Michigan overcame offensive struggles by mastering the pass-to-run setup, stifling defense, and dominating crucial third-down conversions for a gritty victory.
Michigan was able to sneak away from Wrigley field with a close 24-22 victory over Northwestern Saturday afternoon. Although the game may have not went exactly like the Wolverines wanted, they did come away with a win, and there can be some positives to extract from this tight battle. Three positives that Michigan can take away from their win are they came out of the gate passing well, played tight defense throughout, and won the battle of third downs. Here is a closer look in at these key positives from today's game.
1.) Coming out of the gate passing to set up the run
Michigan started the game out with more throws than runs, in what seemingly was an attempt to set up the run. They started the first quarter with a slew of slants and a deep pass to Andrew Marsh for 32 yards to set up an easy one-yard score for Jordan Marshall. Michigan was able to tally over 100 yards passing, going nine for ten for attempts in the first quarter which was a nice change of pace to see for the Wolverines offense. Anyone that is playing Michigan is expecting the run early and often, so this strategy was effective in spreading the Wildcat defense out and opening up the field. Michigan came out of the gate able to run the ball in the second half due to their success in throwing the ball through the first half.
2.) Playing tight defense keeping Northwestern out of the endzone (until 4th quarter)
For much of the first half Michigan was able to keep Northwestern at bay and out of the endzone. Although Northwestern was able to find some success getting down the field, both their scoring drives fizzled out where they were just unable to get anyone open or and room in the running game. A big key to Michigan’s success was getting hands on passes, being able to tip balls, and have them fall incomplete. This happened at least three to four times in the red zone with the Wildcats, ultimately leading to a close easy field goal. Michigan was able to keep the Wildcats to only 106 total yards of offense for the first half, again attributing to their success of keeping the Northwestern out of the end zone. Northwestern’s first meaningful drive of the third quarter, Michigan was able to keep them out of the endzone once again leading to another three points for the Wildcats.
3.) Winning the third down battles
When it came to sustaining drives, Michigan was able to demonstrate great play calling, setting themselves up to be in control of success of their drives. In the first half, Northwestern only converted one of six third down plays, resulting in a measly 17% third down conversion rate. In the first half Michigan was able to go six for eight resulting in an impressive 63%. In the third quarter Michigan was able to hold Northwestern to zero for three resulting in 0% for third downs in the third quarter. Conversely, the wolverines were able to go two for two resulting in 100% third down conversion for the third quarter. This was a huge reason the Wolverines were able to gain momentum and score fourteen points in the third quarter, while just allowing Northwestern to a field goal. Overall the Wolverines held the Wildcats to two for twelve on third down for 17% on the day, while Michigan was ten of fifteen for 67%.
Conclusion
All in all the game was not a very pretty display of a team coming off a bye week, however a win is a win. Throughout the game the Wolverines were able to come out of the game passing which set up the run beautifully. On top of that they were also able to play tight defense and keep Northwestern out of the endzone( until the 4thquarter), and win the third down battle, by a lot. Even though a ugly win, Michigan did well in these three key areas.