The Michigan offensive line has been criticized at times, but in recent weeks, they’ve been playing at a very high level.
In Michigan’s 42-21 victory over Maryland, that upward trajectory for the offensive line continued with another strong performance. The Wolverines did not give up a sack and rushed for over four yards per carry.
“I felt like we did a great job in pass pro today,” sophomore center Cesar Ruiz said. “Like I’ve said since the beginning of the season, every week we’re going to continue to make strides and continue to get better. Today showed that we’re getting better. The sky is the limit for us.”
Since the Notre Dame loss, the offensive line has only given up three sacks in five games.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh was happy with the performance of his offensive line.
“Good, really good,” Harbaugh said. “Offensive line is playing well. Ed Warinner is doing a heck of a job with the guys. I think they’re all playing their best football.”
Senior running back Karan Higdon also praised his offensive line.
“I think each and every week, you see them progress more and more,” Higdon said.
Higdon continues role as workhorse running back
It was a special moment for Higdon.
Against Maryland, Higdon became the 23rd Michigan running back to rush for 2,000 yards in his career.
“It’s amazing,” Higdon said. “To do it at a traditional school like Michigan is something that is life fulfilling. I’m excited for it. I’m so thankful and blessed.”
In the past two games, Higdon has rushed the ball 55 times. Against Maryland, Higdon ran 25 times for 103 yards. Harbaugh said he thought Higdon had a great game.
“He’s just getting the extra yards,” Harbaugh said. “He’s broken some big runs in his career, and he has this year. Just the strength that he’s developed in the offseason and the determination he has to help our team shows up in those carries where it looks it’s going to be a minus one or no gain and he turns it into a four-yard gain, or a one-yard gain into a six yard gain.”
One area where Higdon has also improved upon is pass blocking.
“And his pass protection has improved immensely,” Higdon said. “So, it’s important to him. He’s done a terrific job training and preparing himself for the season.”
Redshirt junior Zach Gentry’s career day
Gentry had a career high seven receptions and 112 yards against the Terrapins. He was a consistent force for Michigan’s offense against the Terrapins and found seams in the defense.
“Zach’s my boy,” Michigan junior quarterback Shea Patterson said. “One of the first people I met. He was one of the people who really took me in. He’s a heck of a target, so you can really put it anywhere. He’s 6-8, and fast, too. Kind of like Gronk out there. He’s going to play this game for a long time, and I’m excited to be able to throw the ball to him.”
In the offseason, Gentry’s game has taken a leap forward.
“The way he’s grown most is probably putting on 40 pounds of muscle,” Harbaugh said. “He’s grown so much as a blocker. He’s grown as a hands catcher. He’s able to pluck the ball out of the air with the hands. He’s got a frame and a target catch radius, but also makes the tight body throw and catches.”
As the season progresses, Patterson will look to Gentry when he needs a reliable target.
“He’s a guy you can go to every single play, unless coverage negates that,” Patterson said. “He’s definitely a reliable target. Zach’s such a big target.”
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