Opponent Q&A: Five questions with Wolverine Maven

Brandon Brown, content manager at Wolverine Digest, answers our questions about this 2019 Michigan team.

Illini Maven at SI: The Illinois defense seems to be lately the place where you go when you want to find confidence in your run game (hello, Nebraska and Minnesota). Despite having a talented offensive line and tailback, Michigan is clearly struggling to find a consistent run game this season. What, in your estimation, is the reason for this? 

Wolverine Maven at SI: "We have all been pretty puzzled by this. The offensive line returned four starters and was supposed to be arguably the best in the Big Ten but they have not lived up to that, especially when it comes to running the ball. Youth is also a bit of an issue. True freshman running back Zach Charbonnet is the best overall back and he’s brand new, has been dinged up and was over-utilized against Army to the tune of 33 carries. Behind him, redshirt freshman Christian Turner has shown flashes but he has also really struggled in pass pro. Obviously Michigan installed a new offense and for some reason, it just hasn’t clicked yet. If I had a definite answer to that question, I’d probably be on staff."

Illini Maven at SI: Is this still Shea Patterson's job behind center or do you see Josh Gattis going toward Dylan McCaffrey in this one in early situations where the result is still in doubt?

Wolverine Maven at SI: "It’s Patterson’s job but maybe only by default at this point. McCaffrey is still out with a concussion after the brutal hit he took against Wisconsin and redshirt freshman Joe Milton just isn’t ready, despite being supremely gifted. Patterson hasn’t been very good but he’s essentially the only option at this point."

Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown overlooks pre-game warmups before the Wolverines faced Rutgers a few weeks ago.  :: Raj Mehta/USA TODAY Sports

Illini Maven at SI: If I forced you to describe a Don Brown style of defense at Michigan, how would you do that? 

Wolverine Maven at SI: "Aggressive. Don Brown always loves to say, “Solve your problems with aggression,” and that’s exactly what he does. He dials up blitzes a lot, plays man to man almost exclusively and utilizes the specialized viper position (Khaleke Hudson) very creatively. He’s also been sprinkling in more zone this year, which speaks to his evolution."

Illini Maven at SI: With Michigan being a 20-point favorite Saturday, what freshmen (with the new redshirt rule in place) could folks be interested in seeing on the field in a blowout scenario? 

Wolverine Maven at SI: "Honestly, I don’t think any freshmen will play that haven’t already and I don’t think the rule has anything to do with it. Former No. 1 safety Daxton Hill has been getting more run and will continue to do so. Wide receivers Giles Jackson, who also returns kicks, and Mike Sainristil have consistently received snaps as has tight end Erick All. There are a few other guys who have played on kickoff but that’s about it."

Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters is questionable (unknown injury) to play against his former school this weekend :: Patrick Gorski/USA TODAY Sports

Illini Maven at SI: While his status is certainly in doubt to play at all, describe what led to why Brandon Peters never being able to take hold of the quarterback job at Michigan and how would you have described him as a player with the Wolverines? 

Wolverine Maven at SI: "As someone who used to cover recruiting exclusively, I actually loved Peters as a recruit. He’s big, pretty athletic and can make all the throws. With that said, his demeanor and voice were always a bit of a concern and I think that played out a bit at Michigan. He also took a massive hit a couple of seasons ago against Wisconsin, which resulted in a concussion, and never really recovered. He missed time due to that, lost his job for a while and never retook it when he was healthy. Physically, I think he has it. Between the ears, I’m not so sure and that’s what ultimately led to him moving on from U-M."