If you believe in momentum, Michigan has plenty of it heading into their big matchup today with the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the Big House.
Michigan was able to put some of their road demons behind them last weekend when they went to Memorial Stadium and dismantled the Illinois Fighting Illini 31-14. During that game Michigan continued to develop a running game outside of Denard Robinson with Fitz Toussaint rushing for 192 yards and 1 TD on 27 carries.
Robinson and Toussaint did leave the game early with injury however are expected to play today against Nebraska.
The big story from last Saturday though was the continued improvement of the defense.
The Wolverines were able to hold Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase to about 50% passing with only 170 yards, no touchdowns and 1 interception. Michigan was also able to limit the Illini ground game to under 100 yards rushing total.
Today marks a bigger test for Michigan as they look to build on their recent success and stay in the BCS bowl hunt.
Nebraska Player to Watch: Rex Burkhead, RB
The 5-foot-11, 210-pound junior Rex Burkhead has the ability to go off on opposing defenses. He has 1,072 yards rushing and 14 TDs including six games with over 100 yards rushing.
He takes a ton of pressure off QB Taylor Martinez and is a vital part of Nebraska’s dual threat on the ground.
Michigan Player to Watch: Mike Martin, DT
Nebraska should depend a lot on the run today with Martinez and Burkhead coming out of the backfield. Michigan defensive tackle Mike Martin is the anchor on that defensive line and will need to be a big part in stopping the Cornhuskers’ rushing attack.
Dare Taylor Martinez to throw the ball
It’s not secret that Taylor Martinez is very elusive on the ground however it’s also no secret that he’s very weak airing the ball out. Michigan needs to plug up the middle, watch the outside running lanes and dare Taylor Martinez to throw the ball. The Michigan secondary should benefit from some very errant passes from the Cornhuskers’ signal caller.
Denard needs to be better with his passes
For the most part, Denard Robinson has gotten away from errant passes of his own. He’s still throwing off his back foot at times and making some very questionable decisions. Denard needs to be careful this weekend since Nebraska can make you pay with the careless throws.
Don’t be afraid to punt the ball
This is going to be a game largely won on defense and with that said Michigan cannot be afraid to be the game in the hands of their defense. Instead of getting risky on offense Michigan would be much better served punting the ball and trying to pin Nebraska deep.
Predictions
Today’s game will a game played between two similar teams. They will will both have a similar attack on offense and should have very similar game plans on defense. Michigan is an improving team however Nebraska is still slightly more balanced. Nebraska wins 20-17.
Ref: Detroit News, AnnArbor.com, DetNews.com (image)
