Coach’s Corner: Offensive Grades for the Indiana Game:
Posted at 8:00am — 10/4/2010
Coach’s Corner: Offensive Grades for the Indiana Game:
GBMWolverine hereby tenders a small disclaimer, more of a reminder, to our readers. Some of our guys, maybe all actually, are pretty tough on game grades. We watch the game and later go back and further dissect the action, looking for details that a lot of fans miss or overlook when watching a game.
Again, here is our grading scale, simple but typical, intended to provide a general summary judgment based on specific instances collectively observed.
A = Great – everything went well, execution was very notable.
B = Good – success was achieved but nothing was exemplary.
C = Average/Okay – a normal day with ups and downs.
D = Poor/Need Help – a clear weakness, obvious problems.
F = Hope and Pray for a great recruiting class at that position.
Offense:
Grade A-
This group garnered almost 580 yards in total offense and 6 touchdowns, along with the game winning drive in about one minute of clock-time! It seemed that the Michigan offense could move the ball at will, however and whenever they wanted. This group, with a sound defense that could put the ball into their hands, could have scored 60+ points Saturday, but spent much of the day on the sideline watching the IU defense time after time advance the ball and eat the clock.
Quarterbacks:
Grade A-
Denard Robinson- 218 yards rushing and 10-16 passing. Only a terrible turnover on the goal line prevented this from being an A. It is no secret that UM must keep Denard healthy, because, no matter what, he is this team’s offense this year.
Running Backs:
Grade B-
The backs provided less than 100 yards rushing and very little help in the passing game. Only a 56-yard TD run by Vinnie Smith prevented this grade from being lower. This group needs to improve very soon especially going into the Michigan State game.
The offense cannot continuously count solely on Denard Robinson to get yards on the ground. We believe the running backs have only gone over the 100-yard mark once this season. Certainly part of this production is due to the great numbers Denard Robinson has put up, but sufficient opportunities have been provided to produce more.
Could Mike Shaw have helped Saturday? Sure, but staying healthy and being productive have been problematic qualities since Mike arrived in Ann Arbor. We have never questioned his ability or athleticism.
Offensive Line:
Grade B+
No sacks and 300 yards rushing. Denard Robinson did get hit a bit too much for us. The group needs to protect Denard better, especially for this team to continually win ball games in the Big Ten.
Split Ends / Tight Ends / Slot Receivers:
Grade A-
This was the best game of the year from this crew in our opinion. They made the big plays when needed and the blocking was very good. The lesson here is when you feed the bear the bear is happier. Happy bears play better as evidenced from the overall play of Hemingway and Stonum the last few weeks. The vertical game continues to be used more and more, and the production for the offense has obviously benefited.
The tight ends were even involved in the passing game and Kevin Koger got an easy goal line touchdown. If memory serves correctly, last week we did not even factor in the tight ends in the grading because they were a non-factor. UM will need tight end production later in the Big Ten, so keep this group involved.
Next up the Defensive grades, and just a warning, the grades will not be anywhere near as high … lol … The staff will probably be a little more generous to the defense since UM did win the ball game. But mercy must be tempered with justice!!!
Written by GBMWolverine Staff
Go Blue — Wear Maize!