GBMWolverine: Coach’s Corner — Michigan Football — Michigan’s Offense — Things to Come — But Far From Determined
Posted at 6:00am — 3/5/2012
GBMWolverine: Coach’s Corner — Michigan Football — Michigan’s Offense — Things to Come — But Far From Determined
H. G. Wells was the equal of any early 20th Century writer in the science fiction/social commentary genre. The Michigan offense for team 133 is a thing to come and as the title indicates far from determined.
Last year Coach Borges tried his best to cajole his offense to his vision of offensive football, a vision that is sure to come, but maybe not until next year, or even the year afterward. The toe-to-toe two tight end offense did improve last year from horrible to mediocre. Coach Borges will in all probability attempt to sneak in some more metamorphosis throughout this season.
The Denard spread will likely rule the day again next year, albeit with blocking schemes that advance past zone in and zone out blocking. This is nothing new.
Michigan’s quest for an effective 2012 offense will start at center, and replacing the tough, nasty, undersized David Molk is problematical. Regardless of the winner, the center will need to make snaps out of the gun that get Denard in the flow quick and will need to neutralize big defenders bull rushing up the middle. The winner needs to emerge as early as possible to cut down the other “experimentation.”
The tight end position is undermanned and no big time replacement appears in the forecast for next year. What Michigan has is a couple of guys that can be adequate and well rounded. This could mean less two tight ends sets than Borges wants.
The receiving corps loses the big play guy and some receivers may be out of the ideal position. Certainly the idea of playing Roundtree inside or outside, or Gallon inside or outside will come up time and again and the theme far from determined applies. Two young receivers, Robinson and Jackson have a chance to emerge, one being a better athlete than given credit for, and the other being a hard worker. But Michigan will need more than Robinson running down the sideline on a dash to take guys deep and Jackson running a five-yard hook.
The power running game also faces the obstacle of finding a fullback that is a hammer. Hopkins is a best bet, but do not be surprised if the tough Houma does not get some playing time as a freshman. Although not in the big 250-pound blaster mold, both Hopkins and Houma can run and catch as well. So, it makes perfect sense to see the fullback used a little more in 2012 as a future option.
Which side of the line will be the bread and butter in Michigan’s running game? The possible combo of Lewan and Schofield on the left side is a partial answer to advancing the power game. Bryant has no experience but is a blaster. If he comes on strong in spring practice Michigan would have more rotation and another cog in the running game. And yes, by the way, Kyle Kalis is certainly good enough to play next year. His projection is at guard, as his reach is just normal. But that would be a nice guard combo of two strong guys, both over 300 pounds.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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