MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2018-The TEAM, THE TEAM, THE TEAM SUBDUES MSU 21-7

On Saturday, it was that big game time of year again. For the Wolverines it was one of their best victories in a long time any way you look at it.  A big one against MSU on their football field constituted a “significant’ win over a ranked team.  This win provided much personal satisfaction to most Michigan Fans.

It gets personal, does this game.

So did the weather.

The game weather was remarkably fickle, quickly changing from warm to cold, blue sky to clouds, calm winds to gusty, rain to sleet to snow, and back and forth.

Even so, the weather couldn’t inhibit  a great M win, and neither could the Spartans.  17 prior M losses to ranked opponents in away games didn’t become 18.

ALMOST EVERYONE FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN HAS SOME KIND OF STAKE IN THIS GAME, having a relative, friend, neighbor, co-worker, brother, sister, Grandparent, or acquaintance that supports one side or the other.

Some of my growing up occurred in the Lansing area, and I lived there for years after. I had a much older brother while growing up, that bled Green and White. Truth be told that is was a reason, among many others, that I chose to become a Wolverine. Just contrary I guess, but win, lose, or draw I have been as happy with my decision, as my brother was with his decision.

Living in this area, it is easy to recognize the depth of the feeling at Michigan State regarding anything Wolverine.  If something goes bad at Michigan State they are quick to declaim how it is just as bad or worse at U. of M.

I have friends that say the MSU motto ought to be Green with envy, White with fear, but that is not the case.  Their teams and fandom have been taught for years to appreciate the value of a “chip” on their shoulder. They recruit aggressiveness. They prosper as underdogs, value that status, engineer it.  It has worked for them. Too, well. Too, long. But not this time.

For forty years the Wolverines ruled, and Sparty briefly, but now the pendulum has swung again.  And not a moment too soon. The Spartans had bested the Wolverines 8 of the last 10 years. Perhaps another era has begun with this win over the then 24th ranked Spartans by the 6th ranked Wolverines.

You might work up into a strenuous debate with some of their fans by indicating that “chip” might consist of bovine waste material.  They want to forget their agricultural origins, and is true their institution has grown more sophisticated over the years educationally since their exalted President, the late and great John Hannah, put them on the map after WW II by understanding the value of the GI Bill to students.  A large cadre of veterans became students. Most of the vets enjoyed East Lansing, but some probably did not enjoy so much that East Lansing was at the time a “dry” town.  Watering holes like the Deer Head Inn had to be accessed out of town.

MSU FIELDS GOOD FOOTBALL TEAMS that prefer slam bang to finesse.  Like a Phoenix they sometimes rise from the ashes to resurrect a season.  They demonstrated this recently by whacking ranked Penn State at Beaver Stadium Saturday before last, and they wished to complete their project against the Wolverines Saturday in the same fevered way. It was a hard hitting, and rough and tumble game Saturday. A brawl that the tougher team won.

WOLVERINES NOT INTIMIDATED: The Spartan team tried to intimidate the Wolverines Saturday, using their pregame arm in arm walk down the field, while a few Wolverine players were on the field, in an attempt to discombobulate them, according to after game comments by Coach Harbaugh. An approving D’Antonio looked on (sources other than Harbaugh).  Two players were clotheslined, and some earphones were tugged off. I think Lawrence Marshal was one of the clothes line victims.

Devin Bush got the last lick as he ran to their huge and beloved Spartan head/helmet 50-yard line logo. He ran his cleats through it, and over it.  Hard enough to disturb its sanctity. Grounds keepers had to spray paint parts of it again. He was pulled off the field by a coach.

In this game the Wolverines were intimidators, and not intimidated, as offense, defense and special teams contributed in this true team accomplishment.

No matter what their record is, MSU battles M with their best effort, and coaching. Saturday that was not enough.

LUCK HAS OFTEN BEEN OFTEN WITH MSU, and they have sometimes made their own.  A trip of M Receiver Desmond Howard in the 1990’s was not called as it should have been, and it stopped a winning M TD.

Later, creative timekeeping by a Michigan State timekeeper in the closing seconds of a game led to an MSU victory, and a change of NCAA rules which hoped to prevent bogus timekeeping by the host timekeeper. That event is now sometimes referred to as clock-gate.

Even without creative luck they have been recent masters at winning the close ones over the Wolverines. There was worry that they might do it again, win over the better team, when they got a TD in the third quarter to tie the score in last Saturday’s game.

Michigan’s offense got another score, and then needed subsequent first downs, through the ground game and Shea Patterson’s arm and legs. They did not let the over an hour and 15-minute lightening game delay or distract, nor the inclement weather itself distract them.  Neither did the defense, although both units did not play at their very best during the third quarter rain.

Despite the third quarter lapse, the defense was solid though out, and as a unit played a great game.  What an asset Will Hart has become as a punter. He hit his punts long, and accurately, and that played a big part in M winning the field position battle again and again.

The defensive performance was outstanding. MSU was held to 94-yards total offense. They were zero for twelve on third down.

In 2015 a gaffe on a late game punt (2015) by the Wolverines, sealed M’s loss in Coach Harbaugh’s first year.  It stamped the Spartans as winners in a 27-23 game in which the clock expired just after the recovered fumble crossed the M goal in the hands of Spartan Jackson Watts. This of course riled M fans, and delighted the Spartans.  Saturdays win did not erase the pain of that loss, but drives it deeper into the past.

Then last year (2017) came a cloud burst downpour in the second half, which hampered the Michigan offense that was playing catch up during crunch time.  M QB John O’Korn tossed a couple a couple of key interceptions that blended with other miscues to grease the skids for a 14-10 Spartan win.  One M TD was not enough to protect home turf, but this year three TDs were more enough to do the trick.

