M FOOTBALL 2013: GALLON WATERS DOWN HOOSIER HOPES AS HE SETS RECORDS, AND THE WOLVERINES PREVAIL IN A 63 TO 47 SHOOTOUT

Saturday afternoon, the University of Michigan Football Wolverines squared off with the University of Indiana’s Hoosiers after the Wolverine’s uncomfortable four overtime loss at Penn State stained chances of becoming an early contender in the Legends Division.

Showing a prolific offense, the battle Saturday evoked echoes of a Rich Rodriguez offense, and unfortunately of a Rich Rodriguez defense at times, as both offenses proved unstoppable, and dominated. The the defenses were susceptible to long plays, and long drives.

Where did the Wolverines ability to stop scoring go for most of the game? It was certainly not on display. They let out several very damaging long plays, and had trouble stopping the Hoosiers. Forty seven points against them is all that needs be said. They yielded 410-yards passing, and 572-yards over all. Yielded to a good offense, yes, but that kind of yardage? Coach Hoke was disgruntled when I said good game to him afterwards, meaning a win. “Good game?” “Good game?” was the reply. Obviously, he does not care for shootouts, and games of continued little defensive effectiveness.

The M defense finally rose to the task, got a fourth quarter stop, and Thomas Gordon collected a pair of ever so timely late fourth quarter interceptions, which, coupled with the efforts of the offense, produced a winner.

Gardner connected on 21 of 29 for a record setting 503 passing yards. He also set a school record of 584-yards of total offense. He ran for 81-yards, and was responsible for 5 TDs, 3 by ground and 2 by air. That was a historic performance caused both Gardner’s talent, and the nature of the Hoosier defense. It doesn’t matter who this was against. This was an outstanding accomplishment, one for the record books. Eighty-three offensive plays piled up a whopping 751-yards. Penalties were held to a minimum.

Jeremy Gallon set records himself, as he caught 14 passes for 369-yards. There are now new Big Ten, and Michigan records owned by Jeremy, and these numbers are the second highest totals among FBS schools. Wow! At the post-game press both Gallon and Gardner were present. Gardner pointed out, in jest, that Jeremy is only 5’9″ so harder to hit.

Gardner and Gallon had more than a little help from their friends. Fitz Toussaint ran well producing 131-yards and four TDs. He is only the sixth M running back to nail four rushing TDs in a game. A solid improvement from last week, when Fitz had 27 carries for a one-yard net average per attempt.

Devin Funchess had perhaps the athletic play of the evening. When he was running at speed along the eastern sideline, he leaped over a would-be tackler in an attempt to score, and nearly did, coming down on a shoulder, at about the two yard line. It was a simply spectacular athletic move.

The Wolverines regained their confidence after the Penn State debacle, and again put up a good fight. They improved offensive line play especially at the interior in general, although that area of the team is still in a competition, and seems likely to be a continuing question mark as the schedule stiffens in difficulty. They seemed to benefit from improved offensive coaching schemes to improve the tailback running, and certainly there was better blocking. Knowing that they had to score the offensive coaches adopted a more wide open game plan that obviously worked.

GAME PHOTOS

Erik Magnuson was at left guard. Although Magnuson is a natural tackle, he has speed and quick feet. Joey Burzynski showed some promise, at the opposite guard. A little more speed at those two positions is nothing but good. Last week’s starting right guard Kyle Kalis played.

With all M’s offensive line troubles this year, it is fair to say that the offense was 22nd in the nation in scoring prior to this Saturday’s game. That number should be enhanced now. While Devin Gardner may sometimes perplex with TOs, he was leading in Big Ten offensive productivity before Saturday’s game, being responsible for 285.8 average yards over six games. Over seven games, he has now bettered that.

This is an Indiana team with a whale of an offense. Indiana hammered PSU handily this season. Prior to Saturday, they averaged 504.3-yards a game, and had 572 Saturday. They have many great receivers. They played two quarter backs, Nate Sudfeld and Tres Roberson. Tres has the wheels of a running back, and was the better of the two against Wolverines. Each threw a late game interception. Roberson was 16 of 23 and 3 TDs, a long of 67-yards, and had 11 carries for 60-yards. Sudfeld was 8 of 19 for 122-yards, and one TD with a long of 59-yards. Both were sacked once. This shows that M’s pass defense needs improvement, but the defense rose to the occasion at the end of the game.

Scoring Summary:

First Quarter:

M won the toss and deferred. The Hoosiers opened the scoring with a quick 59-yard TD strike at the 10:28 mark, and the shootout was on. M-0, IU-7. Soon Devin Gardner ran one in from 13-yards out and it was 7-7. On fourth and two Fitz, then ran one in, and the quarter ended M-14, IU-7. Gallon had gathered in a 70-yard pass to the 11. M led in time of possession by about 4 minutes. It seemed that all was well.

Second Quarter: Fitz struck again from 7-yards out and it was M-21, IU-7. Fitz caught a 27-yard screen pass to the I-U 37, and Gallon contributed. It looked like a typical M pasting of Indiana was coming up. The Hoosiers put that to rest with a 33-yard TD pass. M-21, IU-14. With time running out in the quarter, Jeremy Gallon answered with a 21-yard TD catch completing a remarkable drive of 91-yards in 12 plays. M-28, IU-14. Toussaint had a nice 12-yard run, and Jeremy Jackson had a couple of first down receptions.

