For Maryland’s upcoming game against Michigan, we wanted to get the lowdown on everything you need to know about the Wolverines. So we found an expert: Maxwell Bultman of the Michigan Daily.
Michigan’s turnaround from Brady Hoke to Jim Harbaugh has been pretty incredible. Is there any one thing that Harbaugh has done that stands out in terms of getting Michigan’s program back on track?
More than anything, I think he has brought more fire and competitive spirit to the program. Most of the talent Harbaugh is winning with was recruited by Hoke, so it is not like Harbaugh constructed the team in his image or anything. He is just a fiery coach who demands nothing but dogged effort from his players. It seems like it is paid off so far.
Maryland has had a successful running game this season between Ty Johnson and Lorenzo Harrison. Do you think Michigan will have any issues with stopping them?
Maybe, but the Wolverines defense is nothing to joke about. Right now, Michigan is ranked first in the country in both scoring and total defense, and while L.J. Scott gashed them last week for 139 yards, that is the first time they have been burned like that all year. The defensive line generates push on nearly every play, and they rotate eight strong back there. Michigan is somewhat prone to give up big plays, but for the most part, running backs don’t usually have a great time at Michigan Stadium.
What has the transition from Jake Rudock to Wilton Speight been like for the offense?
It has not changed too much. Rudock was more willing to tuck and run, but both players run a competent, smooth offense. Speight has, at times, overthrown players (which also plagued Rudock), but he has shown great ability to find the big play when he needs one. Against Wisconsin, he threw a near perfect pass for the game winning touchdown, and he has thrown just three interceptions all season.
What in particular makes Jabrill Peppers such a great player?
That is a tough one because I honestly could not tell you what his greatest asset is. He is blazing fast, he hits like a truck and he might be the most versatile player in college football. I am going to go with that last point, though, because I think it is his versatility that makes him so hard to gameplan for. When Harbaugh puts in Peppers on offense, he can run, pass or catch, and often, the team just uses him as a decoy. It is scary to think about planning a defense against him, and I think that is his real strength.
Michigan clearly has a lot of strengths, but what is a major weakness they have?
Unfortunately for Maryland, Michigan seems to have just figured out its major weakness, field goal kicking. Fifth-year senior Kenny Allen hit a dry spell earlier this season, which prompted Harbaugh to declare an open kicking competition. But Allen has regained that job, and he was 3-for-3 against Michigan State. If Michigan is making field goals, there is not a ton of weaknesses left, outside of maybe the occasional big play.
It is admittedly unlikely, but what would Maryland have to do to upset Michigan?
Win the turnover battle and make a couple big plays on special teams. Will Likely being out really hurts their chances, but if they can get in Speight’s head and force a couple interceptions, then block a kick or score on a punt return, anything is possible. Colorado was probably a good blueprint, too, using quick strikes on offense and a defensive touchdown early to put some fear onto the Wolverines’ sideline. D.J. Durkin is a great coach, and he knows these players. It would not stun me if he came out with some well designed packages to create chaos early.
