FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MICHIGAN AS OHIO STATE'S 2020 RIVALRY WEEK BEGINS
MAJOR QUESTIONS AT QUARTERBACK
When Cade McNamara replaced Joe Milton in the second quarter of the Wolverines’ Nov. 21 game against Rutgers, it looked like Michigan might have finally found the solution to its quarterback troubles. McNamara completed 27 of 36 passing attempts for 260 yards and four touchdowns and also ran for a touchdown against the Scarlet Knights, leading the Wolverines back from a 17-0 deficit to a 48-42 triple overtime win.
However, McNamara suffered a shoulder injury in Michigan’s next game against Penn State, leaving his status in doubt for this week’s game.
Milton drew some Cam Newton comparisons after his performance in Michigan’s season-opening win against Minnesota, in which he threw for 225 yards and a touchdown and ran for another 52 yards and a touchdown, but things have gone downhill from there. He’s completed less than half of his passing attempts in each of Michigan’s last three games, and there's been talk – though details are scarce – that he’s also battling an injury of his own.
With Dylan McCaffrey also opted out for the season, Michigan’s quarterback options are scarce beyond McNamara and Milton. True freshman Dan Villari, a three-star recruit who didn’t receive any other offers from Power 5 schools, is the only other scholarship quarterback on the Wolverines’ roster.
PERSISTENT STRUGGLES ON DEFENSE
Defense has been a consistent problem for the Wolverines this season, as they’ve allowed their opponents to gain more than 400 yards and score at least 27 points in each of their last five games.
Michigan’s defensive troubles haven’t been limited to one phase of defense, either. Michigan State, Indiana and Rutgers all threw for more than 300 yards against the Wolverines, while Wisconsin and Penn State both ran for over 250 yards against the maize and blue. The Wolverines currently rank 12th in the Big Ten in passing yards allowed per game (250.5) and 10th in the conference in rushing yards allowed per game (178.8).
The Wolverines do have some talented players on defense that Ohio State needs to be aware of, including projected first-round NFL draft pick Kwity Paye, who will present a tougher test as an edge rusher than fill-in offensive tackles Dawand Jones and Max Wray faced against Michigan State this past weekend. Daxton Hill, one of only two five-star recruits on Michigan’s roster, is one of the Big Ten’s best safeties.
Altogether, though, it’s been a rough year for Don Brown’s unit – and now the Wolverines have to face the team that’s put up 118 points on them over the past two years.
MISADVENTURES IN KICKING
With only three made field goals on nine attempts this year, Michigan is currently tied for last in field goal percentage among all Football Bowl Subdivision teams who have attempted more than one field goal this season.
Quinn Nordin, who’s perhaps best known for the infamous sleepover Harbaugh had at his house when he was a recruit, has made just two of his five field goal attempts this year. Jake Moody hasn’t been any better, making just one of four. They’ve made just two field goals of 40 yards or more – and none longer than 46 yards – while missing three field goals of shorter than 40 yards.
While Michigan’s offense itself has been unremarkable, its inability to rely on its kickers is another reason why the Wolverines currently rank 67th in points scored per game (28.3).
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