The Hoosiers hit a 50-yard FG to end the quarter and the half. M-28, IU-17. M owned the second quarter time of possession 13.7 to 01.43.

Third Quarter: Fitz got off to a bad start at the beginning of the quarter, dropping a Gardner pitch that was picked up by the Hoosiers and returned to the M 5. A quick TD run followed and the race was on. M-28, IU-24.

Fitz got a couple of good runs and Jeremy gallon hauled in a 50-yard TD pass. M-35, IU-24. The Hoosiers put another TD on the board via a short pass. M-35, IU-31.

Was the M defense ever going to stop this onslaught? IU drew nearer with a 23-yard FG after a great Michigan third and three stand at the M six yard line caused an incompletion. M-35, IU-34. Too close for comfort.

Then Fitz ran in from the one yard line after Jeremy Gallon caught a 70-yard beauty. He was downed at the two. M-42, IU-34.

Of course Indiana answered with a 67-yard aerial TD gem. Suddenly it was M-42, IU-40. Gallon caught a 33-yarder before the quarter ended.

Fourth Quarter: Devin Gardner scored on a beautiful, scrambling, six yard run. Gardner was hit by a cheap shot in the end zone. A shoulder into the high chest, jolted him backwards after he had scored. M-49, I-40. IU again answered with a 15-yard TD run. M-49, IU-47.

The Wolverines were at the Indiana 2-yard line when Devin Gardner fumbled, wasting a long drive. Fortunately, the Hoosiers returned the favor of an error as Thomas Gordon got an interception and delivered it to the Indiana 5. Gardner scored again from 6-yards out. The OL missed communications and split in opposite directions, leaving Devin exposed to an unblocked rusher. He was hit hard from the side but got six. M-56, IU-47.

Thomas Gordon then delivered his second interception. M put together one last drive with a Devin Funchess catch of 38-yards and a 27-yard Fitz TD scamper. Final M-63, IU=47.

Forget the fact that the Wolverines have dominated the Hoosiers in the past. This was a red letter game for the Wolverines. One that they desperately needed to win.

While the defense struggled with the hurry up offense of Indiana, they are unlikely to see another that effective. They should change the Hoosiers moniker to Minutemen. They repeatedly scored in a minute or a little more. Fortunately, it is unlikely we will see that kind of offensive hurry up efficiency again this year.

That efficiency, and the inefficiency of our defense on this occasion, forced the Wolverines into scoring points with abandon. They even scored on a fourth and two, and put the passing game into high gear, while managing a decent running game.

Even though the records set were not against one of the Big Ten’s better defenses, they are still remarkably worthwhile, even if contributing little to the main goals of the team.

There is another bye week to heal and to consider the upcoming trip to the stomping grounds of the Green Meanies. While this win did not cure all the perceived flaws and vulnerabilities of this year’s version of the Wolverines on offense, defense, and special teams, it certainly was a step in the right direction. It should provide the Spartans some food for thought.

Go Blue!

October 13, 2013October 13, 2013

M FOOTBALL 2013-M FACED PSU AT THEIR HOMECOMING WHITE OUT, IN THE EVENING, AT THE ZOO THAT IS BEAVER STADIUM, WITH DISAPPOINTING RESULTS: M-40, PSU-43.

The Wolverine’s tripped to Penn State’s Happy Valley for an important Big Ten confrontation with a Legends division competitor. The Lions tripped them in the 4^th overtime in the longest football game in Wolverine history.

The Wolverines squandered several quality opportunities to win the game, and in the end, the offense could not produce a timely TD, or a FG, to win the game, and the defense couldn’t prevent the winning score, a four-yard rushing TD. This game was the Wolverines for the taking, but they botched the taking, and they will be taking a 1-1 Big Ten record into next week’s Indiana game.

After the absence from Michigan’s schedule during a couple of devastating years for the Lion’s program, the Wolverine returned to a now happier valley, for the first of what is to be an every year meeting between these storied programs. It was a spectacular win for the Lions, and a spectacular loss for the Wolverines.

PSU football is fast recovering from the blow the program took with the fall from grace of the legendary Joe Paterno three years ago. Fired a short time before he lost a terminal battle with cancer, many of his astounding number of college football wins were vacated. He strove to, and was expected to be the coach with the most wins in college football history.

The lack of available scholarships will soon be restored due to the recent largess of the NCAA, who restored them ahead of its earlier declared time line. Why? As inscrutable as a blond bombshell avoiding revealing her true hair color, why the NCAA does things the way it does is often obscure. Was it concern for the student athlete or fear of lawsuits? The Bowl sanctions remain.

The Lions played their Bowl game before 107,000 Saturday evening, providing its fans with an improbable and memorable win, and the Wolverines with the same kind of defeat. After the game Coach Hoke said about losing in OT: “If you let it take a toll it will”.

The Lions avoided defeat in regulation by producing a gritty 80-yard drive to tie, erasing what had been a 10- point 4^th quarter M lead. A beautiful Robinson catch enabled the PSU TD by putting the ball at the Michigan 2, and they scored easily. The extra point then tied the game to send it into overtime. Brendan Gibbon’s subsequent effort to nail a 52-yard field goal to prevent the OT and secure the win in regulation was well directed, but fell short.

M failed to score a TD in four overtimes, managed two only field goals, and could not cash in on all its opportunities in regulation or the overtime. Frank Clark twice made outstanding defensive plays, once in the first half, which he returned 26-yards for six, and in the second OT, Frank recovered a fumble which provided a stunning opportunity for victory. But a makeable FG was missed wide by Brandon Gibbons.

