Michigan Football: Five questions for Wolverines in The Game

Can Michigan get pressure on CJ Stroud?

We saw how Michigan’s pass rush really affected and threw off Ohio State’s rhythm last year, and it will need to be repeated again this season.

Jesse Minter needs to coach the game of his life, utilizing creative stunts and twists, and blitzes to get CJ Stroud off his spot.

When Stroud has time, he is probably the most accurate QB in college football, but when he is under duress or gets thrown off his spot, he is a below-average quarterback.

I guarantee if Michigan doesn’t get pressure against OSU, they will get burned time and time again.

Outside of the running game needing to be extremely effective, the pressure on Stroud needs to be right up there in terms of importance to a potential victory. Not just pressure though. Sacks have to happen as well.

Hopefully, Mike Morris is healthy enough to play this weekend.

Final Thoughts

For all of the complaints about the passing attack and its ineffectiveness for the past several weeks, I think Michigan’s offense will play well against OSU on Saturday.

Michigan and Ohio State always put up points on each other, so I don’t expect some low-scoring football game on Saturday, and some of the deep shots you’ve seen missed for weeks will be on target for JJ against OSU.

What this game boils down to is Michigan’s ability to make Ohio State play on Michigan’s terms. Michigan has to dictate and control this game at the line of scrimmage throughout.

I think Michigan has been holding some things back on offense just for this game that we haven’t seen on offense at all this season.

How many of those plays will be used against Ohio State, who knows, but I’m confident that Michigan will surprise Ohio State a few times on Saturday with successful trick plays or tendency breakers.

Lastly, Ohio State has all the pressure on them to win this game. There is no pressure on Michigan because they just won last year.

Michigan should be extremely focused, attentive, and fundamentally sound, but relaxed. There’s no reason for Michigan’s players to feel the pressure like Ohio State is feeling right now. Use that to their advantage.

I will offer a score prediction in a follow-up roundtable discussion later this week, but this game should be fun, extremely nerve-wracking, and close.

Hopefully Michigan can get out of Columbus with a win.