Andy Andersen, Author at UMGOBLUE.COM Michigan Wolverine Football & Basketball

September 9, 2013September 9, 2013

M Football 2013-WOLVERINES OVER IRISH AT HOME IN PRIME TIME:M-41, ND-30

In its second night game ever, the Wolverines unleashed the pack against the Irish in a spectacular Michigan Stadium setting under the lights, and before an energized crowd 115,109 strong. That is a college football single game attendance record.

At his Monday presser Coach Hoke thanked the fans for their participation. This is genuine appreciation and the second time this year he has stressed it. Saturday night was a stunning success in what is said to be the last Irish appearance in Ann Arbor for some years. As you know, Notre Dame has chosen to end the series, thus removing a spectacular competition from college football’s early season.

Both programs will continue to prosper despite the discontinuance. So will college football. But it seems it may be the Irish who may have sacrificed the most.

It was especially sweet to collar the Irish in this next to last opportunity. Michigan has lately dominated the Irish, but they are always a storied and tough opponent with a vaunted lucky streak no matter where they play, and Touchdown Jesus at home.

Saturday night the Wolverines played better football on both sides of the ball, but certainly did not play their best football. They were not perfect on either side of the ball, and neither were special teams. At his Monday presser Coach Hoke cited a bad punt, being out of lane on KO returns, and of course the hit out of bounds was a foolish penalty. No youthful excuses. This is “big boy” football.

Special teams had some problems, but they seem correctable. It is also a little worrisome that Dennis Norfleet appears to have a problem hanging onto punts, as he dropped one. Dennis had an overall good game otherwise. He has remarkable speed.

The Wolverines were still good enough for an impressive win. Notre Dame came to play as expected. They managed 314-net yards passing, and 96- net yards rushing, totaling 410-yards.

At his Monday press conference, Coach Hoke addressed the passing yardage. He indicated that M had planned to give up the short passes (7-yard hitch passes) in order to keep receivers in front of them. When the pass coverage area is compressed in the red zone, things improved.

Still, that 314-yards passing appears to be an area that needs work, as does stopping the run. Monday Brady said that there were not as many missed tackles (as he previously thought). Hoke on the defense postgame: “… I think you have to give Tommy Rees some credit. I think the kid is a good quarterback. He’s proven that against us now three years in a row. He’s accurate. They have some big-play receivers, we played mostly off when we did play man. We were going to give them some of those throws, and I think the thing that was disturbing a little bit was they ran the ball in there when we were set up defensively well enough where they shouldn’t. Even though we played mostly a seven-man front all day.”

On his thoughts on changing the defensive approach in the second half … “That was critical. You know, I think Greg (Mattison), especially in the second half, mixed some things up from a front standpoint to coverage standpoint, zone blitzes and then some zero blitzes, and I thought it worked out pretty well.”

Hoke on Monday on the team… “From an offensive standpoint we’ve got to pick up some of the interior blitzes better. I know (offensive line coach) Darrell (Funk) was disappointed because he thought they had enough looks at it to do a better job. Defensively we tried to play — and we did play this way for most of the game — with a seven-man front. We’ve got to fit the run a little better with a seven-man front. At the same time (Defensive coordinator Greg) Mattison talks about changing the math; and that means getting off the block and making tackles, and we’ve got to do that a lot better.”

The Wolverines countered ND’s production with 294-yards passing and 314 rushing for a total of 460-yards. A fairly close game, but M’s two interceptions by Blake Countess (his first and second) helped to vanquish them. Michigan has risen to 11 in the AP poll from 17.

At times the Devin Gardner led offense appeared unstoppable. He was 21 of 33 for 294-yards and 4 aerial TDs. He also ran for 82-yards and a score. Participation in 5 TDs is outstanding. Before the game he was awarded Tom Harmon’s 98 Legends Jersey. For the first time in 73 years, Number 98 was seen on a Michigan player.

Devin faltered in the second half when he scrambled in the Wolverine end zone, and tried to throw a pass to escape. Trapped, he was hit as he passed. It fluttered into the hands of the Irish and suddenly a 14 point lead became 7. Obviously chagrined, Devin left the field storming according to Coach Hoke: “He was storming off the field — I think there are different storms that can happen, and it wasn’t one that I think a lot of people would notice but when good things and bad things happen during the course of the game, I think he was pretty even, you know, as far as demeanor and how he looked.” Hoke said Monday that Devin’s ability to create is both a blessing and a curse. Said he will not slide. Too competitive.

He stayed “even” enough to engineer a 10-play, 75-yard TD that rescued his team’s peace of mind and his and the team’s fortunes on a four-yard TD pass to Jeremy Gallon. The jump from a four point lead to an eleven point lead severed Irish comeback expectations. Hoke on what went through his mind when Devin (Gardner) threw the fourth-quarter interception and if Hoke went one-on-one with him … “Every time he comes off the field we talk. It may be ‘we’re going to need more’ like I told him tonight ‘we’re going to need more’ because we were struggling a little bit defensively, and they were efficient in some things.

“When he came off the field I didn’t have to say a word to him, because he was beating himself all the way off the field. It was one of those things that he knows better, and I’ll go back to the same thing, it’s a blessing and a curse sometimes when you have that ability.”

Fitz Toussaint was large in the second half even if the coaches are not entirely satisfied with TB rushing yardage contributions yet. Fitz’s 22-yard gallop in the second half was very much needed. He rushed 22 times for 83-yards.

Devin had some help from his receiving friends, too. Jeremy Gallon is of smurf size, but he plays as big as anybody and bigger and better than many. Gallon snagged eight passes for 184-yards and 3 TDs. He has become an outstanding receiver in combination with Devin. Devin on his chemistry with Gallon … “He’s like a bulldog. We work so hard, since I got here. You guys are just now seeing it, but behind the doors we’ve been working so hard, and we’re finally getting an opportunity to display it in front of the biggest crowd in college football.” On his first TD catch Gallon made a tremendous spin move to race to pay dirt.

Another reliable and talented smurf is Drew Dileo and he provided the Wolverine scoring capper with 4-yard TD grab culminating a 75-yard TD drive that iced the victory by putting the Wolverines up 41-30. Devin was poised and determined, as well as right on target, during this drive that became so critical because of his earlier interception.

Brief recap and scoring:

First Quarter:

The defense held on the first ND possession. A 3-play, 77-yard drive ensued and B. Gibbons hit a FG of 44-yards. M-3, ND-0. Gallon then snagged a pass he turned into a 61-yard TD (as described above). M-10, ND-0.

Notre Dame answered with a 75-yard 10-play drive. M-10, ND-7.

Second Quarter:

Gardner got 6 on a 2-yard run. A 12-play, 75-yard drive. M-17, ND-7. ND and M each nailed FGs of 22 and 32-yards respectively. M-20, ND-13. Gallon caught another TD, this time a 12-yard score. M-27, ND 13. Countess came up with an outstanding interception and returned it 30-yards to the ND 23-yard line. Gardner to Gallon took it in from there, for a 12-yard score, culminating a 23-yard drive. M was up 27-13 at the half. Wrong again, I thought it was turning into a rout.

Third Quarter: ND remedied my misconception after the half by producing 6 via a 90-yard, 12-drive to make it 27-20, but Gardner to Gallon made it 34-20 on a 13-yard pass, driving 78-yards on 7-plays.

Fourth Quarter:

Devin gave up six by his end zone miscalculation of trading a two point safety for an end zone interception. M-34, ND-27, and then ND compounded the misery by means of a 6-play, 29-yard drive for a 40-yard FG. M-34, ND-30. This last drive benefited from two pass interference calls on ND.

A Gardner to Dileo pass already described provided the scoring capper for a happy final of 41 to 30. But with 4:18 left it was not over. The M KO went out of bounds. Starting at their 35 the Irish proceeded to M’s 6-yard line with a couple of minutes on the clock. ND QB Tommy Rees fired a pass into the end zone. M’s Taylor hit it with his knee. It caromed into the air and Countess pulled it in to preserve the lead and the win. This was the second carom reception of the day. The first was on the first Irish TD.

This game provided unforgettable spectacle and competition as well as a boost to Wolverine hopes and expectations for the season. But the Wolverines have moved on to competing with the Akron Zips next Saturday in their first meeting.

A proud MAC team, they would like nothing better than to beat the Wolverines, and the Wolverines would like nothing better than to treat them as they treated their fellow league members the Chippewas. Under Head Coach Brady Hoke the Wolverines have won sixteen straight at home. They are always in need of another.

Go Blue!

Note: I apologize that this article was not published in as timely a fashion as usual due to some onetime and unavoidable personal circumstances. Next week and in the weeks thereafter it will be in the usual timeslot. Hope you are there.

Game Photos

September 1, 2013September 2, 2013

CONQUEST OF CENTRAL MICHIGAN PROVIDES A SUCCESSFUL HOME START TO THE 134TH EDITION OF MICHIGAN FOOTBALL: M-59; CMU- 9

The Chippewas rolled into Michigan Stadium coming off the third bowl victory in their football history. While their Coach Dan Enos surely has a “thing” about the Wolverines, as he is of Spartan lineage, he tactfully only mentioned the huge payday and preparing for the MAC, shunning inflammatory comments.

Prognosticators slated the Chips for third place in the MAC, but this year’s trip to Michigan Stadium provided few bright spots for them, even if the game did provide a serious six figure payday for Chippewa athletics. They ran into the football buzz saw Saturday that the Wolverines are striving to develop. It appears with this admittedly small sample of 2013 play, that is exactly what they will become.

It was difficult to develop a working pregame disdain for the Chips. Many of us have friends or relatives who attended or graduated from there. Coach Enos has had little success against BCS teams, but his charges did count coup on Iowa last season, at Iowa. They are not as bad a football team as Saturday’s loss indicates.

The Chippewas came into Ann Arbor with some football tools the Wolverines did not possess last season. Tailback Zurlon Tipton rushed last year for 1,492-yards, and scored 19 TDs. Saturday he was held to 10 net yards on 4 carries, partly because he was injured early. Saturday Central’s leading rusher on the day picked up just 52-yards on 10 carries.

Last season M’s best TB, Fitz Toussaint, had few holes to run through. That problem appears to be improved now. Fitz showed he is now healed from the injury that robbed him of part of last season. His was a spectacularly nasty injury. Outside of Denard Robinson’s magic, M’s tailback position provided anemic production. A now healthy Fitz had 10 carries for 52-yards. That situation appears improved also.

In addition to Fitz, Michigan came into the game with a cadre of five others tailbacks. Highly touted freshman Derrick Green had 11 carries for 58-yards, and a TD. Fitz had 14 carries for 61-yards and 2 TDs. Devin Gardner risked his health 7 times running for 54 yards and 2 TDs. Dennis Norfleet was a factor in this game, running for 38-yards from scrimmage. D. Smith ran 7 times for 13-yards. Thomas Rawls bulled in for a TD and carried three times for14-yards. Drake Johnson ran twice for 9-yards, but ended up dinged. Justice Hayes had a carry for 7-yards.

The Wolverines came out in a shotgun formation with a hurry up offense, and Devin promptly hurried into an interception. The rumored pistol was in evidence a little. There was an acceptable split between running and passing. M rushed for 242-yards, and the tailbacks accounted for a significant amount of that. The Wolverines passed for 221-yards. The Wolverines amassed 463-yards and the Chippewas totaled 210. Obviously, M was dominant on both sides of the ball in this rout.

Devin Gardner was good. He rushed 7 times for 52-yards, and ran for two TDs, including a twenty two-yard jaunt. He was 10 of 15 passing for 162-yards, with one TD, with a long of 45-yards, but threw two interceptions. Devin said afterwards that his first interception was simply a mistake, and that the the second interception was because of a hit on the arm. He of course wished he could get them back.

Hoke on Devin: “Well, he’s athletic. And sometimes I’m crossing my fingers when I see him out there being athletic. But he had a couple of decisions that I think, one for sure, was one that he should have probably made a better decision on. But at the same time he’s got a lot of confidence in his abilities. And you like that. I’d rather have a quarterback that has that confidence and a guy who you have to keep feeding all the time. So I think I thought he had a good game. I wouldn’t say elite or excellent or anything, but I thought he had a good game.”

Freshman Shane Morris got some snaps in the second half. He was 4 of 6 for 59-yards with a long of 36, with one interception and one sack. He seemed to have a decent debut, but the coaching staff will put it under a microscope.

One wag suggested that the only Wolverine smell in Ann Arbor Saturday was the odor of all the red shirts burning. Many red shirts and true freshman played.

The inside of the offensive line was a question resolved reasonably positively, at least on Saturday. They need to improve and will improve game by game with experience. I think they are already an improvement over last year. Kyle Kalis was extraordinary, and he, Graham Glasgow and Jack Miller were praised by Hoke.

As for wide receiver production, Joe Reynolds had a nice game. When Dymonte Thomas blocked a Chip punt, Reynolds took possession and hauled it in style 29-yards for the season’s first score. He also caught a 45-yard pass. Hopefully his knee injury Saturday will turn out to be a minor event.

Amara Darboh was scheduled for a high contribution year on the outside. Lost for the season he and we will have to wait until next year. The large receiver heir apparent is now Jehu Chesson but he did not contribute a reception Saturday. I could not see how well he was blocking, but in general the receivers did a good job blocking down field.

M’s experienced smurfs, Gallon and Dileo, provided significant receiver production. Everyone thought they would and could and they did. Gallon collared 4 for 47-yards and a TD. Dileo got 2 for 43-yards.

