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College Football

Michigan football: What to expect from the Wolverines in final 2 games

Adam Biggers

By Adam Biggers

Published:

Two games stand between Michigan and another outright Big Ten championship.

If the No. 3-ranked Wolverines win out the remainder of their regular-season schedule, they’ll have back-to-back, outright B1G titles for the first time since 1991-92 under coach Gary Moeller.

After blowing out Nebraska, 34-3, this past Saturday in Ann Arbor, UM continues its push toward national prominence. Illinois, which was once sturdy and formidable, looks like another victory for the Wolverines. As for the finale in Columbus, well, that one still looks like it could go either way — but Michigan certainly isn’t a massive underdog like in years past.

At 10-0 for the first time under coach Jim Harbaugh, and for the first time since 2006, the Wolverines are cruising along.

“It’s a mission, but it’s a happy mission. Not one that has any anxiety or any anger or any kind of fear to it,” Harbaugh said, per Bleacher Report. “It’s a happy ride.”

Quarterback play will always be at the top of the list for Michigan, so we’re not going to spend time on that aspect in this piece. Defense and injuries will be the focal point for this forecast of Michigan’s final 2 regular-season games.

Defense keeps defending

Michigan surrendered just 3 points Saturday to the Huskers, who, like all of the past 4 opponents, were blanked in the fourth quarter. The emergence of DE Mike Morris was expected; however, the edge rusher has almost exceeded expectations. Onlookers knew he’d be a key piece to Michigan’s No. 1-ranked total defense, but not many expected that he’d become one of the top pass-rushers in the country.

The upwardly trending Wolverines’ defense has more than Morris, though. Mazi Smith, one of the nation’s top interior D-linemen, has always been a focal point. Linebacker Junior Colson, who now has a pair of sacks on the year, is merely steps away from becoming a nationally recognized star at his position. In 2021, he was named to the Freshman All-America team. This year, he’s 1 of 8 Wolverines with at least 2 sacks.

“They get a lot of attention inside our program. Just really, really doing a great job. All the positions are playing really well. The linebackers, the interior defensive line are having a great season. … Just doing so good,” Harbaugh said of his defense following the win over Nebraska, per 247Sports. “The edge guys, I mean, they just keep coming. So many really good players doing a great job. They’re being really well coached. … Just can’t say enough really good things. And how they’re running to the ball. Team defense. It’s been great. Keep her going.”

Injury bug in Ann Arbor?

Running back/slot/do-all Donovan Edwards is banged up in some capacity. Harbaugh, who is usually tightlipped when it comes to injury status, offered his patented response when asked about the star sophomore utility man, saying “no, I won’t have an update right now.”

Tight end Luke Schoonmaker is dealing with a knee issue suffered during Michigan’s romping of Rutgers. He was likely held out Saturday vs. Nebraska as a precaution.

However, if two of Michigan’s top playmakers end up having extended stays on the sidelines, well, things may not end up running as smoothly as desired for the Wolverines, who’ve heavily relied on the legs of Blake Corum throughout the first 10 games.

Michigan has seen a few others go down with bumps and bruises, including RT Trente Jones and, one week ago, LT Ryan Hayes.

At this point of the season, staying on the right side of healthy is the name of the game for Michigan. Roman Wilson and Hayes have returned. Jaylen Harrell played 22 snaps vs. Nebraska. However, Makari Paige did not see the field and neither did fellow DB Ja’Den McBurrows.

Corum running toward Heisman?

Yes, Michigan has one of the frontrunners for the Heisman. If you ask Fox analyst Robert Griffin III — or RG3, as he’s commonly known — Michigan has THE frontrunner for the stiff-armed trophy. If anyone recognizes Heisman-level talent, it’s RG3, who won the trophy while starring as QB at Baylor.

Despite a so-so game vs. Nebraska (if we can even call it that), Corum still had 162 yards and a rushing touchdown. He had a nice run to add to his highlight reel and even threw a wonderful block for QB JJ McCarthy, who scored a 2-yard rushing TD in the third quarter vs. the Huskers.

Illinois once had the No. 1-ranked rushing defense and still stands at No. 7, allowing roughly 84 yards per game, so running through the Illini might not be a given for Corum, who has rushed for more than 100 yards in 7 straight games. He hasn’t been held to fewer than 100 since Michigan’s blowout win over Connecticut (Sept. 17) — that’s 2 full months of 100-plus efforts for Corum, who put up a career-high 243 vs. Maryland, starting an incredible streak and putting him squarely in the Heisman conversation.

Ohio State has a stout run defense as well, coming in at No. 18 in the nation.

Corum will face a challenge, but he’s answered the call every week — so expect him to continue his run through the Big Ten. Already with 17 rushing touchdowns on the year, there is a good chance he’ll hit 20 by the end of the year — if not a few more.

Last week, Harbaugh publicly stated that Corum is Heisman-worthy and the best RB he’s ever coached.

He’s definitely having an MVP season for Michigan. It’d be hard to imagine that he wouldn’t win the Heisman Trophy, Harbaugh said, per 247Sports. “Leading in touchdowns. Leading in points scored. Consistently really good, every game. There’s been quite a few backs who’ve won the Heisman trophy, and I would bet my truck that Blake Corum is on pace or ahead of many of those running backs that have won that Heisman trophy.

“I know. I had a great running back at Stanford, Toby Gerhart, who finished second. Blake has meant even more to this 2022 team than Toby did that season. There I go making a comparison, which I should never do. Two great players. It’s like trying to compare … I always try to stay away from that. [laughs]”

Adam Biggers

Adam Biggers brings his expertise on the Michigan beat to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @AdamBiggers81.