When Josh Gattis and Michigan’s offense began preparing for Ohio State during the offseason, they made a strong commitment to running the football. If the Wolverines were going to finally beat the Buckeyes, they thought, it was going to be on the ground and not in a shootout. They tried that in previous years with poor results. It was a big reason for the increased emphasis of the 9-on-7 ‘Beat Ohio’ running drill. Players and coaches have talked about the physicality and determination of the drill, one aimed at keeping the football within the tackles. While the offense wanted to pound the ball and pick up yards, it was also an opportunity for the defense to sharpen up against the run. The drill ultimately paid off in Michigan’s stunning 42-27 win over the Buckeyes on Saturday, an eye-opening moment for the rivalry. Jim Harbaugh’s team not only snapped a program-defining…
Continue Reading: Michigan OC: Ohio State ‘a good team,’ but ‘they’re a finesse team’
