GBMW: Grade Card — Indiana versus Michigan

THE GRADE CARD- IU VERSUS MICHIGAN

Some assignments are easy for instructors to grade, namely a 50 question multiple-choice test that can even be scanned, or a math test where there is one and only one answer. Some assignments take great time and precision to grade, such as the open ended, higher- level assignments typical of graduate work. The IU game was not easy to grade collectively, as things ebbed and flowed, and ebbed and flowed some more. I would not be surprised if the coaches had difficulty grading out the players.

So, without the precision of a math test here are the grades.

Grading scale:

A- Outstanding accomplishment in this area, a factor that decided the outcome or controlled the destiny of the game.

B- A solid effort marked by strong contribution, clearly on the positive side.

C- A wash, the unit broke even with the opponent.

D- The opponent clearly held an advantage that impacted the game.

F- The unit essentially made it possible for the opponent to win, in the entirety of the game, not just a selected play, a clear mismatch that was repeatedly exploited by the opposition.

Offensive Line- B

This group was getting the job done much of the day and got the job done when it counted. Michigan pounded the ball in the fourth quarter when everyone on both sides knew what was coming. Tate was rushed severely at times. But on the money plays the guys got it done. Should the sins of the one (center snaps) count among the sins of the many? There were some penalties on the O-line that contributed to the near suicide of the Michigan offense in the 2nd and 3rd quarter. Ortmann, who is as big as a house, was called for not being within 1 yard of the ball and therefore in the backfield. These guys are big, and therefore this is one of my least favorite rules in football, ticky-tacky, period. This call started the offensive funk by negating a long out pass. This line is good, we will find out how good in the next several weeks.

Quarterbacks-B

Moose was trying to get cute and get an offsides call by snapping it early now and then. But the qb’s frequently had their heads way out of position to see the ball. At other times the snaps were not that bad and better focus should have eliminated one or two mess-ups. Unlike the snap under center, where a team loses 1 yard or so, a mis-snap here pretty much kills a drive for a spread team. Tate tried to play Superman, sometimes he was successful and sometimes he was not. Numerous times he was trying to make plays out of absolutely nothing in a dangerous environ, and finally the interception came after a couple of near mistakes. Denard, showed again that he should have a danger label attached to his forehead. Get him as strong as Carlos next year and some of those near misses will not be misses. Tate just loves to compete and win, this guy loves to play. He has the attitude all qb’s should have. But the freshman brain will have to advance in decision-making. Big plays count for plenty and the big plays boosted a C to a B. The coachingstaff knows what it has in both qb’s and is not guilty of micromanaging, but instead letting the talent do its thing.

Receivers- B-

I was very glad to see Webb haul a big one in after previously dropping two big passes (1 EMU, 1 IU). I think all the guy needs is confidence. The lateral blocking was decent and Carlos got the crack he needed twice. Odoms also receives credit for a big play, obviously, and Grady, while not having the wow effect, is not hurting this team in any manner whatsoever.

Defense- the defense saved the day (to be repeated later)

Defensive Line- C

Unfortunately, this group got kicked around, more than a little. Teams know what UM can and cannot do with every group of Michigan defenders. It is a matter of what valves do the coaches choose to close to stopped the leaking. Again, this group came up with a few big plays providing enough contributions to help eek out the win. Van Bergen, I believe, played very well. He needs to with the double teaming going on regarding his fellow linemen. Indiana’s line was pretty well coordinated and far from inferior. But UM will see o-lines this good or better most of the remaining games.

Linebackers- C-

Stevie Brown is playing at an all-conference level. Obi and Jonas were isolated in the short passing game and sliced up. These guys had to chase crosses or sit downs that had too much time to develop. The pass rush is the answer.

Defensive Backs- C-

This grade may be kind. One back got pulled and another grabbed a few times with no calls; fortunate, very fortunate. There is enough blame to go around for the 85 yard run to the boundary side. But the safeties are fill and contain. No one caught the IU running back with two safeties and an opposite side corner pursuing. This is a bad sign. Again, the flags were a little bizarre, but that is life on the island.

Special Teams- B

The crack that was close to forming on kickoff coverage finally emerged on a long return. The kickoff-return team must do better or the big one is just a matter of time. Zoltan was Zoltan and every other part of special teams was solid. Stonum is the answer at kick returner. Every time he returns a ball, it is like Michigan getting a free first down. That adds up over the game.

Coaching- A

I thought this team was very prepared on offense and the fact of the matter is Coach Robinson is working with what he has on board. There are corrections that can be made, but there are also corrections that can be made only with experience and more athletic/bigger players. I am agreeing with the play calling, which means little since any offense that can gain 400 yards and score 36 points while attempting suicide for two quarters is pretty good. Coach Rob saved his best for last again by dialing up the right calls at the right time.

Intangibles-B
There was no panic and there are players on the team who relish the opportunity for glory. This is good. Michigan earned the points on the last two drives and a skinny freshman took the team on his shoulders and gladly made it happen. And another not so skinny freshman stepped right in and showed he is a force waiting to be unleashed. The defense saved the day by limiting the points IU got on the great opportunities presented by Michigan offensive misfires. The stats looked ugly but the team won. Last year, UM would have lost this game by 10-14 points.

Pass/fail option = pass

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Written by Doc4Blu