They had several sterling and surprising opportunities to win the game, but could not manage the task while Penn State did.

The steady tutelage of Coach Bill O’Brien, last year’s National Coach of the Year, is rapidly reconstituting the torn and suffering program. Now they have a classic victory over the Wolverines to enhance their standing.

No need to repeat the well-known story of JoPa’s fall from coaching grace, except to say that he was some football coach, but unfortunately, he evidently was not an effective administrator in certain highly important areas.

The Wolverines had stuck Coach Paterno and Penn State fans with some memorable defeats, and they have returned the favor when they could in this short series. The series sits at 10-7-0. Let’s conveniently forget about losses for a moment, and remember three superb Michigan wins instead.

There have been Michigan moments in the series. I will never forget the Henne to Manningham end zone catch that helped deep-six the Lions undefeated season in 2005. Late in the game it was an improbable decider. M won 23-21. Henne snapped a perfectly executed pass to Manningham who caught it in the South end zone running at full stride for six, before you could say JoPa.

This ruination of a perfect Lion season still gnaws at the gizzards of some of the Blue White Illustrated denizens, as Saturday’s game will gnaw on us.

Those Lion’s fans are hyper fanatic. This group formulates and harbors fabulous conspiracy imaginings at the drop of a referee’s flag. Stuff such as the Big Ten wants Michigan to win, so the refs oblige, at the expense of the league newcomers etc. There are extensive variations on a theme, but their central tendency seems to be a taste for victimization. This was before the sanctions.

There was the convincing “Judgment Day” victory in 1997 at Beaver Stadium. That was a big part of an undefeated season, and earned the Wolverines part of a National Championship. The only low spot that day was the loss of Dadrion Taylor, who sacrificed his football career by laying a tremendous lick on a Nittany Lion running back. Dadrion never played football again. Neither did the Penn State full back. The game ended with M winning 34-8.

The first game in which M and PSU met in Happy Valley in 1993, where Coach Paterno stubbornly tried to prove his running game by attempting four runs into the M defensive line from the PSU one yard line. Failing, but persistent, he kept trying again. Twice the QB and twice his running back were repelled.

But all that is little immediate consolation to the Wolverines or their fans in view of the Saturday’s outcome. Fresh wounds hurt.

There were questions before the game whether the Wolverines could run the ball effectively? The answer is yes, if the rusher is Devin Gardner. He remains M’s most reliable rusher. He rushed for 121-yards on 24 attempts.

The running back position still struggles. While Fitz Toussaint got some runs when they were needed, for the most part he was stymied, especially on first down, again and again. Such hyper conservative calls at crunch time are perplexing. This football team cannot produce a power running game. It obviously does not have the offensive line to do so. Taylor Lewan missing the second half and the OTs was a downer. This was a contributory factor of course, but the OL struggled even with him in the line-up. The results of six games prove a below average Big Ten power running game. Derrick Green was not a significant factor in the game.

The offensive line was not overwhelmingly effective at any time, but most certainly not effective in the “power” running game. It appears that the spread offense is more effective for them, and the power running game is still but a dream. Fitz had 27 carries and 42 total yards, and 27 net yards. He lost 15, and had a long of 12. All this was against an ordinary Penn State defense.

Devin Gardner was often hurried, and was intercepted twice in the first half, to complete a terrible half of football. Devin also fumbled on a great defensive whack on the ball. The responsibility for the turn overs was Devin’s. He was an outstanding offensive weapon at times with his arm (15 of 28 and 240-yards with 3 TDs), and at all times with his legs, but the mistakes helped prevent going home with a W in spite of his good plays. Many times his mistakes come on third and long. They sometimes happen because first down runs are smacked down forcing the third and longs. But it is his responsibility to make the play.

Devin Garner found his two favorite receivers, Devin Funchess and Jeremy Gallon. Funchess went over the 100-yard mark for the second straight time. He nabbed a 59-yard TD pass, and the 37-yard TD for 122-yards on 4 catches. Gallon caught 7 for 95-yards and a TD.

I still wonder why there is no full time quarterback coach dedicated to working full time with the QBs, one that is not in the box during games, as a hybrid quarterback/offensive coordinator must be, but on the side line cajoling, counseling, directing, during games. Devin’s two interceptions aided Penn State immensely with two short field TDs in the first half, and enabled PSU to take a commanding lead by the half, 21-10.

While the defense held the anemic PSU running game to 44 net yards, this was not the best performance of the season for the defense. The hurry up offense of the Lions bothered the Wolverines. They did force some turnovers, but could not hold an advantage in this game, with red zone efforts that failed too often. Examples are PSU’s last drive of regulation and their last drive in the 4^th OT for the win.

It definitely was not the best performance of the year for the coaches. Play calling was bad. I have to question the wisdom of pounding Fitz Toussaint into the line for a loss or no gain on so many first downs and at crucial times. Also, plays coming from this offense are often predictable by formation and down.

Surprisingly, the defense was not prepared for the Lion’s hurry up defense on more than one occasion.

Coach Hoke’ decision to pooch punt in lieu of a long 52-yard field goal attempt seems questionable as Wile’s pooch gained about 15-yards. A successful 52-yard FG could have won it. Then Michigan’s defense didn’t hold. PSU achieved a tie in regulation, enabled by a heady 37-yard Allen Robinson catch at the two, with Robinson out leaping Blake Countess. The Lions rammed it in from there. Also there was a critical delay of game penalty, which should never have happened.

