GBMWolverine: Coach's Corner -- Michigan Football -- San Diego State at Michigan -- What Happened and What it Means

Posted at 6:00am — 9/26/2011

GBMWolverine: Coach’s Corner — Michigan Football — San Diego State at Michigan — What Happened and What it Means

We all missed the predicted score pretty much, and happily so. Michigan’s offense cooled in the second half, not reaching the 30-point plateau. But a greater reward occurred, holding a very good offense to under 10 points. If someone had offered me the number 8 as the over/under, well that would be an offer for the ages to take up. But in sports things do not always go according to script.

The question to start with is San Diego a solid team? My view is yes, one that is capable of beating BCS teams and taking care of MWC competition. The Aztecs are solid across the board and possess a running back and receivers UM would take, guaranteed.

Ronnie Hillman had some quick’s and won the edge a few times, but all-in-all Michigan did a nice jog on him. He did dance on occasion, but Michigan did a nice job of contain.

Lindley was a mystery, big, rocket arm, displayed wow accuracy in practice, but simply put, he would not stand in the pocket, instead getting rid of the ball prematurely and with less accuracy. Coach Mattison had SDSU scouted very well. Blankets were over receivers down-field, especially on the in cuts. In the second half the rush was lessened and Lindley went to some basic outs with average success.

Michigan held on several manageable fourth downs by the Aztecs, securing the game. In the last four minutes, Michigan let San Diego move the ball down-field, but eat the clock up to such a degree that a chance for an Aztec victory, however remote, vanished.

In the first half plenty of defensive players made the field and competed well. This can only help confidence, moral, and depth. The talk is reserved for true freshman Blake Countess, but college ball is a long road with hardships and plenty of ups and downs. But who would not take a 4th quarter like he had. Like most corners, he can work on hip turn; but UM may have auditioned a player.

Van Bergen seems to keep making big plays and Jake Ryan is just missing on his rush, but he was close enough to put some heart on Lindley.

Wile did a nice job, good enough that Hagerup will need to win the position back and that could take some time.

UM again runs better out of the spread, but Borges and Hoke appear to be stubborn about at least getter a semblance of the power I game. Yes, indeed, the opponents know the attempt is coming but like an old world conductor, Borges may not let up until someday he gets his way.

Four and zero is another good start, but it will be the finish that defines this season. Michigan State, in this corner, is the biggest game this year. Notre Dame is still the best and most talented team Michigan has played, and winning that game put the team in the plus one column of expected results. Next week Minnesota and we need to keep Coach Kill in our thoughts and prayers. After that Northwestern on the road for a night game.

And remember, this team will earn every victory it can squeeze out of the 2011 season.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff

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