Michigan Football: 3 keys for Wolverines to beat Minnesota
By Adam Childs
2. Contain Morgan
This key will help with the first one and that is to contain Tanner Morgan. Outside of Justin Fields at that other school, Morgan is probably the top quarterback in the Big Ten. Keeping him in check is a must if the Wolverines want to win the game.
Morgan had a great year last year, throwing for 3,253 yards and 30 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. He does lose his top receiver in Tyler Johnson who he connected with 86 times last year and 13 touchdowns. But he still has Rashod Bateman who is just as explosive.
Losing their top running back in Rodney Smith could allow the defense to key on the passing attack more, but Morgan has shown he can withstand pressure and still make plays.
The Wolverines have to keep him in check and they can do that by getting pressure on him, but keeping him from escaping the pocket. Morgan isn’t a big runner but can move around and find open receivers. Michigan needs to keep him from having a lot of time to sit in the pocket.
The Wolverines need to make sure he feels uncomfortable and hopefully in turn makes some mistakes. It will be interesting how Morgan adjusts to losing two of his best options, and the Wolverines need to make sure he doesn’t get in an early groove.
If they can get them off the field quickly early, it might make Morgan feel like he has to do more and that plays into the Wolverines’ hands. But if they let Morgan get that rapport back with his offense, then he has the talent to take apart the Michigan defense.