Michigan Wolverines: Utah — What Happened and What it Means — Part II
Sep 20, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Willie Henry (69) celebrates his touchdown after making an interception in the second quarter against the Utah Utes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Posted at 5:45am — 9/23/2014
Michigan Wolverines: Utah — What Happened and What it Means — Part II
The Defense is Definitely Better:
So, what, some may say? Well, this needs to be stated as it is true. As in past years, the failures of the offense have led to increased stress on the defense. The final Utah score indicated 26 points, but as every observer knows, the offense and special teams gave up at least 10 points. The only long Utah drive (only five plays actually) happened at the start of the second half when Utah ran through gaps with no defenders and passed to receivers with no defenders. Were smart Utah adjustments the cause, or did Michigan simply have missed assignment?
It was fun to watch Utah fire up the horizontal game and except for one major bust on a well-timed block on the sideline the coverage was pretty good. Michigan defenders made some tackles that prevented big gains. Michigan did somewhat strangely play off the line as far back as ten yards on some occasions.. Things have improved as for the third straight game, Michigan held the offense under 100 yards rushing: think of the past times when the fan base would hold that as a mere dream.
Sep 20, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) looks to throw a pass in the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsIneffective Leads to a Smaller Playbook:
When an offense fails to pile up yardage, there is always righteous indignation as to the play selection. The brutal truth is that when an offense is struggling, expanding the playbook usually is even more counterproductive than running a few basic and predictable play patterns. Coach Nussmeier made an attempt to place the game in the hands of ball control but the troops did not produce. There was an attempt to balance running and passing, but that changed as the game progressed.
The Spots Are Still Ugly:
A classic line is this: people like leopards do not change their spots. Another is: do not attempt to teach pigs how to fly, they can’t and it annoys the pigs. These two lines reinforce the last two years and the attempt to sanitize the play of Devin Gardner. Two coordinators, three systems, two positions, difficulty in mastering quarterback 101 basics and a myriad of other factors have provided clear evidence that change is unlikely. But no one should blame those who tried and tried, and that includes Devin. Sometimes things just do not work out. The other warts, for years identified in annual columns as being unchanged continue to exist; the question for some is have the problems magnified?
Dec 28, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Shane Morris (7) against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsChange Must Come?
Mao Tse Tung said change must come is a lyric from a semi-audacious song. It becomes worse when the song continues- change must come from the barrel of a gun- not through talkin, waitin, or sittin. This is a place no program wants to ascend to, but there does need to be some restraint from program followers and administrators. The player and scheme changes will be totally coaching determined. Administrators will define changes related to coaching and program direction. The staff, now backed into a tight corner, has the biggest decision to make at quarterback. Choice one is play the quarterback that provides the best chance of winning, regardless of the warts (and both have warts). The second is play for the future, which is a dangerous risk after four games.
What This Means:
The above speaks for itself. Leadership for a wandering ship must be rescued by the Captain, in this case the head coach. It is amazing how smart, and how great leadership is when players win games. Four quarterback errors again set the stage, along with being behind schedule due to inability and breakdowns, for a very poor offensive output.
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 SportsSome may say that Al Borges is laughing his head off. I doubt it, as he has never returned any retribution back as revenge to his firing. At two and two, Michigan now plays a run dominated Minnesota team. Minnesota’s offensive line knocked Michigan backwards last year as well as anyone. I was very impressed by this group. Mistakes doomed Minnesota. This year, Michigan may be more prepared to stop the onslaught and
Minnesota may be less prone to big mistakes. There are about five teams that make up the mid tier of the Big Ten and two of them play next week in Ann Arbor. Maybe people can even support the program and leave the pitchforks and torches at home, at least for a while more.
The only thing the players should do is take coaching and work to improve. This team can still show improvement. The obstacle now is mental perception, their own and that of the fans. The belief here is the line can get better, but mission number one needs to be pass protection. The backs can run better, the mission is to read those holes with good timing and get a few extra north south yards.
Who Impressed?
My vote goes to the following: Jake Ryan, Jourdan Lewis, and the middle of the defensive line. Jabrill Peppers was just fine, thank you very much, as was Derrick Green, even with his side dancing. For all those complaining about Green, he can be good.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu
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