For the first time in a long time, the message in Schembechler Hall is about rebounding from a loss. Head coach Sherrone Moore discussed that and more on this week’s edition of the ‘Inside Michigan Football’ radio show:
For the first time in quite a while, the focus for the Michigan football program has shifted to bouncing back from a loss.
On Monday night, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore sat down for his weekly appearance on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show. He spoke with Jon Jansen about the weekend’s loss to Texas and what he’s looking at ahead of the matchup with Arkansas State.
Here’s a rundown of everything he had to say:
- As expected, folks around the program weren’t in the best of moods following the game Saturday. However, Moore mentioned the team is sticking to the 24-hour rule of not letting emotions linger for too long. Of the loss, he said the message has been, “Gotta get over it, gotta learn from it though,” and the players will need to, “Have some fortitude and the strength to get better.”
- Colston Loveland was one of the few bright spots on offense, but he still had a costly fumble that led to a Texas score. Loveland has been kicking himself for the mistake, but is taking the steps to learn from it. When asked what the message is for players being hard on themselves, Moore said, “For Colston, it’s be who you are — people make mistakes, but now it’s time to learn from them and not make them again.”
- The defense struggled against the Longhorns, particularly on third downs and with tackling in the open field. When asked where the team needs to improve on defense, Moore cited tackling and pursuit as issues that need to be resolved. He also stressed it’s important to play with discipline, especially against talented teams like Texas.
- The performance of the offense has also come under scrutiny after a second consecutive sluggish week. When asked about what needs to be done to create rhythm, Moore cited turnovers as an issue, as the Wolverines have had four of them through two weeks. He also said the team can’t continue to put itself in tough spots by creating long third downs.
- When asked to assess the offensive line’s performance, Moore was blunt: “Not good enough, we’ve got to be better.”
- Of quarterback Davis Warren, Moore said that against Texas, “He didn’t play exceptional, but he didn’t put the ball in harm’s way,” citing the interceptions as plays that needed to be made by the receivers.
- With the offense struggling to move the ball, changes in personnel are naturally a topic of discussion. When asked about any potential personnel changes, Moore said, “We’re gonna have urgency but we’re not gonna panic. If we go through practice this week and we feel someone is better at a certain position, then yeah, we’re gonna make those changes.”
- One area where this could happen is at the running back position, where Donovan Edwards has struggled to find rushing lanes in both games, while Kalel Mullings didn’t look as sharp against Texas. Of both running backs, Moore said that making the third-level defender miss needs to be a priority, as it’s been preventing some bigger plays. He also mentioned the coaches plan to get Benjamin Hall more involved.
- Overall, Moore mentioned in a time like this where the team needs to rebound, he said it’s his job to lift the team back up and instill confidence in them.
Hopefully Moore is able to help Michigan right the ship in order to impress against Arkansas State on Saturday before another big test against USC the subsequent week.