Author: Andy Andersen

The Wolverine’s annual football collision with their neighboring and vaunted south of the border team, happened Saturday in the friendly confines of Michigan Stadium. The ricochet will be heard for a long time.

This season Michigan had stubbornly maintained an offensive malaise, particularly since its game with Indiana. M simply had not consistently run the football this season, moved the chains to rest the defense, converted sufficient third downs, or scored TDs in sufficient quantity to overwhelm anyone. Sometimes TDs were as scarce as moisture on the desert. This is just a partial list of offensive difficulties this past season.

In a turnaround that surprised everyone, the offense performed very productively against the Bucks, featured innovative play calling most of the time, and showed some ability to run the football (152-yards on 33-carries). Derrick Green did most of the damage, lugging 12 times for 47-yards. De’Veon Smith had 7 carries for 57-yards. Derrick Green and third down back Fitz Toussaint each had a TD.

The offensive star of the game for the Wolverines was Jeremy Gallon as illustrated by 9 catches for 175-yards, and a TD. Early in the first quarter Jeremy took a catch 84-yards to the tOSU two. He now has had receptions in 36 straight games. His only bad play of the day was a transcontinental pass back to Gardner that sailed well over Devin’s head. He is now the number two receiver in M history for yardage.

Tight End Jake Butt buttressed his fine day with five catches for 85-yards and a TD.

During the season there were goofy penalties, numerous interceptions, fumbles, bad play calls and field management, as the offense laboriously worked down the Division ladder. There were also a few miscues Saturday and they always hurt. Neither that, or a first half melee, got in the way too much, as football mimicked hockey briefly.  One Wolverine and two Bucks were thrown out of the game, with one Buckeye too expressive gesturing to be consistent with good sportsmanship.

Saturday, while a Devin Gardner fumble was lost, he did not take his now usual beating from the team that led the nation in sacks and TFLs. He had been taking nasty beatings in previous games. It was not all easy for him Saturday, but easier. He still ended up in a foot in a boot after the game.

At times this year, the offense had played down to the level of their competition. The Wolverines were far too egalitarian in that they sometimes played the same unproductive way offensively whether the competition was elite or not. Note Akron, Connecticut, Penn State, Michigan State, and Nebraska.

This Saturday the offense gave the Buckeyes all they could handle, hitting the Bucks with 603-yards of total offense, 41 first downs, eight of 14 first down conversions, and 7 of 7 red zone conversions. They were 32 of 47 for a whopping 451 passing yards, with four TDs, and but 3 sacks.

Over the season, it seemed that in spite of sometimes contributing to the losses with poor pass protection, non-existant effective pass rush, and the failure to stop big plays, the defense had shown improvement over the course of the season, while the offense deteriorated in efficiency. The defense was clearly not what it wanted to be yet, but there was a sense of personnel development that was not easy to recognize on the offensive side of the ball. This is still true but the inability of the defense to corral the OSU running game was the difference in the game.

The tables had turned around Saturday. Now the offense was not failing to score TDs, and was not laying the defense out to dry. Carlos Hyde skinned the hide from Michigan’s rushing defense. He had 27-carries for 229-yards, a TD,  and a fumble. The Bucks totaled 393-yards on the ground. Braxton Miller had three TDs. Michigan’s defense was inconsistent, making stops and then letting receivers get behind DBs to convert either TDs or third and longs, or otherwise move the chains.

Michigan’s pass defense was abysmal, although OSU only completed 6 of 15 for 133-yards, but that included a 53-yard TD and another TD.

Earlier in the season the Wolverines had been striving to be in the competition for a Legends Division title, and have a shot in the Big Ten Championship game. Instead they sank to near the bottom of the Division.  In his post game presser Hoke stated that they had not won the Big Ten championship so this season had to be considered a failure, like any other where they did not win it.

Earlier I thought about the only good thing about that was they avoided playing the foreign team twice. But, looking at Saturday’s results, that might have been fun. A win Saturday could have saved M’s season. They came ever so close, coming within a razor thin margin of producing a victory over the Bucks. About an improbable a victory as Bo’s in 1969.

During the season, sometimes special teams misfired, and sometimes they produced. Saturday, Wile put several KOs out of the end zone, but late in the fourth quarter as Ohio was trying for the game winning score, he hit one too hard. It went into the end zone, and came out to the OSU 25, erasing no time off the clock.

