Posts under: Blog

Way Too Early 2019 Depth Chart: November 2018

Aidan Hutchinson (image via Wolverines Wire)

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Lots of things will change between now and the 2019 season opener, but it’s fun to think about the future, nevertheless.

NOTE: All players whose eligibility will not expire are considered for the depth chart, so potential early NFL draft entrants (Rashan Gary, Shea Patterson, etc.) still appear on this chart.

Hit the jump for a look at 2019.

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Ohio State 62, Michigan 39

Jim Harbaugh (image via Wolverines Wire)

That wasn’t close. Las Vegas picked Michigan. Virtually all the experts picked Michigan. I picked Michigan. We were all wrong, and it wasn’t close. That was an extremely disappointing performance in all three phases of the game. I’m sure I won’t cover every disappointment, but I’ll get it started.

Hit the jump for the rest of the preview.

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The Game Preview: Final Thoughts

ROSTER NOTES

• Ohio State players recruited by Michigan include: OL Joshua Alabi, WR Kamryn Babb, LB Dante Booker, LB Baron Browning, DE Jashon Cornell, OL Wyatt Davis, TE Luke Farrell, DE Tyler Friday, S Jordan Fuller, LB Dallas Gant, RB Jaelen Gill, WR Jaylen Harris, QB Dwayne Haskins, TE Jake Hausmann, LB Justin Hilliard, CB Tyreke Johnson, DT Dre’Mont Jones, LB Keandre Jones, OL Matt Jones, OL Michael Jordan, OL Demetrius Knox, WR Austin Mack, QB Tate Martell, RB Demario McCall, LB Teradja Mitchell, CB Jeffrey Okuda, WR Chris Olave, OL Nick Petit-Frere, OL Isaiah Prince, S Josh Proctor, S Isaiah Pryor, S Amir Riep, TE Jeremy Ruckert, CB Kendall Sheffield, WR L’Christian Smith, RB Brian Snead, DT Tommy Togiai, WR Binjimen Victor, DT Taron Vincent, CB Shaun Wade, RB Mike Weber, LB Pete Werner, CB Marcus Williamson, OL Max Wray
• Ohio State players from the State of Michigan include: Detroit Cass Tech OL Joshua Alabi, Plymouth OL Michael Jordan, Troy Athens LS Bradley Robinson, Detroit Cass Tech RB Mike Weber
• Michigan players from the State of Ohio include: FB Matt Brown, LS Cameron Cheeseman, LB Noah Furbush, P Will Hart, S Tyree Kinnel, WR Jake McCurry, S Ryan McCurry, P Brad Robbins, OL Greg Robinson, LB Adam Shibley, OL Nolan Ulizio
• Michigan offensive line coach Ed Warinner is a former Ohio State offensive line coach and offensive coordinator

LAST TIME THEY PLAYED . . . 

• On November 25, 2017, Ohio State beat Michigan, 31-20
• Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins was 6/7 for 94 yards after starter J.T. Barrett was injured
• Michigan QB John O’Korn was 17/32 for 195 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception
• Michigan WR Kekoa Crawford led the Wolverines with 2 catches for 57 yards
• Michigan RBs Karan Higdon and Chris Evans combined for 22 carries, 122 yards, and 1 touchdown

PREDICTION

• Michigan 38, Ohio State 34

The Game Preview: Michigan Pass Defense vs. Ohio State Pass Offense

Dwayne Haskins (image via SB Nation)

Previously: M Rush Offense vs. OSU Rush Defense, M Pass Offense vs. OSU Pass Defense, M Rush Defense vs. OSU Rush Offense

MICHIGAN

Michigan is the #1 passing defense in the country (123 yards allowed/game) by a wide margin (#2 is Miami at 142 yards allowed/game). The Wolverines are #1 in opponent completing percentage (47.1), #1 in yards per attempt (4.9), and #1 in passer rating defense. Only one time this season has Michigan allowed more than one touchdown pass in a game, and that was an anomaly against SMU in the non-conference season.

It starts up front for Michigan, where the Wolverines have several effective pass rushers. One of the best pass rushers is hurt, though, in the form of Chase Winovich (4 sacks); it’s unclear if he will play this weekend or not. The leading sacker is pass rush specialist Josh Uche (8 sacks), and linebacker Devin Bush, Jr. has 5. If Winovich doesn’t play, Michigan will need a big day from Rashan Gary, who has 3.5 sacks but has been underwhelming at times. Michigan is #3 in overall Sack Rate, including #1 overall on passing downs.

The secondary has improved since last year, and starting cornerbacks David Long and Lavert Hill have been two of the toughest guys to throw against in the whole country. Long was beaten for a TD for the first time against Indiana, and Hill has been called for several pass interference penalties. Third corner Brandon Watson has been very good but got burned last week by Indiana when he missed a jam at the line of scrimmage, but that’s nitpicking. Overall, it’s been a very good group. The safeties have improved their coverage on wheel routes and slot fades, but they will be tested against the Buckeyes.

Hit the jump for the rest.

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