Can the ‘Cats win in Ann Arbor for the first time since 2008?
This is not the Michigan team of last season. So, do the Wildcats have a chance? We asked Maize n Brew’s Nick Durand about what to look for in Saturday’s contest.
Inside NU: A year removed from winning the national title, this Michigan team looks a whole lot different — especially at quarterback. What’s gone wrong this season for the Wolverines?
Nick Durand: Where should I start? It’s definitely not been the title defense that Michigan fans were hoping for, sitting at 5-5 as we enter this week’s game. On the offensive side of the ball, it would appear that Michigan simply lost too much production, wasn’t prepared to replace it and also hasn’t done a great job of game-planning to address the issues. The offensive line and wide receiver were both positions where a lack of experience worried fans, and it has really shown throughout the year. The coaching staff has also failed to settle on a quarterback, but appears to be sticking with Davis Warren, who’s been the best option so far.
The defense has been a bit better in recent weeks. The defensive line has been the team’s best unit all year long, but injuries and a lack of consistency in the secondary have hurt the Wolverines against their toughest opponents. Finally, the team seems to struggle with fundamentals and discipline across the board, which will hurt you in the close games.
INU: Without Jim Harbaugh at the helm anymore, how would you assess coach Sherrone Moore’s performance this season? If you gave him a grade, what would it be and why?
ND: Sherrone Moore was backed into a bit of a corner with his hire. With Jim Harbaugh taking the Chargers job in late January, it left Michigan scrambling a bit. Moore was the obvious candidate for head coach from the get-go, but the timing made it tough for him to assemble a staff around him or address positional needs in the transfer portal. That partially explains some of the shortcomings we’ve seen, but not all. Moore still deserves some blame for some in-season issues, such as the quarterback carousel, personnel decisions (particularly on offense) and some head-scratching clock management. As such, I’d give Moore a solid “C” for his work this year. I’m still optimistic that he can right the ship in years to come, but wouldn’t be surprised either if things keep trending in the wrong direction.
Inside NU: Heading into the week, Michigan ranks 129th in offense per game. Northwestern ranks 130th. Who has the offensive edge and why?
ND: That sure sets an exciting scene for Saturday’s game, doesn’t it? Well it should be a classic Big Ten rock fight, but I’ll give Michigan the advantage for a few reasons. For one, I still believe in Michigan’s ability to run the football. Kalel Mullings has been something of a breakout player this year, but has been slowed down in recent weeks. We’ve seen that he’s capable of taking over games (with the win over USC being the biggest example), and I’d bet that he’ll be a bigger part of Michigan’s offensive gameplan in the coming weeks.
Second, I like what I’ve seen from Davis Warren recently. He’s looked more comfortable in his second stint as the starter, and I think he can look even better coming off the bye week. Finally, Michigan has Colston Loveland, one of the best offensive players in the country. I don’t think this is necessarily a huge breakthrough week for the offense, but it should do enough to squeak out a win.
INU: Michigan has been anchored by its defense all season long. Who are a couple X-factors to watch for on that side of the ball?
ND: The obvious one would be cornerback Will Johnson. He’s as good as it gets at that position when he’s on the field, but he’s been battling an injury in recent weeks and hasn’t played since the loss to Illinois. Josaiah Stewart has been a breakout player for the defense this year, with a team-high 6.5 sacks. He was part of a four-man edge rusher rotation last season, but has really put on a show with some more playing time this fall. Some additional guys to watch are Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant at defensive tackle, two of the best at their position in the country. Meanwhile, Jyaire Hill has had some highs and lows at corner this season, while Zeke Berry has looked solid moving from nickel to outside corner in recent weeks.
Inside NU: Coming off losses in four of its last five games, how do the Wolverines get back on track against the Wildcats?
ND: I think the Wolverines will need to get back to doing things that work on offense rather than trying to press and do too much. Novel concept, I know. Michigan’s rushing attack has been solid at times, and I think that in order to get back in the win column, it’ll need to find a way to produce on the ground. That’ll mean better execution from the offensive line and better personnel decisions (i.e. giving Kalel Mullings the ball). Additionally, Michigan’s defense will need to continue playing with discipline, especially on third downs, where things have been spotty this year.
Inside NU: What is your score prediction for the game and why?
ND: I’ll go with Michigan winning 23-7. I think the defense will be able to hold strong enough to give the offense enough chances to put points on the board. I don’t think there will be some sort of offensive explosion, but 23 points should be enough to get the job done in this one.