Preview: Michigan at Wisconsin

Preview: Michigan at Wisconsin


September 20, 2019

MICHIGAN RUSH OFFENSE vs. WISCONSIN RUSH DEFENSE
Michigan is #69 in rush offense (171 yards/game) and #94 in yards per carry (3.79), but it feels even worse. While all-conference left tackle Jon Runyan, Jr. should be back in action this weekend after missing the first two games, there are rumors that starting running back Zach Charbonnet will miss time after having his knee scoped. Wisconsin is #1 in rush defense (20.5 yards allowed/game) and #2 in yards allowed per carry (0.93). The Badgers have 10 tackles for loss already, led by outside linebacker Zack Baun (6’3″, 235 lbs.). Freshman nose tackle Keeanu Benton (6’4″, 315) will start, which might be a plus for Michigan when he’s matched up against junior Cesar Ruiz for much of the game.
Advantage: Wisconsin

Hit the jump for more.

MICHIGAN PASS OFFENSE vs. WISCONSIN PASS DEFENSE
The Wolverines are #78 in passing offense (226 yards/game) and #74 in passing efficiency. It has been an underwhelming start to the season for quarterback Shea Patterson (62.1% completions, 3 TD, 0 INT) due to a lack of efficiency in the passing game, as well as a series of maddening fumbles going back to the first offensive play of the season opener. Wide receiver Tarik Black looked like the savior of the receiving corps in game one, while Ronnie Bell stole that mantle in game two; both games have been played without starting wideout Donovan Peoples-Jones, who is likely going to miss this game, too. Wisconsin is #1 in passing defense (87 yards allowed/game) and passer rating defense, allowing just 3.1 yards per attempt and 0 touchdowns while making 3 interceptions. They’re #85 in sacks with Baun leading the way with 2 so far.
Advantage: Wisconsin

MICHIGAN RUSH DEFENSE vs. WISCONSIN RUSH OFFENSE
Michigan is #60 in rush defense (133.5 yards allowed/game) and #30 in yards allowed per carry (3.0). Those aren’t terrible numbers, considering their second game came against a solid triple option offense in Army. Linebackers Khaleke Hudson and Jordan Glasgow have 20 and 17 tackles, respectively, and safety Brad Hawkins also has 17 to round out the top three; middle linebacker Josh Ross (15 tackles) missed the second half of the last game with a stringer, but he should be back. Michigan is #125 nationally in tackles for loss with just 8, but part of that could be the Army thing. On the other side, Wisconsin is #35 in rushing offense (217 yards/game), #44 in yards per carry (5.03), and tied for #12 in rushing touchdowns (9). They have a Heisman candidate in the backfield in the form of Jonathan Taylor (5’11”, 219), who averages 6.77 yards per carry and has 5 touchdowns already; backup Nakia Watson (5’11”, 229) has 22 carries for 109 yards and 2 touchdowns. Right tackle could be the weakness of the offensive line, where redshirt sophomore Logan Bruss (6’5″, 270) is an injury fill-in. The Badgers have allowed 15 tackles for loss, which is tied for #55 in the country. Michigan hasn’t played a traditional powerhouse yet, but neither has Wisconsin. Despite a lack of size on Michigan’s interior, Don Brown usually finds a way.
Advantage: Push

MICHIGAN PASS DEFENSE vs. WISCONSIN PASS OFFENSE
Michigan is #10 in passing defense (138 yards allowed/game) and #41 in passer efficiency defense, both of which were definitely helped by playing Army. Michigan is #95 in sacks with 4 through two games, and the pass rush is less organic this year with no solid pass rushers on the interior. Outside linebacker Josh Uche played quite a bit as a defensive end against Army, and Glasgow made 2 sacks by blitzing from his WILL position against Middle Tennessee; but the Wolverines need to take some chances to get to the quarterback, either by blitzing or by playing someone like Uche in a role where he could be taken advantage of if the offense decides to pound the ball. Wisconsin is surprisingly #23 in passing offense (300 yards/game) with 5 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, and they’re #25 in yards per attempt (9.2). Junior Jack Coan is off to a good start (76% completions, 9.6 YPA), and junior Quintez Cephus (6’1″, 207) has turned into his big target with 9 catches for 169 yards and 2 scores. The Badgers have allowed 4 sacks so far, which is #40 in the nation.
Advantage: Michigan

