5 mistakes Michigan should avoid in Week 3 game against Arkansas State
After a difficult Week 2 loss to Texas, Michigan should get a much easier test in Week 3. The No. 17-ranked Wolverines (1-1) face the Arkansas State Red Wolves (2-0) on Saturday in what should be a comfortable nonconference matchup. Coach Sherrone Moore's Michigan, the defending college football champion, is favored by 23 points.
But here's what the Wolverines need to not do in Week 3.
5 mistakes Michigan should avoid in Week 3 game against Arkansas State
#1. Sitting pat at QB
Quarterback Davis Warren is a competent game manager. Michigan can give him all the snaps and watch a safe and easy win over Arkansas State. Or the school can use the relatively easy opponent as a chance to try out a few different wrinkles.
Could the Wolverines give Alex Orji and/or Jack Tuttle some snaps? Work on a package where Warren and Orji play together? Give freshman Jaydn Davis a shot (remember that redshirts don't burn automatically until a player sees action in four games)?
The one thing Michigan probably shouldn't do is just play it safe and not learn anything. Even if Warren is the long-term option, this is a chance to see some different possibilities.
#2. Splitting carries
On the other hand, this game seems like a chance to make a decision about the running back position. Donovan Edwards entered 2024 with the preseason hype and the big history. But he also has just 68 yards on 19 carries so far. Kalel Mullings is the guy who has played better, with 117 yards on 21 carries.
Michigan should use this game to give one (or both) 20 carries or so and see who is the best feature back. Particularly with a limited passing game, UM needs to find a big-time back and settle on him sooner rather than later.
#3. Forget about Jyaire Hill
If there's a key player on Michigan's roster right now, it's probably freshman cornerback Jyaire Hill. He plays opposite Will Johnson, which alone should make him a busy man. But Texas took Hill apart. Defensive backs have to be, to steal from "Ted Lasso," like goldfish.
Hill is young enough that UM needs to essentially send him back out with a chance to build some confidence. The Big Ten schedule behind will be brutal enough.
#4. Keep it vanilla on defense
Granted, aside from Hill's mini-crisis of confidence, the secondary had a bad week anyway. The last thing Michigan needs to do is just play vanilla and cruise to victory. While keeping Hill involved is key, so is mixing things up with the front seven to create some havoc. The Wolverines have good athletes up front, and they need to be prepared to be a bit creative in their use.
#5. Neglect special teams
Possibly the biggest weapon that has emerged from the season's first two weeks has been kicker Dominic Zvada. He's already connected on three 50-yard field goals and has yet to miss a kick. Meanwhile, punter Tommy Doman hasn't been great, and the return game has yet to yield any big plays. Special teams can be special for UM if the team doesn't neglect them this week.
What do you want to see from the Wolverines in Week 3? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!