Michigan OL Jake Guarnera sends message ahead of Oklahoma showdown
· Yahoo Sports
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Just about everything went wrong for Michigan football in the 13-12 win over Western Michigan -- aside from the 47-yard Hail Mary that ended the game. But if the Wolverines play like they did against the Broncos on Saturday against Oklahoma, they'll be walking away with a loss.
Though head coach Kyle Whittingham said the offensive line didn't play as poorly as it appeared once he rewatched the game, junior center Jake Guarnera isn't feeling the absolution.
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"We've got to do better," Guarnera said. "A lot of the saying is the team goes as the offensive line goes. So, we have to step up and play better Week 2."
The Sooners present a series of challenges, namely the defense.
The Michigan offense struggled mightily against a defense that isn't nearly as talented and doesn't have a mastermind in Brent Venables running the show. Thus, Guarnera says it's incumbent upon the offensive line to meet the challenge head-on.
"Yeah, they're very talented," Guarnera said. "So, I think the offensive line really needs to step up and take ownership this week and be able to move those guys in order to win. Because Oklahoma is known for their defense and Coach Venables and how he runs his defense. So, I'm excited for the challenge."
"Yeah, just, I mean, like I said, their defense," Guarnera continued. "That's what makes them unique. They have a lot of guys up front that can play. And their linebackers are great, too. And all those guys kind of complement each other well."
Guarnera got his first real taste of college football offensive line play against Oklahoma last year, when he briefly went in due to Brady Norton sustaining an injury. It wasn't much, and Guarnera barely remembers the experience. But even still, it's driving him to be at his best on Saturday.
"I only had one snap. And I just kind of blacked out," Guarnera said. "Just went full steam ahead. So, I'm excited to actually get some more snaps this year against them."
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan OL Jake Guarnera sends message ahead of Oklahoma showdown