How the Michigan football offensive line affects the range of success in 2024
If Alex Orji gets the starting nod for week one, the dual-threat quarterback understands the responsibility of getting Michigan football back to the playoffs.
The offensive line also understands a change in technique occurs while blocking for a mobile quarterback. Running the ball more while playing in a run-heavy scheme allows the offense to control the time of possession in the game. Controlling the clock on offense gives the defense a chance to rest on the sideline. Because Orji is refining his passing mechanics while improving his accuracy from the pocket, the coaching staff will tailor the offense to highlight his strengths.
Adding Donovan Edwards to this equation gives Michigan football a dynamic rushing attack. The only drawback to this situation in 2024 is the offensive line lost starters from last year's team.
Michigan football offensive line has to reload
Myles Hinton will have to step up and continue to lead this position group all season long. Greg Crippen displays many elite attributes but has to show consistency each week throughout the 2024 season. Josh Preibe comes in as a transfer from Northwestern; he brings senior leadership and experience from earning 29 starts along the offensive line.
A positive for this position group is the coaching staff. This staff engineered All-Big Ten players in the last three seasons. The Joe Moore Award goes to the team with the best offensive line. The Michigan football team won this award in 2021 and 2022.
Employing a staff with that pedigree of coaching experience can turn problems into solutions. They can cultivate players who are inexperienced and turn them into a unit of cohesion, taking average players and making them All-Americans. Even within a run-heavy offense, the team must maintain a balance of play-calling this season. Opposing defenses will place eight defenders in the box to stop a team's rushing success. The Wolverines must throw the ball to counter an eight-man front and expose single-man coverage.
feed
The Michigan football team has an elite defense. The offense will have to score points to manufacture wins this season. There are new pieces in play along the offensive line. Once the season starts and the line gels from individuals into one unit working together, good things will happen in 2024.