Michigan Football: 3 Reasons Wolverines will beat Maryland
By Josh LaFond
Breaking down three reasons why Michigan football will beat Maryland in the Wolverines Big Ten opener on Saturday.
Through the first three weeks we have learned a lot about this Michigan football team, and at the same time, nothing at all.
The first three wins were great to see. Doing exactly what they were supposed to do: dominate those inferior opponents. And the Wolverines did just that, outscoring Colorado State, Hawaii, and UConn by a combined 149 points.
But I mentioned that despite all this, we really have learned nothing at all. Why do I say that?
Because those first three wins really mean nothing going forward.
There has been no real test thus far that could expose weaknesses on either side of the ball. This week’s game against Maryland will be the first test that could do just that.
And looking ahead to Saturday, here are three reasons why we think Michigan football will win its first conference game of the season
Elite pass defense
Even if you’re not a die-hard Maryland fan, you likely know what kind of offense head coach Mike Locksley has run during his tenure there thus far. An up-tempo, pass-happy, spread-based offense.
This is evidenced by the fact Taulia Tagovailoa averages just north of 30 pass attempts per game.
And if you were to think of Michigan’s biggest strength on defense? The secondary — in particular the pass defense — is what likely comes to mind.
Strength meets strength this week.
Ranking #3 overall in the nation in passing defense, the Wolverines are allowing only 91.3 yards per game. Even more impressive is the stat of 3.56 yards allowed per attempt.
Why is that important?
Because if opposing defenses are having to throw it that short every attempt, that means there’s nothing open downfield. Not even downfield for that matter. That means there’s nothing open intermediate either.
Maryland feasts off of chunk plays and big plays down the field. So the fact that Michigan’s pass defense is built to stop a team like them, is why it’s our first reason the Wolverines win Saturday.