Author: Andy Andersen

The Wolverines entertained almost the same number of fans Saturday night as they had for their spring “game”.  It didn’t seem to me that there the advertised 30,000 member crowd was there, but the crowd was substantial and enthusiastic, while the team ran through an extensive practice with the speakers spuming loud music intended for player distraction.

Both the open practice and night practice are Wolverine firsts and should benefit the team as intended.

This went into the books as another indication of defensive dominance and a continuing struggle to run the football.  The aggressive defense had the offense on the “defensive” on numerous occasions as the OL struggled to open holes for the running backs, and pass protect.

After the game Coach Hoke criticized the backs for lack of vision, but it was more than that.  Backs were running hard but into a dominating defense, depending on as yet sporadic OL effectiveness.

Starters Saturday night were Freshman Mason Cole at Left Tackle, Erik Magnuson at Left Guard, Jack Miller at Center, Graham Glasgow at Right Guard, and Ben Braden at right Tackle.  Right Guard Kyle Kalis was sidelined as he recovers from injury.  Glasgow hurt his foot.

The latest pecking order regarding running backs is Derrick Green, DeVeon Smith, Drake Johnson and Justice Hayes.  Green had the most snaps, but Smith and Johnson looked competitive.  Johnson had some nice carries for a solid third place.  I believe this group will acquit itself as well as possible this season, depending on the growth of the offensive line.

QBs Gardner, Morris and Speight all were pressured most of the evening, with much rush coming right up the middle.  They played against the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd defensive groups respectively, and Shane by far got the most snaps.

This is not to say the QBs they did not impress at all because they did.  They looked crisp, and organized despite the pressure. There was a notable lack of delay of game penalties, and they get the offense to the line of scrimmage quickly.  All threw some nice balls.  Gardner threw a couple of gems, one for forty-yards, and one for a TD.  Devin played within the system and threw a couple of balls into the stands to save a sack.

Russell Bellomy was the fourth QB in and had an unfortunate play in which he bobbled the ball twice.  I was hoping he would have some success.  He is a well- spoken young man.

This scrimmage was not proof that fans should throw up their hands, and retreat into the bunker regarding this OL line.  There is size and talent there.  And they are improving.  There is still time to present an effective running game, and there is improvement.

While it is unlikely that Michigan will become a three yards and cloud of dust team this year under any circumstances, they will have to reliably move the ball on the ground and protect the QB enough to enable play action passing.

It seems to me the strength of this offense will be its passing game for a number of reasons, not the least of which will be the development of Devin Gardner under Coach Nussmeier.

Another is the cadre of somewhat inexperienced but talented receivers led by Devin Funchess.  Armah Darboh and Juhu Chesson are fighting for playing time, and it appears that both will contribute.  Darboh is a big receiver that is tough to get down, a tough cookie.  Chesson has smooth speed.  Both look very good.  Freddy Canteen had some nice catches out of the slot, but is listed behind a more experienced Dennis Norfleet. DaMario Jones and Bo Dever both had catches.  Freshman Maurice Ways demonstrated his abilities with several catches.

Tight End Ian Bunting looked good receiving, and two tight ends often saw action.

As for the defense, it was aggressive, nasty, and dominate.  It has many interchangeable parts.  Frank Clark stood out, Ondre Pipkins looked good, having apparently overcome last season’s injury DT Matt Godin looked good, among many others including Jake Ryan.

Last year’s defensive backfield has been upgraded as to personnel, depth experience, and by players healed for injury.

In the personnel department, no player upgrade is more remarkable than Jabrill Peppers.  He has the size, strength and athletic ability to contribute immediately, and at multiple positions.  He was listed as a starting corner, and has played nickel corner.  He will return punts.  He is smoothly evasive, and can run over people.

While he has to grow into positions, all he lacks is experience at this level of play.  He has all the qualities to become the superstar at the D-1 level.  In High School, he managed a career that led to him being one of the most hyped recruits in Michigan history.   His future as a Wolverine is going to be breath taking.

But in this defensive backfield, he is not alone.  Talent abounds all over the place.  Jourdan Lewis is another talent, as is Blake Countess to mention just a few.

This is a time of year where a least a little optimism is appropriate, and this year is no exception.  Some is appropriate this year.

