Michigan Football: Michigan at UConn — What Happened and What It Means — Part III
Posted at 4:00pm — 9/23/2013
Michigan Football: Michigan at UConn — What Happened and What It Means — Part III
Even with the poor offensive play, the team hung together and the eventual result was that Morgan’s play swayed the momentum and Michigan scored the last 17 points. Scoring 24 points against UConn is not cause for celebration. Winning is cause for celebration.
Sep 21, 2013; East Hartford, CT, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Desmond Morgan (48) celebrates after his interception against the Connecticut Huskies in the fourth quarter at Rentschler Field. Michigan Wolverines defeated the Connecticut Huskies 24-21. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY SportsThe team is 4-0, but the same problems highlighted months ago on this site remain. The quarterback is inexperienced and prone to a horrible turnover rate, that is, the Michigan touchdown and turnover factory remains at the quarterback position. The linebacker group is adequate, but very capable of stepping up the play level. The safeties are also adequate, but give credit to Gordon and Wilson for laying a game saving tackle on the UConn receiver after smartly and with discipline playing at the first down marker on the long fourth and 30 play. The pass rush remains iffy and Mattison must dial up blitz packages, subjecting his defense to situations that are not ideal. One example is Wormley on a running back in pass coverage near the goal line. The receiving corps is still minimal in numbers, but if everyone can remain healthy, the results may be adequate.
One universal truth can clearly be stated, as Gardner goes, so go the Wolverines. This team will need to scratch, claw, and fight for victories. Leopards do not change spots and this current Michigan team may not change much either. The two-week break leading up to the Big Ten season could be prescriptive. Let us all hope so. This team will require coaching that puts into place a patient but firm plan to eliminate mistakes and improve performance. The staff must be like a conductor that will not stop until he gets his way regarding technical aspects. Michigan has a lot of good players, but impacts like Morgan’s big play are needed. This team, albeit against modest competition, has found a way to win with different players over the last three years. That is a good thing.
Minnesota is up next and the Gophers are playing much better. This is a balanced and well-coached team now capable of playing with the top one-half of the league. Penn State will be a big challenge on the road. Nothing is going to get easier, so the answer is for Michigan to patch up some weaknesses and have at it.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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