Tag: game preview

Preview: Michigan vs. Utah

Rush Offense vs. Utah Rush Defense
Michigan has taken a step forward this season and comes into this game #30 in rushing (242 yards/game) and tied for #14 in yards per carry (6.26). Of course, the best performances have come against Appalachian State and Miami, but most teams have played a patsy or two by now. Leading the pack is sophomore Derrick Green (332 yards, 6.6 yards/carry, 3 touchdowns), who put the rushing game on his back last weekend. Backup De’Veon Smith (189, 7.9, 2) has also been effective at times, but has some athletic limitations. The offensive line has improved with the return of Graham Glasgow, who has taken over the right guard position from Kyle Kalis. Utah is #39 against the run and #22 in rushing average against (2.79 yards/carry), but they have yet to play a quality opponent in their two games. The Utes’ leading tacklers are senior safety Eric Rowe, redshirt junior linebacker Jared Norris (6’2″, 237 lbs.), and senior defensive end Nate Orchard (6’4″, 255 lbs.). Walk-on defensive tackle Clint Shepard (6’2″, 276 lbs.) has made some plays in the backfield, but is obviously undersized. The Utes run a base 4-2-5 defense that might leave them a little undersized against a decent sized offensive line and a couple running backs who are 220+ pounds.
Advantage: Michigan

Hit the jump for the remainder of the preview.

Pass Offense vs. Utah Pass Defense
Head coach Brady Hoke has not publicly announced whether top receiver Devin Funchess will return to action after missing the Miami-OH game with an ankle injury suffered against Notre Dame. Michigan is #101 in passing yardage per game (194.3) but #59 in passer rating. Quarterback Devin Gardner was great against Appalachian State, pretty good against Notre Dame until he started pressing when the team fell behind, and solid against Miami-OH. Gardner gets happy feet when people get in his grill, but he’s effective when protected well and makes pretty good decisions on the edges. Starting tight end Jake Butt has returned from a torn ACL and was effective during a short stint against Miami-OH, and Gardner’s other favorite target is redshirt sophomore Amara Darboh (9 catches, 137 yards, 1 touchdown). The Wolverines have allowed just 5 sacks so far this year, although that’s partly due to some weak opponents and Gardner’s running ability. That’s still too many, but pass protection has improved since last year. Utah is #57 in passing yardage allowed (221 yards/game) and #61 in passer rating against. The Utes are tied for #8 nationally with 11 sacks, led by Orchard and redshirt sophomore defensive end Hunter Dimick (6’3″, 266 lbs.) with 2.5 each. Backup linebacker Pita Taumoepenu has added 1.5 quarterback takedowns. They have failed to make any interceptions so far, and converted wide receiver Dominique Hatfield (5’10”, 170 lbs.) leads the team with 2 pass breakups from his cornerback position. The nickel cornerback is Justin Thomas (5’8″, 178 lbs.). The best potential match for Michigan’s good-sized wideouts is converted safety Eric Rowe (6’1″, 201 lbs.), who’s in his first year at the position. Fifth year senior Brian Blechen (6’2″, 210 lbs.) is a hybrid strong safety/outside linebacker who’s more effective against the run and has only made 4 tackles this year; he was honorable mention all-conference in 2012 but missed last year due to injury. The defensive backs won’t be an issue for Michigan, but the pass rush might.
Advantage: Utah


Rush Defense vs. Utah Rush Offense
Michigan is #10 in the country against the run, allowing just 80 yards/game. That’s even more impressive considering that they have struggled to sack the quarterback. Teams are averaging just 2.64 yards/carry against them, which is 17th nationally. Junior linebacker Joe Bolden (22) and fifth year senior linebacker Jake Ryan (20) lead the team in tackles, and the next guy on the list is backup safety Dymonte Thomas with 10. While the Wolverines don’t give much ground, they don’t make a ton of plays in the backfield, either. They’re tied for #85 in tackles for loss, and they have struggled to get penetration into the backfield. Meanwhile, Utah is #25 in the country with 248 yards/game on the ground. Despite being a fast-paced team, the offensive line averages about 311 lbs., which would give Rich Rodriguez a heart attack. Starting running back Bubba Poole (6’1″, 197 lbs.) averages 5.1 yards/carry, but he has one fewer attempt (19) than backup Devontae Booker (5’11”, 203 lbs.), who averages 7.3 yards/carry. The quarterback is 6’7″, 233 lb. junior Travis Wilson, who runs with decent speed and some power. The Utes also have another threat in backup/change-of-pace quarterback Kendal Thompson (6’2″, 192 lbs.). Michigan held up well against some good running backs at Notre Dame, so I think they can do the same on Saturday.
Advantage: Michigan