TE Funchess had 2 receptions for 47-yards. Jeremy Jackson collared one for 17-yards. TE Jake Butt caught one for 8-yards.

Dennis Norfleet caught a 15-yard pass. Norfleet now returns punts as well as KOs. He had 106-yards on 4 KO returns. I would bet that he will ankle a punt into the end zone this year.

While the right and left guard and the center are newly minted, tackles Lewan and Scofield are very experienced, and talented. They showed it Saturday. With the refurbished offensive scheme now being the pro set, a destructive ground game was effectively re-established. Happily, Coach Borges is driving the offensive scheme of his choice in the pro set, and Coach Funk has some new, large and talented pieces to solve the run blocking puzzle. But Central provided only the first test.

Central’s starting QB, Cody Kater, was not experienced, but in comparison his Wolverine counterpart, Devin Gardner, only had about half a season under his belt. Unfortunately Kater was injured, and left the game.

Defense usually exceeds offense in speed of development. Coach Mattison’s somewhat interchangeable parts (except for the back four) clicked from the git go, and will only get better. There seems a ton of potential and depth there. Mattison has said they are three deep at spots on the DL. This is in spite of the loss of Jake Ryan last season. The injured Courtney Avery was more recently and less seriously dinged. Accordingly he will return sooner, but Jake is progressing well, and will probably be back this season. Cam Gordon has grown into the position, and is doing well. Thomas Gordon is still in Hoke’s doghouse and remains suspended.

The Wolverine defense was immediately treated to the opportunity for a goal line stand, when Devin threw his first interception, an attempted short out route to Drew Dileo. Three Chippewa tries to break the plane failed, with the help of a Central penalty. The defense held Central to a short field goal on 4^th and one

Frank Clark’s name surfaced as much as anyone’s on the defensive side of the ball when it came to rushing the passer. Brennan Beyer also contributed. A run first offense, M’s defense severely limited Central’s running game. Desmond Morgan was often involved and effective. Josh Furman did a good job at safety.

On what Hoke liked and didn’t like from the game … “There’s probably a lot of things in the negative side. Winning was good. The defense responding in a couple of sudden-change situations was good. I think running the football was something that we want to do, obviously. Getting a lot of touches to a lot of different guys was a good thing.”

On every Saturday, the Wolverines must hang onto the football, create turnovers, and avoid stupid penalties. They had 55-yards worth of the latter against Central.

This year’s new targeting rule is a point of emphasis (it seems that means not hitting with the top of the helmet). Punishment includes a player getting tossed for the game. If it happens in the second half, the penalty is for that half and the first half of the next game. M is a young football team, but this new wrinkle did not impact them in this game.

Brief Scoring Summary:

First Quarter: Joe Reynolds picked up a blocked punt and took it home from 30-yards out. M-7, CMU 0. CMU answered with a 23-yard FG. M-7, CMU- 3. Devin ran in for 22-yards out. M 14, CMU 3.

Second Quarter: Fitz got 6 on a 1-yard run. M-21, CMU-3. CMU got 3 more on a 27-yard field goal. M-21, CMU 6. Gallon caught a 16-yard pass for a TD and Devin ran one in from 4 out. M 35, CMU- 6.

Third Quarter: Fitz scored on a 2-yard run, and Derrick Green bulled in from the one. M-49, CMU-6.

Fourth Quarter: CMU posted their third FG, this time covering 33-yards. M-49, CMU-9. Then Rawls scored from the 5. M-56, CMU-9. After Freshman Channing Stribling forced a fumble, which Delonte Hollowell recovered, Gibbons stuck a 30-yard FG for the final of 59-9.

The no assigned student seating seemed to be a success. Although there seemed to be some vacancies in the uppermost regions, the big block of yellow drew Hoke’s post game praise and appreciation.

All in all Central provided a nearly perfect season opener, but the young Wolverines are a team that has to grow up fast. After Central, the competition goes from mid-major to high-major, Notre Dame major, quick. Next Saturday night when the Irish come to town under the lights, the collective heart of the Wolverines will undergo a nuclear stress test. We will find out how tough they are. I believe the Wolverines will pass the test.

Coach Hoke commented that this will be the last time in a while that Notre Dame will be in Michigan Stadium. I am sure that it will be a memorable occasion.

Go, Blue!

August 11, 2013August 11, 2013

M FOOTBALL 2013;MEDIA AND FAN DAY-AUGUST DOG DAYS AND THE START OF FALL FOOTBALL CAMP ALWAYS FOSTERS GALLONS OF “KOOL AID”.

THIS YEAR COACH HOKE IS STRESSING PLAYING FASTER WITH MORE EDGE.

On Fan Day The Media Meets With Coaches and Players In The Morning At Breakfast and Fans Meet the Coaches And Players In the Stadium With Autographs Available In The Afternoon.

This year the weather was perfect in all respects for the event.

More than in recent seasons, the so called “Kool Aid” (a kind of homer optimism) prevails before the season. Hopefully it will prove to be on firmer ground than in seasons immediately passed. There are a number of cogent reasons for optimism.

And far fewer reasons to support gloom and doom, even if there are a few serious question marks. While Coach Hoke is not yet satisfied with either side of the ball when it comes to playing the game faster and more physical, he seems pretty pleased with the progress to date of Team 134. There are 20 days before the first reality check which will be supplied by the Chippewas of Central Michigan.

