and Northwestern; removing those
games, Smith averaged 3.5 yards per
carry on 82 carries in 2014.
3‑4 AND 4‑3 DEFENSE
Pro: Michigan is on the cutting
edge defensively, which is required
today when one opponent might run
a spread and the next week another
foe employs a pro‑style. U‑M is trying
to create an advantage for its defense,
giving opponents much more to pre‑
pare for each week, while utilizing
their greatest strength — the line and
the linebackers — in multi‑faceted
looks that should confuse quarter‑
backs, offensive linemen, running
backs and their coaches.
The switch puts undersized weak‑
side ends senior Mario Ojemudia (6‑3,
252 pounds) and sophomore Law‑
rence Marshall (6‑4, 238 pounds) in
stand‑up rush‑end roles, giving them
a running start at the snap, while in
4‑3 looks, the Wolverines will benefit
from a bevy of defensive tackles and
strongside ends.
Con: NFL teams will not even try
to play two defenses, understanding
it can be difficult for players to grasp
one scheme, and believing it foolish to
expect athletes to master the nuances
necessary to be successful of two de‑
fenses. All it will take is one player,
especially one among the front seven,
to be uncertain of his responsibility
for the defense to create a gap for the
offense to exploit. ❏
Associate Editor Michael Spath has been with The Wolverine since 2002. Contact
him at mspath@thewolverine.com and follow him on Twitter @Spath_Wolverine.
1-800-421-7751 • www.TheWolverineOnDemand.com
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