Michigan Football: Tidbits from CoachBT — Looking For Reasons
Posted at 5:30am — 11/14/2013
Michigan Football: Tidbits from CoachBT — Looking For Reasons
As I read through the threads I am noticing a trend. What happened to Michigan? Why did what started with such promise go bad so quickly? And make no mistake, as of right now Michigan is not a good football team by an stretch of the imagination. If you are looking for one “Big Thing” you will not find it. Football is about synergy, everything coming together and turning into a whole. That has not happened this season. Lets take a look at why I think it happened.
Sep 14, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Akron Zips offensive linesman Henry Orelus (55) celebrates after recovering a fumble by Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports1. The Akron Game:
We have talked about this before. For whatever reason that game shook this team to the core. And (IMO) they still have not recovered. The swagger we saw against Notre Dame never returned. Michigan 2013 has played tight since that game. Not sure if staff thought it was big game hangover or just one bad game, but that one game has turned into 5 of next 6 being clunkers.
2. Team Synergy:
For whatever reason, Michigan 2013 just has not meshed. They have not came together and turned into a team. Teams that mesh, develop that synergy can make up for lots of other woes. Team 2011 is perfect example of this. A group of hard working kids bonded and over achieved their talent level. Its beautiful thing to behold and just as ugly when it does not happen.
3. What Type Of Team Is This:
Maizeman brought this up first. Is this power team, spread team, win with defense? At this point in the season there is no excuse for not knowing. I get sometimes you have to adjust this, but come on by now everyone should know. Michigan 2013 is flailing around, throwing SH*T at the wall hoping something sticks.
Nov 2, 2013; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke (left) and defensive coordinator Greg Mattison (right) during the first quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans beat the Wolverines 29-6. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports4. Playing Scared/Tentative:
Never thought I would say this about a Coach Hoke and Coach Mattison coached team. This team just does not get after it. Defensively we don’t fly around and knock the D*MN snot out anything that moves. On offense it looks like slow motion sometimes. If you going to lose, go down with guns blazing and opponents in MASH Unit wishing they had a bye week coming up.
5. No Killer Instinct:
Related to #4. But different however. How many times has Michigan entered red-zone and left points on the field? Michigan lost to Nebraska on their last drive. Come on, someone, any one step and make a play. Why are there four defenders in the end-zone when Nebraska ran option on last play. Saw two defensive backs pinned and neither busting @SS to get off blocks.
Sep 21, 2013; East Hartford, CT, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) warms up before the start of the game against the Connecticut Huskies at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports6. Devin:
I am not blaming this mess on one player, Ultimate team game right. But when the player at the single most important position on the field is shaky, it resonates through an entire team. This is as much about who Devin is as it is about talent. We talked last season about that “IT” factor.
Those dynamic personality players who teammates will march on H@LL with and for. Not a cut on Devin, he is who he is, he just doesn’t have “IT”. He is a nice kid, fun loving, just not a dynamic leader like D-Rob was. I watched the Michigan State game and D-Rob was jumping all over the place talking with players and being Denard. That just is not Devin.
Are there some more sure. (IMO) these the biggest reasons.
Come to the message board and give us your thoughts, agree or disagree.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — CoachBT
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