Michigan running backs combined for 28 rushing yards on 30 carries in last weekend’s four-overtime loss at Penn State. This weekend the Wolverines will hope to get more out of the running game without having to rely on quarterback Devin Gardner as much. Michigan head coach Brady Hoke is mixing things up on the offensive line for this weekend’s game against Indiana
Junior walk-on Joey Burzynski and redshirt freshman Erik Magnuson will start at the guard positions for the Wolverines, according to Hoke in his weekly video interview with MGoBlue.com.
“Joey’s going to step up, he did a nice job last week,” Hoke said. “And so is Erik Magnuson.”
Magnuson played last week to fill in for an injured tackle Taylor Lewan, who is also supposedly available to play this weekend for Michigan. Lewan should be back at his regular position, which is why Magnuson is filling in at guard instead. Magnuson will take the spot previously filled by Chris Bryant, who had started two games this season. Burzynski replaces Kyle Kalis, a former blue chip recruit.
Michigan may have struggled to run the football last weekend, but perhaps Indiana will be the cure. Indiana has given up 200 or more rushing yards three times this season, including 238 to Michigan State last week. It should be noted Gardner rushed for over 120 yards against Penn State last week, but if Michigan is going to bounce back and make a run for a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game it will be imperative to take some of the pressure off their quarterback to do everything on offense.
Don’t be surprised if Michigan tries to spread things out a little more this weekend. Gardner has suggested he is willing to take a role in a spread offense, the same style used with Denard Robinson, but that does not seem to be what Michigan is trying to build. But if it works...
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