Nebraska coach expects a ‘physical’ battle against the Michigan football offense

Tomorrow, Nebraska coach Tony White — the defensive coordinator — looks to lead his defense into battle against a fierce Michigan football offense. So far this year, the Wolverines have seen some offensive ups and downs; however, after seeing the O-line catch its stride last week, it’s clear that tomorrow is going to get physical. Both White and Michigan OC Sherrone Moore emphasize physicality, so expect a war on Saturday.

Nebraska coach expects a ‘physical’ battle against the Michigan football offense

The Nebraska defense is a little bit all over the place. The Cornhuskers rank No. 1 in rushing defense, yet in other aspects, such as passing defense, they are towards the bottom of the pack. In anticipation of tomorrow’s matchup in Lincoln, NE, DC Tony White says he is expecting a physical game.

“That’s what we do, period, regardless of opponent,” the Nebraska coach said ahead of his bout with Michigan football. “We want to set a standard of how we play, how physical we are regardless of who shows up. I think if we hold ourselves to that standard… the game will take care of itself.”

Can the Huskers slow Michigan’s ground game?

The Michigan football offense is bringing one of the deadliest running back duos in the nation. Can Nebraska stop Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum?

“Yeah, (Blake Corum) is a good back,” Tony White said. “I mean both of them (Corum and Edwards). They’re kind of on the opposite ends of the spectrum and both of them have very good balance. Corum, he’s very patient and he’s just one of those guys you can tell he knows what’s happening. He sits back there and he’s waiting, he’s waiting and all of a sudden he starts to go someplace you don’t see a hole at first and then you blink and there it is… But No. 7 (Edwards), he’s a big ole back who can pound it too.”

Jim Harbaugh brings an ‘NFL approach to the field

Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines’ 9th-year head coach, brings an interesting approach when it comes to running his offense. Michigan football loves to keep the ball on the ground; however, the Wolverines can really do it all, especially with JJ McCarthy at quarterback.

“I mean they’re good,” White said. “He (Jim Harbaugh) has an NFL approach. He’s blue-collar, physical, tough. I mean you see elements of that in everything — special teams, offense, defense. You see that in the recruiting, you see that in everything. I mean it’s a program, it’s a winning program.

“They present some challenges. They get into different personnel, they shift trade into motion, they vary their snap counts all the time. They find every advantage and they use every advantage.”

Michigan football must overcome first road test of the year

Sure, Nebraska is not the best team that Michigan football will face this year, but the Huskers are a gritty program that is fighting to stay above .500. The Wolverines have not been hit in the face by a physical team yet, so tomorrow’s road matchup in Lincoln should be a good measuring stick to see where Michigan is really at right now.

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