Michigan Football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2020

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 30: Running Back Hassan Haskins #25 and Jalen Mayfield #73 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate a touchdown during the second half of a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, MI. The Ohio State Buckeyes won the game 56-27 over the Michigan Wolverines. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

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Jim Harbaugh is facing an important 2020 season and Michigan football looks like one of the Big Ten’s top contenders. How will the Wolverines fare?

Forgive me if you’ve heard this one before, but Michigan was an Ohio State win away from gaining some national respect last season.

The Wolverines were 9-2 heading into that final game against Ohio State with a chance to cement themselves near the top of the Big Ten landscape, but a 56-27 blowout changed that outlook. Jim Harbaugh’s team fell once again the Ohio State, making the head coach 0-5 versus his top rival.

The chatter this offseason is less about what Michigan is losing heading into the 2020 season and more about the talent gap between the Wolverines and Buckeyes.

If you’re a Michigan fan, you’ve probably either heard this question or asked it yourself: Will the Wolverines ever beat the Buckeyes?

It’s going to be tough in 2020 with Ryan Day pulling in elite recruiting classes and returning Justin Fields along with an elite offense and defense. The Wolverines are losing Shea Patterson and Donovan Peoples-Jones, but returning a talented backfield and offensive line — along with a solid defense under Don Brown.

How will Michigan finish the 2020 season?

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