Also a spectacular KO return by fleet Dennis Norfleet was well on his its way for 6, when the yellow flag fluttered, and the Wolverines were called for a very stupid penalty that negated a certain TD.

This season, the The Wolverines seldom had defense, offense, and special teams all at peak production in the same game. On Saturday, the defense, not the offense, was the most consistent problem, as the suddenly robust offense traded places with the suddenly problematic defense.

As so often this season, there were late game fireworks. With only 2:20 on the clock Ohio scored on a 9-yard Hyde run to go ahead 35-42. This answered 14 straight points by the Wolverines.

Michigan replied with an 11-play, 84-yard drive to make it 41-42. Dileo, Fitz Toussaint (29-yarder to the OSU two) contributed catches. Devin Funchess scored on a two yard TD receptions and it was 41-42 with about thirty seconds left. Devin’s Gardner’s two point conversion pass to Drew Dileo was intercepted. An onside kick was recovered by the Scarlet and Grey and it was over.

I do not question going for two to win. Gardner was now gimpy. The fact that Gibbons was unavailable due to injury in practice made no difference per Hoke, citing Wile’s competence. He said they had planned all week to try to win it if a similar circumstance arose. Hoke on his certainty about going for two points: … “No, like I said, we weren’t doing a good job slowing them down. We wanted to go win the football game.”

On Michigan’s effort to get into a position where one play would have won it:
“We talked about it all week. We’ve got to play our best football. We also want to take the game into the fourth quarter. The fourth quarter we got it there and thought the kids played awfully hard the entire day, and in the fourth quarter we played even better.” There will be questioning of where the right play was called for the two point conversion. It didn’t come close to working.

They had given up three points by earlier attempting a fourth and short conversion which failed. In retrospect, those were the winning points. Some will question this call, too. I liked the aggressiveness, but…

Brief scoring recap:

First Quarter: M struck first, and right away with a bubble screen to Jeremy Gallon that got to the OSU two. Devin ran it in to cap a 99-yard drive. M-7, OSU 0.

An 53-yard OSU TD pass made it 7-up. M produced a scoring drive with Jake Butt collaring a 33-yard pass to the OSU 22. Fitz Toussaint ran four yards to put the Blue up 14-7. Then Braxton Miller ran scored on a 53-yard run. It was 14 up.

Second Quarter: Jeremy Gallon caught a 17-yard TD pass. M-21, OSU-14. Funchess leaped over a defender on a 17-yard pass to enable the score. Braxton scored late in the second on a 21-yard run. M-21, OSU-21 at the half.

Third Quarter: OSU grabbed the lead on another Braxton run of 3-yards. A Devin Gardner fumble helped enable the 55-yard OSU drive. The M defense could not contain Miller. M-21, OSU-28. Late in the quarter the Buckeyes struck again on a 22-yard TD pass. M-21, OSU-35. At the time it seemed it might be over.

Fourth Quarter: Things were looking bleak, but Drew Dileo snagged a Gardner pass of 11-yards to make it 28-35. Desmond Morgan recovered a fumble on OSU’s 41. With just 5:01 left, Jake Butt caught a 2-yard TD pass and it was 35 up. Carlos Hyde put the Bucks up for good with a 1-yard run. M-35, OSU-42. A Devin Funchess 2-yard TD left M a point behind, and as already described, M went for a two point conversion which was not converted resulting in a final of M-41, OSU 42.

While it would have been sweet to win this one, and it could well have been won, the Buckeyes have a gifted offense, which perplexed our defense. If Braxton Miller had an arm as good as his legs OSU would definitely be the best team in the country. Their play against Michigan did not prove them to be so Saturday. This was hardly a game in which they proved their superiority, while it did show their vulnerability.  OSU’s presence in the national title game will be elusive for them.

They will go on to Indianapolis to combat the Spartans in the Big Ten title game.. Will offense or defense prevail? While I can’t wish either one of them success, it ought to be an interesting game.

As for Michigan, they acquitted themselves well on this occasion. Their backs were to the wall and they had skill and fortitude enough to give the Buckeyes all they could handle. Although some of the Bucks are braying how they knew they would win if it went to OT, OSU let two late drives come within a point at crunch time. Despite their expected post game bravado, it is likely some of the Scarlet and Grey had to change their Depends.

