Michigan Football: Offensive Review vs. Oregon State Beavers

Sep 12, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Derrick Green (27) receives congratulations from teammates after he rushes for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 35-7. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The veteran offensive line had a great game against the Beavers after struggling with the Utes’ defensive front last week.

Oregon State’s defense doesn’t come close to Utah’s, but even considering the change in competition it was a promising look for the Wolverines. In years past the line couldn’t even get a push on bad defenses and it hurt the running game throughout the Brady Hoke years.

This week, they looked like an entirely different unit than what we saw last. Aside from the missed blitz pickup that led to an early fumble, they gave Rudock plenty of time to read his receivers and make the play.

They absolutely shined in the running game, creating massive holes for Smith, Isaac and others to run through. There were few missed assignments and the running lanes looked beautiful.

It was almost bad news for the line as it looked like Ben Braden was injured and being looked at by trainers. Not only did Braden come back, but he had the game of his career. Graham Glasgow looked great as center as well, outside of two false start penalties.

Especially in the second half, the offensive line wore down the Beavers’ defense. Michigan barely even had to pass late in the game as the line pushed the defense completely out of the way to run the clock down. Without this performance, the run game still underwhelms and the game turns out completely differently. I can’t think of the last time Michigan’s blocking was this good against a Power 5 opponent.