The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1526802
OCTOBER 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 33 "The biggest thing we talked about and stressed was running the football. We had 44 attempts for 301 yards. I'd say that's pretty successful — 6.81 yards per carry," Moore said. "That was an emphasis we put on the running backs and the O-line. That was good. "But we just know we've got to do the things we need to do to make sure we're balanced in all phases. We've got to take care of the football, No. 1, and then be able to run the football like we have been. That made me happy." But the offensive line and receivers still need to improve. Veteran Dom Giudice won the center battle, but the offense seemed to move better with Greg Crippen in the game against the Red Wolves. Right tackle Evan Link has struggled mightily in pass protection, but Moore has stuck with him over veterans Andrew Gentry and Jeff Persi. "Through competition," Moore said when asked how he'd determine starters up front for the Sept. 21 game with USC. "We always talk about competition. All those guys definitely know that … it goes back to the last three years, and always goes back to the O-line. Whoever prac- tices the best is going to play. "Both those guys [at center] are prac- ticing at the same level and practicing pretty good. "You've got to still give them the op- portunity. Greg got the opportunity, and so did Dom. We'll see how the film looks." As for the receivers — It was a mixed bag. Sophomore Fred Moore emerged with 3 catches for 38 yards against Ar- kansas State, while tight end Marlin Klein replaced banged-up Colston Loveland and notched 3 catches for 43 yards. The Wolverines relied heavily on Loveland through the first three games (19 recep- tions, 187 yards, 1 score) and will need him at full strength to have a shot against the better teams on the schedule. Overall, the receiver group — and the rest of the offense — still has a long way to go if this team is going to accomplish its goals this year. ❏ Early Offensive Snapshot STRONGEST POSITION GROUP: Running backs — Graduate Kalel Mullings had his best game in a Michigan uniform with 153 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 carries against Arkansas State. He was averaging 7.5 yards per carry through three games to Donovan Edwards' 4.2. MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: The quarterback — Whether Warren or Orji, or even a healthy Jack Tuttle, improvement at QB going forward is going to be the key to U-M's season. Warren threw 6 INTs in three starts, and while a few weren't entirely his fault, he needs to be much better going forward. Headed into USC as the named starter, Orji had only completed 3 of 6 passes for 15 yards, but two of those tosses were for touchdowns. MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Kalel Mullings — Head coach Sherrone Moore said this summer not enough people were talking about Mullings, predicting he'd have a big year. The veteran player has taken his op - portunity and run with it through three games (270 yards, 7.5 average per carry). IMPACT NEWCOMER: Josh Priebe — This one's almost by default given how few freshmen and other transfers have made an impact. The Northwestern graduate transfer has been solid at left guard through three games, including a very good 89.6 pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus in the loss to Texas. POSITION THAT NEEDS THE MOST IMPROVEMENT: Offensive line — We heard all summer how talented these guys were, but they haven't met the hype. Right tackle has been a huge issue, and the Wolverines need more from center. Greg Crippen could see more run, though starter Dom Giudice will remain in the mix. — Chris Balas ❱ Head coach Sherrone Moore "We'll get better in the passing game, and we'll continue to strive for- ward."