Michigan Football: Central Michigan at Michigan — What Happened and What It Means — Part II
Posted at 12:00pm — 9/2/2013
Michigan Football: Central Michigan at Michigan — What Happened and What It Means — Part II
GBMWolverine Review Of The Central Michigan/Michigan Game
The reason for the above is that the other backs in the stable also had decent days. Every back had at least one little positive moment that showed some promise and hope.
Aug 31, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Derrick Green (27) rushes with the ball in third quarter against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsDrake Johnson hit the edge that was well set by Taylor Lewan. Derrick Green probably was the benefactor of some of the best holes of the day. Green may have been a hair slow to the hole, but so what, he may still be a little tender in the foot and is a true freshman. DeVeon Smith did not show any wow factor, but this observer still likes how this guy just plows. It is of little concern to me that he plows anything, including his own linemen, that is his style. Every inch he achieved was brute force. Rawls was limited by only having a couple of carries, but frankly his nose was down and the results were positive.
The running back stable is not nearly elite, but it needs to be clearly pointed out that this group is collectively much better than anytime in at least five years. This group will only lose one player next year and should improve as the young offensive line improves. Yes, this game was against a MAC team that will probably be in the middle of the pack. Still, the Robinson-less running game yielded about five yards a carry. The message is this is a hopeful sign of improvement for the future.
Many were focused on the defensive back situation. Countess appeared to have some rust and/or tentativeness on coverage. Ray Taylor, for the most part, had a pretty good game. Once in a while Ray locks up just a little and a receiver flies by. Both corners, from this perspective, played well on run support.
Aug 31, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jarrod Wilson (22) tackles Central Michigan Chippewas running back Saylor Lavallii (6) in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsWith the suspension of Thomas Gordon, additional scrutiny was placed upon the safety combo of Jarrod Wilson and Josh Furman. Furman did not shine, being late, or out of position a few times. He gave up a couple of passes a good safety would not. A few times Furman had to be redirected before the play, as with Kovacs, by sophomore Wilson. The safeties played much deeper than Central’s. Later on Furman seemed to gain some confidence and aggression and stepped it up a little. This observer thought Wilson had a very good game.
The receiving group was also under scrutiny and had just enough success to make the statement that the teeter-totter ended on the positive side. Gardner sneaked a tight skinny inside move to Gallon that got through by only a few inches, but the result was a touchdown. Clearly, the loss of Darboh is going to hurt significantly. It is unrealistic to assume one of the freshmen or Chesson will elevate enough to help the situation. Next year will find Michigan in a similar situation with the loss of Dileo and Gallon. If Reynolds cannot go for any extended amount of time, then an already difficult situation increases in severity.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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