NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
The Michigan Wolverine walked into the game against the Northwestern Wildcats riding high after two wins at home. Putting up big offensive numbers and having the defense rolling along this game had some thinking this would be a cake walk. I caught the last few moments of FOX Sports pre-game show and saw their experts picking us to win easily and I knew we were in trouble. The Wildcats are a tough hard nose team and when you talk division games nothing is a given. The first half saw Michigan fall behind 17-0 and looked like Ground Hog Day 2, with a Notre Dame game like effort. Anyone who thought the last two weeks showed us what this team was made of is feeling confused today. I learned that we still are not there yet, and each game we have a small margin for mistakes and still be able to win. I also saw a team with some heart, slow start but they shook it off and got the win. The meat of the season starts soon with this upcoming home against Maryland being the last chance to work out the kinks before we face Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Penn State
Offense: Since week 1 the offensive line play has gotten a LOT better and add in Shea Patterson ability to move around and you must like that combo. Why are we unable to run the ball on the road? That is a question that needs to be answered yesterday. Hate to sound corny but as the weather changes running the ball effectively is a MUST, you can’t throw the ball 40 times in November. Michigan’s offense has averaged 7.3 yards per play in three home games against bad teams. The other two games have produced 5.1 yards per play, versus good teams that is not good enough. As I’ve said before I would love to see us open the offense more but that looks like it’s not going to happen. Running the ball and cutting down the flags are the goals. Maryland has been a high-flying attack interesting to see if we match them a little bit. New week same theme “Offense is a work in progress.”
Defense: Who has the top-ranked defense in the country? WE DO! The anchor of the team once again showed up holding Northwestern to 28 TOTAL yards rushing. It’s not a perfect defense but it is more than good enough to keep the Wolverines in any game, but the offense must improve as I’ve said all season long. Hopefully, Rashan Gary will be a go on Saturday he was in and out of the lineup with a shoulder/arm issue. Putting pressure on Maryland and forcing them into mistakes will be one of this Saturday’s keys.
To make the Big Ten title game it’s going to take 6 or maybe even 7 wins. All the talk of this new look offense has proven to be just that talk. The nation is watching the team fell one spot in both polls, you can’t struggle and expect to be rewarded. Still, have faith things on offense will work out and a major bowl game is on deck. This Maryland game should be a win and the last tune-up before the main course begins.
Let’s discuss all things UM football follow me @JoeCardoso301 and the blog @NutsAndBoltsSP