Hoke wholly owns this system. Now into its third year, it is firmly in place,. including the pro-style offense that is OC Al Borges’ trademark, and Brady’s preference. In Devin Gardner, a suitable, big, dual threat quarterback is in place. Even if he can only be considered semi experienced with just half a season under his belt, he acquitted himself well in several tough games last year, and is reported to have had a good spring practice, and summer, and camp so far. Look for an offensive system that is fifty-fifty pass or run. Already there is speculation that Devin will be going pro next year, as he has already graduated, speculation that if he has a spectacular year this year, he may be gone. I hope he has the opportunity to weigh such a decision, as the Wolverine’s fortunes are tied closely to his this season. They are inseparable.
There is now a stability to the football program that is reminiscent of better years. Recruiting has been at least OK and at best spectacular for the several years of Hoke’s leadership. The school benefits from the great effort by Hoke and his Assistant Coaches. They cover the country at great personal effort and sacrifice of personal comfort, becoming familiar with long flights to distant and sometimes obscure destinations, hopping several flights on a single trip, flight delays and cancellations, and otherwise suffering all the slings and arrows of dependence on Bernoulli’s principle for transportation. Not glamorous, and it has to be grinding. They aren’t spending the summer at the cottage. They aren’t complaining, and all seem hyped to spread the good word regarding the Michigan football product, and educational experience. The stability of the Coaching staff is a big, big plus.
In football, size does matter and it’s got to be costing more to feed those guys this year. There has been a considerable influx of large, athletic players. It speaks to the job that Aaron Wellman and his staff are doing to condition, in addition to their improved recruiting. Probably that type of change will be most easily noticeable at RB or WR, but seems fairly general. Darboh and Chesson are both tall lanky receivers. Hoke on Darboh and Chesson making an impact on the passing game … “I think they’ve done a really good job, both of them. I think (Amara) Darboh, he was a guy a year ago when we had this conversation that Roy Roundtree talked about, and ended up with no catches. He’s done a great job committing himself. Jeremy Gallon and Drew Dileo have done a tremendous job of coaching those guys. He’s made some nice catches and shown good concentration so far during camp. Jehu (Chesson) probably hasn’t had as many opportunities, but he can stretch the field vertically so well, we’re excited about him.”
Never one to underestimate his charges, Coach Fred Jackson waxed eloquent regarding his seven or so RBs in his own entertaining way. Fred is flat pleased with this year’s stable. He thinks that they are going to get third and longs. That they are big and tough, including the Freshmen. Says they are the kind of guys that, when faced with a challenge will hike up their pants and say “UhHuh”. Fred cited FB Joe Kerridge, as big and physical. 250 pounds. Think you will see more use of the full backs this year. Hoke thinks there will be more than one significant running back.
Sunday I got to meet some of this season’s players. They have been well schooled on how to meet the media. They were all polite. Lots of “Sirs” flying around. Like the late Rodney Dangerfield, I’m not used to that. They didn’t overdo it, and stood up for the interviews. When asked what they liked best about playing Michigan Football, a common theme was the bond formed by shared trials and tribulations as they try to achieve difficult common goals they have formed, or are forming with their teammates. In other words, a sense of team pervades.
Some of last year’s serious woes seem curable. One of the most serious offensive deficiencies was lack of a running game other than Denard Robinson. Running back production was simply the worst in Michigan history. Fitz Toussaint’s injury finalized the ground game woes. Fitz seems to be in competitive physical shape now. Unfortunately last year none of the RB understudies stepped up enough to seize the opportunity. Additionally the OL did not provide the holes. With two of the best tackles in the Big Ten in Lewan and Schofield that’s all set, but the interior will be talented and inexperienced. This ought to turn out to be a remarkable OL…in time. Ben Braden and Kyle Kalis will be great linemen…in time. How soon is the question.
Hoke on the battle at center and how Jack
Miller is fitting in: “Jack (Miller) has done a really good job. I think him and , and Graham Glasgow Joey Burzynski being the third element in there, I think they both have competed well. I think both of them, and really all three of them, have really good intelligence and that helps because they can play guard. We’ve worked them at all three. Jack (Miller) has mainly stayed at the center position, but he knows the guard position. I think it’s a good competition. This week is a big week for all those things to see how they play out.”
DL should be as good or better. A big cog in the Wolverine opposing quarterback demolition machine is Frank Clark. Last year the Wolverines pass rush was nothing to write home about on too many occasion as they didn’t get “home” on too many occasions. I talked to Frank and he thinks he can get the job done, perhaps get a sack full of sacks. And he will get more than a little help from his friends.

There seems to be many genuine reasons to savor the preseason Kool Aid this year. Right now things are looking good to compete for their oft stated top priority- a Big Ten Championship. Will they be able to win away from home this year?

Hoke cites the same size field etc., same game, and blames last year’s away from home inertia, on turnovers. He repeats and repeats a season without a Championship is a failure.

That’s not “Kool Aid”. You got to believe the Coach don’t you?

Go Blue!

April 14, 2013April 14, 2013

M Football 2013-The Usual Great Spring Expectations Are Better Founded in Hoke’s Third Year

Michigan Mott Spring Football “Game”, sponsored by PNC, was played Saturday April 13, 2013-It should be noted this was not a “game” but drills and a glorified scrimmage with spectators. No score is kept. It was the number one offense unit versus the one defensive unit, and the two offense versus the two defense, and drills. The offense started from three zones: Black zone: offense starting on own 20-yard line. Normal zone: starting around own 34-yard line. Red zone: started at opponent’s 20-yard line. An Alumni touch football game with 80 or more distinguished ex-Wolverine footballers provided entertainment on an April Day disguised as a late fall day. There was a small crowd, announced as 18,000. The MVP was B.J. Dickey, who was rewarded (?) with the usual eleven foot high trophy. The announced crowd was 18,000.

It seems that spring always is a time for football optimism. In the past not all of that optimism has proved durable with realities often intruding.

This spring great expectations for Wolverine Football team Number 134 are prevalent. There were a few springs in recent memory that expectations were limited, and at times, even those limited expectations proved elusive of achievement. Now there are but few, if any, echos of problems from the past, as Brady Hoke prepares for his third season as the Wolverines’ head man. A rougher, tougher football team is in the offing. This edition is physically bigger. Let’s hope that they all handle the off season better than some of them managed last year. Chances are, they will.

Even with the nasty loss to injury of one of the team’s best defensive players, Jake Ryan, Greg Mattison’s defense is deeper, more physical, and should progress as the season unfolds. One of the best defensive coaching gurus in the country, the experienced Mattison has proved his mettle, and has a great opportunity to produce the best Wolverines defense in the past few seasons. With the loss of Kovacs at strong safety, Thomas Gordon has stepped up. Sophomore LB James Ross III garnered recognition with 8 tackles, and two TFLs, and played all the snaps from start to finish. Saturday, the defense pounded for four sacks, one each, by Jabreel Black, by Frank Clark, Mario Ojemudia and Taco Charlton. These are four players that have been noticed all spring. Black is improving and is bigger, Frank Clark is becoming a much more effective player (played with his lower arm in a cast Saturday), Mario Ojemudia is proving himself, and Taco Charlton, an early freshman enrollee, is fast making a name for himself.

The defensive line is a strength. Richard Ash, Jabreel Black, Quinton Washington and Ondre Pipkins are part of an impressive cadre of defensive linemen. Chris Wormley, a 6’4″ and 290 lb. redshirt freshman returned from injury, is a good example of the depth mentioned below. Here is what Coach Hoke thinks of them: He has confidence in the front four on defense.. “I think we’ve grown. We’ve got some young kids who have ability, obviously. I think with Greg (Mattison), and his passion and how he teaches it, rushing the passer, I really think the work is being put in. The guys are excited about it. They know what we want to do and what the goal is. We’re better. We’re not near what we can be, and what we will be, but we’re a little better at it.” The defensive line is big, athletic and deep, and may help spare the defensive backfield which has many young players..

