It was a pivotal moment on Saturday. Michigan football only lost one touchdown, despite rival MSU be able to drive the terrain with regularity. But the offense failed to do much and the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy seemed to be going the Spartans’ way.
But then head coach Sherrone Moore challenged the offensive line on the sideline, telling them they weren’t playing up to the Wolverines’ standards. From there, the offense drove down the field and scored a touchdown. Then the defense got a turnover and the special teams made a field goal. On the first possession of the second half, the offense drove the field again, and what was a seven-point deficit suddenly turned into a 10-point lead.
Center Greg Crippen wasn’t surprised by Moore’s motivational tactics, but he said it helped spur them on and get the offensive line (and offense) back into shape.
“It’s a normal thing, just trying to find something, help us lock in,” Crippen said. “And don’t think too much, play as hard as you can. Plus, he’s a great coach, he helps us do it, and after that we scored a touchdown.”
It’s a much tougher task ahead of him, with No. 1 and undefeated Oregon Ducks come to town. So what should the offensive line do to set the tone and help the corn and blue shock those who don’t see much of a chance in them?
As Crippen notes, it’s all about getting back to their roots.
“Physical. I think I’m more physical,” Crippen said. “We’re definitely physical, I think it’s just a mindset of not thinking too much, or just going out and trying to hit someone as hard as you can. I know we’re great as natural people, and I 100% believe that we are going to go out there and do that.”
It will certainly be a challenge. Oregon enters the game with the No. 12 defense in the country and has the No. 25 pass rush in the country according to PFF.
It’s unclear if Jordan Burch, the star passer who has been out the past three weeks after being injured in practice before playing. Ohio Statewill return, but regardless, Crippen sees the challenge and feels the Wolverine offensive line will be up to the task.
“Yeah, they’re good players,” Crippen said. “They’re good players, and they play hard. And I think they’re good players. I think our game plan, just like the things we see on tape, is we’re going to prepare for whatever ‘they do. We’re I’ll be ready for that’
This article was originally published on Wolverines Wire: Michigan football OL wants to put physicality back at the forefront with Oregon next
