Michigan Wolverines: What Happened and What it Means — Part II
Aug 30, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) leads the team onto the field before the game against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Posted at 12:00pm — 9/1/2014
Michigan Wolverines: What Happened and What it Means — Part II
Some Answers and Some Questions
In Part I of What Happened and What It Means we talked about the offensive line and now in Part II we will talk about Devin Gardner, the receivers, and Coach Nussmeier.
Question – would improvement be shown by Devin Gardner?
Aug 30, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) passes the ball in the first half against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsDevin Gardner #98 (QB) did not release a slew of broken play runs, or a slew of designed runs against Appalachian State. Instead, Michigan ran an offense. It was up to the receivers and Gardner to provide some relief for the base running plays. Gardner was forced to scramble only on a few occasion; his ball security can still improve, but no balls on the carpet is a good sign. He was under better control and operated as an instrument for Coach Doug Nussmeier’s game management. He goosed a few throws, but the ball landed plumb in the hands of the receivers. The only incompletion was simply thrown behind a wide- open #1 Devin Funchess (WR). Devin received criticism from some onlookers about again locking into/onto the number one receiver. It is quite unclear if this criticism was warranted. If so, Coach Nussmeier will be the messenger.
Question- would the offense perform better under Coach Nussmeier?
The standard chorus of it was Appalachian State might inspire some but credit should be given. Watching Coach Nuss from the stands was very gratifying. Coach was all over: all over the sidelines, all over players, and once, all over the zebras. He is relentless and needs to be on the sideline. Coach Nuss provides energy, security, instant input, and more than anything else, control. When big yards are put up, folks tend to assume the play calling was sound. This Coach Nussmeier offense uses enough formations, motion and stress points to mandate sincere preparation by an opposing defense.
Aug 30, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Devin Funchess (87) makes a catch for a touchdown over Appalachian State Mountaineers defensive back Doug Middleton (21) and defensive back Jordan Ford (12) in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsDid the receiving corps show promise?
Yes indeed, and as mentioned this is a talented and deep group. There was not a strong case of opening day dropsies and guys found nice openings in the secondary. The Coach Nussmeier crossing routes will come into play this year. Fans saw one instance yesterday with the crossing touchdown by Devin Funchess helped a little by a near rub off by another Michigan receiver who happened to be in the area. Jehu Chesson #86 (WR) was superior at blocking downfield and the entire group was quite proficient. Chesson will not merely disappear back into the shadows now that Amara Darboh #82 (WR) is healthy.
Part III coming later today we will discuss the defensive side of the ball especially concentrating on the secondary.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu
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