Al Borges is now able to build an offense that is more along the lines of power football/West Coast offense, with more snaps under center. Coach Borges must dispel the shadow of last season’s Ohio and Bowl games which drew attention to offensive deficiencies. Some fans were hot over play calling etc. Now he has a QB with a strong arm and good wheels in Devin Gardner, even if the world class legs of Denard Robinson are no longer at his command. While the composition of the offensive line is still unsettled inside, the tackles (Lewan and Schofield) are as good as any in the B1G. Jack Miller has a good shot at the center position, and there are a number of large and talented newcomers that will have a shot at center, and right and left guard. There are plenty of good candidates, big people, and smart footballers in the wings. Not the stockpile that Hoke wants accumulated as yet, but two nice recruiting classes in a row does help.

[Show as slideshow]

The question is whether these baby inside road graders can pave the way on the ground as Hoke and Borges want them to do. Will they be able to move the chains on the ground, while the defense rests? Last year the Wolverines produced a relatively meager average of 183.8/ yards in 13 games, which includes Denard’s sometimes prolific running. Running back yardage last year was almost as scarce as Spartans complimenting the Wolverines, and sometime as grudging.

Will the OL pass protect effectively? Saturday it was a mixed bag. You used to be able to easily tell how good an offensive line pass protected by the amount of, or lack of, grass stains on the jersey of the team’s QB. Even with artificial turf you can still measure OL effectiveness in winning records. But this was a no score, OB protected game. The defense did get to the QB four times. Does that indicate a great defense or a faulty offensive line? Or neither? Hard to tell. It will be well into fall camp before all the components of the offensive line are welded together, but there are plenty of practices left. I believe this unit will become one of the team’s strengths but not yet. How soon is a critical question. It is safe to say that they did not dominate the defense in the recently played spring “game”, but did OK, maybe a little above average, maybe a B.

There are a couple of reasons why improvement should be expected. The best offensive lineman, Lewan did not play many snaps, and the offensive scheme was strictly under wraps. Likely the defense has seen this vanilla stuff many times this year. But even sporting mustaches across the front, this OL is still a unit in progress and that is to be expected. Better numbers and talent and good size this season will whip into effectiveness. This year the Blue will have an effective running game, and ability to move the chains, and facilitate play action passing. But they are not there yet. Nor were they expected to be. But pro style offensive football will be back in Ann Arbor.

While the number of running backs in the spring was limited, in the fall Fitz Toussaint will be back, and a couple of freshman will push the current cadre of Thomas Rawls, Justice Hayes, Drake Johnson, and Dennis Norfleet. All performed OK in the spring game, but no one grabbed the job. Freshmen Deveon Smith and 5 star recruit Derrick Green will add competition in the fall. It is hoped that Fitz Toussaint will be 100% by fall, and that is looking more and more likely.

Most players on team 134 will successfully jump the hurdles barring success to produce what I expect to be a very good football team by fall. Their skill sets and physiques generally better match Hoke’s preferences than in his prior years as the head man. Hoke always wants “tough guys” and they are practicing more like that all the time. It is a collision sport, and hitting is the name, and sometimes the bane, of the game. But players also get damaged in drills, walking or running, or doing pedestrian things like going up or down stairs. Injury is a part of life as well as football. Successful football teams have to be lucky injury wise. Too many Wolverines have been hurt in the recent past. Some worry that Brady’s emphasis on hitting will cause more.

Hitting is the nature of the game. Injuries have already impacted this year with Kaleb Ringer, Chris Wormley, Blake Countess injured as well as Ryan, Bellomy, and Toussaint. Ringer, Wormley and Countess are back. Countess was dressed, but did not play. Devin Funchess left the game with a slight injury but says he is now OK.

The poster boy for injuries this season is Jake Ryan. Fortunately it is now said he may return to the playing field around the middle of October, for the heart of the season. A fast rising defensive star, he will be sorely missed. Everyone had him penciled in as a game breaker this year. It looks like Cameron Gordon will fill the strong side (Sam) LB position. Cam Gordon has been getting good notice and will contribute. Brennen Beyer did well Saturday had been switched to the position to help shore it up. Mike Jones is available. One of the prime spring defensive concerns was plugging that vacancy. Losing Jake Ryan was a big blow to the defense. It appears that C. Gordon has stepped up, and Beyer too.

When Russell Bellomy went down, it left the Quarterback position with just one scholarship player, Devin Gardner. For those of us that were underwhelmed by the loss of Russell, and recalled the Nebraska debacle of last year with distaste, consider reconsidering now. He is a quality football player and human being, and might well have helped the team this year. Reports were he was doing just fine until injured. Right now the number two QB is walk on Brian Cleary. It appears that Cleary has talent in his own right, but it seems the staff is looking for a one year recruit with graduate eligibility or a JC candidate. While originally I thought the chance of a JC QB getting accepted at Michigan was remote, Phil reminded me that Spencer Brinton filled that role a few years ago.

The offensive fate of team 134 is largely in the big mitts of Devin Gardner, and the developing OL. Gardner has determination, intelligence, and athletic skill, all married to some experience, due to Denard’s misfortune last year. The season will reveal his level of dedication. His performance will go a long way in determining the number of wins and losses. The only odor you will smell at the QB position is the probable burning of the redshirt of Shane Morris, a much sought after freshman who is going to need to grab the number two QB spot. This position group will do just fine thank you, if the OL develops a taste and talent for a ground game, and pass protection. Gardner was wearing the orange shirt in practice to prevent catastrophe. A gimpy Gardner would have dire consequences, until a suitable understudy is groomed.

Saturday Devin had a good practice, tossed a thirty-yarder down the sideline to a streaking Amara Darboh down the left sideline, and he hit Devin Funchess over the middle with a 35-yard pass. Funchess provided another leaping, twisting grab up the middle. Windy and cold, the weather was a challenge. Coach Hoke talked: about Devin Gardner’s performance in difficult conditions … “Devin naturally throws a tight ball. When you throw a tight ball, and he’s got good arm strength, and he has good velocity on it, you can cut through the wind pretty well. He’s always thrown the long ball pretty well. I think he had a good day.”

Devin was 11 of 16 passing for 142-yards and a TD on a 12-yard TD to Tight End Jake Butt.

While his name will be the subject of some puns, Freshman Tight End Jake Butt is among the best at the position on the team.. With Devin Funchess, and big AJ Williams, the tight ends unit seems solid.

Obviously, If a team wants to win with power football consistently, they have to have north south running backs that can move the chains, and possess the ball to go with their up-front road graders. Last year the running game was hurt by more than Denard Robinson’s and Fitz Toussaint’s nasty injuries. Many times the holes were not there, and the problem was not all with the backs. It was a deadly combination as the backs too often struggled east west as much as north south. Last year the running back production was dismal. It went entirely south when Denard hobbled out of the Nebraska game, and Fitz was injured.

Michigan football without an effective running game is unthinkable, but one has claimed the position this spring. It is still very much a work in progress. The spring running back group did not firmly lay claim to the position. Thomas Rawls had a TD and a fumble. The fall competition will be enhanced by the return of Toussaint, and the addition of two heavy duty freshman backs, Derrick Green and Deveon Smith.

