2019 Michigan Wolverines football team

Last updated

2019 Michigan Wolverines football
Michigan Wolverines logo.svg
Citrus Bowl, L 16–35 vs. Alabama
Conference Big Ten Conference
DivisionEast Division
Ranking
CoachesNo. 19
APNo. 18
Record9–4 (6–3 Big Ten)
Head coach
Offensive coordinator Josh Gattis (1st season)
Offensive scheme Pro spread
Defensive coordinator Don Brown (4th season)
Base defense 4–3
MVP Shea Patterson
Captains
Home stadium Michigan Stadium
Uniform
Michigan wolverines football uniforms.png
Seasons
  2018
2020  
2019 Big Ten Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
East Division
No. 3 Ohio State xy$^  9 0   13 1  
No. 9 Penn State  7 2   11 2  
No. 18 Michigan  6 3   9 4  
Indiana  5 4   8 5  
Michigan State  4 5   7 6  
Maryland  1 8   3 9  
Rutgers  0 9   2 10  
West Division
No. 11 Wisconsin xy  7 2   10 4  
No. 10 Minnesota x  7 2   11 2  
No. 15 Iowa  6 3   10 3  
Illinois  4 5   6 7  
Purdue  3 6   4 8  
Nebraska  3 6   5 7  
Northwestern  1 8   3 9  
Championship: Ohio State 34, Wisconsin 21
  • ^ College Football Playoff participant
  • $ Conference champion
  • x Division champion/co-champions
  • y Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2019 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the sport of college football during the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Wolverines competed in the East Division of the Big Ten Conference and played their home games at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan was coached by Jim Harbaugh, who was in his fifth season.

Contents

Coming off a Peach Bowl appearance in 2018, Michigan began the year as slight favorites to win the Big Ten Conference, and were ranked seventh in the preseason AP Poll. Under the leadership of new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, the Wolverine offense struggled in the early part of the season. In the second game of the year, Michigan escaped with an overtime win against Army. Two weeks later, the team was soundly defeated by Wisconsin, 35–14. Analysts saw as a turning point for the offense its second half performance against then-No. 7 Penn State, but Michigan's comeback attempt failed as it lost 28–21. The team defeated rivals Notre Dame and Michigan State in blowouts at home, but ended the regular season with a loss to Ohio State, its eighth straight loss in the series. Michigan was invited to the Citrus Bowl to play Alabama, where it lost 35–16 to end the year at 9–4, 6–3 in Big Ten play.

The offense was led by senior quarterback Shea Patterson, who became just the third Wolverine passer to ever eclipse the 3,000 yards passing mark. Offensive linemen Ben Bredeson and Jon Runyan Jr. were both named first-team all-conference. The defense was led by first-team all-conference cornerback Lavert Hill, as well as second-team selections Kwity Paye and Josh Uche on the defensive line, and linebacker Khaleke Hudson.

Preseason

Coaching changes

Michigan defensive line coach Greg Mattison and linebackers coach Al Washington both left to take jobs at Ohio State in early January 2019. [1] Michigan announced the hiring of Josh Gattis as offensive coordinator on January 10. [2] He previously was the wide receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator at Alabama for one season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh also announced the hiring of former Boston College co-defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile as a defensive assistant and former Arizona State assistant Shaun Nua to be the new defensive line coach. [3] [4] Assistant head coach and passing game coordinator Pep Hamilton left the team in February. He had been one of the nation's highest paid assistants in 2018. [5]

Player news

The team released a statement in February 2019 that running back Chris Evans, who was set to be the Wolverines' leading returning rusher, was no longer with the program. Evans announced on Twitter that he had "academic issues" and planned to continue his career at Michigan. [6] In June, Coach Harbaugh confirmed that Evans would be suspended for the 2019 season. [7]

Recruiting

Michigan's 2019 recruiting class consisted of 26 signees, including eight that enrolled early. [8] The class was ranked as the nation's 8th best by 247Sports and ESPN, [9] [10] and 10th by Rivals. [11] It was the highest ranked class in the Big Ten Conference by all three recruiting services.

