Michigan Football: Tidbits from MaizeMan — Bowl Stuff
Posted at 5:30am — 12/20/2013
Michigan Football: Tidbits from MaizeMan — Bowl Stuff
This is a small sample of MaizeMan’s post on the message board.
How are bowl practices going? My thoughts.
1) For some strange reason, the performance against OSU has seemed to change the atmosphere around the football team. Of course the pace and structure of practices are much different than “game week” practices, but the spirit and intensity of practices are greatly enhanced. It almost seems very similar to spring practices where players are competing for positions. Overall, I think team looks pretty good especially the defense.
Nov 30, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) looks to pass during the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports2) Of course, one could argue Gardner has not practiced so the defense should look better. But I am talking about not only the limited scrimmages, but even in drill work, kids just seem to look quicker.
3) Lets talk about the QB and because of Gardner’s injury, we get an much closer and extended look at Shane. Bellomy is also practicing.
One thing to me that stands out with Shane at QB vs. Gardner is our ability to utilize more of a “down-field” passing game increases. One of the big reasons teams are successful in cheating their LB’s and safeties is because UM simply does not throw the ball deep enough especially down the middle and our use of long slant patters is almost non-existent. This is where Shane has more ability than Gardner, he can really throw the ball when he needs to. In fact, one of the biggest adjustments Shane has had to practice is his ability to “let up” on throws when he needs to.
Dec 1, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sportssomewhat reminds me of Henne at this stage in his development, except Henne really never understood this concept of developing touch until his Senior year (that is another story). Shane seems to have at least grasped the concept in his freshman year.
One comment, for those who were clamoring at one point about putting Shane in the line-up (have to admit when Gardner kept holding on to the ball in the Neb and MSU, I had those thoughts) it is pretty obvious, Shane is not ready and the offense would really have to be “simplified” even more if he is forced to play in the bowl game.
This is not to say, by next fall, Shane should be able to produce when call upon with a real good off-season. Shane has shown some signs of being able to move the football team.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — MaizeMan
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