Fullback is more in the picture. Siona Houma played well Saturday. Joe Kerrridge saw action. Freshman Wyatt Shallman , a big athlete (6-3, 250) that can play multiple positions, is in the wings.

Much is expected of Green. He is a powerful downhill runner, a five star recruit. While we may recall Kevin Grady, who was also a five star back and struggled, perhaps Green will fill the bill. Smith is slightly smaller but also a gifted power runner. This group can’t be evaluated until after fall camp. It is a certainty that someone will step up. Again, the sooner the better after all hands are on board.

Another area of pre-season concern has been the receiver corps. With Gardner switched back to QB from receiver, depth was thinner than comfortable. Some good receivers return.

Jeremy Gallon and Drew Dileo are of smaller size but were very good last year. Jeremy Jackson is back. Two that will provide some spectacular downfield catches are Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson. Darboh made a spectacular catch of thirty-yards Saturday. and did Saturday. Chesson has everything but a sonic boom. OK, that’s a reach, but he is fast. Unfortunately he did not catch a pass Saturday. This group will be great eventually. It appears this is going to end up a position of strength. Jeremy Jackson has stepped up.

As far as the corners go, Blake Countess is back, but not yet 100%. Delonte Hollowell looked good Saturday, Ramon Taylor will be a fixture at nickel, backed up by Freshman Dymonte Thomas. Courtney Avery will battle for a spot. There is an upgrade of talent, and better numbers, but they can’t be evaluated as a unit now. They should be improved, but we’ll see.

Coach Hoke spoke about the receivers: “Jeremy Jackson has had his best spring since we’ve been here. When you look at Jehu (Chesson) and Amara (Darboh), I think both of those guys have really come along. They are both very talented and can do a lot of different things. Joe Reynolds keeps pushing everybody. Joe is a guy who can play a lot of positions and that’s a real positive for us.” Joe Reynolds caught a late TD pass.

The same goes for the safeties. As said above Thomas Gordon has nabbed Koavc’s strong safety spot. Jarrod Wilson and or Marvin Robinson will be at free safety.

I’ll leave special teams until later, as this “game” format gives little on which to base ST opinion, but I can say that Matt Wile and Kenneth Allen punted well. Will Hagerup is still in the doghouse.

The past proves that sometimes those with shining individual performers in the spring do not necessarily achieve stardom in the fall. Some blossom and fade by yielding to injury, or failing academic challenges, having talented competition stockpiled ahead of them, making personal errors, or just get hammered by bad luck. And some that will influence the outcome of the season are not even on board yet. There is always attrition over the long haul for every class or team, but this team seems as solid as any. The spring seldom if ever yields a finished product. Fall camp tells a bigger, more reliable story.

And an interesting story it will be.

Go Blue!

January 2, 2013January 2, 2013

M FOOTBALL 2012: SOUTH CAROLINA’S GAMECOCKS SCRATCH OUT A 33 TO 28 VICTORY OVER THE WOLVERINES IN THE 2013 OUTBACK BOWL.

Michigan almost won, this was almost really a 1st down

Offensively, Michigan’s inability to hit a few open and needed passes, the inability of the defense to protect against big pass plays, a spectacular special team lapse, and a stout South Carolina defense pasted another L on the Wolverine record books. Another what might have been loss.

The SEC’s representative, the South Carolina Gamecocks, and the Big Ten’s representative, the Michigan Wolverines, met at Tampa’s Outback Bowl on January 1^st, 2013, in a game both sides needed and coveted, but it was the Gamecocks who were ranked 10^th in the nation, and the Wolverines that were ranked at a comparatively lowly 18^th in the nation. SC owned 10 victories to M’s 8. It looked beforehand that the Wolverines would have their claws full, with their struggling offense stymied by SC’s great defensive front line. And in actuality, the Wolverines were hurt by that line, especially in critical bull rushes that got home. What was more unexpected was Michigan’s lack of effective pass protection.

Both teams were very well motivated, but the Gamecocks came from the favored conference, the SEC, and a least one of their representatives was true to form, spouting speed, speed, speed, as strictly an SEC advantage. Under the tutelage of the self-proclaimed “Old Ball” Coach, well known Steve Spurrier, South Carolina has prospered as never before. He is a crafty, nifty, and shifty football thinker. The Gamecocks are an opponent that competing team’s love to best, but have to be at their sharpest to accomplish that mission. The Wolverines were almost, but not quite, up to the task.

SEC footballers are no strangers to the Wolverines. An SEC team and the Wolverines have competed 32 times over the years with the Wolverines establishing a 23-8-1 all-time record against the SEC. They have 7 wins and 5 losses against SEC teams in bowl games.

Pregame:
SC was without the services of standout running back Marcus Lattimore, who suffered damage to three ligaments of a leg according to a published article of his surgeon. So this formidable weapon, just declaring for the pro draft, did not play in the game.

M’s best running back Fitzgerald Toussaint is hurt and still healing. He had not produced this season like Lattimore had, or like he himself had the year before. M’s most effective runner this season has been Denard Robinson. I couldn’t see that changing now. Before this game he had charted 1,166-yards by rushing, also down from the year before.

South Carolina sports two Quarterbacks, Connor Shaw, and Dylan Thompson, as do the Wolverines in Denard Robinson and developing Devin Gardner. The starter at QB since the injury of Denard at Nebraska, Devin acquitted himself effectively except in the last half of the Ohio State game, where the offense struggled mightily, and by failing to score, lost the game. Even so, Devin remains a highly recruited QB, with a wealth of talent featuring a strong arm and decent mobility, and a great future at the position. He has good size at 6’2″ and some 200 pounds. He was 18 of 24 for 214-yards on New Year’s Day. How good Devin will become is probably proportional to his work ethic.

Unfortunately, some Wolverines decided to tilt the field a little more in South Carolina’s and the SEC’s direction through their own actions, mistakes and otherwise, as Seniors CB Starter J.B. Floyd, and special teams contributor Brandon Hawthorne broke team rules and got tossed, ending their football careers at Michigan on a sour note. I heard rumors of excessive celebration at graduation parties, but who the Hoke knows, but Hoke?

That was harmful to them and to their team, especially with the best DB, on the team, Blake Countess still unavailable. Big passing plays hurt M’s chances time and again. Whether Floyd’s presence would have stopped that is not provable, but his absence obviously did hurt. Then there is that magnificent punter Will Hagerup, who is in the doghouse again, and will have to leave M’s punting fortunes to Matt Wile. One national pundit looked at Matt’s averages, which were perhaps around 32-yards per punt to Will’s 42, and expressed concern. Wile’s low average may be explained in part by the fact he was the pooch punter. Showing he is more than a punter Wile hit a fifty-two yard FG. Hagerup’s immediate future is not being discussed by Coach Hoke. He did not play. Fullback Stephan Hopkins also chose to leave the team.

