Keys to the game: Michigan football at Nebraska 

Michigan hits the road for the first time this season, and there’s still plenty we don’t know about this team (like, of course, how it will respond away from home). The best teams relish the challenge of going into an opposing stadium and silencing the fans, coming out with a victory and waving goodbye to the crowd when they make their way to the exits in the fourth quarter. 

RELATED:Michigan football film review, defense vs. Rutgers — Evaluating the pass rush
RELATED:Michigan football, the 3-2-1: Why the wait to extend Jim Harbaugh?

This team has that ability, and there are signs it’s starting to come together. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh liked a lot of what he saw after watching film of his team’s 31-7 win over Rutgers last week, but especially quarterback play. 

“Whether it was the running game, the passing game, the quarterbacking was (A-plus), a really high level,” Harbaugh said. “… There were a lot more plays this week, probably triple, from the BG game where all 11 were doing what they were supposed to be doing and doing it at a really high level, in-sync type of level. We’ll just keep trying to build on that.”

Junior J.J. McCarthy is that guy, of course, and he’s played in his share of hostile stadiums. He’s had three outstanding games and one bad one — a 3-interception game against Bowling Green that was probably the anomaly. Here’s what he and his teammates will have to do to win at Nebraska and improve to 5-0:

Michigan Key No. 1: Be prepared to adapt to Nebraska’s different defenses

No, Nebraska isn’t very good, on either side of the ball, but the Cornhuskers do have one thing they can hang their corncob hats on — a stingy run defense. We’ve seen them a few times now, and they play hard … relentless, with a goal of making teams throw to beat them. Don’t expect Michigan to abandon the run, though.

“It’s the planning of it and recognizing how they’re doing that,” Harbaugh said. “They’re good. They’re really good at playing multiple fronts, multiple schemes. It’s going to be an important week of planning and preparation.”

That’s when it’s up to the center and the quarterback to recognize looks and change on the fly, if necessary. Fortunately, center Drake Nugent has been around long enough and is a smart guy. He’s seen it all. 

Yes, Michigan might be forced to pass more on early downs if the ‘Huskers try to play it the way other opponents have and stack the box. But we also fully expect U-M to rush for much more than the 46.2 yards Nebraska is allowing, to date. 

Michigan Key No. 2: Stop the quarterback run

The Cornhuskers don’t have a passing offense, so they’ve turned to the option with quarterback Heinrich Haarberg. They’re now 6th nationally in rushing offense at 234.8 yards per game, with Haarberg leading the way with 272 yards this season. He’s led Nebraska to consecutive wins over Northern Illinois and Louisiana Tech.

Jeff Sims should be available, too, and he can also run. He’s not 100 percent, but he’s dangerous when he is. So … the Wolverines will need to be on their toes defensively against the option. It’s a lot about assignments and concentration, which gets even harder when it’s sweltering outside. 

“It’s a great formula,” Harbaugh said. “Stopping the run and being able to run the ball is a winning formula in football. We’re just going to have to play good. It will be a game of blocking, tackling, focusing on fundamentals, reads. It’s getting off blocks, defeating blocks, playing assignment, being in the right alignment, being in the right technique. A lot of focus on real football, fundamentals, and technique.”

Michigan Key No. 3: No freebies

With the shortened games due to the new rules — and yes, that’s a thing, especially for teams that like to run the ball — it’s more important than ever to get off to a good start. Michigan gift-wrapped 7 points for Rutgers last week with a misplay for a 69-yard touchdown on the Scarlet Knights’ opening possession, and then went three-and-out. Fortunately, they got off the field and drove 94 yards for a score on the following possession. 

They can’t afford a similar start in this environment. Falling behind is only going to make the crowd that much louder. Avoid the big mistakes (big plays and turnovers), and they should be just fine.

The breakdown: Michigan football at Nebraska

The Nebraska environment two years ago was one of the best we’ve witnessed in person at any Big Ten venue. Granted, it was at night and Saturday’s game will be a 3:30 start in scorching, 94-degree heat, but yeah … this is still a tough place to play. And the crowd will be into it from start to finish if the Wolverines allow the Cornhuskers to hang around. 

We wouldn’t be surprised if McCarthy threw more this game, but Michigan won’t abandon the run. If anything, Harbaugh suggested, controlling the ball is even more important in games like these. 

“It just becomes more about possessions, right?” he said. “Possession is 9/10ths of the law. We had 7 in this past game. The 8th would’ve been Mike Sainristil’s interception that put points on the board, which we love. Points per possession, ball control, time of possession and turnovers become even more of a factor in the game.”

And will be again Saturday. Harbaugh will trust his defense to play its role in getting off the field quickly. 

“Pack a good football team to go on the road, especially the defense,” the Michigan coach said. “Make sure you’ve got your defense packed. Don’t leave them at home.”