Michigan might need to run even more
Fans were kind of bothered last week when the Wolverines only ran the ball twice in the second half against Michigan State.
Some compared it to the 2023 Penn State game. The 2021 Washington game was another big win for the Wolverines where fans complained about the lack of passing yards.
As highly-touted and talented as Underwood clearly is, the offense needs to be focused on the running backs. The 2021 formula is the best way to win games. Protect the quarterback, let Jordan Marshall, and Justice Haynes, if he returns, be the stars. Even get Bryce more involved in the running game.
The 2021 team was great at complementary football. This team struggles in the kicking game, outside of the field goal kicker, sometimes, but thinking specifically about Ohio State, there's a world where a similar game plan feels like it can work.
That can also work the next two weeks, after the bye, on the road. Michigan needs to beat Northwestern and Maryland for the Ohio State game to mean something, beyond what it means to beat Ohio State. Leaning heavily into the run, as Michigan did on the final drive against Purdue, and in the second half against Michigan State, might be the best way to get there.