Michigan Wolverine Football: Current Take on the Program

Oct 11, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke arrives to Michigan Stadium prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Posted at 8:00pm — 10/24/2014

Michigan Wolverine Football: Current Take on the Program

What went wrong with Hoke?

1) Of course everything is hindsight (we all know what that means), but to me, the failure of UM program can be centered in 2 areas.

First and most important, QB play. In today’s college football QB play is simply the most important aspect of the team. Some may say you can win with a QB who manages the game, some point to Alabama as an example, but I believe the QB play at Alabama has been much better than people think, every QB at Alabama has been drafted. In addition, they have basically played the same scheme for years, so the QB has an opportunity to learn one system.

Oct 11, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY SportsThe fact is QB play at UM has been poor and that is kind. And most troubling the progress and improvement at the QB position has been non-existent. Hoke seemingly has failed to recognize this. In addition, although some will argue UM made the right move in going with Morris to make a change for your first Big 10 game was a move that may be looked upon as “panic”

Second issue, the OL. I do not buy the argument we do not have enough talent on the OL. The OL has been an issue for the past 3 years. Hoke an company has had 3 years to find a way, a scheme to make sure UM can compete. In today’s game if you score less than 30 points per game your team is probably not going to win. Of course there are exceptions like Alabama beating Arkansas 14-13, but those games are rare. UM simply cannot score consistently, especially against any defense with a pulse.

I have watched this team since spring. I have to admit, I thought this was going to be our big breakout year. The main reason was after the KSU game, I really thought that Hoke realized he could not afford another performance like the bowl game and yet we basically have had more efforts like the bowl game than we have had good efforts.

Oct 11, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) is sacked in the backfield during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY SportsIn terms of defense, I really think this group is shaping up to be a force in the future. This defense (IMO) if we had any confidence in our offense would be rated as one of the top in the country. Agree there are times the defense needed to perform better, but overall it has been good (although our tackling at LB could be much better).

When your offense stinks, whatever weaknesses you have on defense is exaggerated. And this is the case with UM this year.

Can Hoke survive?

1) How does this team improve as year progresses?
2) Will this team finally show signs of being able to physically dominate teams?

Answer to both is (at this point) negative. On the positive side, I do see a defense that has improved defending the run.

In conclusion, UM downturn to me comes back to lack of OL being physical and our lack of QB play. Almost every other part of the program I think one could argue there is light at end of tunnel. And I just cannot buy into any argument that discusses youth or any other excuse. There has been enough time, we have enough talent.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — MaizeMan

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