Lion Freshman Christian Hackenberg hacked up the Wolverines defense. He hit 23 passes of 44 thrown for 305-yards and for 3 TDs and two interceptions. He was sacked 4 times.

First Quarter:

An interception by PSU permitted a subsequent 12-yard scoring pass. M answered with a 59-yarder to Funchess, and it was 7-up. Gibbons hit a 47 yarder. M-10-PSU 7.

Second Quarter

Another M interception, fumble. Hackenberg threw a 20-yard TD pass. Then a 24-yard TD pass. M-10, PSU-21 at the half. Its looking grim for the Wolverines.

Third Quarter

The Wolverines forced TOs on their first two possessions of the second half.

Frank Clark immediately came out swinging, and rumbled 24-yards with a fumble recovery. 17-21. Gibbons hit a 23-yard FG and it was 20-21. A Ramon Taylor interception and return to the PSU 26 set it up. PSU answered with a 45-yarder. Now it was 20-24. Jeremy Gallon collared a 16-yard TD pass to put the Wolverines up 27 to 24.

Fourth Quarter

Funchess made an outstanding play by catching a 37-yard TD pass. M-34, PSU-24. Then PSU a hit a 43-yard FG, and scored on a one yard run. M-34, PSU- 34 at the end of regulation.

OT (There were 4 OTs)

Michigan won the toss and elected to play defense. Gibbons 40-yard FG attempt was blocked. In the second OT, each team hit an FG. Gibbons hit a 25-yd FG and the Lions answered with a 36-yarder. It was knotted at 37 each. In the third OT Frank Clark recovered a fumble before PSU scored. Gibbons missed a 33-yard FG attempt that was hit left. In the 4^th OT, Gibbons hit a 40-yarder to make it 40-37. Then PSU running back Belton ended the scoring with a one yard TD run. It was finally over. Final OT: M-40, PSU-43.

While a 5 and 1 overall record is highly laudable, it looks like the Wolverines still have a huge amount of work to do. They need to improve offensively, defensively, and on special teams.

Critical penalties still plague them. While one call seemed iffy, they compiled 7 penalties for 62-yards.

It seems that the Wolverines are still uncertain of their offensive identity. The power running game by running backs is mediocre. The bend but not break defensive scheme let them down. Penn State had good red zone performance, and converted many short yardages, and Hackenberg ate up the secondary at critical times.

Jake Ryan played a little and was effective in his limited role. Hopefully he will aid the pass rush yet this year.

Overall, this was a dismal experience for the Wolverines, and it will be interesting to see how they respond. I believe that they will learn and will prosper yet this year, but to what degree it is hard to tell.

Whatever the results, they will do their best, but the future does not seem as bright for them this year as it did as they continue to struggle. The heart of their Big Ten schedule is still before them. The challenges just seem bigger now. They will have to grow to meet them.

This loss remains what it is, simply one loss, however irritating.

Go Blue!

October 6, 2013October 6, 2013

M- FOOTBALL 2013: PESKY GOPHERS PROVE NO OBSTACLE TO A WINNING WOLVERINE BIG TEN START. M-42, MINN-13

The Wolverines needed a positive start to the Big Ten campaign. They especially needed offensive rejuvenation. After demolishing Central Michigan Chippewa’s, and embarrassing Notre Dame’s Irish on the biggest possible prime time stage, before a record crowd of over 115,000, expectations were raised regarding the Wolverine’s capabilities locally and nationally.

Lowly Akron let the air out of that rising balloon, by not rolling over and playing dead, though M finally labored to victory. While Akron is well-coached, and played hard, they are among the MAC conference bottom feeders. Akron had lost to Towson earlier in the season. Towson? They did not, of course, honor that type of play against the Wolverines, presenting a well-coached and feisty game.

Surely that bad anomaly could not happen again. Even when it did, it should not have. The anomaly presented again against the Huskies of Connecticut. Not now at their peak of football prowess, the Huskies have since replaced then Coach Paul Pasqualoni, and are a struggling football team. As against Akron, the Wolverines were opposed by a team with an outstanding game plan, and with M buried in its own mistakes, the game was narrowly won by a late combination of offensive and defensive heroics. Again, too close for comfort, too close to brag about. Was this becoming routine and not an anomaly any more?

Before Minnesota, the Wolverines had looked like a championship contender for two games, and like an also ran for the most recent two. They were winning the games, but losing respect. They couldn’t protect the passer or rush the football. Minnesota just had to be the tie breaker, one way or the other.

For the first quarter the Wolverines played second fiddle to the Gophers running game. They dominated the Wolverines in yardage, and time of possession. The Gophers controlled 11.14 minutes to 3.46 minutes. Sloppy tackling hurt.

While the score was tied 7 up at the end of the quarter, it was mainly though the largess of Minnesota fumbling the football early, caused by a Jabreel Black hit and a by James Ross recovery. Otherwise M’s offense and defense struggled, and this was as bad a quarter of Michigan football as you want to pay to see. After a 16-play, 75-yard Gopher drive, the score was knotted 7-7 to begin the second quarter. The Gophers converted all five third downs on the drive.

