Big Ten Football: 3 teams with the most to prove in 2020

1. Michigan Wolverines

On a micro level, most people in the Michigan family are satisfied with the job Jim Harbaugh has done since he’s been at Michigan. The program is as healthy as it has ever been; recruiting is as good as it has been since Lloyd Carr was there.

Harbaugh has won at least 10 games three times in five seasons and the Wolverines have ended the season ranked in the top 25 four of five seasons under the former Bo Schembechler disciple. The only rumors about Harbaugh leaving are the possibility of him stepping down and going to the NFL.

On a macro level, however, there are some critiques of Harbaugh’s tenure. Though he’s had three 10-win seasons, including 29 total conference wins, his record against the best teams in the country leaves a lot to be desired. Last season, the Wolverines went 2-4 versus ranked teams and three of those four losses were in blowout fashion.

Perhaps the biggest criticism of Harbaugh’s tenure in Ann Arbor is the inability to develop a top-flight quarterback.

This season, Joe Milton and Dylan McCaffery battle to see who gets the QB1 job since Shea Patterson has graduated. This is year two under offensive coordinator Josh Gattis and he has some pieces returning.

Despite losing Donovan Peoples-Jones to the NFL and Tarik Black to the transfer portal, last season’s two leading receivers — Ronnie Bell and Nico Collins — return to Ann Arbor. Chris Evans, who was suspended last season, returns at running back.

They have a lot to replace in the trenches so we will see how well Michigan’s coaching staff recruited in that area.

They are not as good as Ohio State and probably won’t win that game again this year. However, a positive next step is a win against Penn State and improving on their 1-4 postseason record under Harbaugh.

Their schedule is not easy, but their toughest games — Minnesota, Wisconsin and Indiana — are all at home. We will see how people interpret another nine or 10 win season at Michigan.