I hope you’re recovering nicely since the 13-12 win over Western Michigan last weekend. On Monday, I posted to The Feed (just like I will every week this football season) asking for your questions ahead of Michigan’s matchup against No. 11 Oklahoma. It’s a noon kick-off on FOX, so no matter the score, we’ll get to sit through several long commercial breaks, either stretching out the inevitable or dragging on a very close game.
Thanks for the thoughtful questions and for sharing your own takes and predictions
ahead of the game! Here are a few of my responses as we prepare for Week 2.
On Michigan’s run game
Gweb: Why did they try to run plays east-west when the offensive line was recruited to smash?
David Lewis 2: What happened to the Michigan run game?
Michigan’s run game struggled on Saturday, there’s no question about it. While I can’t speak for why the coaches decided to run the ball the way they did, Kyle Whittingham is able to do that. If you didn’t catch Charles Post’s article on fixing the run game, I’d recommend giving it a read. Whittingham said he hoped for a more “violent” run game where more players are finishing blocks. Same, Kyle, same.
As to the types of run plays, UTEP did seem to have some success on plays to the perimeter. It’s possible the coaching staff was looking ahead to a scouting report for Oklahoma and overlooked preparing for Western. Is it possible that was the first of three “trap” games on the schedule? We’ll see, I guess. At least we know that Whittingham is going to focus on improvement here heading into the game this week.
Michigan’s personnel decisions
SonicsAaron: Is it time to pull the plug on Bryce Underwood?
Listen, I’ve never been a fan of simply pulling quarterbacks as if it’s an easy decision. Michigan bought into the Bryce Underwood experience, whether we like it or not. We’ve heard great things about Tommy Carr, but the thing is once you move on from Underwood, it doesn’t seem there’s an option to go back on that decision. This coaching staff hasn’t had a chance to work with Underwood after a game before, and maybe they’re able to diagnose the problem and he comes out firing on all cylinders on Saturday.
Another point to consider: Underwood was selected as a captain. It would be a really tough look if the Wolverines were to bench their starting quarterback/captain so early in the season. But still, this coaching staff wants to win. That is clear when Whittingham speaks. Hearing him talk about the position, I do think we’ll see a change if Underwood doesn’t look sharp on the first few drives.
UMcanuck: Are we going to stick with the same 5 OL so they can get into a groove, or continue to rotate each series? Any chance we see more of the TEs in the receiving game?
Honestly, I’m baffled we didn’t see more tight ends on the field. Jalen Hoffman was there (37 snaps), but guys like Zack Marshall (five snaps) and Eli Owens (eight snaps) were on the field considerably less than offensive lineman Manuel Beigel (26 snaps). Maybe I’m just having a tough time losing out on the TEU moniker, but it’s hard to believe a guy like Beigel is more useful than Marshall. I know Jason Beck likes to use an extra lineman, so maybe we won’t see much of the tight ends. I probably won’t feel happy about that decision.
I do think we’ll see more consistency on the offensive line moving forward. Looking at the snap counts, Blake Frazier, Andrew Sprague and Jake Guarnera were on the field for all of Michigan’s 51 possessions. It’s unsettling they don’t exactly know what they have on the line, but I think the coaching staff commits to a lineup ahead of this big game.
Score predictions for Week 2
Bjork: Based on what we saw this past weekend, does a 31-13 loss seem most likely?
GideonC: Will OU shut out Mich this Saturday?
If you haven’t seen it yet, the staff roundtable was published this morning. In it, I predict a Michigan win (24-21). After the Wolverines nearly lost last Saturday, I do have major concerns about the offense and I worry we won’t be able to score against Oklahoma’s stout defense. Seriously, Michigan could be shut out. That’s not a crazy thought, just disappointing.
It’s also possible the team manages 13 points, but it’s not nearly enough when the defense is on the field too long and gives up some explosives. In that case, Oklahoma runs away with it late. I’m just willing, for one more week, to trust this coaching staff and its experience. How’s that for sitting on the fence?
LI0ninAustin: Is there some research or comparisons to Oklahoma and Michigan opponents this year that can make the fan base optimistic?
Wouldn’t it have been awesome if UTEP came to town just one week earlier? Especially since that’s the team Oklahoma just beat up on. It’d be great to have that comparison before this game. I’d have a better sense of how to panic, but we’re not on that timeline. Perhaps the only good news is UTEP (No. 133) is considerably behind WMU (No. 81) in SP+ rankings. Granted, WMU played Michigan to the bitter end and UTEP clearly struggled.
Here’s what brings me hope: UTEP allowed quite a few explosive plays and an 88-yard punt return. It’s logical to expect Michigan’s defense to do better than UTEP at slowing down Oklahoma’s offense. We’ve got experience in the secondary, as well as talent on the defensive line. Even if it’s not as elite as we hoped, it’ll be better than UTEP, right? (say it with me … “right!”). It’s reasonable to expect better protection and coverage from Michigan’s experienced secondary compared to UTEP’s defense. And hey, UTEP forced OU to kick a few field goals — there’s your reason for optimism.
Here’s what else: Oklahoma did allow UTEP to get in scoring position a few times, but the Miners just came up empty. Michigan might be able to move the ball if it plays clean and relies on its very talented players. So, yeah, Oklahoma looks more put together than Michigan. But you could also argue that Michigan has a clearer understanding of its weaknesses, and maybe, just maybe, that’s a real advantage.