Pass Defense vs. Utah Pass Offense
Michigan is #23 nationally and giving up just 173 yards/game, and they’re #53 in passer rating against. The pass rush has been pretty weak this year, partly because quarterbacks have been able to get rid of the ball quickly. The team’s “top” pass rusher, defensive end Frank Clark, has zero sacks and two of the four team sacks have been by backup defensive linemen against Appalachian State. Strongside end Brennen Beyer is the top sack artist with 2 so far, and one of those happened because of a botched snap by Notre Dame. Michigan has a strong competition going at cornerback between sophomore Jourdan Lewis – who has the team’s only pick – and Blake Countess and Jabrill Peppers and Raymon Taylor. Michigan will need to blitz to get to the quarterback, which is risky because of Utah’s tempo and their receivers’ playmaking ability. Fifth year senior Dres Anderson (6’2″, 190 lbs.) is the star with 7 receptions, 195 yards (27.9 yards/catch), and 2 touchdowns. Redshirt junior Dawan Scott (6’3″, 208 lbs.) is the possession guy. Fifth year senior Westlee Tonga (6’4″, 244 lbs.) has 6 catches, 85 yards, and 1 touchdown in two games. Quarterback Wilson is completing 63% of his passes for 6 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, and he averages 11.7 yards/attempt, which is #2 in the country. Thompson has just 17 passing attempts, but he averages a respectable 9.2 yards/attempt. It’s a multi-pronged attack that will challenge Michigan from a tempo standpoint, which was an issue against a team like Indiana last year.
Advantage: Utah


Roster Notes

• Utah players offered by Michigan include OT Jackson Barton and DE Moana Ofahengaue.
• Utah has a defensive tackle named Beaver Ho Ching, a cornerback named Boobie Hobbs, and an offensive guard named Junior Salt.
• Utah LB Uaea Masina is the older brother of 2015 Michigan LB target Osa Masina.
• Right guard Isaac Asiata is the cousin of Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata.
• Utah’s head coach is Kyle Whittingham. His son, Alex Whittingham, is a walk-on linebacker. Kyle’s brother, Fred Whittingham Jr., is the Director of Player Personnel. Their nephew is Jason Whittingham, a linebacker on the team. Kyle and Fred’s father, Fred Whittingham Sr., was an assistant coach at Utah in the 1990s.
• Running backs coach Dennis Erickson is the former head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, the Seattle Seahawks, and the San Francisco 49ers, among others.
• Wide receivers coach Taylor Stubblefield used to be a wideout at Purdue.

Last Time They Played . . .

• In the 2008 season, home, and Rich Rodriguez opener, Utah beat Michigan by a score of 25-23
• Matt Asiata had 13 carries for 77 yards, plus 1 catch for 39 yards against the Wolverines. Paul Kruger led the Utes with 9 tackles 2.5 tackles for loss, and .5 sacks
• Utah quarterback Brian Johnson was 21/33 for 305 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception
• Brandon Minor had 4 carries for 21 yards while Sam McGuffie ran 8 times for 8 yards
• Martavious Odoms caught 5 passes for just 7 yards
• Junior Hemingway caught a 33-yard touchdown pass and then redshirted
• Michigan notched 6 sacks, including 2 by Tim Jamison

Predictions

• Michigan gets exposed a little bit against tempo.
• The Wolverines run the ball well but Utah forces Devin Gardner into getting happy feet.
• Frank Clark gets his first sack of the year
• Derrick Green fumbles for the first time
• I am not feeling good about this one
• Utah 31, Michigan 27

Preview: Michigan vs. Miami-OH

I don’t understand this picture.