US college sports recruiting information for 2019 recruits
NameHometownHigh school / collegeHeightWeightCommit date
Erick All
TE
Fairfield, Ohio Fairfield High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)225 lb (102 kg)Jun 24, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: 4 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Karsen Barnhart
OG
Paw Paw, Michigan Paw Paw High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)273 lb (124 kg)Apr 30, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: 4 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Zach Carpenter
OG
Cincinnati, Ohio Archbishop Moeller High School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)310 lb (140 kg)May 30, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Zach Charbonnet
RB
Westlake Village, California Oaks Christian School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)215 lb (98 kg)Jun 24, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: 4 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Daxton Hill
S
Tulsa, Oklahoma Booker T Washington High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)186 lb (84 kg)Dec 19, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 5 stars.svg     247Sports: 5 stars.svg     ESPN: 5 stars.svg
Christopher Hinton Jr.
DT
Norcross, Georgia Greater Atlanta Christian School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)280 lb (130 kg)Aug 23, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 5 stars.svg     247Sports: 5 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Giles Jackson
WR
Oakley, California Freedom High School 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)175 lb (79 kg)Sep 10, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: 4 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Cornelius Johnson
WR
Greenwich, Connecticut Brunswick School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)195 lb (88 kg)Dec 19, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: 4 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
George Johnson III
ATH
Stuart, Florida Martin County High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)180 lb (82 kg)Jun 26, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Quinten Johnson
S
Washington, DC St. John's College High School 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)190 lb (86 kg)Jul 3, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: 4 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Trente Jones
OT
Loganville, Georgia Loganville High School 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)282 lb (128 kg)Feb 21, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: 4 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Trevor Keegan
OT
Crystal Lake, Illinois Crystal Lake South High School 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)310 lb (140 kg)Dec 14, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: 4 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Quintel Kent
WR
Lakewood, Ohio St. Edward High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)170 lb (77 kg)Aug 4, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Cade McNamara
QB
Reno, Nevada Damonte Ranch High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)206 lb (93 kg)Mar 16, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: 4 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Mike Morris
DE
Delray Beach, Florida American Heritage High School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)255 lb (116 kg)Sep 9, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Gabe Newburg
DE
Clayton, Ohio Northmont High School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)230 lb (100 kg)Apr 2, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
David Ojabo
DE
Blairstown, New Jersey Blair Academy 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)240 lb (110 kg)Jul 2, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 4 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Jalen Perry
CB
Dacula, Georgia Dacula High School 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)188 lb (85 kg)Nov 19, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: 4 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Nolan Rumler
OG
Akron, Ohio Archbishop Hoban High School 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)290 lb (130 kg)Jul 29, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: 4 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Mike Sainristil
CB
Everett, Massachusetts Everett High School 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)175 lb (79 kg)Nov 4, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Mazi Smith
DT
Grand Rapids, Michigan East Kentwood 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)290 lb (130 kg)Jun 24, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 4 stars.svg     247Sports: 4 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Anthony Solomon
LB
Fort Lauderdale, Florida St. Thomas Aquinas High School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)190 lb (86 kg)Dec 16, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 4 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Jack Stewart
OT
New Canaan, Connecticut New Canaan High School 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)280 lb (130 kg)Apr 16, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Charles Thomas
LB
Oakdale, Connecticut St. Thomas More Prep School 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)222 lb (101 kg)Jun 24, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
D. J. Turner
CB
Bradenton, Florida IMG Academy 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)165 lb (75 kg)Jun 25, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 4 stars.svg
Joey Velazquez
S
Columbus, Ohio St.Francis De Sales High School6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)205 lb (93 kg)Jun 22, 2018 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 3 stars.svg     247Sports: 3 stars.svg     ESPN: 3 stars.svg
Overall recruiting rankings:   Rivals: 10   247Sports: 8   ESPN: 8
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2019 Michigan football commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
  • "2019 Michigan football commitments". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
  • "2019 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
  • "2019 Michigan football commitments". 247sports.com. Retrieved February 7, 2019.

Preseason Big Ten poll

Although the Big Ten Conference has not held an official preseason poll since 2010, Cleveland.com has polled sports journalists representing all member schools as a de facto preseason media poll since 2011. For the 2019 poll, Michigan was voted as the favorite to win both the East Division and the Big Ten Championship Game. [12]

Media poll (East Division)
Predicted finishTeamVotes (1st place)
1Michigan222 (20)
2Ohio State214 (14)
3Michigan State156
4Penn State154
5Indiana86.5
6Maryland82.5
7Rutgers37

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendanceSource
August 317:30 p.m. Middle Tennessee *No. 7 BTN W 40–21110,811 [13]
September 712:00 p.m. Army *No. 7
  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI
FOX W 24–21 2OT111,747 [14]
September 2112:00 p.m.at No. 13 Wisconsin No. 11FOXL 14–3580,245 [15]
September 2812:00 p.m. Rutgers No. 20
  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI
BTNW 52–0110,662 [16]
October 512:00 p.m.No. 14 Iowa Dagger-14-plain.pngNo. 19
  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI
FOXW 10–3111,519 [17]
October 1212:00 p.m.at Illinois No. 16 ABC W 42–2537,275 [18]
October 197:30 p.m.at No. 7 Penn State No. 16 ABC L 21–28110,669 [19]
October 267:30 p.m.No. 8 Notre Dame *No. 19
  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry)
ABCW 45–14111,909 [20]
November 212:00 p.m.at Maryland No. 14ABCW 38–740,701 [21]
November 1612:00 p.m. Michigan State No. 15
  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry)
FOXW 44–10111,496 [22]
November 233:30 p.m.at Indiana No. 13 ESPN W 39–1443,671 [23]
November 3012:00 p.m.No. 1 Ohio State No. 13
FOXL 27–56112,071 [24]
January 1, 20201:00 p.m.vs. No. 13 Alabama *No. 14ABCL 16–3559,746 [25]

[26] [27]

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend:██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
Week
PollPre123456789101112131415Final
AP 77101120191616191414141210171718
Coaches 77101020181616201514141211181719
CFP Not released141513131414Not released

