The Michigan Wolverines are coming off a terrible loss to in-state rival Michigan State. Give credit to the Spartans and their coaching staff for putting up enough of a fight to beat Michigan. Despite injuries and only two wins before that game, they came to Ann Arbor and frustratingly beat the Wolverines.
Now, Michigan has a huge game at No. 16 Oregon this weekend. The Ducks fell off the map a bit after the injury to quarterback Dante Moore, but with a win at Ohio State last week, they look like
a dominant team once again. They put up 41 points QB Dylan Raiola going for 25-of-40 for 257 yards and two touchdowns. That’s much improved after falling to Illinois just a few weeks ago.
We asked you to post some questions on The Feed earlier this week in anticipation of this week’s game.
On Michigan’s firing of OC Jason Beck
Head coach Kyle Whittingham said he made the decision after watching the tape on Sunday. It’s tough not to question whether that’s the truth, especially since he initially said he wasn’t going to make any decisions until after the season. For a man who doesn’t fully understand the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry, I’m inclined to believe there was pressure from somewhere, but that’s just speculation.
At the end of the day, Whittingham told everyone it was his decision. We’ll see if it’s actually going to make a difference.
On Michigan’s offensive struggles
Michigan’s offensive line is certainly struggling because of injuries to some of its players, but I really think the coaching staff and scheme didn’t help the team out that much. It also didn’t help that Tommy Carr has grown up a Michigan fan, understands this rivalry, and clearly had his nerves get the best of him. Passes sailed and he really struggled to avoid pressure, taking five sacks and “rushing” for -19 yards. It’s possible that firing Beck forces the Wolverines to ditch some things on offense that just haven’t been working.
I do think there are a few things that could be better against Oregon. First, it is possible to limit the turnovers. Michigan’s defense has also shown it can be better at forcing turnovers against teams that take chances throwing the ball. Michigan State called a pretty conservative offense last week, but that’s just not Oregon’s identity. The defense has a shot to really keep the offense in this game.
On interim OC Jim Harding
If you haven’t read it, Matt Hartwell did a nice job breaking down some of interim offensive coordinator Jim Harding’s history earlier this week. While Harding doesn’t have much experience calling plays, he has been part of some good offenses that leaned on the run game.
The Wolverines probably won’t look like a dynamic offense, but there’s a possibility they run more formations without using the rhino as much. Andrew Bailey really went in depth on some of those plays in his film study this week if you want to know more. It’s possible the Wolverines turn to a few blocking schemes and simplify the run game, which should help the running backs gain more yards per play.
Personally, I’m hoping the team rallies to play together. At times, it felt like every individual tried to play hero ball, and maybe now they’ll have a chance to rally. It’s clear some of the players weren’t bought into what Beck was trying to do. I imagine if it’s frustrating watching this team on the field, it’s just as frustrating to be on the field as a player.
If Harding wants to establish anything, my hope is he tries to let his guys outplay the other team rather than try to outsmart the Ducks. This offense hasn’t been good, but we know there are players who can make the plays. I have some optimism that Harding will allow his players to go out there and do what they know how to do — play football.
If you can’t tell, I’m trying to look at things as optimistically as I can. I feel like these players trusted this coaching staff, and the coaches have let them down this season. This weekend is an opportunity to change that.
As always, let’s keep the conversation going! Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