This year the Wolverines as a team are bigger, faster, more experienced and more talented than last year.  It appears the coaching shuffle has been a plus in all respects. There is no question the defense will be better because of experience and some better talent.

There is also no question that the defense will have to carry the offense for the early part of the season.

I think that they will be able to do so with positive results, but that doesn’t matter.

What matters is they have to go out and do the job.

Go Blue!

August 10^th, 2014, was a day designed to present the 135^th edition of the Michigan Wolverines Football team to the media in the morning and to the fans in the handsome confines of Michigan Stadium in the afternoon, where they could obtain autographs and photos.  Nice opportunity for kids in that regard.  A team picture is taken with the team seated together in the stadium.

The media got its stock in trade sound-bytes, photo-ops, a nice brunch, and this year, an opportunity to interview and question the head football coach, and the offensive and defensive coordinators.

Upper classman football players were available, with freshman unavailable.  Hoke said that RB Jabrill Peppers, OL Mason Cole, and  DL Bryan Mone, and perhaps another two freshmen, would get playing time.

Personally I missed having all the coaches available for interviews as I wanted information on the progress of the special teams, but Coach Hoke did stress the work special teams is putting in, including mention that Norfleet, and Peppers, among others were fielding punts.  Said having Drake Johnson back is a plus.

Mentioned the nice job that Matt Wile is doing, and Will Hagerup, and that Ken Alan is a good punter.  I interviewed Hagerup, and it is clear that he is taking his remaining time with the Wolverines seriously and wants very much to contribute as the clock winds down.  He handled the questions nicely, and appropriately.

Jabrill Peppers was mentioned by Coach Hoke in his comments as loving to compete and play football.  It seems as though he is slotted as the nickel defensive back.

Hoke indicated that the receivers are a group that has improved.  I asked DB Jourdan Lewis about Slot Receiver Freddie Canteen’s skills.  No football slouch himself, he was impressed with Freddie’s abilities and with Darboh’s skills and toughness.   It seems that Darboh is fully recovered and ready to go.

More than one mentioned Darboh’s toughness, including Coach Nussmeier.  Coach Hoke mentioned Canteen as ahead of his time.  RB DeVeon Smith was pointed out as good and tough as anyone, Hoke saying “that’s his identity”.  When I told Smith that in a later interview, he beamed and said, “I am glad he said that.”

Hoke appears happy with the seemingly interchangeable parts in the defensive backfield, feeling it will be more aggressive. There is probably not a fan that wouldn’t buy into that. Jourdan Lewis, stood out in the spring and fall, among others in this very competitive group.

The LBs will benefit from the move of Jake Ryan to Mike.  They are responsible for defensive communication and Hoke cited a couple of practice instances where that didn’t happen, but should have.  Adequate communication is highly important.

Desmond Morgan is contributing.  James Ross III.  Bolden.  More aggressive, and developing.

The efficacy of whether the division of duties will benefit the team this year seems on its way to positive proof.

Everyone wants to know at this time who the OL starters will be.  All will have a better idea at the end of next week.  For example at Center, will it be Glasgow or Miller etc.?  Replaced after four games last year, Jack has apparently done very well this year, has grown his weight, and according to Hoke has done a “nice job” with good consistency.  Glasgow will rest on the bench for Appalachian State, while considering his former shortcomings regarding team rules. He will eventually secure a solid position somewhere along the line.  Maybe at center, maybe not.   Hoke also mentioned “Mags” positively.

There are a number of interchangeable parts along the defensive front such as Glasgow, Godin, Strobel, Godin, and Wormley. and the competition continues.   Ondre Pipkins is returned, Maurice Hurst Jr., and Poggi are standing by.

Coach Hoke said again that there will be the needed running game, and the necessary toughness developed.  He indicated the change up regarding coaching duties has been positive.  To me the addition of Coach Nussmeier as a game time sideline QBs Coach is an extremely positive change.  Last year Devin seemed to be sitting on the sidelines without counsel at his side at critical game times.  Devin didn’t think that would happen this year.

