Michigans backup QB is an experienced transfer in John O'Korn. The QB race between Speight and O'Korn was neck and neck for the majority of fall camp, though most everyone associated with Michigan football assumed O'Korn would get the job bc of his dual threat ability. O'Korn was Harbaugh's choice to represent the team in the Manning passing academy over the summer. O'Korn won MVP that week and there were some real good QB's in attendance.
As a freshman at Houston O'Korn threw for 28 TD and just 10 INT. After the offense changed and In came spread option QB Greg Ward, and thus O'Korn transferred to Michigan. I'll post the link to his highlight video. The reason he lost the job to Speight wasn't bc he wasn't as talented or lacked potential. O'Korn lost the job bc he's a bit of a Brett Favre type gun slinger and Harbaugh values ball protection.
As as far as how the offense changes: I expect to see the run game become more efficient bc of the threat of quarterback run. If you recall, Harbaugh adapted nicely to Colin Kaepernick taking over Alex smiths job. This QB change will see similar changes to the offense. Zone read, QB power, some bootlegs to get O'Korn outside of the pocket where he is most accurate. I believe the spread was -29 with Speight. I think -24 is about right. O'Korn is really not that much of a dropoff from Speight.
jim Harbaugh will mold the gameplan around what O'Korn does well. In junk time this year he's 13-18 for like 120 yards 1td.
From a bettors perspective Indiana is much improved defensively. Under Kevin Wilson they have always been able to score points. Last year Michigan needed OT to beat IU 47-45. Last year Michigans defense was really beat up in that game. No way IU scores that much this year. Michigan could easily cover this number with O'Korn at QB. However I expect the gameplan to be heavily run laden. Harbaugh just wants to get a W before Ohio st, and being that osu is the next game, Michigan is also in a bit of a look ahead spot here too.
I never bet on or against my wolverines, so take this info as u will.
Indiana was on my radar for this one too. Their defense looked great vs. Penn State, but after watching their young RBs cough up the ball 4 times in the first half, I'm thinking that this game could be similar because of Michigan's much better D. A few TOs could lead to 10-14 Michigan points and cover this spread. That being said, Indiana will work extra hard on protecting the ball this week, and Michigan will work on stripping it from the ball carriers.
Anytime guys. Glad I could help. If you want to see O'Korn in game action, here's his highlight tape from his freshman year at Houston as promised.
P.s. - for those considering a wager on this game, Ann Arbor is expecting 25-35 mph winds during the game, with occasional gusts of 40 to 45 mph. Rain is 60% likely as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN8lJBzYpfM
P.s. - for those considering a wager on this game, Ann Arbor is expecting 25-35 mph winds during the game, with occasional gusts of 40 to 45 mph. Rain is 60% likely as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN8lJBzYpfM
