Jim Harbaugh wasn’t exactly a bastion of information during his Monday press conference, but he did meet with the media. Our take on his weekly comments:
NEWS: Fifth-year senior linebacker Mike McCray is second on the team in tackles with 26 and has added 4.5 tackles for loss with 2.5 sacks as the leader of this year’s defense.
HARBAUGH: “He was elected captain by his teammates, and he’s playing good ball. He’s a good, sure tackler and quarterback of the defense … We sometimes refer to a linebacker that way, a signal-caller, etc.
“He’s been steady … been a really good football player.”
VIEWS: And yet there are some who believe he’s been somewhat disappointing due to a “lack of speed.” As former All-American linebacker Ron Simpkins said recently, many people look slow in comparison to sophomore Devin Bush.
It’s clear that there’s a rapport between these two linebackers, and McCray has been outstanding as a leader of one of the nation’s top defenses.
NEWS: Opponents are averaging 3.5 points per game against Michigan in the second half of games this year.
HARBAUGH: “Our defensive staff, led by Don Brown, is at the highest level in all phases — not just making adjustments at halftime, but game planning, teaching, all areas of coaching.”
VIEWS: Nobody’s disputing that. But making adjustments is critical, and Brown is one of the best in the country in that aspect. If something works once against U-M (and there’s usually about a drive a game), it doesn’t usually work again.
Michigan State will have saved something for the Wolverines that the defense hasn’t seen before. It happens every year. Adjusting to it will be critical, especially in a game in which points could come at a premium.
Having Brown on the sideline should make Michigan fans rest easier.
NEWS: Redshirt junior quarterback Wilton Speight will be out for the Michigan State game with an apparent back injury.
HARBAUGH: “He won’t be able to compete this week or for multiple weeks … he’s going to be out. John O’Korn will be the starter.”
VIEWS: O’Korn would likely have been the starter, regardless, given how well he played in a win over Purdue, but this is now a position of concern. There’s a reason Speight was the starter, and this week’s challenge is bigger than the one in West Lafayette. Can O’Korn meet it, or will we see the guy who struggled against Indiana last year?
MSU will throw every blitz in the book at O’Korn. The offensive line and the backs need to protect well early to give him the confidence to make the throws he can in the comfort of a pocket. How they do early in the game often sets a tone for the rest of it.
Harbaugh has faith in his fifth-year senior.
“John’s done a fantastic job ever since he got here,” he said. “Every role that he’s been in he’s acquitted himself very well. Coming off the bench and leading our team to victory against Purdue … I think that speaks volumes.
“We’re putting in the game plan [Monday]. John does a great job of studying that, the opponent. I expect this week he’ll continue doing a great job of that. Stick to the scouting report and game plan. That will be the message.”
NEWS: Michigan State is 3-1 coming off a 17-10 win over Iowa, already matching last year’s win total.
HARBAUGH: “It’s a fantastic football team that we’re playing. It’s a huge game … big game.
“They’re playing very well. I think their offense, defense and special teams have played extremely well … very good football team.”
VIEWS: This is a game U-M should win comfortably, but strange things have happened in this rivalry. The Wolverines are a 14-point favorite and have more talent, but if they don’t play well and MSU brings its ‘A’ game, this could be a tough one.
Michigan has had two weeks to prepare. Brown and Co. should have an idea how the Spartans will attack them (last year’s blueprint would be a good start), so it will be interesting to see if the Wolverines go with a three- or four-man front.
“I think you’d like your opponents to think that all options are open and available,” Harbaugh said.
NEWS: Michigan’s secondary continues to improve, having blanketed receivers this year.
HARBAUGH: “[I like] all areas of our defensive backfield play. Good, tight coverage, we’ve defended well, been assignment-good. Not really any blown coverages I can think of … they’re a bright spot of our football team.”
VIEWS: MSU’s Felton Davis has emerged as a receiving threat, but this isn’t Iowa’s soft zone he’s going against. Expect MSU quarterback Brian Lewerke to get rid of the ball quickly, similar to the game plan the Spartans used a few years ago in Ann Arbor with some success, and see if his receivers can’t make some plays on deep balls.
This isn’t the best group of receivers the Wolverines will face this year, but there will be a lot of pressure on the secondary … especially if MSU continues to struggle running the ball.
“[Lewerke] throws very well, runs very well and has a penchant for making the big play,” Harbaugh said.
He’s also the Spartans’ leading rusher, and many of his yards have come on scrambles. U-M will need to keep an eye on him.
Harbaugh did say there was good improvement, focus and energy during the bye week, and many good practices. The Wolverines should be ready to play their best game of the year.
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