THE WOLVERINES HAVE NOW BECOME EFFECTIVE GAME CLOSERS:  Saturday, the M offense, in the inclement weather and out, worked hard for two more TDs which were added to the first, to effectively close the game. Effectively closing the game has often eluded the Wolverines in recent past years away games.

SOME STATISTICS:  M had 183 net rushing yards, and 212 passing yards for 395 total yards of offense.

MSU had15 total net rushing yards, and 48 passing yards for 94-yards of offense. Sometimes statistics say and mean more than words.  The Wolverine’s defense had four sacks. M’s offensive line allowed two.  M’s Josh Uche equaled that as he collared two sacks. Five of MSU’s first downs were because of penalty calls on the Blue.

Karan Higdon again led the ground game, with 33 carries for 144 net yards. Donovan Peoples-Jones had that spectacular pass and run to a 79-yard TD to lead the receivers. Nico Collins also had a TD grab among his 3 catches, with a long of ten yards. Altogether 8 receivers grabbed passes.

Shea Patterson threw no interceptions, tossed two TDs, and gained 125-yards, on 14 tosses with 25 completions.

HOW THEY SCORED: The first quarter was barren of any scoring by either side.  The M defense was on track from the first of the game.  The Wolverines scored first and last.

Nico Collins made a spectacular catch of a tipped ball to get a first down and sustain the drive.  The drive ended with a 6-yard, perfectly thrown pass to a leaping Nico, who came down with the ball for six.  M-7, MSU-0.  Earlier, Nick Eubanks had grabbed a 25-yard pass to aid the 14-play, 84-yard drive in achieving a TD.  M-7, MSU-0.

In the third quarter, a fumble by Chris Evans was possessed by MSU, and they engineered a two play, 7-yard TD.  It was 7 up.

Donovan Peoples-Jones then answered with a 79-yard TD pass catch, and the Wolverines went ahead 14-7 on the first snap of the possession.

In the fourth quarter, the Wolverines designed a 13 play, 84-yard masterpiece.  There were several smaller gains, and Patterson got an 11-yard run. Higdon ran for 9 and 3. Ben Mason blasted through for the six.

It was over with a score of Wolverines 21, Spartans 7.

TAKEAWAY:  This was a signature win on foreign territory. A hard-fought victory was obtained despite a one-hour plus weather delay, a fired-up foe, and third quarter wind, and rain.

It was earned by the offense, the defense and special teams, even though Quinn missed another make-able field goal.

Will Hart’s punting was spectacular. He averaged 45-yards per punt, and kicked 3 over fifty-yards. He hit a long of 65-yards.

Michigan had three consecutive chances to score from good field position, which was enabled in part due to great punting.

That the offense blew these three field position advantages, and the fact the penalty bug reappeared, needs notice, but does not alter the fact of an otherwise sterling performance by the entire team.

Finally, we have enough empirical evidence to measure the Wolverines as a contender for the Big Ten East Championship.  No one gives it to you, it has to be earned, but to now they have improved their position every week, and gained hard earned respect.  Penn State is and example of how quickly and easily rankings can disappear after losing at home to MSU.

The regular season road still has rough spots with Penn State at home after the bye. Then Rutgers and Indiana away, and the powerful Buckeyes at home.  These games have cemented more realistic aspirations. They are just not Kool Aid any more, but have gotten more realistic with every victory.  This win also put a little polish back on Jim Harbaugh coaching reputation. Also, he has assembled a great staff that seems to have blended well.

It seems that this season the Wolverines are improving on schedule.  That has to keep happening, and now it seems like it will!

Go Blue!

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2018-WOLVERINES SLAP DOWN RANKED BADGERS AT HOME 38 TO 13

Since the beginning of this season, Wolverine fans have awaited Saturday evening’s football tussle with the Badgers of the University of Wisconsin.  Many fans believed that they could not measure the Wolverines prior to this Wisconsin game, believing that no prior game, except Notre Dame in the non-conference season opener, was a stern enough test to provide a rational forecast of the quality of this season’s edition of the Wolverines.

While the Wolverines’ prior five football challenges were hard hitting and hotly contested at times, they were mostly against teams that did not field strong offenses directed by QBs that could attack, or that featured bruising offensive lines, plus exceptional defenses.

It was considered before Saturday’s struggle that the Badgers offensive group was better than their defensive group, especially their offensive line, and that proved true.  Still the Badgers had great LBs, and other defensive talent.  They are big and they hit, and they got 3 sacks.

While Notre Dame was a nasty loss, it may prove fortunate to the Wolverines that it was at the very start of the season and not later.  As Notre Dame rises, and the season progresses, that loss loses some sting.

Finally is was Wisconsin, and the meat of the season was put before ravenous Wolverines.  The Wolverines were outstanding on offense and defense. Two missed field goals were the only criticism of the specials teams unit.

THE SEASON’S FIRST SATURDAY JUDGEMENT DAY IS PAST: The first Saturday judgment day for this season is past, and we now have a more authentic bench mark of this year’s Wolverines.  There are more, and tougher hurdles down the pike, but this was the first against one of the better teams in the Big Ten. Without question it was a good test and result. 

Wisconsin could be the master of the West Division of the Big Ten, and it is possible Michigan could meet them again in the Big Ten title game. Maybe not probable, but quite possible.

WOLVERINES PASSED THE FIRST EXTREME CHALLENGE OF THE SEASON AGAINST THE TOUGH, AND TALENTED WISCONSIN BADGERS: The Badgers sauntered into Ann Arbor with a great QB Alec Hornibrook, a great running back Johnathon Taylor, and a tough and experienced offensive line.  RB Johnathon Taylor had pre-game statistics indicating that he had been the most productive back in the country this season. 

He could not live up to that high standard against the Wolverines defense Saturday as he was held to 101-yards on 17 carries.

