GBMWolverine: Coach’s Corner — Michigan Football — Michigan at Northwestern — Grade Card

Posted at 6:00am — 10/13/2011

Here is the GBMWolverine Grade Card for the Michigan at Northwestern 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:

This was indeed a tale of two halves, one, the first half, was far more ugly than the second. There was a final total of 541 total yards, but three turnovers.

Grade: B

Quarterback:

Just as with the offense, the quarterback play was a tale of two halves. The final important stats were 19-28 passing, with two touchdowns, but three interceptions. The quarterbacks had 133 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

The grade is split between halves: 1st Half D, 2nd half A-

Final Grade: B-

Running back:

Michigan has to get more production from the running back’s than was achieved against Northwestern. The unit ran hard but only had less than 100 yards of total offense. This is simply not good enough. Some very solid blocking and no fumbles saved the grade.

Grade: C+

Wide Receiver:

This was the best unit of the game; no drops, a couple of great catches and solid blocking on the edge. The final tally was 16 catches for 300+ yards.

Grade B+

Offensive Line:

This group displayed solid pass protection, no sacks, but eight tackles for loss is unacceptable, way too much penetration. The group struggled in power sets and on the goal line.

Grade: C+

Defense:

The defense gave up 438 total yards, 24 points (aided by UM offense turnovers), and 26 first downs. It was solid between the hashes, but has to be much better on the edge, The unit lived up to previous billing by providing two key turnovers which were a big boost to Michigan’s chances of winning.

Grade: C+

Defensive Line:

The team had two sacks and two tackles for loss. Overall the group was very good up the middle, but still needs to get more penetration.

Grade: C+

Linebacker:

The group played very well between the tackles, Northwestern had lots of success on the option read and in the short passing game

Grade: C+

Defensive Back:

This game clearly demonstrated that Michigan needs to be better in the short game, getting off of blocks and maintaining leverage and contain. There was a solid job in deep coverage.

Grade C+

Special Teams:

Another sub-par performance: thirty-eight yard punting average, kickoff coverage still needs to upgrade, and an ugly field goal attempt.

Grade: C-

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff

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