GBMWolverine: Coach's Corner -- Michigan Football -- Minnesota at Michigan -- What Happened and What It Means

Posted at 4:00pm — 10/5/2011

GBMWolverine: Coach’s Corner — Michigan Football — Minnesota at Michigan — What Happened and What It Means

Is it really possible to get any meaning out of the one-sided event of Saturday past? Yes, yes, indeed, it really is possible.

In short form:

This team came out prepared and focused. The mission was not one of vacation but making a serious commitment to getting better.

The backs were given a great opportunity to show their stuff and except for the inability to break a few chances to the house and some down-field dancing it was a very good day. Saturday showed how backs can look spectacular when there is plenty of space.

Denard started off hot by throwing short, safe patterns, pretty much what he can handle. Then he went down-field further with not near as much success.

More players again saw the field and the advantages are obvious.

The run defense again showed signs of being in the right place at the right time. One exception was when Heininger flew right through a gap and overran a chance for a three-yard loss. Hoke pulled him and coached him up for the next two or three minutes, very well done.

What is the verdict on Countess? My verdict is thumbs up. No, he is not as good as Marlin Jackson, but Leon Hall at this age is pretty similar. Get this guy some big time support on the opposite flank and a good safety that can give help when his gambles go south, then look out. He really is quick and can hold his own against average receivers.

So what was with the roman candle show in the first quarter? Well, it got Devin into the game, and sent a message to players that if you practice the fun, trick play well enough, it will be used. But more likely it puts some fodder out for defensive coordinators to digest and place into preparation.

Get, better, get better, is the mantra, and plenty of guys are buying in.

Chicago will be a big test. The coaches will have to do a masterful job preparing for the Northwestern spread. At the start of the year, this game was a pick-em, probably still so. The status and health of Persa will be important, but Northwestern will play to the max in the home opener of the Big Ten conference.

Every game now will be a big game and we will find out how good Michigan is in the next few weeks. Right now they are in a big group in the middle (6-7 teams) of the Big Ten with obviously Wisconsin head and shoulders above the rest of the conference.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff

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