Rush Offense vs. Miami Rush Defense
Michigan ran roughshod over Appalachian State, but they had a little more trouble against Notre Dame (35 carries, 100 yards). Redshirt junior Graham Glasgow returned from suspension to play right guard, and the rest of the line will likely stay the same. Sophomore Derrick Green has some vision issues but leads the team with 195 yards on 28 carries (7.0 yards/carry). Fellow sophomore De’Veon Smith (15 carries, 145 yards, 9.7 yards/carry) can break tackles but lacks breakaway speed, and he is reportedly a little gimpy right now. Miami is #56 against the run after games against Marshall and Eastern Kentucky, giving up 3.7 yards/carry. Leading tackler Kent Kern is a 6’1″, 238 lb. inside linebacker with 23 tackles and 3 tackles for loss. Redshirt sophomore ophomore defensive end J’Terius Jones (6’3″, 245 lbs.) has 11 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. The defensive tackles are 6’5″, 288 lb. Mitchell Winters and 6’2″, 285 lb. Jimmy Rousher, who have combined for 8 tackles and 0 tackles for loss. Coming off a standout rushing performance against Appalachian State and at least a decent showing against Notre Dame, Michigan should be able to handle Miami’s front with a little trouble from Kern.
Advantage: Michigan


Pass Offense vs. Miami Pass Defense
Michigan looked great passing the ball for the first 1.5 games of the season. The second half of last Saturday’s game against Notre Dame was a horror show. So far Devin Gardner is completing 70% of his passes for 362 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Notre Dame threw a barrage of blitzes at him, and Michigan’s offensive line couldn’t handle them. Star wide receiver Devin Funchess has caught 16 passes (out of 35 team completions) for 202 yards and all 3 of the team’s receiving touchdowns. The Wolverines have several other solid options in Jehu Chesson (5 catches, 52 yards), Amara Darboh (3 for 49), and Dennis Norfleet (6 for 46), plus the return of budding tight end Jake Butt from a torn ACL. Miami is tied for #13 nationally with 7 sacks, including 2 each from Kern and Jones. They’re still #76 against the pass (230 yards/game) and #99 in passer rating defense. Their lone interception comes from fifth year senior cornerback Quinten Rollins, who played point guard for the RedHawks for four years before joining the football team in the spring. Rollins led the MAC in steals last season and could be just as dangerous on the football field. Also in the secondary is sophomore cornerback Heath Harding (3 interceptions last season) and nickel corner Lo Wood, a transfer from Notre Dame.


Rush Defense vs. Miami Rush Offense
Michigan gives up a little under 104 yards/game (#36 nationally) and 3.1 yards/carry (#38). The Wolverines had some trouble against Appalachian State in the opener, but Notre Dame did not run the ball well with a talented stable of running backs. Despite the absence of injured run-stopper Desmond Morgan, Michigan’s linebackers improved in week two and the defensive linemen held their ground well. The Wolverines have been running a lot of 4-2-5 nickel looks, and linebackers Joe Bolden (15 tackles) and Jake Ryan (14 tackles) lead the way. Defensive tackles Ryan Glasgow, Ondre Pipkins, and Willie Henry all played pretty well last week. The RedHawks have been a pass-happy football team, so the running game isn’t much of a threat. The leading rushers are sophomore Spencer McInnis (5’9″, 196 lbs.) and junior Spencer Treadwell (5’10”, 208 lbs.), who have combined for 21 carries, 101 yards, and 0 touchdowns in two games. Senior quarterback Andrew Hendrix (6’2″, 221 lbs.) has 36 carries (only 9 of which have been sacks) for just 7 total yards. The offensive line averages 305 lbs., so they are not small, but Michigan should have both a quickness and strength advantage up front.


