The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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10 THE WOLVERINE ❱ DECEMBER 2023 ❱ INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS Michigan running backs coach Mike Hart has done an outstanding job with the backs since he arrived at U-M two years ago. Though his group hasn't been as explosive this year, it's clear teams have been try- ing to keep the Wolverine backs from hurt- ing them as much. Hart addresses that and more in this Q & A. The Wolverine: Why haven't you been able to run the ball as well this year after dominating the last two years? Mike Hart: "If you watch the Purdue game [a 41-13 Michigan win], the box is loaded every snap. That's the way they play those. How do you beat those teams? You throw the ball. And we've had some teams like that that we played against. "But I think when given those opportuni- ties, [junior] Donovan [Edwards] has made guys miss. But I don't think Donovan's really had a chance to make a safety miss yet this year. So, hopefully, we get there." The Wolverine: How often have you seen those stacked boxes this year? Hart: "I think teams are playing us a little bit differently this year. When you're loading the box, when you're getting hit at the line of scrimmage, it's hard to make some guys miss at the second level. I just don't think we've had as many opportunities for those missed tackles. And teams are blitzing us differently, loading the box on us. That's why we're throwing the ball and the receivers are having a great year right now." The Wolverine: How much of the struggles in the run game are the result of the running backs not doing what they need to do? Hart "There were a couple of big plays to be had out there [against Purdue], whether it was a missed cut or a missed block, or there wasn't a missed block, but we just went the wrong way instead of continuing on the track. So, to me, we left yards on the field. There's no doubt. I think you always feel like you leave more yards on the field. But the way they ran, the physicality of the offensive line, the effort … I loved it." The Wolverine: What makes you opti- mistic that these guys can turn it around and get the running game going down the stretch? Hart: "[They know] they're only going to have so many chances to make the plays. We just have to take advantage of those opportunities. But the effort, the passion [is there] … you know what I mean? All those things are there. So … you're close." The Wolverine: You've been splitting reps with three backs. How hard is it to establish a rhythm like that? Hart: "When you get in, you run the ball. It's the same way you practice. You rotate two reps, two reps, two reps. You don't get 10 reps in a row in practice. "So, how to run the ball? You're a run- ning back, so you shouldn't have to have 10 snaps to finally say, 'Oh, my 11th carry, I'm going to be able to know what to do.' I've never really been a firm believer that you have to get in that rhythm. No … get the ball and run." — Chris Balas ❱ Sitting Down With Michigan Running Backs Coach Mike Hart Hart acknowledged that opposing teams have loaded the box to limit the U-M run game this season, but he still loves the effort and passion of his running backs group. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN The extra work the Michigan defense has put in is paying off. The Wolverines say they've spent time before, during and after practice stress- ing the need to capitalize on tips and overthrows and jar the ball loose from ball carriers. Through the first 10 games this season, those efforts amounted to 12 interceptions and 4 recoveries on 6 forced fumbles. That's a noticeable, significant improvement from last season, when U-M ranked dead last in the country with only 2 fumbles forced and had 14 interceptions in as many games. In 2022, only one of those 14 picks was returned for a touchdown. Michigan returned most of its production from a year ago and was able to work on some finer details of the defense this offseason, including setting up blocks for interception returns. "A huge, huge emphasis was after you get an interception, then what happens?" defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. "Our ability to score with the ball is some- thing that you have to practice. You can't just assume somebody intercepts the ball and all the other guys know what to do." Michigan had 4 interceptions — one-third of its total — returned for touchdowns in 10 outings, including two from graduate defensive back Mike Sainristil (Rutgers, Michigan State) and one each from sophomore cornerback Will Johnson (Minne- sota) and sophomore safety Keon Sabb (Minnesota). That ties the program record set in 1998 and matched in 2018. The Maize and Blue had just 2 interceptions returned for scores in the previous four seasons. U-M is averaging 26.6 yards per interception return. Turnovers are key for every team. Every coaching staff in the country preaches the importance of creating them, including Michigan's over the years. This season, though, the Wolverines have been able to execute. Here's a breakdown of Michigan's forced turnovers by season under ninth-year head coach Jim Harbaugh: Season Games INT FR TOs Pick Sixes 2023* 10 12 4 16 4 2022 14 14 4 18 1 2021 14 8 8 16 1 2020 6 2 1 3 0 2019 13 9 11 20 0 2018 13 11 6 17 4 2017 13 10 7 17 2 2016 13 13 6 19 3 2015 13 10 2 12 1 *Heading into the Maryland game Nov. 18 — Clayton Sayfie MICHIGAN DEFENSE IS FORCING TAKEAWAYS AND CASHING IN WITH SCORES