De’Veon Smith Is Key To a Michigan Football Victory Over Maryland
By David Cuff
@DaveCuff
Getty Images
De’Veon Smith has had an up and down season for Michigan. Before last Saturday’s game against Northwestern, Smith had just 115 yards on 40 rushes in his previous four games. He was able to get back on track last week, and Michigan will need that success to continue against Maryland. Smith will be the key to a Michigan victory over the Terps.
Maryland currently ranks 99th in the country in rushing yards allowed per game. They haven’t been able to stop anyone, and Michigan will need to take advantage of that. Smith was thrust into the starting role after Derrick Green was injured against Rutgers. Many thought he might be replaced after Drake Johnson had a breakout game homecoming weekend against Indiana. But Brady Hoke stuck with Smith, and the running back was able to deliver this past Saturday. Smith ran for 121 yards on 18 carries, and he had Michigan’s only touchdown of the afternoon.
On the season Smith has 95 rushes for 487 yards and six touchdowns. That’s good for an impressive 5.1 yards per carry average. Maryland gives up 4.3 yards per carry to opposing rushers, so Michigan should be able to control the tempo of the game. On the flip side, Michigan’s defense ranks third in the country, giving up just 2.8 yards per carry to opposing rushers. They shouldn’t have any trouble keeping that number low against Maryland’s 114th ranked rushing offense.
Michigan’s offense has not been very good overall this season, but the rushing attack has been fairly consistent when given the chance. For Michigan to win Saturday and become bowl eligible, Smith needs to be fed the ball early and often. He will be the key to a Michigan victory.
David Cuff is a University of Michigan Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DaveCuff, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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