Michigan Football: Can Wolverines Still Make the Playoffs?
Michigan football was dealt a tough blow last week against #2 Texas, getting blown out 31-12 in a game where Texas really didn't try in the second half. It was an absolute embarrassment from the top to the bottom. Michigan's offense couldn't move the ball and kept shooting itself in the foot, while the defense consistently got destroyed on third down and failed to adjust.
That game has a lot of fans questioning the potential of this team. With tough games against USC and Washington over the next few weeks, the Wolverines are approaching an early inflection point. The Wolverines will almost certainly be underdogs against the Trojans, and playing at Washington will be a brutal environment.
To reestablish themselves as a true playoff contender, Michigan needs to get to 7-1, setting up a showdown against Oregon on November 2nd. But can they do it? I think so, but it'll take a lot.
The Wolverines got off to a solid start with a win over Arkansas State. Here are the two biggest things, in my opinion, Michigan football needs to do to become a playoff team.
Improve the offensive line
Michigan's offensive line has been abysmal thus far. They got beat against Fresno State and got manhandled against Texas. Davis Warren has been the recipient of a lot of blame, yet he's had little to no time to go through progressions and make throws. He's consistently under pressure. With an inexperienced quarterback, the most important thing is making him feel comfortable. Michigan has failed in that aspect. Honestly, I'm not sure that JJ would've had much success with the pressure Warren's been under.
Adding on to that, Michigan football hasn't been able to establish the run because the blocks haven't been there consistently enough. And when the run, which is THE staple of Michigan football, isn't working, the Wolverines are in trouble. This team doesn't have the stars to be a pass-heavy team. They need to be able to run the ball and they were better at that Saturday.
I trust that Sherrone Moore and Grant Newsome can make this line better, but they need to do it quickly.