Michigan offensive breakdown with Al Borges (week 8) - MSU recap; Purdue preview

In this week's episode Al Borges and Sam Webb discussed Michigan's offensive performance in its 31-20 victory over Michigan State. They highlighted impressive schematic adjustments in the run game, and detailed the struggles in the passing game. Borges attributed five failed plays to effective MSU coverage, while identifying various other factors contributing to Michigan’s other passing difficulties. He noted that only one RPO was thrown out of 16 called and pointed out the inability to turn protection to account for nickel blitzes. That focused discussion on approaches that will foster comfort in the pocket for in freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, and the importance of exercising patience as he navigates the typical developmental process experienced by first-year players. Additionally, the conversation addressed misconceptions, such as the notion that tight ends were not targeted—they were primary receivers on five plays, including two potential touchdowns—and clarified that any conservative elements in the game plan resulted from in-game adaptations rather than predetermined strategy. Borges underscored a significant halftime adjustment in the run game, which enabled Michigan to amass 270 rushing yards, primarily through effective use of double slice and double bluff plays, thus offsetting shortcomings in the passing attack.