In the second quarter the teams traded punts garnering great field position. The Gophers downed a punt on the M two, but Matt Wile bettered that with a punt downed on the Gopher one. The Wolverines then benefited from good field possession, and eventually Gardner hit Funchess for the score, on a 3^rd and 14 from the 24. M led 14-7 at the half.

Receiving to start the third quarter, the Wolverines turned the game in their favor with an impressive 75-yard drive featuring a 21-yard Gardner to Funchess hookup, capped by a tough Derrick Green TD run from 2-yards out. M traded a Gopher FG for a 12-yard Fitz Toussaint TD romp, and the quarter ended M-28, Minn-10. Both Gallon and Dileo contributed important catches on the most important drive of the game.

Minnesota made it 28 to 13 with another field goal to start the fourth quarter, and the Wolverines answered with two TDs. Devin ran one in from 2-yards out, and Blake Countess zipped into the end zone from 72-yards out. Final M-42, Minn-13.

Lack of offensive line production has been problematic all spring and fall. Fans questioned whether it could suddenly improve against the Gophers. For at least part of the second quarter and the last half, the offensive line produced reasonably effectively. There were a few negative plays. The offense produced 348-yards on 52-plays. Fitz Toussaint ran for 78-yards on 17 carries, scoring two TDs.

The coaches dusted off five star recruit Derrick Green and he got 26-yards on 10 carries, with a strong run for a TD. Like Fitz he had a long run of 14-yards. Fitz is not so durable as to do all the heavy lifting at RB, nor is Devin. It was good to unlimber Green, even if he produced only modest results.

Devin Gardner had the chance to settle in the pocket and fire the ball in good form. While his passing was a tad off at times, he was bailed out occasionally by great catches from Funchess and Gallon and all. DG completed 13 of 11 for 235-yards and a TD with a long of 46. Devin also ran for a TD, slipping inside the pylon with deft footwork. With no interceptions and only one miscue under center (recovered by M), his performance was virtually error free. This team had 9 interceptions going into the Gopher game, and 8 fumbles, with three lost. Gardner was able steady up. Better protection was a great part of that. The coaching staff and the offensive line earned credit in bettering both the running game and the quality of pass protection.

The offensive coaches were innovative in that they moved Taylor Lewan over to the right side where he lined up in the tight end position for an unbalanced line. This provided a stronger running base. Their experiment of moving Graham Glasgow from right guard to center, with beefy Chris Bryant becoming the left guard, seemed to work seamlessly and was an improvement. Equally satisfactory and innovative was some usage of Devin Funchess at wide receiver.

Hoke on the Funchess usage: “We obviously planned it that way, getting him out on the perimeter a little bit is mismatch in a lot of ways because he runs awfully well. He’s a big target. And then we get in some of the 11-personnel times that we want to, he’ll be at tight end. But just trying to really take advantage of his skill set.”

Funchess was the chief Wolverine receiver with 7 receptions for 151-yards and a TD. He made some outstanding catches.

The take away from this game in terms of good: This was a much needed Big Ten win. The Wolverines had to restore some of their confidence after recent inexplicable struggles against two poor football teams. Results proved the tinkering with the offensive line mostly effective, and that Devin Funchess can play wide receiver. The running game was improved. The Wolverines continued to rule their home field under Coach Hoke. This win made it 18 straight at home. The Wolverines are again an improving football team. They played a good to outstanding game in the last half of the 2^nd quarter, and in the second half, on both sides of the ball.

With the exception of the first quarter, the defense was generally good, especially in the red zone. Mike LB Desmond Morgan continues to improve. He had 10 tackles, six solo. The defense held the Gophers to 281 net yards. The Wolverines are slowly rounding into a better football team.

GAME PHOTOS

Take away from this game in terms of bad: That first quarter was a nightmare, and it just might belong in the category below. The Gophers owned the ball in that quarter. It was a miserably slow start that could prove fatal against better competition.

Take away from this game in terms of ugly: A seemingly serious injury to DT Ondre Pipkins. We will have to wait for official word, but unfortunately he came off the field not touching the ground with one leg. If so, this is a major blow to the defensive line, but we have to wait and see.

Fortunately, the coaches had a bye week in which to prepare for Minnesota. They determined Chris Bryant would replace Graham Glasgow at left guard as Graham moved to offensive center, and that is what happened. This sat Jack Miller. The offensive inertia did not belong solely to Jack Miller. When playing, he snapped well, but sometimes appeared physically overwhelmed. Bryant is a load at 6-4, 316. He whiffed some, but contributed.

It seems the nascent running game finally is developing into a “Michigan” running game, but there are sterner tests ahead, and solid improvement is still needed. Next Saturday at Penn State at 5:00PM will be a sterner test. It will be bedlam, a sea of white.

Jerry Kills’ charges came into to Ann Arbor with fire in their eye and with every intention of providing at least a year’s room and board to the fabled Little Brown Jug, but the Jug is safely at home, and another Homecoming is history. It will be interesting to see how future scores are placed on the jug, as it is out of notation space.

The “Blast from the Past” was there and participated in another innovative halftime show. Unfortunately, Minnesota Coach Jerry Kill was not there as he had suffered another health issue and was not able to make the trip. Brady Hoke praised Coach Kill at the after game press conference, wishing him well, as we all do. Fortunately, the predicted rain and thunderstorms did not issue out of the leaden skies on a warm fall afternoon. This one is in the books.

Bring on the Nittany Lions.

Go Blue!

