Michigan’s run game may be arriving at just the right time, but the next stop is anything but forgiving.
After a second half last Saturday that gave the Wolverines a real jolt on the ground, running backs coach Tony Alford sounded encouraged this week by what he’s seeing from the backfield. Michigan has spent much of the season fighting through penalties, turnovers and too many snaps stuck behind the chains, which made it hard for the run game to ever settle in. A shift toward more downhill running and zone looks helped loosen things up, and Alford said the unit finally started to breathe.
"It was good in the second half," Alford said. "There were some good points pop open for us. I feel it's getting better."
The biggest burst came from Bryson Kuzdzal, whose touchdown run turned into an immediate lift for the sideline. Alford pointed to Jordan Marshall as the group’s most trusted pass protector and a rugged interior runner, but Kuzdzal brings a different kind of threat entirely. His speed changes the geometry of a defense in a hurry.
"Kuz is faster," Alford grinned. "I'm telling you, he's the fastest guy in the room."
Freshman Savion Hiter is still adjusting to the pace of the college game, especially when it comes to the timing required on option mesh points and the soft pockets with the quarterback. Those reads can be a jarring transition for young backs learning to operate at full speed, and Alford said Michigan has made practice tweaks to help simulate those situations with live bodies. He also said Hiter and Marshall are both getting closer to 100 percent health after dealing with early-season bumps.
Now comes a much tougher measuring stick. Michigan is headed into a matchup with an Indiana defense that leads the Big Ten in early-down run defense, and the Hoosiers’ front seven is at the center of it. Alford singled out the interior duo of Tucker and Landino as especially difficult to deal with and praised the staff around them as well.
"First of all, those two interior guys they have in there, Tucker and Landino, are really good players," Alford noted. "Dynamic players, strong, big. Coach Cignetti has put together an amazing staff... so we'll have our work cut out for us, definitely."
Alford also mentioned quarterback Tommy Carr as another factor in the run game, especially when he pulls the ball and takes off. Carr’s composure and deceptive quickness give the offense another wrinkle as Michigan tries to build on the progress it showed last weekend.
In Other News...
Michigan Still Has One Big Lineup Concern Ahead Of Indiana
Michigans third availability report for its upcoming game against Indiana brought no new changes, but it did reinforce the same concern that has been hanging over the week: the offensive line is still not where the Wolverines want it to be. Several players remain listed across the out, questionable and probable categories, leaving the front five as the biggest area to watch heading into the matchup.
There was at least a bit of encouraging news elsewhere on the injury front, with Kyle Whittingham saying safety Rod Moores issue is minor and not expected to keep him out long. Offensive tackle Andrew Babalola also appears to be nearing a return, which would help, but Michigan is still waiting for the line to look settled before kicking off against Indiana. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Fans Wont Believe The Flag That Helped Indiana Score
A controversial roughing-the-passer flag on Michigan freshman Tariq Boney became one of the early turning points in the game between No. 6 Indiana and Michigan, handing the Hoosiers 15 yards and a fresh set of downs after contact with quarterback Josh Hoover. The penalty kept Indiana's drive alive and helped it build an early lead, turning what looked like a routine defensive play into an immediate source of frustration for the Wolverines sideline and their fans.
Fox analyst Joel Klatt didnt hide his displeasure with the ruling as the game unfolded, calling out the officiating on air in real time. And with roughing calls already drawing attention in recent games, the flag fit neatly into a bigger conversation about how these plays are being judged, even if Michigan had little choice but to move on and keep playing. [Read more 🡒]
Michigans Red Zone Frustration Just Put Jason Beck Under Fire
Michigans 13-6 loss to No. 6 Indiana was the kind of game that left the offense searching for answers on both sides of the ball. The Wolverines managed only 224 total yards, never found much rhythm on the ground, and had too many empty trips after moving the ball far enough to at least threaten. Kicker Trey Butkowski also missed two kicks, which only added to a night when Michigan couldnt afford to waste chances.
The pressure now turns toward offensive coordinator Jason Beck after a questionable play call drew attention from Kyle Whittingham, who said he took responsibility for the decision and its impact on the game. For a Michigan team that needs cleaner execution and better protection of possession moving forward, the margin for error is getting thinner. The next few games will show whether this was a one-off misstep or a sign the offense still has work to do before it can be trusted in tight spots. [Read more 🡒]