Who will be returning kicks and punts for Michigan football in 2020?

Special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh gave a lengthy update on the major players on both units in the middle of fall camp.

[jwplayer mDG1WUTp-XNcErKyb]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — With the new season just weeks away for Michigan football, one of the big questions is: who will be returning kicks and punts for the Wolverines?

Being a starter the year before doesn’t guarantee they’ll be back in that role again, especially as the younger returners get more acclimated to their roles on offense or defense. Sometimes, there’s changes due to that, or last year, there was the case of Ambry Thomas, the kick returner from 2018. Thomas was solid in that role, but due to his bout with colitis in the offseason, Giles Jackson took up the mantle. He performed admirably, with 24 returns for 622 yards and one taken to the house in a 97-yard return to open the game against Maryland.

As far as kick return is concerned, Jackson has the inside track to be the guy, but like in any other year, he won’t be the sole man back deep. That’s where some new blood may come in, according to special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh.

“Kickoff return: obviously Giles is tremendous,” Harbaugh said. “We’ve really put an emphasis this offseason, not only having Giles improve and getting better, but being able to have a great backup for him and a good dynamic guy back there with him. Mike Barrett did a good job for us last year as the off-returner, but we want to be a little deeper overall if Giles, in a situation, isn’t gonna be back there, then who’s gonna replace him? Love that situation.”

Punt return is a different situation. Donovan Peoples-Jones has handled those duties since 2017, but as he’s now with the Cleveland Browns, Michigan is looking for a new man back deep.

That’s where some really interesting names come in. Ronnie Bell got a few opportunities a year ago, but there’s two freshmen who are making a push, Harbaugh notes, including one cornerback that Don Brown recently said runs a 4.38 40.

“It’s really the same guys in terms of punt return,” Harbaugh said. “It’s still a good competition. Ronnie (Bell) probably is the guy right now. He’s got a lot of reps and everything. Giles has been working at that. Blake Corum is a natural punt catcher. Eamonn Dennis for us is a guy who’s dangerous with the ball in his hands. We like what he does. Mike Sainristil has a good amount of reps stacked from last year.

“It’s a good, deep group. We feel like we could be a very good return team. Just excited to find out who those guys are gonna be with more live punts and getting those guys tracking the ball – especially on some windy days like we’re gonna see this fall. That last part and gauging that consistency will determine who ends up being the guy.”

We’ll know more about who will be back deep on both kicks and punts for Michigan football come Oct. 24, when the Wolverines head to Minneapolis for the season opener at Minnesota.

[vertical-gallery id=28134]

Ronnie Bell, others set to take on increased roles with Michigan WR departures

Where the Michigan football wide receivers stand if Nico Collins returns or remains opted out.

[jwplayer 75UB8lUE-XNcErKyb]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — As the leader in the clubhouse with the most returning production for Michigan football at the wide receiver position, much is expected of Ronnie Bell as he enters his junior season. However, he gets somewhat overshadowed to some degree by Nico Collins.

Collins had announced in early January that he would be returning for his senior season, but made an unexpected departure from the program this offseason as the Big Ten waffled on whether or not it would have a 2020 fall season. Collins didn’t make any announcement about opting out, having quietly signed with an agent.

Now, Michigan is looking to get him back in the fold, but the question of whether or not he’ll return remains unanswered. However, to ask Bell, he’s doing the best he can to make peace with Collins’ decision if he remains opted out.

“I’ve talked with Nico,” Bell said. “Not much about what he’s got going – he’s doing what he’s doing for his journey and whatnot. I’m happy for him, of course. I’m never gonna second-guess him with whatever he’s got going on. I’m all 10 toes with whatever he’s got.

“Our room with him, of course, would be better. He’s one of the best receivers – personally, I’ve ever been around, one of the best receivers. Of course not having him, I’m kinda bummed. But, you know – our room is still very good, though. I’m not discouraged or anything like that about going out there without No. 4. Of course having Nico, it would be huge. He’s a very, very talented receiver.”

