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.

OHIO STATE

Quarterback Dwayne Haskins (6’3″, 220) has been a legitimate star. He’s completing 69.3% of his passes for 3,729 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Ohio State is #2 in passing offense (364 yards/game), tied for #11 in yards per attempt (8.8), and #5 in Passer Efficiency Rating.

This is a different Urban Meyer and Ohio State team than we have seen in the past, more pass-heavy and less quarterback run-heavy. The Buckeyes spread the ball around, and ten receivers have 10+ receptions on the season. Junior K.J. Hill (6’0″, 198) leads the team with 797 yards on 62 receptions, followed by senior Parris Campbell’s (6’1″, 208) 711 yards on 66 catches, plus 9 touchdowns. The big-play guys are senior Terry McLaurin (6’1″, 205), who has 30 catches for 579 yards (19.3 yards/catch) and 9 touchdowns, and senior Johnnie Dixon (5’11”, 198), who has 32 catches for 501 yards (15.7 yards/catch) and 5 touchdowns. Basically, Haskins has weapons at his disposal all over the field.

Ohio State is #28 in sacks allowed (16) and they’re #31 in Sack Rate. Haskins is decently mobile, but he’s mostly a pocket passer. Because he’s not a great runner, most of his play action passes come off of inside zone action and half rolls.

OVERALL

Ohio State has an excellent quarterback, a variety of receivers, and a solid offensive line. They have shown some chinks in the armor in recent weeks (6.4 YPA vs. Purdue, 56.3% completions vs. Nebraska, 5.8 YPA vs. Michigan State), but it’s still a formidable passing offense with a lot of weapons. Michigan did not get great pressure against Rutgers and Indiana over the past two weeks, but Rutgers got rid of the ball quickly and Indiana chose to run some quick crossers over the middle and run the QB to keep Michigan’s pass rush at bay. I’m not sure that Ohio State will try to run Haskins like Indiana ran Ramsey. If Winovich is healthy enough to play and be effective, then Michigan will have a good shot to slow down the passing attack. If he’s out and no one can get a consistent pass rush, then I think the Buckeyes have enough firepower to make a lot of big plays.

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