NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
Here we go, Michigan Wolverines football team. The nonconference portion of the season is over, and now it’s time for big-boy football. The Wolverines travel to Lincoln and face a pesky Nebraska Cornhuskers team. We showed some real fight in Norman, but mistakes and inexperience led to a loss. Nebraska is starting to show some signs under coach Matt Rhule. What do I think needs to happen for Michigan to leave with a win?
Make Dylan Raiola Uncomfortable
From the first drive, the Wolverines need to make Raiola know they are coming at him all game long. This is a strong offense with wide receivers who can make plays if given the chance. So far, Raiola has thrown zero interceptions and has a 76% completion percentage. Jacory Barney and Dane Key are two guys who need to be held under control. Derrick Moore, along with Jaishawn Barhma, off the edge, has to be in his head. Total confidence that the Cornhusker run game won’t be a factor.
With our secondary banged up, depth will be tested, and someone will need to step it up. The best cure for a secondary is a legit pass rush, which can open up chances for turnovers, which are so important on the road.
Bryce Play Freely
Last week, Underwood was allowed to run more and make football plays that might not have been in the playbook. Now let’s do it again, throwing for 235 yards while also running for 114. We should see more QB runs as well, keeping the Nebraska defense honest by throwing on early downs. The off-script plays could be a determining factor in how this contest ends. Which one of the WRs emerges as a true number 1 or at least sshowshe has promise.
Run Baby Run
This is not the black shirts defense teams have had success running the ball against Nebraska. Justice Haynes is leading the Big Ten in rushing yards, as well as explosive runs. Feeding the ball and the other backs will soften up that D line. Not to mention the threat Bryce Underwood brings to the table. The theme of beating them in the trenches starts with strong offensive line play.
Final Thoughts
This won’t be an easy game at all for Michigan, let that be clear first off. Despite the ups and downs, going to Lincoln is still a tough road trip, and as I said, they are playing good football as of late. Michigan ranks 102nd in 3rd down defense, and Nebraska is 8th in 3rd down conversions. Getting them off the field on 3rd down is one of my keys as well. If Michigan can get 1-2 off-script plays from Bryce Underwood, that does two things: it gets his confidence up and opens up the rest of the offense. I expect a close one, but in the end, the Wolverines’ depth should give them the edge. I see them walking away with a 24-21 road win, starting Big 10 Ten play off on the right foot. #GoBlue