September 22, 2013September 22, 2013

M FOOTBALL 2013: THE WOLVERINES LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD FOR THE HUSKIES THROUGH MISTAKES, BUT SHOW DETERMINATION BY TURNING A LOOMING LOSS INTO A WIN: M-24, UCONN-21

The University of Michigan Wolverines invaded East Hartford, Connecticut to face Connecticut’s Huskies in their second prime time football game of the season. Not only were they trying to secure their first victory away from the friendly confines of Michigan Stadium this season, where they seem to win whether they play well or not under Coach Brady Hoke, they wanted to erase any vestiges of doubt caused by last Saturday’s edging of a game Akron team. While they won, they did not accomplish that goal. For a large portion of the game, I thought Bill Martin had done us an extreme disfavor for scheduling this home and home. Many questions remain unanswered.

There were sighs of relief after the game last Saturday, but appropriately little victory jubilation was justified or evident. They were a pretty somber group of Wolverines after that game at the press conference. Captain Taylor Lewan provided a forcefully unique tirade regarding the team’s performance. He certainly was blaming the concentration and intensity without blaming individuals directly. That did not seem help to improve Saturday night’s offensive performance. The errors at the Quarterback position (2 interceptions and a fumble) and elsewhere (lost another fumble for a total of 2 of their 4 fumbles). This kept the heat on the Wolverines while the effort of Connecticut deserves credit. They also came to play. UConn had 3 sacks, their first of the year.

Last minute heroics by both the offense and defense, preserved the victory both last Saturday and this, but when it comes down to the necessary victory ingredient being a last minute scores and desperate defensive stands late in game against over matched opponents, things have obviously not gone well. Especially against two determined teams of provable lesser quality. That M did score 17 straight points is a bright spot.

The play of Devin Gardner in this one was perplexing. He demonstrated an inability to get rid of the football to avoid a sack. He often carries an unsecured football, but in spite of all this, he is still the Wolverines’ best offensive weapon, and it isn’t even close. His 11 passes netted only 64-yards, and no TDs. He had 3 sacks. Devin ran 19 times for 120 net yards and a TD.

This week was eerily similar in tone to last week. Down in the 4^th quarter, and offensively sputtering, it seemed old mo was on the other side, this time UConn. Mike LB Desmond Morgan dropped into the passing lane and made a remarkable one handed collar of a Husky pass in the secondary, and rumbled forward 30-yards to the 12-yard line. Fitz ran it in for the 21-21 tie.

The Wolverines were sloppy regarding penalties, turnovers, and pass protection, both last week and this week. Their offensive execution was not consistently sharp, both weeks, but especially in the first half this week’s game. The second quarter was a nightmare. It seemed they had an extended Notre Dame game hangover. Finally, they did just enough to win.

Redemption was a prime Wolverine goal Saturday night, to prove they could play so-called “Wolverine” football, and that were ready for the grueling Big Ten season. Perhaps the defense is ready, or can soon be ready, but obviously the offense is not. This game was hardly reassuring on that count, and relieved few concerns..

The rushing game had been underwhelming, other than Gardner. They wanted to hone that against the Huskies and did to a small degree. The ground game was a priority over the spring and fall camps, yet it remains inconsistent. A 3.7-yards per rushing carry was dismal prior to Saturday’s game, and now is only slightly better.

Fitz Toussaint had his best rushing game of the season, but even so there were too many plays stopped for losses. Fitz rushed for 120-yards, and scored two second half TDs. The rushing attack totaled two-hundred yards and three TDs but was inconsistent, and ineffective for chunks of the game. Reference much of the first quarter, and the terrible second quarter. It appears that this offense is not sure of its identity, but that the defense is making strides. UConn got just one first down in the first quarter, but had three sacks on the day.

Devin Gardner again showed that he can make plays with his feet, but he took unnecessary sacks, fumbled, threw interceptions, seemed to have his confidence shaken in the passing game, and does not seem to be improving from prior games this year. Not a stellar performance by Devin. Even so, he did enough to enable a win.

Defensively, M needed a pass rush. It was thought Frank Clark would provide it, even though he had played below expectation in that area before the game with the Huskies. He was outstanding Saturday. Only five sacks going into this game was dismal for the defense. The defense improved on that statistic. Frank contributed two sacks.

In Connecticut, M faced their second trap game in a row. The Huskies home base is Rentschler Field. An estimated 42,000 attended. M visions of a switch to a nearby pro stadium and filling it with pro Wolverine fans was understandably squashed by the Connecticut AD. Michigan’s football reputation being what it is, this was deemed by them to maybe be the best football program to play in their stadium. A win would have cemented their football reputation like none other, and they almost made it happen.

Built in 2003, they packed 42,000 into Rent, which was sold out for M’s second night game of the year. Michigan had better talent, more speed, and three wins on the season. The Huskies had lost to Towson 33-18, and 33-18 to Maryland. East coast writers gave the Huskies little chance, even though the Huskies were well coached under Paul Pasqualoni, who coached in the NFL Some critics saw his job in jeopardy with the unpopular loss to Towson. A perfect trap was set.

U Conn is now a refugee from the Big East Conference. The Huskies are part of the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Their football high point was participation in the 2011 Fiesta Bowl, which they lost to Oklahoma.