Pass Defense vs. Miami Pass Offense
Michigan is #36 in passing yardage defense and #68 in passer rating defense. They did a very good job against Appalachian State in week one, but Notre Dame’s offense was clicking last week, and they completed a lot of quick throws. The Wolverines have failed to make any interceptions, and they have 4 pass breakups so far. Senior cornerback Raymon Taylor is questionable for this week with a knee injury suffered against Notre Dame, freshman Jabrill Peppers injured his ankle against Appalachian State, and redshirt junior Blake Countess had a rough week last week. Defensive tackle Chris Wormley and defensive ends Brennen Beyer and Taco Charlton each have a sack, and while Michigan got a decent pass rush last week, they couldn’t get to the quarterback before Everett Golson got the ball off. Meanwhile, Miami is #18 in passing yardage (338 yards/game) but #107 in passer rating, so they throw the ball a lot but not very well. Quarterback Andrew Hendrix – another Notre Dame transfer – has completed 48.5% of his passes for 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. The leading receiver is 6’0″, 180 lb. David Frazier, who has 13 catches for 215 yards (16.5 yards/catch) but zero touchdowns, and second is 6’1″, 204 lb. sophomore Rokeem Williams, who averages 22.7 yards/catch (9 catches, 204 yards). Slot receiver Jared Murphy, at 5’10” and 180 lbs., also averages over 16 yards/catch. Senior tight end Alex Welch, formerly of the Fighting Irish, is a 6’4″, 247 lb. target with 6 catches for 51 yards and a score.


Roster Notes

• Michigan recruited QB Andrew Hendrix, TE Alex Welch, and CB Lo Wood
• Redshirt freshman QB Tom Tupa is the son of former Ohio State and NFL quarterback/punter Tom Tupa
• Redshirt junior RB Spencer Treadwell is the son of Don Treadwell, former head coach at Miami-OH, and the brother of Blake Treadwell, former offensive lineman at Michigan State
• Players from the state of Michigan include OL Collin Buchanan (Southfield), LB Brad Koenig (Ann Arbor Pioneer), RB Spencer McInnis (Orchard Lake St. Mary’s), LB Grant Niemiec (Orchard Lake St. Mary’s), RB Spencer Treadwell (East Lansing)
• Head coach Chuck Martin is the former head coach at Grand Valley State University, as well as the former offensive coordinator at Notre Dame
• Miami’s running backs coach is former Notre Dame running back Autry Denson
• Defensive line coach Corey Brown – no relation to the Ohio State duo of the same name – was a starting defensive tackle for Iowa in the late 1990’s
• Graduate assistant Israel Woolfork is not related to former Michigan defensive back Troy Woolfolk

Last Time They Met . . .

• Michigan is 5-0 all-time against Miami-OH, including a 16-6 win in 2008 under head coach Rich Rodriguez, his first win at Michigan
• Sam McGuffie was Michigan’s leading rusher with 17 carries for 74 yards
• Brandon Minor carried the ball once for a 15-yard touchdown, Steve Threet had a 9-yard touchdown run, and kicker K.C. Lopata hit two field goals
• Nick Sheridan and Steve Threet combined to go 10/18 for 103 yards and 0 passing touchdowns
• Brandon Harrison and John Thompson led the team with 8 tackles each
• Brandon Graham, Terrance Taylor, and Mike Martin each had a sack

Predictions

• Michigan’s defense tries to make a statement. They get 3 sacks and 2 interceptions.
• Michigan runs for 220 yards.
• Shane Morris plays the whole fourth quarter.
• Michigan 38, Miami-OH 10

Preview: Michigan at Notre Dame

Rush vs. Notre Dame Rush Defense
Michigan got off to as good of a start as possible when they ran 36 times for 350 yards (9.72 yards/carry) in week one, albeit against Appalachian State. That YPC puts them #1 in the country going into week two. It’s only one week, but plenty of other schools played patsies in their openers, too. I don’t expect Michigan to be a great running team this year, but that’s a positive sign. Both Derrick Green (15 carries, 170 yards, 1 touchdown) and De’Veon Smith (8, 115, 2) had outstanding games, with Green as more of a home run threat and Smith as the between-the-tackles bruiser. Notre Dame allowed 141 yards on 3.53 yards/carry last week to Rice, which puts the Fighting Irish in the middle of the pack early. Even without defensive end Ishaq Williams (suspended for academic issues), they have a formidable front seven with defensive tackles Sheldon Day and Jarron Jones, plus defensive end Romeo Okwara and outside linebacker Jaylon Smith. The question mark for them comes up the middle with some questionable talent and little experience at inside linebacker. If Michigan can get past the first level – which still might be a tall task – it could be tough for them to slow down the 220-pounders in Green and Smith. But until I see Michigan perform against a solid defense, I’ll say . . .
Advantage: Notre Dame