Players, coaches, and fans all needed at least a competitive game. It stood to reason that Urban Meyer would want to run it up, if possible, to beautify his team’s chances at the National Championship game. The departing seniors, such as Lewan and Schofield, nearly slew the dragon, and they did recapture and restore some Wolverine pride.

Close moral victories may be meaningless, but they are far easier to live with than out and out butt kickings.

Whether or not Coaches Borges and Funk are entirely off the hook for the next season may now depend on the Bowl game results. I never thought Coach Hoke was in danger of any early release from his contract, believing he would get to serve it out, and likely renew. But Coaches Borgess and Funk have been in a more susceptible category. If they can produce good bowl performances, much of the noise will likely go quiet for a time.

The fifteen extra practices that the Bowl affords ought to help the many youngsters that comprise much of Team 134. The near miss will help restore fan appreciation of a 7-5 regular season, if there is a bowl win.

Team 134’s regular season is history. If it hasn’t produced as many wins as expected, it has still been very interesting. The seniors have endured unprecedented coaching changes and global schematic changes. They have faced change and uncertainty to become solid Michigan men.

Thanks for reading this, and as always,

Go Blue!

The Wolverines rolled into the University of Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium Saturday for a rare noon start on a cold and windy 23 degree day.  They were an underdog seeking to secure a much needed eighth win this season. That would have put them above 500 in Big Ten wins at 4-3, and would have helped solidify M’s bowl prospects.

They lugged this season’s considerable offensive baggage with them to Kinnick, but did not display it graphically until the second half. The offense needed the benefit of two first half interceptions of the Hawkeyes to produce short field situations, which facilitated posting 14 of their 21 first half points . The Wolverines intercepted three times during the game, and turned the first one into a TD. But the third and last interception, in the second half, was wasted.

The Wolverines were held scoreless in the second half where they simply could not move the sticks, or take advantage of a Hawkeye miscue. Credit Iowa’s defense to be sure, but M’s own offensive ineptness also contributed a great deal. The lack of an consistently effective running game, and consistently iffy pass protection is mind boggling. Most teams will lose games if producing a puny158-yards of offense. That the game was close was assisted greatly by M’s three interceptions.

Lack of field position stressed the defense in the second half, as the offense often could not move the sticks.  Unfortunately the D flailed around to no avail on Iowa’s first possession of the second half. Iowa hit a 55-yard TD pass, and it was suddenly Michigan 21, Iowa 14, and the air was whistling out of the Maize and Blue balloon on both sides of the ball. It was a game changer.

This was especially true on the offensive side, as the Iowa defense was suddenly recharged. The defense subsequently made a few good plays, especially in the form of Frank Clark, but they could retrieve a lead. Iowa now played over their mistakes. Clark had 2.5 tackles for loss. Raymon Taylor made a great diving interception which was reviewed with the interception being sustained.

The consistently inconsistent offense displayed that in spades in the second half.

The usually very sure handed Devin Funchess dropped a few critical passes. Devin Gardner turned the wrong way on a hand off to Derrick Green. Gardner fumbled on the sideline (the result of a rake by the Hawk’s alert defense, and Devin’s lack of ball security) with minutes left in the game. The recovery of Devin’s fumble by the Hawks ended M’s chances once and for all.

Devin threw for 98-yards, completing 13 of 28 and two TDs, with a long of 28-yards. Although his rushing yardage was limited to 12 net yards on 12 attempts (21-yards of losses subtracted), his rushing helped-sometimes. Devin Funchess nabbed only one pass for 2-yards and dropping several others. Jeremy Gallon had a TD catch, as did Tight End Jeremy Williams.

M’s offensive line had still not jelled in regulation against Northwestern, and provided only a basically effective running game in Evanston. The stunning last second reprieve provided by the field goal team, and the suddenly revitalized overtime Wolverine offense, did not hide the fact that the Wolverine’s offense has struggled remarkably since putting up 63 on the Hoosiers, and since Michigan State discovered the benefits of stunting A gap blitzes.

To recap offensive woes: Zero TDs against MSU. Zero TDs against Nebraska. Zero TDs against Northwestern in regulation. Zero TDs against Iowa in the second half. That’s 14 full quarters.  That  hurts their chances of achieving many of this season’s goals, even if they are gaining experience. The opponent’s defense overwhelming the M offense has happened too often this season. In the second half, Gardner was often hurried, although the stats say he was sacked only once. He sometimes couldn’t get his eyes down field as he was the subject of attack. No other offensive football team in the nation has lost as many yards this season as the Wolverines.

