At today’s press conference, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore discussed QBs Davis Warren and Alex Orji, provided some updates on injured players, previewed the Oregon Ducks and more:
Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore spoke with the media on Monday afternoon to recap the win over Michigan State , preview the upcoming Oregon game, and speak on other various topics.
Here are the key things he hit on.
- Moore started the presser by discussing the postgame skirmish between the Wolverines and Spartans. Moore called it “unacceptable” and that it will be handled internally. “We’ll take care of that and that’ll never happen again.”
- Moore noted that having left tackle Myles Hinton back was “huge” for the offensive line. The unit gave up zero sacks over the weekend against the Spartans.
- Regarding quarterback Davis Warren, Moore said he made some “really good throws,” specifically pointing out the flea-flicker play that was “a dime” and his first-down pass to Kendrick Bell.
- Having both Warren and Alex Orji contribute at a high level was “awesome,” Moore said. He wishes the offense started off the game a bit faster, but he was happy to see it translate from the practice field to a live game setting. Moore also confirmed Warren will remain the starting quarterback, with Orji coming in on certain plays.
- Michigan State converted on multiple long third-down plays. Moore noted the defense needs to be more gap sound in order to prevent those plays from happening. “We’ve gotta be better in those situations and make the changes necessary so that we are better in those situations.”
- Edge rusher Josaiah Stewart had a big game against MSU, forcing a fumble on Aidan Chiles that set up a last-second field goal for Michigan in the first half. He was elevated to team captain a couple weeks ago, and Moore said part of the reason was because of his play on the field, but he “does everything the right way, take cares of business off the field.”
- Regarding some Oregon players that stand out, Moore started off discussing quarterback Dillon Gabriel. “He’s elite in every way, reading coverages, making plays, making throws down the field, controlling the offense with his feet.” He also pointed out the offensive line, which he believes is “one of the best in the country.” Wide receiver Evan Stewart is “really, really good, he stands out.” He also gave praise to running back Jordan James, who is a “violent runner,” and the Oregon defense.
- Greg Crippen has “been good” and has “taken command of the group” since slotting in as the starting center, Moore said. Moore appears to be pleased with Crippen’s overall play.
- There is no update on the injury status of safety Brandyn Hillman and right tackle Andrew Gentry, who both left the MSU game on Saturday and never returned. Cornerback Will Johnson, who did not play on Saturday, is expected to return at some point this season, but “we’ll see how it works out” for this weekend.
- When asked what the balance would be in the last four games between winning the games and eyeing for the future, Moore simply said, “Winning. That’s it, win. Win, win, win. That’s it.”
- Will Johnson has “no plans of just shutting (the season) down,” Moore confirmed. “I know that he’ll be back out there at some point this season, whether it’s this week or next week, whatever it is … I know he’ll be back.”