The Michigan Wolverines offensive line has had an up and down start to the 2025 campaign. Against lesser competition in New Mexico and Central Michigan, the unit has had great moments in run blocking and pass protection. However, in Michigan’s 23-14 loss to Oklahoma in Week 2, the unit struggled overall. Oklahoma sent heavy pressure at the line and Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood rarely had time to operate.
After Michigan’s loss to Oklahoma in the week leading up to Michigan’s 63-3 win over Central
Michigan in Week 3, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was hands on with the offensive line. Interim head coach Biff Poggi told the media that Moore spent all of individual meeting time last week with the offensive line.
Moore was suspended in Week 3 and will be suspended again this Saturday against Nebraska in relation to the Connor Stalions advanced scouting NCAA investigation. As part of the terms of his suspension Moore was allowed to be at the team facility last week and take part in meetings and practices, but not this week. Moore can’t contact Michigan players or staffers until this Sunday. Therefore, it was prevalent for Moore to be more hands-on last week with a struggling offensive line unit.
“He was the best offensive line coach in the country for two years. He won the back-to-back Moore Award. And in my opinion, the best coordinator, too. So, he got over there and kind of started looking at things. And I think that will continue when he gets back,” Poggi said.
Moore’s resume as an offensive line guru speaks for itself and clearly something clicked with the unit and his presence was a positive. Michigan offensive line coach Grant Newsome said that Moore spent “more time” with the offensive line on the practice field last week as well as the film room.
“That’s his baby and what he played, what he coached. So, he’ll spend time on a normal week with us, but his message for the entire team last week was just getting back to the how. To the fundamentals,” Newsome said. “We really embraced that in the offensive line room, and just getting back onto the chutes even more than we normally do in a normal week, and focusing on pad level, hand placement. Less about the plays or what the defense is going to do, more just about stuff we can control.”
Michigan’s offense put up 616 total yards (7.7 yards per play) against Central Michigan, including eight rushing touchdowns. In the loss to Oklahoma, the offense only had 288 total yards (5.1 yards per play) and only one total touchdown. Oklahoma had eight tackles for loss against the Wolverines, while Central Michigan only had one TFL. Progress is progress, even if it was against a lesser opponent. Nebraska presents a true indicator of if the offensive line can hang in there against stiffer competition, as the Cornhuskers defense ranks No. 6 in total defense and No. 7 in scoring defense.
