Between tough matchups with Oregon and Indiana, Sherrone Moore made his weekly appearance on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show. This week, Moore discussed his team’s performance, provided some injury updates, and previewed the Indiana matchup:
Following Michigan’s loss to Oregon over the weekend, head coach Sherrone Moore sat down for his weekly appearance on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show. In this week’s edition, Moore assessed the team’s performance in all three phases against the Ducks, while providing a look at what to expect against Indiana.
- The Oregon game marked Michigan’s fourth loss this year. When asked what the mood and focus are for the team right now, Moore emphasized the need to prevent a snowball effect. He specifically cited the loss to Washington saying they, “Let Washington beat us twice when we went to Illinois.” He understands it’s paramount to refocus with another undefeated opponent on deck.
- Michigan’s offense has looked better the last two weeks, but has still gotten off to slow starts . To improve this, Moore said, “You just gotta be really good on first down,” and that the staff needs to do a better job of finding the best plays to start the game. He also said the team needs to, “Have a run game to continue to sustain drives and have explosive plays in the passing game.”
- Davis Warren once again looked comfortable under center. In regards to his quarterback’s performance, Moore said, “I thought he had great command of the offense,” and that he’s done a good job protecting the football and extending plays with his legs. He would also add Warren is, “Doing a good job of playing within himself.”
- The offensive line has been a bit banged up. Myles Hinton has battled injuries this year, while Andrew Gentry was ruled out for the rest of the season last week. Jeffrey Persi was also injured against Oregon, but Moore said his injury wasn’t as bad as the staff had initially thought and they’ll continue to evaluate his progress this week. When asked who could step up to fill the voids, Moore cited Dominick Giudice, who could play some guard, while Josh Priebe could kick out to tackle.
- Additionally, Moore mentioned freshman Andrew Sprague as one of the next guys up on the depth chart, saying he’s, “Close to making that move.” Moore was complimentary of Sprague, saying he, “Keeps getting better and better,” and that he’s, “A guy that can impact us for a long time.”
- Switching to the defensive side of the ball, Will Johnson and Jyaire Hill were both out against Oregon last week. Moore said, “We’ll see,” pertaining to Johnson, but Hill is “probable” to play against Indiana.
- Moore was complimentary of Zeke Berry, who kicked out to corner for the Oregon game, saying he, “Played solid.” Some freshmen also got some playing time in the secondary in corner Jo’Ziah Edmond and Mason Curtis at safety. Moore called Curtis a, “Tackling machine.”
- Special teams was a hot topic following the loss to Oregon. Moore mentioned the team made some great plays in the game, including the forced fumble on a punt in the first quarter. However, he did say, “(Special teams) are doing a lot of great things — but a thing here or there that really hurts,” citing the illegal formation penalty in the third quarter.
- Indiana has been a revelation this year, as the Hoosiers are 9-0 under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. Moore was complimentary of Cignetti, saying he’s, “Done a great job with the program,” and commended him for flipping over the roster in one year. Of quarterback Kurtis Rourke, Moore said he’s a great, “Point guard” of the offense. Additionally, he said both Indiana’s offense and defense appear to be well-coached and cohesive.