Michigan Football Mailbag: Will we see QB Tommy Carr in non-garbage time?

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The No. 18 Michigan Wolverines are getting ready for another home test against the No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes. It’s been a few years since the Wolverines last played the Hawkeyes, but a few things about Iowa never change. Head coach Kirk Ferentz is the longest-tenured active head coach in the FBS, and his right-hand man, defensive coordinator Phil Parker, has been alongside him for more than two decades.

As the Wolverines get ready for a tough conference schedule, we asked for your questions ahead of this matchup.

Brady the GOAT: Why is Iowa always so good on defense?

Iowa’s players don’t make many mistakes on defense. Parker has been with the program for a long time, and he knows what he’s doing. Good coaching makes a difference, and Iowa hasn’t had any major change there in a long time. Iowa usually gets a few very talented guys to commit to the program because of their defense’s reputation.

Ryan2288: Where can Michigan exploit Iowa’s defense? How can our D challenge the Iowa Offense? 

Michigan’s defense looks solid through three games and should be a tough out for Iowa’s offense. The Hawkeyes’ quarterback this season is Hank Brown, and he’ll be making his first road start this weekend. Michigan’s edge rushers need to make him uncomfortable. He can pick up yards with his legs, but he’s not a “mobile” guy. He is 45-of-62 so far this year for 473 yards and three touchdowns.

Iowa is averaging 7.1 yards per play, including an average of 7.4 yards per rushing attempt, with nine touchdowns. Michigan’s linebackers and secondary need to be ready to make some open-field tackles if these guys get to the second level.

Michigan’s offense needs to be willing to stretch the field in the passing game, use Underwood’s legs and get creative in the run game. Iowa’s opponents have only managed 198 total rushing yards for an average of 2.2 yards per carry. Unfortunately, Michigan’s offensive line has dealt with injuries, so if they want to take some pressure off the unit, I think they have to challenge the secondary. Trust Underwood to find JJ Buchanan or Andrew Marsh, and from there, either of those guys can make a big play.

John Weiss: How many designed run plays for BU? Over/under 7

I’d take the over on this one. It’s tough to imagine Iowa not trying to load the box, and an easy way to counter that is to get your quarterback involved in the run game. Underwood carried the ball 18 times against Oklahoma; not all those were designed, but I think you could reasonably see him having around 10 designed carries.

SonicsAaron: What’s wrong with the offensive line? Is it injuries, technique, or scheme?

It’s hard to ignore the impact of injuries for this offensive line, but it’s improved week to week. Getting to know a new scheme comes with its own set of challenges, and Michigan had a TON of miscues on the offensive line in the first two games. They’ll have a big test against Iowa, that’s for sure, but I’m optimistic they look better this week.

zingers man: Predictions for what we’ll see from the O?

Here’s what I’ve enjoyed about the offense: it’s looked better each week. While the Wolverines turned the ball over a couple times against UTEP, they at least got some of the penalties under control. I really think we could see this team really put it together against Iowa this week. Savion Hiter is getting more comfortable and could help get the running game going, especially if Jordan Marshall can’t play much. Underwood can make some big plays with his legs, and the pass game is starting to click.

BostonBlue: What is the deal with our TEs as it seems we are missing this as a weapon?

It might not seem like it, but the Wolverines are adding more tight ends to the rotation. It’s just not as obvious because the Wolverines have multiple good wide receivers to target in the pass game for once and we don’t have anyone on the roster who’s proven they’re the next Max Bredeson, so we might need to be a little patient. Guys like Jalen Hoffman, Eli Owens and Hogan Hansen each saw time against UTEP, and we saw Zack Marshall for a few more snaps as well.

Natty2023: Will Tommy Carr make an appearance NOT during trash time?

I don’t think so, but I’m assuming Michigan controls the line of scrimmage. We all add the caveat of “it’s just UTEP,” but I thought we saw a lot of momentum and balance from Underwood. He fumbled, and that’s brutal, but he also kept his eyes downfield when he scrambled and picked up some nice yardage on those passes. Those abilities should take some pressure off the offensive line. Sure, they’re playing a tough Iowa defense this week, but I think it’s still an easier system to read and understand than Oklahoma’s unit.

Truth12345: Is Brandt now just a garbage time DT since the other ends have passed him?

It looks like that’s going to be the move for Brandt. The Wolverines only had him on the field for 13 snaps against UTEP. After the performances from guys like Nate Marshall and Tariq Boney, and what we’ve seen from Dom Nichols and John Henry Daley, it’s tough to see Brandt playing on the edge moving forward.

Thanks for submitting your questions on our post on The Feed! Be sure to check The Feed every Monday this week when we take questions for the weekly mailbag!

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