GBMWolverine: Coach's Corner -- Michigan Football -- Michigan at Michigan State -- Grade Card

Posted at 6:00am — 10/17/2011

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

Here are the GBMWolverine grades for last Saturday’s game against Michigan State: not exactly one for the ages.

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:

The team total was only 255 total yards and only 2.3 yards per carry rushing. There was one critical turnover that sealed the game for Michigan State.

Grade D+

Quarterbacks:

The quarterbacks were 12-31 passing with one Interception. The group had 91 yards rushing. For UM to be successful and win against good teams more production from their Quarterback’s is a must. This goes for the passing and rushing components.

Grade D+

Running Backs:

A combined 60 yards rushing and no receptions. Too many missed blocks helping the Spartans to easily get to the quarterbacks, and one absolutely terrible read route.

Grade D+

Receivers:

160 yards and a solid overall performance. Some of the routes were open.

Grade C+

Offensive Line:

Ouch, 7 sacks and 9 tackles for loss. Some backs missed blocks and Michigan state clearly knew when Michigan was snapping the ball from the spread. Some MSU defenders moved before the offense. That is a danger of running a spread with a silent count and Michigan will need to examine this flaw very carefully.

Grade D

Defense:

Did keep Sparty out of the end zone, but the failure to control the edge in the rushing game and giving up the easy outs, plus vacating the middle with defenders and having Sparties run easy routes over the middle allowed MSU to control the game.

Grade C-

Defensive Line:

Gave up 213 yards rushing and recorded no sacks but 3 tackles for losses.

Grade D+

Linebackers:

When 3 of the teams top 4 tacklers are defensive back’s it is not a good sign for the linebacker corps. There were again some cement feet and hesitant reactions. The edge was given up. But the fight remained and the combined defense did at least hold the fort until the big turnover.

Grade C-

Defensive Backs:

Played a solid game. Cunningham contributed but did not run wild. The outs were too easy, but UM was protecting deep and Cousins has a cannon when on. No big scoring play was given up. This group is still not near as physical as MSU or especially OSU. Signs of light still were evident.

Grade C

Special Teams:

Nothing special here, under 32 yards per punt, although coverages were better. Hagerup did pin the Sparties to help keep Michigan in the game. No big mess-ups.

Grade C

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff

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