Wisconsin’s offense faltered as the Badgers made 28 rushing attempts for only 183 net yards. M’s defense held them to them to 100-yards passing for the game and a total of 283-yards.  That is a season low for the Badgers. Seventy-five of those yards came late in the game, in the 4th quarter.

The Wolverines held Badger QB Hornibrook to 7 completions on 20 attempts for 100-yards, 2 interceptions and 1 TD.

It was pointed out by the Badgers before the game in a big banner headline on their athletic site, that under current Badger Head Coach Paul Chryst the Badgers were 15 and 1 in true road games.  Now, courtesy of the Wolverines efforts Saturday, make that 15 and 2.

SHEA PATTERSON RISING:  Patterson provides something the Wolverines have long lacked.  He is a play maker at the QB position.  His 81-yard scamper around left end in the second quarter got the stalled Wolverine offense, that had stalled in the first quarter, going in a spectacular way in the second.  He did get caught as he neared the end zone, but that was a timely and necessary big play.  The offensive play of the game. Shea tossed 14 completions on 21 attempts for 124-yards.  Doesn’t seem like much, but he threw zero interceptions, and used his wheels nine times for 113-yards (90 net), including the 81-yard run, and a TD run.

On the first drive of the game which stalled, Coach Harbaugh played a little bit of a river boat gambler role by inserting Joe Milton on a critical 3rd down.  The fact that Joe was in there must have tipped them to a QB run as he was stuffed for a one-yard loss.

 

In the 4th quarter, Milton had a couple more attempts for 23-yards (net 22), one of which was a 23-run.  Very happy to have him get some prime time game action.  Dylan McCaffery ran once for 44-yards and a TD.

MORE STATISTICS, AND A SALUTE TO HIGDON:  The receivers were productive, but had no TDs.  WR Nico Collins nabbed 4 for 31, with a long of 11.  WR Donovan Peoples-Jones grabbed 3 for 39, and Nick Eubanks one for 28-yards. Evans, Higdon, Martin and Thomas all had a reception.

The Running Backs were led by the Wolverine’s other stunning playmaker, Karan Higdon.  Higdon now has six TDs this season, and had his 5th straight 100-yard rushing game. He toted 19 times for 111 (105 net) yards, with a TD and a long of 25.  Higdon is a play making workhorse. 

Chris Evans had five carries for 18-yards with a long of 6.  It was great to have him back on the field.  Later he will be needed.

Defensively Rashan Gary did not play, but  Carlo Kemp returned after having been nicked last week. 

Wisconsin had 3 sacks, and the Wolverines two.  Josh Metellus led the defense with 5 tackles-3 solos.  Devin Bush and Josh Uche had sacks.  The unit played great again.

HOW THEY SCORED:  The Wolverines decided that they would be a good host to the Badgers and did not score in the first quarter.  The Badgers returned the favor. M-0, W-0.

The second quarter got more exciting as M began a scoring drive.  Patterson scooted down the eastern side line 81-yards from the Michigan 13 where he took the snap. Higdon ran for two and then 3, and it was suddenly M-7, W-0.

Wisconsin immediately answered on a 4-play, 73-yard drive. and the score was 7 up. A Badger 7-yard Patterson sack stalled the drive.  M’s Quinn Nordin hit a 42-yard FG, and the Blue was up three.  M-10, W-7.

On the next drive, Nordin hit another FG, this time from 33-yards as another drive stalled. M-13, W-7. A couple of incomplete passes did the damage.

The first half ended with Michigan leading in all the statistics but the score, because of  two FGs instead of TDs. M had 207 offensive yards, and W had 127.  There was not much consolation in that, or a 6-point, two FG lead at the half. 

The Wolverines received at the half.  They had a couple of short gains and it looked like the drive would stall.  But hopes were renewed when the Wolverines got a holding call, and a first down on the holding call by a Badger name of Wildgoose.  This wild Wildgoose chase resulted in an automatic first down for M.

The Wolverines benefitted from another Badger gaffe, as the Badgers were hit with a personal foul for 15-yards, and the Wolverines were at the Badger 41.  Karan Higdon hauled it 25-yards, Chris Evans got 5, and Shea scored on a 7-yard run.  Shea then threw a laser to Nico Collins in the end zone for the two-point conversion. M-21, W-7.  Things were looking better as the third quarter played out at 21-7.   Wisconsin attempted 7-third down conversions in the quarter and converted 1. The Wolverines had 4 conversions on 12 attempts.

The Wolverines had the ball to start the 4th quarter, and were benefited by another Quinn Nordin FG, this time for 36-yards.  A couple of Karan Higdon runs helped pushed the ball down from the Wisconsin 48 into FG range. M-24, W-7.

Lavert Hill made a great quick snag of a Hornibrook pass and had a 21-yard pick six.  M-31. W-7.

On the next series Tru Wilson had 5 consecutive carries for 24-yards.  Dylan McCaffrey scampered 44-yards for a score and it was suddenly M-38, W-7.

Badger QB Hornibrook passed his way to a final TD and the game ended 38-14.  Much of the Badgers passing yardage came on this, their final series.

TAKEAWAY: This was a great effort and accomplishment on the part of the Wolverines.  They finally nailed a ranked team, and they are on the rise progressing to the heart of the season.  

The style points were not always there in this game, but the results and performance of the Wolverines on both side of the ball was outstanding.  The Wolverines are climbing the Big Ten Ladder by means of constant improvement through working. 

No one can call the Wolverines the not ready for prime time players.  Saturday they were prime time.

The Stadium looked great at night, and was packed with 111, 360 on lookers.  Afterwards, in the traffic, you get to personally experience how many cars that puts on the road, but it is all worth it. Ann Arbor handles the traffic well.

