Michigan running back Donovan Edwards out against UConn
Michigan will be without versatile sophomore running back Donovan Edwards when the Wolverines take on UConn at noon in Michigan Stadium. The news was first reported by Michael Cohen of the Detroit Free Press.
Cohen noted just less than an hour before kickoff that Edwards was not on the field warming up with his Michigan teammates. Shortly after, he added that Edwards was spotted on the sideline in a black sweatsuit, a clear indication he will not be going today.
Angelique Chengelis of The Detroit News confirmed with Michigan athletics that Edwards will not play against the Huskies.
Michigan will still have the other half of its usual backfield duo in third-year back Blake Corum, who might take on a bigger snap count. Additionally, true freshman CJ Stokes has been the third option at running back for the Wolverines through two games. He could see an expanded role on Saturday.
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy adds layers to the offense
On3’s J.D. PicKell broke down exactly how McCarthy can change things for Michigan, starting with a matchup against UConn on Saturday.
PicKell said the run game — which already has Corum and Edwards to work with — will become even more of a strength for the Wolverines as long as McCarthy’s the starter. After all, he rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown over two games this season. Now, defenses have to be prepared for anything.
“The run game’s going to open up a lot for Michigan,” PicKell said on The Hard Count. “And there’s the obvious that [McCarthy’s] legs add to the game in terms of what he does off the zone read. … But just the threat of him being able to pull the ball on a zone read, just the threat of what he can potentially do, the fact that Michigan can now maybe even call that against a defense means a lot to what they can do in the run game because those linebackers and those safeties, they’re not able to just key on those running backs anymore. They now have to worry about No. 9 pulling it and getting around the edge.
“So, what does that do? They’re not able to trigger as quickly. What’s a trigger? Essentially, when you see the ball, you go get the ball. And with these linebackers, they’re going to have to be super disciplined with their eyes and make sure they’re not wrong. Because if they’re wrong, JJ McCarthy’s around the outside 60 yards for a touchdown. That’s the threat that he now possesses. That’s the threat this Michigan offense possesses with him at quarterback. As aw hole, the defense has to play … a tad bit slower because of what he presents on that front.”