Previewing Michigan Football vs Georgia in the Orange Bowl
Michigan’s offense must adapt to defeat Georgia
The Wolverines’ key to offense must be the passing game. Junior quarterback Cade McNamara has not been asked to do much this season, though he has delivered when it counts. For the most part, Michigan has elected to run the football as much as possible to wear down opponents and physically bully their way into a victory. The Bulldog defense, however, will likely not allow that.
Georgia will enter the game with the 2nd-ranked rushing defense, passing defense, and total defense in the country among Power-5 schools. The Bulldogs’ stellar defense is led by defensive tackle Jordan Davis, this year’s Chuck Bednarik Award winner, given to the nation’s defensive player of the year.
The Wolverines sound rushing attack will be of use, but not as effective as it has been throughout the season. Michigan, which boasts the No. 2 rushing attack among Power-5 schools, must lean on Cade McNamara and true freshman J.J. McCarthy. If Michigan football can throw the ball consistently and run the ball when needed, it will be able to control the game’s pace.
The Wolverines receivers will need to boost the Michigan passing attack past the Georgia defense. Being a run-first team, Michigan has not been seen as a threat through the air through the course of the 2021 season. When asked to step up, though, Michigan has been able to deliver in games such as Wisconsin and Penn State.
One major advantage Michigan will use against Georgia is their offensive line. The Wolverine offensive line was honored this season with the Joe Moore Award, an award given to the nation’s top offensive line, and is ranked No. 1 among Power-5 schools in sacks allowed and third in tackles-for-loss allowed. Whichever team controls the line of scrimmage will almost certainly advance to the National Championship, Jan. 10.
In order to expose the gaps in the Bulldog defense, Michigan football will need to pass the ball and run the ball with efficiency in order to overcome one of the toughest defenses they have seen in Jim Harbaugh’s tenure.