Pregame they honored 20 Offensive Line players that earned letters at Michigan, and later ended up playing professional football, were all BIG Ten or were a Michigan Football team Captain.  A neat touch when you are trying to attract the best offensive linemen possible.

Bring on the always ornery Spartans.  Fresh from their win at Penn State, their swagger will be back. It was quite a victory by the Spartans.  The Wolverines will be ready too.

Go Blue!

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2018-WOLVERINES DEMOLISH MARYLAND’S TERRAPINS-42 TO 21

 

The Football season is fast progressing. The Wolverines fifth game of the year was played Saturday at home against the Maryland Terrapins.

SLOW FIRST QUARTER START OFFENSIVELY, BUT TOUGH DEFENSE FOR THE GAME:  The Wolverines started slowly again in the First Quarter, starting off with a couple of three and outs, and added a Shea Patterson interception. 

While Michigan fell behind 0-7 in the first quarter, that was not the fault of the defensive unit, but a breakdown of Special Teams KO coverage.

The defense looked crisp against the multiple offensive sets of the Terps. They held the Terps to 42-yards of offense in the first half.  The offense recovered their winning ways in the second quarter, and the defense was outstanding during the half, and for the rest of the game until they let up on the gas in the fourth quarter.   The first quarter ended M-3, MD-7.  The Wolverines offense took control in the second quarter and never looked back.

The much-maligned M offensive line looked improved against the Terps-they are more consistent. At the half the Wolverines had amassed 291-yards to 42 for the Terps for a 17-7 lead. The Wolverines produced 462-yards to the Terps 220-yards for the game. For much of the game, the statistics showed an M dominance not always visible in the scores.

MARYLAND HEAD COACH, AND EX-WOLVERINE DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR, IS ON FORCED EXTENDED ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE: D.J. Durkin did not Coach the Terrapins Saturday because of the tragic death of a football player in a pre-season “gasser”.  D.J. left the Blue to guide Maryland as its Head Football Coach on January 8, 2015,

Subsequent to the sad and unfortunate death of the Terrapin player, allegations were reported in the press that some Terrapin players averred they were harshly treated by Terrapin Coaches.

It is alleged that Coaches mis-treated the players with foul language, and insults as well as physical torment.  The question as to whether this behavior by the football program, if it indeed existed, constituted appropriate football motivation, or simply abuse.  The issue is being studied before an investigating committee.

Well into the season, Coach Durkin is still missing on the sidelines. Strength Coach Rich Court has been sacked.

It has not been finally determined whether this was appropriate motivation as stated by the coaches, or abuse as stated by some players?  It may be that lawsuits will provide some an answer to that question even after the committee reports, and after the Athletic Department further decide the question.   

This has been a sad situation for Maryland players, coaches, and the families involved.  Also, for the University’s Athletic Department, and the University of Maryland.  And for the Big Ten, and college football in general.    

THE TERRAPINS HAVE PLAYED FAIRLY WELL IN SPITE OF TURMOIL:  Pushing this turmoil into the background for game days as they should, the Terps have played some decent football this season under Offensive Coordinator/QBs Coach Matt Canada.  He is acting as interim Head Coach.

He has extensive experience coaching at a variety of locations, most recently having been at LSU before Maryland in the same capacity. The Terps had shown a good running attack until Saturday. They have a fleet of smaller, fast and athletic backs, and offensive sets with multiple shifts. D.J. Durkin had recruited well, and they have some talent. They stress the running game, have some speed, and talent. In spite of this, the 15th ranked Wolverines had their number Saturday, but Maryland played hard, and never gave up.  Their Achilles heel is the number of penalties they are awarded.  The complex and multiple offensive sets aggravate this, but targeting, holding and face mask call also hurt them Saturday.

TERPS BEAT RANKED TEXAS IN SEASON OPENER 34-29:    Then they walloped the MAC’s Bowling Green 45-14.  Temple dumped them 35-14.   One wonders how that happened.  Last Saturday they pasted the Minnesota Gophers 42-13.

The Terps have led the conference in third down conversions coming in, but not against the Wolverines. But they did prove their ability  break KO runs for chunks of yardage. Terp Ty Johnson broke contain and streaked 98-yards down the sideline to what used to be called pay-dirt.

THE BIG TEN HAS SPOKEN ON THE PHANTOM HOLDING CALL ON KARAN HIGDON IN EVANSTON: You saw it or heard about it, and now the Big Ten has spoken, commenting: “Sorry, we missed it”.  There is no penalty for officials that miss a call, and no remediation, but just maybe, and it is a huge maybe, they will not do it again.  There was another disputed call Saturday.  In my opinion not as egregious as the one on Higdon, but bad enough.  I have watched the replay several times, and I am still convinced Tru Wilson did not grab with his outstretched arm. There seems to be skinny proof of holding, but the call is the call. It negated a TD.

HOMECOMING IS ALWAYS A BLAST:  There are always the older ex-band members making music and strutting their stuff for one more time.  I used to have many friends among that aggregation, but now they are much younger than I.

Maybe I need a Blast From The Distant Past. No? I hear ya, so I guess not. But before any of you youngsters get too many ideas regarding young age advantage, you must remember that any of us, young or old, at any given time, have never been so old, and will never be that young again. And so it is. An eternal truth we all have to live with, young or old.

SHEA PATTERSON IS LOOKING BETTER EACH SATURDAY THAT HE WEARS HIS WOLVERINE REGALIA:  Patterson had a good day. On the day, he was 19 of 27 for 282-yards, 3 TDs and an interception.  The interception was an ill-advised toss while scrambling, but the rest of his day was highly acceptable.  He again showed an uncanny knack to scramble. and escape.

The other M player with a completed pass was Grant Perry, who threw a 12-yard completion to Sean McKeon.  Grant threw the pass short, thereby avoiding the TD that certainly would have ensued from a better pass, but obviously a12-yard gain is much better than nothing.  The trick play worked.

