Michigan Football: Biggest X-Factors for Wolverines vs. Maryland
Despite disappointing losses, numerous controversies and season-ending injuries to key players, a bowl game is still within Michigan’s reach.
It may seem like a small consolation for a team that entered the season hoping to compete for a Big Ten title, but a bowl trip would represent a remarkable turnaround for team that was 2-4 halfway through the season.
The bye week gave head coach Brady Hoke no respite from controversy. It began with university president Mark Schlissel speaking out about perceived academic failings in the football program and ended with the dismissal of defensive end Frank Clark.
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In both cases, Hoke took the high road—countering Schlissel’s attack with statistics that documented the football program's graduation record and dismissing Clark outright.
Hoke's future is unclear, but he’s done an admirable job of keeping his team from imploding. He’s working to be bowl-eligible and send his seniors out on with a win in their final home game.
Maryland may be a tough opponent on Saturday, but the game is far more winnable than Michigan’s final season contest with Ohio State.
Hoke needs the following players to have great performances for Michigan to become bowl-eligible.
Defensive End Taco Charlton
The loss of Frank Clark is a critical blow to a Michigan defense (ranked No. 8 nationally) that has been steadily improving throughout the season.
After losing two of its top receivers, Juwann Winfree (suspension) and Stefon Diggs (injury), Maryland will need to pound the ground to open up the passing game for quarterback C.J. Brown. Taco Charlton will need to show that he can contain the run game while harassing Brown when he drops back to pass.
Charlton has played well, but he’ll need to prove he has the conditioning to remain effective and handle the increased reps he’ll get in Clark's absence.
Running Back Drake Johnson
Drake Johnson burst onto the scene with 123 rushing yards versus Indiana only to disappear the next week versus Northwestern. Johnson seems to be more comfortable playing at home, relying on the energy of the home crowd.
Michigan needs Johnson to have a good game running the ball and grinding down the clock.
If the offense can run the ball, quarterback Devin Gardner will have fewer opportunities to throw interceptions. It’s a brutal assessment, but Gardner’s inaccuracy is well-documented and doesn’t seem to be improving. He is a huge liability in the passing game.
Defensive Back Jourdan Lewis
Maryland may be down two top receivers, but quarterback C.J. Brown will need to throw the ball, giving Jourdan Lewis an opportunity for a big game.
According to Matt Zenitz of The Baltimore Sun, injured top receiver Diggs (52 receptions for 654 yards and five touchdowns) may be back versus Michigan.
If not, then Deon Long (38 receptions for 450 yards and one touchdown) will be Brown’s top target.
Brown has thrown nine interceptions this season, and if the Michigan defensive line can pressure him, Lewis can add to that total.
Wide Receiver Dennis Norfleet
Dennis Norfleet is offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier’s favorite wild card on offense. Seemingly every trick play features Norfleet in a prominent role.
His return after missing the Northwestern game because of injury adds a much-needed wrinkle to the Michigan attack. He will have an opportunity to shine on offense and by returning kicks versus Maryland.
A huge game for Norfleet could clinch a bowl berth for Michigan and let Hoke win in what might be his final game at Michigan Stadium.
Phil Callihan is a featured writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations obtained firsthand.
Follow @PSCallihan.
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