Michigan Football: 2013/2014 — Offense — Part I
Posted at 12:00pm — 1/7/2014
Michigan Football: 2013/2014 — Offense — Part I
Lets have some fun on a snowy January AM/PM. Starting in the AM, probably will not finish until PM LOL. I want to look back at the 2013 season. Not to rehash it, although that will happen, but more to use it as a starting point to look at 2014. Remember two things, I am an eternal optimists, but I am also a realists who will not sugar coat it. Days of lollipops and roses are past us. Going to do this by position groups.
Quarterbacks:
This is, and always will be the most important position in football. Getting solid QB play has to be staffs #1 priority (IMO). Devin vs Shane is going to be the key battle this spring and summer. This will tell us more about team 2014 and our staff than anything else. As has been discussed to death, staff miscalculated what Devin could handle or accomplish. Shane showed in Bowl game the skills to run this offense.
Dec 28, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Shane Morris (7) walks off the field with injured quarterback Devin Gardner (98) following the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Kansas State defeated Michigan 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsIt was no accident that in the Bowl UM included Hayes and Norfleet catching short passes. UM had a QB who could read and execute the short game to backs. My biggest concern is playing 2014 with Devin will set this offense back again. And using a piece meal approach after last years disaster is unappealing. And the last thing UM needs is to start teaching our new rookie QB a piece meal offense. UM has to sell out to what ever offense we will run long term.
Question is, can Devin execute it successfully. If it was me, and Devin wins the job, first sign of 2013 repeat and Shane takes over.
My head tells me it’s time to play with Shane, but we will see.
Running backs:
UM returns two equally capable of handling the load. And return who I thought was the most impressive back of the spring, Drake Johnson. All three have one thing in common, they are best suited to run a power, downhill shoulders square running game.
Aug 31, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Drake Johnson (20) lays on the turf clutching his left knee after getting injured in the second half against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsAnother reason that playing a Devin style offense would be problematic. Pistol, maybe, depending on the scheme. From performance I thought Smith ran harder, with more of an attitude and Green was a bit shiftier.
Either way both have the skill to be quality backs. And (IMO) an upgrade over 2013. Fitz, you have to love him. Gave everything he had. Just never was the same back this year. To many times thing were set up and he just did not have it.
Aug 31, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Thomas Rawls (38) quarterback Shane Morris (7) and fullback Sione Houma (39) celebrate a touchdown by Rawls second half against the Central Michigan Chippewas t Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsFullbacks:
This has to improve. If UM is going to run a two back set the fullback has to at least be a threat. Even if its just catching passes. I want to see Shallman this spring, he has the skills to make this position a positive. I would also like to see Hill get a shot at some H-Back
In Part II, we will discuss Tight Ends, Wide Receivers, and Offensive line.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — CoachBT
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