We’re back for another week of our Michigan Mailbag! The Wolverines take on UTEP this Saturday, and I think we’re all hoping for a sizable victory.
Like we’ve done every week, we’ve asked you to post a question on The Feed leading up to each game. And once again, you answered the call!
Natty2023: WHEN WILL THE PENALTIES GET FIXED!!!
Hey, I’ve got the same question, and I feel hopeful we could see the penalties go down this week. The offense has had another week to work in Jason Beck’s system, so we could see those
pre-snap penalties go away.
On Michigan’s offense
SonicsAaron: Will the running game improve because Bryce Underwood has had success in that department?
It’s hard to imagine the run game not getting going if more teams make adjustments to account for Underwood. And if the running backs don’t get going, I think Underwood’s starting to see the field better, and he can always pick up those rushing yards.
M-Weezy: We saw Hiter take a handoff Bryce wanted to (correctly) keep. Can Hiter adjust during the week, or do we see more Marshall on read options?
From what I’ve seen so far, this coaching staff will help the players make adjustments week to week. That being said, Hiter is still a true freshman and will probably keep making a few mistakes here and there while he adjusts. By the end of the season, though, I think he will completely figure it out.
CorumTheLegend: What do you think [Underwood] did well that could be built on, and what more do you think they’ll ask him to do this week against UTEP?
Don’t be surprised if we see Underwood throw the ball a bit more against UTEP. Underwood looked improved in the ground game last week, so I think they’ll challenge him to throw the ball against UTEP. Michigan’s offense needs to get more comfortable with all aspects of its offense for the start of Big Ten play, and I think this might be the week to open up more of the playbook.
David Lewis 2: Seems to be very little use of the TE’s in Beck’s O so far. Is that by design, or what’s going on?
This seems to be by design. We saw more tight ends on the field last week, but it wasn’t for a ton of snaps. Zack Marshall, Jalen Hoffman, Eli Owens and Mason Bonner all saw some time against the Sooners. Perhaps we’ll continue to see them split rotations as Beck finds out the balance between how often he uses the Rhino position and tight ends.
On what to do if Michigan has a big lead
WestSideWolverine: If Michigan gains a sizable lead should they put in backups or gamble that none of the starters get injured and let them have more in game experience to gel together?
I would think they’ll try to get some of the other players in if Michigan has a large enough lead, but it might not happen until late in the game. There’s no question, keeping the starters on the field longer could help build this team’s confidence and continuity.
On the outcome
Bjork: Are we likely to see another gritty win this weekend? Does 20-10, the good guys pulling it out, seem about right?
Blue_in_UP: Will the offense take a step forward? OU put a beating on UTEP. Can Michigan do the same
I think Michigan’s offense takes a big leap forward this weekend. I’m estimating we’ll see the Wolverines finally break the 30-point mark, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see UTEP put up more of a fight than expected. The Miners did manage to move the ball on Oklahoma, even though they were shut out. They also put up 51 points against their FCS opponent last week. Still, Michigan’s defense is solid and should keep UTEP’s score low. If special teams and the defense can add to the scoring, it’s reasonable to see how they could cover the spread.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Drop your thoughts on the game in the comments below!
