It is apparent that Michigan has experienced some offensive woes thus far, and it has a lot of fans on edge.  Michigan's offense, despite having freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, has been inconsistent, particularly in week two against Oklahoma. A key question is whether offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey can get the offense back on track against Central Michigan.

Here are three things that Michigan’s offense needs to show to restore faith in their offense.

 1. A productive and cohesive vertical passing game

While the run game has been solid, the passing offense was largely ineffective in the team's loss to Oklahoma, with freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood struggling and receivers not creating enough separation. Against CMU, Michigan needs to :

• Open up the offense: Use the vertical passing game more effectively to take advantage of Central Michigan's pass defense. The Chippewas are coming off a game where they gave up 120 receiving yards to a single receiver against Pitt.
• Generate separation: The wide receiver group, which has been a weakness, needs to create more space from defenders and make plays. This will make the game easier for Underwood and build confidence for the rest of the season.
• Demonstrate improved quarterback play: Underwood needs a bounce-back performance against an overmatched opponent to settle in and find his rhythm. 

2. A more effective and confident offensive line

The offensive line play has been a concern, with the unit struggling in both pass protection and run blocking against Oklahoma. Against CMU, the line must show improvement to:

• Control the line of scrimmage: The line needs to effectively handle CMU's defensive front to create clear running lanes for the dynamic running back duo of Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes.
• Protect Bryce Underwood: Provide more time and space for the young quarterback to operate, avoiding the struggles seen against Oklahoma's pass rush. The line did not handle blitzes well in that game, and better communication and execution are needed.
• Establish a physical presence: After being outmuscled against Oklahoma, Michigan needs to re-establish its identity as a team that can dominate opponents in the trenches. 

3. An aggressive and balanced offensive identity

After playing a somewhat conservative style against Oklahoma, the offense needs to regain its swagger and demonstrate a more aggressive approach. 

• Balance the run and pass: With a talented running back duo and a promising freshman QB, Michigan needs to keep the defense guessing by effectively mixing the run and the pass. Being less predictable will prevent CMU from stacking the box and forcing a one-dimensional game.
• Incorporate quarterback runs: Chip Lindsey has stated that quarterback runs are always in the game plan, and this weekend is a great opportunity to utilize Underwood's athleticism on the ground against a weaker defense.
• Execute efficiently and swiftly: Getting off to a fast start and putting the game out of reach early would be ideal. It would allow the team to gain confidence and demonstrate that the offensive struggles against Oklahoma were an outlier.

If Michigan can display this these things on offense, fans should be able to breathe easier.  Putting together a good gameplan, executing it at a high level, and winning by a big margin should keep Michigan on pace and even more ready for Nebraska.