Michigan Football: Offensive Line Review vs Colorado State

RG Zak Zinter (#65)

Grade: A- // A very solid day for the multiyear starter out of Massachusetts. Zinter is a force going forward and downhill, as he was too strong for the CSU defensive line at the point of attack. Really only a few negatives for Zinter in this one keeping him from an A, most of which came when asked to pull. He surrendered a TFL after missing his LB assignment on a pull late in the first quarter, but otherwise, played a nearly flawless game for the Wolverines, including a very nice kickout on Corum’s second quarter touchdown run to redeem his pulling a bit.

Best Play: In the second quarter, the Wolverines ran a duo with Donovan Edwards right behind Zinter. With an interior DT aligned as a 1-technique on Oluwatimi’s inside shoulder, Zinter stepped in to double team with Oluwatimi, uprooting the 1-technique. The most impressive part, however, came next, as Zinter quickly transitioned to the next level to get ahold of the linebacker, making excellent contact and finishing him into the ground as the Wolverines simply bulldozed the Rams front for a solid gain.

Stats: 2 finishes, 0 pressures, 0 sacks allowed, 1 TFL allowed

RT Trente Jones (#53)

Grade: B- // Provided that Hayes’ return does kick Keegan back inside to guard, Jones will likely be the weak spot for the Wolverines as he gets adjusted. His first start was overall fairly solid, but quite up and down. Jones was fantastic in the run game, rooting out defensive linemen, generating movement at the point of attack, and working in space nicely. However, his pass protection left a lot to be desired, frequently lunging to make contact and getting out over his toes too much. For example, on the lone sack surrendered by the Wolverines, Jones softened his outside shoulder as he lunged to make contact with the defender, who simply defeated the outside arm and sacked McNamara.

Best Play: On Michigan’s opening play of the second drive of the game, Jones was the wrap (second) puller. Oluwatimi kicks out the defensive end, and Jones navigates the hole well and finds the linebacker. Though his angle is slightly off, Jones delivers a forceful blow to the linebacker, who is now unable to make the tackle on Blake Corum, allowing the Wolverines back to scamper on by for a first-down and a finish for Jones as the LB goes to the ground. Jones also had a very nice play that got some love from RGIII (analyst) on the broadcast for making strong contact with the LB at the second level to open up a big gap for Corum.

Stats: 3 finishes, 1 pressures, 1 sack allowed

Others Who Played

LT Karsen Barnhart (#52) – As mentioned, Barnhart originally started this game at left tackle while Ryan Hayes was held out for precautionary reasons. Barnhart had a very solid game prior to suffering a sprained ankle that forced him off the field. Good showing in the first quarter for him nonetheless. He certainly looked like a starting caliber offensive lineman that Michigan has the luxury of using as a utility OL6. Barnhart was on track to grade around a B+/A- range grade prior to his injury.

Given the blowout win, the Wolverines played a handful of backups in this one as well. We are not grading these snaps, but simply to note some players who saw time:

• LT Jeffrey Persi 
• C Greg Crippen
• G Reece Atteberry

Both Gio El-Hadi and Trente Jones were on the second offensive line with these three, with El-Hadi traditionally being on the second unit, and Jones remaining in due to the injury to Karsen Barnhart and the need to get more reps for Jones before bigger opponents. Crippen and Atteberry had a nice double team together, with Crippen also holding up very nicely in pass protection, as did Persi. Atteberry also had a very nice kick-out block on a Tavierre Dunlap first down run in the fourth quarter. A solid showing and good experience for the backups.