Michigan Wolverine Football: Just A Couple Of Thoughts
Apr 5, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive linesman Kyle Kalis (67) walks on the filed during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Posted at 8:00pm — 8/16/2014
Michigan Wolverine Football: Just A Couple Of Thoughts
1) Mason Cole (OL) could be the starting left tackle. I think Erik Magnuson (OL) will be the left tackle, but we should know Saturday night. Because Mason Cole is a true freshman. I have been e-mails asking why Mason Cole is better than players who have been on the roster for a couple of years. Is our offensive line coaching that bad? should we hire Cole’s high coach, etc.
Here is my stance.
Sep 1, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive line coach Darrell Funk on the sidelines against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY SportsFirst, Mason Cole is a left tackle and he has some skill sets that others on the team just do not have. He was very well coached in high school. However, Cole has not played a down in college yet. We have no idea if he is going to be able to handle consistently opponents top defensive ends. In addition, I just think Coach Darrell Funk and our current offensive line have had their hands tied the past two years.
Let’s give Coach Funk this year. Let’s see if a simplified scheme and a consistent game plan will enable our offensive line to improve. Maybe I am somewhat biased, since coming to michigan, Coach Funk has been one of my favorite coaches. Some even believe his teaching techniques are outdated, put me down as someone who just does not understand that argument. Fundamentals are fundamentals, technique is technique, there is nothing wrong with our teaching.
2) I received a few e-mails about my comment that I thought the team “regressed” last year. Maybe I did not make my comments clear, but I was solely talking about the performance of the team from last September through the bowl game. It was NOT a comment on Coach Hoke’s entire tenure.
But, as stated numerous times, I record every game and go back when I take the emotion out of it and re-watch them. (IMO) there were few areas where I thought the team was better in January than they were in September last year. We have discussed all the reasons for this, but I fully expect (especially offensively) for this team to be much better later in the year.
3) For what it is worth, I still think Kyle Kalis (OL) will and should start at right guard.
4) One comment on Gardner. We have discussed numerous times the difference in teaching techniques between Borges and Coach Doug Nussmeier. We have discussed how Gardner must improved on his decision-making and fundamentals.
But, and I think this is very important, Gardner is an athletic quarterback. There is a fine line where a kid that has his talent can “over-think”. Coach Nuss needs to make sure Gardner feels enough confidence in his progress that he just plays and not become “late” with his throws or any decision based on the scheme itself. He must (again my opinion) just play. (hope this makes sense).
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — MaizeMan
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