5 ways Michigan could redeem itself following disappointing 31-12 loss against Texas in Week 2
After its 31-12 loss to Texas in Week 2, all is far from lost for the Michigan Wolverines. After all, in this era of a 12-team College Football Playoff, even teams with two or three losses aren't out of CFP competition.
However, the Wolverines showed significant issues in their loss to Texas. Here are five things Michigan could do to redeem itself.
Five ways Michigan could redeem itself following loss to Texas
#1 Find a better QB option
Michigan went with Davis Warren against Texas, and, frankly, he got exposed. Warren is exactly who he's advertised to be - a heady former walk-on who will play hard and smart but is not an elite passer.
The problem for Michigan is another answer that isn't obvious. Alex Orji is a good runner, but nobody is confusing him for Joe Montana in passing touch. Jack Tuttle sat the bench, and Indiana has been hurt.
Still, Michigan has to figure out a better player or a way of using the player than what they showed against UT.
#2 Establish Donovan Edwards or go in a different direction
Even though he was coming off a season when he rushed for 497 yards and 4.2 yards per carry, Donovan Edwards was much-hyped as the top running back for UM. He has been been less than impressive. With 19 carries for 68 yards, Edwards might get bypassed by senior Kalel Mullings.
Indeed, Mullings, who has 117 yards on 21 carries, might be the better choice, but the Wolverines need a quality feature back or two.
#3 Find the big play
After two weeks, one admittedly against a top foe, UM has just 17 plays of 10+ yards. That's 17th in the 18 team Big Ten. Honestly, it's probably worse than that - seven teams in the league have doubled UM's rate of 10+ yard plays, including Rutgers and Indiana.
The 10-yard play isn't just a magic threshhold. With one 30+ yard play, Michigan is tied with Minnesota for last in the league. Five league teams have half a dozen such plays. With no feature back and a QB question mark, Michigan has to discovery the big play quickly.
#4 Pass coverage tune-up needed
Speaking of things the Wolverines have to fix, they are dead-last in the Big 10 in pass defense efficiency. Their 6.7 yards per pass allowed is next to worst in the league. Texas didn't really exploit anything unusual here. Their 6.8 yards per attempt is consistent with the 6.5 gained by Fresno State.
There's not one issue here. Michigan has just two picks and allowed 21 passing plays of 10+ yards in two games, which is next to worst in the Big Ten. The 8 20+ yard passes allowed is also 17th in the league. Teams are smart enough to stay away from Will Johnson and the other Michigan DBs have struggled.
#5 Get off the field
Another discouraging stat - 44.4% of opponents third-down tries have been converted. That's again next-to-last in the Big Ten. A year ago, Michigan held foes to 29% on third-down conversion success. Their worst game of the year was 44.4% against Ohio State.
Texas is the issue here, shredding Michigan for 10-of-16 successful third-down tries. The last time Michigan was that bad on third down defense? The 34-11 CFP loss to Georgia in 2021. That's got to change.
What are you seeking from Michigan in weeks ahead? Share your thoughts below in the comments section: