Michigan Football: Central Michigan at Michigan — What May Happen
Posted at 5:30am — 8/30/2013
Michigan Football: Central Michigan at Michigan — What May Happen
On the surface this match-up seems benign in predicting somewhat reasonably what may happen on a hot Saturday afternoon a couple of days from now.
First, let us look at the Michigan offense for predictors. It is the first game and Coaches Borges and Funk have a new look on the line and a still moderately experienced quarterback. It is not a state secret that Michigan wants to play some power football. There will be double teams, isolation blasts, and pulling plays to evaluate how the 2013 line holds up. Central may have to load the box to hang in against the power run game.
Apr 13, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Fitzgerald Toussaint (28) on the sideline during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsMichigan knows that eventually getting outside on a stretch or zone scheme could greatly help the backs. The last few years have not yielded very good results. Fitz and Hayes seem to be the best candidates to get outside, but a great couple of blocks can get any of the backs some daylight. If Michigan can get some good yardage on base running plays, then Coach Borges can start with his base passing game, either drop back or play action. Michigan could easily catch Central in a position where the deep ball causes big results. It will be up to the quarterback and receivers to execute. The loss of Darboh hurts in this regard.
Do not look for a too vanilla like game. Coach Borges needs to see many parts of the playbook to evaluate progress. There will be short patterns and safe out patterns for certain. But screens and passes to the fullback are certainly a possibility.
Apr 13, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Devin Funchess (19) makes a catch over defensive back Jeremy Clark (34) during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsWhat will be interesting is how Michigan attacks when in the redzone. Will the Wolverines pound it, or use some match-up advantages (read Funchess) in the endzone?
The Michigan defense will not have many if any secrets. Coach Mattison will attempt to get to the passer with four down linemen. He will probably dial up some specialized blitzes for the linebackers and Dymonte Thomas to judge effectiveness.
But job number one for the Michigan defense will be to contain a returning near 1500-yard runner, Zurlon Tipton. Michigan is deep and this is the type of day (hot) that good depth pays off.
The back four can give up some yardage, but must prevent the big plays that could keep Central in the game.
Central is starting a new quarterback, and Coach Enos will not expect him to be Superman. Look for an occasional shot downfield, but the safe bet is patterns that provide time and safe space, along with a good dose of running Tipton.
That is the look on Friday morning before the game.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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