Pass vs. Notre Dame Pass Defense
Michigan was also outstanding in the passing game, as starter Devin Gardner finished 13/14 for 173 yards and 3 touchdowns before giving way to sophomore Shane Morris (3/5, 37 yards, 1 interception). Junior wide receiver Devin Funchess – who was awarded the #1 jersey prior to the opener – caught 7 of those passes for 95 yards and all 3 touchdowns. While Funchess is the main target, the connections to other receivers – particulary Jehu Chesson, Amara Darboh, and Dennis Norfleet – looked crisp, too. The key for Michigan will be whether their offensive line can block Notre Dame’s defensive line and stymie a likely array of blitzes designed to confuse the young, oft-shuffled line. The Fighting Irish sacked Rice twice in their opener, and they intercepted one pass while breaking up two more in 26 attempts. Their personnel in the secondary has dwindled recently with an MCL injury to starting safety Austin Collinsworth and the academic suspension of cornerback KeiVarae Russell. They’re piecing together a secondary that includes a bunch of young or unproductive players, including cornerbacks Cole Luke and Cody Riggs, safeties Max Redfield and Elijah Shumate, and combo player Matthias Farley. There’s some talent there, but nobody has shown star tendencies. They will have to count on the massive Jones and the quick Day to put pressure on Gardner.
Advantage: Michigan

Rush Defense vs. Notre Dame Rush Offense
Michigan was gashed up the middle several times against Appalachian State, and they did not create stops in the backfield. Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison took some blame for not making adjustments, but also, there’s no need to bring out every run blitz to stop a team that you’re beating by 38 points. It was not an ideal performance by the Wolverines (156 yards allowed on 29 running back carries), but it wasn’t particularly alarming, either. One issue may be that perhaps Michigan’s best inside linebacker, senior Desmond Morgan, will miss the game with a broken arm. Junior Joe Bolden and fifth year senior Jake Ryan – who moved from OLB in the off-season – have not shown that they can stuff the run up the middle. Meanwhile, the Fighting Irish have a nice lightning-and-thunder combination with sophomores Tarean Folston (12 carries, 71 yards) and Greg Bryant (8 carries, 71 yards). Folston is a little bit reminiscent of Fitzgerald Toussaint with his acceleration and jump-cut ability, while Bryant is a little more ponderous but can run through defenders if he squares his shoulders. Notre Dame’s line is nothing special, but they have experience on the interior and some size up front. With Morgan out and a mediocre performance against Appalachian State, I’ll put this category as a notch for . . .
Advantage: Notre Dame


Pass Defense vs. Notre Dame Pass Offense
Michigan has an All-Big Ten corner in Blake Countess, a guy who’s supposedly playing his best ball on the opposite side, a 5-star freshman in the slot, and perhaps their best pure cover corner (Jourdan Lewis) coming off the bench. Redshirt sophomore Jeremy Clark played his first extensive time at deep safety last week, and he did fair. Michigan did not get a great pass rush, despite notching two sacks (by Chris Wormley and Taco Charlton), but Appalachian State ran a lot of short routes. Notre Dame should have some longer developing plays, but they also have a better offensive line. The tackles should be the most vulnerable, so Frank Clark’s pass rush off the edge should be a key. Notre Dame got some big plays in the passing game against a Rice team that had a pretty solid pass defense last year. Last week’s standout was sophomore Williams Fuller (4 catches, 85 yards, 1 touchdown), but five players averaged 17 or more yards a catch, including tight end Ben Koyack (3 catches, 51 yards). Redshirt junior quarterback Everett Golson finished 14/22 for 295 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was a good day, but he will face a stiffer test against Michigan’s sticky secondary.
Advantage: Michigan

