Michigan Football: Tidbits from MaizeMan — Some Other Observations
Posted at 4:00pm — 11/12/2013
Michigan Football: Tidbits from MaizeMan — Some Other Observations
This is a small sample of MaizeMan’s post on the message board.
By watching tapes since PSU game
2) My attempt to defend Gardner
Sep 21, 2013; East Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies linebacker Yawin Smallwood (33) forces the fumble as he sacks Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) in the second half at Rentschler Field. Gardner recovered the ball. Michigan Wolverines defeated the Connecticut Huskies 24-21. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY SportsA) I am sure coaches early in season really stressed not turning the ball over, thus the hesitation with Gardner.
B) Because of our lack of protection or Gardner holding the ball too long, has not kept both a TE and RB in to help block. This reduces the options.
C) Our lack of speed at WR enables defense to “cheat” and really take away short routes and slant passes.
This I still advocate putting more speed in the game maybe Norfleet or Hayes at slot receiver at least make defense adjust.
4) One thing I have noticed defensively, is for some reason, this year, Mattison has relied less and less on blitzing. In addition on almost every play after first down our DL runs some sort of stunt. Long term I think this will improve our pass rush, but it just seems right now the players are more worried about performing the stunt than getting to the QB. There have been numerous times where we ran a stunt the DL was in position to make a play and we either miss or we simply run past the QB.
Again, another example of effort being good, but results, not so good.
Nov 2, 2013; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Shane Morris (7) warms up before the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans beat the Wolverines 29-6. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports6) There has been some talk about Morris not being “mentally ready” to play. Not sure what that means, I would agree with anyone who says it is not the best situation to have to play Morris, but one thing about Morris he has a quick release and he has the ability to at least get back the first option in passing game. He wont get us much yards with his feet, but I think he would make better decisions as he gets PT.
Would I play Morris right now? If you would of asked me in the 4th quarter of Neb game I would say yes, lets change now. But, coming to my senses you have to play out the season with Gardner, it would not be fair to the other kids. But I would not be opposed to giving him some additional snaps.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — MaizeMan
Go Blue — Wear Maize!