Michigan Wolverines: The New Offense is Nothing To Worry About

A lot of attention is being placed on the Michigan Wolverines new explosive offensive scheme after they’ve had the opportunity to work out the kinks in week one beating Middle Tennesee State to the tune of 40-21.

The Michigan Wolverines handled Middle Tennesee State with ease, but it comes with some purpose. Week one throughout college football has become virtually an exhibition game; it’s no different for Michigan.

The Wolverines had the opportunity to unveil their new offense on Saturday night in front of a roaring home crowd at the big house. Jim Harbaugh has handed over the play-calling responsibilities over to Josh Gattis. It’s the first time in Gattis’ career he’s the primary play-caller in any offense. Last season Josh was a co-offensive coordinator with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Michigan started slow Saturday as they appeared to clear the cobwebs. Michigan had a pair of turnovers that left Middle Tennesee State with a concise field a couple of times. The first play of the game for Shea Patterson in this new high-flying offense left him on the run scampering for a 13 yard run on first down. He fumbled the ball, leaving the Wolverines defense backed up as they took the field for the first time.

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Shea Patterson didn’t post enormous numbers like the ones Jalen Hurts did with the Sooners, but he was very efficient. Unlike the Harbaugh led offense, Josh Gattis was calling pass plays on first and second down. Not just little dump-off or screens, he was calling downfield passing plays — what a breath of fresh air for Wolverines fans. Maybe, just maybe the ten fullback run plays that were regularly called the past few seasons will fall to the back of the playsheet.

Another critical component was missing on the Michigan Wolverines offense. I believe Michigan has a plethora of playmakers on the outside but none better than receiver/return man Donovan Peoples-Jones. DPJ missed the opener, but the hope is he’s ready to roll this weekend against Army.

Zach Charbonnet appears to of won the vacant starting tailback competition for the moment. He carried it a mere 8 times totaling 90 yards. Jim Harbaugh recently praised his ability to pass protect. Jim claims he was perfect in that aspect of the game, mentioning he was 9 for 9 in pass protection. Harbaugh tends to boost the confidence of his current players, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. He boasted that no other back had been this good in pass protection throughout his tenor as the Michigan Wolverines head coach.

I’m not a big proponent of the duel quarterback play. I wish Jim would pick the best option and go. Dylan McCaffery looks dynamic as an option runner but hasn’t proved yet that he’s a real threat throwing the football. If he plays enough to develop his accuracy it appears he could potentially push Shea Patterson for the job.

I will say it’s unlikely Harbaugh flips starters unless Patterson happens to really struggle. McCaffery should have the gig for two seasons after this year. When you flip-flop quarterbacks you run the risk of disrupting the rhythm of the offense. Pick one and stick to it Jim–please!

Expect the Michigan offense to start the football game Saturday with a lot more urgency. Getting the first game out of the way allows the players to unload some butterflies, some of the nerves that have been sitting there stirring throughout the summer.

Next. Wolverines should just pick one QB. dark

It makes a difference playing against an opponent too. You can simulate games during practice all you’d like but once you strap those pads on and start hitting the opponent the sense of seriousness substantially elevates. Michigan will need to start fast against Army, and I’d expect they will be ready.

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