Chicago – Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said the team met Sunday to discuss what the Wolverines’ focus must be these final three regular-season games starting Saturday against Northwestern at Wrigley Field.
Moore, appearing on the UM radio pre-game broadcast, said the meeting was about the “buy in.” Michigan (7-2 overall, 5-1 Big Ten), ranked No. 18, is coming off a bye and needs to win its final three games, including the regular-season finale against Ohio State in Michigan Stadium, for a shot at the playoff.
“Going to a bowl is not just a goal for this year at this point, it’s making the playoff and beating that team down south (Ohio State),” Moore said on the UM radio broadcast. “I’m happy what the team did this week to attack that process.”
The Wolverines will be without leading rusher Justice Haynes, tight end Hogan Hansen, safety Rod Moore and linebacker Cole Sullivan on Saturday. Linebacker Jimmy Rolder, who missed Michigan’s last game against Purdue, returns, as does linebacker/edge Jaishawn Barham. Moore said Barham will play both positions against the Wildcats.
Jordan Marshall, coming off a 185-yard, three-touchdown performance against Purdue, will carry the run game again. He’s had three-straight 100-yard rushing games. Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey said this week he wants to keep Marshall to 20-25 carries.
“You don’t want to put too much on his tires,” Moore said of Marshall. “He’s prepared to carry the ball as much as we need him.”
achengelis@detroitnews.com
