What Michigan needs to do, and guard against this weekend.
Michigan vs. Minnesota for the Little Brown Jug
Executing the Offensive Game Plan for Michigan
The Wolverines’ offensive scheme has been effective—relying heavily on the run-pass option, downhill running with Jordan Marshall, and a well-timed dose of play-action. The offense’s primary issues remain penalties and overall execution.
Quarterback Bryce Underwood is coming off a strong individual performance against Iowa, and his big-play ability continues to pose a threat to opposing defensive coordinators. If the defense can force turnovers and grant short fields, Underwood could be positioned for a career day.
Expect a well-prepared Wolverine offense on the field. If Michigan maintains discipline and avoids turnovers, the Wolverines can expect to finish the day 4-1 before taking on Penn State, who were recently knocked out of the AP Top 25.
With Penn State’s playoff hopes near nil, it is a must-win for the Wolverines on Saturday to stay in playoff contention.
Wolverine Secondary Can Focus on Mixing Things Up
Defensive Coordinator Jay Hill makes effective use of his 4-2-5 defense by mixing a stout front with equal parts man-to-man and zone coverage. This strategy is complemented by a deep rotation of defensive linemen designed to pressure the opposing quarterback.
Between a cohesive secondary, mobile defensive linemen upfront, and a proven veteran leading the linebacker unit, Michigan should generate enough pressure to force the Golden Gopher’s quarterback into errant throws or turnovers.
However, Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey has proven to be a sound pocket passer with a prototypical 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame. However, with Minnesota’s top two centers out, expect Hill to blitz up the middle more frequently to exploit the vulnerable offensive line, forcing Lindsey out of the pocket and exposing his limited mobility.
If Hill’s game plan makes Lindsey uncomfortable in the pocket, expect play calling to create turnover opportunities for the secondary and strip-sacks for the defensive line.
Wolverine linebacker Travis Bowles remains a solid anchor in the middle of the defense with 31 total tackles, ranking sixth in the Big Ten.
Potent Golden Gopher Passing Attack
Lindsey is drawing NFL attention after a strong start to the season, highlighted by a 27-24 upset road victory over the Washington Huskies. Currently, Lindsey ranks No. 8 in the Big Ten in both passing yards (951) and touchdown passes (seven)—dishing them to six different players.
On the road last week in Husky territory, Lindsey completed 72% of his passes, going 21 for 29 for 204 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. All three of his touchdown passes went to different receivers.
Strong First and Second Receiver Options for Gopher Offense
The Golden Gophers are one of just two Big Ten teams with two receivers in the Top 15 for receiving yards.
Minnesota receiver Javon Tracy has 281 receiving yards, and receiver Noah Jennings has 275. Fewer than 35 yards separate either receiver from entering the conference Top 10.
Both receivers are veteran seniors. Tracy sits in the FBS Top 25 for total receptions, while Jennings is coming off a strong performance in the win at Washington, where he averaged 14.5 yards per reception.
However, the Gopher offense enters the game relatively one-dimensional. With injuries sidelining both the starting and backup center, and running back Darius Taylor likely to be the only effective option out of the backfield, expect this to allow Michigan’s secondary to concentrate its efforts on pressuring Lindsey and creating confusion with varied coverage matchups.
The Last Word
Michigan enters Minnesota as a 5.5-point favorite. However, the Golden Gophers hold home-field advantage and carry momentum following their upset win at Washington. If the Wolverines avoid costly penalties on both sides of the ball and execute early, they should secure the bounce-back victory for the Little Brown Jug.
Game coverage begins at 9 a.m. EDT with Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” broadcasting live from the Minnesota campus.
*Odds are subject to change.
Main Image: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
