GBMWolverine: Coach’s Corner — Michigan Football — Sugar Bowl Preview — First Look at Match-Up

Posted at 6:00am — 1/1/2012

GBMWolverine: Coach’s Corner — Michigan Football — Sugar Bowl Preview — First Look at Match-Up

Once upon a time Michigan fans would have been at least a little disappointed in playing in a bowl that was not named Rose or entitled a chance at the national championship.

Not so this year, that is for certain! Michigan did what few thought possible, both the informed and not so informed segments of fandom, make it to a 2012 BCS bowl game. The game has been blasted by many in the media as one containing two teams, neither deserving of the invitation. Frankly, Michigan and Virginia Tech could care less about the pundit’s indignation, both schools are very happy to participate in the Sugar Bowl. There is no need to discuss what other teams could have gone to the Sugar Bowl instead, and argue why, because the point is moot. So on to the game and the enjoyment and pride all Michigan fans should demonstrate as we all continue to embrace this band of guys who have beat the odds and the pundits.

This match-up is interesting, more so than most bowl games. There are some similarities to start off the game breakdown. First, neither team won a league championship, but instead compiled a solid record against good competition. Second, both schools rely heavily on talented quarterbacks that can both run and pass. Both quarterbacks can win a game by shouldering a good part of the offensive load. Third, both defenses have completed impressive years holding the opposition to excellent points per game totals, about 18 points per game. Fourth, both teams are essentially a two-headed offense. For Virginia Tech the twosome is running back David Wilson and quarterback Logan Thomas. The Wolverines counter in a reverse order of quarterback Denard Robinson and the newly found threat of running back Fitz Toussaint. The last similarity is team philosophy and overall emphasis of program. Virginia Tech, under legendary coach Frank Beamer, has always emphasized a ball control game that is anchored by a strong defense and great special teams. Michigan has morphed somewhat into the same traditional mold. Although Virginia Tech has complained the special team play has not been up to snuff this year, most teams would accept the current level of the Hokies’ special teams. Michigan has made great strides this year to be in the same discussion with Virginia Tech’s “bad year.”

Bowl games are difficult to call for many reasons, the attitude of the team, the long lay-off, the distractions encountered, and so on. The view here is that all things being equal, the game should be close.

Virginia Tech was rated in the top ten nationally for a good part of the year, until the rare occurrence of losing to Clemson for a second time and Michigan was achieved one week rated in the top ten. But here the two teams stand as near equals in many ways.

After watching Virginia Tech it appears obvious, more obvious than in a typical game, that the most important key to Michigan’s final success will be the play of the Wolverine front seven on defense, especially tackle to tackle. Secondary will be Michigan’s ability to move the ball on the Hokie defense. The tertiary factor will be which team wins the turnover battle, if either team does gain an advantage.

Make no mistake, Virginia Tech’s quarterback, Logan Thomas, a red-shirt sophomore from Lynchburg, Virginia, is quite the physical specimen and a super player. He has big time talent and big time potential. Logan stands tall in the pocket at 6’ 6” and displays very good pocket presence. He can run and he can pass. As a duel threat quarterback, Logan is much more like T. Pryor than say previous smaller running quarterbacks Michigan has faced. Logan can do damage on the edge if contain is not secured and regularly runs planned quarterback draws up the middle. It will be imperative for Michigan to build a fence around Logan and not let him have excessive time in the pocket as he has the arm and skill to hurt a defense over the middle, on the edge, and deep down both sidelines.

Virginia Tech has another monster to prepare for, running back David Wilson, another Virginia native. So far David has amassed over 1700 yards rushing, an average of over 125 yards per game. Obviously if an offense focuses too much on Thomas, Wilson can benefit. Wilson does a nice job of running north and south but can get to the edge off of the dip outside on the zone read. Any team with such running success must have a solid offensive line and Virginia Tech’s is solid. There are many veteran linemen weighing 300 or more pounds. The line gets good fire and can push the line of scrimmage forward. Suffice it to say Virginia Tech has out-rushed the opposition by over 1000 yards.

Michigan will need to be very well prepared and disciplined in this game. Mission one will be to cut down Wilson’s yardage and mission 1a will be to contain Thomas in the pocket.

Do not be fooled by the fact Clemson put a big hurt on the Hokies twice this year. Virginia Tech beat ten other teams. This is a very dangerous team that has the coaching and talent to play with anyone in the country, perhaps excepting the big two of the SEC.

Michigan will come to play and will be well prepared. The injuries at defensive end are significant in a game like this where the line play is so critical. The bet here is that Coach Beamer will have his team equally ready.

More later, continue to enjoy the bowl season and GO BLUE.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff

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