Michigan Wolverines: Miami — What Happened and What it Means — Part II
Sep 13, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Miami (Oh) Redhawks quarterback Andrew Hendrix (12) passes the ball pressured by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jake Ryan (47) in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines won 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Posted at 4:15pm — 9/15/2014
Michigan Wolverines: Miami — What Happened and What it Means — Part II
Defense
The defense was put in a hole by three Michigan turnovers. Gardner’s misfire has already been addressed. After a nice catch Darboh got a helmet placed right through the ball and the result was a fumble. The turnover was more of a result of a good Miami hit than poor ball security by Darboh. The third turnover is the most disconcerting. Michigan flubs a lob kick by having two guys run into or through the other. The drill is simple: raise your hand, call mine, mine, mine, and catch the ball. Giving up only ten points on Miami short field situations is somewhat of an accomplishment.
Sep 13, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; General view before the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsBolden certainly played very well. He is a Wolverine that is exceptionally mechanistic, one who ignores the doubters and is always striving to improve through knowledge and work ethic. He still can improve in the run game, but showed some very nice drops and pass defense yesterday against a spread offense. He is one of a few Wolverines who is not playing with any hesitancy.
Ryan was indeed moved around as predicted and the results substantiated the strategy. The blitz was on as the linebackers teed off, not getting to the quarterback but forcing many quick throws that had little chance of success.
Jourdan Lewis had a decent game. He secured Michigan’s first turnover with inside position on a sideline pass. Hollowell was beat on a short cross in the end zone in man coverage. Jeremy Clark gave up a long pass by turning to the inside and the Miami quarterback made a smart and accurate back shoulder pass. Clark appeared to be disgusted with the result, not a bad reaction. Jabrill peppers looked a little tentative warming up, but once the game started he gained momentum. This may start an argument, but Peppers may now be the best Michigan defensive back on the team after only three games.
The wind was a factor Saturday. Matt Wile had some minor accuracy struggles kicking into the swirling wind during warm-ups. His range was about 45-47 yards against the swill, something to keep in mind if the situation requires a tough choice. His back-up, Kenny Allen, had even more difficulty. Wile did make two field goals when it counted.
Sep 13, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke (C) stands on the sideline in the second quarter against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsThe fiasco near the end of the first half was unfortunate. I am not sure, not watching the clock, but one observer told me that the clock was not reset and was far less than the 25 seconds allowed. Several Michigan coaches must have obviously agreed. A couple of officials made sure they got sufficiently removed from the range of Coach Nussmeier.
Michigan went into an overload and was ready to snap the ball on 4th and one when the whistle blew for delay of game. Michigan then chose to punt to the dismay of the crowd on 4th and 6 with slightly less than a minute to play. With a ten-point lead it was the smart but unpopular call. If the fourth down conversion would have been successful and if the Wolverines would have scored, the coaching staff’s IQ would have increased in the minds of the observers. Discounting the above, Michigan still uses too many time outs for minor problems or corrections. Game organization again remains an area to improve as the season progresses.
It was a win, but if any one truth can be determined by Saturday’s game it is this: Michigan is still a work in progress. How much progress and when the progress becomes clear remains to be seen.
Next up will be the specifics outlined above.
Please comment on our GBMWolverine Message Board about this article and read what others comment and give us your thoughts, agree or disagree.
Just a reminder you must be a member to participate on the Message Board. Here is the link GBMWolverine Register for those people interested in becoming a member.
You can contact us at our e-mail address: GBMWolverine
Follow us on Twitter:
@ErocWolverine
@GBMWolverine
@Mike Fitzpatrick
@SqdScoops
@YostMeister
Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu
Go Blue — Wear Maize!