There is a clear goal for head coach Sherrone Moore as his Michigan Wolverines enter their second bye week of the season: health.
“Really looking to get guys back,” Moore said on Monday’s “Inside Michigan Football” radio show. “Try to do as much as we can to get everybody’s bodies back. Physical games, these past games.”
No. 21 Michigan (7-2, 5-1 Big Ten) has been plagued by injuries as of late. Running back Justice Haynes needs surgery on his foot, the offensive line has been a revolving door (albeit
a rather smooth one) and the defense has been without stalwarts such as Rod Moore, Cole Sullivan and Jaishawn Barham.
Fortunately, at least on the Barham front, there is encouraging news from Moore, who “feels like” they will get him back for a Nov. 15 date with the Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field. Moore also mentioned he has never been to Wrigley, and the field will give it a bit of a bowl game-like feel. Hopefully Moore and his players are not distracted by the friendly confines.
In terms of on-field moves, Moore noted his pleasure with the offensive line play — which continues to impress even with this bevy of wounds — and another hard-nosed defensive performance. However, he also seems to share some of the same passing game concerns as the fan base.
“The passing game precision just has to keep getting fixed. There’s little pieces as coaches we’ve got to fix and help the kids with,” Moore said.
He also acknowledged the score of the Purdue game, 21-16, was not indicative of their offensive output.
“You look at that game, and you had two red zone turnovers, low red zone. So if you don’t have those, you’re going to have a different result as far as score,” Moore said.
Quick Hitters
- ‘Look squad’ risers
- You don’t often hear about the practice squad, but the Wolverines have a couple of gems that should be on the big stage by next year. Moore highlighted offensive linemen Avery Gach and Ty Haywood, both of whom he believes are “going to be really good (players).” Moore also mentioned linebacker Chase Taylor, who has seen more game action lately, running back Jasper Parker and quarterback Jake Garcia, the graduate transfer and primary backup.
- O-line continuity remains key
- Despite the injuries, Michigan center Greg Crippen is not worried about testing its depth and loves the camaraderie of his unit. “We’ve been running the ball really well. It doesn’t matter who’s in there, we’re going to move the ball on offense,” Crippen said. He also added, “That just goes off of how great our relationships are. We hang out all the time.” Whatever they are doing is working, and it is a credit to veterans like Crippen for holding down the fort.
- Benny nearly had an INT
- Defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny nearly came up with an interception against the Boilermakers, but the defense had to settle for a fumble recovery. When asked about preparing for those moments and who has the best hands on the defensive line, he said, “It’s going to be hard to say it’s me. But trust me, it’s me. I just need the right opportunity. The ball was at the ground.” Perhaps Benny can put his money where his mouth is and snag a fly ball at Wrigley.
