The start to the Michigan football season has been a little disappointing.
Things haven't gone exactly as planned. When Kyle Whittingham was hired, he was viewed as the adult in the room. With his track record of success, it felt like he would take a talented Michigan program to the next level right away.
The Wolverines are 3-1, but it hasn't really happened the way it was supposed to. Michigan was fortunate win over Western Michigan. It took a Hail Mary as a 28-point favorite, even though that line was always off.
Michigan beat Oklahoma, but lost a game to Iowa it should have won. Mistakes have been an issue, and some things haven't been as good as expected, such as the offensive line.
Jim Harding, the offensive line coach Whittingham brought with him from Utah is one of the best in the business. But it has taken time for the offensive line to find its form. At times, it has looked worse than last season.
Harding addressed that on Wednesday, saying that the offensive line is not where it needs to be.
“Truthfully, it’s not where I want it to be and not where it can be, and that’s on me… I think there was more surge at the line of scrimmage (against Iowa), but it’s nowhere where it needs to be or are we," Harding said.
Michigan football offensive line needs to travel well for Week 5
It feels like the offensive line is looming large this week. Bryce Underwood has clearly taken a step forward. The Iowa game was his best game. Yet, the young quarterback could be without star receiver Andrew Marsh who is questionable.
That would put more of an emphasis on running the ball. Beyond that, on the ground, pass protection will be critical. When Underwood has had a clean pocket, he's been accurate and on time.
Michigan's running game is what really needs to take off. The Wolverines rushed for over 150 against Iowa and Oklahoma, two very good defenses. However, the offense is averaging just 149 rushing yards per game and four yards per attempt.
Both of those numbers need to drastically improve. The running backs have to play better, too. They need to do a better job of finding the creases, when they are created.
It's been a work in progress. Last week, the O-line got more movement against Iowa. That was good to see. In a must-win game against Minnesota, it would be great to see the offensive line impose its will. The Gophers only allow 3.2 yards per attempt, though, so it won't be easy.
That's one thing we haven't seen from the Michigan football team yet this season, and it's something we will need to see if Whittingham's squad is going to be a factor in the Big Ten title race.
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