 2019 was a learning year for the backs, a group they needed more production from to overcome some of the struggles early on. Grade: C

MORE: RB Hassan Haskins reflects on his breakout 2019 season

AP

Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker (7) tackles Michigan tight end Nick Eubanks (82) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Tight ends —

Another group that stood to benefit from Josh Gattis’ ‘speed in space’ offense. Senior Sean McKeon was hampered by injuries, limiting him to just 235 yards and two TDs receiving, while Nick Eubanks took the biggest leap of the group. Not only did Eubanks lead the tight ends in catches (25), receiving yards (243) and TDs (4), but he improved as a run blocker, a trait the Michigan coaching staff beats to death with its running backs and tight ends.

There were some moments with the young guys, as redshirt freshman Luke Schoonmaker caught his first collegiate TD pass and Erick All got into a few games. The unit didn’t put up the numbers it has in the past, but it certainly wasn’t from a lack of targets. Grade: B-

MORE: Nick Eubanks plans to return in 2020

Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh congratulates wide receiver Ronnie Bell (8) after a touchdown in the first quarter of their Big Ten football game against Indiana at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, on Saturday, November 23, 2019. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

Wide receivers —

A mixed bag here, in my opinion. Ronnie Bell continues to earn his title as diamond-in-the-rough recruit, leading Michigan this season in both catches (48) and receiving yards (758). Nico Collins remained a down-field threat, catching 37 passes for 729 yards and team-high 7 TDs. But it was a very underwhelming season for former five-star recruit Donovan Peoples-Jones and Tarik Black. Peoples-Jones caught 34 passes but averaged just under 13 yards per catch, struggling to break any long plays. While he certainly didn’t play poorly, it’s almost as if Peoples-Jones didn’t fit the type system Michigan wanted to run. And his stat line suffered because of it. Black (25 catches, 323 yards, TD) was strong out of the gate but disappeared as the season progressed, combining for 10 catches and 91 yards in the final six games of the regular season. He has since opted to transfer.

Perhaps the highlight of the group was the emergence of true-freshmen slot receivers Mike Sainristil and Giles Jackson. Both contributed on special teams early, then combined for 17 catches for 287 yards and two TDs. Shorter, quicker receivers appear to be the way Michigan wants to go, so expect these two to be a big part of the offense in 2020. Grade: B

MORE: Nico Collins to return for senior season

Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

Michigan offensive lineman Ben Bredeson (74) tries to keep Rutgers linebacker Tyreek Maddox-Williams (9) out of the backfield in the first quarter of their college football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, September 28, 2019. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

Offensive line —

Oftentimes the unheralded part of the offense. And in this case, it was the best, most consistent unit on that side of the ball all season. They were thrown into whack early on given the injury to Jon Runyan Jr., having to start a true freshman at left tackle and redshirt freshman at right tackle, but they settled in nicely and could very well produce four NFL draft picks (Ben Bredeson is currently ranked by ESPN’s Mel Kiper as the No. 1 guard).

Michigan allowed just 25 sacks in 13 games (that’s fewer than two per game), gave Shea Patterson plenty of time in the pocket and helped win the games against Notre Dame and Michigan State. It even fared well against Ohio State and defensive end Chase Young, who could go No. 1 in the draft. A veteran, experienced group that played like one for most of the season. Grade: B+

MORE: Cesar Ruiz to skip senior season, enter NFL draft

AP

The Maryland offense lines up against the Michigan defense during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Defensive line —

First, the good. Michigan got improved play from both of its young ends, Aidan Hutchinson and Kwity Paye, the latter of whom led the Wolverines in TFLs (12 1/2) and added 6 1/2 sacks. They could be one of the best end-duos in the Big Ten in 2020. Michigan also benefitted from graduate transfer Michael Danna, who filled in nicely to an adjusted 3-4 scheme.

But Michigan was exposed at times for a lack of depth inside. Senior Carlo Kemp did the best he could (keep in mind, he’s been moved from linebacker to end to tackle since he arrived at Michigan) while Donovan Jeter and Michael Dwumfour battled injuries and inconsistent play all season long. The gap was especially prevalent against opponents with elite running backs, such as Wisconsin (359) and Ohio State (264). By the end of the season, Michigan ranked 22nd in rush defense despite holding six of its opponents under 100 yards. Grade: B-

MORE: DE Kwity Paye has ‘unfinished business’ in 2020

Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

Michigan linebacker Cameron McGrone (44) reacts after the defense forced a punt in the fourth quarter of their Big Ten football game against Michigan State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, November 16, 2019. Michigan won the game, 44-10. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

Linebackers —

Another mixed bag. And we’ll start with the good. Michigan saw the emergence of redshirt-freshman Cam McGrone, who got his first start in the fourth game of the season and never relinquished the middle linebacker role. McGrone led Michigan’s linebackers with nine tackles for loss and five quarterback hurries. His speed was reminiscent of Devin Bush. The Wolverines also benefitted from another strong season from Josh Uche, a hybrid defensive end who led Michigan in sacks (8 1/2) and added 11 1/2 TFLs in an expanded role. Both were bright spots to a linebacker group that was otherwise underwhelming.