SOME ADDITIONAL INDIVIDUAL STATS: Receiving-TE Zach Gentry nabbed 7 for 112-yards, with a Long of 31. WR Nico Collins had 1 reception for 51-yards. Ronnie Bell clutched 2 for 24-yards with a long of 22-yards for a most spectacular TD. Peoples-Jones caught one for a nicely executed 34-yard run. The versatile Ben Mason grabbed one for 15-yards early and leaped over a would-be tackler.  On the ground-Karan Higdon carried the load again.  He is a playmaker. He lugged 25 for 106 net yards with a long of 18 and averaged 4.8 per haul.

Tru Wilson is earning his scholarship.  He had some good blocks and takes on bigger players effectively.  He ran 5 for 32 net yards.

HOW THEY SCORED:  As they did last week the Wolverines saved their best for last.  The punted the first two times they had the ball. When they finally put together a scoring drive for a 34-yard FG, the Terps special teams snatched momentum from the Wolverines with a stunning 98-yard TD run. The Terps Ty Johnson is a very talented return man. The First Quarter ended M-3, MD-7.

Patterson was intercepted, but the defense kept fighting, and Shea Patterson produced an 11-play drive for a TD.  This second Quarter Drive was the drive of the game as it put the Wolverines ahead for the first time in the game, and they never trailed again.  A 51-yard pass to Nico Collins, in which he came back for the ball on a splendid reception greased the skids to control the game. Slot Grant Perry’s 12-yard pass Sean McKeon, and the wheels of Karan Higdon on four runs in a row, provided Ben Mason with the opportunity for a 1-yard TD, and he did not disappoint this time. Earlier in the game, the Terps stuffed a stab at a 4th and 1 first down.  It was M-10, MD-7, and the Wolverines were on their way to victory.

The clock only had 16 ticks left in the first half when Shea threw a precise laser to Ronnie Bell.  Bell’s speedy and well-timed crossing pattern in front of a defender bent on catching the pass prevented an interception, as well as got the points. The Terps roughed Shea on the play.  It was 17-7 at the half. The defense was remarkable all game.

The Wolverines received to start the second half. An apparent TD by Donovan Peoples-Jones was cancelled by a block in the back. That was a live ball call.  The Terps were charged with targeting when DJP was whacked in the face after the ball had gone by. That was a dead ball call.  There is some controversy that says the after-play ball spot favored the offending party, the Terps.  Peoples- Jones left the field briefly, but returned to catch a TD later.  Nordin hit a 31-yard TD, and it was M-20, MD-7.

The Terps Ty Johnson received the KO, and it squirted out of his hands, the ball was deep in Terp territory, and the Wolverine defense checked them there. M received the punt at the Terrapins 43.  In the last play of the ensuing drive, Patterson scrambled to the left and threw across his body to Donovan Peoples-Jones who tight-roped the sideline for a 34-yard TD. Along the way he broke two would be tackles, and it was M-27, MD-7.

The Terps answered with a three-yard TD end around.  M-27, MD-14.

The Wolverines answered in with a nine-play, 81-yard drive that culminated with a pass to Jared Wangler.  Last week he caught his first pass, and this week his first TD. Nice to see him getting some chances that he can long remember. Mason split the middle to run for the two-point conversion.  M-35, MD-14.

Then DB Brandon Watson made a dream come true when he intercepted and ran 46-yards into the end zone for a score. M-42, MD-14

The Terps got a late TD to make the final M-42, MD-21.  Near the end of the game Coach Brown had taken his foot off the defensive gas.

TAKE AWAY: Even with a 70-minute rain delay, the player’s footing on the field was acceptable.  I saw a couple of early slips, but the track was fast for most of the game, and the fans did not have to fight heavy rains in their seats.

One of the remarkable aspects of this game was the step up of the second level defensive line to a high level.  DE Rashan Gary did not dress due to a shoulder injury that has plagued him this season, as it needs more rest. DE Kwitty Paye replaced Gary and did a credible job. From Coach Harbaugh’s comments it seems Aubrey Solomon is nearer playing readiness.  Michael Dwumfour was injured (lower leg or foot). Carlo Kemp was dinged later than Dwumfour. Lawrence Marshall replaced them. So far, the next man up concept is working for them.

Offensive line play was better, the defense stalwart.  Higdon has become the guts and glue of the running game.

There was no play more surprising that seeing a big blaster leap over a tackler and keep running with speed.  This is not expected of a road grader who weighs 258 or thereabouts.  FB Ben Mason is a rare athletic talent.

The challengers get bigger, larger, faster, and the wins perhaps more difficult, starting next week with a primetime game against the Cheese heads, err Badgers, as they roll out the barrel in primetime in Michigan Stadium. I think the Wolverines will be ready and seeing Red.

Go Blue!

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2018-M SAVED ITS BEST FOR LAST TO NIP THE WILDCATS 20-17

For the first time since the season opening loss at Notre Dame, and for their first Big Ten road game of the year, the Wolverines sped into Evanston, Illinois to face the Wildcats of Northwestern in a 4:30 game Saturday afternoon.

So far this season, the Wolverines have fared better than Pat Fitzgerald’s Wildcats. The ‘Cats scored 31 to Purdue’s 27 to nip Purdue’s Boilermakers for an opening Big Ten Victory, then Duke prevailed 21-7 over them. Last Saturday, Akron clipped the ‘Cats 39-34 in what had to be a painful loss.

 

PAT FITZGERALD’S TEAMS ARE NOT “MILDCATS”, especially when cornered. Now they strive to qualify for the appellation “Bigcats”. The Mildcats appellation applied solely to an earlier less fortunate Wildcat era.