Radio

Radio coverage for all games will be broadcast statewide on The Michigan IMG Sports Network and on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. The radio announcers are Jim Brandstatter with play-by-play, Dan Dierdorf with color commentary, and Doug Karsch with sideline reports. [28]

Game summaries

Middle Tennessee

Middle Tennessee at Michigan
1234Total
Blue Raiders770721
No. 7 Wolverines10176740
  • Date: August 31
  • Location: Michigan Stadium
    Ann Arbor, MI
  • Game start: 7:40 EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:26
  • Game attendance: 110,811
  • Game weather: Mid 60s, Cloudy, S 5–10 MPH
  • Referee: Jerry McGinn
  • TV announcers (BTN): Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), Matt Millen (analyst), Rick Pizzo (sideline)

To open the season, Michigan hosted the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. [29]

Michigan defeated Middle Tennessee 40–21. [30] Middle Tennessee opened the scoring in the first quarter with an 18-yard touchdown run from Asher O'Hara, to take its first and only lead of the game. Michigan responded with a 34-yard field goal by Jake Moody, and a 36-yard touchdown pass from Shea Patterson to Tarik Black to take the lead. Michigan scored 17 points in the second quarter on a 28-yard touchdown pass from Patterson to Nico Collins, a 28-yard touchdown pass from Patterson to Sean McKeon, and a 27-yard field goal by Moody. Middle Tennessee responded with a two-yard touchdown pass from O'Hara to Jarrin Pierce, which made the score 27–14 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan extended its lead in the third quarter on a six-yard touchdown run from Dylan McCaffrey. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the fourth quarter on a one-yard touchdown run from Ben VanSumeren for Michigan, and a 59-yard touchdown pass from O'Hara to Jimmy Marshall for Middle Tennessee. [31]

Freshman running back Zach Charbonnet became the first Wolverine true freshman to start at tailback in a season opener since Sam McGuffie in 2008, and just the fourth player to do since 1944. [29]

Army

Army at Michigan
1234OT2OTTotal
Black Knights77007021
No. 7 Wolverines70707324
  • Date: September 7
  • Location: Michigan Stadium
    Ann Arbor, MI
  • Game start: 12:01 EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:35
  • Game attendance: 111,747
  • Game weather: Mid 70s, Sunny, NW 10–15 MPH
  • Referee: Ron Snodgrass
  • TV announcers (Fox): Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (analyst), Jenny Taft (sideline)

Following its opening game against Middle Tennessee, Michigan hosted the Army Black Knights. This was the first meeting between the schools since 1962. Michigan won the previous meeting 17–7. [32]

Michigan defeated Army 24–21 in double overtime. [33] Army opened the scoring in the first quarter with a one-yard touchdown run from Sandon McCoy. Michigan responded with a two-yard touchdown run from Zach Charbonnet. Army regained the lead in the second quarter on a one-yard touchdown run from Kelvin Hopkins Jr., which made the score 14–7 in favor of Army at half-time. Early in the second half, Army found itself in the red zone with an opportunity to take a two-score lead, however Hopkins threw an interception to Lavert Hill. Michigan responded with a one-yard touchdown run from Charbonnet to tie the game with 2:24 remaining in the third quarter. The game was scoreless for the remainder of regulation, and freshman Army kicker Cole Talley missed the would-be game-winning 50-yard field goal as time expired, after which the game went to overtime. In overtime, Army scored on a six-yard touchdown run from Hopkins. Michigan responded with a three-yard touchdown run from Charbonnet to force double overtime. In double overtime, Michigan scored on a 43-yard field goal by Moody. On Army's ensuing possession, Hopkins was sacked by Kwity Paye and Aidan Hutchinson, and the ball was fumbled and recovered by Josh Uche to seal the victory for the Wolverines. [34]

Freshman running back Charbonnet had his first 100-yard rushing game, and posted three touchdowns. Michigan's defense held Army to just two pass completions on five attempts. It was the fewest completions by a Wolverine opponent since Rutgers also posted two pass completions in 2016. [32]

At Wisconsin

Michigan at Wisconsin
1234Total
No. 11 Wolverines008614
No. 13 Badgers14147035
  • Date: September 21
  • Location: Camp Randall Stadium
    Madison, WI
  • Game start: 11:03 CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:29
  • Game attendance: 80,245
  • Game weather: 70º F, Cloudy, possible rain, S 15 MPH
  • Referee: Jeff Servinski
  • TV announcers (Fox): Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (analyst), Jenny Taft (sideline)

After playing Army and having a bye week, Michigan traveled to Madison to face the Wisconsin Badgers in its Big Ten Conference opener. Last season, Michigan defeated Wisconsin 38–13. [35] [36]

