Keys for Michigan football to reach 1,000 wins against Maryland
With 999 wins in program history, Michigan has the chance to become the first team in college football with 1,000 wins.
Would it be poetic justice if Michigan lost just more one contest decades ago so that win 1,000 could be over Ohio State at home? Yes, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk. The task at hand is to beat Maryland, and the Terps will not just let Michigan waltz their way to NCAA history in the midst of a controversial investigation.
Michigan will still need to go on the road and best a 6-4 opponent that has given the Wolverines struggles in the past. So, what are the keys to securing a Michigan victory this weekend?
Avoid turning the ball over
McCarthy has thrown three interceptions this season… all against Bowling Green. He has played turnover free football for every game this season except one. That is exemplary quarterbacking.
However, Maryland has a turnover machine at safety. Defensive back Tarheeb Still ranks second in college football with five interceptions on the season. He is a terrific ball hawk, and should be treated as such by the passing game. Maryland is an inferrior team to Michigan, and will need the help of turnovers or special teams to stick in this game.
Stay healthy
Somehow, Michigan is not missing a single starter on offense or defense to injury.
There were some guys banged up earlier in the year, but it looks like most of those short-term issues have been resolved. It is crucial to keep the team healthy heading into one of the biggest stretches in Michigan football history.
This team has a real shot at winning a national title, and spoiling what could be a perfect season due to a couple of key injuries would leave a sour taste in everyone’s mouth.
Winning is obviously priority No. 1, but I would be more than okay if the staff rotated in some backups to ease the load on the star players.
Stop the run against with light box
Maryland is a pass heavy team, but they use their spread formations to create light boxes.
It’s not rare to see four players split out wide, meaning that defensive box might contain just five players against five blockers. A clear mismatch in favor of the offense.
In order to stop this, the defensive tackles will need to prevent guards from reaching the next level, and the linebacker in charge of filling gaps will need to read and react quickly in order to plug potential openings.
Tee off on Taulia Tagovailoa
Building off the last key, Michigan will be facing a lot of drop back passes. This means that the pass rush will be able to get home…a lot.
If Maryland is able to sit in the pocket for three to four seconds every passing play and calmly dissect the defense, Michigan will face some trouble through the air.
Being able to generate pressure with a four-man rush almost ensures turnovers and a victory. The pass rush rotation of McGregor, Moore, Harrell, and Stewart should be able to beat the Maryland tackles in one-on-one situations without much of a hitch, but if they get held up it could spell trouble.
Don't get caught in the trap
This is the most trap game that ever trap gamed.
Michigan plays a solid Maryland opponent in between their biggest win of the season (Penn State) and the biggest rivalry in college football. All whilst the head coach is in court fighting a suspension and the college football world is at odds trying to sniff out a potential cheating scandal involving a former staffer. Yeesh.
Michigan is one of the most focused and disciplined programs in America. They put on the blinders after a last-minute suspension and beat a top 10 team last week, I would expect a similar victory against Maryland. Just don’t get caught reading the news.