Yes, Khaleke Hudson led Michigan in tackles (101) but failed to duplicate his breakout, play-making season in 2017. He finished the season with just three tackles for loss and 1 1/2 sacks. And while Jordan Glasgow (7 TFL, five sacks) had some productive games, his speed was an issue at times.

For Michigan’s defense to be elite in 2019, it needed consistent, top-level play each and every week. And the Wolverines didn’t get that at times. Grade: B-

Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

Michigan defensive back Ambry Thomas (1) reacts after an interception in the third quarter of their Big Ten football game against Michigan State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, November 16, 2019. Michigan won the game, 44-10. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

Defensive backs —

By and large, Michigan’s secondary held its ground again. The Wolverines finished top-10 nationally in passing yards allowed per game (185.5), even with 14 more attempts against them compared to last season.

Ambry Thomas was the MVP of the group, despite being diagnosed with colitis during the summer: He had three tackles for a loss, three interceptions, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. I’d argue he had a better season than Lavert Hill, who had three interceptions and 10 pass breakups but was flagged nine times in 12 games.

The safeties largely played well, with senior Josh Metellus leading all of the defensive backs in tackles (74), while coming up with two interceptions and five pass breakups. Brad Hawkins (53 tackles) took a leap and figures to be a big part of the secondary in 2020. Dax Hill also got his feet wet, playing in all 13 games while starting the last two, coming up with three pass breakups and an interception. Grade: B+

MORE: Ambry Thomas hoped to bet on himself vs. Alabama

Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

Michigan kicker Quinn Nordin (3) kicks a field goal to have Michigan head into halftime trailing Ohio State, 28-16, in their Big Ten game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, November 30, 2019. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

Special teams —

Michigan ran its placekicking duties by committee, basically alternating between Jake Moody and Quinn Nordin for a majority of the season. And it seemed to work, with both players combining to go 15 of 18 from 49 yards or less. But a few missed kicks by Moody late in the season handed the job to Nordin, who finished the season 10 for 10 on field-goal attempts, including a Citrus Bowl-record 57-yarder against Alabama. Together, the duo went a respectable 16 for 22 on the season.

Will Hart, while good, was unable to duplicate his outstanding 2018 season in which he averaged nearly 47 yards per punt. This season, he hit 44.2 yards (third-best in the Big Ten), topped 50 yards on 15 kicks, and pinned the opponent inside its 20-yard line 11 times. Hard to dispute the job Hart did, even if it wasn’t up to last year’s standard.

Michigan’s kickoff return team finished second in the Big Ten with a 25.6-yard-per-return average. Giles Jackson and his speed had a lot to do with that, highlighted by a 97-yard kickoff return for a TD vs. Maryland. Its punt return was pedestrian, averaging just 7.6 yards per return. Grade: B

MORE: Quinn Nordin sets Citrus Bowl record with 57-yard FG

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Josh Gattis look on late in the fourth quarter as the Wolverines are stopped at the Penn State 3-yard line on Oct. 19, 2019. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Coaching —

Josh Gattis had a tall order in front him, trying to turn a Jim Harbaugh-inspired, pro-style offense into one that relied on RPO reads and moving with a quicker pace. And Michigan showed its growing pains during the first half of the season, turning the football over 13 times in its first six games. But once things started to look and sound familiar, Michigan really got going. Its offensive finished top-20 nationally in efficiency, excelled at getting the receivers involved early and often and looked like the offense many had in mind. One must wonder, however, if Gattis wishes he had done something different to ease them into it.

Defensively, you have to give Don Brown some credit. He acknowledged his personnel this season and changed his schemes accordingly, relying more on a 3-4 front and zone coverage than ever before. And, once again, it largely worked. He adjusted well against Penn State and game-planned very well against Notre Dame and Iowa. But big plays against Wisconsin and Ohio State hurt Michigan … begging the question, is it scheme or the players?

As for Jim Harbaugh, he seemed to relinquish the play-calling duties just as he said he would. He allowed Gattis time and space to grow as a first-time play caller, despite the early struggles. Still, motivation and preparedness appear to be Michigan’s Achilles’ heel in some of these games. Perhaps the Wolverines were just overmatched (in the case of Wisconsin and Ohio State, they were), but there’s little excuse for poor starts after a bye week against the Badgers and at Penn State. Grade: C-

Read more on Michigan football:

RB Tru Wilson pursues graduate transfer | Jaylen Kelly-Powell enters portal

Top 20 players Michigan football won’t have to face in 2020

10 potential Michigan-Detroit Lions fits in 2020 NFL draft

Podcast: Michigan football 2020 depth chart

U-M continues to recruit multi-sport athletes

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Final grades for Michigan football’s underwhelming 2019 season - MLive.com
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