As the college football season is fast approaching, the naysayers are already out of the woodwork criticizing the Michigan Wolverines. Jim Harbaugh won’t live up to his storied name. The offense will come up small against the Big Ten powerhouses like Ohio State and Penn State.

But for Michigan, they are ready to embrace the challenge. While other programs in the Big Ten are in transitional periods or dealing with a crisis of leadership, the Wolverines have had a productive offseason, where they have been able to focus solely on football. From acquiring quarterback Shea Patterson in a transfer with Ole Miss, to possessing a stout, physical defense, the Wolverines have the potential to fly under the radar as being a surprise Top Four team. Let’s take a closer look at Michigan’s team heading into the season.

Shea Patterson Headlines Wolverines Offense

When Shea Patterson made the decision to transfer to Michigan, it was pretty clear he would become the starting quarterback for the Wolverines. Harbaugh constantly speaks highly of Patterson, very similar to how the coach spoke of Andrew Luck when he was coaching at Stanford.

“Shea Patterson – he’s really been good,” Harbaugh said. “He’s really been intense and focuses each day of practice. I expect that out of a quarterback. You expect that out of somebody that plays that position. Expect that from all players. But his level of focus and intensity during practice and execution has been really good. So, yeah – felt like he was the one playing the best and gives our team the best chance to win.”

Playing for Ole Miss, Patterson recorded 2,259 yards, with 17 touchdowns to nine interceptions and a 63.8 completion percentage. What makes the young quarterback so prolific for this Michigan offense is his ability to scramble and keep plays alive with his feet. Given that Michigan struggled last year with their offensive line, it is a breath of fresh air to have a quarterback like Patterson who can use his speed to his advantage to fool opposing defenses.

“You drop back in the pocket, you go through the progression, and there’s an internal clock where you become the checkdown,” Harbaugh stated. “You start by finding the quiet spot in the pocket. Use your mobility to do that. And sometimes it becomes necessary to escape the pocket. He’s got the ability to do that.”

Wolverines Defense Will Continue to Shine

The Wolverines defense is the bright spot on this team, expected to shine once again this season. Last year, their team defense was ranked third in the country, first against the pass and 18th against the run. In addition, Michigan was the best third-down defense in the country and it was tied for fifth in sacks.

“We’ve got one shot here,” linebacker Devin Bush says. “Seniors leave, people leave. We’ve got one shot with this group of guys and we can’t miss. So it opens your eyes.”

Michigan will bring back nine starters who played on their prolific defense last season. Some of these players are expected to head to the NFL next year, including defensive end Rashan Gary, who is projected as a high round pick. But Gary’s focus is on the season and trying to be the best he can for his teammates.

“I want to be perfect,” Gary says. “When it comes to my step, hand placement, pass rush, working to be a better leader. I have younger guys to bring along. It’s going to turn up, I’m right in my comfort zone and I’m right where I know what I need to do and things I need to get better at.”

Wolverines defensive coordinator Don Brown is eager to follow up last season’s performance with another dominant season for his defense. He is stressing to his players the importance of creating havoc in all their games, particularly in their opening day matchup against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

“We were number one in the nation in creating havoc,” stated Brown. “Isn’t that a great fact? Havoc! Love havoc! ”

Make or Break Year for Wolverines Coach Harbaugh

In his fourth season, this is now Jim Harbaugh’s team. After two 10 win seasons, last season was disappointing for the head coach, where he finished 8-5.

But the Wolverines schedule is tough, filled with top-heavy programs ranked in the top 12 in the country. Five games this season are against teams in the preseason Top 12, three of those are on the road. And critics have noted the Wolverines inability to beat top teams in the Big Ten, possessing a 1-5 record in the Harbaugh era.

Heading into the opening game against Notre Dame, Coach Harbaugh doesn’t hide from the scrutiny. He is ready to take this team to new heights, including a potential College Football Playoff Semifinal appearance. With a superstar defense and much-improved offense, the Wolverines could be the dark horse of College Football this season.

“We need to improve, and that’ll lead to success, it’ll lead to championships,” Harbaugh said. “It’s that simple.”