The Michigan offense was up and down producing explosive plays during the three seasons with Josh Gattis as offensive coordinator. Skeptics of the Gattis offense have doubted his mantra about getting the ball to playmakers in space. After being one of the most explosive offenses in 2020, the Miami Hurricanes slipped in 2021.
Michigan finished tied for 57th nationally with 186 plays of 10 or more yards in 2021. Miami was eerily similar finishing 59th with 185 plays of 10 or more yards. In 2020, Miami finished 20th nationally behind quarterback D’Eriq King with 175 plays of 10 or more yards. Michigan was 102nd in 2020 with 85 plays of 10 plus yards.
Michigan was better in 2019 finishing 54th with 188 plays of 10 or more yards. Under former OC Dan Enos, the Miami Hurricanes had 193 plays of 10 or more yards to finish 46th in 2019. Michigan went from 68th in total offense in 2019 to 78th in 2020 and improved to 24th last season by utilizing a balanced offense.
When it came to the most explosive plays Michigan ranked in the top 10. The Wolverines tied for first nationally with 10 plays of 60 or more yards. Miami was 21st nationally with six plays of 60 or more yards. Explosive players to watch for Miami in 2022 are running back Jaylan Knighton and wide receiver Key’Shawn Smith.
Josh Gattis asked what has allowed for the Wolverines to lead the nation in plays of 50+ yards: "Explosive players. They key to getting those explosive players is getting the ball to explosive players. That was an area that we really emphasized — increasing our team speed."
— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineOn3) December 27, 2021
Knighton had 13 carries of 10 or more yards in 2021 and three of 20 plus yards despite missing the first four games of the season. As a receiver, Knighton had four receptions of 15 and 25 or more yards. Michigan RB Hassan Hawkins finished 19th nationally in 2021 with 36 plays of 10 or more yards.
Gattis will also utilize the Miami tight ends in the passing game. TE Erick Ali was the second leading receiver for Michigan in 2021. Ali had 12 receptions of 15 or more yards in 2021 and three of 25 plus. Miami TE Will Mallory had six receptions for 15 of more yards and two that were 25 plus.
Three of the five receptions by backup TE Elijah Arroyo went for 15 or more yards and one went for 25 plus. Expect Gattis to use Arroyo and Mallory frequently this season in tandem TE formations. Miami should continue to be a big-play offense in 2021 but will utilize a bit more conservative approach than in 2021.