GBMWolverine: Defensive Grades

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Posted at 8:00am — 9/14/2010

Here are the defensive grades for the Michigan defense versus the Notre Dame offense

The overall grade for the defense amounted to a C+.
The defense held ND to 24 points and caused 3 turnovers. But a team cannot give up a 95-yard TD pass with less than 4 minutes to play. The defense also gave up over 500 yards in total offense. Michigan had better figure out a way to defend good TE’s, because Iowa and Wisconsin use the TE’s better than ND does. Plus MSU, OSU, and Penn State have solid TE’s and all of those teams will use TE’s if the weakness in the defense is that obvious.

D Line:
C+ The group did a good job against the run holding Allen to 89 yards. The ND QB’s did hurt UM with the run on the read option and scramble. And UM still needs to generate some pass rush. There were times that the ND QB’s had all day to throw. It was similar to playground games where no one is allowed to even think about rushing until counting to five slowly.

LB’ers:
C+ Mouton was solid and Roh got UM’s only sack. Roh and any MLB’er have to be better against the run. The ND pullers got up on Ezeh multiple times and Roh got muscled. Deer and middle linebackers should never freeze and just get trucked.

CB’s:
C+ Other than the late hit penalty, CB play was OK. Nothing super, but they did not get badly beat or commit any glaring coverage errors. We will have to wait and see how the corners do when they play against SE’s who can stretch the field.

Safeties :
C-, and this grade might be generous. The group gave up two long TD’s and had a number of missed tackles. C Gordon had better learn to wrap up and soon.

Written by GBMWolverine Staff

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tom

I too think this is overly critical. ND had 17 offensive series. They scored 24 points on 3 touchdowns and 1 field goal. The defense forced 8 punts, had 6 3-and-outs, and made 3 interceptions. If everyone truly played at a c+ or worse level, we would have given up more than 24 points. I would give it a B. If our defense can force 8 punts plus cause 3 turnovers per game, we should win 10 games.

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ErocWolverine

Well guess giving up 500 plus yards and the team deserves an A then -- i hate to see what happens if the defense ever plays good -- what grade would you give them A+++ ... you forgot to mention that the defense faced 2 other quarterbacks that looked like deer in head lights as well ... while the starter did quite well against them.
As far as stopping them -- you fogot to mention 2 of those series came at the end of the half and also at the end of the game -- not sure I would be bragging about a team driving 75 yards in 21 seconds and the other coach making a mistake about not taking the 3 points.

Sean

I think this evaluation is a bit overly critical. 3 TO's and 6 3-and-outs and a C+? The DL rushed 3 against 6 the entire game and individuals were getting held consistently. Although I was disappointed in the lack of pass rush, the CBs completely limited Michael Floyd. And it was mentioned that he doesn't stretch the field? Are you joking? Floyd may be the top WR in the NCAA and didn't score nor even reach 80 yards receiving. The safety play was crap though.

Well ... when you give up over 500 plus yard -- 4th highest in school history your not going to get an A.
Also the fact that for almost an entire half -- minus the first drive Notre Dame played with the 2nd string and 3rd string QB. What would have happened if the starter was healthy -- 600 yard -- 700 yards?
Have to remember that both of these teams play a quicker style offense so your going to have a chance at more 3 and outs ... also the 3 turnovers were from the back-ups.
Again good job by the defense, but major improvement is needed -- that is why the C grade.