There is somewhat of a misnomer about the Michigan offense that centers around the Wolverines being a power running, and short passing, attack. The reality is Jim Harbaugh’s offense is one of the most explosive in the country.

The Wolverines lead the country in plays of at least 50 yards, with 17, and are tied for the lead for plays of at least 60 yards, with 10. The Wolverines do it by way of reverses and misdirection and backup QB JJ McCarthy inserted as a change-up. Add it all up and Georgia can’t afford to put 9 guys in the box.

Michigan’s bread and butter is to start with a foundation of the offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award given to the nation’s top offensive line, and Hassan Haskins, who has already rushed for 1,288 yards and 20 touchdowns. But it is far from the Bo Schembechler offense of the black-and-white TV era.

“Michigan will find ways to be creative with the wrinkles and then get back to being who they are, which is Haskins, offensive line,” Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning said at a media availability this week.

Lanning also spoke about the creativity Michigan shows on offense, and how OC Josh Gattis sets up the next play ahead of time with play-action passes off reverses, flea-flickers and other trick plays designed to get the ball downfield.

If there’s any concern about Alabama providing a blueprint for Michigan to attack the Georgia defense, keep in mind that Michigan’s offense is more run-centric than Alabama, and the Wolverines don’t have a Bryce Young or Jameson Williams.

The other difference Georgia needs to change from the SEC Championship is pressure on the quarterback, which that strong Michigan offensive line has largely prevented. Michigan has allowed just 10 sacks this season, which is tied for 2nd-fewest in the country. Yet in a strength-on-strength scenario, Georgia is 6th in America in sacks with 41. Georgia didn’t register a sack against Alabama, and only had one against Vanderbilt. Otherwise, Georgia had at least 2 in every other game and had at least 3 in 8 games.

Georgia has answered the bell against offenses that have traits similar to Michigan. For example, Kentucky and Auburn each have a 1,000-yard rusher. Arkansas was shell-shocked early by Georgia, but it also had one of the more dynamic offenses in the SEC.

The key for the Georgia defense will be its discipline, something Kirby Smart and Lanning pride themselves on. The discipline to not bite on play-action fakes, and exotic plays that are designed to get the defense out of position. The Bulldogs also described the Alabama loss as a “hiccup” and have resumed their messaging around competing against internal goals, and measuring the defense against itself and coaching metrics, not necessarily fan or media expectations.

“We take a deep dive every single game when we’re successful, we take a deep dive when we’re not, and our approach didn’t change after this past game,” Lanning said. “I think you give a lot of credit where credit is due. They did a great job against us, and I think they’ve left a little bit of hunger there for us to get an opportunity to go back out there and play again.”

While Lanning is working double duty for his new job at Oregon, Georgia has largely kept things in check with its coaching staff and game planning. That speaks to a confidence level and a resistance to not panic over one game when compared to the balance of the regular season.

While there can be plenty of debate over Smart’s decisions at quarterback, there is far less discussion about the defense thanks to the history and experience in the coaching staff of Smart, Lanning, Will Muschamp and Glenn Schumann.

Adjustments and a reset are expected, and they should arrive Friday night.