UConn team has some talent, not the least of which is Yarwin Smallwood. He had 14 tackles against Maryland,16 against Towson, and 17 against the Blue. He caused a fumble. Huskies QB Chandler Whitmer has a strong arm and good receivers. Unfortunately for their cause, they had three dinged starters, including Yarwin, who played anyway, and showed no effects. Whitmer lost 34-yards rushing but completed 16 of 32 passing attempts for 159-net yards, and two TDs. He suffered 4 sacks, plus the game changing Morgan interception.

Matt Wile punted well, but put a KO out of bounds at a critical time. Drew Dileo returned three punts, one of them at crunch time for 24-yards.

First Quarter:

Michigan’s offensive prowess played second fiddle to its defense in the first. Gardner threw an interception on M’s first possession, but recovered to score the only TD of the quarter, on a 69-yard, 11-play drive. Devin supplied a 17-yard scoring run. M-7, UC-0.

Second Quarter:

The M offense continued to stumble, with another interception being thrown. UC drove to 7 with an 11-yard pass, and it was 7 all. M fumbled and UC subsequently scored on a 7-yard pass. M-7, UC-14.

Third Quarter:

The Wolverines received the KO, punted, held, then fumbled. On a weird error by the M offensive punt team, a punt rolling on the ground was touched. UConn reovered, and advanced thirty-four yards for a score. M-7, UC-21. Fortunately that ending UConn’s scoring for the day. Fitz ran in a 35-yarder after the defense held. M-14, UC-21, to restore a degree of hope.

Fourth Quarter

At 9:55 Desmond Morgan made his leaping interception and thirty-yard run to the UC 12. Fitz scored from there on a very nice run, and it was tied at 21 up. Brendan Gibbons secured the final lead with a 21-yard FG. Final M-24, UC-21. M’s defense was outstanding in the 4^th quarter and U Conn QB Whitmer was often not left standing in that quarter.

The bright spot in this game was the play of the defense. Many of the younger players played at crunch time, and acquitted themselves generally well. Chris Wormley contributed.

The future effectiveness of the offense remains a question with Big Ten play coming up. Against good teams, and UConn was not one, offensive mistakes could bury the Wolverines championship hopes. It is not all Devin Gardner, although his errors are a consistent concern. The consistency of the offensive line is another. Outside of Devin, the running game is not robust, even with Fitz running for 120-yards against inferior football competition. UConn had not had a sack this season and got three against the Wolverines. The past two Saturdays have proved more of a challenge to the Wolverines than expected.

If there ever is a time to give others a look on the OL, and tweak it, now is the time with a bye coming up.

Those pesky Gophers look more competitive this year. Is possession of the jug in jeopardy?

Like last week it is so much better to teach when winning, rather than losing, but the hurdles will continue to be tougher to surmount as this season progresses. The Wolverines will have to rise to the challenge. They are not there yet.

Go Blue!

September 15, 2013September 17, 2013

M FOOTBALL-2013: WOLVERINES NIP ZIPS: M-28, AKRON-24

The Akron Zips from the MAC zipped into Michigan Stadium to simultaneously garner a huge payday, and punish the very same Wolverines’ football team that trampled its fellow conference member, Central Michigan, 59-9 weekend before last. The Zips outplayed the Chippewas against the Wolverines, much to the disappointment of most of the assembled crowd of 107,120.

The Zips have none of the Notre Dame’s legendary football lore: such as elfin mascots, Touchdown Jesus, Knute Rockne, George Gipp, Manti Te’o, or the luck provided by mastery over four leaf clovers, the luck of the Irish, and a Blarney Stone to kiss. I must have bussed that stone when I thought that, as Akron was one and one this year, and had only won one game each of the two prior years before Saturday, M would prevail by thirty to forty points. Blarney!

Akron nearly salted another win away, playing their best game of the year while the Wolverines played their worst. If they had a little more luck, the Wolverines season would be in early shambles. Give the zips credit, it was oh so close.

That Akron didn’t prevail was no salute to lack of four leaf clovers, or any other lucky omen. The Wolverines had better talent at nearly every position, but they partnered that with poor execution on both sides of the ball and special teams.

Combine this with TOs and penalties and you have a witches brew, an upset potion. In the first half it was crummy offense. In the second half, it was crummy defense. That soft pass defense was the target and recipient of a number of slant passes, and a couple of harmful big play passes.

Coach Hoke on the big plays: “. …and we had a couple balls thrown over our head. I think two of them were defended decently well, and you have to give people credit; it was good people with the ball, and they were needed to be, and it was a good catch.

“Still, there was too many of those. They hit the post and two deep and should have been in better shape, and we weren’t. From coaches first, from me first, we’ve got to do a better job. I mean, you can’t win championships with those mistakes.”

Coach Hoke stressed many Zips had transferred in from, it seems, almost everywhere. They were ready to manufacture an upset of Toledo proportions, or worse.

Hoke on the game: “No. 1, give Akron a lot of credit. Their kids came in here like most Mid-American Conference schools are going to come in here, to win the football game and play to win the football game, and they coached it that way, they played it that way. They did a nice job. I told Terry (Bowden) that, and I told Chuck Amato, because he did some things defensively that were a little different, but at the same time, you know, they are things that we should be able to overcome to a certain extent, and we didn’t.”

This game seemed to have mismatch written all over it. You know the reality. The Zips badgered the Wolverines all afternoon, and nearly grabbed the brass ring.

While it seemed possible that there could have been a significant let down in M’s enthusiasm as compared to Saturday last, a Notre Dame hangover so to speak, the Zips had every reason to give its best effort to best the Wolverines. The Zips Head Coach Terry Bowden has been around a lot of football, and he has an efficient staff.

