Michigan Football: Wolverines scrimmage, plus a full Big House expected
Taking a look at some of the big headlines surrounding Michigan football on Thursday such as notes from a scrimmage and a sold-out Big House this fall.
The Michigan football season is getting closer and closer. Wednesday, the Wolverines hit the field for a scrimmage as the season-opening game is now just 16 days away.
Chris Balas of The Wolverine (subscription required) has the breakdown of what happened and even talks about freshmen Rod Moore who came up with two interceptions.
Michigan Football ITF EXTRA: Wednesday Scrimmage, Practice Notes - Two Picks for a freshman on defense. Details ... #GoBlue https://t.co/HLgQUqFDLw
— Chris Balas (@Balas_Wolverine) August 19, 2021
However, some players have also been affected by injuries including Junior Colson who Steve Lorenz of the Michigan Insider reported as hurt.
It doesn’t sound like it’s anything serious but it could derail his chances of playing early in the season if he misses an extended period of time. That being said, Nikhai Hill-Green has really been coming on, which has made linebacker depth even better.
The defense was obviously a weakness for the Wolverines a year ago, but Michigan football should be much improved under new defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.
One reason is simply allowing the talent of the best players to shine. According to what Daxton Hill said to MLive.com’s Aaron McMann, players will have more “freedom” to stand out.
"“We just have a lot more calls. Last year, we didn’t really have much (freedom) to show our true talents. Now, I feel like we have more freedom to do whatever we want. Not whatever we want — but we have a lot more tools to pull from. Whether it’s our talents or the coach’s calls. We’ve got a good year going for us.”"
Hill is one player who needs to have a breakout season and if the former five-star defensive back delivers and plays up to his potential, Michigan will be in good shape on defense.
Michigan football expects Big House to be full
While there is still a lot of uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan AD Warde Manuel came out on Thursday and said he expects the Big House to be a full capacity this fall.
“We do not — and I don’t anticipate right now — anything in terms of restrictions or number of fans we can have outside in Michigan Stadium," Michigan AD Warde Manuel told @JonJansen77. https://t.co/XmFhfVG4Nt
— Aaron McMann (@AaronMcMann) August 19, 2021
That’s good news for Michigan football fans and it will be awesome to see 100,00 fans in the Big House when Western Michigan comes calling on Sept. 4.
Next. Game-by-game predictions for 2021. dark
The Wolverines struggled at home last season and didn’t win a game at the Big House. But with it full again in 2021, hopefully, U-M can change that in short order.