[lawrence-related id=28276,28257,28241,28238]

It’s not just that Collins is potentially gone, but so are Donovan Peoples-Jones — who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth-round — and Tarik Black — who transferred to Texas this offseason.

With those players no longer on the roster, Bell knows he’ll likely have to take on an increased role in the offense, even with the emergence of Michigan’s second-year receivers in Giles Jackson, Mike Sainristil and Cornelius Johnson. Personally, Bell has worked specifically on decreasing drops — he dropped eight balls in 2019 according to PFF — while increasing his speed overall.

As the Big Ten’s leader in yards after catch, Bell could be particularly electric if he diversifies his game outside of the slot.

“I definitely think this year I’ll move around more than I did last year. I (respect) all those guys’ steps as well,” Bell said. “Those guys are all great guys as well. I’m just ready for whatever Coach needs me to be, whatever I need to be. That’s just the role I’m gonna attack. Whether that’s slot, outside, both or whatever he wants. That’s how I’m gonna prepare and that’s how I’ve always prepared.”

Additionally, now Bell is the wily veteran — which shows how much time flies. It seemed like days ago when he was reeling in his first career touchdown against Nebraska in Week Four of the 2018 season.

Now he’s the elder voice in the room, and he’s looking to impart wisdom upon the younger generation.

“In the last year or so, I guess I realized it more, especially with all those guys gone now,” Bell said. “I’m low key kinda old. All the younger guys, every day in practice, I just want to show them the effort it takes, whether you get the ball or not, when you’re out there blocking on the edge – I just want to show the guys the intensity you have to play with. Especially with the tall guys leaving. We’re not as tall anymore! So we’ve definitely gotta be more feisty than what we were.”

So who’s been impressing Bell thus far in fall camp? Two have stood out to him and they’re both from the 2019 class.

“I’ve been most impressed with everybody,” Bell said. “Everybody – like I said before, mentally, everybody has just grown and you can see they’ve grown so much. Just mentally in the playbook and being to play everywhere.

“For guys to be able to make a jump, definitely C.J. – Cornelius Johnson and Mikey Sainristil – both of those guys have been just dominant this offseason and this little preseason we’ve been taking care of.”

Given that much of the offseason hype has surrounded Giles Jackson, it’s a positive to hear both Sainristil and Johnson mentioned, as both will need to be key pieces in the offense moving forward.

Offensive coordinator Josh Gattis exclaimed that they’ll certainly be featured in 2020, but what’s allowed them to make that jump from year one to year two?

Maturity is playing a big part in their emergence, Bell says.

“I think the biggest thing for those guys is mentally – knowing everything about the playbook and they know the work we put in, not necessarily together, but on your own in the offseason,” Bell said. “Especially mentally, those guys have turned it up quite a bit to take on bigger roles and be able to play every position on the field. I feel like their freshman year, all of them were focused in on one thing, and from their freshman year to right now, you can tell mentally they’re very sharp and dissect the whole offense.”

But they’re not the only ones that could make a big impact in 2020.

Michigan brought in two veritable speedsters this year in A.J. Henning and Roman Wilson, first-year players that should get even more of an opportunity due to the late start.

When it comes to their speed, Bell says it’s obvious.

“You definitely can see it, coming off the ball and whatnot,” Bell said. “You notice when a guy is really fast just how they explode off the ball and they’ve got whatever route they have going on – their first 3-4 steps. You can just see the speed in those guys.”

We’ll see all of the above in action in exactly one month when Michigan heads to Minnesota for the Oct. 24 season opener.

[vertical-gallery id=28211]

Josh Gattis: Michigan receivers ‘one of the most impressive rooms I’ve been around

The Michigan football coordinator hypes up the wide receivers with a lofty comparison, breaks down why each could break out in 2020.

[jwplayer 7Cm2xoid-XNcErKyb]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Josh Gattis knows a little something about wide receivers.

The former safety at the college and pro-levels got his start in coaching overseeing the wideouts, and has used his talents at working with the position group to propel him first to Alabama’s co-offensive coordinator before coming to Ann Arbor to oversee the entire offense.

While fans salivated at the potential last year, perhaps they were a year too early. Even as star WR Nico Collins ponders his future and remains away from the team as he mulls an NFL decision, Gattis — who’s coached Chris Godwin, KJ Hamler, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, Jaylen Waddle and Devonta Smith — says that his current group is among the best of the best.

“I feel great where we are,” Gattis said. “I don’t wanna jinx us by any means, but where we are in that receiver room right now I think it is impressive. It’s one of the most impressive rooms I’ve been around in overall depth and skill standpoint. And I didn’t feel this way last year. I didn’t feel this way. I thought there was room for growth and development when I got here. Now, we obviously have got to be able to turn this potential into production and be able to display it on Saturdays and not just over here at Schembechler Hall.”

Giles Jackson

When you think of Michigan’s receivers without Collins, the first that comes to mind is second-year wideout Giles Jackson, who is the embodiment of Gattis’ ‘speed in space’ philosophy.

It took a minute for Jackson to get going, and it seemed like he was never going to get there. While the plan was initially to get him involved early, he struggled. But once he caught on, he took off. And Gattis is excited to see where he goes in 2020.

“Giles obviously displayed a unique ability as a touch player last year,” “Whether it was it kick returns, whether it was specific touch plays. When we talk about being the difference in this virtual world now, Giles came in last year as a true freshman, and really didn’t get a chance to grasp the offense until about Week Five. Early in the season, I had a lot of doubts about Giles. Put Giles on scout team early in our season because it took him a little bit of time to learn it, but I didn’t think he was going to make the impact on our team at that point last year until about Week Five. And then, from Week Five on, it was about how many ways a game he could touch the ball, because he had such an ability to be an explosive player.

“Now this offseason is about how we can make him a complete receiver, which he’s really accepted the role and accepted the responsibility. He’s made some really unique, big time plays (in practice). He’s probably coming off his best practice ever here, yesterday. I couldn’t tell you how many catches he had, but it was a high number. But it’s all about becoming a complete receiver. He was a high school running back, he’s obviously fast, he’s obviously great with the ball in the hands. But it’s about how can you create separation as a route runner? And a lot of the things that we did last year was find quick ways to put the ball in his hands, now we’re finding all kinds of ways to put the ball in his hands.

“I’m really excited about Giles. He brings a skillset to our team of an explosive nature – a number of different guys do in that room. Most importantly, they’ve been able to bring leadership and really create an environment where it’s competitive for those receivers.”

[lawrence-related id=28246,28244]

Next: A somewhat forgotten standout from a year ago.

Pages: 123

With or without Nico Collins, Michigan set at wide receiver

Michigan football could be without star wide receiver Nico Collins this season, and even if they are, the offense shouldn’t slow down.

[jwplayer YpAls3cm-XNcErKyb]

What a week for Michigan football huh.

After the season was postponed back on August 11th, the Big Ten announced a return on Wednesday last week. With the announcement of the season returning, multiple Big Ten players who opted out of the 2020 season, announced they would be returning back.

Michigan had two players announce that they were opting out to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft and they were starting right tackle Jalen Mayfield and starting cornerback Ambry Thomas.

With the announcement of the season coming back, questions were asked about these two players and if they would return, only to find out that the top wide receiver for Michigan, Nico Collins, was another player that opted-out and signed with an agent, declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft as well.

Since Wednesday one of the three players has announced they would return as Mayfield has decided to return to the team for the 2020 season, and Thomas is looking for clarity about returning this season. Collins, on the other hand, hasn’t announced about what he plans on doing, and with him quietly signing an agent, his return could be a quiet announcement as well.

With all the uncertainty of Collins, it’s best to just imagine right now that he sticks with his word and opts out of the season and focuses on the NFL draft. If he decides to return then this group gets a big upgrade, but if he doesn’t return then how will this core look without him?

The answer: Just fine.

Michigan has a lot of depth at the wide receiver position, so if Collins doesn’t return there are still plenty of weapons for the new starting quarterback Joe Milton.

For starters, the leading receiver Ronnie Bell is back for his junior season and is coming off a season with 48 catches, 758 yards, and a touchdown. He would be the top receiver on the field with Collins gone, and while he isn’t a big body receiver at 6’4, he’s still 6’0 tall and his speed can certainly help him get some space.

Speaking of speed, sophomore Giles Jackson could have a breakout year with more involvement in the offense. Last season, Jackson was primarily a returner and he did well at it with 24 returns for 622 yards and a touchdown. When it came to playing at receiver, he finished with nine catches for 142 yards and a touchdown. His involvement with the speed in space offense offensive coordinator Josh Gattis has installed, he could have a bigger role.

Another receiver that will bring speed is freshman wide receiver, A.J. Henning. Henning was the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Illinois last year and brings another speedy weapon to the offense. While he might have to fight the other receivers to see time on the field, he could still have an impact in a game with just a few touches.

But those young players aren’t the only underclassmen that could step up big. Sophomore Cornelius Johnson brings his 6’3 frame into the fold, coming off a quiet four catch season that finished with 61 yards and a touchdown. He was another freshman last year that saw some playing time but has a chance to see more this year.

Finally, another weapon at the position is Mike Sainristil. Sainristil had a solid spring in 2019, and while it didn’t translate to a starting role for Sainristil, he was still able to finish the season with eight catches for 145 yards and a touchdown.

Overall, Milton will have plenty of weapons at the wide receiver position even if Collins sticks with his opt-out. Michigan is loaded with talent and with Milton having a strong arm and fast receivers, there could be lots of points put up by this offense.

If Collins does choose to return though, then this group becomes even more dangerous and another big weapon that Gattis would be more than thrilled to have another season with.

Contact/Follow @WolverinesWire/ @BKnappBlogs

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1361]

In new year, Michigan loaded with options in return game

Special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh gave a long list of contenders for both positions, while noting one particular thing won’t change.

[jwplayer 3ipztlbV-XNcErKyb]

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — There are two positions that seem to constantly be in flux in Ann Arbor, and that’s at both kick and punt return.

Some years, you have obvious choices — like Jabrill Peppers, who handled the bulk of both in 2015-16 — but in others, one player may get the call one year but not the next.

Such was the case last year, with 2018 starting kick returner Ambry Thomas out for much of the offseason with a bout of colitis. Though he got the start right out of the gates at cornerback, given that he didn’t practice much and that it was an uphill battle just to get him on the field, he ceded his role to true freshman Giles Jackson.

The starting punt returner the past three years was Donovan Peoples-Jones, but he departed with a year of eligibility remaining on the table, getting drafted in the sixth-round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.

While he’s been one of two coaches working on special teams since 2016, Jay Harbaugh is now the bona fide special teams coordinator with Chris Partridge’s departure on Jan. 2 to Ole Miss. When he looks at the kick return situation, he doesn’t feel the need for change personnel-wise, considering what Jackson brought to the table last year. But, he certainly won’t be the only one back deep, Harbaugh explains, noting the need to have other capable returners to help Jackson’s job become easier, while giving different looks to the opposing team’s kickoff unit.

“It’s a really strong group,” Harbaugh said. “I would say overall, it might be the best that we’ve had just in terms of depth in terms of guys we feel like, ‘Hey, this guy could be an option.’ In the past, we kind of had older guys where we took it off their plate or guys were really young and inexperienced. So we have a nice balance now.

“For kickoff returns, we love Giles back there. I think everybody does. Crazy fast, super talented. And he even left some yards out there last year that I think this year he’s gonna be able to take advantage of. Just be able to continue to improve the way that he understands our system, seeing the blocking scheme develop. So expecting a huge year from him.

“And he’s got a great group of guys that are gonna be able to compete with him, make him better and be back there with him. Those guys are Ronnie Bell – he’s done it before – Mike Sainristil, Blake Corum, Andre Seldon, Mike Barrett’s been back there and does a great job as an off-returner, does a tremendous job blocking. So it’s a really deep group. Daxton Hill has been back there, Chris Evans.

“So we feel great about the quality of guys back there, which is really necessary, because as soon as a returner becomes a really big play threat, that’s when you see, all of a sudden, that guy doesn’t get the ball so much anymore, so it’s important to have somebody else back there that’s a legit big play threat.”

[lawrence-related id=25447,25430,25419]

As noted, with Peoples-Jones’ departure, Michigan will be looking for a fresh face to take over punt return duties.

Harbaugh sees pretty much all of the same faces on kick return having a shot to also return punts, with the caveat that there are two incoming freshmen who certainly could make the battle more interesting when they arrive in Ann Arbor.

“In the punt return scheme, obviously not having Donovan will be a new thing for us, and luckily we were able to get some live reps with Ronnie in the past,” Harbaugh said. “Mike Sainristil in the past. That’s something Giles can do, too, which is exciting. Mike Barrett catches the ball extremely well. Blake Corum is punt returner. I don’t know if I mentioned Seldon. And that’s not even excluding the Roman Wilsons and the A.J. Hennings of the world that are still kinda, we’re not sure yet. But those guys are electric. I’m confident they’ll at least be able to compete and push those guys. And if they’re able to get to the point where they can catch it with confidence at some point in the year, those guys can be legit dudes as well.”

[vertical-gallery id=24009]

3 Things to Watch for Against Ohio State

Michigan football takes on Ohio State this week as they look to pull off a huge upset. What are the three main things to focus on?

[jwplayer t9O6cACQ-XNcErKyb]

Michigan is fresh off a 39-14 win over Indiana last week. This week has more substance and grit as they take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the annual rivalry game that the Buckeyes have had control of for the past 15 years, with Michigan getting just one win within that time frame.

Michigan is 9-2 with another chance for a 10 win season once again, as a win would be Harbaugh’s fourth season with at least 10 wins at Michigan. Michigan needs to do everything it can to pull off this upset as the Buckeyes are coming in undefeated and the best version that Harbaugh has ever seen in the past four games. If Michigan wants to ruin anyone’s season, it’s Ohio State’s and their opportunity is right in front of them.

Check out my main three things to watch this week against Ohio State.

1. Is containing Chase Young possible?

Michigan’s offensive line has its biggest challenge this year as they are going up against Ohio State defensive end Chase Young. Young is having a phenomenal year, getting 38 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and one pass deflection. Michigan hasn’t played any defensive ends like Young all year long.

He will bring a challenge to not only the offensive line, but the tight ends and they will need to help the tackles in making sure Young can’t get past them and in the backfield. If Michigan is able to even keep Young somewhat out of the game, that’s a big win for them. He came off his two-game suspension by getting nine total tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Young is out for blood after the suspension and with the Wolverines up next he’s going to want his best game of the season against them. Michigan State was the only team to really quiet Young down this year, holding him to four tackles, one for loss and a half a sack. The Wolverines need to find out what MSU did and do something similar to that in order to keep him on a leash. If Michigan can’t control Young, he will be feasting on them all day long.

2. Michigan’s receivers vs. Ohio State’s secondary

The most interesting battle for this game is the matchup between the Michigan wide receivers and the Ohio State secondary. Ohio State has the number one overall defense and when it comes to their passing defense they are number one in that category as well. They’ve allowed 1,388 yards, six touchdowns, and have 14 interceptions. They allow an average 126.2 yards a game and the completion percentage of opposing quarterbacks is 51.9 percent.

Michigan’s wide receivers might be a problem for the Buckeyes secondary as it could be the best group they’ve matched up with all season long. You have Nico Collins who wins a majority of the 50/50 balls and is a huge deep threat for the Wolverines, Ronnie Bell who can quickly get open and get past the defenders, Donovan Peoples-Jones who can make some tough contested catches, and Tarik Black who can hurt you deep or short.

That isn’t all though. There are three freshman wide receivers who’ve had an impact on the offense. Cornelius Johnson can beat you deep with his speed, or make you miss a tackle or two. Mike Sainristil has been making low catches, high catches, almost everything near his direction he has a chance at catching, and Giles Jackson who could be the fastest offensive player on the team as he can be lined up in the slot, out wide, or even at running back, and run right by everyone.