Michigan lost to Wisconsin 35–14. [37] Wisconsin scored 14 points in the first quarter on two touchdown runs from Jonathan Taylor, from one-yard and 72-yards, respectively. Wisconsin added 14 points in the second quarter on two touchdown runs from Jack Coan, from 25-yards and two-yards, respectively, which made the score 28–0 in favor of Wisconsin at half-time. Wisconsin extended its lead in the third quarter on a two-yard touchdown run from Coan. Michigan finally got on the board late in the third quarter with a six-yard touchdown pass from Shea Patterson to Sean McKeon, and a two-point conversion pass from Patterson to Tarik Black, to avoid a shutout. Michigan scored the only points of the fourth quarter on a five-yard touchdown pass from Patterson to Donovan Peoples-Jones. [38]

Rutgers

Rutgers at Michigan
1234Total
Scarlet Knights00000
No. 20 Wolverines1410141452
  • Date: September 28
  • Location: Michigan Stadium
    Ann Arbor, MI
  • Game start: 12:01 EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:10
  • Game attendance: 110,662
  • Game weather: Mid 60s, cloudy, possible rain, NW 5–10 MPH
  • Referee: Larry Smith
  • TV announcers (BTN): Kevin Kugler (play-by-play), Matt Millen (analyst), Rick Pizzo (sideline)

Following its game against Wisconsin, Michigan hosted the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Last season, Michigan won in a blowout, 42–7. [39] [40]

Michigan defeated Rutgers in a blowout 52–0. [41] Michigan scored 14 points in the first quarter on a 48-yard touchdown pass from Shea Patterson to Nico Collins, and a two-yard touchdown run from Patterson. Michigan added 10 points in the second quarter on a four-yard touchdown run from Patterson and a 33-yard field goal by Jake Moody, which made the score 24–0 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan added 14 points in the third quarter on a seven-yard touchdown run from Christian Turner and a one-yard touchdown run from Patterson. Michigan added 14 more points in the fourth quarter on a one-yard touchdown run from Joe Milton and a 23-yard touchdown pass from Milton to Giles Jackson. [42]

This was Michigan's first shutout victory since defeating Rutgers 78–0 in 2016. Patterson became the sixth quarterback in program history to rush for three touchdowns in a game, and the first to do so since Devin Gardner in 2013. Michigan's defense held Rutgers to 152 yards of total offense and just 2.9 yards per play. The last time Michigan held an opponent under 200 yards was Penn State (186) last season. Dan Jokisch, Alan Selzer and German Green all made their Michigan debuts during the game. [40]

Iowa

Iowa at Michigan
(Homecoming game)
1234Total
No. 14 Hawkeyes03003
No. 19 Wolverines1000010
  • Date: October 5
  • Location: Michigan Stadium
    Ann Arbor, MI
  • Game start: 12:05 EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:26
  • Game attendance: 111,519
  • Game weather: High 50s, Mostly cloudy, SE 10–15 MPH
  • Referee: Mike Cannon
  • TV announcers (Fox): Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (analyst), Jenny Taft (sideline)

After facing Rutgers, Michigan hosted the Iowa Hawkeyes in its homecoming game. This was the first meeting between the two teams since 2016. In the previous meeting, Iowa upset Michigan, 13–14. [43] [44]

Michigan defeated Iowa 10–3. [45] Michigan scored ten points in the first quarter on a 28-yard field goal by Jake Moody and a two-yard touchdown run from Zach Charbonnet. In the second quarter, Iowa responded with a 22-yard field goal by Keith Duncan, which made the score 10–3 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Both teams were held scoreless during the second half of the game. [46]

Michigan's defense forced four turnovers, including three interceptions and one fumble and held Iowa to one rushing yard, the Hawkeyes averaged 217.5 rushing yards per game entering the game. The Wolverine's posted a season-high eight sacks, the first time they recorded at least five sacks in a game since 2017 against Purdue. This was Michigan's third game this season with multiple turnovers forced. [44]

At Illinois

Michigan at Illinois
(Illinois–Michigan football series)
1234Total
No. 16 Wolverines141401442
Fighting Illini0710825
  • Date: October 12
  • Location: Memorial Stadium
    Champaign, IL
  • Game start: 12:06 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:38
  • Game attendance: 37,275
  • Game weather: 46º F, Sunny, SW 18 MPH
  • Referee: Jerry McGinn
  • TV announcers (ABC): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst), Tom Luginbill (sideline)

After its homecoming game against Iowa, Michigan traveled to Champaign, Illinois to face the Illinois Fighting Illini. This was the first meeting between the two teams since 2016. Michigan won the previous meeting, 41–8. [47] [48]

Michigan defeated Illinois 42–25. [49] Michigan scored 14 points in the first quarter on a 29-yard touchdown run from Hassan Haskins and a 25-yard touchdown pass from Shea Patterson to Luke Schoonmaker. Michigan added 14 points in the second quarter on a seven-yard touchdown run from Zach Charbonnet and a four-yard touchdown pass from Patterson to Nick Eubanks. Illinois finally got on the board late in the first half on a 23-yard touchdown pass from Matt Robinson to Josh Imatorbhebhe, which made the score 28–7 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Illinois scored the only points of the third quarter on a 50-yard field goal by James McCourt and a one-yard touchdown run from Matt Robinson. Illinois opened the scoring in the fourth quarter on a one-yard touchdown run from Dre Brown, and a two-point conversion run from Brown, reducing Michigan's lead to three points. Michigan responded with 14 points on a five-yard touchdown pass from Patterson to Donovan Peoples-Jones and a one-yard touchdown run from Patterson. [50]

