Michigan Football: Grading the Offense in 2022

Oct 15, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards (7) is lifted up by offensive lineman Zak Zinter (65) after he rushes for a touchdown in the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards (7) is lifted up by offensive lineman Zak Zinter (65) after he rushes for a touchdown in the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Olusegun Oluwatimi (55) lines up against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half of the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Olusegun Oluwatimi (55) lines up against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half of the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.

Offensive line: A-

I know, I know. This is the Joe Moore award-winning offensive line, how are they only an A-?! Unfortunately, this room didn’t end the year on the strongest note. While elite for the majority of the year, the line really struggled against Ohio State and TCU.

Everyone expected Michigan’s line to dominate TCU’s, but it seemed like the opposite actually happened. While incredibly talented, I do think this line was partially a product of the lack of solid defensive lines in the Big Ten and the obviously generational backfield for Michigan football.

Don’t let the late-season struggles take away from what this line did, however. They punished opponents that they should have, and never had any real lapses until the end of the season. They did look the part of the best offensive line in the nation for the first 11 weeks.

Corum and Edwards don’t combine for 2400 yards if this is the 2016 or 2017 offensive line. Everyone on the line did an excellent job, and there were no real weak spots. The scariest part of this all? It’s possible they could be even better in 2023.

Myles Hinton is a former elite recruit from Stanford, and LaDarius Henderson has the look of a mauler on the line. As crazy as it seems, there is room to grow in 2023. By no means am I guaranteeing it, but the line will still be amazing next year.

The offense as a whole: B+

The offense was very good this past year for the Wolverines. They were able to put up points in a variety of ways, and the offense actually bailed out the defense a couple of times. That’s a wild concept for us Michigan football fans.

I’d like to see more outside or creative runs, along with better pass plays. I really believe that the talent is there for this group to be at an A or even an A+ next season. There’s no reason why this shouldn’t be the best offense in the Big Ten next year.

Go Blue!