Michigan football welcomes Oregon to the Big House for the first time since 2007 and as Big Ten foes for the first time. The top-ranked Ducks are currently double-digit favorites over the Wolverines and Michigan will have to pull out all the stops to win the game. Michigan hopes to get Will Johnson back for the game against Oregon. The Ducks throw the ball as well as anyone and the Wolverines could use all their strength to pull off the upset on Saturday.
I asked a number of Michigan commits and goals what the key is to ensuring the Wolverines can overcome the major upheaval.
“I definitely ride in Michigan. I think once the passing game gets going that will be the key. Our DB should remain stuck and not allow any receptions.”
“I have a 28-31 W, lots of running.”
“Defense and attack must play a clean game.”
“Throw the ball.”
“Take advantage of turnovers, maintain momentum and don’t miss big plays.”
“All day Michigan! The Big House always brings the energy. They just have to play together and execute the game plan in all three phases!”
“It’s going to be a tough game. I can’t have any turnovers and I have to convert third downs. Stay disciplined and get the ball to the guns. Loveland is going to have to get open and then get him the ball. He’s a beast.” “
“No turnover and check the clock.”
“I think they need to control the clock and not get a lot of thirds and longs. Dominate on the defensive side, especially up front.”
“Stop their passing game and complete some passes on offense to let Oregon know they can move the ball with both passing and running.”
“That’s a tough one. I would say: make sure you get the offense going early, because their defense will take care of the rest.”
“I think Michigan has to use ball control to win. Michigan is a very well run team, if they are able to block and control the line of scrimmage I think they have a legit shot.”
“It all starts with protecting the football on offense. Defensively, stopping the run and having clear communication, and keeping a close eye on the LB’s play through their key texts, as Oregon likes to make a lot of moves and using lane movement to gain leverage and help open creases in the inside zone. Keeping the over-under banjo coverage adjustments low and clear keeps everything on the forefront.
“I feel like Michigan’s defense is one that NO team wants to face, it’s like a perfect storm. (Dillon) Gabriel is a sharpshooter, he wants to fit that ball into tight windows, coach Wink can take advantage of this take advantage and set traps on key downs. Oregon is a team that will break the tendency, so that won’t always be on third and long either, fly to the ball and create turnovers and pile those hits on Gabriel, making those throws more difficult Being able to hit when your core is bruised is huge, but even forcing him to have to throw from a dirty pocket or off the apron will be huge, DBs trusting their technique and staying disciplined will lead to opportunities!
“I like the guys to turn it up and make it a nasty physical game. Big win at Michigan at home, winning the turnover battle and throwing some coverages to Dillon that they haven’t seen yet leads to major turnover drops who reverse the field position.”
Michigan 24-21
“I think they have to run the ball and hold on to it. If they can score on most possessions, I think they have a great chance to keep the ball tight. Then hopefully steal the game at the end.”
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