It is finally Friday afternoon, which means it is time for my weekly preview of the Michigan football game. The Wolverines showed some high powered offense last week against Air Force, but still left little to be desired on the defensive side. This week, against possibly the worst FBS team, Big Blue will need to stiffen up on that side of the ball. Some encouraging notes, however, most people forget how much the defense struggled in the first 2 weeks of the season last year, and only remember where it was when the team finished in the top 10. This year, the expectations might have been a little high with the preseason number 8 ranking, but it was unfair to believe this defense would be able to pick up where Team 132 left off. We also do not know how good this defense really is after playing Alabama and Air Force, and we likely will not know any more until after we head to South Bend. Alabama's offensive efficiency will likely be one of the best in all of college football, while Air Force's offensive system is one of the most unique in all of college football (and they run their technique to perfection). Am I concerned about the defensive line not holding blocks well? Yes. Am I concerned that our starting LB's have slow lateral movement and struggle to contain the edge? Yes. Am I concerned that our cornerbacks struggle in run defense? Yes. Am I excited to see them play a normal offensive system with little to no talent? Hell yes. This defense should be hungry to destroy someone, and this week should give them an opportunity to look dominant and gain some confidence before playing Notre Dame. So even though this week will not likely show us fans how good this defense truly is, I think it can go a long ways in helping the group improve.
UMass run offense vs Michigan run defense
The Minutemen have a name well known around Ann Arbor in their backfield. Mike Cox is a 5th year transfer for UMass. If you don't remember his name, no worries as he did little to nothing while in the winged helmet. He couldn't beat out Vincent Smith or Mike Shaw for the starting job, and that alone should tell you all you need to know. UMass is going to be overmatched in the Big House this week. It is not 2010 when they managed to score 37 on the Maize and Blue. So far against two terrible teams (UConn and Indiana) UMass has scored a total of 6 points. The defensive line should be able to get penetration in the backfield and blow up many run plays. Currently, the Minutemen are averaging less than 3 yards per carry. Michigan's defense should be able to hold them to that for a 3rd straight week. Now, if the front 4 for the Wolverines struggles this week, we will have strong reason to be concerned for the rest of the season. There really is no win situation for this unit this week. If Michigan holds the Minutemen to 50 yards rushing, fans shrug their shoulders and say we still know nothing. If UMass manages to get to 100+ yards, fans will push the panic button with both hands, and next week will not be fun in the blogosphere. I think this week will be a good opportunity to get the youngsters some more significant playing time to continue to add to the rotational depth as we head into meaningful games. I also think this group has too much pride to get pushed back or cut down this week. Look for 2+ sacks to come from this unit. Advantage Michigan.
UMass pass offense vs Michigan pass defense
If UMass drops back into passing situations, it could be the best practice for any Michigan defensive position group. They were only tested a handful of times last week. I think the lose of Blake Countess hurts Michigan a lot, but the Wolverines will not face a dominant pocket passing quarterback/ receiver tandem the rest of the season. I believe Raymon Taylor, Courtney Avery, JT Floyd and whoever else gets some reps as cornerback will be good enough this year. It will also really help for experience purposes for 2013 and beyond since Taylor and Avery will get so much playing time this year. This unit could be really special moving forward. UMass has very little talent in this area of offense, but they do like to try and stretch the field for some big passing plays. Most of these will come from play action. I wouldn't be surprised if Michigan gives up at least 1 long passing play, but for the most part this group should shut down the Minutemen. I am also excited to see how the pass rush will fare in this game. They managed to get to the quarterback a few times against Alabama and again against Air Force at the end of the game. I think Jake Ryan will continue to impress, and someone from the Clark/Roh/Ross/Ojemudia group ends up with a big play. Advantage Michigan.
Michigan run offense vs UMass run defense
I doubt we will see so many designed running plays for Denard in this game. I also doubt we will see Denard for 4 quarters. The Michigan offense needs to get Fitz going. He missed some cutback opportunities last week, and also was the recipient of some back blocking in front of him. Look for the offensive line to have a dominant game, and for Fitz to get as many carries as he needs to get over 100 yards. This game will also be a good chance to get Rawls, Hayes, and possibly even Norfleet some carries in the 2nd half. I think Michigan will end up with close to 300 yards rushing in this game. Advantage Michigan.
Michigan pass offense vs UMass pass defense
I doubt Al Borgess will call too many passing plays in this game, but I hope we do. Other than getting Fitz going on the ground, I would like to see Denard's improvements in the passing game. He has looked decent this season as a passer, and had some very good throws in the first two weeks. We know what we have in Denard's legs, so I would really like to see some more work in the passing game. I might be the only one, but I get really interested when we call passing plays. I don't know if I want to say excited, but I want to see Denard's reads, touch, arm strength, and decisions. Hopefully he can go a game without an interception and can work on his TD to INT ratio some. The other interesting thing to watch for is honoring Ron Kramer, the hall of fame TE from Michigan. His number 87 jersey will be the Legend Jersey this week. Will freshman Devin Funchess get this honor, or will it go to a defensive player? Advantage Michigan.
Special Teams
Should not matter in this game, but I would like to see Norfleet take a kick return to the house. The problem is he might only get one chance.
Intangibles
Michigan has only forced 1 turnover so far this season while losing the ball themselves 4 times. It will be good to see the defense force some turnovers tomorrow, while the offense gets a clean slate. Last year the Michigan defense surrendered a lot of yards in the first two weeks, but they forced a lot of turnovers. If this year's unit can do begin to the do the same, people will start to feel better about the questionable defensive line.
There is little to gain as fans from a game with a line of 45.5 points, but I can guarantee you the coaches are glad this one is on the schedule. Last week I thought Michigan would play angry and punch Air Force in the mouth, but their defensive scheme was ineffective and they had an untimely turnover. I was impressed with how the offense played. This week look for both units to look dominant and for Michigan to finish off the Minutemen in a lopsided final: 52-6.
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