While the above was a concern, the intense pregame interest focused mainly on Denard Robinson. The state of his health, his utilization and positions. Could he now throw? Was he healthy enough to play multiple positions, like slot receiver, running back, punt or kick returner and or QB. Oops, I forgot CB. Denard played running back, receiver and quarterback but did not throw a pass completion. He ran for 100-yards on 23 carries.

PASS DEFENSE ROCKY
There was little if any pregame concern in the media focused on whether M’s defensive backfield could hold up, and whether its pass rush could happen, and it turned out that this was a prime area of concern. Spurrier’s charges seriously exploited M’s pass defense. It was big play heaven for SC’s passing game. Still, the defense could have preserved a win at the end but couldn’t. Not their finest hour. M’s no effective pass rusher defense contributed as much as offensive’s lack of pass protection. The need to blitz contributed to the big plays. Unfortunately offense, defense, and special teams contributed to this loss. The kind of team result you do not want.

GAME’S TURNING POINT:
Taylor Lewan’s battle with J. Clowney drew attention. Lewan won some battles, but lost some. Lewan earned an occasional holding call, but can not be discredited with the turn-around play of the game, but the offensive line can be. Slightly into the 4^th quarter, Michigan was ahead and had possession of the ball and a slight lead after an amazing 1^st down spot favorable to the Wolverines was upheld by review. It had Spurrier going nuts, and the M crowd going wild. But on the next play, Clowney slipped Lewan and hit Vincent Smith at handoff, knocking Smith’s helmet off, and the ball out and to the ground. I thought Smith got a blow to the head, but no foul was called. If this drive was completed, M could reasonably have held on for a win. It was a big play for the Gamecocks, a kick in the nether regions for the Wolverines. Outstanding play for Clowney. A thirty-yard SC TD pass resulted.

MICHIGAN’S UNSUAL SITUATION:
Seldom has a Michigan team,at this late date in a season, been in search of a running game, and searching for a scheme to get one of M’s most prolific runners ever running effectively, while the aerial game is by another. Also, they ran two different systems. The read option parlayed by Denard (or by anybody else, or any other running scheme, for that matter) doesn’t work as well as expected if it is known that the running capable QB, isn’t passing capable. Reference the last half of the Ohio State game.

Michigan has not prospered offensively on significant occasions this season. No TDs two straight games, no TD the second half of the Ohio game. There was the ND game where Denard threw multiple interceptions, but was never benched for a breather to recover his poise. As much as I like and respect this coaching staff, those were not the offense’s finest hours in critical games. Earlier criticized for lack of innovation, it was there today. They even ran an expanded pony, called a couple of fake punts plays, gambling on 4^th down.

They employ the dual QB system, but there were not spectacular results. Devins’ game was hurt by someThey did with some inconsistent results. Usually those results were the caused by two factors: inconsistent throws by Devin, and OL and/or RB’s inability to manage the pass rush effectively. Although he ran well Denard was unable to manufacture a big play of any sort, something special out of his last hurrah in a Michigan helmet.

KEYS:

Avoidance of stupid penalties. Actuality: Some holding calls hurt, for example Lewan’s when he was working in Clowney control.
Find adequate secondary replacements to replace Floyd. It was thought Avery would be the replacement. Acuality: Sometimes it was a safety that was out of position on a blitz. Actuality: M allowed 341 passing and 85-yards rushing.
M has been sorting through the running backs. One or more of Rawls, Hayes, or Smith had to step up. Actuality: Justice Hayes played a little. No running back stepped up yardage wise. Norfleet has switched to DB.
Would Denard find his magic wheels again, and/or his arm? The team needs a super human effort from him to win. Actuality: Little or no magic, but some nice runs for first downs. On this day M needed a Denard spectacular. SC’s defense wouldn’t allow it.
Could Devin Gardner meet the challenges he faces in the biggest game of his budding QB career. Actuality: Devin’s first half was rough, but his second half was very good. There is not yet perfection, but there is much promise.
Would the newly reconstituted defensive backfield be able to preserve Michigan’s place as one of the better pass defenses in college football? Actuality: The defense as a whole did not play good pass defense. Their lofty national pass defense standing turned out to be somewhat red herring, perhaps born of playing few good passing teams. They allowed big play after big play.

BRIEF GAME RECAP:
M deferred and kicked off. Three plays later the Gamecocks were in the end zone via 56-yard TD pass putting SC up 7. So much for a fast start. M responded with a 50-yard Gibbons field goal making it M-3, SC-7 with half the 1^st quarter history. Next came a stunner, a sixty-three yard punt return and it was M-3, SC- 14. M may have missed the dismissed Brandon Hawthorne on this play, but they should have stopped it anyway.

In the second quarter, the Wolverines offense woke up and Gardner engineered an 11-play, 76-yard drive and they were back in it. His TD pass to Gallon for five yards was sort of a shot-put pass. Nice play by Gardner. It was unusual but effective. M- 10, SC- 14. The Gamecocks retaliated with a third down and long 70-yard TD pass to the 4. They scored on the next play. And it was M-10, SC-21. Jake Ryan recovered a forced fumble from a Mario Ojemudia hit. Then came some long awaited trickeration as Drew Dileo, FG holder faked the FG, and ran for a first down, just slipping over the line necessary for a first down. But the Wolverines were held to another Gibbons FG from forty yards out. At the half it was M-13, SC- 21. They got more TDs, we got more FGs. That is not the right recipe.

M received in the second half, stalled and then allowed a 64-yard pass play, but held SC to an FG attempt, which the Wolverines helped them miss. Gallon grabbed a 17-yarder, and Matt Wile hit a 52-yard FG. M-16, SC-21. A TD needed and an FG secured. Regardless it was a nice Wile effort.

Now well into the third quarter, M’s defense held and Devin Gardner ran for 19-yards. On fourth and one from his own 44. On a later third and five he galloped for another first down, and then threw to Gallon for a TD. M-22, SC-21.

The Wolverines blocked a 42-yard FG attempt. At about the ten minute mark of the 4^th, Michigan faked a punt and barely made the 1^st down. Then fate favored the talent of the Gamecocks as Jadeveon Clowney slipped protection and hit Vincent Smith in the backfield, knocking off his helmet and dislodging the ball, which was recovered by the Gamecocks at the Michigan thirty. This was a definite turning point in fortunes. M gave up possession at a critical point in the game and soon afforded the opposition 7 points on a 30-yard TD pass. M-22, SC-27. SC missed the two point conversion. The Wolverines kept battling and went ahead again, with a little over three minutes left to tick away.

Gallon caught another from Gardner in the end zone after a 4-first down drive, and the Wolverines were slightly ahead again. M-28, SC-27.

M’s defense could not hold the Gamecocks and they scored on a 32-yard pass to bring the final tally to M-28, SC-34.

