Preview: Michigan vs. Colorado
RUSH OFFENSE vs. COLORADO RUSH DEFENSE
Michigan is #45 in the country in rushing offense with 212.5 yards/game. They’re #36 in yards per carry (5.31) despite not having a running threat at quarterback. Freshman RB Chris Evans has received the most carries through two games, but starter De’Veon Smith missed a good chunk of game one after a rib injury. Those two seem to be the top two runners at this point, with Ty Isaac also getting a fair amount of looks with the top group. I think Michigan has been telegraphing their toss sweeps so far, though hopefully that’s due to fairly weak opponents. Over the past few years, the left side of the line has seemed to be strongest, but this year it appears to be center Mason Cole, right guard Kyle Kalis, and right tackle Erik Magnuson doing the heavy lifting. Starting left guard Ben Braden did not look very good last week when he returned from injury. Colorado is #29 in rush defense (95.5 yards/game) and is #74 in yards allowed per carry (3.98). That’s not a great ranking, especially when considering that the Buffaloes have only faced Colorado State and an FBS team so far. They run a 3-4 defense with a big nose tackle (Josh Lupou is 6’3″, 325 lbs.), and there’s a lot of experience all the way across the defense. The linebackers are undersized, and weakside inside linebacker Kenneth Olugbode (6’1″, 220 lbs.) is second on the team with 9 tackles. Both the outside linebackers are 230 lbs., and the game is mostly about speed. I’m not impressed with Lupou at NT and think Mason Cole can wear him down. If Michigan wants to run the ball, they need to run right at this 3-4 defense with De’Veon Smith and get them tired.
Advantage: Michigan
Hit the jump for more on the matchup.
