ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines offensive coordinator Jason Beck says the offense is making progress, but they still have plenty to fix as the team prepares for its Big Ten opener against the No. 17-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes.
Beck said Thursday (Sept. 24) that ball security, physicality, and consistency remain major points of emphasis after Michigan’s first three games.
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One of the biggest concerns is the Wolverines’ perimeter running game.
Beck said those plays are averaging about 2.5 yards per carry this season, compared with roughly 8.5 yards per carry last year.
“Man, to this point, three games in, it has not been productive,” Beck said.
Beck said Michigan must determine whether it can improve production or needs to move in another direction.
“We got to make either get better at it or stop doing it,” Beck said.
Beck also praised quarterback Bryce Underwood’s progress through the first three games while acknowledging one area that needs immediate attention: ball security as a runner.
Underwood has fumbled once in each game, Beck said, and the quarterback has otherwise been effective in the running game.
“He’s done a really nice job in the run game,” Beck said. “We just really have to tighten that up.”
Beck said there has not been a need to simplify the offense for Underwood.
Instead, the coaching staff has emphasized trusting what he sees and avoiding overthinking.
“He has a real good understanding of everything,” Beck said. “It’s just a matter of kind of building from there and keep growing.”
Underwood’s running ability also remains an important part of Michigan’s offensive approach.
Beck said the Wolverines used more designed quarterback runs against Oklahoma because of the matchup, while the number of quarterback carries can also depend on how defenders are read on option plays.
Michigan’s run game remains a work in progress
Beck said the Wolverines have been surprised by some of the results in their handoff run game and disappointed by the lack of production on the perimeter.
He attributed the struggles to multiple factors but said the solution ultimately comes down to playing harder and more physically.
“We just got to play harder, more physical, get more out of each time we’re handing it off,” Beck said.
Michigan has had more success pulling blockers and running in other directions, Beck said, creating a decision about whether to keep working on perimeter concepts or emphasize other plays.
The offensive line has also dealt with injuries, although Beck said there has not been significant shuffling since the first game.
He praised Blake Frazier, Evan Link and Manuel Beigel for stepping into different roles last week without having practiced at those positions during the week.
Beck praises ‘Rhino’ package
One bright spot has been Michigan’s use of its “Rhino” personnel package, which puts additional size on the field.
Beck said the package has provided physicality and a “knockback” in the run game without creating many significant trade-offs.
Beigel has played the Rhino role and has impressed the coaching staff despite limited experience.
“Three games in, Manu, he’s one of the better things we have going on,” Beck said.
Iowa presents physical test
Beck expects Saturday’s matchup with Iowa to provide an important test of Michigan’s physicality.
He described the Hawkeyes as disciplined, fundamentally sound and strong tacklers.
“They play hard. They’re really sound. They’re really disciplined,” Beck said.
Iowa’s defense rarely gives up extra yardage, Beck said, meaning Michigan will need to break tackles and gain yards after contact.
The game also will test the Wolverines in the trenches, an area Beck considers central to Iowa’s identity.
“I’d say one of the top Big Ten teams in terms of that physicality,” Beck said.
Deep passing game still developing
Michigan has not connected on many deep passes early in the season, but Beck said the Wolverines are continuing to work on the vertical passing game.
He said some opportunities against Oklahoma were close, including passes near the sideline and a deep pass that resulted in a pass interference penalty.
Those explosive plays can have a major impact on Michigan’s offense, Beck said.
“When we’ve had those explosive plays, a lot of those drives have ended in points,” Beck said.
Wide receiver competition continues
Beck said the competition for the No. 3 wide receiver role remains fluid, with different players starting in different personnel groupings.
Players who consistently make the most of their opportunities will earn more playing time, he said.
Andrew Marsh’s strong performance last week also provided a boost to the passing game alongside JJ Buchanan.
Beck said getting Marsh involved early helped establish rhythm and confidence for the offense.
Michigan still searching for offensive identity
Asked to define Michigan’s offensive identity after the first three games, Beck declined to put a firm label on it.
Instead, he said the offense is continuing to develop and improve from week to week.
“I’d hate to give it a grade,” Beck said when asked to assess the unit.
His assessment was blunt: Michigan’s offense is “just barely getting it done” and needs to continue improving its consistency and ability to score points.
The Wolverines will get their next opportunity Saturday against the Hawkeyes in a matchup Beck views as a significant measure of where the offense stands physically against Big Ten competition.