Ohio State has some cornerbacks that are projected to get drafted in the NFL this year and that will certainly be the toughest secondary the Wolverines have gone up against all season long. Will the receivers still be able to get open? Will the secondary struggle against the depth of the Wolverines? That won’t be decided until the game kicks off.

3. Which Shea Patterson will show up?

Michigan starting quarterback Shea Patterson has had an impressive career in his two years at Michigan. Last year, Patterson struggled in his debut against Notre Dame, but then fixed his mistakes and played well up until Ohio State and Florida in the bowl game.

This year the struggles weren’t just for a game to start the year, on the first play of the season Patterson scrambled and fumbled the football, along with injuring his oblique. Patterson did fine in the first half of the season. Fine though, was just that. He was horrendous when holding onto the football, fumbling six times in the first six games, losing four of them. He was able to pass the ball with some success, but not many passes were thrown deep and he never threw for over 300 yards.

Then once the second half of the season started against Penn State, the first half was tough for Patterson, but in the second half he and the rest of the team found their groove and since then the fumbling issues have subsided. Patterson has fumbled the ball four times, three times against Notre Dame in a downpour. Patterson hasn’t had much fumble issues, when the weather is fine, in the second half of the season. Patterson also started taking shots downfield, using his legs more to run, throwing for over 300 yards in two straight games, and setting new records at Michigan.

So going up against Ohio State, what version of Patterson will we see? The one that could still produce and score for the team, but coughed up the football and gave the defense more chances to win, and wasn’t using his receivers to their full potential? Or will he play like he has since that loss to Penn State, like a man on a mission who has found the answers to the questions he had earlier in the year and has the comfortable playstyle to do what he wants?

This game could define his legacy in Ann Arbor, and with an undefeated record at home, Patterson could leave the Big House for the final time without ever losing in front of the Wolverine fans.

Contact/Follow @WolverinesWire/ @BKnappBlogs

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1361]

Nico Collins explosion showcases Michigan’s multiple weapons in the passing game

Michigan football has figured out the offense the past few weeks, and with today’s performance, their depth at wide receiver is deep.

[jwplayer D9wQpQCg-XNcErKyb]

All the off-season chatter of how explosive the wide receivers would be this season can finally be seen by everyone. The offense was struggling for the first five games of the season when it came to passing the football. Michigan was 4-1 with a close win against Army and got their only loss to Wisconsin. Michigan was coming off their 10-3 win over Iowa and head coach Jim Harbaugh had an interesting comment on the offensive performance in the close win against Iowa.

He said the offense was “hitting its stride.”

Hitting its stride after just putting up 10 measly points against Iowa? In a game where your defense won you the battle? Nobody believed what Harbaugh was saying. Now Harbaugh is laughing at everyone for doubting him.

Michigan would beat Illinois 42-25 in a close game, but the offense saw some explosive play and a pulse in the offense. Next week against Penn State, Michigan did lose 28-21, but the second half of that game has been the starting point of something special as Michigan has been dominant on the offensive side of the football.

Since the comment made by Harbaugh, Michigan has drastically reduced the number of turnovers they have had, with only five total in seven games. Turnovers were a major talking point early on in the season, but since then they have cleaned up their act.

Not only have the turnovers have gotten better, but the offense is putting up yards and they now average 439.5 yards and 38 points per game. How does that happen? Get your wide receivers involved and showcase the offense you hyped up all offseason long.

Today against Indiana, Michigan kept putting their foot on the gas and today’s star receiver was Nico Collins, who finished with six catches for 165 yards and three touchdowns. Last week it was wide receiver Ronnie Bell who blew up for over 100 yards. Wide receiver Giles Jackson has been getting more involved in the offense too, getting a catch for 50 yards today.

You can’t forget about the other stud wide receivers, Donovan Peoples-Jones had a phenomenal snag for a touchdown today, finishing with five catches for 73 yards and the lone score. Tarik Black had three catches for 30 yards and freshman Mike Sainristil had a beauty of a catch for 35 yards.

