Michigan Wolverines Face a Tough Test in Madison

It was the legendary Bo Schembechler that use to say, “the Michigan Wolverines play football at noon.”  This is the same man who always said ” early is on time and on time is late.” Bo would be happy today–at least at noon.

The current Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh idolized his college coach.  This noon start today must bring a sense of pride to Jimmy who since returning to Michigan often mentions his former coach.  Today the 11th ranked Michigan Wolverines will lock up with the 13th ranked Wisconsin Badgers.  It’s a marquee match-up and the first big test of the season for the Wolverines.

If Michigan has any hope today the offense needs to play much better than they have to this point.  I wasn’t exactly blown away with the teams week one performance.  This Josh Gattis offense was supposed to be this up-tempo, high flying, spread offense that forced defenses to their heels.  So far, this new offense has sputtered more than anything else. If the offense struggles early don’t be surprised Jim takes over the play calling. Something I’ve been against in the past but they’ve shown nothing in the first two weeks that leave me with a sense of optimism.

It appears Shea Patterson hasn’t progressed what so ever. His first year in the system he flashed some brilliance, this year he doesn’t look the part of a difference-maker.   His ball security is becoming a significant issue.  Also, if his first read isn’t available, he tends to panic rather than calmly going through his progressions.  He can scramble for a first down. He’s a good thrower while on the run, especially scrambling to the right but his inability to hold onto the football in ’19 is very worrisome. Michigan has five turnovers in their first two games–not good.

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Today is a massive game for Patterson.  The Michigan Wolverines tend to use Dylan McCaffery as more of a gimmick quarterback, but he’s proven to be a much better runner than Patterson.  He’s shown in the past he can throw the football, but for whatever reason, he’s primarily in the football game to run the option.

McCaffery may need some game time to correct some of his accuracy issues.  If the Wolverines offense struggles again today, after an entire week to prepare having the bye week last week Dylan may unseat Patterson.

Dylan is expected to be the Michigan Wolverines for the next two seasons, so why not throw him into the fire now allowing him to iron out some of the kinks if Michigan struggles in a loss today? Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that, but there is always a possibility.  Wisconsin is a force, and they’ve easily handled their business leading up to today.

Wisconsin has yet to allow a point through the first two games of the season.  They’ve shut out Central Michigan and South Florida outscoring the pair to the tune of 110-0.  The Badgers also have a Heisman caliber back in Jonathan Taylor who will play football on Sunday’s after his career has concluded with the Badgers.  Wisconsin was also hammered by the Wolverines last season 38-13, so they will be out for redemption at home today.

The Michigan Wolverines defense isn’t quite the same force they’ve been in the past.  I am not sure if the front seven will be able to handle Taylor and the Badgers run game.  It’s a significant concern of mine. Let’s hope Michigan spent the week shaking off the rust and have put a great gameplan in place for today.

The home team has won the game in each of the last three years.  That doesn’t bode well for Michigan as they head to Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.