When you try and assess blame after a disappointing 1-2 start for Michigan, you can start with a defense that has looked lost at times over the past three weeks.
After allowing 38 points to Indiana and 342 passing yards to Hoosiers QB Michael Penix Jr., defensive coordinator Don Brown has been receiving heat in Ann Arbor.
Although the Wolverines have had a top-four defense in the country for the past five seasons, they find themselves outside of the top 50 in the country at the moment. Brown has dialed up a heavy dose of man coverage that has not worked well in the early going, and even when mixing in zone against Indiana the Wolverines were a mess against the pass.
Wisconsin’s strategy obviously depends on who is under center. If Graham Mertz is ready to roll on Saturday, expect a heavy dose of the passing game as the Badgers look to get Danny Davis, Kendric Pryor, and Jake Ferguson involved early and often. The Wolverines are just a week removed from giving up over 140 receiving yards to Indiana’s Ty Fryfogle.
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On the ground, watch for how carries are distributed. Senior back Garrett Groshek, and a pair of sophomores in Isaac Guerendo and Nakia Watson, all received double digit carries in week one against Illinois, and it will be intriguing to see who has the trust of Paul Chryst and Joe Rudolph on Saturday.
If QB Danny Vanden Boom makes his first collegiate start, expect unorthodoxy from a relatively traditional coaching staff. Wisconsin will have to get creative, whether it be Groshek in the wildcat, running the football more than they want to, and setting up Vanden Boom for success with quick hitters.
Wisconsin will have to attack over the top against a group of Michigan DB’s that has looked anything but consistent through three weeks. If the Badgers can find a healthy balance in the run game and explode over the top for a few big plays, Wisconsin will come out of the Big House at 2-0.