Michigan Wolverines relying on pass-rush duo to pull off upset win against Oregon Ducks in Week 10
Not much has gone right for the Michigan Wolverines in their 2024 campaign. The offense has sputtered, they've had a revolving door at quarterback, and much of the defense has struggled often this season. However, there is one part of their defense that has gotten better from their 2023 national championship season, and that's their defensive […]
Not much has gone right for the Michigan Wolverines in their 2024 campaign. The offense has sputtered, they've had a revolving door at quarterback, and much of the defense has struggled often this season.
However, there is one part of their defense that has gotten better from their 2023 national championship season, and that's their defensive line. The interior tackle duo of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant have carried over their dominance from 2023, but the edge rush has improved significantly from last season.
They will be relying on their fearsome duo of Josaiah Stewart and Derrick Moore to help them pull off an upset win over the Oregon Ducks.
According to Pro Football Focus, both Stewart and Moore are top-ten in the country in pass rush win rate, with a 28.3% and a 23.9% respectively. They've shot up NFL draft boards, and Stewart has begun to draw first-round NFL Draft buzz from some analysts.
The duo has combined for 48 pressures, eight sacks, and 10 quarterback hits so far, forming one of the most productive groups in the country.
This will be important against the Oregon Ducks, whose offensive tackle duo of Josh Conerly Jr. and Ajani Cornelius have struggled in multiple games this season, particularly in pass protection.
They've combined for 15 pressures and three sacks allowed this season, with five of those pressures against Ohio State a few weeks ago. Stewart and Moore are different rushers than Ohio State's duo of Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau and have certainly been playing better this season than any pass rusher in the Big Ten.
Fortunately for Oregon's tackle duo, their scheme often limits their exposure on true dropbacks, which will play into their favor against the Wolverines. However, if Michigan can force the Ducks off of their gameplan and force quarterback Dillon Gabriel to make real throws, Stewart and Moore can tee off and harass him all game long.
Given Michigan's struggles offensively, they will need the defense to keep it a low-scoring game. Josaiah Stewart and Derrick Moore will be crucial in doing so.
