Important players for Michigan:
QB Shane Morris
WR Jeremy Gallon, Devin Funchess
DE Frank Clark
LB James Ross III
DB Blake Countess
Important players for Kansas State:
QB Daniel Sams, Jake Waters
WR Tyler Lockett
RB John Hubert
DE Ryan Mueller
DB Ty Zimmerman
We all know Devin Gardner's out with a broken foot and Shane Morris is limited in experience. So I think the game plan for Michigan is going to slightly contrast from what they normally want to do. For Michigan, it's important to pass to set up the run since Kansas State will be focused on stopping the run, and Michigan needs to keep the Kansas State defense off-balance, as well as keep the Kansas State offense reeling.
Kansas State's plan? Run the football and stop the run. Michigan needs to key on stopping the run, defensively, but the issue is having to defend two, or even three or four runners. They could be Daniel Sams, Jake Waters, John Hubert, or Tyler Lockett. If Michigan can stop the run, they will be fine.
X-Factor on Offense: Tyler Lockett. I could say it's Devin Funchess or Jeremy Gallon, but Michigan's defense hasn't been very good at preventing big plays, so it's important to keep Lockett in check. If I were Blake Countess, I would press cover him the entire game. Don't give him a free release off the line of scrimmage.
X-Factors on Defense: The entire Michigan defense and Ryan Mueller. I list the entire Michigan defense and Mueller because Mueller has the ability to rush the passer and Michigan has given up many big plays this season.
So, the key for Michigan is to be balanced on offense, and defensively to keep the Kansas State running game in check and gang-tackle. Easier said than done, but it's important.
Key for Kansas State: Stop the Michigan running game. Run the football.
Michigan is coming on a two-game (could be five if not for defeating Northwestern in 3 overtimes) losing streak to end the season. Michigan failed to put away Nebraska and Iowa and somehow pulled off a game-tying field goal against Northwestern at the end of regulation when the clock was running. Michigan is coming off a heart-breaking loss to Ohio State, one where they played well and played to win, but ultimately came up short.
Kansas State won five of its last six games, including dominating then 25th ranked Texas Tech in Lubbock. They also hung tough with Oklahoma and Baylor during the season. So we know that the Wildcats are playing well and Michigan needs to be able to contain the running game of Kansas State.
If Michigan can finish tackles when it has the chance, and contain the running game of Kansas State, and be balanced on offense, the Wolverines will be victorious. If Kansas State contains the running game of Michigan, and is able to get to Shane Morris on defense, then the Wildcats will likely win the game.
Being a Michigan student, I hope the latter doesn't happen.
Prediction: Michigan 29, Kansas State 27
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