Michigan Football: 3 things you need to know about Western Michigan

Western Michigan’s defensive line will be undersized against Michigan

Western Michigan’s defense is built around speed. The Broncos run a 4-3 defense as their base, which molds to a 4-2-5 when AJ Thomas drops to play a hybrid linebacker/safety role. Western Michigan’s defensive line uses its speed and quickness to disrupt its opponents. The Broncos ranked 5th nationally in tackles for loss per game and tied for 13th in sacks per game.

Defensive end Ali Fayad and nose tackle Ralph Holley give the Broncos a good duo to build around upfront and they are two of the best players on the defense overall. However, Fayad is 6-foot-2 and about 255 pounds. Ralph Holley is 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds. Only three defensive linemen on the Broncos roster are over 300 pounds.

Among Michigan’s projected starters on the offensive line, the “smallest” one is Andrew Vastardis at 6-foot-4 295 pounds. All of the other starters are in the range of 6-foot-5 to 6-foot-6 and around 320 pounds.

Michigan football’s offensive line will have a huge size advantage going against Western Michigan’s defensive line. However Michigan’s offensive line is not only big, it is also athletic, especially left tackle Ryan Hayes.

I think Michigan’s offensive line will be the difference in this game. The offensive line should generate some big holes for Hassan Haskins, Blake Corum, and Donovan Edwards to run through.

The Broncos are good at generating pressure, Cade McNamara should have a clean pocket if the offensive line plays the way I project. That will allow for longer developing routes and set up big plays in the passing game.

Michigan’s offensive line will help it generate more explosive plays and set up long and sustaining drives.