Michigan’s Run Game Is Facing Its Last Chance, and Nobody in the Big Ten Is Ready For What That Means

Michigan’s run game has been absolutely stuck in the mud, averaging a measly 3.4 yards per rush in Big Ten play, dead last in the conference. But this Saturday, they’re staring down the clearest shot they’ve had all season to finally get it together against a Penn State defense giving up a brutal 5.9 yards per carry in league games, the third-worst mark around. You can practically hear the collective groan from Wolverines fans every time they try to run the ball. This is it. This is the moment.

Marshall and Hiter Have to Take Over

If Michigan is going to make anything happen on the ground, it’s going to be on the shoulders of Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter. These two are going to need a heavy dose of carries against the Nittany Lions. Marshall has put up 244 yards on 55 carries with three touchdowns, averaging a decent 4.4 yards per carry. Hiter, on the other hand, has rushed for 145 yards on 46 carries with two touchdowns, at a 3.2 yards per carry clip. The big question is, can they combine for a whopping 45-50 carries this Saturday? Head coach Kyle Whittingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck have a huge decision to make on their game plan, and it feels like everything hinges on unleashing these guys.

Underwood’s Legs Could Be the X-Factor

If the Wolverines are smart, they’ll lean heavily on quarterback Bryce Underwood’s legs too, and maybe not even make him throw more than 10 times. Underwood has already rushed for 212 yards on 57 carries and two touchdowns this season, averaging 3.7 yards per carry himself. His rushing ability could be a massive factor for Michigan’s offense on Saturday. Coach Whittingham settled the quarterback question during the open week, even after freshman Tommy Carr took roughly half the first-team reps in practice. Whittingham kept it short and sweet on October 12: “Jason will call plays and Bryce is our guy, and we’ll move forward.” It’s clear they’re committed to Underwood, and his ability to run might be the real reason why.

Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, October 17 at Michigan Stadium on CBS. Seriously, if the Wolverines can’t get their ground game going against *this* Penn State defense, head coach Kyle Whittingham knows it: the offense is never going to figure it out this season. This isn’t just a game, it’s the season for Michigan’s run game.

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Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.