ROSTER NOTES

  • Wisconsin players who were recruited by Michigan include: OL Tyler Beach, OL Logan Brown, OL Logan Bruss, QB Jack Coan, WR Aron Cruickshank, DE Rodas Johnson, OL Kayden Lyles, QB Graham Mertz, S Scott Nelson, OL Cole Van Lanen
  • Players from the state of Michigan include: WR A.J. Abbott (West Bloomfield), WR Stephen Bracey (East Kentwood), OL Logan Brown (East Kentwood), OLB Jaylan Franklin (Gibraltar Carlson), OL Michael Furtney (Milan), OL David Moorman (Northville), WR Taj Mustapha, S Reggie Pearson (River Rouge), S Scott Nelson (U of D Jesuit)

LAST TIME THEY PLAYED…

  • On October 13, 2018, Michigan beat Wisconsin, 38-13
  • Wisky QB Alex Hornibrook was 7/20 for 100 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions
  • Jonathan Taylor averaged 5.9 yards per carry on 17 carries, but for some reason, Wisconsin abandoned the run in the second half of the game.
  • Michigan scored 3 rushing touchdowns, including a 44-yarder by backup quarterback Dylan McCaffrey; Shea Patterson also had an 81-yard run.

PREDICTIONS

  • Michigan’s offensive woes continue overall
  • Christian Turner scores his first touchdown of the year
  • Jake Moody misses a field goal
  • Wisconsin 20, Michigan 17

30 comments

  1. Comments: 1863
    Joined: 1/19/2016
    je93
    Sep 20, 2019 at 8:43 AM

    Unfortunately, my prediction is along the same lines. The only way I can see is winning is to jump ahead, and force Coan to beat us. As bad as we’ve looked, I can’t see that happening on the road

  2. Comments: 30
    Joined: 9/3/2015
    Joby
    Sep 20, 2019 at 9:11 AM

    I’m anticipating that Hutchinson (especially) and Paye are going to get doubled all day, singling up the DTs against their excellent C and good/large Gs. Hopefully Jeter and Kemp can plug and make Taylor redirect his momentum often so that our tacklers have a chance to limit his YAC. I do like the passing matchups. I think Hill will neutralize Cephus, and I don’t think Wisconsin has the personnel to make Michigan pay for putting Hudson in coverage.

    Looking forward to seeing Runyan in space again after he shakes off some rust for a series or two, and to Onwenu and Ruiz putting their frosh NT on skates. There is a path to a W, but it’s narrower than any of us would like.

    • Comments: 276
      Joined: 2/6/2018
      17years
      Sep 20, 2019 at 7:47 PM

      I haven’t seen push from any defensive lineman so far that makes me think they will do it against Wisconsin and slow down Taylor at the first level. Wisconsin may have clear control in time of possession.

  3. Comments: 6285
    Joined: 8/11/2015
    Lanknows
    Sep 20, 2019 at 11:33 AM

    While Wisconsin has looked about as good as they can and far better than I expected I still think this is a game Michigan should win. Don Brown has a great track record against run-oriented offenses. I don’t see the Wisc offense generating much more than 20 points.

    The more interesting matchup is on the other side. Can our offense deliver some on all that offseason hype?

    The OL has come in for some heat but they’ve moved the ball pretty consistently on the ground. We just haven’t seen the big plays yet. That will come.

    The bigger concern is the pass pro issues and general lack of cohesion in the playcalling. The bye week should be helpful to smooth over some of the transition issues we saw. Getting Runyan and Patterson and maybe DPJ back healthy could be huge.

    Can they avoid turnovers and move the ball against a probably good to very good defense? I feel optimistic. We will find out.

    Go Blue.

    • Comments: 6285
      Joined: 8/11/2015
      Lanknows
      Sep 20, 2019 at 11:39 AM

      I like that Wisconsin is favored here and coming in off 2 cupcakesmash games. They are fat and happy. Our competition hasnt been elite either but weve been put under heat on the field and off. Even though Army is very different than Wisconsin we have experienced a team that wants to grind you on the ground and attack with blitzes.

      It FEELS like Michigan has more to prove here and is better prepared. Maybe that’s enough to neutralize the home field advantage.

      • Comments: 359
        Joined: 8/11/2015
        GKblue
        Sep 20, 2019 at 2:36 PM

        Seeing is believing on the “better prepared” aspect specifically for Wisconsin. Have we a tough game behind us, yes.

        • Comments: 6285
          Joined: 8/11/2015
          Lanknows
          Sep 20, 2019 at 2:38 PM

          This is truth. My take assumes a lot of progress.

    • Comments: 117
      Joined: 9/28/2015
      PapaBear
      Sep 20, 2019 at 12:21 PM

      We also need a healthy Dwumfour in this game.

      • Comments: 6285
        Joined: 8/11/2015
        Lanknows
        Sep 20, 2019 at 2:00 PM

        Maybe. He hasn’t been effective at stopping the run but he might be a better option than Mason.

  4. Comments: 276
    Joined: 2/6/2018
    17years
    Sep 20, 2019 at 7:39 PM

    Greg Mattison being gone is really showing up in the defensive line. I am not optimistic at all with what the D line will do against a great Wisconsin offensive line. This game might bring tears to many Michigan fans. And probably some thrown remotes.

    Watching that video, I’m reminded how good DPJ is. He’s a world better than everything Ronnie Bell is doing in his place.

    I’m expecting a loss too. Maybe 24-17. Don Brown’s brilliance is going to keep it from being even worse. I really am already finished with Josh Gattis. I hope I’m wrong. But I think he is not ready for prime time. I hope I’m wrong. Because, with all the talk I really was hoping this would be the year Michigan would be in the BIG 10 Championship.

    I’m afraid Michigan is going to go through two years of disappointing offense just like we just finished with Pep Hamilton.

    • Comments: 1863
      Joined: 1/19/2016
      je93
      Sep 20, 2019 at 9:42 PM

      You’re finished with Gattis, after two games?

      How about JH, after 4yrs + two games?

  5. Comments: 1
    OscarFuH
    Sep 21, 2019 at 8:26 AM

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  6. Comments: 10
    Joined: 9/21/2015
    evey1975
    Sep 21, 2019 at 9:04 AM

    The uncomfortable truth about speed in space is we don’t have the speed.

    We would if DPJ, Evans, McCaffrey and non-freshman versions of Sainristil and Giles Jackson were out there. Instead, there’s a QB who (so far) won’t run, WRs who are downfield threats but not in the crossing pattern/bubble screen sense, and unremarkable TEs.

    In two games, Michigan has one pass play over 30 yards: the Black TD where MTSU left him all alone in the end zone. At no point has a receiver made a guy miss and busted a big one. Some of that is our offensive structure; some is not getting enough touches for the top guys. But even when it’s in their hands, there’s not much explosive after-the-catch (or handoff) stuff happening.

    Life would be a lot easier if U-M could just get the run-game reads sorted out. Will be fascinating to see where we are on that front today.

    • Comments: 1863
      Joined: 1/19/2016
      je93
      Sep 21, 2019 at 10:38 AM

      Do you’re saying Maryland has more speed? What about the rest of CFB, that follows these very concepts?

