Five keys for Michigan football against Minnesota
Michigan played its best game of the season in last Saturday’s 45-7 drumming of Nebraska.
The offense was humming, the defense effectively pitched a shutout, and Michigan really just looked like a team that could beat anybody.
Saturday’s test should have a similar result. Michigan is visiting the Minnesota Golden Gophers who have been struggling early in the season. They barely beat Nebraska, lost to Minnesota, and have yet to really look convincing.
The best thing the Gophers have to offer is freshman running back Darius Taylor. The Michigan native has 532 yards this season despite really playing in just three games. Fortunately for the blue, he will likely miss Saturday’s contest, leaving Minnesota mostly weaponless on offense.
Ball security
Michigan is playing an inferior opponent, that is no secret. This game should be a smooth cruisin’ win with some freshman playing time at the end.
But to keep it that way, the Wolverines cannot give Minnesota free drives. If they want the ball, make them stop you or score some points.
U-M had some issues with this against Bowling Green earlier in the year, but have rebounded well since then. The Gophers have snagged eight picks this season, so McCarthy will need to locate the safeties (Nubin especially) and react accordingly.
The backs will have to keep ball security tight as well. This has not been an issue thusfar in the season, but I’m sure Minnesota’s staff has preached punching and stripping at any exposed bits of leather.
Kill-Iakmanis
Carry on my Edwards son
Limit chunk plays
Another key to beating down the Gophers is keeping their offense grounded. U-M has allowed a couple of chunk plays this year, and while it isn’t quite an issue, they do tend to pile up. If the starters pitch another shutout, it will be tough to count Saturday’s matchup as anything but a resounding success.
Rotating Rod Moore and Mike Sainristil in will help as well. Both are working through minor injuries and still looking to stay on the field despite strong play from their backups. This game isn’t important enough to push them, but letting them ease into things bodes well for games down the line.
Air it out
Let. McCarthy. Go. YARD.
Assuming Wilson, J.J., and Johnson all head to the NFL, this is probably the most talented passing attack Michigan has had under Harbaugh. There are legitimate NFL weapons at RB, TE, and a stable of strong receiver options.
McCarthy has had an efficient year so far, but it would be nice to see him throw for video game numbers at least once before the tough part of the schedule gets here.
Darrius Clemons is fresh back from injury and due for a monster performance –and Morris could use some sophomore love as well. Really this just boils down to my interest in watching a couple of moonballs end up in the right hands Saturday night.
