Michigan Wolverines unlocked secret to success in win over Nebraska that could carry them to College Football Playoff
Michigan’s ability to get after the passer could be the key to continued dominance
The Michigan Wolverines put on a show in their 30-27 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday. The passing game was certainly underwhelming once again, but the team’s core strength–their running game–ruled the day once again. However, that wasn’t the most important aspect of Michigan’s success on Saturday.
The Wolverines’ newfound dominance with their pass rush–forcing seven sacks on the day–was what might actually turn out to be Michigan’s secret to success moving forward. That made it impossible for Nebraska’s offense to have any real answer, even when their passing game stalled.
Michigan Wolverines double up their season sack total in win over Nebraska
Heading into Week 4 the Michigan Wolverines defense had not exactly been the shut down unit that many expected to see. They gave up 17 points to New Mexico. Then surrendered over 400 yards and 24 points to Oklahoma. They only had seven total sacks on the year through three games–two out of three against bad teams.
Something happened with the defense against Nebraska, and if the pass rush keeps this up they’re going to push to make the College Football Playoff.
Six different players logged a sack. Nine different players racked up multiple pass rush pressures. Rayshaun Benny crushed the Nebraska offensive line up the middle for five pressures himself. Both off-ball linebackers forced their way to Dylan Raiola throughout the game. Derrick Moore was the star of the match. Moore tallied six total pressures and two sacks. He could not be stopped.
Part of Michigan’s success with their pass rush likely stemmed from the fact that Dylan Raiola was holding the ball too long at times (around three seconds average time to throw). But why was that the case? Michigan’s coverage on their back end seemed much improved. How much of that was on the return of star safety Rod Moore? Likely not a ton, given that the veteran defensive back was obviously on a bit of a snap count (just over 20 snaps played on the game), but his leadership and presence was certainly felt quite often.
As Michigan’s defense continues to gel at every single level throughout this season it’s clear that this unit might end up being pretty special. If Derrick Moore can keep the pass rush dominant alongside stars like Rayshaun Benny and Jaishawn Barham while Rod Moore heats up the defensive secondary amid his return Michigan’s defense should stay special all year long.
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