Michigan football: Wilton Speight could have best game against Purdue

Speight looks to put accuracy problems behind him

Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – It's been a tough start to the season for Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight, but a breakout game could be on the horizon.

The undefeated Wolverines will leave the friendly confines of Ann Arbor on Saturday for their first road test against Purdue. The Boilermakers are off to a fine 2-1 start under new head coach Jeff Brohm, and it should be a test for Jim Harbaugh's team.

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Shaky Speight's early struggles

I've stood by Speight as Michigan's starting quarterback this season despite major struggles with accuracy. Harbaugh knows his team much better than anyone else, and if Speight won the job out of camp, I'm convinced he's the best option on Michigan's roster.

But some of the fan base is calling for a change, and their frustration isn't completely unjustified.

Speight is struggling to connect with his new group of wide receivers, completing fewer than 55 percent of his pass attempts. This is unusual for Speight, who completed more than 60 percent of his passes as a first-year starter in 2016.

The main problem has been overthrows -- lots of overthrows. Speight has regularly sailed passes over his target this season, and Michigan's offense has paid the price.

In the opener against Florida, Speight missed high on a second-quarter throw to Kekoa Crawford that was tipped and intercepted for a touchdown. On his very next pass attempt, Speight sailed Grant Perry for another Gators pick-six. Speight also missed a wide open Crawford down the sideline later in the game.

He didn't turn the ball over against Cincinnati, but the inaccuracy issues were still there. Speight twice missed freshman Donovan Peoples-Jones on fairly simple passes, and he threw three straight incompletions in the red zone after a first and goal.

Signs of improvement

Speight improved against Air Force, and I saw some promising signs despite the red zone struggles. He completed 14 of 23 passes and didn't turn the ball over. Harbaugh put him in positions to succeed with short passing plays, and for the most part, Speight was solid.

The performance was encouraging because so much of Speight's game has relied on confidence. When he was comfortable in the offense last season, he looked like a solid quarterback. In Michigan's first nine games, he threw for an average of 228.1 yards, completed 15 touchdown passes and threw only three interceptions.

It wasn't elite production, but Speight fit the scheme perfectly. He ran the offense, made the right throws and avoided big mistakes.

A shoulder injury against Iowa derailed Speight's season, and he never looked the same, throwing for 161.7 yards per game with three touchdowns and four picks.

When his confidence wavered, Speight struggled, and he certainly hasn't looked confident this season.

But he can build off an improved performance against Air Force, so look for a more confident Speight to take the field in West Lafayette.

Under pressure

Throughout Speight's Michigan career, he's struggled under pressure. He's less accurate in a collapsing pocket and when rolling out to either side.

Florida's strong defensive line played a major role in Speight throwing two interceptions and missing other open receivers. Even when he wasn't in danger of being hit, Speight heard footsteps because of Florida's pressure.

This weekend, Speight should have much more time to throw.

Purdue is the only team in the country that has played three games and doesn't have multiple sacks. While the Boilermakers have been solid overall on defense, they only have one sack in three games, which is the worst ratio in football.

When Speight has time to stand in the pocket and step into his throws, he's very effective. Michigan's young offensive line has been inconsistent in terms of pass blocking, but they should be able to handle Purdue.

Under pressure 2.0

It's hard to win on the road in college football, but it might actually be good for Speight to get away from Michigan Stadium.

With talented youngsters Brandon Peters and Dylan McCaffrey on the roster, Speight has likely felt immense pressure during his early-season struggle. The home crowd in Ann Arbor hasn't exactly helped the cause, becoming restless and even booing the offense despite the team's 3-0 start.

Speight isn't the most talented quarterback on the team, but his experience and familiarity with the offense earned him the starting job. This week, there's no pressure to perform in front of the home crowd, and sometimes that's exactly what a player needs.

If Michigan wants to compete for a Big Ten championship, Speight has to get back to where he was during the first half of last season. Harbaugh has the pieces in place on defense and around Speight, so quarterback is the final piece of the puzzle.

Purdue looks like a matchup that could get him going in the right direction.


About the Author:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.