Michigan Football: How Wolverines Offense Must Prepare for Michigan State

Coming off its first Big Ten win of the season, Michigan now has a long week to prepare for No. 8-ranked Michigan State, which it’ll face Oct. 25 in East Lansing.

Beating Penn State 18-13 this past Saturday at The Big House provided a subtle kick for the Wolverines (3-4, 1-1 B1G), who have fallen well short of expectations this fall. However, prior to the season, the thought of a one-loss team squaring off against the Spartans (5-1, 2-0) was realistic.

Today, avoiding a blowout seems like it’d be the best-case scenario for Brady Hoke, who is 1-2 versus Mark Dantonio. And other than in 2012’s 12-10 victory, Hoke’s Wolverines haven’t even been remotely close to their counterparts. His 29-6 loss in 2013 made that loud and clear.

Hoke’s regularly bowed to rivals, and his team is becoming a conference doormat and magnet for criticism. Topping the Spartans wouldn’t only be a another notch in the series win column (68-33-5, UM), but it’d be a giant step—with several miles to go—in the right direction for an ailing power looking to reclaim respect.

Hoke’s coaching alone can’t down Dantonio's 300; his players have to help do that.

And it all starts with the offense, which is a problem: Michigan has the Big Ten’s No. 13-ranked total offense. Michigan State touts the No. 4 defense.

Do the math. It doesn't look favorable for Team 135. 

Gardner Must Find Himself

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In 2013 Devin Gardner scraped together 216 passing yards, which in some cases can be enough to sneak away with a win. However, he was sacked six times for minus-48 yards, dropping the total offense to just 168 yards. 

Pounded and pummeled, Gardner suffered the worst defeat of his collegiate career that day. Those memories must be distant (preferably forgotten) if he's to lead the Wolverines to an improbable outcome this time around. 

But there is a bright side: He's coming off a season-high 192 passing yards versus Penn State. Two weeks ago against Rutgers, he scored a pair of rushing touchdowns (19, 4), adding energy to the offense and giving reason to believe that the fifth-year senior can indeed get the job done. 

But he's still throwing picks.

There are only 10 quarterbacks who've tossed more than Gardner's eight. If he's not careful, he could be No. 1 after Oct. 25. He's given away at least one in five of seven games this year, which is an alarming statistic in itself. 

The Spartans have eight interceptions this season; Minnesota, Ohio State and Northwestern lead the B1G with nine. But again, in league-terms, a new No. 1 could be crowned Oct. 25. 

Gardner's also still getting sacked, and the Spartans, whose 22 are second-most in the league, are still sacking (No. 1 with 169 yards lost).

With that said, Gardner must be patient and find receivers; but at the same time, he must recognize when he's in trouble and it's time to tuck and run. That was his problem in 2013 versus his in-state foes, and that indecision has again hindered performance across the board in 2014. 

If the Wolverines are to have a chance, Gardner must lead athletically and mentally. This is his last shot to knock off the Spartans. 

Michigan State's Run D Presents Challenges

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On Saturday, the Wolverines rushed for 64 yards against Penn State, or, in other words, a couple of drives' worth for Michigan State's ground game.

Without Derrick Green for the remainder of the schedule, Team 135 doesn't have a lot of options at running back; Justice Hayes isn't a bruiser. But he's great in space. De'Veon Smith is a brusier. But he's struggled to find holes. 

See the problem? Neither one can get going. 

Green could do both and demonstrated so—better than he ever has at Michigan—with 12 carries for 74 yards versus Rutgers. Unfortunately, that was his last go-round, as he suffered a season-ending broken clavicle late in the contest. 

Shilique Calhoun, Marcus Rush, Darian Harris and Ed Davis, four of the Spartans' top defenders, aren't known for giving up much real estate. Michigan State surrenders just 81. 5 rushing yards per game, No. 2 in the Big Ten.

It'll take career days from Hayes and Smith to penetrate Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi's armor. In essence, running the ball Oct. 25 could be a mere formality, something to create space between passing plays. There probably won't be much light at the end of that tunnel. 

On Wednesday, Hoke said that he's aware of his team's deficiencies and plans to adjust during practice this and next week, per Maize & Blue News' Matt Pargoff. 

“We didn’t run the ball very well obviously the other night [vs. PSU]," Hoke said. "So that’s something that we’ve got to continue to make improvements on. You’ve got to give the front of Penn State’s some credit. They were leading the league in rush defense and they’re one of the better fronts, but at the same time, some of the fundamental things we need to do a better job finishing, particularly on the perimeter of the line of scrimmage. That’s one area [among others]..."

Receivers

Devin Funchess is the No. 1 target and will continue to be for as long as he's at Michigan. This season hasn't been ideal for the projected 2015 NFL first-rounder, but he's made a spectacular catch or two to maintain status. 

His juggling 43-yard touchdown grab against Penn State was one for the highlight reels. The 6'5", 236-pounder is capable of giving defensive backs problems, but his offense has been too inconsistent to effectively utilize him. Translation: Gardner's had trouble throwing, and Funchess isn't benefiting. Neither are the rest of the receivers. 

To win, Funchess needs a handful of big gains and at least a touchdown. Offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier must find a way to further incorporate tight end Jake Butt and wideout Amara Darboh into the plans too. Next to Funchess, they're the best options. 

Get Healthy

During his Monday presser, Hoke said that this week was a good time for a bye week. Needless to say, having extra time to chase away aches, mend wounds and ice shoulders should come in handy for Michigan, which could be as healthy as its been in some time prior to facing the Spartans, per Pargoff. 

"I hope so," Hoke said. "We do have the chance to get some guys back—hope to get some guys back. I can’t tell you if that’s going to happen all the way. Probably won’t tell you. I’m not sure, but I think it helps.”

Follow Bleacher Report’s Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81