Michigan Hockey 2018-19, Game #12: Michigan 2, Wisconsin 1 (2OT)

OFFENSE

Analysis: Finally, Finally! FINALLY Michigan has a healthy starting quarterback to face Ohio State, especially in Columbus. And Shea Patterson is a good one. His completion percentage (65.6%), YPA (8.5), and TD:INT ratio (18-4) are all very good. So good that we’ve wondered what this offense would look like if it would go Full Air Raid. While Shea has still missed a few throws and struggled a little bit when forced to read and dissect a zone defense, the main thing holding back the passing game…has been the running game. Michigan has been able to run the ball well in a variety of ways against almost every opponent post Notre Dame. The main issue coming into the season has progressed wonderfully, and now pass protection, while not great by any means, has become functional enough that the Wolverines are able to test opposing secondaries deep. If you’ve watched any of OSU’s games in the last six weeks, you are probably salivating over this matchup. As hard as it is to type it, Saturday could be a big day…

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This is what a good defensive team looks like. [Coller]

DEFENSE

Analysis: Michigan’s defense has basically struggled for three quarters this season. Other than that, nothing. Actually, almost literally nothing. Who knows about Chase Winovich. I mean, I’m guessing I could name a few people that know, but…probably not me. Anyway, Michigan’s pass rush speaks for itself aside from Chase. The only worry is potentially defensive tackles against the run. While that does give me a little cause for concern, Devin Bush seems to cover up a multitude of sins. Also, like 2.5 NFL corners and improved safety play. I listened to a seemingly acceptable OSU podcast this week, and they seemed less than optimistic about facing Michigan’s defense. I expect the same. Haskins wants to throw, but most of his throws come short to athletes in space via screens, flares, and crossing routes. Michigan should mostly keep the Buckeye run game in check, despite Haskins recently showing his reluctant willingness to run. Don Brown is the best in the business; you know he’s keeping something in the bag; this is his most talented defense he’s coached. Also, has OSU thrown at a Michigan starting corner since 2015?

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Both teams have explosive options on kick returns. Michigan probably has a better punt returner; Ohio State gets the advantage in punting (mostly because Hart struggles with pooch punting more than Chrisman). I guess I would give the kicking advantage to Michigan despite the Moody/Nordin debate. Nuernberger is only 3/5 on the year for Ohio State. Adding all of these areas together, it is probably mostly a wash. I would bet that kickoffs won’t be a thing; OSU flips the field on a punt or two, but DPJ gets a quality return; Michigan probably has the more reliable kicking options.

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Lavigne was good. Berry was great. [Coller]

GOALTENDING

Analysis: The nervousness all week has been because of the unusual feelings that we’ve all been having…for a while now. Michigan seems to be the better team. No. Michigan is the better team, pretty much all over the field (except maybe defensive tackle and maybe punter). This is not to say Ohio State is a bad team or even a mediocre team. They are a good team. Probably a very good team. However, Michigan is the better team. They also need this game. They need this win. The entire season has been built on winning this game. They are built to attack and stop this Buckeye team. Sure, I’m nervous about a Ref Show, a BS targeting call, unbelievable fumble luck or silly bounces. But you know what? Those are out of anyone’s control. This team is angry, fired up, and finally ready to conquer their demons. They’re good enough to not depend on a dropped pass or a BS spot. The last couple of years Michigan outplayed, then outcoached Ohio State, but the streak still stood. Not this time.  

ODD-MAN RUSHES

Analysis: If you’ve made it this far, you deserve to hear some takes about tonight’s game.

• • Michigan dominated this game, possession-wise. Michigan was not skilled enough to created a lot of Grade A chances, but they sure threw a volume of them at Berry. He was very good and the main reason why Wisconsin stayed in the game.
  • Michigan’s defense was also very good. The goal was probably on the top line, as Cecconi screened Lavigne and then allowed his man to go get the puck and get a second shot on net. Hughes was also caught standing around. Other than that, though, Michigan was very solid in their own zone and did not yield many good looks or looks at all on Lavigne.
  • Michigan did go 0/4 on the power play, but they created a number of chances. The penalty kill was also solid, killing all of Badger power plays.
  • Hayden Lavigne started in net and, after some shaky moments early, looked very good. I thought he might have been able to do a little better on the Wisconsin goal, but I think the majority of the blame falls upon the defense. Aside from that, he didn’t have a lot to do. When he did, he was where he needed to be.
  • Michigan probably deserved this win. I think they outplayed Wisconsin. Berry kept Wisconsin in it, but eventually Michigan was able to solve him and get two of the three points. Maybe not what was hoped for, but I think it is acceptable, especially if they win tomorrow.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

I had: Michigan 72, Wisconsin 49

www.collegehockeynews.com had: Michigan 70, Wisconsin 48