Michigan's Offensive Line: Newsome Under Fire To Deliver Results

David

3 min read

Post on Aug 25, 2025

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Michigan's Offensive Line: Newsome Under Fire to Deliver Results

The pressure is on Michigan Wolverines offensive line coach, Sherrone Newsome, as the team heads into the 2023 season. After a less-than-stellar performance in the College Football Playoff semifinal against TCU, questions abound regarding the effectiveness of the offensive line and the coaching that produced it. Can Newsome and his unit answer the critics and deliver the results expected of a program with national championship aspirations?

The 2022 season saw flashes of brilliance from Michigan's offensive line, paving the way for a powerful rushing attack. However, the TCU game exposed significant vulnerabilities, particularly in pass protection. This inconsistency has put Newsome squarely in the spotlight, with fans and analysts alike questioning his ability to mold a consistently dominant unit. The pressure is palpable; the expectations are high, and the margin for error is slim.

Key Challenges Facing Newsome and the Offensive Line

Newsome faces several critical challenges as he works to improve the offensive line's performance:

• Pass Protection: The biggest area of concern is pass protection. The inability to consistently keep quarterback J.J. McCarthy upright against a strong TCU pass rush highlighted a significant weakness that must be addressed. Newsome needs to implement strategies and drills focusing on improved communication, footwork, and pass-rush identification.

• Maintaining Run Dominance: While Michigan's rushing attack was generally successful in 2022, maintaining that dominance will be crucial. The offensive line needs to create consistent running lanes, even against tougher defensive fronts. This requires effective zone blocking schemes and physical dominance at the point of attack.

• Developing Young Talent: The Wolverines boast promising young offensive linemen. Newsome’s ability to develop these players and integrate them seamlessly into the starting lineup will be vital for long-term success. This requires not only technical coaching but also mentorship and building team cohesion.

• Injury Prevention: Injuries decimated several teams last year. Proactive injury prevention programs, strength and conditioning, and game-day adjustments will be crucial for maintaining a healthy offensive line.

Newsome's Track Record and Potential Solutions

Newsome, known for his player development skills, has a history of success coaching at the collegiate level. However, the pressure at Michigan is immense. He'll likely focus on:

• Enhanced film study: Thorough analysis of past performances, identifying weaknesses and implementing targeted drills to address them.
• Intensified practice drills: Focusing on specific techniques and scenarios to improve pass protection and run blocking.
• Improved communication: Strengthening communication between linemen to ensure cohesive execution of plays.

The success of the Michigan Wolverines in 2023 hinges significantly on the performance of the offensive line. Newsome's ability to overcome these challenges and develop a consistently dominant unit will be a major factor in determining whether the Wolverines achieve their championship ambitions. The season opener will provide an early indication of whether his strategies are paying off. The pressure is on, and the nation is watching.

What are your thoughts on Michigan's offensive line heading into the 2023 season? Share your predictions in the comments below!