Even though the bread and butter of the Michigan offense is its run game, its fortitude might be tested over the next two weeks. The Wolverines got a lot out of Justice Haynes before he went down with
his foot injury, and also gotten plenty from Jordan Marshall, who’s inching closer to 1,000 yards this season.
But Marshall went down with a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter against Northwestern. On Monday, head coach Sherrone Moore said they are take it “day by day” with Marshall, but even if he’s able to go against Maryland this weekend, it’s likely the team would be conservative with him to make sure he’s in the best shape possible for Ohio State.
As a result, it wouldn’t be a surprise too see Bryson Kuzdzal and Jasper Parker get more carries than usual in the matchup with Maryland on Saturday. Neither of them have seen the field much this year, with Kuzdzal having the biggest statistical outing of his career against Northwestern with 53 yards on 15 carries.
For most opponents, getting the chance to face the third- and fourth-string running backs of a run-heavy team might come as a sigh of relief, but Maryland head coach Mike Locksley told reporters on Tuesday afternoon it’s not as simple as that.
“It’s up front — there’s no doubt that they’ve got talented backs, but the guys up front are the guys that really make them go,” Locksley said. “…If you look at the way those receivers block the perimeter, I think that really shows you the character of (Michigan’s team).”
While Michigan has undoubtedly had talent at the running back position this season, Locksley is right to point out the offensive line’s impact. After struggling up front a season ago, and even a bit early this season, the group has shored up its run blocking and helped pave the way for the offense even amid the passing attack’s struggles. Furthermore, there hasn’t been a drop-off in rushing production regardless of who’s been in the backfield.
That’s not all, though, in terms of how Michigan’s run game has been strong this year. Locksley also pointed out the increase in RPOs to the scheme with Chip Lindsey and Bryce Underwood.
Speaking of Underwood, Locksley was complimentary of Michigan’s freshman quarterback, noting his ability to extend plays with his legs and his “live arm” as challenges his defense will face this week. Prior to the game against Northwestern, Underwood had gotten into a bit of a slump throwing the ball, but seemed to figure things out with 280 yards against the Wildcats.
An additional wrinkle to Saturday’s game against the Terrapins is Underwood will be going up against another true freshman in Malik Washington, a highly-touted recruit that’s been under center for Maryland since Week 1 and has a bright future of his own. The matchup of young stars is something Locksley is looking forward.
“Both those guys are super-uber talented,” Locksley said. “This will be a battle of two really talented quarterbacks that I think you’ll see for years to come in this league.”
Regardless of how intriguing the quarterback battle is, Saturday is an important hurdle for Michigan to get over as it looks to win out this season. Historically, Maryland has been a team that’s played the Wolverines close, so Michigan will have to make sure it doesn’t get caught napping against a 4-6 opponent the week before the most important game of the season.
