Michigan Wolverines: Rebuilding An Interesting Challenge — Part II

Dec 28, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive coordinator Al Borges against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Posted ay 12:00pm — 6/14/2014

Michigan Wolverines: Rebuilding An Interesting Challenge — Part II

The Bare Foundation — Part II

The band-aid approach was used the past two years, due mostly to Michigan using exceptional athletes at quarterback that did not execute as desired within a normal offensive scheme. Both players statistically succeeded because of speed and frequently

Feb 5, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Former Michigan football player Denard Robinson (L) and Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (R) watch the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Crisler Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY SportsMichigan’s best yard maker was the broken play or scramble. Coach Borges bore the nasty brunt of that dilemma, as Robinson and Gardner became touchdown or turnover machines. Still, having given partial absolution, it must be accepted that when players make the same mistakes time after time, and the coach acknowledges these mistakes time after time, but nothing changes, coaching must be examined as a variable. Both quarterbacks had no real option for replacement, compounding the problem further.

The band-aid approach resulted in the defense garnering nearly the same criticism as the offense. Weaknesses in the secondary may have cost Michigan at least two games last year, although a myriad of other contributors deserve consideration. The defensive line could not stop the inside run or protect the linebackers. Both sides of the ball, due to deficiencies, had little choice but to apply band-aid after band-aid. The band-aids fell off and Michigan was exposed to brutal wounds.

The defense has been somewhat revamped by changes in scheme and coaching assignments. On the surface, every change appears to make sense. Still, many are concerned, even outwardly upset, that more changes were not made. Clearly, Hoke and Director of Athletics, David Brandon, agreed that some changes became mandatory, a result of the poor performance of both units. The defense escaped the coaching ax, but make no doubt that the AD demanded, at the very least, basic changes. His judgment is probably best stated as being withheld.

This series will examine three basic parts of Michigan football: the foundation, the offense, and the defense. Offenses and defenses come and go, they change by personnel and scheme. But the foundation, the essence of the program’s soul, can last for decades. If so, this is a good thing, as constant organicist reinvention is a matter of desperate necessity, and usually not of choice.

Next up: The Foundation

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu

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