The OL did rise to the in the first half, enough to put up 14 points.

The miracle finish at Northwestern let Team 134’s character and fortitude shine through in three exciting overtimes, but the continuing inability of the OL to open running lanes, pass protect, and score against good defenses,continues to be a pertinent issue.

Iowa won the battle of statistics, as well as the game, by running and passing for 359-yards, to M’s 118. Iowa mistakes kept the score close.

First Quarter
M received, stalled, but the defense immediately put points on the board, as the Wolverines collared the Iowa QB and deflected a pass that Brennan Beyer intercepted.  He ran it in from the Iowa 7 for six. All EPs were converted on the day. It was M-7, Iowa 0.

Iowa’s FG holder mishandled a snap to prevent a three, but late in the quarter the Hawks evened it up on a five-yard pass, and it was 7-up. The defense could not hold the lead.

Second Quarter:
Then came a defensive stop on 4^th down for the Wolverines, and a Blake Countess interception. In perfect position, Blake nabbed his 5^th interception of the year and zipped to the Hawkeye 28. On a beautiful play, Gardner ran right, and stopping abruptly just before the LOS, tossed a 2-yard TD pass to a wide open A.J. Williams for his first collegiate catch and score. M-14, Iowa-7.

Taking advantage of a short field, M produced a 47-yard drive ending in a 9-yard laser shot to Gallon for a TD. M-21, Iowa-7.

With only 4-seconds remain in the half. Iowa got a 60-yard kick return, eventually resulting in a muffed Hawkeye FG attempt. Halftime score: M-21, Iowa-7.

Third Quarter: The second half belonged to the Hawkeyes. After receiving the KO, it took just three plays for the Hawks to score. The dagger was a 55-yard pass from Rudock to Smith, and old mo was theirs and never relinquished, with a quiet crowd exploding to life. M-21, Iowa-14.

The offense could not move the ball at all and Matt Wile got tired punting five times. A Ramon Taylor interception was wasted by the offense. The Hawkeyes didn’t waste time as the quarter ended.

Fourth Quarter:
Shortly, it was 21-21 on a 9-yard TD run.

It was over at about the six minute mark, as Iowa kicked the game winning 34-yard FG. Final M-21, Iowa-24.

M’s last ditch effort was depending on the capable legs of Devin Gardner.  Gardner struggled for every last yard, and the ball was stripped. Coach Hoke said afterwards he wished Devin had just stepped out of bounds. Not stepping out of bounds and Devin’s habit of not covering up the ball proved fatal to any last second field goal hopes, and another overtime game. Make no mistake, this was not Devin’s best game. Also, make no mistake regarding the effort and courage he puts into his role in M football.

It is remarkable that in the 11^th game of the season that obtaining rushing yardage would be a question. That converting any third down, short or long, would still be problematic. That pass protection is still looks it was built like a sieve.

Is the problem play calling? Sometimes it appears to be. Is it a failure to take what the defense gives, a stubborn adherence to a philosophy? Something along the line of its my strategy, and I’m sticking to it? Is the scheme too complicated? Or is it poor technique by the offensive line, or their execution of the plays? If the execution is bad, scheme, or little else matters.

I suspect when a play fails, it may be a combination of factors. Scheme, technique, play calling, player execution, talent level, lack of experience, field conditions, even equipment failures such as wrong cleats, or injuries can all contribute. All are responsibilities of, and in the purview, of the coaches.

There is no excusing, hiding, or diminishing the mess that is the Wolverine offense. Lack of experience no longer is an excuse in the 11^th game. In season tinkering with the offensive line continued through the Iowa game, and has not worked.

There is also no question whose responsibility that is. The responsibility of determining the how, the why,  and what to do to fix it, belongs to the boss, Head Coach Brady Hoke, and to OC Al Borges, and OL Coach Darryl Funk.

It will be the off season before the situation can be repaired. It appears there has to be some soul searching at that time.

I am not uneasy that Coach Hoke will not be able to solve the problem, and that he will have the will, the time and the opportunity to do so. The immediate concern is what can they do now, this late in the season?

Because next is the test by which Michigan footballers choose to measure themselves.

They of the expensive tattoos, and expansive record of consecutive wins, and a very storied, and only slightly stained program (according to them) are visiting.

