BleedGopher
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per the Detroit News:
Michigan's defense against Minnesota's offense
Minnesota's offense will struggle against Michigan's elite defense.
Minnesota no longer has RB David Cobb, who rushed for 183 yards on 5.7 yards per carry last season against Michigan. Their offense has changed without Cobb, as they run the ball on 51 percent of plays compared with 68 percent last season.
This increased percentage of passes makes QB Mitch Leidner the focus of the offense. He has responded by completing a higher percentage of his passes but for fewer yards per attempt than last season. Minnesota has resorted to a short passing game.
No matter what Minnesota tries, they'll find it difficult against Michigan's defense. The Wolverines defense has allowed 3.79 yards per carry, best in the nation, and 3.04 yards per pass attempt, second best in the nation. (These numbers count sacks as pass plays.)
Michigan's offense against Minnesota's defense
Michigan sets up its offense with the run, as the Wolverines have run on 57 percent of plays this year. This matches up well against a Minnesota defense that plays the pass better than the run.
In my numbers that take yards per play and adjusts for strength of schedule, Minnesota ranks 16th in pass defense. The Gophers' two cornerbacks, Eric Murray and Briean Boddy-Calhoun, show up on 2016 NFL draft lists.
When Michigan throws, it should tend to target TE Jake Butt or any other receiver not covered by these two players.
However, Minnesota ranks 61st in rush defense, providing an opportunity for Michigan to control the game on the ground. In addition, Minnesota defensive end Theiren Cockran is listed questionable to play in this game. Expect Jim Harbaugh to give Minnesota a heavy dose of De'Veon Smith and Drake Johnson.
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sp...chigan-safe-from-upset-at-minnesota/74800986/
Go Gophers!!
Michigan's defense against Minnesota's offense
Minnesota's offense will struggle against Michigan's elite defense.
Minnesota no longer has RB David Cobb, who rushed for 183 yards on 5.7 yards per carry last season against Michigan. Their offense has changed without Cobb, as they run the ball on 51 percent of plays compared with 68 percent last season.
This increased percentage of passes makes QB Mitch Leidner the focus of the offense. He has responded by completing a higher percentage of his passes but for fewer yards per attempt than last season. Minnesota has resorted to a short passing game.
No matter what Minnesota tries, they'll find it difficult against Michigan's defense. The Wolverines defense has allowed 3.79 yards per carry, best in the nation, and 3.04 yards per pass attempt, second best in the nation. (These numbers count sacks as pass plays.)
Michigan's offense against Minnesota's defense
Michigan sets up its offense with the run, as the Wolverines have run on 57 percent of plays this year. This matches up well against a Minnesota defense that plays the pass better than the run.
In my numbers that take yards per play and adjusts for strength of schedule, Minnesota ranks 16th in pass defense. The Gophers' two cornerbacks, Eric Murray and Briean Boddy-Calhoun, show up on 2016 NFL draft lists.
When Michigan throws, it should tend to target TE Jake Butt or any other receiver not covered by these two players.
However, Minnesota ranks 61st in rush defense, providing an opportunity for Michigan to control the game on the ground. In addition, Minnesota defensive end Theiren Cockran is listed questionable to play in this game. Expect Jim Harbaugh to give Minnesota a heavy dose of De'Veon Smith and Drake Johnson.
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sp...chigan-safe-from-upset-at-minnesota/74800986/
Go Gophers!!
