Michigan
head coach Sherrone Moore met with the media on Monday morning to preview the Week 2 game at Oklahoma. Here is a recap of the key things he had to say.
- Moore said that the targeting penalty on linebacker Jaishawn Barham was upheld by the NCAA — despite the Big Ten having Michigan’s back — meaning Barham will miss the first half against Oklahoma. Moore said it’s, “A rule we have to get changed and we have to look at for the game.”
- Speaking of Oklahoma, Moore called the Sooners a “really good football, complete football team in all three phases.” He knows a lot of people on the staff, including head coach Brent Venables, running backs coach DeMarco Murray and more, but said “it’s about the kids, it’s not about me.” He also called former OU head coach Bob Stoops one of his biggest mentors.
- Moore noted that there are some drops that need to be corrected from the wide receivers. Pro Football Focus credited Michigan receivers with four drops against New Mexico — Channing Goodwin had two, and Marlin Klein and Fred Moore each had one.
- Regarding Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, Moore said he is an “electric quarterback” and a “gunslinger” that can make every throw and run with the football. Moore also noted the defense needs to do a good job of keeping him off schedule and have a plan in place to “keep him rattled … so he’s not comfortable.”
- This Saturday will mark Bryce Underwood’s first road start of his career. Moore made it sound like they will simulate some crowd noise in practice this week and that the team “can’t worry” about crowd noise and being caught up in the moment. “Just execute and do your job.”
- Right tackle Andrew Sprague was taken out of the New Mexico game and was replaced by Blake Frazier. Luckily, Moore said that Sprague was just cramping up and will be good to go this weekend.
- Tight end Hogan Hansen — who was not on the injury report but never played against New Mexico — is “probable” for this Saturday. Sounds like the Wolverines held him out as a precaution this past weekend.
- Meanwhile, safety Rod Moore, who was listed as “out” on the injury report last week, is being considered “questionable…possible” for this weekend. “We’ll see how he feels.”
- Brady Norton and Nathan Efobi both got playing time at right guard last week. Moore said he liked how both of them played, but that Norton played a bit better overall.