I hope not to see a stadium filled with the Scarlet and Gray because M fans pedaled tickets because of the team’s struggles.

No doubt the Wolverines will be fired up, and will do their best to defend their pride, and ours. Still, the name Biakabutuka echos enough to wish he was still on the roster this season.

Hope to see you there.

Go Blue!

 The Cornhuskers of the University of Nebraska swaggered into Michigan Stadium, with a player on record as wishing to shut Michigan up. The Huskers carried a 6-2, 3-1 record into the game with them, bettering the Wolverines then 6-2, 2-2 record. The Cornhuskers carried out a 4-1 Big Ten record, while the Wolverines slipped to 2-3.

While Michigan was reeling from a thrashing at the hands of the Green Meanies last Saturday, Nebraska was riding high from a last minute escape at Northwestern 29-24, The Wolverines were riding low having lost two of their last three Big Ten games. To add insult to injury, the Huskers made it three losses in four games for the Wolverines.

With a 2-3 Big Ten record, the Wolverines are effectively out of the race. Coach Hoke on the game: “Yeah, you know frustration because we lost as a team. I mean, I think that’s the frustration that we all have. I’ve got to do a better job coaching this football team. The guys were working, guys were fighting.”

This game provided the perfect opportunity for Michigan’s sagging spirits to rebound, to atone for their embarrassment at the hands of the Huskers last year after Denard’s game changing injury.

Further, back in 1997, the Wolverines had to share a national title with Nebraska because of a lucky catch in a game they should have lost (Missouri), plus the very timely retirement of their famed former Coach and then Athletic Director Tom Osborne. He successfully applied politics to gain the prize.

While it is denied by coaches and players that they ever go galloping down the revenge trail, this kind of stuff is certainly not lost on fans. And then there is the case of their sometimes not so lovable Coach Bo Pelini, was struggling to get off the hot seat before sizzle turned to burn. He had the temerity to lay into his own fans, home crowds. Can you imagine the furor in Ann Arbor if Hoke had even thought of such a public broadside?

But more notable was the defense the Huskers brought to Ann Arbor. They were 70^th in the country in total D. Unfortunately while their defense was among or near the bottom feeders of the Big Ten, the Wolverines offense could manage only one TD against them Saturday, and the Nebraska defense was up to the task.

Devin Gardener was sacked seven times again this week, as M rushed for minus 21-yards. The backs again could not pass protect or run the football, the offensive play calling was often strange and inexplicable, as well as too often ineffective. The offensive line did some sieve imitations again. Late ineffective runs drew strong, very loud boos from the crowd, and their perplexity was understandable. As the conservative plays failed, M’s chances for victory melted. Nebraska out gained M’s 175 total yards by amassing 273.

All game long, Fitz ineffectively rushed on first down. His first half statistics are illustrative of the ineffectiveness of that work. He carried five times for five yards. When they finally threw him a pass, he gained 25-yards. For the game, M rushed for a minus 21-yards. The Wolverines had 36 rushes for a minus 0.6 yards. They gained 46 yards, but lost 67-yards rushing. The Wolverines had a dismal 3 of 15 conversions on third down. Nebraska was about twice that good. As usual the offense did not give the defense a comfort margin with which to work. The requirements of winning this game scoring wise were modest. One more TD would have won it. Two were needed, but we only got half there.

The always loyal Hoke defended the play calling, as one would expect he would: “I like the play calling. I think we thought we could do some things, and we didn’t.”, but to some fans it remains bizarre, and unexplained.

Devin Gardner would not give any quarter in the post- game press conference regarding alleged lack of toughness, simply and inelegantly saying that those critics could “shove it”. Devin has proved himself very mentally and physically tough, even though he seems a little shell shocked now, and holds the ball too long sometimes, which is another offensive flaw. He went 18 of 37 for 196-yards, and a TD. Devin Funchess was the most productive receiver, catching the team’s only TD, while collaring 6 passes for 66-yards. Devin’s running was largely a non-factor in this game.

Cameron Gordon led the defense with eight tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack. In the middle of the third quarter, Cameron separated the ball from its possessor and Chris Wormley recovered it. James Ross III was often noticeable, nailing eight tackles. The offense did not take advantage of this opportunity and left the points on the field as Matt Will missed a 52-yard FG.

