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Michigan football OL Trevor Keegan on stretch run: 'It's all on us'

Anthony Broomeby:Anthony Broome•11/09/21•

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Washington v Michigan
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Michigan football developed its offensive identity early on in the 2021 season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Josh Gattis have a physical football team that likes to run the football. Star running back duo Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum has largely steered the ship there.

The offensive line has played a major role in opening holes and creating space for its backs to operate. Third-year guard Trevor Keegan says it has not mattered which player is back there. They do their jobs all the same.

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“I couldn’t tell you who is back there half the time,” Keegan told the media on Monday. “Usually, if we’re in third-down I can tell who’s back there. Other than that, I love blocking for both of them. There’s no better feeling than when they fly right past your butt. It’s awesome. I love it.

“We trust all of our backs. We know that everybody is going to do their job. Whoever is back there, we are going to block our tails off for him.”

The Michigan offense has been helmed by redshirt freshman quarterback Cade McNamara, who has put in the work to emerge as a leader. Keegan praised how the quarterback sets the tone for the offense.

“I’ve known Cade since I was a freshman and before I even got here,” he said. “He’s just poised. He knows his work. He knows what the defense is going to do. He stays and watches film until like, 9:45, 10 during the week. He’s always prepared and that’s what makes him so poised. It’s awesome and we feed off of that. We want to work as hard as him.”

Michigan knows goals still are ahead

Michigan dropped a tough game to Michigan State a few weeks ago, but can still win the Big Ten East if it wins out. Keegan says the focus is high and extra work is being put in.

“This last stretch is the most important three games,” he said. “The season has flown by. I feel like August was yesterday. We’ve got to lock in and hone in on our assignments. Watch film. It’s all on us. That’s what we like.”

How do Michigan players ensure they are ready for the challenge? It all comes down to everyone doing more.

“Doing stuff on our own time. Come early to watch film,” Keegan said. “Taking care of our bodies more. We’re going to need everybody to make a run. Be healthy, studying film and doing extra work. We’ll be just fine.

“We don’t talk about it. We just know (our goals are in front of us). It is up to us. It’s up to the players and coaches. I’m excited. We’re ready to go.”

Michigan travels to Penn State on Saturday for a tilt with the Nittany Lions. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on ABC.

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