Michigan Football: Grading the offense in loss to Penn State

Quarterbacks – D

McNamara looked great against Rutgers when he came in and started off well in this game. He looked awful after that, but that was probably because of the shoulder injury he sustained. So if that is the case it is tough to give him a grade.

But Milton was next to useless. He has no fire, his accuracy is awful, and he doesn’t know how to use his frame to his advantage.

Tell me how he couldn’t get an inch when they needed it. I can tell you why. Because he just thought he could fall forward instead of digging deep and pushing forward. I hate to criticize a college player, but man show some heart and push. The Penn State quarterback did later in the game (even though that was yet another terrible spot against Michigan).

I still think McNamara can be a very good quarterback and if he doesn’t get hurt, Michigan football may win the game. His injury was a huge blow to the Wolverines. But after that the quarterback play was atrocious.

Play Calling – F-

I have never added play calling into the grade report, but it was so bad I had to mention it. First, they should ride Haskins until you can’t anymore. He has proven to be worthy of the shot and drove the first touchdown drive. He also was key in the Rutgers win.

Second, why did they continue to call two-yard passes? They weren’t even receiver screens. They were just two to four yard curls that got the offense nowhere. If that was all the further McNamara could throw because of his shoulder then Milton should have been in there.

The announcers kept talking about how well the Penn State defense was guarding the receivers. Well it isn’t hard when you don’t have to run more than five yards.

I get the receivers haven’t shown the ability to separate, but seriously this was awful. Also why the wildcat call early in the game? It completely derailed the momentum of the drive.

All of just makes no sense. The offense didn’t play well, but with that play calling who could have?