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.
ROSTER NOTES
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED . . .
PREDICTION
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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Tyrece Woods
Belleville (MI) Belleville defensive end/defensive tackle Tyrece Woods decommitted from Michigan on Thanksgiving. Woods had committed to Michigan in the middle of August (LINK).
Air Force, Cincinnati, Fresno State, Temple, and a bunch of MAC programs had offered Woods prior to his committing to Michigan, and I would assume some other programs would try to jump on board to try to grab a former Michigan commitment. 247’s Clint Brewster had put in a crystal ball for Cincinnati just a few days before he picked the Wolverines, so maybe there’s some lingering mutual interest between Woods and the Bearcats.
On Michigan’s end of things, there are several other defensive line recruits already committed: DE Chris Hinton, DT Mazi Smith, DE David Ojabo, DE Mike Morris, and DE Gabe Newburg. Rumors are growing stronger that Ohio DE Zach Harrison is going to pick Michigan, while Indiana DE George Karlaftis could flip from Purdue if Boilermakers head coach Jeff Brohm leaves for Louisville (or anywhere else). Woods was Michigan’s lowest rated commit by far at #1685; the next lowest is LB Joey Velazquez at #984. The Wolverines now have 25 commits in the 2019 class.