The Michigan Wolverines’ rushing assault was dominant early in the season, but it has failed to find its rhythm in recent weeks, resulting in three losses in the last four games. In order to get back on track against the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers this weekend, the Wolverines must rethink their offensive philosophy and rebuild the ground game.
After averaging 194.8 rushing yards during a 4-1 start to the season, Michigan has averaged only 128.0 rushing yards per game in its last four games. The Wolverines had 140+ rushing yards in four of their first five games, including two performances of 290+ rushing yards, but then had three straight games with less than 120 yards on the ground.
“We can run the ball because we have terrific running backs and offensive linemen; we just need to execute to our full potential. “Just keep working and getting better,” Michigan right guard Giovanni El-Hadi said on Monday. “In the run game, all five offensive linemen have to do what we’re supposed to do and the running back has to make us right.”
The Wolverines’ offense has been concerned about the steep drop in rushing production, which has been a concerning development for running back Kalel Mullings after a strong start to the season. Mullings tallied 540 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 77 carries in the first five games, then managing only 170 rushing yards and one touchdown on 54.
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore told the media that Mullings doesn’t have much room to operate with defenders constantly closing in on him: “There’s always someone in his face right now, and it’s difficult to make a man miss. He did an excellent job returning to the line of scrimmage. We have to improve as a team. It will come down to execution.”
In addition to Mullings’ struggles over the past month, running back Donovan Edwards has not fared much better. Coming off a season-high 95 rushing yards and one touchdown against the Washington Huskies in October, Edwards has only 114 rushing yards in the following three games and has yet to score.
Several variables have contributed to the running game’s struggles, including injuries, offensive line inconsistency, and dubious play calling. If the Wolverines can improve their offensive plan by diversifying play calling and bolstering run defense, the rushing attack should be able to return to its peak performance.
“I believe we should start the run game first and then start passing from there, but whatever the play call is, we all have to execute our duties. We need to do better, and we will this week. “In both the run and pass game,” El-Hadi explained. “We’re a physical offensive line that plays smartly. We just have to keep doing
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