Michigan Football: Tidbits from EnergyBlue1 — Reality Check — Part II

Posted at 4:00pm — 10/9/2013

Michigan Football: Tidbits from EnergyBlue1 — Reality Check — Part II

Going off CoachBT’s thread long-time poster and contributor EnergyBlue1 made some additional comments.

The talent swing was obvious during Rich’s first two recruiting classes and not that it was all bad until half of his play-makers he landed never stepped foot on campus. Then he had to overcome the offensive line recruiting issue in the Big Ten which he never did because he wasn’t the primary recruiter.

Oct 5, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Quinton Washington (76) celebrates a defensive stop in the second quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Anyway, for those worried about the defense I say this. USC had to start a ton of red-shirt freshman and sophomores in 2005 on defense due to all the players that left for the NFL the year before. They struggled, and only made the BCS title game due to the offense. But, look at what they did in 2006, when all that talent finally got a seasons experience and started becoming upperclassman they started to become dominant. That is what I expect out of this defense. I expected this defense to have flashes of dominance and flashes of youth and end up being a really solid defense. I think we have seen more flashes of youth but they have just taken teams off the field with three and outs as well. So while it hasn’t been pretty, it will get there.

Sep 7, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jeremy Gallon (21) makes a catch during the second quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Offense, I don’t think we start seeing the benefits of line recruiting until next year. And even then may see some early struggles as Braden and Magnuson become our tackles and still again could have another new starter or two on the interior. In fact we could have five new starters on the interior, though Glasgow could lock down the center position. The fact is time in the system was needed. It’s clear Jack Miller may never start again here and I feel bad for him. The criticism has been harsh, sometimes down right nasty for a guy who has given more to the program then most of us can dream of. On to the offense, our best wide receiver this year is 5’7, I have stood next to gallon and I am 5’8. Our best play-maker is at quarterback, our best weapon is a TE/WR who hadn’t been utilized till last week. Our RB was trying to get yards against 8 and 9 man fronts and we are upset he was getting tackles for loss. Which btw was an unfair judgement on the entire line as someone is coming free when you try to run inside with 6 or 7 blockers against 8 or 9 in the box.

Oct 5, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Devin Funchess (87) celebrates his forty six yard reception with quarterback Devin Gardner (98) in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The staff has been great to this point developing players but now comes the time to utilize the weapons, get the best on the field even if it means a TE mis-match flexed out. Even if it means telling a 5* he isn’t going to be on the field till he shows the explosiveness he needs to finish each play. Our offense will be ready, our defense will get there. This year can be the year even if they aren’t completely ready they are 5-0 and getting better every day is all that matters cause every goal is still in-front of them, division, conference, OSU, national! ESPN, all the country and half the fan-base is telling them they can’t. All they have left is to do and put the talk away!

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Written by GBMWolverine Poster — EnergyBlue1

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