How should Michigan defend TCU's offense?

Submitted by WalterWhite_88 on December 16th, 2022 at 5:47 PM

Interested in everyone's thoughts about how Michigan should defend TCU's explosive offense. 

Here are my questions regarding our defensive gameplan:

1. How do we defend against the QB run? Have a spy? Or just try to keep Duggan in the pocket? Or play more zone?

2. Should we devote most of our resources to avoiding explosive pass plays and make them go the whole field and hope to stop them in the red zone? (I.e. send only 3 or 4 man rushes on pass plays and hope our linebackers and defensive line can stop the run with only 5 or 6 man boxes. Similar gameplan to the OSU game)

3. Should we double team Quentin Johnston on every down or see if Will Johnson can keep up with him on his own on most downs?

4. What, if any, weaknesses can Michigan's defense hope to exploit?

Hoping people who are much smarter than me can lend their thoughts! 

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Bo Harbaugh

December 16th, 2022 at 8:58 PM ^

Like OSU, but use Barrett or Colson to spy Duggan.

Q. Johnson needs the Marvin Harrison treatment - double anytime he tries to take the top off the D. Pass him off to Sainristil or a safety on anything underneath.

We will need to stop the run with our front 4 as we have done well every game this year outside of Illinois.

Other than that, bend but don't break first half, then attack with discipline in the 2nd half - as has been the strategy throughout the year.  Feel out the opponent, figure out their formations and tendencies, then go into lockdown mode.

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goblue2121

December 16th, 2022 at 6:00 PM ^

M has had the luxury of being able to stop the run with the front 7 all year giving them a lot of flexibility on the back end. They'll mix in some exotic pressures if they can't consistently get home with 4.  Duggan is going to make some plays with his legs. Make him pay when he takes off. If I was a TCU fan, I'd be much more concerned with how they're going to stop Michigan.

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leftrare

December 16th, 2022 at 6:14 PM ^

I don’t think Michigan should defend TCUs offense at all.  They’re big boys, they can defend themselves.  I do think Michigan should defend against TCUs offense.  For sure. 

Joined: 06/30/2008

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