Akron managed 30 carries for 107-yards. Some of it straight up the middle in that wide gap between M defensive linemen.. M’s pass defense was another matter. Akron QB Pohl completed 25 of 49 for 311-yards and two TDs, with 2 interceptions.

The best M defensive player in my opinion was Blake Countess, who spent much of the afternoon as the nickel. James Ross III had 10 tackles.

Devin Gardner was 16 of 30 for 248-yards, and had three interceptions, and two fumbles, one of which was lost. One interception was returned for a TD.

This was the most lackluster outing in his young M quarterbacking career. Afterwards he said “they got to me”. The offensive line played their worst game so far this season. Coach Hoke said that they opened some holes, but were not consistent enough. To me, that is an understatement. I did not think they improved palpably over last week, and thought they regressed a little.

Devin’s passing was not sharp, he suddenly has turned into a flinger. When his team was behind, he manufactured go ahead drives, but even so, if the TOs at the QB position don’t stop it is going to be a very long season. TOs have been consistent for Devin in all three games this season.

Devin rushed 10 times for 107 net yards, with runs of 35, 35, and 36. He scored a critical TD on the 36-yarder. Again, he was the team’s leading rusher. When Fitz Toussaint had a hole to run through he did well. His 19 carries produced 71 net yards and a TD. He caught a 27-yard pass. He is running better each game, but still no 100-yard game.

Hoke on the turnovers … “The upsets are always in the mind of the favorite, and any time you don’t take care of the football, and I don’t care if we are playing Saline High School, or, you know, I don’t know, the Super Bowl champs, whoever that was; you can’t turn the ball over. And that is No. 1, turnover margins will kill you as a football team.”

Penalties rival turnovers in bad: Per Hoke: …the other thing, penalties. Fitz … got 50 yards of rushing wiped out because we fundamentally didn’t block properly, and we held and that can’t happen. That’s 50 yards of rushing. That’s a rhythm in a game. …and we had a couple balls thrown over our head. I think two of them were defended decently well, and you have to give people credit; it was good people with the ball, and they were needed to be, and it was a good catch.

Fans that were hopeful prior to the game that the interior offensive line would continue to see improvement were disappointed. Except in the red zone the defense didn’t improve, but twice they held their team’s fate in their hands and came thru with successful goal line stands.

The special teams need attention. Right now much of the improvement focus is on Matt Wile. His punting shanked two more punts. He produced one for 22-yards, and had only a 33- yard average and one was almost blocked. But he did hit one for 54-yards. Perhaps Kenny Allen needs a shot at the job. Brandan Gibbons broke his string of FG hits, with a miss.

Someone has to step up at running back in addition to Fitz, and no one has. Derrick Green carried only once for three yards.

Jehu Chesson made his first catch as a Wolverine, and turned it into a spectacular 33-yard TD romp. Jeremy Gallon caught 6 for 20-yards with a long of 20. Devin Funchess got 2 for 65-yards, a TD with a long of 48-yards. Jake Butt caught 2 for 27-yards with a long of 14.

Game Photos

Game Recap:

First Quarter

Funchess put Michigan up 7 zip with a 48-yard TD reception. A 6 play,75-yard drive. M-7, A-0. Akron answered with 45-yard field goal. M-7, A-3. A 21-yard punt by Wile facilitated. A dull first quarter as M sputtered offensively.

Second Quarter

The offensive sputtering continued in the second quarter. Jake Butt had a holding penalty. Devin rushed for 12-yards to the Akron 10, but fumbled, recovered by Akron. Countess then intercepted Akron at the M 33. Gardner returned the favor and the football, being intercepted at the Akron 20. Akron drove to a missed FG. Devin then threw another interception, and Akron missed another FG. Mercifully, the half ended. M-7, A-3.

Third Quarter

M received, stalled, but Wile hit a 54-yard punt. Akron took the lead on a penalty aided drive of 8-plays and 75-yards. M-7, Akron 10. Ouch. Gardner and Toussaint produced a 4-play, 57-yard drive to answer. Gardner ran 36-yards for the score. M-14, A-10. Jehu Chesson finished off another drive with run demonstrating fine athletic ability. M-21, A-10. 9-plays 86-yards. This comfortable lead should hold, right?

Fourth Quarter

Both offenses sputtered at first, with M’s Jerrod Wilson intercepting in the end zone. Akron was on the M 2. Wile produced a 22-yard punt. Akron drove 67-yards in 11-plays, scoring on a one-yard pass. M-21, A-24. M answered again, this time producing a Fitz Toussaint two-yard TD. The drive consisted of 4-plays and 70-yards. Devin G. had a 35-yard rush, and Akron drew and interference flag. M-28, A-24. Akron drove to the Michigan 4. On 4^th and 3, the Akron pass into the end zone fell untouched to the ground. Credit a Brennen Beyer with a QB hurry. Final: M-28, A-24.

The Wolverines should have learned a valuable lesson from this near miss. At the post-game press conference, Taylor Lewan was greatly irritated by a lack of practice intensity this week (at least on some days) and indicated that the Seniors and Captains should have done better in that area.. If Lewan’s intense attitude is a good sign, and it is, preparation for Connecticut next Saturday will be intense. There are lots of areas to improve while winning as the season progresses, and this game was but another opportunity to do so.

Go Blue!