Scouting Report for the Michigan Wolverines
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Scouting Report for the Michigan Wolverines
Offense
Wants to run the ball, not sure he totally trusts his young Quarterback. Has a pretty good scheme working from Pistol Full House where he will motion one of the backs to gain a numbers advantage - if you spin the safeties to match his motion watch out for the counter away from motion. Likes to formation your defense to gain advantages in blocking surfaces and take advantage with his speedy back or will run right up the middle with his Christian Okoye looking back. Works quite a bit out of 2x2 sets in an attempt to force a 2-high shell and open up the running lanes - you've got to be able to handle the running game with your front or he will be able to take advantage of your adjustment to stop the run with quick passes and counters/misdirection. On the road his quarterback isn't yet at the level that he'd be able to win the game using his arm, stay the course, be patient as you may give up some yards but you'll better be able to manage the score by following this method at this point in his QB's development.
Defense
Runs the 335 defense and has been doing so for years, he knows all the adjustments and plays a smart defense. You can however formation him by using trips sets especially when running the ball, this will help to negate the extra man advantage he gains by running the 335. You're going to see a lot of middle field coverage's, both man and zone, make sure you know how to take advantage of the single high looks. It can be difficult to run against stack fronts in this game even when you have the numbers advantage, between the blitzing nature of the defense and offensive linemen not coming off blocks quick enough this can present problems if you're trying to run from the spread. Watch your protections as he knows the little tricks with this defense to generate pressure, if you get caught outnumbered his linebackers are fast enough to be on top of you in a hurry - keep a back in when you can and slide the protection to nullify the threats.
Special Teams
Everyone knows by now that he uses a "rugby style" punt, it rarely leads to average gains in the return game, play it safe - if you need to stay away from a punt, stay away!
Overall
Michigan is a tough out despite not having the horses just yet - but the foundation has been laid and the Wolverines will soon be atop the national standings.
Oneback pretty much summed it up there. Ran a good bit of hurry up last night and did it well. Mixed plays while running the hurry up. Full house out of the pistol was a favorite of his and ran it just the way oneback said.