  7. Comments: 400
    Joined: 12/24/2016
    INTJohn
    Sep 21, 2019 at 10:42 AM

    This game is Wisconsin’s to lose.
    Taylor will get his yards; the key is can Coan hit his WR off play action and Taylor comig out of the backfield. Coan is capable or the Badgers wouldn’t have pushed an experienced starter in Hornibrook out the door and they have the receivers to get the job done.

    IF Michigan plays almost flawless; no stupid penalties or turnovers and some plays on special teams they can give themselves a chance to win but if Patterson continues to spot the opposition with a 7 point handicap and Coan hits some long yardage passes then this game could turn into a Badger blowout………

    IF Cryst keeps it close to the vest in his usual ball control style it will be a relatively low scoring affair but it will be Wisky in control. Look for Michigan to try and explode out in front early taking the crowd out and making Coan throw to beat them. IF this doesn’t work out for Michigan expect Wisky to simply methodically and deliberately push Michigan off the field…….

    AND Harbaugh still hasn’t beaten a good team on the road – it won’t happen today.
    As I See It………….INTJohn

  8. Comments: 400
    Joined: 12/24/2016
    INTJohn
    Sep 21, 2019 at 1:36 PM

    A few weex back I wrote here that we would know what Michigan’s so-called ‘speed in space’ new offense would look like by the middle of the 3rd quarter of the Wisconsin game.
    Well no need to wait that long. Its 28-0 just 4 haf time. We know Michigan has no offense.
    ……..and Thunder; this game is over now, no need to wait till the end of the 4th quarter for a post game write up.
    Hope Warde has started a short list……………….INTJohn

    • Comments: 1364
      Joined: 8/11/2015
      WindyCityBlue
      Sep 21, 2019 at 8:15 PM

      I said that we’d know by halftime of the Army game. And we did. Our offense is ass. Lots of the MgoBlog fanboys were too clueless to see it, though.

  9. Comments: 1863
    Joined: 1/19/2016
    je93
    Sep 21, 2019 at 3:57 PM

    Braylon & Marcus may be drunks, but they were right. Team is worse now than 2017

  10. Comments: 400
    Joined: 12/24/2016
    INTJohn
    Sep 21, 2019 at 4:35 PM

    Moeller was fired for being a ‘drunk’ but he had 3 B10 Championships with wins over OSU, etc.
    Harbaugh has a DUI from his days at USD but none of the above; Harbs just isn’t gettin it done, drunk or not, time for him to go, just is. I’m on record on this site re my doubts about him going back several years now; reality is finally setting in now with many others; he’s overpaid AND can’t deliver – worst of both worlds and I’m not so sure he’s not a flat out fraud but I can’t see his heart or mind – either way he ain’t deliverin’ but charging top $$. Time for him to go.
    As I See It………..INTJohn

    • Comments: 1364
      Joined: 8/11/2015
      WindyCityBlue
      Sep 21, 2019 at 8:25 PM

      Yep, Harbaugh is done. He’ll last out the year, but they need to start the coaching search now. Neither he nor anyone on his staff has a clue about how to right this ship. That’s now abundantly clear. Letting Harbaugh coach the rest of this season, make a lot of empty promises the entire off season, and then coach another tire fire for all of 2020 would be nuts. And anyone who wails that we can’t possibly ever find anyone to coach us better than Harbaugh did today hasn’t watched any college football.

  11. Comments: 95
    Joined: 8/22/2019
    GrandLake
    Sep 21, 2019 at 9:12 PM

    I think today was a complete failure by the entire coaching staff who after a bye week couldn’t get their team prepared in the least. The new offense is obviously struggling and defense seems to get exposed each week. The question is “who exactly do you want to replace JH”? I’m not saying JH doesn’t deserve scrutiny and he seems far less emotionally invested in the last 18 months but who replaces him?

    • Comments: 1364
      Joined: 8/11/2015
      WindyCityBlue
      Sep 21, 2019 at 9:33 PM

      Let’s get you on record. Is it your position that there can’t possibly be anyone out there who could coach this team better than it’s being coached this year? Yes or no?