Not surprisingly, the Wolverines could not score in the 11 seconds they had left

Jeremy Gallon had an outstanding game with 9 receptions for 145-yards and 2 TDs, and is my choice for offensive player of the game. Drew Dileo had 22- remarkable yards on fake punts.

DENARD’S CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS-BRIEFLY:
It is doubtful there will ever be a replica of the athlete that is Denard Robinson. There has never been a QB anywhere with his running ability. M’s Harmon, Howard, Woodson, Oosterbaan, Kramer, Edwards and more have all shared great athleticism, but remained unique, and Denard’s running ability established him in their class: great, unique, and electrifying. They each had a common thread, and that was love of the University of Michigan, playing football, and being proud Michigan Men. Denard fits smoothly and deservedly into that group.

His affable personality was another positive. Kid wanted an autograph, Denard happily signed it. When the TV panned to the Maize Rage during basketball games, he was sometimes spotted with them and enjoying himself immensely. Consistently, he honored his teammates. While Michigan is going to be in very capable hands at QB in his absence, Robinson will be missed by everyone not an opposing defensive coordinator, or from Columbus, East Lansing, or Madison, etc. You know the list. A football weapon is moving on, naturally taking his great persona and skills with him. It will be our loss. I can’t help wishing him the best in all his future endeavors. He has given more than he has taken.

While he didn’t get all the wins he or his teams wanted, he has represented Michigan well while being no less than the very face of the Wolverine football program during trying program and coaching changes. He endured, all the while taking a terrific physical beating without a murmur, and while sometimes playing injured. He is a man who likes to play football, and executes in the most exciting way possible.

All I can say is well done, Denard, and thank you! You will be missed when long autumn shadows creep into Ann Arbor again next season. New Year’s Day, at Raymond James Stadium, Denard ran for 100-yards, eclipsing Pat White the former record holder, with a total of 4,394-yards, making him the NCAA record holder for QBs.

ACCOLADES TO OTHER DEPARTING PLAYERS:
Barnum, Mealer, Omaneh, V. Smith, Campbell, Roh, Demens, and Kovacs have exhausted their eligibility, among others. They have contributed much to Michigan Football, and all will be remembered for their contributions.

ALL TEAM GOALS NOT ACCOMPLISHED BY TEAM 133:
The team did not accomplish its major avowed goal, a B1G Championship and nothing can remedy that. The team did not win its bowl game and nothing can remedy that.

One reason fans were so disappointed by Team 133’s failure to achieve a shot at the B1G Championship game in the just past season was that it was a year of unusual opportunity. M’s prime competitor and probably the best team in the B1G was Ohio. As you know Ohio shot themselves in the foot or higher (where they might have destroyed a tattoo), during Tresslegate. While the B1G interestingly let Ohio gather in a Championship Trophy with its stained fingers, they were forbidden the championship game. A barrier was removed, but the Wolverines could not take advantage. Denard was knocked out of the Nebraska game in the first half, and that was all she wrote. A not yet ready for prime time Russell Bellomy was inserted at QB, and was overwhelmed. He did not get enough help from his team, or coaches. This highlights the question, should Devin Gardner have been moved to wide receiver, as there clearly was no understudy QB prepared? The Nebraska loss took the championship chase out of the Wolverines hands. There were other concerns. There were two straight games with no offensive TDs. No TD’s in the last quarter of the OSU game. There were time management issues sometimes. And there was that perplexing Notre Dame game where errors engendered errors. Some second guessed that, wondering why Denard was not benched for a series to regain some poise in his passing game. But on New Year’s day the offensive scheme was innovative.

Prior to New Year’s Day, this was not the best year for the offensive coaches. Was it ten quarters without a TD? That says a lot. But this loss was truly a team effort, as defense and special teams also contributed heavily.

Because Michigan was in a prime position to challenge for the B1G title game, with Ohio barred from playing in it, it was very disappointing to fans to miss that boat. That ship has sailed, and it is time to move on to next season. That will present its own set of challenges.

DESPITE THIS BOWL LOSS, TEAM 134’S PROSPECTS ARE GOOD:
This is a rising football team, notwithstanding the disappointments of the season just past and the Outback Bowl loss. It was predicted that the season just completed would be a major challenge and it was. I predicted 8 wins and 4 losses, and that did not make me the Lone Ranger, nearly everyone did. Prime games were away from home, and Michigan played AP’s # one, two, and three teams in the country, Notre Dame, Alabama, and Ohio State. There was observable progress on the defensive side of the ball, and aspects of special teams were indeed special. There was the electrifying Denard Robinson show. Receivers sometimes made miracle catches. Offensively Devin Gardner is showing promise at the QB position again. Although Devin’s performance was inconsistent (this was not his best passing day), he contributed a lot in this Bowl game including a magnificent toss for M’s first TD, throwing two more TDs, and running for a 1^st down on 3^rd down and sneaking 19-yards for another on 4^th down.

This team played sixty minutes, and they never gave up. They displayed team unity all season and were all in. Their 8 and 5 record was unwanted, but is nothing to be ashamed of.

The Wolverines still managed to become the first college team to accumulate a total of over 900 wins this season, in spite of losing to the three teams listed above, and Ohio. The level of team talent is improving rapidly. It is still not up to required standards for all position according to the coaches. Receivers and running backs and the OL are examples. They need a talent to be dedicated to pass rushing. There is still significant work to be done on many fronts. As many as 14 youngsters may contribute next year, some significantly, at positions of need, and that does not count freshman. Offensive Linemen Kalis, Bryant, Braden and agnuson may help. It seems Wide Receivers Darboh and Chesson, and NT Ondre Pipkins are on a fast track. Pipkins is going to give Q. Washington a run at the nose tackle. Then there will be the true freshman and there may be a competitive running back among them.

In spring and fall camp, we will get a better feel for these players and many others. Hopefully Fitz Toussaint comes back hale, hearty and bushy tailed.

I think that some young lineman of talent will step into the vacancies on the offensive line, and that may be as many as four. A prime question there is whether Taylor Lewan will return. However it is all is not grim. Recruiting has been good, and some younger players are coming on. The schedule is far more favorable with more home games. The offensive change of scheme and type of scheme problems should all be completely resolved, and in the past. Next year’s offensive scheme’s will be closer to those schemes that both Coaches Hoke and Coach Borges have envisioned.

Fans may be battered at times by losses, large crowds, seat license increases, unhandy parking, high gas prices, high concession prices, weather, goofy TV announcers, and those powerful stripes, but when that team hits the tunnel, Michigan Football is still the best legal excitement that you can get.

Let me know what you think of these columns. My email address is now andyandersen@wowway.com

Good luck to the men’s basketball team. We all wondered if Coach Belein’s system and recruiting would work at Michigan. The question has been answered positively already this season.

Go Blue!