What to know:

• Michigan’s offensive line is finding more continuity. Injuries have forced lineup changes, but offensive line coach Jim Harding said having the same five starters together in recent weeks has helped build chemistry and communication.

• Young linemen could be needed. True freshman Marky Walbridge has taken reps at both tackle spots and could step in if needed. Harding praised his athleticism and physicality. Malakai Lee, who arrived in June, is developing at right guard and contributing on special teams.

• The run game remains a work in progress. Harding said Michigan’s pass protection has been strong but wants more consistency and movement in the run game. He pointed to pad level and footwork as areas for improvement.

• Penalties are a major focus. Michigan has brought officials into practice to emphasize holding penalties. Harding said linemen must recognize when a ball carrier has broken away and avoid continuing a block that could draw a penalty.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Michigan Wolverines offensive line coach Jim Harding said injuries have forced the team to shuffle their front, but the group has shown improved continuity with the same five players starting in recent weeks.

Harding said Evan Link’s experience at left tackle and Blake Frazier’s work at right tackle created a natural combination after Andrew Babalola went down.

He emphasized that keeping the same five players together helps build chemistry and communication.

“If you can continue to play together, the more chemistry is built,” Harding said.

The Wolverines could continue to lean on young players because of injuries.

True freshman Marky Walbridge has taken reps at both left and right tackle and could be called upon if needed.

Harding praised Walbridge’s athleticism and physicality, particularly his work in the run game after stepping in when Frazier went down.

Malakai Lee, who arrived in June, is also developing at right guard and contributes on special teams.

Harding said Lee has a bright future but noted that Walbridge has had the benefit of arriving earlier and going through spring practices.

Harding said Michigan’s pass protection has been strong, but the offensive line still needs to improve its consistency in the run game.

The Wolverines have shown more movement at the line of scrimmage in recent weeks, but Harding said the unit has not reached the level he expects.

He pointed to technique, particularly pad level and footwork, as areas for continued improvement.

Rather than taking long steps, linemen are being taught to use shorter, quicker steps that allow them to react more effectively to defensive movement.

“We’re not where we need to be,” Harding said.

Michigan’s offensive line is also working to cut down on penalties.

Harding said the staff has brought officials into practice and is emphasizing holding calls.

He explained that linemen must recognize when a ball carrier has broken away from a block and avoid continuing to hold or finish the block when doing so could draw a penalty.

The coaching staff has also used physical consequences in practice for holding penalties as part of its effort to reinforce the message.

Harding said eliminating penalties and creating more consistent movement up front are two areas the offensive line can control.

Frazier has returned to practice but has been limited during the week, Harding said.

Harding expressed hope that Frazier will be available but stopped short of guaranteeing that he will play.

If Frazier cannot go, Walbridge has been working with the other starters in practice.

Harding said preparation gives the Wolverines familiarity with the potential replacement, while acknowledging the coaching staff would prefer to have its best five available.

Harding said the Wolverines are looking for ways to create more space for their running backs and generate explosive plays.

Some big gains can come from blocking schemes that let backs reach the second or third level, he said, while others can come from breaking tackles or sustaining blocks long enough for a play to develop.

Harding also pointed to getting running backs into space through screens as another way to create explosive opportunities.

The goal, he said, is to avoid relying on long drives built entirely around four- and five-yard gains.

“It is a lot easier to have explosive plays to move the ball down the field rather than have to have four- and five-yard gains and sustain 10-plus-play drives,” Harding said.

Harding acknowledged that Michigan’s injuries have made it more difficult to establish a consistent offensive line combination.

New combinations require players to relearn communication and combination blocks, Harding said.

The coaching staff works with new combinations through film study, individual drills and basic blocking techniques.

Harding said having the same five starters over the past two weeks has helped build chemistry.

A bye week after Saturday’s game inside Huntington Bank Stadium on Oct. 3 could give injured players more time to recover and the offensive line more time to build continuity.

Harding also addressed the broader challenge of maintaining offensive line depth in the transfer portal era.

He said Michigan is currently young along the offensive line and that players increasingly have opportunities to transfer when they do not see an immediate path to playing time.

The challenge for Michigan, he said, will be retaining players and continuing to develop them while giving them reasons to remain in the program.

Harding acknowledged that teams had more depth when players had fewer opportunities to transfer, but said the current environment is now part of roster management.

The Wolverines will face a Minnesota defense that Harding described as physical and talented up front.

He specifically highlighted defensive lineman Anthony Smith, describing him as a long, disruptive player who can affect both the passing and running games.

Harding said Minnesota’s entire front seven has been playing well and that Michigan’s offensive line will have a significant challenge Saturday.

Michigan and Minnesota are scheduled to meet at noon Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium.

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