While all eyes will be on The Game on Nov. 29, the Michigan Wolverines have to take care of business in College Park this weekend first. Monday’s episode of the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show revealed some of Michigan’s mentality heading into the Maryland game this Saturday (4 p.m., FOX).
“Yeah, it’s a playoff game,” head coach Sherrone Moore said. “You can’t worry about that next one if you don’t worry about this one. So for us, we’ve got to do everything we can to go win this game.”
Moore
also talked about how his team is obviously aware of the final game on the regular season schedule, but that potential distraction is not a concern. Michigan will need a much more complete effort at Maryland than its latest one against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field.
Defensive lineman Cam Brandt echoed his coach’s sentiments.
“One game at a time, one day at a time. I feel like we got to win the week,” Brandt said. “That Ohio State game is going to come, yes, we know, it’s the week after this. But this is a game we got to win.”
The Terrapins have struggled in conference play, losing six straight, with their lone win coming in late September at Wisconsin. However, three of their losses have been by one possession, and an amped up home crowd will have upsetting the Wolverines on their minds all week.
Over the last few years, Michigan has generally peaked at the right time, and there are few reasons to doubt a similar arc this campaign.
Quick Hitters
- Mostly mum on Marshall
- Running back Jordan Marshall’s health could be one of those reasons for doubt. “The X-rays again were negative. So, we’ll just see day-by-day how he feels,” Moore said.
- Even if Marshall can go against the Terrapins, expect a snap count and heavier usage for guys like Bryson Kuzdzal and Jasper Parker.
- An Underwoodian challenge for Wink?
- Maryland’s quarterback, freshman Malik Washington, has some Bryce Underwood to his game with his movement and ability to create during unscripted plays. “You have to keep changing the picture on him,” defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said. “He is a very talented quarterback. Reminds you a lot of Bryce, as far as size-wise and how effective he is of getting rid of the ball.”
- Finally, good news on Link
- In other injury updates, Moore told the show that left tackle Evan Link is “getting close, he’s getting really close” to returning. Moore thinks he will get to do some individual practice work and stuff with the team this week. Do not get your hopes up, but we could see Link back sooner rather than later.