Jake Ryan was active. While the defense played splendidly in the second and third quarters, they failed at games end, giving up the winning TD. Should we add conditioning to our list of worries?

It was perceived pregame that the Huskers transported a much more robust offense then defense to Ann Arbor. Their most experienced QB, the gifted Taylor Martinez was injured, and did not start. Freshman Tommy Armstrong got the nod for his 6^th start. And he proved good enough to win, by staging a long drive for the winning TD, with Husker RB Abdullah scoring with a couple of minutes left in the game fir his second TD. Armstrong was 12 of 25 passing. He rushed12 times for 35-yards.

While the Nebraska offense, including the OL, had suffered significant injuries, they had what some considered the best running back in the Big Ten, Ameer Abdullah. He proved a thorn. He carried 27 times for 105 net yards and a TD. He was the one that stated he wanted to shut up Michigan. He commented that our crowd was nasty to him in his last venture into M Stadium. He brought an outstanding 7.1-yard average per carry into the game, but managed only a 3.9-yard average against the Wolverines. He had rushed for 1,108-yards this season. He is a five foot nine inch tall scat back. A key in this game was whether or not Michigan could stop him, and they did not well enough to win. He moved the chains and got the winning TD.

The usual Team 134 questions prevailed again, and then some. It seems we have learned how good team 134 is… and how good it isn’t.

While a Bloody Mary wouldn’t cure the kind of hangover caused by the Spartans, and now the Huskers, it would have taken a last minute Hail Mary to prevail over the Huskers. The Wolverines led 13-10 with a little more than eight minutes to play, but a 14-play, six minute, 75-yard Husker drive lasting over six minutes made it 13-17, and provided an insurmountable lead. M had a couple of minutes left on the clock in the fourth quarter to stage an improbable come from behind win, but the Huskers were up to the task. On fourth and five, a Gardner pass slipped through the usually sure grasp of Drew Dileo, to end offensive opportunity, and the die was cast.

The scoring went like this:

First Quarter:

The Huskers received to start the game, punted, M punted. On their second possession the Huskers hit a 21-yard FG. M-0, N-3. Then a 44-yard drive put the ball at the M six, and Abdullah ran it in for 6. M-0, N-10. The first quarter was owned by Nebraska. They managed 10 first downs to the Wolverines’ zilch.

Second Quarter:

The Wolverines finally put together a 66-yard drive, but stalled, and settled for a FG from 27-yards. M-3, N-10.

While the Cornhuskers throttled M for much of the first half, a 69-yard Matt Wile punt stopped at the Nebraska 3, eventually gave the Wolverines good field position at the Nebraska 42, as the defense had almost got a safety and did not give up a yard on the Nebraska possession after the punt. After M received the punt, they were held to a 4^th and 4 as the last play in the possession. Devin Gardner was sacked as they went for the first down. After a 7-yard completion to Gallon, Devin lost a yard to the Nebraska 36, had an incomplete pass on third down, and then came the sack. A low point for the offense, as the Wolverines were dominated in the first half. The half ended M-3, N-10.

Third Quarter:

M received and made it 10-10 on a 75-yard 10-play drive, largely enabled by a 25-yard pass to Fitz Toussaint, and a 19-yarder to Jake Butt. Somehow a little innovation crept into the series. They only had to convert one third down opportunity in this drive. Devin Funchess caught the 7-yard TD.

Fourth Quarter:

Special teams again provided a lift as Nebraska mishandled a punt, which was scooped up by Dennis Norfleet. With 10 on the clock the ball was at the 25, but the offense bungled the opportunity for a most meaningful TD, being forced to settle for a Brandon Gibbons 45-yard FG. M-13, N-10.

Hopes of victory were dashed as the Huskers produced a long drive, shunned a field goal, and made a 26-yard gain to the Michigan 5. Three plays later they were at the 3, but an Armstrong option left to Abdullah sealed the Wolverines fate and produced the final score. M-13, N-17.

M’s final effort was described above.

An ESPN writer went far afield recently, when he categorized Michigan players as soft, and the team as being of poor character, while he lauded Michigan State as being tough and of good character. M is tough, coming from behind in a number of ballgames this year. This is not the most physically dominant team the Wolverines have ever fielded, but they will get there. They do not quit, have not quit.

Michigan is not “soft”, nor are the players full of themselves as the uninformed writer suggested. I believe I have a pretty good idea what that writer is full of, at least in that piece. But when a losing streak is established, teams, and coaches are subject to a fusillades of criticism, innuendo, and doubt.

