Iowa football: Know your 2019 opponents, Michigan

I spoke with GBMWolverine site expert Chris Peterson about what Iowa fans should expect in this matchup.

Q: Shea Patterson appears to have provided some stability at the quarterback position. What are Michigan fans expecting from the senior quarterback this season?

A: When it comes down to it, the expectations for Patterson are high. Many fans were disappointed with the way he played against Ohio State and in the bowl game and some have even lobbied for backup Dylan McCaffrey to have a chance to supplant him. I don’t see it though. Jim Harbaugh hasn’t officially named him the starter but he is loyal to his guys and Patterson seems to have adjusted to the new offensive system of Josh Gattis seamlessly. I’d expect Patterson to be among the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten and think he could make a run at All-Big Ten.

Q: Michigan lost a lot of talent on defense via the draft. Who are some guys on defense that Iowa football fans should be aware of in this matchup?

A: Michigan did lose some key players but there is a ton of depth. Rashan Gary was hurt for a good chunk of the season for the defense is used to playing without him and guys like Kwity Paye and Josh Uche are two names to know. Uche actually led Michigan in sacks last season with seven. He had even more than Chase Winovich. The top recruit from 2018 was defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who will start in Gary’s spot and UM also got Mike Danna, a First-Team All-Mac defensive end. Daxton Hill is a five-star recruit at safety and he could be the next coming of Jabrill Peppers. Lavert Hill was an All-Big Ten selection last season at corner and is back. Josh Ross will start in Devin Bush’s old spot and Khaleke Hudson is another impact player at linebacker. The defense should be just fine.

Q: Karan Higdon has graduated and Chris Evans’ status with the team is uncertain right now. What are Michigan fans expecting from Tru Wilson who had just 364 rushing yards last season?

A: Tru Wilson is the top returning rusher but I wouldn’t expect him to be the starter unless there are injuries like there were in the spring. Christian Turner played in the Peach Bowl and ran well against Florida. He has opened eyes when he has been on the field and the job will be his to lose. Michigan also brought in the fourth-ranked running back in the 2019 recruiting class and he should have a say too. Wilson is Mr. Reliable. He’s the third-down back and he is a great pass protector, which will be important in the new offense. He also averaged more than five yards per carry last season and if he ends up being the guy, Michigan could do worse.

Q: Who else on the Michigan offense could potentially give the Iowa football team fits in this game?

A: Michigan has a trio of wide receivers that can compare to just about anyone in the country. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins and Tarik Black should all be focal points in the new offense, which stresses throwing the ball down the field. Michigan also won’t huddle. Mike Sainristil is a freshman that Jim Harbaugh is really excited about. Mostly though, Patterson is going to be the guy. He’s the point guard and his job is to feed Michigan’s wide array of impact players.

Q: Speaking of defense, who is one player that you think will have a big role this season?

A: I think Daxton Hill is going to make a huge impact this season. He can play safety, can play corner or be the nickel and he has 4.3 speed. He’s also 6-foot and can tackle. Michigan hasn’t had anyone like him since Peppers and he will do the best job of replacing the impact plays once made by Bush. Ohio State exposed a lack of speed in the secondary and Hill will help remedy that.