Sherrone Moore assesses where Michigan offensive line stands entering Alabama matchup

Arguably the biggest task for Michigan heading into the College Football Playoff semifinals against Alabama is sorting out the right side of the offensive line in the absence of right guard Zak Zinter. Zinter broke his leg in the second half of the season finale and is out for the rest of the season.

Michigan likely has a trio of linemen who are vying to fill in for Zinter, including Karsen Barnhart, who started at right tackle most of the season. When asked about the shuffle going on up front recently, Michigan offensive coordinator and line coach Sherrone Moore expressed confidence but demurred on providing specifics.

“We’ve done different things but feel good about where we’re at. Not going to speak to who’s doing what, but we’re excited about where we’re at,” Moore said on Monday.

Along with Barnhart, Michigan is likely to use one of Trente Jones or Myles Hinton, both of whom are primarily tackles. Jones has been the Wolverines’ sixth offensive lineman for most of the year, checking in when the Michigan offense goes into jumbo sets. Hinton, who transferred in from Stanford, competed for one of the starting tackle spots in the fall before slotting in as a backup tackle.

Barnhart has the most starting and playing experience and can easily kick inside, while Jones offers arguably the most positional versatility. Hinton, if he does end up in the plans, will likely be a tackle-only option, with one of Barnhart or Jones playing inside him.

In the Big Ten Championship game against Iowa, the lone contest Michigan has had to construct a starting five linemen without Zinter this year, the Wolverines started Barnhart at right guard and Jones at right tackle with Hinton taking on the role of the sixth, extra lineman.

But that was with only a week to prepare, not weeks, and for a game against an overmatched Iowa team. With the Crimson Tide waiting on the other side of this preparation, the Wolverines will need the very best from the five offensive linemen they put on the field.

Moore seems confident that the Wolverines are looking likely to do just that as Michigan faces what should be the toughest test of the season so far.

“And it’s been a really good week of preparation and really good couple weeks. And excited to see what the rest of the week looks like,” Moore said.