Michigan Football: Grading the Wolverines post Wisconsin disaster

Special teams, playcalling, and analysis

Believe it or not, the special teams played exceedingly well.

Special teams

Grade: A

Will Hart boomed five punts for 255 yards and had a long of 61. In terms of coverage, Badger punt returner Jack Dunn was limited to 39 yards on four attempts and a long of 14.

For Wisconsin’s lone kick return, Aron Cruickshank carried the ball for 11 yards.

Ronnie Bell didn’t disappoint in any aspect of the game, even though he was limited to just 20 yards on three punt returns. Bell secured the ball and didn’t commit any mistakes.

Playcalling

Grade: F

When the lights came on for the 7:30 pm game time against Middle Tenessee State, everyone waited to see what the first-time offensive coordinator’s scheme would look like. What we saw seemed like more of an experiment than a game plan. Confusion reigned supreme.

No one thought the madness would continue – until it did. Now, a thundering majority of fans are calling for the head of Gattis.

Gattis, Harbaugh, and Brown are on the hot seat and the proverbial red flag are piling up.

Analysis

The offense of old was all about game management. The new offense was supposed to be exciting, fast, and utilize the space on the field.

Gattis’ Pro-spread promise was broken on Saturday. There was no tempo, no speed, and no success in Madison and something needs to change. When you look around the NCAA, you know that it’s not just this game, it’s a totality of the season thus far.

Despite the loss to Georgia, Notre Dame was leading at half time and they belonged on the field against a top-five opponent. The Wolverines weren’t ready to take on a Divison II opponent let alone a top 20.

The Wolverines are just as talented as the Fighting Irish. The problem isn’t the players, the problem is the talent on the field is being wasted with worthless play calling.

Everything needs to change.