GBMWolverine: Coach’s Corner — Michigan Football — Ohio State vs. Michigan — Review — Part II
Posted at 6:00am — 12/1/2011
GBMWolverine: Coach’s Corner — Michigan Football — Ohio State vs. Michigan — Review — Part II
The defensive line held up and probably got a small victory over Ohio State’s big line. The unit receives a push at the very worst. The constant hole for Miller off the right guard not withstanding the run defense gave up minor yardage. The linebackers reacted well and frankly Ohio State most of the time is a traditional offense where the defenders simply follow the guards and fullback. Miller duked Roh big time on the edge but those things happen with a great talent like Miller.
There were key moments in the game. Some were determined by the zebras and some by the players. Hoke showed great courage and confidence letting Gibbons take a shot at the final field goal. Hoke has given Gibbons the job and let him do his job with no restrictions. If a field goal is called for, he comes in to kick it, simple as that. The two near misses on passes by Ohio State were key moments. Michigan’s ability to move the chains in the fourth quarter and keep the defense off the field was key. Every time Ohio State got a shot of momentum the Michigan offense put out the fire with a nice drive.
Michigan had several mistakes that could have been disaster. Denard carried the ball loose a few times and on the wrong side. One fumble resulted that gave Ohio State a short field and easy points. Later Hagerup just plain dropped the ball, this happens once in a blue moon. Again Ohio State scored on a short field. It looked like dire straits for the Wolverines but Michigan’s offense rode to the rescue.
It looked like the game was wrapped but a very strange replay decision ended up putting Ohio State in a good position. Justice prevailed and the team that played the best won out.
Here are some insights from watching the game. Ohio State is huge and does indeed possess the best collection of athletes Michigan faced this year, although the skilled guys of Notre Dame and Michigan State could match or surpass the Ohio State groups. There was a size difference between the two teams. The Ohio State defenders have been ripped for poor tackling. The feet on the Ohio State defenders froze a few times and gave the Michigan runners and receivers just enough room to work. To me it was more reaction than tackling problems. The unit has youngsters with talent and should get better. Ohio State is physical and very strong, but Michigan had some big hits on the day. The margin of bully ball is closing. Miller will be tough to stop the next few years and it appears Ohio State is committed to securing a new direction on offense and finding Miller a strong fundamental teacher.
What does this mean going forward? It may be easier to ask what this game did not mean? The big gorilla is off the back. Michigan has won 10 games for the first time in years. The team has surpassed all expectations except those of the coaches. A nice bowl game is assured and there remains a chance of a BCS game. Perhaps more than anything what this game means is the direction and leadership of the program has been validated.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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