Predicting Michigan Football’s final record and more on bye week roundtable
What is one thing that you would like to see improved during this bye week on offense?
Jared: I think it is obviously the passing game. I think sophomore JJ McCarthy has done an excellent job this season leading the team and doing exactly what has been asked of him. However, his talent is undeniable, and at some point, he is going to need to make some more downfield throws that truly unlock the offense’s potential. The receivers also need to step up in that area by getting some more consistent separation.
Josh: Capitalizing on red-zone trips. Too many times this season (even last week in a blowout win against Penn State) Michigan has failed to put it in the endzone when an opportunity has presented itself. Michigan can’t rely on field goals to beat the Buckeyes and repeat as Big Ten champs. They need to get 6 instead of 3 when they’re inside the 20yd line.
Chris: J.J. McCarthy needs to play better or this team isn’t going to be Ohio State. It’s really as simple as that. He should have thrown two pick-6s against Penn State. He also needs to be better in the red zone. He’s been good and has done what’s needed, but he needs to raise his game over the last five.
Cameron: I would like to see the playcalling get better in the red zone for the offense. Michigan cannot afford to settle for field goals against Ohio State. Michigan always seems to get too conservative or too cute down in the red zone. Enough of Jake Moody for now. Except on PATs and kickoffs. Save him for the playoffs.
What is one thing that you would like to see improved during this bye week on defense?
Jared: I would like to see Eyabi Okie entrench himself as the starting EDGE player opposite of Mike Morris. If Okie can become an every down type of defender like Morris is, then this pass rush, while productive by committee, can reach another gear as well. Okie is the type of player that can push Michigan from Big Ten Champion to National Champion.
Josh: Getting healthy at linebacker. Michigan desperately needs Nikhai Hill-Green to return as the starting MLB. Too many times this season Michigan has needed to lean on Kalel Mullings and freshman Jimmy Rolder. We’ve seen too many mistakes from a guy in Mullings who’s been around the program enough we know who he is, and we’ve seen Rolder (a true freshman) thrust into duty when he isn’t ready this year. Get healthy, get Hill-Green back, and get the linebacker rotation ironed out before a potential title trip to Columbus, Ohio.
Chris: I would like to see more from Junior Colson. I’m not worried about him, just like I’m not overly worried about Andrel Anthony, but if he reaches his potential, this defense could be even better down the stretch.
Cameron: I’d like to see the pass coverage get a little better over the middle, as I kind of mentioned with the linebackers. High-powered offenses will exploit Michigan’s linebackers every day of the week, so it will be important for Michigan to not let tight ends and slot receivers get into the middle of the field and have a field day again and again.