Michigan recorded 162 rushing yards in the first quarter, the most by the Wolverines against a Big Ten opponent in the first quarter in 15 seasons. Michigan finished the game with a season-high 295 rushing yards. Freshman running back Zach Charbonnet had 108 rushing yards in the first half, becoming the first Wolverine to do so since Karan Higdon ran for 139 against Nebraska last season. [48]

At Penn State

No. 16 Michigan at No. 7 Penn State
1234Total
No. 16 Wolverines077721
No. 7 Nittany Lions7140728
  • Date: October 19
  • Location: Beaver Stadium
    State College, PA
  • Game start: 7:44 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:26
  • Game attendance: 110,669
  • Game weather: 54–50º F, Clear, cool, crisp, SSE 6 MPH
  • Referee: Ron Snodgrass
  • TV announcers (ABC): Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Maria Taylor (sideline)

Following its game against Illinois, Michigan traveled to Happy Valley to face the Penn State Nittany Lions. Last season, Michigan won in a blowout, 42–7. [51]

Michigan lost to Penn State 21–28 in Penn State's annual White Out game. [52] Penn State opened the scoring in the first quarter on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Sean Clifford to Pat Freiermuth. Penn State added 14 points in the second quarter on a two-yard touchdown run from Clifford and a 25-yard touchdown pass from Clifford to K. J. Hamler. Michigan finally got on the board late in the first half on a 12-yard touchdown run from Zach Charbonnet. Michigan kicker Jake Moody missed a 52-yard field goal attempt in the final minute of the half, which made the score 21–7 in favor of Penn State at half-time. Michigan scored the only points of the third quarter on a 12-yard touchdown run from Charbonnet. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the fourth quarter on a 53-yard touchdown pass from Clifford to Hamler for Penn State and a one-yard touchdown run from Shea Patterson for Michigan with 8:48 remaining. Down by seven points, Michigan forced a Penn State three-and-out and regained possession with 6:46 to go. Michigan drove the length of the field and advanced to the Penn State three yard line. On fourth and goal, Patterson's pass to Ronnie Bell was dropped by Bell in the endzone. Penn State then wound down the final 2:01 to win the game. [53]

Notre Dame

No. 8 Notre Dame at No. 19 Michigan
(Michigan–Notre Dame football rivalry)
1234Total
No. 8 Fighting Irish007714
No. 19 Wolverines31472145
  • Date: October 26
  • Location: Michigan Stadium
    Ann Arbor, MI
  • Game start: 7:44 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:31
  • Game attendance: 111,909
  • Game weather: High 40s, Rain, SE 10–20 MPH
  • Referee: John O'Neill
  • TV announcers (ABC): Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Maria Taylor (sideline)

After its game against Penn State, Michigan hosted the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to rekindle its long-running rivalry. Last season, Michigan lost to Notre Dame in a season-opening match-up, 24–17. [54] [55]

Michigan defeated Notre Dame 45–14 in a game played in driving rain. [56] On Michigan's first offensive possession, it was held to a three-and-out, but on the ensuing punt, the ball was fumbled by the Notre Dame return man and recovered by Michigan's Daxton Hill. Michigan stalled at the goal line and settled for a 21-yard field goal by Jake Moody. Michigan's next possession carried over into the second quarter and ended with a seven-yard touchdown run from Zach Charbonnet. Michigan forced another Notre Dame punt, and scored another touchdown on its next drive, this one from one yard out by Charbonnet. The score was 17–0 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Notre Dame finally got on the board in the third quarter on a seven-yard touchdown pass from Ian Book to Cole Kmet. Michigan responded with an eight-yard touchdown pass from Shea Patterson to Donovan Peoples-Jones. Michigan added 21 points in the fourth quarter on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Patterson to Nico Collins, a 27-yard touchdown run from Tru Wilson and a 26-yard touchdown pass from Dylan McCaffrey to Mike Sainristil. Down 45–7, Notre Dame scored on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Phil Jurkovec to Javon McKinley with 3:45 remaining, and Michigan wound down the rest of the clock on its next possession. [57]

Michigan's 31-point victory marked its third-largest margin of victory against Notre Dame in series history. Michigan's defense held Notre Dame to 47 yards rushing on 31 carries, and 180 yards of total offense. [55]

At Maryland

No. 14 Michigan at Maryland
1234Total
No. 14 Wolverines14714338
Terrapins00707

After facing Notre Dame, Michigan traveled to College Park to face the Maryland Terrapins. Last season, following a 70-minute weather delay due to thunderstorms in the area, Michigan defeated Maryland 42–21. [58] [59]