It doesn’t appear that Coach Nussmeier is just dedicated to running back by committee, but wants to discover the best backs.  Coach Hoke said the “best guy” first. But if it is discovered the Wolverines have many effective horses, and it seems likely they will, you can bet they are going to use them. But they have to be good or they will be out of there.

Coach Hoke indicated that expectations never change for Michigan Football.  The bar is never lowered, and the identity of this team should be…..you guessed it: toughness on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball..

A final note from Hoke regarding injuries:  “There are some guys that are beat up a little bit.   Delonte Holloway …he’s got a cast on his hand. We have a couple guys we held out —  Ondre Pipkins… on two-a-day days we try and not overwork. We’re doing a lot with the GPS tracking that we’re into. I think the first time around doing all that stuff, you’re trying to get some baselines and some data, and I think that’s helping us in how we go out to practice.”

While the college football scene is quickly changing:  Rutgers and Maryland now part of the B1G, Legends and Leaders are now (fortunately) defunct Divisions, being replaced by East and West Divisions, and with the NCAA losing an anti-trust lawsuit contesting payments to players for their images, and attempts being made to form unions because players are argued to be employees of the school, who knows what comes next.  Changes continue. The litigation continues.  Maybe an appropriate modern slogan should be death, taxes and litigation.  There will be solid legal answers, but not immediately.

While not the subject of litigation, the new football playoffs will be interesting. Interesting if the Wolverines can become part of them, just don’t expect them to resolve any more controversies than the current system.

Whatever the scene, the goals of the Wolverines remain eternal in spite of those or any other any changes.  The need to win the most games they can, as skillfully and honestly as they can, will always be there. I think they will give it their best effort this year.

Right now the most important game of the year will be on August 30^th according to Coach Mattison. How would another loss to you know who play in Ann Arbor?  It is not going to happen.

Team 135 will be a most interesting team to watch.

Go Blue!

Like the New” Scotland Yard,  the “New” Schembechler Hall is a step up over the older version, a cut above, on several levels.

First and foremost it lauds Michigan’s Football program, and its long tradition of notable players and coaches, and their accomplishments, in most interesting ways.

The most striking feature is the larger than life statue that greets visitors at the new entrance which no longer faces State Street.

Of course it is of the late and great Michigan Football Coach, Bo Schembechler.  While Bo may or may not have been Michigan’s greatest football coach (some would argue Fielding H. Yost), he is up there with the best.  He has certainly been preeminent in the modern era.  It is safe to say the modern era of Michigan Football started with Bo.

Fans today rightfully hark back to his era with awe.  It is ironic that a coach that did not seek stardom, sometimes made fun of stars (Elvis Presley), abhorred the limelight himself, and stood for the team, the team, the team, himself became an absolute Michigan Football icon.

The brass statue effectively evokes Coach Schembechler’s bigger than life personna, and it is done in stunning detail.  The head set he carries has Bo written on it, the ring he wears has an M on it, and the finely decorated watch much detail.

In the museum area, there are vintage helmets on display, uniforms, a Heisman Trophy, footballs denoting victories, and more.  The slightly serpentine display cases will allow the crush of game day crowds to weave effortlessly among the displays for the best views.

It is all done in a most classy manner, with two big electronic boards, one of which displays a big blue M that can be seen from outside at night I’m told, and one giant board that has a half dozen or so options, one of which is the usual banner that you see as background as you watch a video press conference. So the museum area can serve a number of needs and functions.  It is well thought out, and worth the time of a Michigan Football fan wanting to recall memories, or to learn more of M’s football history.

Among other things, there is a new players lounge with TVs, pool table, lounge chairs.  I failed to ask if the eight ball was scarlet and grey, but it should be.  There is a new entire football team auditorium sporting upholstered theater seats with lift up note boards- and mottos on the walls.  There are mottos for a football team to live by everywhere.  Where the office area meets the field in the Hall there is an elevated balcony to overlook the field from one end zone.

The renovation of Crisler gives a good idea of how this one was done.  There is everything but a waterfall and escalator.  It is absolutely first class.  Phil Callihan’s photos will prove the point.

If, as a cynic once said, history is but a tale well told, the same could be said of tradition.  The Michigan tale is getting well told.  This is probably because the facts support the tale.

Go Blue!

