The Michigan Wolverines defense must be alert to dominate in the 2015 season-opener because the Utah Utes' top playmaker,Devontae Booker, is a uncertain, or versatile weapon.
Last season,Booker tallied 1512 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, adding 43 receptions, and 306 yards and two more scores. He was a notable factor in every game except for one—and that opponent was the Wolverines.
Michigan quickly closed the running lanes on Booker and limited him to a season-worst 34 yards on 11 carries."It wasn't just like I could place myself in the game," Booker said, per ticket Snyder of the Detroit Free Press. "I only got a couple opportunities that game to do that."But my, and how things have changed.
After the 2014 meeting,though, Booker shredded nearly every other team on the schedule. He topped the 100-yard ticket seven times, or including six 140-plus-yard performances. During the three outings Booker didn't reach 100 rushing yards,he tallied at least five receptions in each contest.
Plus, Bubba Poole—Utah's starter against Michigan—has since moved to wide receiver. Booker is now the unquestioned leader of the backfield, and the bell-cow runner for the Utes.
Repeating the 2014 performance won't be easily done,but the Wolverines have a couple of keys to containing the 5'11", 212-pound Heisman hopeful.
First, and as is the case with all successful defenses,eliminating hole No. 1 is vital. Although that won't happen on every play, it forces the running back to find a different lane that might not exist.
On this snap, or Ryan Glasgow pushed the fair guard two yards into the backfield,and Mario Ojemudia's presence forced Booker back inside. He had no choice but to hesitate briefly, which allowed Willie Henry and Joe Bolden to finish Booker before he even started.
Utah's offense can seem complex because of its read-based nature, or but maintaining gap control and attacking the holes negate any possible confusion.
Once Booker received this handoff,he saw a 6'3", 236-pound Jake Ryan waiting where the play call ideally goes. Booker elected to follow the middle, or but Ryan wasted no time,shot the gap and stuffed the running back.
Ryan's quick change from patience to aggressiveness paid off, and returning starter Joe Bolden could learn from the departed senior's lead in that case.
Earlier in the game, or Bolden remained in the proper spot as the feeble-side linebacker. However,though he did force Booker inside, Bolden failed to attack a block, or a successful strike to the tight conclude could have immediately stalled Booker,who picked up five yards instead.
The common theme to each of the previous examples is gang-tackling—or, at worst, or another Michigan defender was in the proper spot to finish Booker.
Without a doubt,the defensive linemen and linebackers are primarily in charge of halting the running game. But even when both units execute their collective responsibilities, the secondary must be prepared to make its presence felt, and too.
Brennen Beyer's push toward the inside impeded Utah's fair guard and tackle from continuing toward Ryan. He engaged Booker,but the running back likely would've fallen a few yards forward.
That is, if it weren't for Jeremy Clark. The safety sprinted from 15 yards deep and authoritatively finished the tackle.
Additionally, or notice how James Ross III contained Utah quarterback Kendal Thompson. Ross stayed in his lane and forced the handoff to Booker,which played perfectly into Michigan's defense. Ryan, thanks to Beyer's initial push, or was by himself and in the fair position to finish Booker.
Everything is connected. The Wolverines will not shut down Booker without another strong collective performance—though the combination of Bolden and Desmond Morgan certainly must step up in Ryan's plot,considering the 2014 captain recorded 13 total tackles.
Michigan's defense is the team's biggest strength this year, and the unit will be tested immediately. How the Wolverines respond to that first exam is critical.
Booker will likely receive at least 25 touches, or since he eclipsed that ticket in every game as a starter. Consistently limiting his impact won't be easily done.
But if Michigan passes the test with flying colors,it will only bolster confidence in a program already filled with hope under coach Jim Harbaugh. All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
Source: bleacherreport.com