3 things Michigan football needs to achieve against Central Michigan

Michigan football plays Central Michigan on Saturday, and here are three things the Wolverines need to accomplish beyond the win.
Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA;  Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) runs past Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Sammy Omosigho (7) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) runs past Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Sammy Omosigho (7) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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The offensive line needs to dominate

Michigan's offensive line wasn't as good as it needed to be last week. There's no debate about that. However, the scheme, and Oklahoma's plan made things look worse.

Michigan didn't really adjust and it's hard to block seven guys with five or six. Even against New Mexico, the Wolverines got more chunk plays than consistent gains.

Last week, more than half of the rushing yards came on the 76-yard touchdown run from Justice Haynes. Outside of that, Michigan only averaged 2.8 yards per rushing attempt, at least when Haynes and Marshall carried the ball.

That's not going to be good enough. The Chippewas (1-1) are allowing 99 rushing yards per game and four yards per attempt. Pitt had over 400 yards of total offense last week. 126 came on the ground. It's a respectabe run defense.

That being said, Michigan should be able to impose its will on Central Michigan. It will be worrisome if the Wolverines struggle to run the ball again. Jordan Marshall needs to get going. The offensive line could use a game like it had against Northwestern last season. That was a springboard to better things last season, and a dominating effort on Saturday could have a similar impact.