There are two tough road games ahead and a tough home game. Possibly they will all be a struggle if recent history is indicative. We will see what the Wolverines can do. Hopefully. what they won’t do is give up. A New Years Day Bowl is still there for the taking.

It appears that Coach Hoke’s future as well as that of his team may be impeded by towing a barge full of heavy offensive woes. More than likely, the offensive line can’t be significantly improved until next year. Seems that if it could be done they would have done it by now. An in season cure now seems unlikely. We shall see.

Go Blue!

The college football melee that annually occurs between Michigan’s Wolverines and Michigan State’s Spartans took place Saturday at hostile Spartan Stadium in an evening battle. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, the Spartans dominated, and left the Wolverines with several burning issues. Like not being a B1G contender this season, and therefore is the Brady Hoke era headed in the right direction?

As a result of winning, the Spartans were forced to harbor the gigantic Paul Bunyan trophy, an award that pales in comparison to the venerated status of the first college football trophy, The Little Brown Jug. This demonstrates the difference in the aura awarded a trophy instantly created by politicians, as opposed to one that grew out of the fan base over a long time. In any case the PBT will sojourn in East Lansing till next year, whether it wants to or not.

Make no mistake, however, that even if the name of the trophy was not on the lips of the coaches or fans, this game was among the most important of any game that either team will play this season.

With winning this game, a possible shot to represent the Legend’s Division against the Leader’s Division in the Big Ten Championship game in Indianapolis was at stake. The Spartans are now well positioned for such a run. In all probability, the Wolverines now resemble an also ran.

The Spartans looked to skate through the balance of their relatively easy season, if the Wolverines couldn’t best them. The Green Meanies avoid the Buckeyes in regular season, and played the Wolverines at home with outstanding success. Now they may get to play the Buckeyes once, but only if the Wolverines can not help it.

The Spartans were undefeated in the B1G prior to Saturday primarily because of the competence of their defense, and they were on a roll. They still are on a roll, again in large part because of that same over powering defense. Michigan lost a record setting minus 48-yards rushing. Devin Gardner was sacked 7 times, 4 times in the 4^th quarter. Devin was 14 of 27 passing for 210-yards, one interception and zero TDs. MSU’s Cook was 18 of 32 for 252-yards, and 2 TDs.

Fitz Toussaint ran 8 times, gaining a net of 22-yards. In his post-game presser Coach Hoke was adamant that the failure of execution extended to other positions than just offensive line, to backs, and tight ends and others also. It surely did, but the offensive line was noteworthy in this respect.
An over the head center snap killed the effect of a couple of first downs, and helped turn the game around in a bad way for Michigan’s offense.

The effort of the Wolverines was considerable and admirable. Devin Gardner took a pounding, but a great effort was there, even if enough blocking was not. After the game, Hoke said that Devin was not injured unless being beat up was an injury.

Jeremy Chesson contributed 3 catches for 82-yards, including a long of 58-yards. Too bad the receivers did not make it into the end zone. Unfortunately none of the catches were carried into the end zone, and the 58-yard Chesson reception to the MSU 22=yard line in the 2^nd Quarter only resulted in a 46-yard FG. Jeremy Gallon caught 5 for 67-yards with a long of 35-yards. Gallon had three catches on the opening drive for 57-yards. Devin Funchess had 6 for 65-yards.

When Gardner had time he threw some nice passes and the receiving corps made some outstanding catches. Defensively, Raymon Taylor had 12 tackles with one TFL and one break up. Frank Clark had 9 tackles.

Michigan constantly lost field position because of deep punts by the Spartans. The Wolverines were dominated on special teams, offensively, and on pass defense, but did a good job against the run until late in the game. The Wolverines could not stop slant/crossing patterns. They let out big passing plays, and otherwise let the Spartans dominate the passing statistics.

The Wolverines were out coached in some respects. Early in the game, M was threatening. They were on the MSU 20-yard line with a third and two. They saddled up and attempted a rush. It was a disaster, for a nine yard loss. Was this a good call?  There was a notable lack of innovation, after a two week recess.

Later in the game, in the second half, the Wolverines had decent field position due to an interception. Devin was additionally sacked three times. Losses and sacks on three straight plays! Fitz Toussaint was out manned in protection and the OL did not block effectively. This was consistent all game long for the OL, as the running game, or more precisely the lack of it, was reflected in that record setting minus 48-yards rushing.

