Michigan Football: Wolverines Offense Taking Flight with Unexpected Players
When Michigan began Brady Hoke’s fourth campaign, big changes were expected on offense.
The offense certainly changed, but the results were disappointing as the team struggled. But with Michigan’s bowl hopes on the line last week, two players who were huge question marks entering this season have put the offense back on track, as the team enters the backstretch of the season with Brady Hoke's job in doubt.
Offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier was hired to impose consistency on an attack that had morphed from one game to the next under his predecessor. While his exact tactics were a matter of debate, the players who’d star in the new scheme were highly touted.
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The running attack would be powered by Derrick Green or De’Veon Smith, who had battled during spring practice and fall camp. A late entry in the battle was Ty Isaac, who had petitioned the NCAA for immediate eligibility after transferring from USC. All three had been highly coveted 4-star recruits and were capable of being the top back.
The passing attack would be anchored by returning fifth-year senior Devin Gardner, who would be targeting wide receiver Devin Funchess and tight end Jake Butt. Both Gardner and Butt were returning from injuries while Funchess entered the season wearing the hallowed No.1 jersey, an honor that carries high expectations for a Michigan receiver.
The Best Laid Planes Often Go Astray
Everything was in place for Michigan to bounce back from last season’s 7-6 collapse. But the season had some unpleasant surprises for Michigan.
The running game was still mired behind an ineffective offensive line. Even when the offensive line did open gaps for Derrick Green and De’Veon Smith, they lacked the vision to take advantage of the openings.
Ty Isaac made an impression but only on the practice squad since the NCAA denied his eligibility request. Smith inherited the starting job when Green broke his clavicle and was lost for the season prior to the Penn State game.
The passing attack had problems of its own.
Gardner continued to turn the ball over and was benched for Shane Morris. Morris left the game with what was eventually diagnosed as a concussion; an injury that engulfed the program and started a chain of events that resulted in the dismissal of athletic director David Brandon.
Tight end Jake Butt (10 receptions for 113 yards and one touchdown) returned from an ACL injury but hasn’t replicated the success of last season.
Devin Funchess (48 receptions for 572 yards and four touchdowns) is the team’s top receiver but isn’t the big-play threat that many expected when the season began, a leg injury that occurred during the second game of season is still hampering his speed and route-running ability.
Heading into a homecoming matchup versus Indiana, Michigan desperately needed a win to keep its bowl hopes alive.
With the season hanging in the balance, two players who had played minor roles all season both stepped up with dual 100-plus yard performances to pace the Michigan offense.
Running Back Drake Johnson
Drake Johnson entered the Indiana game with nine career carries for 50 yards over three games (one last season before being injured and two earlier this season).
Johnson took advantage of the opportunity, exploding for 122 yards on 16 carries and scoring his first two career touchdowns. The performance was extra special since it happened on homecoming, and both of his parents are Michigan alumni. His mom, who has served as Michigan head cheerleader coach for over 30 years, talked to mgoblue.com about watching her son have his first big game for Michigan:
"I cried at the first one [touchdown] because I knew it was a dream come true for him. He's been talking about playing football since he was a little kid. When he talked about talking smack to the players here as a little kid, he really did. A couple times, I grabbed him by the collar and said, 'Would you get back here and be quiet!' But he would say, 'I'm going to do this, and that's going to be me!'
And now, he really did do that. I'm so lucky to be in the right place at the right time.
"
Johnson brought a new wrinkle to the Michigan running attack. While Green and Smith are traditional power backs, Johnson exhibited speed and elusiveness that could spell trouble for future opponents.
It also helped that Michigan's offensive line had one of its best performances of the season.
Hoke played coy about naming him as the starting running back for this week, but Johnson impressed former Michigan great Braylon Edwards with his performance versus Indiana:
Johnson’s career day kept Michigan’s postseason hopes alive and provided a glimmer of what Doug Nussmeier has been trying to accomplish on offense since replacing Borges.
Wide Receiver Amara Darboh
Amara Darboh had been in the shadow of Funchess all season before getting his first 100-yard game versus Indiana. Darboh (nine receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown) exploited gaps in the Indiana secondary to become Michigan’s top receiver in the game.
Darboh also made a great defensive play, breaking up a potential pick-six in the first half.
His performance marks a long road back since a foot injury caused him to miss last season.
Doug Nussmeier addressed Darboh’s journey back during his weekly press conference:
"…being cleared to play doesn’t mean you’re going to play at the highest level you’re capable of and these are both really young players that are growing each and every week. You’re seeing the emergence of Amara.
"
Darboh’s performance will force opponents to account for two deep threats in addition to tight end Jake Butt. His emergence bodes well for the Michigan offense as it gears up for its final three regular-season games.
Still Need Two More Wins
The Michigan offense looked good versus Indiana, but the team needs two more victories to secure a bowl bid. A postseason berth is the bare minimum for Brady Hoke to have any chance of returning next season.
A victory over Northwestern is possible, but the two final games versus Maryland and Ohio State will be difficult.
Michigan will need unheralded players to keep producing for the offense to keep rolling.
Players like Drake Johnson and Amara Darboh will play key roles in determining Brady Hoke’s fate.
Phil Callihan is a featured writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations were obtained firsthand.
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