In 2023, U-M won the College Football Playoff championship behind future top-10 NFL draft pick J.J. McCarthy despite finishing No. 83 nationally in passing (213.9 yards per game). ‘’‘’’
…the offense never got off the ground, ranking No. 130 in passing (129.1 yards per game)
…“I think (fans) will (be surprised) and they should be, to be honest with you,” wide receiver Semaj Morgan said Friday. “It might be a little different than tradition, but it’s going to be great for us.”
“Tradition” means U-M heritage of being a run-oriented team.
“A lot of screens,” Hall said. “He (Lindsay) had a good middle screen with him where he kind of flashed to the middle and gets the ball. They’ve got screens going down the hash, screens going outside the tackle … a lot of different ways to get the running back the ball in space.”
Those new concepts have not only looked like more screen passes and deep shots, but 11 personnel — one running back, one tight end and a trio of receivers lined up across the formation.
One difference this year, Lindsay has a positive history with the passing game as an OC, others didn’t. Although Harbaugh definitely preferred pound and ground.
Now we see if it happens. If Underwood is the starter I suspect we will definitely see more passing than the last several years.
For me it isn’t about this % or that % of passing although I agree it has to go up.
For me it’s about actually having a legit passing game that defenses have to acknowledge in their game planning for UM. Last year there was none.
Under JJ, very little passing yes, yet, when needed the kid was very good in 3rd down completions or when they needed a big play.
So, real QB with legit arm is first step, Underwood brings that, supposedly. Then WR’s that can stretch the field run good routes and catch the ball is step two. And, of course blocking.
I think UM like UGA will always want to hit you up front ala Detroit albeit college style and I doubt that changes. TBH don’t want it too for either team.
They clearly need to have a better passing game than they did last year, but I don’t see Moore abandoning what got him the job he has now. Perhaps they pass a bit more than the Chad Henne days, but being physical is who they are. I don’t necessarily think they should lose that.