The Michigan Wolverines are coming off a bye week and are getting ready to host the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Big House. The game is set to kick off at 3:30 and airs on CBS. Most of us probably had this game circled ahead of the season, but the narrative heading into the weekend is much different. Both teams are struggling under first-year head coaches, and a win this weekend would certainly improve the mood of each program’s fanbases.
We asked you to submit a question on The Feed in this week’s Michigan Mailbag. Most of the conversation in the bye week has been about starting quarterback and offensive coordinator critiques. Now, we’re wondering about morale and whether Michigan can really get its run game going against the Nittany Lions.
On Michigan’s run game
UMcanuck: Is this the week we get the running game going? Northwestern ran for 400+ against them 2 weeks ago; could that provide a blueprint for us?
Northwestern’s rushing attack isn’t exactly a blueprint for Michigan, but Penn State’s lack of rush defense in general is a good sign for Michigan football, which has struggled to get its run game going. Penn State is allowing an average of 165.8 rush yards per game. Only Rutgers is allowing more rushing yards against in the conference. If there was one thing most of us were sure about ahead of the season, it was that Michigan’s run game was going to be a strength. Instead, the Wolverines are near the bottom, only running for an average of 135 yards per game. If Michigan’s OC Jason Beck can find a way to utilize RB Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter, as well as QB Bryce Underwood’s legs, this could be an opportunity for the Wolverines to move the ball and maybe even cut back on some of the turnovers. That will help build some momentum as the Wolverines prepare for a very difficult stretch of games.
On the state of the team
SonicsAaron: With the Minnesota loss, it seems that morale from the fanbase and players is at a very low point not seen since the Rodriguez years. How can this team psychologically repair itself, or is it too late?
I’d agree that the state of the fanbase is pretty terrible. The expectations for the team after roster improvements and the new coaching staff were extremely high. Upon further reflection, they were not necessarily realistic. While what happens inside the locker room matters more, publicly it looks like things are a little rocky inside the program. Players are making statements about others not buying into the offensive scheme, and we just learned about two transfer players committing to Michigan this week. From the outside looking in, it looks like the team is trying to make some moves, but may not address the things actually holding back the offense.
On the state of the quarterback room
David Lewis 2: With 2 Big Ten games out of 2 in the “L” column and the money games ahead of them, it seems pretty obvious the season is in the can. That being said, why doesn’t Whit look to see what he has in Carr?
I still can’t get past the fact that QB Bryce Underwood was voted a team captain by the players. While I understand that the same thing happened with QB Cade McNamara when QB J.J. McCarthy became the starter, HC Jim Harbaugh was pretty clear from fall camp that McCarthy had a solid chance of starting. Head coach Kyle Whittingham announced this week that he’s sticking with Underwood, so there must be something in him they think they can work with.
Let’s keep the conversation going! Do you have more thoughts? Share them in the comments below.