Michigan Football: What Must Go Right for Wolverines to Run the Table
The Michigan Wolverines must run the table to have any shot at winning the Big Ten title, but a key factor in each of the team's remaining games must go right for the Wolverines.
Jim Harbaugh's squad will likely enter each of the next four games as the favorite. When Michigan is expected to win, it simply must continue to do what it does best.
However, when an opponent has the edge—and we all know which team that will be—the Wolverines must be clicking at every position.
Because, as Michigan learned against Michigan State, one play doesn't decide an entire game, but it sure can feel that way.
Minnesota: Protect the Ball
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The hangover of a loss has lingered for two weeks, and Michigan's only cure is some toast, a bottle of water and a win. During an appearance on WXYT, Harbaugh said he fits in the category of needing a win to eliminate the bad taste in his mouth, per Angelique Chengelis of the Detroit News.
Perhaps fortunately for the Wolverines, they're taking on a mediocre Minnesota team. The offense has struggled without NFL draft picks David Cobb and Maxx Williams, while the Gophers defense is inconsistent at best.
But turnovers are the great equalizer. Upsets are often keyed by the underdog taking advantage of opportunities, stealing possessions and capitalizing.
If Michigan protects the ball, it shouldn't have many issues walking away from TCF Bank Stadium with a victory. Otherwise, the desired 5-0 finish won't even have a chance to get started.
Rutgers: Shut Down Leonte Carroo
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Robert Martin, Josh Hicks and Paul James compose a talented unit at running back, but Rutgers' success is dependent on Leonte Carroo.
Between the white lines, Carroo is undeniably terrific. The standout receiver has snagged 25 passes for 527 yards and nine scores, posting a trio of three-touchdown games.
With seven catches, 134 yards and three scores against Michigan State, Carroo was a significant reason the Scarlet Knights stuck were a fourth-down spike away from launching a potential game-tying pass. Achieving a similar day against Michigan cornerback Jourdan Lewis, however, is no easy feat.
MSU's Aaron Burbridge showed Lewis can be beaten, but Rutgers quarterback Chris Laviano isn't Connor Cook. If Lewis contains Carroo, the run defense should take care of the rest.
Indiana: Don't Give Up Explosive Plays
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From quarterback Nate Sudfeld to running back Jordan Howard to receivers Ricky Jones and Simmie Cobbs Jr., the Hoosiers have weapons.
Indiana ranks 18th in the nation with 137 gains of 10-plus yards and has tallied 43 gains of 20 or more, which is an average slightly north of five per game. If the Hoosiers keep that up against Michigan, they'll have a shot.
The Wolverines, on the other hand, are among the country's best at making sure those explosive plays don't happen. Michigan has surrendered the third-fewest 10-plus gains and the fewest 20-plus-yarders.
Indiana hung around with Ohio State and Michigan State because of some long touchdowns, but the Wolverines must stop the Hoosiers from going 3-for-3 against the top Big Ten East teams.
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Penn State: Contain Saquon Barkley
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Penn State has a blossoming star, so Michigan needs to nip him in the bud.
Excluding the season-opening contest where he had a single carry, Saquon Barkley has tallied 100 rushing yards or has scored in every game. The freshman back gashed Ohio State for 194 yards and even had a 46-yard touchdown reversed due to a holding penalty that didn't impact the run.
But if the Wolverines and their No. 2-ranked rush defense stop Barkley, Penn State is in for a long day.
While Christian Hackenberg is a first-round talent for the NFL draft, he's constantly pressured and doesn't have many pass-catching weapons. No wonder he looks broken.
The Nittany Lions can give Michigan's offense some fits, but their attack becomes borderline inept without Barkley running the ball effectively. Stop him and you get the win.
Ohio State: It's Not That Simple
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The fumble needs to bounce Michigan's way. The tipped pass must fall harmlessly to the ground among a collection of Ohio State defenders. There's no single key to topping the Buckeyes.
Now that J.T. Barrett has locked up the starting job, the Ohio State offense should be completely settled by the time it enters the Big House. Since he joined the rotation in a regular role and ultimately moved up, Ohio State has piled up 45.3 points per game.
The Wolverines absolutely must be able to score, because Barrett, Ezekiel Elliott, Braxton Miller and Michael Thomas can pick apart any opponent. Michigan will limit the Buckeyes, but 28 points is probably the lowest mark needed for a win.
Michigan's running game has stalled against top competition. Repeating that trend would almost certainly spell defeat for the Wolverines.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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