Michigan Football: 3 keys for Wolverines against Northern Illinois
By Josh LaFond
1. Shut Down the Huskies’ Offense
The Northern Illinois Husky offense will trot into Michigan Stadium with a dynamic offense that averages 32.5 points per game. Dynamic running back Harrison Waylee and the rest of the stable are rushing for nearly 205 yards per game.
As mentioned at the outset, the Huskies have addressed their quarterback needs by bringing in former Michigan State Spartan quarterback Rocky Lombardi.
You don’t have to remind Michigan fans what Rocky Lombardi did the last time he was in The Big House. Lombardi went for 323yds and three touchdowns in that visit.
Granted, that was on a different team, and against a less talented and poorly coached Wolverine team. But the point remains, if Lombardi has done it once, he can do it again.
For Michigan to win, it needs to first shut down Waylee who’s averaging 6.1yds a carry. Stopping the Huskies ground game will be key as it will force Lombardi to beat them through the air. Yes, he did it once before, yes he can do it again. But will he? Probably not.
Making Lombardi beat the Mike McDonald coached Wolverine-D single-handedly is how this game will be a blowout.
Since Rocky was here last, the defensive coaching staff and scheme have improved as has the personnel. This game shouldn’t be close, and it won’t be if the Wolverines stop the run game and get pressure on Lombardi.