Pregame, this season the usual insults were hurled, and caught by fans on both sides. This was business as usual, maybe more so. The Spartans are practiced and adept at this activity, especially before the games, often less so afterward. Obviously, this year will be an unavoidable exception to that rule.

This pair’s annual smash ups since the 1970s show the Wolverines winning thirty-two games to the Spartan’s 6. Unfortunately for Wolverines’ fans, lately the Spartans have won five of the last six, with the Wolverines only prevailing by a scary score of twelve to ten last year.

M fans rightfully worried regarding M’s recently remodeled interior offensive line, the Spartans inside blitz, ineffective play calling, turn overs, toughness, pass defense, and inability to win consistently away from home. As it turned out, these issues all remain.

In spite of an overall 6-1 record and a conference record of 2 -1, Team 134 had not grabbed an identity. They had been winning somewhat ugly, and now the angst continues, will build. The pass defense stepped into the shadows against Indiana’s prolific passing game. And fell deeper into the shadows Saturday, against MSU. An unfortunate identity is beginning to emerge.

Of course, some M fans had their doubts pregame, as to how tough the Spartan defense really was. We questioned the efficiency of a Spartan offense that also had struggled to score points against some lesser competition. M had scored 297 points to MSU’s 239 this season. The Spartan’s performance Saturday on both offense and defense erased most doubt.

All in all it looked like the Wolverines had their work cut out for them, and it proved out that they did.

First Quarter:

M lost the toss and received. Jeremy Gallon caught a nifty 35–yard pass on the opening play of the game.  This was one of Jeremy’s three receptions on this 54-yard drive. Matt Wile scored on a 49-yard FG. M-3, MSU-0.

MSU got three of their own on after a big 49-yard catch and run on MSU’s first pass play. A field goal tied it at 3-3. MSU hit another FG to make it 3-6 going into the 2^nd quarter.

Second Quarter:

Now it was raining on everyone’s parade as the teams traded punts with Michigan finally scoring on a 57-yard drive that featured a leaping Jeremy Chesson catching a 48-yard pass. Brandon Gibbons then hit a very lucky FG. The ball bounced off the right upright for three, after traveling 39-yards. It was tied at 6-6 at 3:22 left in the second.

Next came the Spartan effort that was a key to the game. They went 75-yards for six, ending with a fourteen-yard TD pass and it was M-6, MSU-13 with 23-seconds left in the second quarter. This was back breaker, in view of the Spartans tough defense.

The field position battle which M was losing would continue in earnest into the second half.

Third Quarter:

MSU received and had to punt four times time, each time improving their field position. Michigan was practicing punting,too.

Finally Ramon Taylor improved field position with an interception, and sprinted 18-yards to the MSU 41-yard line. Now M had some field position. But Gardner was sacked for three consecutive plays. Nothing innovative for the Wolverines offense in that possession, and it was perhaps the final straw, as M had to punt, and a golden opportunity to score was wasted. MSU executed and M didn’t.

MSU did not pass up the ensuing opportunity, but passed 44-yards, and plunged 1-yard to pay dirt. M’s Willie Henry blocked the extra point. M-6, MSU-22.

Michigan then moved the football, but a late interception ended their threat to score. MSU quickly stuck up another on a late TD scamper for six after a 97-yard drive. Final M-6, MSU-29.

Not since the sixties have I seen a Wolverine football team beaten this soundly by Michigan State. There is nothing worse than seeing Coach “Happy”, happy. He and the Green Meanies earned a perfect right this time.

M’s coaches have much work to do. And a little soul searching ought to go with it, as they, team and coaches, have not been able to match their often proclaimed goal of being a physically dominating football team this season, to be a team which can run the football, and utilize the pro set to advantage. They simply have not met those goals. The offense is not improving and the pass defense remains problematic.

Tough loses engender team dissension. The Captains will have to cut that kind of stuff off at the pass.  Last Saturday’s game measured the Wolverine’s physical toughness.  Next Saturday’s will measure their mental state as well.

Next week is another tough competition, as the Corn Huskers invade M Stadium. We will see whether there is a hangover from Saturday, or will, they just come out mad.   It will be an interesting match up.

In any event, win or lose, it is forever good to be Blue.

 

Go Blue!