What to know:

• Michigan wants to expand its receiver rotation. Wide receivers coach Micah Simon said several players have earned more snaps, but the production of J.J. Buchanan and Andrew Marsh has made it difficult to take them off the field.

• Buchanan and Marsh have become Michigan’s top receiving threats. Simon praised both players for their contested-catch ability while saying the Wolverines want them to create more separation.

• Salesi Moa is earning more opportunities. Simon said Moa has made plays when targeted, played fast and shown a willingness to block.

• Jaime Ffrench could see increased playing time. Simon said Ffrench has practiced well over the past two weeks and has a strong chance to receive more snaps as the season progresses.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan Wolverines wide receivers coach Micah Simon said the team wants to involve more players in the passing game, but JJ Buchanan and Andrew Marsh’s play has made it hard to take either receiver off the field.

“Why would I ever bring them off the field right now?” Simon said.

Simon said several receivers have earned opportunities for additional snaps, including Salesi Moa, but Michigan must balance expanding its rotation with maintaining the production of its top targets.

Moa has earned additional opportunities by making plays when the ball comes his way, Simon said. He also praised Moa’s positioning, willingness to block and ability to play fast.

“He’s done a great job of being in the right spots at the right times, playing fast,” Simon said.

Simon said Buchanan and Marsh have been effective in contested-catch situations, although he acknowledged Michigan left some opportunities on the field in its most recent game.

The coaches also want the receivers to create more separation so not every catch has to be contested.

Buchanan’s size gives him an advantage, Simon said, while Marsh has shown strong hands and the ability to make difficult catches.

“JJ obviously is a bigger target,” Simon said. “Andrew, on the flip side, just as talented when the ball’s in the air.”

Simon said the receivers work on those difficult catches throughout the week.

“You practice how you play,” Buchanan said.

Simon said Michigan’s offense is continuing to develop its identity, with the receivers serving as one part of a larger operation that includes the quarterback and running game.

He said the offense cannot focus solely on getting the receivers the ball and must make its run and pass concepts work together.

“You can’t be heavy three-wideout sets and doing different things when you want to throw the ball versus now you’re in a little more 12 personnel with the tight ends, and it looks different,” Simon said.

That balance has contributed to Michigan’s limited use of a consistent third receiver, he said, although personnel groupings could change as the season progresses.

“We’re always spinning that dial to move forward to find the best ways to be productive on offense,” Simon said.

Jaime Ffrench could be another receiver who earns additional opportunities.

Simon said Ffrench has practiced well in recent weeks and has continued to build the trust necessary to receive more playing time.

“He’s practiced really well the last couple of weeks,” Simon said. “So, as things continue to move forward, there’s a strong chance you see him out there more than you have previously.”

Simon said the coaching staff evaluates players based on consistency and their ability to execute assignments.

While Michigan’s receivers have produced consistently in the passing game, Simon said he wants the group to improve its blocking.

Receivers may spend most of a game blocking before getting opportunities for explosive plays, he said.

“We want to be elite at that,” Simon said of blocking. “That’s an area of improvement that I’m stressing that I want to see going forward.”

Simon said receivers must maintain the same level of execution on every snap, even when they are not the primary target.

“You’ve got to be consistent each and every play,” Ffrench said.

Simon also addressed a recent interception that resulted from a miscommunication.

The turnover was particularly frustrating because it came on the first drive of the third quarter while Michigan was moving toward the red zone, he said.

Simon placed responsibility on the coaching staff to make sure players are on the same page.

“Whatever play we’re designing, whatever play we’re putting out there and on the field, everyone’s got to be on the same page,” Simon said. “So, that falls on us.”

Michigan’s receivers will face a Minnesota defense that Simon described as excellent.

He said the Golden Gophers return several key players and have a disruptive defensive front as well as experienced players in the secondary.

Minnesota is coming off a victory over Washington, Simon noted, adding that Michigan will have a difficult challenge against the defense.

“We have our hands full,” Simon said.

Simon said Michigan’s goal remains straightforward: continue improving and do what is necessary to win games.

“We’re just trying to do our job every single day,” Simon said.

Kickoff is slated for high noon on Saturday (Oct. 3) inside Huntington Bank Stadium.

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