Week 4 Recap-Week 5 Preview
Michigan vs USC
Michigan came out very strong against USC and showed them what the Big 10 is all about. The good thing for USC is they probably will not face another team with only 12 pass attempts in a game. Now, looking at it from Lincoln Riley’s perspective this cannot feel great, you came back from a 14-0 deficit and just couldn't get it done. The second half adjustments by the Trojan defense were great; they committed to stopping the run and they did. The Michigan rushing attack was able to break 3 40+ yard runs and that was the difference in the game. USC was able to stop the run but they weren’t able to stop the big plays. Kalel Mullings ran for 159 yards in the game and established himself as the new RB1 for the Wolverines. The Trojan’s still look like they can compete for a title and going into the Big House for your first conference game will never be easy. They showed that they can compete in the trenches and showed resilience as they battled through the ups and downs of the game.
Should Michigan still be concerned?
The quick answer is YES, Michigan needs to develop throughout the season and become more dimensional on offense. Right now, they have one attack and that's the running game. We already knew that Alex Orji is not a great thrower of the football, but he needs to use these next couple of games and build confidence so teams can’t just sell out on the run. He averaged 2.7 yards per pass attempt, and Sherrone Moore needs to upgrade his playbook and let him air it out a little. They should be able to get by these next couple of games even if Orji makes some mistakes. I believe that Michigan can develop and compete for a Big 10 championship, they just don’t have the pieces to compete for the National title.
NEWS:
Reggie Bush sues the NCAA, USC and the Pac 12 for NIL compensation. This is very concerning for the NCAA as many players feel they were mistreated during this time. “Pay for play” has been going around the top programs forever and now that players can be paid for NIL, ex players may follow suit with Bush. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what comes of this but the NCAA needs to prepare for what could end up happening.
WEEK 5 Matchup- Georgia vs Alabama
This may be only the first matchup between these teams this season. I believe these two teams can compete for a SEC Championship and even a National title. Both teams are coming off of a bye week and have been preparing for this game all summer. I believe Alabama has the most to prove in this game as they have a new era with coach Kalen Deboer. Jalen Milroe will be the biggest factor in this game as he was last year. Not only will he have to be incredibly accurate against a top secondary, but we will have to extend plays with his legs as well. I believe Alabama will want this game more and show everyone in the country that they don’t need Nick Saban to be one of the top teams.
Prediction: Alabama wins in a close game in a final minute drive
My Heisman updates:
Travis Hunter: He had another 100+ yard receiving game while playing both ways. He played over 100 snaps and forced the game winning fumble in OT. He is so special and on the hail mary pass at the end of the game he drew three defenders on his side of the field to create single coverage on the other receivers.
Cam Ward: He has played like the veteran QB he is. Ward’s composure in the pocket and his IQ in game situations is phenomenal. If he can take this Miami team to the playoffs and keep playing the way he is, he will be in New York
Quinn Ewers: Even though he is injured, he is still going to have an opportunity to face the top teams in the country. If he performs the way he did against the Wolverines he will in his other big matchups he will be in New York.
TOP 10
Texas
Ohio State
Georgia
Tennessee
Alabama
Miami
Oregon
Ole Miss
Utah
Penn State