Bigcats certainly applied NW most of the first half Saturday as the ‘Cats played their best football in the First Quarter, and one half of the approximately one half of the second. NW had posted 17-points at the end of the first half, and the Wolverines had scratched out only a single TD, even though the Wolverines out gained the Cats in the half . The Wolverines came out as flat as pop on a platter. The ‘Cats came out energized, precise, and effective. That situation reversed in the second half.

 

No doubt a good Coach like Fitzgerald busily prodded his team on to better fortunes since the Akron loss and the Larkin loss. It seemed they got it together in their bye week. What could a victory over the Wolverines have done for the harried Wildcats? Nothing but wonders. To the Wolverines, a big step backwards.

 

A loss would have changed their season, and ours. In all Big Ten games the stakes are high. Games at Evanston have been too close for comfort recently. The “Cats will not quit against the Wolverines, and they did not Saturday. They gave it the old college try. Okay, so that is an old, old cliché, but today it fit like an old shoe.

 

THE GENERAL TALENT ADVANTAGE WAS TO THE WOLVERINES:

 

The Wolverines seemed to have a talent advantage for most position groups: offensively, defensively and on special teams. The Wolverines had been on a three-game tear, perhaps against lesser competition, but still most satisfying to Wolverine fans, and team goals. Many fans expected a blow- out. NW didn’t and prevented it.

 

COULD THE WOLVERINES CONTINUE THEIR SNARL ON FOREIGN TURF?

 

This seemed to almost every football observer a primary question regarding the Wolverines.

 

For a number of years, the Wolverines have been a more remarkable team at home than on the road. A major concern, this was a pattern that had to be smashed. In a sense this happened today. This is the first time that a Harbaugh team has come back from 17 down at Michigan.

The comeback Shea Patterson engineered was a bell- ringer. and probably did the team confidence more benefit than a blow- out would have.

 

Patterson used his legs to great advantage at crunch time, and also his arm, and ability to escape the pocket. Along with Karan Higdon, he was the Wolverines’ offensive catalyst. Shea was 15 of 24 passing for 196 yards. He scrambled 7 times for 35-yards with a long of 12. NTDs, and no interceptions.

 

Karan Higdon ran for 30 times for 115 net yards and two TDs. The receivers were contributors. Nico Collins collared 6 passes for 73-yards with a long of 36. Zach Gentry grabbed 3 for 36-yards for a long of 22. Nick Eubanks dropped a critical pass early in the game, but made up for it with 2 for 45-yards, and a long of 24-yards.

 

Defensively, the Wolverines allowed 174-yards passing by the Cat’s, and 81-yards rushing (28 net). That constitutes an 0.8 rushing average. The team had 6 sacks total and Chase Winovich exceeded expectations. He had 8 solo and 1 assisted tackle for a team leading 9 tackles, plus 1 sack. Tyree Kinnel had 5 solos, and 1 assisted. Jordan Glasgow had the same as Tyree for a total of 6 tackles. Kwitty Paye had 4 solos, and Josh Uche had two crunch time sacks. It was a team effort, and a good on in spite of allowing 20 points.

 

WILDCAT RUNNING BACK JEREMY LARKEN WAS FORCED TO QUIT FOOTBALL FOREVER LAST MONDAY

 

There are published reports that the problem is cervical spinal stenosis. Jeremy was the Wildcat’s best offensive player this season, and their offense will suffer without him. Michigan fans recently said a football goodbye to an outstanding offensive lineman, Grant Newsome, due to his hyper serious knee injury in a prior season so we can understand the sting.

 

We wish Jeremy him well in his future endeavors.

He was a highly promising running back, but the ‘Cats were not without running back resources.

 

No doubt his Monday announcement and his sideline presence did much to electrify the Wildcats for Saturday’s game against the Wolverines.

 

With the loss of the talented running back Larkin, for the ‘Cats, there was even more emphasis on the passing game. They gained 28 net-yards on 34 rushes. NW QB Thorson passed 16 times, and completed 27 for 174 passing years. He had a long of 36.

 

THE PENALTY BUG AND PERHAPS A COUPLE OF LOUSY CALLS CHALLENGED M:

 

There were several key pass interference calls, and other penalties against the Wolverines. This aided NW’s touchdown drives.

 

The most grievous was a call a holding call as Shea ran 20- yards for a critical late game first down, and had his fine effort called back. This was a penalty I do not understand. What was Higdon’s infraction?

 

But most were legit and the Wolverines have to remedy this issue. Soon!

 

HOW THEY SCORED: It wasn’t an excess of politeness that kept the Wolverines from scoring in the First Quarter. It was inspired play by the Wildcats. It has already been mentioned that the Wolverines came out flat. Results proved they weren’t ready, and properly focused on either offense or defense to start the game, and NW made them pay a price by zooming to a 17- point lead which the Wolverines reduced in the second quarter to 7 by the end of the half.

 

The Wildcats clawed to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter as their QB Thorson drove them 56-yards for a TD. The Wolverines had received and foundered on their first possession, and were forced to punt on their first possession without a first down. M-0, NW-7.  

 

M foundered on their second possession, too.

The Wildcats struck again quickly on a 45-yard FG. M-0, NW-10. They owned the first quarter, compiling 105-yards to the disbelief of most Wolverine fans.

They scored again to open the second quarter, assisted by another Wolverine pass interference call. It was an unbelievable 17 to zip Wildcats.

 

Finally, the Wolverines put together some offensive moxy, and produced a 9-play 52-yard TD. It was enabled by a 21-yard completion and a beautiful 25-yard jaunt by Donovan Peoples-Jones. Karan Higdon ran in in from 4-yards out. M-7, NW-17.

 

The Wolverines’ defense held the Wildcats to just 145-yards, and no scores, for the balance of the game. The half ended M-7, NW- 17. It still seemed a long reach to victory, and it was a nail-biter the rest of the way, but old Mo swung to the M side.