Michigan has weapons in the passing game and the depth behind the starting three wide receivers is deep. The youngsters have gotten involved in the offense this season and giving quarterback Shea Patterson just more options to throw to when on the field. With these receivers constantly getting some big games, it’s hard for Patterson to share the ball fairly between everyone.

Patterson has seen an increase in his play and part of that is because of the play by these wide receivers. They are creating separation and making big catches when needed. Earlier this season you couldn’t see much separation between them and the defenders. Now they are making the moves to get open, and catching the 50/50 balls and coming down with the grab.

This offense was led behind Patterson once again today and Collins just happened to be the lucky winner by constantly getting open and making plays when needed. All of the hype about “speed in space” from offensive coordinator Josh Gattis is finally showing. It’s here and dealing with some damage to its opponents. Now that Michigan has hit their stride on offense, can it continue into next week?

Contact/Follow @WolverinesWire/ @BKnappBlogs

Michigan football quick film hits: Michigan State

Michigan football defeated Michigan State 44-10 in the battle for the Paul Bunyan trophy. When rewatching what was noticed in the win?

[jwplayer A3qs8Nwq-XNcErKyb]

Coming off their bye week, and the game before Michigan State last week, Michigan defeated Maryland 38-7. This week the extra week of preparation would be huge as the Wolverines dominated the Spartans 44-10 as they win their second-straight against MSU.

The offense woke up as quarterback Shea Patterson threw for over 300 yards for the first time at Michigan as he led the group down the field multiple times throughout the game. The defense gave the MSU offense a tough go at it and even the special teams had some big plays. Check out what I found during my re-watch of the game.

OFFENSE

In the first quarter with 7:17 to go, Michigan got away with three false start penalties as both left tackle Jon Runyan Jr. and right tackle Jalen Mayfield, and tight end Sean McKeon moved before the ball was snapped. Michigan wouldn’t score on the drive, but that could’ve been another early penalty for the Wolverines. Early mistakes gave MSU life and in rivalry games like this, you can’t let simple mistakes happen.
The jet sweep with wide receiver Giles Jackson was a great play call by offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, using Jackson’s speed along with great blocking can open up the field. That was an example of the kind of offense he wants to run at Michigan.
Still not a fan of the wildcat play calls and when they are made. In the second quarter, Michigan runs back to back wildcats inside the five and while they did score on the second attempt, I still don’t get why when you are down and so close to scoring to you risk anything crazy happening in a rivalry game. If they were up by 14+ then the call is safe but inside that five-yard line Patterson can be dangerous with his arm or leg, running a wildcat usually means you run. Maybe one of these times Haskins will pass as a trick, but until it happens it still isn’t a good call this early in the game and in the situation they were in.
Patterson using his legs to get out of the pocket and still get a throw off is huge for this offense. Earlier in the year, Patterson couldn’t do that much with his oblique injury and he rarely ran it on the option plays. Now having him as a threat in those plays, and to escape the pocket and gain yards with his legs instead is huge for this team.
Both catches by wide receiver Mike Sainristil were impressive, as he had to dig deep and catch both before they hit the ground. Great effort and plays by him.
Michigan ran another wildcat play with less than five minutes to go in the first half, again inside the five as it was a loss of three on the play. Tied 7-7 and close to taking the lead it still was a poor decision to call that there.
Something not talked about much in the win was the blocking by the wide receivers on the outside on the screen passes and sweeps. Wide receiver Ronnie Bell didn’t just catch the ball well, he blocked well also as he played lights out in this game.
I like the idea of the trick play with backup quarterback Dylan McCaffrey near the end of the third quarter. Both options were shut down but it was still a nice play call. Up by two scores near the end of the quarter, that is a lot better to call something like that then the wildcats called earlier.
The fumble by wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones on the punt return in the fourth quarter was one a few mistakes made by the Wolverines in this game. That could have set up the Wolverines to possibly score again, but it came at a time where the game was already out of reach so it isn’t as crucial as it would be if it was closer. Still, he needs to clean that up for the future.

Now onto the defense and their performance…

Pages: 12