GBMWolverine: Coach’s Corner — Michigan Football — Utah at Michigan — The Offense
Posted at 4:00pm — 9/2/2008
GBMWolverine: Coach’s Corner — Michigan Football — Utah at Michigan — The Offense
Offense Breakdown:
Offensive Line:
They were not good. There was too much penetration through the A and B gaps. And early the entire line did poor job getting hands down. The thing is other teams are going to watch this game and keep putting pressure on this group especially if they know the quarterback will not hurt them with their legs or their arm. If you noticed in the game the defense in the first half with Sheridan as quarterback was going man up a lot on the outside receivers and moving the rest of their team close to the line of scrimmage daring Michigan to throw over the top.
Right side of offensive line played much better than left. In fact was not unhappy with Mooseman, Schilling, and Ortmann’s play. Molk and McAvoy struggled to say the least. This might be a little thing, but Molk did a nice job hiking the ball yesterday and this believe it or not was a major worry. Had only one bad exchange and that we believe was a mistake from Sheridan.
The offensive line seemingly never got to the second line of defenders. We think this will be a big surprise and main talking point during film work. Was also surprised the team did not attempt to run the ball up the middle more only running plays that were effective were the “belly plays”.
Quarterbacks:
Sheridan and Threet’s lack of running threat killed the running game. You count on quarterback threat to keep backside honest. The backside defensive end and outside linebacker killed Michigan. Neither of these quarterbacks are a long-term solution.
Threet drops the ball, needs to force it up. Makes his release point low and takes to long to get off. He needs to get rid of the ball earlier (like we tried to say) and also needs to keep his head up when he starts to take off just in case a receiver comes open when he starts to run.
The problem with Threet is exactly what you saw a kid who has some ability, but gets way too excited in tough situations. The problem coaches have is they know the only way he overcomes this (in other words play with more poise) is to actually get game experience.
Threet will be a much better quarterback by the end of year, but it will be ugly getting there. Once again we tried to explain his fundamental problem if you noticed the high throws when throwing left and the 2 tipped balls. Sheridan we tried to tell people of what to expect, but a lot of people just wanted to label “us” haters of the kid. He is a good kid, but we need better talent at this position and it seems to becoming in.
Sheridan’s decision making in practice was better or a better word is safer which we tried to document on several occasions. When safe does not make it Sheridan is in trouble.
Running Backs:
Tough to judge with Sheridan’s being so off on timing and offensive line getting whipped. Still putting ball on ground is unacceptable especially this year where turnovers will be huge for this team. If they turn the ball over they will lose the game because they do not have the right players to generate a lot of offensive scores.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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