Michigan defeated Maryland 38–7. [60] Michigan scored 14 points in the first quarter on a game-opening 97-yard kickoff return by Giles Jackson and a two-yard touchdown run from Zach Charbonnet on Michigan's first offensive possession. Michigan extended its lead in the second quarter on an eight-yard touchdown run from Charbonnet. Michigan's Jake Moody missed a 37-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds of the half, and the score was 21–0 Michigan at half-time. Michigan added 14 points in the third quarter on a five-yard touchdown pass from Shea Patterson to Nick Eubanks, and a 14-yard touchdown run from Hassan Haskins. Maryland finally got on the board late in the third quarter on a 97-yard kickoff return by Javon Leake. In the fourth quarter Michigan scored on a 38-yard field goal by Quinn Nordin. [61]

With two touchdowns in the game, running back Zach Charbonnet set a Michigan program record for the most touchdowns by a freshman with 11. [59]

Michigan State

Michigan State at No. 15 Michigan
(Paul Bunyan Trophy)
1234Total
Spartans703010
No. 15 Wolverines017101744
  • Date: November 16
  • Location: Michigan Stadium
    Ann Arbor, MI
  • Game start: 12:05 p.m. EST
  • Elapsed time: 3:34
  • Game attendance: 111,496
  • Game weather: Low 30s, Partly cloudy, E 5–10 MPH
  • Referee: Daniel Capron
  • TV announcers (Fox): Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft

After its game against Maryland and having a second bye week, Michigan hosted its in-state rival, the Michigan State Spartans in the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Last season, Michigan defeated Michigan State 21–7. [62] [63]

Michigan defeated Michigan State 44–10. [64] Michigan State opened the scoring in the first quarter with a one-yard touchdown pass from Brian Lewerke to Max Rosenthal. Michigan punted on its first two possessions, but scored on each of its next eight. Michigan's first points came on the second play of the second quarter on a one-yard touchdown run from Hassan Haskins. Its next drive began on its two-yard line, and ended 12 plays and 98 yards later with a five-yard touchdown pass from Shea Patterson to Nick Eubanks. Michigan kicker Quinn Nordin converted a 28-yard field goal with 15 seconds left in the half, which made the score 17–7 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan added 10 points in the third quarter on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Patterson to Donovan Peoples-Jones and a 49-yard field goal by Nordin. Michigan State scored on a 35-yard field goal by Matt Coghlin. Michigan added 17 points in the fourth quarter on a 22-yard touchdown pass from Patterson to Nico Collins, a 33-yard field goal by Nordin and a 39-yard touchdown pass from Patterson to Cornelius Johnson. [65]

Michigan's defense held Michigan State to 54 rushing yards and only 17 receptions, the Spartans' second lowest reception total of the season. Patterson's 384 yards and four touchdown passes represented career highs for him since transferring to Michigan. [63] Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports called the game "a thoroughly dominating performance by the Wolverines", noting that Michigan's 44 points "are the most it has scored in a game against Michigan State since a 45–37 victory in 2004". [66] According to MLive , the game was the most lopsided loss Mark Dantonio experienced in his 13 rivalry games, and it was also the largest margin of defeat for Michigan State against Michigan since a 49–3 loss in 2002. [67]

At Indiana

Michigan at Indiana
1234Total
No. 13 Wolverines71418039
Hoosiers770014
  • Date: November 23
  • Location: Memorial Stadium
    Bloomington, IN
  • Game start: 3:35 EST
  • Elapsed time: 3:12
  • Game attendance: 43,671
  • Game weather: 36º F, Intermittent rain, NNW 8 MPH
  • Referee: Mark Kluczynski
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Sean McDonough, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe

Following its game against in-state rival Michigan State, Michigan traveled to play its final road game against the Indiana Hoosiers. Last season, Michigan defeated Indiana 31–20. [68] [69]

Michigan defeated Indiana 39–14. [70] The teams exchanged touchdowns in the first quarter on a one-yard touchdown run from Stevie Scott III for Indiana, and a six-yard touchdown pass from Shea Patterson to Ronnie Bell for Michigan. Indiana regained the lead in the second quarter on a one-yard touchdown run from Peyton Ramsey. Michigan responded with 32 unanswered points. Michigan scored 14 points in the second quarter on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Patterson to Donovan Peoples-Jones and a 24-yard touchdown pass from Patterson to Nico Collins, which made the score 21–14 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan scored 18 points in the third quarter on a 27-yard field goal by Quinn Nordin, and two touchdown passes from Patterson to Collins, from 76-yards, and 19-yards, respectively. Both teams were held scoreless in the fourth quarter. [71]

Quarterback Shea Patterson finished the game 20-of-32 passing for 366 yards with five touchdowns, becoming the first Michigan quarterback with consecutive 300-yard games since Jake Rudock in 2015. He also became the first quarterback in program history to record four touchdown passes in consecutive games. Patterson's five touchdown passes were the second most by any quarterback in program history and the most during a regulation game. [69]

Ohio State

Ohio State at Michigan
(The Game)
1234Total
No. 1 Buckeyes1414141456
No. 13 Wolverines1333827
  • Date: November 30
  • Location: Michigan Stadium
    Ann Arbor, MI
  • Game start: 12:05 EST
  • Elapsed time: 3:41
  • Game attendance: 112,071
  • Game weather: Mid 30s, Cloudy possible rain, E 10–15 MPH
  • Referee: Jeff Servinski
  • TV announcers (Fox): Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (analyst), Jenny Taft (sideline)

