Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning gives plenty of respect to 'game-wreckers' on Michigan's defensive line
Things haven't necessarily worked out the way the Michigan Wolverines would have liked this season. The team is 5-3, which is a stark step backwards from winning the National Championship last season.Despite the record, Michigan is a team that can't be taken lightly. Having to travel across the country, Oregon will be facing a big […]
Things haven't necessarily worked out the way the Michigan Wolverines would have liked this season. The team is 5-3, which is a stark step backwards from winning the National Championship last season.
Despite the record, Michigan is a team that can't be taken lightly. Having to travel across the country, Oregon will be facing a big test from a physical and punishing opponent that has future NFL players all over the field, two of which have recently been mocked to go early.
When discussing those stars, it starts up front. Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham is a surefire early first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially going as high as top-5.
"When you watch them, they're game-wreckers," Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said of Graham and his running mate Kenneth Grant. "They're guys that you have to have a game plan for. But 78 [Grant], 55 [Graham] both, they make an impact, you know, consistently in the game. They beat single blocks, they're certainly good against double teams, they're good against the run and the pass. So they're guys that you have to spend time and effort for. And, you know, anytime you have guys like that up front, it makes it easier to cover in the back end."
Lanning has huge praise for the defensive front of Michigan, and for very good reason. Graham in particular is long, athletic, explosive, and physical. He's in the conversation of the best defensive lineman in the country. He has 23 pressures, five sacks, and 5 quarterback hits on his resume, while also holding the highest run defense grade on the team from PFF. Graham has logged 20 stops this season, tied for the most of all defensive tackles in college football.
For Oregon to have success, neutralizing the defensive front and winning the line of scrimmage is going to be paramount.
Oregon unveils new uniform combination that pays homage to classic battle before Ducks fly to play Michigan
Another fire jersey from Oregon.
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