Michigan vs Nebraska game preview

This Saturday, Michigan football will head to Lincoln, NE to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers for their first road matchup of the season. While the Wolverines have been able to dominate in the Big House, it is time to see if they can do the same on opposing fields– starting with Memorial Stadium.

Previewing Michigan football’s first road matchup of the season

Michigan football offense

After coming off of a rough game against Bowling Green, JJ McCarthy proved himself against Rutgers with 214 passing yards and a 71.4 completion percentage. McCarthy has been extremely impressive so far this season for Michigan with 915 passing yards in the first four games. Additionally, he is tied with Maryland’s Taulia Tagovailoa and Penn State’s Drew Allar for the most passing touchdowns with eight.

Running back Blake Corum also has eight touchdowns, which are the only rushing touchdowns the Wolverines have scored so far this season. Corum is beginning to pick up the same role that he had last season, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. His counterpart Donovan Edwards is struggling on the rushing front this season, only averaging 3.3 yards per carry. While Edwards has been struggling in the run game, he has made up for it in receiving, averaging 9.1 yards per reception with a total of 100 receiving yards. While Michigan’s updated pass-heavy offense could use another receiver in Edwards, he is due for a breakout rushing game.

Tight end Colston Loveland had a huge game against Rutgers, leading the team with five receptions for 75 yards. Additionally, receiver Roman Wilson continues to be McCarthy’s favorite target, with three receptions for 59 yards against the Scarlet Knights. Wilson also leads the team and the conference this season in receiving touchdowns with six. As McCarthy continues to get more comfortable throwing the ball, these two will be more and more central to the Wolverines’ offense.

Michigan football defense

Michigan’s defense has once again had an impressive start to the season, allowing the least amount of points per game and total points in the Big Ten with 5.8 and 23 respectively. A big part of the defense is linebacker Junior Colson, whose six tackles versus Rutgers and 22 tackles this season both lead the Wolverines. Additionally, defensive back Mike Sainristil scored his first defensive points of his career with his pick-six against Rutgers. Defensive end Derrick Moore had been pretty quiet during the first three games for Michigan; however, Moore broke out for five tackles against Rutgers. With a run-heavy offense in Nebraska, the Wolverines’ defensive line will have to make some vital stops.

Defensive back Will Johnson made his return against Rutgers after being out for the first three games of the season. Johnson was a very impressive freshman last season with 27 tackles and three interceptions. His two tackles against Rutgers were a step in the right direction for him to regain his central role in Michigan’s defense.

Previewing Nebraska football

Nebraska Football is on a two-game win streak after losing their first two matchups against Minnesota and Colorado. These past two wins are also their only two home games so far, meaning they are working to remain undefeated at Memorial Stadium.

The Cornhuskers’ current starting quarterback is Henrich Haarberg, who struggled with passing the ball last week against Louisiana Tech. In this matchup, Haarberg completed only 47 percent of his passes for 107 yards and was sacked three times. However, his 157 rush yards led the team and allowed Nebraska to come out with a convincing win against Louisiana Tech.

Quarterback Jeff Sims started the season for the Cornhuskers, and is set to return after going out with an injury in their week two matchup against Colorado. Sims had a rough game in the season opener versus Minnesota with three interceptions, three sacks, and only one touchdown pass. Despite starting the season, Sims might end up splitting the snaps with Haarberg.

Running back Anthony Grant was the second most effective rusher behind Haarberg with 135 rushing yards last week. In addition to being the leading rushers against Louisiana Tech, Haarberg and Grant also lead the team in rush yards this season with 272 and 208 respectively.

Billy Kemp was the Cornhuskers’ only receiver who had more than one reception against Louisiana Tech with five for 62 yards. Kemp also leads the team with 13 receptions this season, the next closest being tight end Thomas Fidone II with seven receptions. In addition to these seven catches, Fidone also leads the team in receiving touchdowns with three. Additionally, wide receiver Alex Bullock has five total receptions this season for 103 yards. With two different quarterbacks expected to play for Nebraska, these receivers will likely have numerous opportunities to make an impact.

The Cornhuskers’ defense has been led by Omar Brown and John Bullock, each of whom had eight total tackles against Louisiana Tech. In addition to these two efficient defenders,  defensive back Isaac Gifford leads the team in tackles with 23 on the season. Nebraska also leads the conference in sacks with 14, a number that can remain the same through Saturday if Michigan’s offensive line plays their best.

The Wolverines need to continue to prove that they deserve their spot in the top two by pulling out a convincing win against the Cornhuskers. While Michigan football has two future ranked matchups versus Penn State and Ohio State, they need to continue to focus on the next game up and secure a road win against Nebraska.

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