Taking a peek at the few areas where the Wolverines can actually get better on offense.
The assumption is that the Michigan Wolverines are going to take a step back on offense in 2024 thanks to heavy personnel turnover. Statistically, there are not that many places for the team to really go up, thanks to the efficiency of J.J. McCarthy and the numerous touchdowns from Blake Corum and Roman Wilson.
Still, there are a few places that could look a little different (for the better) now that Sherrone Moore fully has the reigns. While there are plenty of areas that might take a step back , below are some stats that might actually improve year-over-year this fall.
Rush Efficiency
It would be foolish to significantly criticize Corum for anything, though the Michigan hero did take a bit of a step back in his final year after his injury. After putting up 6.61 YPC as the RB2 in 2021 and then 5.92 YPC leading the way as a junior, he regressed to 4.83 YPC last year, putting Michigan just 52nd in the country.
This is a bit surprising given the team’s reputation for running the ball, and while it ultimately did not stand in the way of the offense, I think there is some room for improvement here. Donovan Edwards was actually less efficient than Corum in 2023, but I expect the staff to put him in the best position to succeed. Add in Orji’s legs and I think Michigan will climb a bit up these rankings.
Balanced Attack
Ironically, Orji is a (much) worse passer than McCarthy, but it is hard to see the Wolverines throwing even less than last season. 2023 saw the offense sit in the bottom 15 nationally at just 24.1 passes per game, and while that number is a little scary for Orji, I think it has to rise purely out of necessity.
Michigan jumped out to so many leads that there really was no need to throw the ball last season. However, Corum is gone and as good as the defense will be, it feels like even a small step back is somewhat likely. Games against Texas, USC, Oregon, and Ohio State are going to require throwing the ball some, and that was a phrase rarely uttered in 2023.
Unleashing Edwards
Despite being known as a pass-catching weapon, Edwards averaged just two receptions per game last year with a pretty modest 8.3 YPC. 2023 was of course a big step back for him in all regards, but as the team’s most experienced running back heading into this season it could be time for the coaches to deploy him more strategically.
Edwards will still see plenty of handoffs, but there are enough other backs — and maybe enough holes in the receiving corps — to see him move all across the formation. With the threat of Orji running as well, Edwards could do a ton of damage on screens and broken plays. I see his receptions and efficiency jumping up this season.
Explosives
After a plethora of home runs in 2022, the Michigan offense was much more methodical in 2023. The team ranked 77th nationally in plays of at least 30 and 40 yards and had only four plays over 50 yards the entire season. There was not as much need for these explosive plays last year, but the 2024 offense might not be able to sustain lengthy drives consistently.
This means Moore and Kirk Campbell will need to be willing to take some shots. Orji has a big arm and can try to connect with speedsters like Semaj Morgan and Tyler Morris. Look for Edwards to make some plays like he did in the National Championship Game as well. This might not be the most explosive offense in the country, but it should hit a few more big plays than last season.
What do you think? Where can the offense show the most improvement this fall? Let us know in the comments below!