Mel Tucker breaks down Michigan's running game

Stopping the run game will play a big part in Michigan State’s success if they want to defeat Michigan this weekend. The Wolverines are a Top-10 team in the nation in total rushing yards, yards per rush, and yards per game while they’re Top-5 in rushing touchdowns. It’s a potent part of their offense and Mel Tucker understands how important taking it away will be on Saturday,

Tucker spoke about Michigan’s rushing attack during a press conference earlier this week. He says their talent at that position and the team’s buy-in to their scheme makes it very difficult to defend.

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“They have a good line. They’re well coached. The back run hard, they can make you miss, they can run you over. They play hard,” said Tucker. “Receivers block, tight ends block. They’ll formation you. They’re gonna shift, they’re gonna motion, they’re gonna make sure you’re sound, and they’re gonna make sure you ca fit the runs. (Michigan) makes sure you’re in position. They have a good scheme and they have good players.”

Blake Corum is the star of the Michigan backfield with 901 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season. However, Donovan Edwards, CJ Stokes, and even quarterback JJ McCarthy create some of that rushing production themselves. It’s a point of emphasis of their team and the Wolverines do it as well as just about any team in the country.

With a defense that’s nearly out of the nation’s Top-75 units, Tucker and his team will have their hands full in Ann Arbor this weekend. They’ll have to find a way, though, if they want to add this in-state rivalry matchup to their win column this season.