      If, as I suspect, you will avoid giving a direct answer to that simple question, then you don’t deserve to be taken seriously.

      Yes or no? If your response is going to be more than one word, don’t bother.

      • Comments: 400
        Joined: 12/24/2016
        INTJohn
        Sep 21, 2019 at 9:49 PM

        We’re all pist off right now but lets be civil. K?
        But too his question; Its not a matter of who do I want or who does this person want……..

        Harbaugh needs to go and its WARDE’s job to find the replacement. Nobody ever heard of Bo Schembechler back in the day but thaz who Canham hired. There’s always a new generation coming up out there and its WARDE’s job to find the guy.
        Get to it, Warde you’ve got plenty of time less you’re going to sit with your thumbs up yer fat executive office ass like you did with BeeLine.
        INTJohn

        • Comments: 1364
          Joined: 8/11/2015
          WindyCityBlue
          Sep 22, 2019 at 7:29 AM

          I have no idea why you think asking for a straight, direct answer to a simple question is not “civil”.

          But you’re right. You have to actually look before you know what all the possibilities are. And let’s face it…practically every team I watched yesterday had a better coached passing game than us. It really isn’t that hard.

      • Comments: 95
        Joined: 8/22/2019
        GrandLake
        Sep 22, 2019 at 8:36 AM

        Simple civil question: who do you want as next coach? I am not saying JH is untouchable. The team as looked poorly coached in at least 3 of last 5 games. If you want him gone you need a replacement and it certainly isn’t anyone on that staff.

        • Comments: 1364
          Joined: 8/11/2015
          WindyCityBlue
          Sep 22, 2019 at 12:42 PM

          Your totally expected dodging of my question is duly noted. I’m sure you’ll find another way to dodge it in your next response.

          I’d take Miles in a heartbeat, and he’d jump at the chance, for a lot less than Harbaugh is making.

          Of course, your question is silly to begin with. Who I “want” is irrelevant. What matters is, who specifically is interested and available, and would be a good fit at Michigan. I have no way of knowing, and neither does anyone at this point. That’s why people whose responsibility it is do coaching searches. I simply maintain that the chances that absolutely no else one out there can coach this team better than Harbaugh did yesterday are essentially zero. People who ask “who do you want to replace Harbaugh??” as if there can’t possibly be anyone are just being deliberately obtuse about that. The days of crowing “who’s got it better than us?” are over for good.

    • Comments: 1863
      Joined: 1/19/2016
      je93
      Sep 21, 2019 at 11:59 PM

      Venables?

      I keep reading Matt Campbell, but I need to see more than 8wins out of that guy

      • Comments: 3844
        Joined: 7/13/2015
        Sep 22, 2019 at 9:16 AM

        I don’t know what Venables brings to the table. Clemson is rumored to be a huge cheater on the recruiting trail, and what Michigan is really lacking is an offensive identity. Venables is a defensive guy when we already have a good defensive guy.

        • Comments: 400
          Joined: 12/24/2016
          INTJohn
          Sep 22, 2019 at 9:32 AM

          To repeat its Warde’s job to find some1.
          But you need some1 that understands B10 Football, can recruit and recruit Ohio and the most successful HC’s at Michigan in the last 70 years have a direct Ohio and OSU connection………..

          Who fits that description and thats your guy and tho a lot of peeps might not like it one of those persons to be considered has to be Luke Fickell. I’m not sayin hire fickell not at all; thats Warde’s damn job to find some1 but he has to be considered as a viable candidate.
          Aint sayin; jus sayin………..INTJohn

        • Comments: 1863
          Joined: 1/19/2016
          je93
          Sep 22, 2019 at 10:50 AM

          Venables is a recruiter, who has been on two big-time programs

          He could hire a good OC. I’m sure he has connections, having worked with Clemson & OU

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