Following its road finale against Indiana, Michigan hosted Ohio State, in the 116th playing of "The Game". Last season, Michigan was upset by Ohio State 62–39. [72] [73]

Michigan lost to Ohio State 56–27. [74] Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter on a 22-yard touchdown run from Giles Jackson, after which Quinn Nordin's extra point missed. Ohio State scored 14 points on a five-yard touchdown run from J. K. Dobbins and a 57-yard touchdown pass from Justin Fields to Chris Olave. Michigan responded with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Shea Patterson to Donovan Peoples-Jones, reducing the Buckeyes' lead to one. Ohio State added 14 points in the second quarter on two touchdown runs from Dobbins, from six-yards, and five-yards, respectively. Michigan scored on a 23-yard field goal by Nordin, which made the score 28–16 in favor of Ohio State at half-time. Ohio State added 14 more points in the third quarter on two touchdown passes from Fields, a six-yard touchdown pass to K. J. Hill and a 30-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson. Michigan scored on a 45-yard field goal by Nordin. In the fourth quarter, Michigan scored on a two-yard touchdown run from Hassan Haskins, followed by a two-point conversion run from Haskins. Ohio State again added 14 points on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Fields to Austin Mack, and a 33-yard touchdown run from Dobbins. [75]

Ohio State extended its winning streak in the series to eight games, which became the longest streak by either team in series history. The Buckeyes also became the first team in the series to score 50 or more points in consecutive games. Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson completed 14 of 18 passes in the first half, but was 4 of 24 in the second half, which was the lowest completion percentage for an FBS quarterback in one half (attempting at least 20 passes) in at least 15 years. [76] He threw for 305 yards and one touchdown, becoming the first quarterback in program history to throw for 300 or more yards in three consecutive games. With Giles Jackson's rushing touchdown in the first quarter, he became the second true freshmen in program history to score touchdowns via kick return, receiving and rushing in his first season, following Gil Chapman in 1972. [73]

Vs. Alabama (Citrus Bowl)

Michigan vs. Alabama
(Citrus Bowl)
1234Total
No. 14 Wolverines1060016
No. 13 Crimson Tide7771435
  • Date: January 1, 2020
  • Location: Camping World Stadium
    Orlando, FL
  • Game start: 1:07 EST
  • Elapsed time: 3:26
  • Game attendance: 59,746
  • Game weather: 66º F, Mostly sunny, clear, NNW 5 MPH
  • Referee: Mike Mothershed
  • TV announcers (ABC): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Tom Luginbill (sideline)

On December 8, Michigan was selected to play in the Citrus Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Michigan lost the most recent meeting between the teams 41–14 in the 2012 Cowboys Classic. This was Michigan's 48th bowl game appearance, and its sixth appearance in the Citrus Bowl. [77]

Michigan lost to Alabama 35–16. [78] Alabama opened the scoring in the first quarter on an 85-yard touchdown pass from Mac Jones to Jerry Jeudy. Michigan responded with ten points on a seven-yard touchdown pass from Shea Patterson to Nick Eubanks, and a 36-yard field goal by Quinn Nordin to take its first lead of the game. Michigan extended its lead in the second quarter on a 42-yard field goal by Nordin. Alabama responded with a nine-yard touchdown run from Najee Harris to regain the lead. Quinn Nordin then kicked a Citrus Bowl record 57-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, which made the score 16–14 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan was held scoreless in the second half, as Alabama scored 21 unanswered points. Alabama scored the only points in the third quarter on a 42-yard touchdown pass from Jones to DeVonta Smith to regain the lead. Alabama scored 14 points in the fourth quarter on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Jones to Miller Forristall and a two-yard touchdown run from Harris. [79]

Quarterback Shea Patterson finished the season with 3,061 passing yards, becoming the third quarterback in program history to pass for over 3,000 yards in a season, following John Navarre (3,331 yards in 2003) and Jake Rudock (3,017 yards in 2015). Quinn Nordin converted a 57-yard field goal at the end of the first half, the longest field goal in Citrus Bowl history, and tying the record for the longest field goal made in Michigan program history. [80]

