ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines offensive line coach Grant Newsome praised Jake Guarnera’s performance in his first start against Central Michigan.
“Jake played really well. He graded out really well,” said Newsome. “Felt that live in-game, he was playing well, and the film confirmed it. It’s a credit to him.”
Newsome acknowledged the opponent wasn’t a top-tier team, but was impressed with Guarnera’s maturity and handling of his first live offensive game action.
Newsome emphasized the importance of depth on the offensive line.
“When those guys are back, it’s a competition. You have to earn your spot back. It’s not guaranteed just because you started the season as a starter,” Newsome said.
Injured lineman
Regarding injured players Brady Norton and Giovanni El-Hadi, Newsome said both are working through lower-body injuries, with Norton a bit farther along.
The hope is to have both back for the upcoming game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, but decisions will depend on how the week progresses.
On left tackle Evan Link, Newsome said, “He’s miles ahead of where he was last week and last year at this point. He’s more comfortable, trusting himself, and playing with confidence.”
He also noted Blake Frazier is pushing the tackles in practice, which is positive for the unit.
Newsome described extra time spent by head coach Sherrone Moore with the offensive line as focused on fundamentals. “His message was getting back to the how — fundamentals like pad level and hand placement, less about plays or what the defense will do, more about what we can control.”
Nebraska/Oklahoma/Central Michigan
Reflecting on the offensive line’s performance at Oklahoma, Newsome said, “We didn’t play well enough to get the win. We protected pretty well, but didn’t run the ball consistently enough. We have a lot to improve on.”
Looking ahead to Nebraska, Newsome acknowledged the defense’s strengths, especially in pass defense. “They challenge you with man coverage, have a talented secondary, and skilled edge rushers. It’ll be a good challenge for us.”
On the offensive line’s physicality against Central Michigan, Newsome said it was “much better,” with consistent improvement throughout the game.
He noted the importance of finishing blocks and maintaining discipline, especially on plays that were called back due to penalties.
Newsome explained how practice drills, such as “shoots,” help develop physicality.
“It focuses on pad level and firing out with a flat back and tight hands. Good things tend to happen when you do that,” Newsome said.
Newsome emphasized that physicality must be practiced and developed over time.
He said center Greg Crippen plays a key role as the “quarterback of the offensive line,” responsible for making calls and adjustments.
Newsome highlighted the challenge of playing in a hostile environment like Nebraska but expressed confidence in the team’s preparation.
Quarterback Bryce Underwood’s ability to run the football helps the offense by forcing defenses to account for him, which can create more favorable matchups.
Newsome praised Underwood’s athleticism and playmaking ability.
When asked about Guarnera’s recruitment ranking, Newsome said, “There’s sometimes a misconception in recruiting rankings. You have to watch the tape and evaluate traits and character. Jake showed he was ready sooner rather than later.”
Newsome shared that the coaching staff benefits from multiple offensive line experts, including coaches Moore and Juan Castillo, among others.
“It’s a great resource for players and coaches alike. Different perspectives help players learn better,” Newsome said.
Regarding Nathan Efobi’s move to left guard, Newsome said Efobi had reps at both guard positions in spring and camp, which helped his transition.
The starting spot will be determined by both practice performance and competition results.
Newsome gave credit to tight ends coach Steve Casula and the tight ends for their blocking ability, which is crucial to the running game.
Tight ends are considered an extension of the offensive line and help create matchup advantages.
Finally, Newsome described Castillo as an enthusiastic and energetic coach whose experience is invaluable.
Having multiple experienced offensive line coaches helps the team address individual player needs and improve overall performance.
History
Nebraska has not won a game against a ranked opponent since defeating the No. 22-ranked Oregon Ducks 35-32 on Sept. 17, 2016.
Since then, the Cornhuskers have lost 27 straight games against ranked teams.
However, with a 3-0 start led by quarterback Dylan Raiola, who has a skill set comparable to Patrick Mahomes, Nebraska sees an opportunity against a 2-1 Michigan team starting 18-year-old freshman quarterback Underwood.
If Nebraska loses, it would tie Indiana’s record of 28 consecutive losses against AP top 25 opponents, a streak that lasted from 1993 to 2000.
Michigan will be without coach Moore, who is serving the second game of a self-imposed suspension related to sign-stealing allegations from 2023.
Nebraska will try to upset the No. 21-ranked Wolverines on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
The Cornhuskers have not beaten Michigan since 2013. Michigan has dominated the last four matchups, including a 45-7 win in 2023.
Saturday’s game will be the 11th meeting between the two teams, with Michigan leading the series 6-4.