The Wolverines traveled to Tempe, Arizona to confront the Big 12’s Kansas State University Wildcats, in Sun Devil Stadium and played poorly on defense. They were flat and seemingly without much enthusiasm for much of the contest. Offensively, they could only produce a single late game touch down.

The Wolverine defense simply looked inept for large portion of the game, especially early. The offense was dealt a blow when Devin Gardner’s injury in the Ohio game lingered and Shane Morris had to make his first start at QB. For the most part, Shane acquitted himself well in a tough first start bowl game situation, but TDs, not field goals were needed.

The depth of the Wolverine’s pre-game fan ennui was revealed by the return of almost half of Michigan’s pregame ticket allocation. The defense seemed to catch some of that. Three first half TDs by the Wildcats sealed the game. The Wolverines were really never into it.

The bridled enthusiasm of some Michigan Fans for this Bowl was engendered by several factors. How can you get too enthused by a bowl that is called the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl? Any astute real estate subdivision developer knows enough to put exotic names on properties to sell. Nothing romantic about Buffalo Wild Wings, even if it is several steps up from the “Motor Bowl”, at least in weather. Further, it wasn’t a New Year’s Day game. Or a BCS game. It wasn’t a reward for a championship season.

Nor was it against a fabled football program.

The Kansas State team had not embodied many elite football characteristics prior to 1989, when Wildcat Coach Bill Snyder first took over some twenty or so years ago for his first stint at KSU. He has turned a program that was known as one of the worst in D-1 into a consistent competitor.

This year they arranged a win/ loss record every bit the equal of that of the Wolverines. The Wolverines managed a 7-5 (Big Ten 5-3) record, and the Wildcats also managed a 7-5 (Big Twelve 5-3). Statistically, the Wildcat and Wolverine defenses seemed somewhat similar in capability. It seemed that the Wolverines were on a par to compete with the Wildcats. These delusions proved wrong.

Here is the rub. KSU was headed up, and where M was headed no one knew for certain as they struggled mightily in November when faced with the tough part of their schedule. Up hasn’t been their recent trajectory as moral victories don’t count, and unfortunately that trajectory continued Saturday. They have now lost 5 of their last six.

The Wolverines finished a dismal fifth in the Legends Division. Now I understand a little better why. The Wolverines expected season fortunes disappointed in what was thought to be a weaker than usual Big Ten. Their fortunes were disconcertingly up and down. When the defense produced, the offense often slumbered. When the offense produced, the defense couldn’t get off the field. Special teams added to their troubles as make able FGs to win were missed (as in the PSU game).

In most games the Wolverines kept it close, but managed to lose though errors, leaky pass protection. Devin Gardner took a real beating being sacked a record number of times, and defensively maintained no consistent pass rush while M was 123^rd in the country in allowing TFLs. They were 10^th in the Big Ten in sacks allowed.

They showed a too consistent inability to run the football because of remarkably poor line play, with an apparent lack of offensive line communication and cohesion, and that condition was evident again Saturday. Saturday they could not run the football from the tail back position. The running backs ran eight times. The offense ran for 65 total yards, mainly on the legs of Funchess and Morris. The longest run of the day was a forty-yard Shane Morris gallop which eventually resulted in the Wolverine’s only TD, a late consolation score. RBs Smith and Green were not effective.  There were no holes.

During the season pass protection failed at critical times (recall Ohio State). This continued Saturday. Al Borges was inventive in trying to overcome the lack of the ability to run from tailback position. Justice Hayes started at tail back. Reverses, screens, and sweeps assisted Morris in having a fairly successful debut as M’s QB.

Morris was not the problem in this game, although the dearth of TDs was. M scored only one late in the game. Shane was 15 of 19 for 121-yards in the first half, driving to two FGs. The problem was that the Wildcats were scoring 3 TDs in the first half. The game was over at half time, if not by the end of the first quarter. He was 24 of 38 for 196-yards, no TDs and one interception.

The defense had little or no ability to stop the Wildcats. It was necessary in the absence of Devin Gardner that the defense would come to play its best game of the year. They played their worst game of the year. If not, its close.

Fitz Toussaint showed far more courage in recovering from his serious injury, than consistent yardage production, and ability to block backside rushers. Saturday he did score M’s only TD, a late consolation effort that was nice to see.

