Michigan Football: Lack of Running Game Still an Issue

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

As the Michigan football prepares to host Colorado this Saturday, one issue that is lingering from the win over UCF, was the glaring lack of a ground game.

There were many positive things to takeaway from Michigan football and its 51-14 win over UCF last Saturday at the Big House. But one big concern for the Wolverines had to be the lack of a running game.

Against an inferior opponent, you would expect Michigan or any top-5 team to be able to run the ball effectively. Yet, 41 rush attempts yielded just 119 yards or a meager 2.9 yards per rush.

Of course, Michigan football looked great on the ground against Hawaii. Chris Evans ran for 112 yards and two touchdowns. But last week, he managed just nine for 37, while starter De’Veon Smith had 10 for 41.

Overall, those numbers aren’t bad and if it was against a Big-Ten team, it wouldn’t be so glaring, but against UCF? That causes concern.

Certainly, the Knights loaded the box and made Wilton Speight beat them. All he did was throw for 312 yards and four touchdowns.

But that’s not the point. The point is that Wolverines should have been able to do whatever they wanted against UCF, a team that didn’t win a game last season.

Furthermore, the run game or lack of one, has been an issue dating back to last season and unless it gets more consistent, it will be an issue again in 2016, especially with the start of conference play next week.

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This week, however, Michigan football faces a Colorado defense that ranks 30th in the FBS against the run. Therefore, the Buffs should provide a good test for UM’s ground game.

And as good as Colorado is against the run, it’s even better against the pass. The Buffaloes rank second in the nation and allow just 62 yards per game. They are also surrendering less than two yards per pass.

That means if the run game isn’t working, passing the ball might not be as easy for the Wolverines.

While you need balance to win football games, to be great, you need to be able to run the football. And that’s why, establishing the run, should be the Wolverines’ top priority against Colorado.