Recapping Sherrone Moore’s pre-Ohio State appearance on “Inside Michigan Football”

Michigan played arguably its best game of the season on Saturday against Maryland. With that in the rearview mirror, the Wolverines are staring down their biggest game of the season this Saturday against Ohio State.

On Monday night, head coach Sherrone Moore took to the airwaves to discuss the win and the looming matchup on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show. Here’s a rundown of everything Moore had to say:

• Michigan’s offense put together its best game since the win over Central Michigan all the way back in Week 3, putting 45 points on the board against the Terrapins. “Probably our most complete performance, probably had the chance to score 50 on that last drive,” Moore said. He noted being impressed with the balance in the play calls from Chip Lindsey and thinks the team did a great job of being unpredictable. In regards to the offense as a whole, Moore is impressed with where the group is heading into the game: “I think we’re really peaking at the right time, balance is the key to the game.”

• Bryce Underwood has been solid for the most part as well over the last two weeks and cashed in with two touchdowns against Maryland. “I thought that Bryce played really well,” Moore said, noting the freshman quarterback made sound decisions with where to throw the ball, reads in the RPO game and when to run it himself.

• In addition to Underwood’s sound play against Maryland, Moore has been impressed with the mental development of his game as much as the physical development. “He doesn’t sound like a freshman when he talks about what he sees. He doesn’t sound like a first time starter.” Moore also mentioned Underwood has gotten some help from quarterback-turned-receiver Donaven McCulley and that the two were watching film together at 11:45 p.m. on Sunday.

• Michigan is still dealing with a couple of injuries on the offensive side of the ball. Of running back Jordan Marshall who didn’t play on Saturday, Moore said he “could’ve played,” but the staff opted to get him rested for Ohio State. Max Bredeson’s prognosis didn’t sound as good, as Moore said, “X-rays showed a little bit of an issue in there, but if anybody can play it’s Max Bredeson, so we’ll see how the week goes.” On defense, Moore said Ernest Hausmann is still, “day-to-day.

• Michigan’s offensive line will face a tough test in Ohio State’s pass rush on Saturday. Pass protection has been a bit of an issue for an offensive line that has played well otherwise. “We’ve gotta be the best we’ve ever been, the best we’ve been all year,” Moore said of the pass protection. He mentioned Caden Curry and Arvell Reese as guys on Ohio State’s side they’ll be looking to stop.

• The Game gets a different level of attention for both programs involved. When asked what it means for him and the program, Moore said it means, “Everything in the world. This is the most important game of the year, it means everything to us.” However, he would also add that it’s important to not deviate too much from the weekly routine this week. He also noted the coaching staff won’t rely too much on game plans from previous years since both teams are different from year to year.

• Finally, Moore mentioned his favorite Thanksgiving sides — sweet potato casserole and mac and cheese, as well as Hawaiian rolls. He’s a fan of mashed potatoes in general, but they get pushed down the pecking order when they are eaten all year long and there are so many other great options on the table.