Keys to Victory: Michigan vs Oregon

The Big Ten football schedule stops for no one. After a much-needed rivalry win over the Michigan State Spartans, the 5-3 Michigan Wolverines host the No. 1 team in the country in the Oregon Ducks, who are legit national title contenders.

It has been tumultuous season on the field for Michigan, but pulling off an upset against one of the best teams in the country could certainly help Michigan fans forget some of those struggles.

Here are three keys to victory against the Ducks.

Avoid chunk plays in the passing game

Airing out the ball is a huge part of Oregon’s offense, with Heisman candidate Dillon Gabriel entering Week 10 ranked eighth in the country in total passing yards (2,371). In press conferences this week, Michigan’s secondary spoke highly of Oregon’s receiving core, with Tez Johnson, Traeshon Holden and Evan Stewart combining for 1,397 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 113 catches this year.

“We just want to make sure to limit the explosive plays and try to turn the ball over to give it back to our offense. That’s a key focus for us, especially for this game coming up,” cornerback Aamir Hall said. “They have very fast guys that like to get into space and just make plays using their speed and quickness. Them coming into the Big House will be exciting.”

Big plays are the easiest way for teams to gain momentum and crush the spirits of an underdog. It’s a tall task — especially if Will Johnson isn’t healthy — but Michigan has to do its best to limit Oregon’s passing attack.

Feed Colston Loveland again and again

On the other side of the ball, it’s going to be crucial for Michigan to keep utilizing future NFL tight end Colston Loveland. After the offense had been pathetic most of the season, offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell called his best game of the year against MSU. Loveland played a big role in that, racking up 67 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Loveland is likely one of the names towards the top of Oregon’s scouting report, so Michigan will have to be creative when it comes to getting him the ball. The Wolverines need to use the run game to set him up in the passing game. Loveland being able to pick up a few chunk plays increases Michigan’s upset chances immensely.

Michigan cannot turn the ball over

As it has for the Wolverines all season long, the turnover margin is going to play a big factor. Oregon is far ahead of them in that category this season (+3 vs -6). The easiest way to turn a potential upset into a blowout is by turning the ball over, just ask Navy after turning the ball over six times in a 51-14 loss to Notre Dame last week.

Michigan did a great job taking care of the ball a week ago. Quarterback Davis Warren wasn’t a star by any means, but he did just enough to help lead Michigan to victory. I am not so sure that victory happens if he throws a pick or two.

As Jared Stormer and Andrew Bailey pointed out on Out of the Blue this week, the Wolverines have to win the turnover battle to win this game, and they probably have to win it by two takeaways or more. A few second-half picks by Gabriel can certainly swing things.

What else does Michigan have to do to pull off this upset? Let us know in the comments.