Michigan Wolverine Football: After Watching The Tape
Oct 4, 2014; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) is sacked by Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive lineman Darius Hamilton (91) during the first half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Posted at 6:00am — 10/7/2014
Michigan Wolverine Football: After Watching The Tape
My Thoughts:
1) The loss is on the defense and especially Coach Mattison. Along with players just not performing. But,here is my beef.
Why is Joe Bolden and Jake Ryan on the field on 3rd downs? They cannot cover and they cannot tackle anyone in space.
Oct 4, 2014; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Joe Bolden (35) tackles Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Janarion Grant (1) during the second half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Rutgers defeated Michigan Wolverines 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY SportsThe loss against Rutgers to me came down to our defense inability to get off the field on 3rd downs. And most of those 3rd downs were more than 7 yards.
We have very little speed at linebacker. I have advocated that they either use Dymonte Thomas, or Jeremy Clark, or Delano Hill at linebacker position. In today’s college football, you just have to be faster at linebacker and Michigan is still playing linebacker’s who were used against run oriented offenses.
Our defensive line is actually playing much better. There was enough pressure on the quarterback.
2) At the beginning of the season, we all talked about how this team needed to be similar to Coach Hoke’s first team, a team who played field position, took advantage of situations offensively, and relied on the defense to get off the field, and create turnovers.
None of that has happened.
Oct 4, 2014; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Derrick Green (27) is stopped by Rutgers Scarlet Knights linebacker Kevin Snyder (45) during the first half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports3) I thought the offensive line was pretty good in this game. At times it is hard to judge performance of our offensive line with Devin Gardner at quarterback, because if he does not throw in rhythm or quickly, he just continues to hold on to the ball, 0and even when he does step up into the pocket, he frequently does so with his head down.
4) At least the kids competed, something they have not done the last three weeks. But it frustrating to watch a team make the same mistakes every week, to watch the same players make those mistakes.
This is year #4 all the arguments about youth is gone. Quarterback play has been a major problem at Michigan under Coach Hoke. But, once again, I do not see a team that is progressing, improving week to week, rather I see a team who is struggling to compete against lesser opponents.
More Later at Noon.
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 — MaizeMan
Go Blue — Wear Maize!