Michigan Wolverines: Miami — What Happened and What it Means — Part I
Sep 13, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; The Michigan Wolverines players celebrate with fans after their game against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines won 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Posted at 5:30am — 9/15/2014
Michigan Wolverines: Miami — What Happened and What it Means — Part I
Miami versus Michigan Game Wrap-up
Michigan gained the second win of the 2014 season by defeating Miami University 34-10 at the Big House Saturday. There were many questions going into the game, and for all reasonable analysis, those questions remain. Regardless of any result Saturday, the nature of the opponent would seize up any finality in judging where Team 135 really is.
The article will consist of several themes: (1) a general summary of the game, and then the discussion turns to specifics, namely (2) pace; (3) psyche; (4) poison and loyal fandom; (5) the never-ending discussion of Devin Gardner (6) the running game; (7) who are the starters, and (8) what this game means as Team 135 trudges forward.
Sep 13, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Derrick Green (27) carries the ball to score a touchdown in the second quarter against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsGeneral Summary
Michigan was expected to win the game easily. Whether or not this was achieved depends more on perspective and expectations than any empirical data. Clearly, Coach Nussmeier had as goals to improve the stretch play and the off-tackle power play. There were, like with Appalachian State, some shinning moments and some duds. But the generality that the run game may be making some progress deserves consideration.
Aug 30, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back DeThe binoculars flew back and forth to focus on pods of two linemen most of the day. The right side again showed perhaps only a slight edge over the left side. Glasgow and Braden are making progress, but the belief here is both are still too slow in getting to the position and gaining leverage. Miller, again probably graded out sufficient and a couple of nice inside dive holes on the right side A Gap opened up as the game proceeded. Mags is still the mystery of the line to the author; he may be out of place, but it will be his job to adjust and get better.
Mags did have a couple of crushing blocks as Miami wore down late in the game. Cole, just leave him alone, he is certainly not a massive liability and there is no indication he will not get better. The tight ends may have played a little better in crashing down on the defensive tackle and securing an edge, with Heitzman perhaps getting the best results, perhaps.
The offense had a chance to take control early and the center/quarterback exchange was muffed near the Miami goal line. This offense has the dubious inability to overcome minor adversity such as a blown snap or a five-yard penalty. The running game is the offense’s highest priority, but when Michigan gets stopped with a gain of one or two yards, the offense seems to be more off-schedule than with most other teams.
Sep 13, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) dives score a touchdown in the first quarter against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsMichigan’s passing game was sound but not spectacular. Often maligned Devin Gardner threw one interception, a hard shot: one with some real juice, that went directly past a Michigan receiver into the over coverage. Considering Funchess could not go, and also considering Butt is still not 100%, the group did a reasonable job. Two years ago, Darboh and Chesson were recruited as a sort of last resort for the receiving game. It was argued neither could stretch the field or be a game changer. That comment may still hold some truth. However, both are steady, block, and play hard. Both also have a habit of catching the ball. So, collectively, they will surpass many of Michigan’s last crops of receivers.
Receivers need an accurate quarterback to look good and quarterbacks need guys that make the catch when properly delivered. Saturday, Devin Gardner short armed the ball many times, almost as if throwing darts. He got away with one interception that was goosed and thrown late and short when Jake Butt bailed him out with a takeaway. Multitudes can be written about the above, but read on for now. It is what it will be and that is that.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu
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