Michigan Football: Offensive Line Review vs Colorado State

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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 03: Cristian Dixon #85 (L) and Olusegun Oluwatimi #58 (R) of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate a TD by Alex Orji #10 (C) during the second half of a college football game against the Colorado State Rams at Michigan Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 51-7 over the Colorado State Rams. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

LG Gio El-Hadi (#58)

Grade: A- // Getting the majority of the snaps after Barnhart’s injury sent Keegan over to left tackle, El-Hadi saw his first significant run on-field, playing the second and third quarters for the Wolverines with the rest of the starters. Overall, a very promising day for the in-state talent, as he looked very good, and giving Sherrone Moore and co. a lot of optimism that he’ll be a quality starter for the Wolverines in due time.

Best Play: Early in the second quarter, the Wolverines ran a stretch to left, with a 3-technique aligned on El-Hadi’s outside shoulder. He immediately gained outside leverage on his first two steps, then used his inside arm to practically toss the defender 3-yards off the ball, making a very easy transition to the linebacker as Oluwatimi overtook the 3-technique, a beautiful outside zone double team coordinated between the youngster and the veteran.

Stats: 2 finishes, 0 pressures, 0 sacks allowed

C Olusegun Oluwatimi (#55)

Grade: A+ // The Virginia transfer made his first official start for Michigan football, and the All-American certainly lived up to his billing. Oluwatimi was a force for the Wolverines, moving defenders off the ball and getting out in space and kicking out edge players. He excelled in all facets of the game, and nearly every thing asked of him he did at a high level. Oluwatimi was easily the best offensive lineman the Wolverines put on this field in this game.

Best Play: Hard to pick just one for the standout center. However, we will ultimately settle on one from the 2nd quarter that was not overly flashy, but indicative of simply how good Oluwatimi was. On 2nd and 5, the Wolverines ran inside zone to the left, but with the 2i on El-Hadi’s inside shoulder slanting inside immediately, Oluwatimi was forced to dig him out by himself. Edwards ultimately hit a backside hole (to the right), but Oluwatimi did a fantastic job securing the defender, getting his shoulders turned and working him out to create a hole to the left had Edwards needed it. Very technical sound operation from Oluwatimi on what is usually a challenging block that can lead to TFLs with lesser centers. However, Oluwatimi turned it into a routine play.

Stats: 2 finishes, 0 pressures, 0 sacks allowed

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