Michigan Wolverines: Indiana — What Happened and What it Means — Part II
Nov 1, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Drake Johnson (20) rushes in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Posted at 5:00am — 11/4/2014
Michigan Wolverines: Indiana — What Happened and What it Means — Part II
We Ain’t Dead Yet
Theme three: Michigan found an easy matchup advantage with Darboh and exploited it. For once, Michigan was the team playing easy pitch and catch when the corner played ten yards off the receiver. His nine receptions not only moved the chains but also took some heat off of the running sets. Darboh’s hands are strong and soft, more like finesse meat hooks. He looked more like a young Avant.
The quick patterns were predicted in the preview versus the longer developing routes and that came to pass. Still, it certainly was curious to see naked, one-man flat passes with no blocking. Neither Darboh nor Funchess are shake and bake types. One has to assume Nussmeirer thought that both being strong, someone would break a tackle for big gains downfield. No such event happened of course. Perhaps this was a failed experiment, or a set up for future variations.
Theme four: The left side of the offensive line was effective. Mason Cole has progressed and even as a true freshman it would now be hard to label him a liability. Miller played well overall, but Kalis and Braden are really hit and miss, especially when paired together.
Nov 1, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) passes the ball in the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsTheme five: And the most popular game theme, is the performance of Drake Johnson. Well, it would be premature to label him as the deserving starter from here on in, however it would be most fitting to state playing time is well deserved. Injuries have played a part in his place on the depth chart, but this is what happens when the practice performance is so eye-opening coaches can no longer ignore such a happening. He succeeded yesterday because (1) he was strongly motivated; (2) he has the strength to create extra yards; (3) he has the burst to get through the hole, and (4) he can make very effective cuts. Hopefully, his fine work is not diluted by the it was only Indiana mantra. Smith ran hard but yielded less than 25 yards.
Theme Six: The linebackers did not have to worry much or be exposed by the passing game. Ryan spied openings and took full advantage to angle into several nice tackles. Bolden was again solid, his mode of operation.
Theme seven: It was nice to listen to some non-callous announcing such as by Glen Mason on the Big Ten broadcast Saturday. The caustic and toxic onslaught of the ESPN geniuses Herbstreit and Spielman can make one diabetic to breathing air. Mason has been there, he knows the power and effect of toxic energy firsthand and paints events and participants with a positive brushstroke. Indeed, the league network will not eat its own, but the approach is still refreshing.
What this means is Michigan is still on life-support. There is no room for taking a day off. The intensity must stay high. Northwestern got pounded on the ground and in the air by Iowa. It was one of those days that coaches just have to accept as happening for no apparent reason. Northwestern will be home and at least healthier. Michigan does not do well on the defensive edge and Northwestern attacks the edge. Wildcat quarterback Trevor Siemian has been limited in his running since an ankle injury. No doubt, he throws caution to the wind against Michigan next week and removes imposed limitations.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu
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