*UPDATE: The Ohio State vs. Michigan game has been canceled, but there are still ways the Buckeyes could get to Indianapolis to play in the Big Ten Championship Game. In the meantime, feel free to read some of our content we put out prior to the game.
Well Ohio State football fans, it is the week everyone waits all season for, “The Game” against Michigan. The season started well for the Wolverines by beating Minnesota, although quietly Minnesota put up 326 total yards. The season has not gone well for Michigan and a looming contract decision on Jim Harbaugh creates a tough game against Ohio State.
Going back and looking at the Wolverines this season it is fairly easy to see where the problems arise. The defense has not been good at all this season and the offense has had moments but is wildly inconsistent.
It should all make for a decisive advantage for the Buckeyes, but we’ve seen funnier things happen in rivalry games, so it’ll all be settled on the field.
As we do every week, let’s scout the Wolverines before all the action this weekend.
NEXT … The Defense is lacking
The defense needs talent and a new scheme
How Michigan's defense has ranked in 14 key per-game or per-play categories over the past five seasons. In 2016, the Wolverines were top-15 in everything. In 2020, Michigan isn't a top-50 group in one, and this is BEFORE facing Ohio State. pic.twitter.com/OMtyb4i4K6
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) December 8, 2020
The first thing that jumped out watching the Wolverines is just how predictable the defense is. Don Brown has tried to play more zone coverage, but it just isn’t working for Michigan as he tends to fall on man-to-man coverage with predictable safety help. This allows teams to create mismatches and key on specific players.
Against Ohio State, Michigan needs to get away from its coverage scheme as Justin Fields will pick it apart. There is not enough disguising from Don Brown to make the defense effective. It will be a long day if the Wolverines can’t get pressure and have to rely on the secondary to stop the Buckeyes.
NEXT … Joe Milton or Cade McNamara, maybe Dan Villari
The quarterback situation is troubling
Spoke to QB Dan Villari of Plainedge and he confirmed that he is No. 2 on the Wolverines depth chart and should see some playing time when Michigan travels to play at Ohio State this week. Newsday's Thorp Award winner is very busy getting prepared for a great opportunity. 👍
— Gregg Sarra (@Gregg_Sarra) December 7, 2020
It looks like freshman Dan Villari will be the backup for Michigan, but with the health of both Cade McNamara and Joe Milton a concern, the Wolverines may be forced to play Villari. Milton started the season well, but started to struggle and was replaced by McNamara. McNamara was looking like the answer for Michigan and then hurt his shoulder against Penn State.
The problems are not exclusive to the quarterback play as the only real bright spot for the Wolverine offense has been running back Hassan Haskins. The struggling passing game at times forces Michigan to become too one-dimensional and if a freshman is forced to play against Ohio State, this could become exaggerated.
NEXT … The offensive line is good but inconsistent
The offensive line has been solid
Pro Football Focus was VERY pleased with Michigan's offensive line on Saturday, tabbing @bigtrevk and @CZach23 as two of the team's best offensive performers against Penn State.https://t.co/pfkjDt9oc0#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/1vGWluW98R
— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineMag) December 2, 2020
Michigan’s offensive line has certainly been tested with the quarterback carousel this season, however, the line has run blocked well and not given up a ton of sacks. However, on the right side of the offensive line, pressure is possible.
Indiana racked up three sacks and two interceptions against Michigan and got some consistent push throughout the game. If Villari has to play, sacks could come in bunches as he might hold the ball a touch too long for the offensive line to hold up. Michigan may have to rely on the run game and if the offensive line can hold up, it could be the only way to move the ball against Ohio State.
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