Bold Predictions for Jim Harbaugh's 1st Season as Michigan Head Coach
The hiring of Jim Harbaugh was the perfect remedy for Michigan football. After a seven-year downward spiral, things are finally looking up for the Wolverines, who haven’t won an outright Big Ten title since 2003—they last shared a piece of a league title in 2004.
And on top of that, they haven’t been truly relevant on the national stage since 2006.
Time for change was a long time ago.
Widely regarded as one of the best in the game, collegiate or pro, the former coach of the San Francisco 49ers, Stanford Cardinal and San Diego Toreros is known for rebuilding and winning—he’s done so at every stop.
He’ll likely do the same at Michigan.
However, even "His Highness" needs some time to get things moving.
In 2007, Harbaugh took the wheel from Walt Harris and steered a one-win team to a record of 4-8. He followed that by going 5-7 in 2008 and 8-5 in 2009. In 2010, he went 12-1 against the No. 13-ranked schedule in the nation, per Sports-Reference.com, and pounded Virginia Tech 40-12 in the Orange Bowl.
Needless to say, he did a wonderful job of setting the table for David Shaw, who’s won at least 11 games thrice since taking over in 2011.
Expect better for Michigan in 2015. Harbaugh’s presence should immediately change the overall mood within the confines of The Big House.
But don’t expect miracles from Harbaugh, who, contrary to popular belief, won’t be able to right the ship with a snap of a finger and a few phone calls. He’s a great coach who is capable of dusting off Michigan, but he’s not the “messiah” or “savior,” a point he clearly made during his introduction on Dec. 30, 2014.
He Won't Beat Michigan State or Ohio State in 2015
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Michigan has beaten Michigan State just twice in the past eight years.
It’s beaten Ohio State thrice since 2000.
Far from an active participant, the Wolverines have been bystanders as the Spartans and Buckeyes have represented the Big Ten during marquee bowl games.
The Spartans are fresh off a 42-41 comeback Cotton Bowl win over Baylor, a playoff-worthy team. The Buckeyes play Oregon for the national championship.
Beating Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio and Ohio State’s Urban Meyer isn’t only preferred, it’s required—that’s the only way that Harbaugh’s Wolverines will gain position in the Big Ten and reattain positive national recognition.
Maybe in 2016 or 2017 but it’s unlikely that Michigan will topple its top rivals next fall.
A True No. 1 QB Will Emerge in Ann Arbor, Thanks to Harbaugh
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Harbaugh knows all about being a star quarterback at Michigan—once upon a time, he was one.
That said, it’s now the 1986 Heisman Trophy finalist's turn to develop the next generation in Ann Arbor, and his past suggests that he’ll do that sooner than later. Just take a look at what he did for Andrew Luck, who was Heisman runner-up in 2010 and 2011.
Luck showed incredible promise as a freshman. He wasn’t some scrub. However, he and Stanford took huge leaps after receiving the Harbaugh touch.
Other than his 196-yard performance versus Kansas State in the 2014 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl (L, 31-14) and being concussed this past fall versus Minnesota, there isn't a whole lot to go on when it comes to Morris.
But hope isn't lost. He still has potential.
He’s not Luck, but he could get lucky and finally find his comfort zone in 2015. After Harbaugh’s intro presser, Morris, a 6’3”, 204-pound junior, said that he can’t wait to work with his new coach.
That excitement could lead to something special.
If not Morris, it could be Wilton Speight’s time to shine. The 6’6”, 234-pound redshirt frosh routinely threw bombs during pregame warm-ups. He has the ideal size and enough arm strength to get the job done for Harbaugh, who has had success with prototypical pro-stylers and dual-threats.
Harbaugh has a guy who can scoot in Morris and one who is mobile enough to survive in Speight.
It’s not like Michigan has a ton of options here. So, maybe it’s not so bold to say that either Morris or Speight will solidify himself as the Wolverines’ go-to in 2015.
The Defense Will Be Even Better in 2015 with Revamped Staff
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In 2011, Greg Mattison took one of the worst defenses in college football history and restored it to top-25 contention.
Since then, Michigan’s had a rock-solid total defense that's all but carried the load. Despite a 5-7 record, the Wolverines finished 2014 with the No. 10 total D and No. 13-ranked rushing D.
Florida interim coach/DC D.J. Durkin is rumored to be in line to become Michigan’s next DC. This past season, the Gators finished with the country’s No. 9-ranked total defense. The 36-year-old coached with Harbaugh at Stanford and was endorsed for that very job by Mattison, who is sticking around as the linebackers coach.
Together, they should further develop a fearsome D-line that boasts up-and-comers such as Willie Henry, Matt Godin, Taco Charlton and Bryan Mone, to name a few.
Plus they’ll make sure the linebackers upgrade their games, as they each have experience in that area. The secondary still needs work, but statistically speaking, the Wolverines defense should reach new heights now that Durkin’s supposedly on the way to team up with Mattison.
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The RBs Will Evolve into MVPs
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From Frank Gore at San Francisco to Toby Gerhart at Stanford, Harbaugh's had his share of talent in the backfield. He knows how to use it, too. The 49ers and Cardinal were among the best when it came to running the ball in their respective leagues.
The Wolverines have talent at running back; it's just taken way too long for it to peak. This past fall, sophomores De'Veon Smith and Derrick Green had their moments.
However, Smith was largely ineffective for drives on end. Green wasn't overly impressive, but he appeared to be on the brink of a breakthrough before breaking his clavicle versus Rutgers. At roughly 5'11" and 225 pounds, each back possesses ideal size for the Big Ten.
Harbaugh's systems work. They may not produce Michigan's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2011 (Fitz Toussaint), but they'll certainly produce the next, best (and closest) thing.
Look for Green and Smith to stack at least 800 yards each and become invaluable resources in 2015.
Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references were obtained firsthand by the writer.
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