Dominate the run game
Running the football is going to be extremely important in these next two games for Michigan football, but when I say dominate the run game — I mean on defense too.
Maryland has Taulia Tagovailoa — one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten. But last season, when the Terps gave Michigan football a scare, Roman Hemby and the running game were a big reason why.
If the Terps, with Josh Gattis as the offensive coordinator, can establish the ground game, it will make life a lot easier for Tagovailoa. If Michigan can force Maryland to be one-dimensional, the Wolverines can do more things to try and confuse Tagovailoa which won’t be easy.
Tagovailoa and Maryland, which has four receivers with more than 400 receiving yards, will be a good test before the Ohio State. But good defense always starts with stopping the run which is another key for the Wolverines, along with limiting the Terps on the ground.