GBMWolverine: Final Wrap-Up Wisconsin Versus Michigan
Posted at 8:00am — 11/22/2010
GBMWolverine: Final Wrap-Up Wisconsin Versus Michigan
A simple and obvious game by simple logic begs a simple story; so here goes such an attempt.
Theme one- various and common phenomena remained in the result category. The rushing defense was overwhelmed, both between the tackles and at the edge. Not to mention Wisconsin could have thrown for 300 yards if the choice of attack had gone that way. Plenty of big runs ensued as no help was provided after the runner hit the second level. Another fumble on a kick occurred. The offense performed in an on-off mode that probably was not associated with anything to Wisconsin’s doing. Passes were overthrown or dropped for big gains. More placekicking woes cropped up, albeit a sample of only one that resulted in a little bad luck on a push to the right, and Michigan is now back to a season starting scenario with Gibbons. Michigan got behind and felt the pressure offensively again, and again could not compensate and regroup against a high quality opponent. Turnovers were reduced somewhat, but Michigan had a very small error of margin and the fumble came at a time that the game was near the tipping point. Gallon was hurt on the play and that is unfortunate, but get down and protect the ball and yourself instead of giving a flying head missile a clear shot at the ball and your forearm. Jeremy is pressing to break the big one and make a difference. His day will come.
Theme two- the announcers were less than kind to Michigan. Some may take offense but there was no agenda linked to the comments given. The comments were direct and correct. Do not label Spielman as a Michigan hater; he hates poor football, poor execution, and things that can be considered as just not real smart. Chris is a good guy, a very emotional guy, and the Big Ten losing Michigan, as a football power, does not sit well with him. Many times, on the air or in public settings, Spielman has chronicled a respect for Michigan, stating it was an actual tough decision to turn down Michigan in his recruitment. His words about the defense, the fundamentals, the lack of athletes, and the placekicking were obvious and correct observations. Bob Griese was cold and objective in his comments, but a look at his non-verbal expressions clearly indicated disgust.
Theme three- the offense can score on anyone if the offense executes. About 100 yards and who knows how many points were left on the field with overthrows and drops. The first half was a wasted opportunity that appeared to more of Michigan’s doing rather than Wisconsin’s.
Theme four- there were several events that could fall into the realm of good stuff. First, Vinnie Smith ran hard and plays with great determination. It is asking quite a bit, some may opt for too much, of a 170 pound guy to be the one and only tackle to tackle runner, be the one and only back to try and break the outside stretch play (which magically goes to the right side on first down for 2 yards), be the one and only back to pick up blitzers, and be the only viable option other than Denard Robinson to get a first down on the ground (although many of us still profess a joy for watching Hopkins run). The young defenders played hard and many times were in a spot to make a play, unlike previous weeks. Collectively the group could not/did not make the plays. Why was this so? Strength and physical play are the obvious answers. Although folks can complain about arm tackling and technique, broken tackles will always look like arm tackles. Few penalties occurred yesterday, and this is a welcomed improvement.
Theme five- the turnovers mattered, the missed tackles hurt big, but the primary and deciding variable in this game was physicality. One team displayed some of the best of that quality anywhere, and one is still struggling with young, somewhat undersized defenders.
Written by GBMWolverine Staff
Go Blue — Wear Maize!