Michigan is hoping to come out of the bye week with a strong win over a struggling Penn State team, especially with the reigning National Champion Indiana Hoosiers coming to town next week. However, the Wolverines need to get through the Nittany Lions first, but the Thursday availability report is causing some concerns.
Typically, the bye week is used to rest and get as healthy as possible, but somehow, Michigan has more guys on the injury report this week than they did in the first five games of the season. The biggest concern is the number of offensive linemen who have popped up, including key players like Jake Guarnera and Brady Norton.
So far, here is where the report stands as of Thursday night:
Out
- WR Braydon Alford
- RB Micah Ka'apana
- DE Julius Holly
- OL Ace Hamilton
- OL Andrew Sprague
Doubtful
- WR Kendrick Bell
Questionable
- DE Dom Nichols
- LB Aisea Moa
- OL Jake Guarnera
- OL Andrew Babalola
- OL Brady Norton
- DE John Henry Daley
Probable
- WR Andrew Marsh
- OL Nathan Efobi
So, what would have happened if Michigan did play a game this past weekend?
Offensive line injuries continue to pile up for the Wolverines
If the offensive line wasn't already a big enough concern, seeing three linemen as questionable on the injury report makes it even worse. The only lineman who is a relief to see as questionable and not out or doubtful is Andrew Babalola, who has been working back from his ACL tear from last season. Babalola looked ready to go in fall camp, but suffered a setback that kept him out the first five games.
It is a relief to see Babalola coming back, especially with the news of Andrew Sprague being out for quite a few weeks and an unknown timeline for his return. However, seeing Guarnera and Norton listed as questionable is huge, especially since they have been the anchor of this struggling line all season.
Guarnera was one of the only known starters coming into the season, moving to the center position during spring ball. If he can't go against Penn State, it will most likely be Blake Frazier who moves into his position, who has moved all around the line in his time in Ann Arbor, or it could be backup center Houston Ka'aha'aina-Torres, who hasn't played much except on special teams this season.
Norton has been Michigan's starting right guard in each game this season, so Frazier could also fill in there if Norton can't go against the Nittany Lions. At this point, it feels like fans will never get to see a fully healthy Michigan offensive line this season, given the number of injuries it has sustained.
Plenty of times this season, guys have popped up as questionable on the injury report and still played; just look at Dom Nichols and John Henry Daley. Both guys have been questionable the last three games and still played full-out each time.
Hopefully, the linemen can be ready to go against a Penn State defense that has struggled this season. This could be the game to help the offensive line build confidence, especially with the tough schedule they still have in front of them.
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