Michigan managed to get past Notre Dame last weekend, and now they will have to try to play with similar intensity this week against one of the nation’s worst teams. The Wolverines should get ample time to work out some kinks and involve all of the 3-deep roster. While this game doesn’t look like much on paper, I think it will be very important to continue to get the young players more in-game snaps. This could go a long ways towards helping this team in November.
Akron Rush Offense vs Michigan Rush Defense
Michigan sat back in their nickel package for most of last week, and this resulted in Notre Dame gashing the defense a few times on the ground. It will be interesting to see which base defense Coach Mattison rolls with in this game given Akron’s passing spread attack. The Zips will likely only run the ball 10-15 times in this game, which would make sense to lean more towards a nickel package. However, I would like to see Quinton Washington and Ondre Pipkens get more reps in the middle of the defense. On the flip side, I think Dymonte Thomas is one of the best pure athletes that we have on the team right now, so letting him get more comfortable in the nickel package could reap huge rewards against teams like Nebraska, Northwestern, and Ohio State. Even though the Zips have a pretty big offensive line, the Wolverine front 6-7 should be able to keep Akron under 50 yards rushing. Advantage Michigan.
Akron Pass Offense vs Michigan Pass Defense
Like I mentioned before, the Zips run a passing spread style offense. Their goal will be to spread out the Michigan defense and complete a ton of short passes. Short passes equal short routes, and short routes equal quick throws. This should limit the amount of times Pohl or Hirschman hit the ground. I still will be looking to see how much penetration the front four can generate on a consistent basis, and if Frank Clark really wants to get to 10 sacks this season he better start tomorrow. The secondary was very successful last week to sit back in a softer zone coverage, make Rees throw into tight windows, and limit the YAC. A similar strategy might not be as effective this week since that is the goal of the Akron offense. I would like to see Taylor, Countess, Hollowell, and Stribling play more press/man coverage. Whichever strategy the secondary falls into, I predict the Wolverines will pick off at least 2 passes. Advantage Michigan.
Michigan Rush Offense vs Akron Rush Defense
Even though Fitz Toussaint didn’t rack up over 100 yards like I predicted, I thought he looked better than in week 1. The interior offensive line struggled in run blocking, but Fitz still made things happen enough to keep the play action passing game effective. This week the interior line should have no such problem, and if they do then Michigan has even bigger issues. I expect all 5 running backs to get carries tomorrow, and for the coaches to really try to find that 2nd back which will be needed in the B1G. I would also like to see someone step up as a designated 3rd down back (like Vincent Smith) because Fitz struggled a lot last week in blitz pickups. Another thing to watch for is how the playing time is split between the tight ends. All 3 struggle with in-line blocking, but the Wolverines really need one of these guys to step up and because at least an average blocker. This would make the offense even scarier. Look for Michigan to top the 200 yard mark on the ground. Advantage Michigan.
Michigan Pass Offense vs Akron Pass Defense
Devin Gardner had one of the best games for a Michigan quarterback that I have ever witnessed. You will often hear that a good quarterback can make average receivers look great. Now think what a good quarterback can do with receiving options like Gallon, Dileo, Funchess, Butt, etc. On top of that, Gardner did this against one of the best defenses Michigan will face this season. Throw all of that together and you get the best quarterback in the B1G, and one of the best in the nation. It will be important for Devin to break the streak of making at least one terrible decision in every game he has started. I think he will tomorrow. It is unclear how much Coach Borges will choose to throw the ball against Akron, but you can bet Devin will test the downfield waters for Gallon at least once. I am looking for Gardner to get Chesson involved early by targeting him on some short throws, and eventually taking a shot deep with him as well. Hopefully the new ol’ 98 can get his work in, get the 2nd receiver involved as much as possible, and then hand the reins over to Shane Morris to get as many snaps as possible. Advantage Michigan.
Akron is not a good football team, and the score should not be close. However, as much I would like to see a 65-0 victory, I think the coaching staff will put more importance on working out some weaknesses and involving as many players in the 3-deep roster as possible. The Zips should be punting the ball early and often, so look for Dennis Norfleet to finally get one in the end zone tomorrow. Michigan gets a good full contact scrimmage in tomorrow, and continues to prepare for the B1G schedule. Michigan 45 Akron 6
No comments:
Post a Comment