 

The ‘Cats received to start the second half. But the Wolverines continued to knock the polish off Northwestern, as they got Shea Patterson going, and Karan Higdon offensively. They proved to be a deadly pair for the Wolverines in the second half, even though they managed just 20-points for the game.

 

The Wolverines held as Winovich got a sack, and the Wolverines got possession for the first time in the half.

Patterson rambled 12-yards, and then hit Nico Collins for 36 to the 10-yard line, but they stalled. Quinn Nordin hit a 23-yard FG to make it 10-17.

 

Michigan’s defense then held again as Michael Onwenu got a sack, and the Wolverines again were on offense to start the fourth quarter. Hope still lingered.

The Wolverines completed their comeback in the fourth quarter.

 

Three straight incompletions doomed the NW possession and Peoples-Jones had a 13-yard return. But this M drive did not prosper, in great part because of a holding call during a magnificent 20-yard Patterson scramble. Karan Higdon was called for the hold. I thought this was a highly questionable, if not bogus call.

 

M’s Will Hart hit a 54 -yard punt to the NW 10, but the penalty mistakes reared up again. The Wolverine’s were again penalized at crunch time although this one was benign in effect compared to the former penalty. Now Hart hit a 56-yarder.

 

Josh Uche’s sack of Thorson put a dent in this possession, and the Wolverines got it back at their 33. The scoring drive to complete the final score 0f M-20, NW-17 was mostly fueled by a 9-yard pass to Jared Wanger, a 13-yard pass to Zach Gentry, a couple of short gains by Higdon, and Patterson runs of 3 and 9-yards. Karan Higdon got the 5-yard TD necessary for the win.

 

Still the defense had to continue its second half excellence, and stop the Wildcats from making a FG to tie or a TD to win. Anxious suspense was still at a high level.

The defense was superb in these waning, winning minutes. Kwitty Paye and Josh Uche got his second sack as others got serious pressure on the Wildcat QB. The offense killed some time on the clock.

 

TAKE AWAY: While this game did not produce the flamboyant scores bodes well for the future of the Wolverines this season. They had to face and overcome some adversity by a well- coached. Fired up team away from home that was inspired to play its best game of the season. That Higdon and Patterson are serious offensive weapons, and integral parts of Michigan’s offense. Patterson supplies that which was missing for several years at the Quarterback position, and seems poised for a great season at the Wolverine throttle. Still skeptical of his worth? He will only improve.

 

Bring on Maryland’s Terrapins in the comfort of home. We need to stop their run, and continue to Go Blue!

 

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2018: WOLVERINES THRASH HUSKERS 56-10

Saturday last, the University of Nebraska Football Team came to Michigan Stadium expecting to instruct the Wolverines on how to win a Big Ten Football game. The Wolverines proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that they had already learned the lesson, besting the Cornhuskers 56 to 10 to open the Big Ten Season.

The Wolverines were ranked 19th in the country and a 19-point favorite.

NEBRASKA IS A WORK IN PROGRESS under new coach Scott Frost.  Frost was well schooled in the art and science of football under famous Husker Head Coach Tom Osborn. Frost campaigned for a share of the National Title Michigan had seemed to secure via a Rose Bowl victory over Washington State in 1997. 

Nebraska Coach Osborne was a very good and famous football coach who was retiring.  The campaign was successful, and the Corn Huskers received a one of the four 1997 National Championship awards, the Wolverines the other three. The Coach’s poll awarded its honor to the Corn Huskers.

Coach Frost couldn’t watch the second half

Frost’s penchant for hyperbole did not make him a favorite among many Michigan fans of the time, and in some sectors more than a hint of this lingers.  Many Michigan fans of the time felt they had the superior team, that the Huskers had played a lesser schedule, and had at least one lucky win. M fans  wanted to see a head to battle between the Wolverines and Huskers, winner take all.  Of course, that never happened.

Frost came to Michigan Stadium a few year ago as the head man of the UCF football program, and left with a 51-14 beating.  After that, his exaggeration was that UCF outhit the Wolverines. Not so.  Coach Harbaugh was asked post game if this was motivation for the Wolverines.   His diplomatic answer was that he did not remember it.

Before the game it was said Nebraska was the best three loss team in America.  Now there is little to say they are the best four loss team in America as Nebraska suffered one of the worst defeats in their football history.

While few if any Wolverines are going to feel sorry for them, in time, they will get off the mat, and provide competition in the future, as Frost is a good coach.

Nebraska QB Adrian Martinize had recovered from a prior injury enough to play. There were questions whether or not he would play in this game, and it was no surprise that he did. As it turned out, it was not one of his better days or for any other Husker QB.

 

GREAT DAY FOR THE M OFFENSE: Shea Patterson was money in the bank again.  He was 15 of 22 for 106-yards and a TD. Dylan McCaffrey got in late in the third quarter, and proved worthy again.   He is now solidly ensconced as the Number Two QB, and his future is looking up.  He had a long, apparent TD run, called back because of a holding call.  I did not know he was that fast.

Dylan was 3 of 8 for 86-yards.  The threw a 56-yard TD catch and carry to Freshman Ronnie Bell.

Brandon Peters got in late in the game and did well.  The M QB room is well stocked.

The offensive line played its best game of the year, giving Karan Higdon a great first half. He toted 12 times for 136-yards and a TD, and absolutely jump started the 1st Quarter offense.  I was in the scrum that heard him after the game, and it appears his athleticism comes from being well muscled.  He can give and take a whack. Even though he has recently been dinged, he looks very durable which is an asset in a running back.

