Michigan’s Offensive Fix Starts Up Front vs. Oregon

Michigan’s defense kept Michigan State out of the end zone on four red-zone trips Saturday night. That gave the Wolverines room to recover from an uneven offensive performance, but four giveaways and five sacks allowed made it hard for them to take advantage. With Oregon next, Kyle Whittingham wants the offense to protect the quarterback, finish more drives and give the defense longer stretches on the sideline.

That starts with an offensive line that could be missing Blake Frazier, whom Whittingham called doubtful for the game. The coach singled out some encouraging snaps from Marky Walbridge against Michigan State, but his assessment of the group was straightforward. Michigan needed to run the ball better and protect the passer more consistently. Getting more out of early downs would help on both fronts. A workable second down keeps the run in play and gives the quarterback more options before third down arrives.

The quarterback decision was still open at Monday’s media availability. Whittingham said the staff discussed putting Bryce Underwood into the Michigan State game before deciding to stay with Tommy Carr. He pointed to a drop in Carr’s efficiency from two weeks earlier and said Carr missed several throws that were there to be completed. The line’s problems mattered, and so did the plays Michigan had a chance to make when the protection held.

Whittingham expects the offensive staff to work together on the Oregon plan following Jason Beck’s departure. With three weeks left in the regular season, he described a few changes to formations and the passing game as realistic. A different formation can change how a defense lines up against a familiar concept. That gives Michigan a way to present a different look while letting its players work from assignments they already know.

Oregon gives those adjustments an immediate test. Whittingham identified physicality as a common trait among the Big Ten defenses Michigan has faced and expects a similar challenge from the Ducks. The first signs of progress will come before the scoreboard tells the full story. Can Michigan turn a routine completion into second-and-manageable? Can it stay on the field after crossing midfield? Those are the plays that could give its defense a longer break and put points within reach.

Whittingham also wants more impact from special teams, pointing to a big return or a takeaway as the kind of play that could help. A short field would give the offense a better chance to finish a drive. Michigan can create some of that breathing room itself against Oregon by protecting the football and making the completions it left on the field against Michigan State.