Roster Notes

• Michigan offered the following Notre Dame players coming out of high school: OT Alex Bars, OG Hunter Bivin, CB Devin Butler, WR DaVaris Daniels, DT Sheldon Day, OT Steve Elmer, QB Everett Golson, OT Mark Harrell, DT Jay Hayes, WR Corey Holmes, DT Jarron Jones, OT Christian Lombard, TE Tyler Luatua, CB Cole Luke, DE Jacob Matuska, OT Mike McGlinchey, OT Colin McGovern, OG John Montelus, LB Nyles Morgan, OG Sam Mustipher, LB James Onwualu, CB Cody Riggs, DE Isaac Rochell, S Elijah Shumate, LB Jaylon Smith, TE Durham Smythe, CB Nick Watkins, CB Nic Weishar, DE Jhonny Williams
• Players from the state of Michigan include: K Kyle Brindza, OT Steve Elmer, DE Jhonny Williams
• Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly used to be the head coach at Grand Valley State University

Last Year

• Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees was 29/51 for 314 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions
• Michigan held the Fighting Irish under 100 yards rushing (19 carries, 96 yards)
• Devin Gardner had his best career game to that point, finishing 21/33 for 294 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception, plus 13 carries for 82 yards and another score
• Blake Countess had 2 interceptions
• Michigan 41, Notre Dame 30

Predictions

• Devin Funchess goes for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns
• Michigan averages 4.0 yards/carry
• Graham Glasgow plays left guard, moving Erik Magnuson to left tackle
• Michigan struggles to stop the run
• Michigan 34, Notre Dame 31

Preview: Michigan vs. Appalachian State

Yep, she attended school at Appalachian State. And her name is Caitlin Upton.

Run vs. Appalachian State Defense
Michigan’s running game has been dissected ad nauseum all last season and in the off-season. Michigan brought in a new offensive coordinator who will concentrate more on the inside zone play, whereas Al Borges used a mish-mash of schemes and Rich Rodriguez was mostly an outside zone guy. Michigan is very inexperienced on the OL and will be without its best lineman for this game (Graham Glasgow, suspended 1 game for a DUI). In the backfield, Michigan’s top two backs have been neck-and-neck so far, with sophomore Derrick Green taking the lead over similarly built sophomore De’Veon Smith. Meanwhile, Appalachian State runs a 3-4 defense with a quality nose tackle in Tyson Fernandez (6’2″, 330 lbs.), who will be a problem for center Jack Miller (6’4″, 295 lbs.). Both inside linebackers are 235 lbs., but the outside guys are small-ish (anywhere from 185-210 lbs.). For a 3-4 that often uses defensive tackle-sized ends, the defensive ends are manageable in size, but they’ll be facing off against first-time starters at the tackle positions. I like Green’s upside more, but I actually prefer Smith to see more carries, because he’s more of a bruiser and could wear down the defense; Green’s a guy who could bust a couple long runs in the second half against a sluggish defense. I like the backs once they get to the second level, but until Michigan proves they can block at the first level . . .
Advantage: Appalachian State

Pass vs. Appalachian State Defense
Michigan has a dynamic quarterback in Devin Gardner who is under the tutelage of an up-and-coming quarterback guru in Doug Nussmeier. That will be a good combination. The top receiver will be tight end-sized Devin Funchess, who supposedly ran a forty in the 4.3’s over the summer. Flanker Jehu Chesson improved steadily throughout last year and can take the top off the defense – as well as deliver some devastating blocks. Slot guy Dennis Norfleet is a pint-sized dynamo. All of them are big-play threats, and Michigan will use three or four receivers quite a bit without tight end Jake Butt being available. The pass protection is shaky, but Appalachian State will have to generate a pass rush by blitzing – something that Gardner and his receivers should be able to counter. The Mountaineers will probably match up 6’2″, 190 lb. cornerback Jordan Ford with Funchess whenever possible, but the Wolverines have a decided size advantage on the edges. Strong safety A.J. Howard (5’11”, 185 lbs.) is a true freshman. If Michigan can establish any kind of running identity, the play action pass should be a large factor. If the Wolverines still struggle to run the ball, Michigan should be able to spread it out a little bit and make some things happen. Gardner has the ability to get out of the pocket and make things happen if protection breaks down, too.
Advantage: Michigan