Roster

2019 Michigan Wolverines football team roster
PlayersCoaches
Offense
Pos.#NameClass
OL 50 Michael Onwenu Sr
OL 51 Cesar Ruiz Jr
OL 52 Karsen Barnhart Fr
OL 53 Trente Jones Fr
OL 54Kraig CorrellSo
OL 55Nolan RumlerFr
OL 58Zach CarpenterFr
OL 59Joel HonigfordJr
OL 60Luke FisherFr
OL 61Dan JokischJr
OL 62Mica GelbFr
OL 64Mahdi HazimeFr
OL 66Chuck FiliagaJr
OL 68Andrew VastardisJr
OL 70Jack StewartFr
OL 71 Andrew Stueber Jr
OL 72Stephen SpanellisJr
OL 73 Jalen Mayfield So
OL 74 Ben Bredeson  (C)Sr
OL 75 Jon Runyan Jr. RSr
OL 76 Ryan Hayes So
OL 77Trevor KeeganFr
OL 78Griffin KoricanSo
OL 79Greg RobinsonSr
QB 2 Shea Patterson Sr
QB 3 Joe Milton So
QB 6Michael SessaSr
QB 9Andy MaddoxFr
QB 10Dylan McCaffreyJr
QB 12 Cade McNamara Fr
QB 16Ren HefleyFr
RB 3Christian TurnerSo
RB 13Tru WilsonSr
RB 20Nicholas CapatinaJr
RB 23Jordan CastleberryFr
RB 24 Zach Charbonnet Fr
RB 25 Hassan Haskins So
RB 28Danny HughesFr
RB 33Leon FranklinFr
RB 40Ben VanSumerenSo
RB 41Abe JaafarFr
RB 44Jared CharSr
RB 45Peter BushSr
RB 46Matt BrownJr
RB 49Lucas AndrighettoSo
TE 35Luke BuckmanSo
TE 36Ramsey BatySo
TE 38Joseph FilesRSr
TE 81Will SessaFr
TE 82 Nick Eubanks Sr
TE 83 Erick All Fr
TE 84 Sean McKeon Sr
TE 85Mustapha MuhammadSo
TE 86 Luke Schoonmaker So
TE 89Carter SelzerJr
WR 4 Nico Collins Jr
WR 6 Cornelius Johnson Fr
WR 7 Tarik Black Jr
WR 8 Ronnie Bell So
WR 9 Donovan Peoples-Jones Jr
WR 15 Giles Jackson Fr
WR 15Jacob WestRSr
WR 18Brendan WhiteRSr
WR 19 Mike Sainristil Fr
WR 22George JohnsonFr
WR 24Jake MartinSr
WR 31Jack YoungJr
WR 39Matt ToreySo
WR 42Matthew HarrisonFr
WR 43Tyler GroszSr
WR 43Jake McCurryJr
WR 81Nate SchoenleSr
WR 82Desmond NicholasSr
WR 89Hunter NeffFr
Defense
Pos.#NameClass
DB 1 Ambry Thomas Jr
DB 3Jalen PerryFr
DB 5 D. J. Turner Fr
DB 9Gemon GreenSo
DB 13German GreenSo
DB 14 Josh Metellus Sr
DB 16Jaylen Kelly-PowellJr
DB 17Sammy FaustinSo
DB 20 Brad Hawkins Jr
DB 23Jared DavisJr
DB 23Quinten JohnsonFr
DB 24 Lavert Hill Sr
DB 26J'Marick WoodsJr
DB 27Hunter ReynoldsJr
DB 30Tyler CochranSr
DB 30 Daxton Hill Fr
DB 31 Vincent Gray So
DB 33Louis GrodmanRSr
DB 40Caden KolesarFr
DB 41John BatyFr
DB 41Quinn RothmanSo
DB 43Andrew RussellFr
DB 49Keshaun HarrisFr
DL 2 Carlo Kemp Sr
DL 4 Mike Danna RSr
DL 15 Christopher Hinton Jr. Fr
DL 18 Luiji Vilain Jr
DL 19 Kwity Paye Jr
DL 37Dane DrobockyJr
DL 50 Michael Dwumfour Sr
DL 54Carl MyersSr
DL 57Joey GeorgeSo
DL 58Phillip PaeaJr
DL 58Mazi SmithFr
DL 67Jess SpeightJr
DL 71 David Ojabo Fr
DL 80 Mike Morris Fr
DL 91Taylor UpshawSo
DL 95 Donovan Jeter Jr
DL 96Julius WelschofSo
DL 97 Aidan Hutchinson So
DL 99Gabe NewburgFr
LB 6 Josh Uche Sr
LB 7 Khaleke Hudson Sr
LB 8Devin GilSr
LB 9Joey VelazquezFr
LB 10Anthony SolomonFr
LB 12 Josh Ross Jr
LB 13Charles ThomasFr
LB 23 Michael Barrett So
LB 29 Jordan Glasgow RSr
LB 32Nolan KnightFr
LB 34Jordan AnthonyJr
LB 37Jonathan LampaniSr
LB 38Geoffrey ReevesSr
LB 39Lawrence ReevesFr
LB 40Ryan NelsonJr
LB 41Adam FakihJr
LB 44 Cameron McGrone So
LB 45Adam ShibleyJr
Special teams
Pos.#NameClass
K 2 Jake Moody So
K 3 Quinn Nordin Sr
K 39Alan SelzerSr
K, P 92Karl KerskaFr
LS 33 Camaron Cheeseman Sr
LS 44Matt BaldeckJr
LS 49William WagnerFr
LS 99Trey HarperRSr
P 3 Brad Robbins Jr
P 17Will HartSr
P 18George CaratanSo
P 36Izaak GerkisFr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Cruz Roja.svg Injured
  • Redshirt.svg Redshirt

Roster
Last update: August 6, 2019

Awards and honors