Predicting Michigan Football’s final record and more on bye week roundtable
What’s been the most discouraging thing about Michigan’s 7-0 start to the season?
Jared: For me, this is an easy one – linebacker play. I expected a large leap from sophomore Junior Colson that we just haven’t seen yet, although there is still time. The injury to Nikhai Hill-Green has impacted the group substantially, but I expected more still. Depth is a concern and pass coverage is a major weakness that is just waiting to be exposed by a good quarterback.
Josh: The lack of a star wide receiver emerging. We know what Ronnie Bell is: a great complimentary, versatile wideout who can play in the slot, or out wide. But he is not a true #1 star receiver. I was really hoping Cornelius Johnson, or Andrel Anthony would emerge in that role, but it’s been more so a balanced attack through the air. That’s fine, I just have concerns that in a big game when you need to lean on a guy to win 50/50 balls they might not have one who can do that.
Chris: I don’t understand how the staff hasn’t utilized Andrel Anthony more. The guy has tons of talent and a connection with J.J. McCarthy. I’d like to see more shots down the field. I would also like to see more touches for A.J. Henning who is barely part of the offense. Blake Corum makes it tough to do much else than hand it to him, but the play-action passing game needs to be opened up.
Cameron: Yeah, going off what Jared said, the linebacker play for me. Junior Colson is kind of having a down season this year. The NHG injury really hurts, and you just have to wonder whether Michigan’s staff was telling the truth when they said NHG was close to returning. Michigan’s LBs have had a hard time covering the middle of the field this year, and don’t always wrap up and tackle, occasionally letting the opposing running back squirt through and pick up extra yards. Kalel Mullings really shouldn’t even be getting significant snaps right now, but that’s just where the team is at right now. Hopefully, the LB play gets better.