Sophomore Ben Mason, also look durable.  Sometimes used as an H back Saturday, Mason had 6 carries for 3 TDs.  He has a unique appearance, and wears what used to be called a Mohawk haircut. Hair shaved on the sides with a longer strip down the middle.  He looks enough like a tough guy to be realistically cast as one in a Hollywood film. He is by reputation the toughest player on the Wolverine team, and he is a fast-developing offensive asset.

Frosh RBs Tru Wilson, O’Mara Samuels and Christian Turner had a total of 121-yards.  Wilson looked good again.

The Wolverines rushed for 285 net-yards for a 6.3 average. They had 206-yards passing.  This shows good balance. Both Bell and Gentry caught receiving TDs.

M’s DEMOLITION DEFENSE HAD A GREAT DAY, TOO:  Rashan Gary had an outstanding performance early when it really counted.  He had 2 solo tackles, 2 TFLs and 1 sack. Brad Hawkins did well also with 2, 2, and 1.   Chase Winovich matched Hawkins. Winovich had another outstanding game. Devin Bush led with 6, 2, and 1.

Missing in action in the first half was Kaleke Hudson because of last weeks targeting call.  It will be the same for him and his team this coming Saturday against Northwestern. After he got in the game in the second half, he had another targeting call.  It seems he still has to learn that the new rules, rule.

Over all the defense was outstanding.  Nebraska managed 39-yards rushing and 92 passing for a 1.7-yard average.  Josh Metellus got another interception on a ball tipped by Lawrence Marshall.

SPECIAL TEAMS OUTSTANDING:  Donovan Peoples-Jones led the parade with an absolutely mesmerizing punt return of 60-yards. Quinn Nordin hit two field goals, one of 50-yards, and one of 38-yards. On the other side of the ledger, he missed an extra point. Will Hart hit a long punt of 64-yards, and left 2 inside the 20 with one on the five-yard line. He had an average of 59.3-yards. Hart has become a weapon. Coverage was good-well, mostly.

HOW THEY SCORED: Full back Ben Mason broke the plane of the goal line with 10.27 left in the 1st quarter, after the offense produced a 6-play, 64-yard drive.  A short pass to Karan Higdon, and a Higdon zip of 46-yards did most of the damage. M-7, N-0.

On their next possession, the Wolverines struck on one play for a 44-yard TD as Karan Higdon broke into the end zone, and it was M-14, N-0.

The last M score of the period came on an 8-play, 66-yard scoring drive started by a 15-yard TE Sean McKeon catch, and featuring a completion to TE Zach Gentry, a Tru Wilson rush for 26-yards, and a Ben Mason smash of 4-yards for the TD.

This was a great quarter for both offense and defense. It was what fans had been hoping for, and it was further enhanced by the Ambry Thomas recovery of a fumble to end the quarter. Will Hart had booted a 57-yard punt to the N 35. The speedy Ambry Thomas grabbed a ball knocked into the air by M’s Jacob McCurry, and streaked into the end zone, but by odd rule it could not be advanced.  The end of the quarter ended the possession with no added score, M-21, N-0.  Still, it was a pleasure to watch Thomas make an outstanding play.

In the 2nd quarter, an M 4-play, four drive garnered a FG of 50-yards by Quinn Nordin. M-23, N-0.

The next Wolverine drive featured a 10-yard completion to People-Jones.  The ball was worked down to the N 5, and Zach Gentry nabbed the ensuing five-yard TD pass.  M-30, N-0.

Next Peoples-Jones gathered in a punt, and returned it 17-yards to the Nebraska 34.  Karan Higdon got it to the N 9 on a 25- yard scurry, and then he got it to the 1 on an 8-yard effort. Ben Mason plowed it in to complete the 3-play, 34-yard drive. M-37, N-0.

The Wolverines then got a safety on a catch by a Husker player while he was trapped in the end zone.  He then quickly pushed the ball out of the end zone to avoid the safety.  The play was reviewed, and called two forward passes on the same play. The safety stood. M-39, N-0.

Michigan had played a great half of football.

At 9:01 of the third quarter, Donovan People-Jones electrified the crowd with his outstanding punt return of 60-yards.  DPJ gathered it in on his 40-yard line and headed for the eastern sideline.  Did he have the speed to turn the corner and streak down the sideline toward the North end zone? No worry.  He cut toward the center, used a spin move to confuse a tackle, avoided another, and dove for the north west pylon for a stunning TD. M-46, N-0.

Nebraska bested the Wolverines on their next possession, avoiding M’s continued propagation of the coveted golden goose egg on the scoreboard for the Huskers. Michigan penalties fueled an 8-play, 55-yard Nebraska scoring drive which to resulted in a 35-yard field goal.  M-46, N-3.

Dylan McCaffery was now at the Wolverines’ throttle.  He conducted an 11-play, 55-yard scoring drive.  He ran for 17-yards during the drive. Stalled by a couple of incomplete passes, Quinn Nordin hit a 38-yard FG. M 49, N-3, and the third quarter scoring was complete.

The highlight of the fourth quarter for M fans was a 56-yard TD completion from McCaffrey to a very talented Freshman, Ronnie Bell.  The completion finished a  two-play drive. M 56, N-3.

Nebraska finished the scoring with a 7-play, 80-yard consolation drive to make a final of M-56, N-10.

TAKE AWAY:  The Wolverines opened up the offense and playbook a little, the offense achieved some parity in run versus pass, the defense and special teams played well, and a large group of youngsters got to play in the Big House. Also, the QB position group is brimming with talent and gaining experience in the system.

Still after three straight victories, it remains difficult to measure how good the Wolverines are at this point in the schedule.  Bigger challenges lay ahead. Plus a signature win.  The Wolverines have still to play themselves into the mix.

Next week an away game will test their mettle some.  Northwestern usually can score, and the Wolverines will have to limit penalties, but overall right now, this season is looking up. Bring on the Wildcats.

Go Blue!