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Michigan Football: 3 storylines to follow in spring 2021

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 14, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Mike Sainristil (19) receives congratulations from quarterback Cade McNamara (12) after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Mike Sainristil (19) receives congratulations from quarterback Cade McNamara (12) after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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COLLEGE PARK, MD – NOVEMBER 02: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Michigan Wolverines in action on defense during a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on November 2, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. Michigan defeated Maryland 38-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – NOVEMBER 02: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Michigan Wolverines in action on defense during a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on November 2, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. Michigan defeated Maryland 38-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. New-look defense under Mike Macdonald

Michigan had one of the most disappointing defenses in the country in 2020, allowing 34.5 points and 434 yards per game. This was a continuation of disappointing defenses in 2019 and in the previous years in big games (such as Ohio State and bowl games).

Don Brown took the heat, and deservedly so, and was fired. This seemed like a long time coming, but Jim Harbaugh finally pulled the trigger and replaced him with his brother’s assistant.

Mike Macdonald was the linebackers coach for the Ravens and started his career at the college level as a grad assistant for Georgia. He then interned for the Ravens before earning a defensive assistant role and then was both defensive backs and linebackers coach.

It’ll be interesting to see what the differences are between his defense strategies and those of “Dr. Blitz”. Will he be able to relate to the players more and bring that energy?

The pieces are there, but will Michigan have the same defensive prowess under Macdonald as it did in the first few years of Brown?

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