Michigan Football: Coach’s Corner — Let’s Talk Football — Offense
Posted at 6:30am — 5/31/2013
Michigan Football: Coach’s Corner — Let’s Talk Football — Offense
Now that GBMWolverine has presented several articles on the “new look” offense in the last several months, one overriding question remains: What does Coach Borges want this offense to look like this year,that differs from the last several years. Nested within the above question are resources that should help Coach Borges’ quest.
Remember, the West Coast Modified offense is more a philosophy that can meld with many formations and packages.
As Coach Borges and the offensive staff start getting the proper personal in place for the above mission, expect to see the offense evolve. Let us investigate the above by position group.
Apr 13, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive linesman Taylor Lewan (77) during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsOffensive Line:
It all starts up front, what better place to begin than with the big boys that make it all happen, regardless of offensive philosophy.
With two excellent offensive tackles and bigger, stronger, more physical interior men, there are objectives that Coach Borges can now pursue that before were next to impossible.
1. Expect a more physical running game, less zoning, a bit wider aiming point, instead of off aiming at offensive guard, more off tackle or the inside leg of the tight end will be used.
2. Expect more cutbacks, with Michigan having two offensive tackles capable of either sealing or washing the defensive ends down, the chances of successful cutbacks increases.
3. Expect a healthy dose of tailbacks lining up 6 1/2 yards deep, giving them better angles and vision.
Running Back’s:
Michigan finally has a couple of pure tailbacks that can line up 6 1/2 yards deep, with shoulders square, and run the ball downhill.
1. This is the simplest way of developing a punishing ground game that can wear a defense down.
2. This type of running game forces defenses to commit an extra defender to the line of scrimmage and can open up the passing game.
3. Running backs will become competent in supporting the play action passing game.
Remember the days of Grabc riding Ricky Powers into the line of scrimmage and hitting a streaking Desmond on the post.
Apr 13, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (12) gets set to run a play during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsQuarterback:
So much has been written on this topic, it may seem stupid talking about it. Still, with Devin’s ability to pass and run it greatly expands all that Borges can achieve.
Wide Receiver/Tight End:
With the addition of tall, physical wideouts, the passing game can become more sophisticated.
1. Expect more combination routes, it is tough to do this with wide receivers who have trouble beating jams and reroutes.
2. Expect more posts and seams; again taller guys make easier targets and provide less chance of safeties jumping the routes
3. With competent tight ends it becomes easier to use hot reads and other blitz beating schemes.
These are a few of our favorite things: stay tuned.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — CoachBT
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