Michigan finally got its run game moving against Penn State, rushing for a season-high 211 yards in a 21-18 victory. Bryson Kuzdzal broke free for a 43-yard touchdown run, while Savion Hiter added a 41-yard burst, the first carries of 20 or more yards for a Michigan running back this season.
Running back coach Tony Alford credited the success to a change in style. "There's been some more downhill runs and the zone concept, which these guys have had success [with] in the past," he said. Michigan implemented more zone-blocking schemes than before, running 15 zone plays compared to 14 gap plays against Penn State, a reversal from earlier in the season when gap schemes dominated. In the loss to Iowa, Michigan ran twice as many gap plays (24) as zone (12). Through the first four weeks, the Wolverines ran nearly three times as many gap schemes (93) as zone (33).
The team found most of its success running up the middle, with all six carries of 10 yards or more going between the tackles. Alford suggested Michigan will continue to focus on plays that suit the players’ strengths. "There's certain things that you can do that guys are better at," he said. "It's [about] trying to put the guys in the best situation to have success."
Despite the breakthrough, Michigan's rushing struggles are not fully resolved. No player has reached 100 yards in a game this season, and the team has averaged over five yards per carry only once, last week. The offense still ranks 84th nationally in rushing with 147.7 yards per game, 125th in passing yards per game (165.7), and 106th in scoring with 22.7 points per contest. Penalties and turnovers have also hampered the team, placing Michigan 87th in total penalties and 103rd in turnover margin with minus three.
Quarterback Tommy Carr is expected to start in the next game, a potential boost for the struggling offense. But Alford acknowledged no single player can fix the team’s issues. "We are where we are, and we can sit and bitch and moan about it or we can just keep plugging away, and that's what we're choosing to do," he said. "Play better, execute. I think those frustrations will alleviate themselves when we start executing at the level that we so desire."
Michigan’s defense has been the stronger unit this season, ranking first in the nation in yards allowed per play at 4.11. Defensive edge John Henry Daley said the team won’t get complacent about that number or feel pressure because of the offense’s struggles. "At the end of the day, we just have to do our job," he said. "We’re not really worried about the other side of the ball. We know that we can’t affect it too much. We just have to come in every single play, and all 11 guys on defense have got to play their butts off for six seconds and fulfill whatever coach asked them to do."
Michigan faces a tough challenge against defending national champion Indiana next. The Hoosiers have two wide receivers, Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh, who have almost 300 more receiving yards combined than Michigan’s entire team. Their rushing attack, led by Turbo Richard (643 yards, six touchdowns) and Lee Beebe Jr. (575 yards, four touchdowns), also outpaces Michigan's ground game by nearly 350 yards.
Defensive tackle coach Larry Black acknowledged Indiana’s offensive weapons. "It starts with those two receivers, with Becker and Marsh," he said. "Those guys are really good. They do a good job of you know the routes and getting open and catching the ball … then on the O line, it starts with their left tackle, Carter Smith … they got two really good running backs, and then the quarterback [Josh] Hoover."
Black pointed to Indiana’s ability to avoid negative plays and generate explosive gains. "They're fine with a one-yard gain, and then it's explosive play. They're fine with a zero-yard gain, then an explosive play, so it's going to be on us to cause a little more havoc and play in their backfield."
The Wolverines will look to build on their recent rushing success while containing the Hoosiers’ potent offense in what could be a defining game for Michigan’s season.
According to Yahoo Sports.
