Oregon boasts an elite receiving corps that could create problems for the Wolverines’ erratic secondary. A disciplined defensive performance will be key in keeping the Ducks’ offense in check and creating a pathway for Michigan to pull off an upset.
As the Michigan Wolverines prepare to host the No. 1 Oregon Ducks this week, one of the primary challenges will be trying to contain an elite wide receiving corps. Oregon boasts a formidable passing attack that has caused problems for opposing defenses all season long and could create mismatches against the Wolverines’ erratic secondary.
Oregon is fueled by one of the nation’s best receiver rooms. Tez Johnson, Traeshon Holden and Evan Stewart have combined for 1,397 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 113 catches this year. Stewart exploded for a season-high 149 receiving yards, seven catches and one touchdown in Oregon’s win over the Ohio State Buckeyes a few weeks ago.
Michigan safety Quinten Johnson detailed what he saw from the Ducks’ receivers in that Ohio State matchup.
“They have a lot of twitchy, high-athletic and explosive guys that create plays,” Johnson said. “They have a lot of talent in that room. You can tell they don’t have limited route trees and they know how to get open. They are a great team and have a lot of deep position groups. Just watching the Ohio State game, you can tell they have the juice to make a run.”
Quinten Johnson detailed what he took away from watching Oregon’s wide receivers against Ohio State this season.
“They have a lot of twitchy, high-athletic and explosive guys that create plays. They have a lot of talent in that room.”
“You can just tell that they don’t have… pic.twitter.com/jRMMf1L1TU
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Johnson, Stewart and Holden all possess an ability to consistently create separation with their quickness and speed, which allows them to make explosive plays after the catch. In order to limit Oregon’s wide receivers from creating space and finding success downfield, the Wolverines’ defense must prioritize constant communication and tight coverage.
It will be difficult to slow down such a high-powered attack that is operating at full speed, but Michigan will have a chance to stay within striking distance if the defense remains in sync. The secondary will need to clog up passing lanes and provide support against quick passes, which Oregon has shown a tendency to rely on in recent years.
Cornerback Aamir Hall explained part of the defensive game plan for this weekend.
“We just want to make sure to limit the explosive plays and try to turn the ball over to give it back to our offense. That’s a key focus for us, especially for this game coming up,” Hall said. “They have very fast guys that like to get into space and just make plays using their speed and quickness. Them coming into the Big House will be exciting.”
The entire defense needs to work as a cohesive unit to ensure Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel is under duress in the pocket and the Ducks’ wide receivers don’t break free for big gains. A disciplined defensive performance will be key in potentially creating a pathway for the Wolverines to pull off a massive upset.