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Michigan football: Month off has done wonders for team health

Chris Balasby:Chris Balas•12/29/23•

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Michigan center Drake Nugent is healthy after playing hurt late in the regular season. (Photo by Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)

Many didn’t realize it, but Michigan was a banged-up team heading into the Big Ten championship game with Iowa. Guard Zak Zinter was out with a broken leg suffered against Ohio State, but several other Wolverines were banged up — many to the point of almost not playing — against the Hawkeyes. 

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The month since has been a time for healing, Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore said Friday. The offensive line and the running backs, especially, had some significant bumps and bruises. Drake Nugent might have been worst off, and he acknowledged he had to tough it out. 

“It was very much needed,” the Michigan senior center said. “I had a high ankle sprain for the Iowa game, but I feel much better now. Those four weeks were great for me.”

“It’s been great,” Moore added. “All the offensive linemen in what we do, especially the last game against a physical football team and really the last four games … physical, physical, violent games. We just needed this time to get bodies just naturally to rest.

“It’s been really good for us. They’ve done a great job getting back into that physical phase, preparing mentally and physically for what we have on Monday.”

That includes Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. The Michigan running backs needed the break, too, Moore added.

“I think this has been huge for both of them. Those guys have really done a great job taking care of their bodies,” Moore continued. “Blake looks like he got bigger again, put on more muscle … like Superman. So did Dono. He looks ripped and lean. I’m just excited to watch them progress in this game, do what they do on this stage, because they’ve definitely done a great job with their bodies. 

“Especially for running backs playing in this conference, it’s super physical. You’re going to get hit hard, deliver hits, going to get hit. Those guys have done a great job progressing from an injury standpoint. I’m excited to see where they are Monday.”

Michigan junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy, meanwhile, claims he’s “100 percent” after suffering a lower leg injury he played on for several games. Guard Trevor Keegan, too, is as healthy as he’s been in a while, and he believes the team is, too.

“It’s been terrific, especially with the way our offense is. Being a guard in this offense, pulling all the time … me as a player, I just love coming off the ball, hitting,” the Michigan lineman said. “I love that part of it, running and pulling. Just getting a couple days off after the Iowa game was big for me and the rest of the team. 

“You get to week 13 of the season, your body is hurt. I actually think this is the most health team we’ve had the past two years.” 

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