Run Defense vs. Appalachian State Offense
Michigan’s good recruiting classes over the past few years are matriculating through the ranks, and this should be the year when Michigan takes a step forward with the talent level on the field. The Wolverines have size at the defensive tackle positions, plus a 282 lb. backup nose tackle (Maurice Hurst, Jr.) who can shoot gaps in certain situations. Strongside end Brennen Beyer is undersized for the position, but he uses good technique and can hold his ground. Michigan also has a stable of good linebackers who can make solid tackles and plays in the backfield. The center, right guard, and right tackle spots are all listed with an “or” between two players, so it’s tough to say how much size they’ll have. Either way, the strength appears to be the left side of the line. Sophomore running back Marcus Cox (5’10”, 200 lbs.) had 1,250 rushing yards, 559 receiving yards, and 21 total touchdowns in 2013. He will be a multi-purpose threat who will be tough to corral, but he is the only proven commodity. The primary backup is redshirt freshman Terrence Upshaw (5’10”, 200 lbs.), who is less of a big-play threat and more of a short yardage guy. I respect Cox’s abilities if he can get into open space, but Michigan has enough athletes to keep him sufficiently in check.
Advantage: Michigan


Pass Defense vs. Appalachian State Offense
Michigan has not had a dynamic pass rush in recent years, but there should be at least a slight improvement this season. Especially against a team that often uses four wide receivers, weakside end Frank Clark should have a good day and strongside end Brennen Beyer’s lack of size won’t hurt him as much. Michigan also has a couple solid pass rushers at defensive tackle in Willie Henry and Chris Wormley, not to mention some good blitzers at linebacker in Jake Ryan and Ben Gedeon. Michigan has a very good crew of corners, so Appalachian State will probably try to attack the young and relatively unproven safeties. Junior quarterback Kameron Bryant (6’1″, 205 lbs.) completed 71% of his passes for 2,713 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions as a part-time starter last year, but the top returning pass catcher is running back Cox. None of the returning wideouts caught more than Malachi Jones’s 31 receptions or 293 yards, and none caught more than Simms McElfresh’s 2 touchdowns. Jones and his backup are both a little over 6’0″ tall, but every other receiver on the two-deep is 5’11” or shorter. Michigan has allowed lots of short passes in recent years but come up to tackle. This year we’ll see some tighter, perhaps riskier coverages. Michigan might get burned over the top on occasion, but overall, the pass defense should improve.
Advantage: Michigan


Roster Notes

• Appalachian State has zero players or coaches from the state of Michigan

Predictions

• Devin Funchess goes over 100 yards with 2 touchdowns
• Jabrill Peppers returns a punt for a touchdown
• Derrick Green leads the team with 80 yards rushing
• The defense allows 250 total yards
• Michigan 34, Appalachian State 7

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl Preview: Final Thoughts

I have completed in-depth previews of each of the position comparisons over the past couple weeks, and they’re more exhaustive than anything else I’ve read in the blogosphere. I had hoped to do some play breakdowns, but the holidays and traveling got in the way. Here are the links to each section:

Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers and tight ends
Offensive line
Defensive line
Linebackers
Defensive backs
Special teams

INJURY NEWS
The most significant injury news (and a change from the above preview) is that Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner will miss the bowl game with a broken foot, which he suffered in the Ohio State game. His replacement will be true freshman Shane Morris, who is 5/9 for 65 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 1 interception in very limited time this year. Obviously, this will be his first start. Morris came out of high school with a big arm, but he’s not the most polished quarterback to come out of high school. He tends to stare down his receivers, and his accuracy has been questioned. In high school – even in 7-on-7 tournaments – the lefty seemed to throw almost exclusively to his left. I would expect Kansas State defensive coordinator Tom Hayes to blitz Morris endlessly, considering he’s just a pup and, oh by the way, Michigan’s offensive line has struggled mightily this year. That’s a bad combination if you’re a Wolverines fan.

In other injury news, Kansas State will get perhaps their best player back in the form of safety Ty Zimmerman. He was listed as questionable for the bowl game after missing the final two regular season games.

ROSTER NOTES

• Kansas State has no players from the state of Michigan.
• Linebackers coach Mike Cox is named Mike Cox(!). Also, he spent four years as Michigan State’s linebackers coach (2003-2006).
• Head coach Bill Snyder’s son is special teams coach and associate head coach Sean Snyder. Sean Snyder’s son (and thus Bill’s grandson) is redshirt junior walk-on linebacker Tate Snyder. Tate doesn’t play much, but it’s still pretty cool to have three generations of Snyders on one team.