Michigan Football: Spring Game Review -- Part IV

GBMWolverine Michigan Football TidbitsPosted at 8:00pm — 4/7/2015

Michigan Wolverine Football: Spring Game Review — Part IV

Expression Number Four:

Was the defense that good or the offense that bad? As expressed above, considering the factors and lack of an experienced quarterback and difference makers on offense, and add in the pluses on the defensive side, including some real potential difference makers, the conclusion that the defense far outplayed the offense is obvious and correct.

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What is not so obvious is the sliding scale between the factors of super defense and impotent offense. That equation is impossible to precisely quantify. However the conclusion for many will be that both factors apply, hopefully the dominance of the defense outweighs the mediocre offense equation.

But take some heart, Coach Tim Drevno has more time to put in and master offensive technique and scheme before the tough opener at Utah. The offensive line situation will need to stabilize as the numbers are decreasing and back ups are not showing any sign of breaking out or challenging for a starting spot.

Expression Number Five:

Do not take much out of this, it was a spring game.

True, nonetheless the defensive coaches had to be guardedly optimistic and the offensive coaches openly in a state of concern, which will not demonstrate panic in public or even in private. The deficiencies are obvious as is the plan, get better or get others.

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Giddiness is a good thing, but sometimes detached from reality. The reality is that 2015 will be a true challenge for all within the program. Utah, BYU, Michigan State, and Ohio State will be highly ranked barring early season upsets. There are at least four other teams on the schedule who have the ability to beat a team that produces little offense.

So think back to the now toxic games against Maryland and Rutgers from last year when all Michigan had to do was move the ball, score some points, and not allow big plays or easy drives at critical times. The offense must find ways to accomplish what a decent offense is expected to do.

The defense must increase pressure on the quarterback and not melt at critical times in the game, especially occasions when only less than a minute exists on the clock. This is the challenge.

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But there are factors in Michigan’s favor. First, the front line defense is deep and talented, even considering the speed of the back seven. Everyone knows and understands that the only coach watch clock ticking in Ann Arbor will be Coach Jim Harbaugh initiated.

The hope is that his clock becomes the grandfather retirement variety. And keep in mind, much of the game was experimental in nature.

So, receivers get with it heavy, joined by the quarterbacks. Offensive line- make the team’s most needed breakthrough, and never give in! And for the defense, dominate, do not be satisfied with decent on paper statistics, make plays that change a game. This comes by talent, scheme, work, or usually a combination of all three.

So, the sun has set on spring football and it is back to lifting, meetings, finals, and getting ready for a big challenge- the 2015 season.

One final common expression- there is no rest for the weary, hard work is coming and hopefully this replaces hard times.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu

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