Severe yardage deprivation at the TB position obviously continued Saturday. This is fatal to effectiveness of a West Coast offense predicated on a run first premise, or probably any other offensive scheme.

In this Bowl, Mattison’s Maulers were not as efficient as, say McCartney’s Monsters of yore. The Wolverines were outplayed and out coached.

Receivers got behind M’s DBs, and big plays resulted. KSU’s offensive attack was slower than the OSU blitz, or the Wildcats margin of victory would have been even worse.

It appeared as the season progressed Coach Mattison’s zone blitz was solved. The enemy ground game was a culprit, too. The problem Saturday was not holding a lead as it has been too often this season, as they never had one.

Here’s how it went:

First Quarter: KSU went 75-yards after the opening KO, with outstanding receiver Tyler Lockert grabbing the first of his three TDs. M-0, KSU-7.

Matt Wile answered with a 22-yard FG after a drive deep into Wildcat territory. M-3, KSU-7. Shane did a nice job, but did not find the end zone. Hope still lingered

The Wildcats answered with a five play drive, culminating in a 29-yard TD to the prolific Lockert. M-3, KSU-14. The handwriting was beginning to appear on the wall in stone. We could not contain them.

Second Quarter: Again, the Wolverines could not answer with a TD. Morris journeyed on another long drive, hitting 9 of 10 passes, but the drive fell short of the end zone. Matt Wile hit a 26-yard FG. M-6, KSU-14.

Again Lockert proved productive, and M’s defense proved unproductive, as Lockert snagged a third TD, an eight yard pitch and catch. M-6, KSU-21 at the half.

Third Quarter: Neither team scored. The Wolverines punted after each of their first five possessions of the second half. KSU missed a makeable FG. Michigan’s defense got a little edgy, and Jake Ryan forced a fumble recovered by Mario Ojemudia late in the quarter. Nothing came of the opportunity.

Fourth Quarter: KSU hit a 22-yard field goal to make it M-6, KSU 24. Things were looking bleaker after their 12-play 60-yard drive. The Wolverine defense could not stop them. A Morris interception was returned to the M 7. Two plays later the ball crossed the plane. M-6, KSU-31. Shane Morris then went on a 40-yard jaunt, and Fitzgerald Toussaint ran it in from three out. Justice Hayes caught the two point conversion from Jeremy Gallon. Final M-14, KSU-31.

Ho Hum Bowl or not, this game was an important one for the Wolverines to win. Make no mistake, the Wildcats were the better team Saturday and deserved to win, but it is a nasty surprise the Wolverines could not make it competitive. The problems that have plagued this team, offensively and defensively all season, were not corrected.

The absence of Devin Gardner was contributory, but not an excuse. The defense was clueless.

The good feelings surrounding the program after the Ohio State near miss have evaporated, as has the good feeling and optimism that was created after Coach Hoke’s surprisingly successful first season as Michigan’s head man.

Wins have declined each of the two years after Brady Hoke’s fast start three years ago. The Michigan coaches needs to gaze long and critically in the mirror in the off season to locate and remedy its persistent weak points. Team 134 has been instructive by demonstrating real concerns. 

Into Coach Hoke’s fourth year, Team 135 has to have answers, or the downward spiral will continue.  A tougher schedule looms, and by the fourth year of a program it is reasonable to expect improvement.

Win or lose, I want to thank those who will never put on the winged helmet again. Certainly they did not want to leave under the shadow of a loss, and have endured much: Jabreel Black, Drew Dileo, Jeremy Gallon, Brendan Gibbons, Jareth Glanda, Thomas Gordon, Erik Gunderson, Jeremy Jackson, Joe Reynolds, Michael Schofield, FitzGerald Toussaint, Quinton Washington, Courtney Avery, Cam Gordon, and Taylor Lewan. Thanks for your effort, skill and all you endured. I hope you find success and satisfaction in life outside and after college football.

Jeremy Gallon distinguished himself in Saturday’s game passing Braylon Edwards to set a single season receiving record at Michigan. He earned 1,373 yards to go with 89 catches and 9 TDs.

Thanks for all you gave, Gentleman, Good Luck and….

Go blue!