Author: Andy Andersen

Andy Andersen, Senior Football Writer andyandersen@wowway.com Andy is a Michigan graduate and long time Michigan Football fan, having attended games during the tenures of Fritz Crisler, Bennie Oosterbaan, Bump Elliot, Bo Schembechler, Gary Moeller, Lloyd Carr, Rich Rodriguez, and Brady Hoke. He attempts to present articles consistent with the concerns and interests of Michigan Fans.
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M FOOTBALL 2012-SEA OF RED NO TSUNAMI, BUT ENOUGH TO DROWN WOLVERINE WINNING STREAK-MICHIGAN 9, NEBRASKA 23

OFFENSE AGAIN STRUGGLES TO SCORE TOUCHDOWNS

Michigan’s football team visited the unfriendly confines of Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium Saturday, carrying in a 3-0 Big Ten record, and intent on wresting control of the Big Ten’s Legends Division race from the grasping and capable hands of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  They had the same goal in mind.  The evening belonged to the Huskers as the Wolverines played their worst offensive game of the year, lost the services of Denard Robinson during the second quarter, got some goofy calls, perpetrated some foolish penalties, and could not manage a TD for six consecutive quarters, even with Denard at the helm. Additionally, they went without  TDs for two more quarters with a besieged redshirt Freshman Russell Bellomy at the helm.  Bellomy threw 27 times for 43-yards, and was intercepted 3 times.  He made a nice tackle after one of the interceptions which prevented a score.

TEAM COMPARABILITIES: The teams were comparable in many respects.  Both are storied football powers.  Both have hordes of dedicated and loyal fans. Both have won multiple National Championships the latest being shared in 1997 by both.  Both have had storied Coaches such as Tom Osborne and Bo Schembechler, with Nebraska sporting a Bo of its own in current Coach Bo Pelini.

They both play in major stadiums with Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium holding over 81,000.  They both had offenses directed by mobile quarterbacks, both with prolific offensive capabilities.  It was Denard Robinson at the helm of the Wolverines and Taylor Martinez leading the Huskers.  Denard’s accomplishments are well known and oft repeated to Wolverine fans, and Taylor Martinez has led the Nebraska offense to Big Ten leadership prior to this game, with a total offense of 512 -yards, a rushing offense of 279-yards, and a scoring offense 41.6 points.  And at that point some divergence is evident.

SOME TEAM DIFFERENCES:

Michigan has primarily been a running team this season, with Denard’s legs the main weapon.   Running back success has been scattered.  They have not had an overly effective red zone offense.  Their primary scoring device lately has been the field goal. Coach Borges stuck with a basic offense against Michigan State, one reason the Wolverine’s total offensive statistics were far less gaudy than the Huskers’.  Nebraska’s was in 3rd place in the Big Ten, passing for 293-yards a game.  Michigan’s 10th place in passing was far less spectacular, but sometime the passing game has been highly effective in winning.  As when needed in last Saturday’s MSU contest.   Nebraska had run back a punt for a TD, the Wolverines hadn’t.  Michigan was undefeated in the Big Ten owning 3 victories and Nebraska 2-1, having endured a 63-38 pasting by Ohio.  Now they are both 3-1 in the Big Ten, but Nebraska’s path to the Championship game now seems less foggy than that of the Wolverines.

WHAT WAS AT STAKE:

No less than the driver’s seat in the Legend’s Division.  The winner has the tiebreaker, and thus if similar Legend’s records happen, the winner has a leg up toward the title game.  All year Coach Hoke has preached that every game is a Championship game and this one was just that in all aspects.  A win was a big step toward controlling one’s own championship destiny.

That edge now belongs to Nebraska.  The road to the championship game now may include a must win in Columbus.  Since Ohio scored 63 points on Nebraska and we scored 9, how do you expect that to go now?  It seems its going to be tough, very tough, to sled through the rest of the schedule any way but downhill, but anything is possible, especially if Denard is soon serviceable again.  We are still 3 and 1 in the Big Ten.

GAME KEYS:

  • Would the Wolverines offense be able to take advantage of the defense of Nebraska to win in case this game turned into a shoot-out? Actuality:  This game did not turn into a shootout as I expected. Again whether Denard was in or out, the only Wolverine scoring consisted of field goals.  Russell Bellomy got a rough introduction to the big time.  3 interceptions and sacked twice. The offensive line did not help him by controlling the Husker blitz  the Huskers had been careful not to throw at Denard, and the backs didn’t pick it up effectively. The receivers helped precious little on a number of occasions, dropping critical passes, although they made some nice catches.  It was obvious that Russell and his teammates were not ready for a circumstance that was well anticipated to arrive sometime in a long, rough season, Denard’s injury.  Denard did not get the ball into the end zone, but had 46-yards rushing and 55 yards passing. The game was effectively over when Denard left the field of play.
  • The book on the Huskers was that they were vulnerable to pressure defensively. Acuality:  The defense did make a number of stops, sacked the Husker QB, but the offense was so inept a win kept moving just out of reach. ould the Wolverine defense create turn overs?  Actuality: they did create some turnovers but one was fumbled back, and M’s drives stalled. Wolverine Keith Heitzman recovered a fumble near the end of the second quarter to stop a Husker threat. Desmond Morgan deflected a Martinez pass into the hands of Mario Ojemudia on a great play by both.  But the Huskers balanced this, owning three interceptions.
  •  Nebraska had a great fleet of receivers, and Martinez owned an astounding completion percentage, really improving from last year.  Actuality: The Wolverines had one interception, but Taylor Martinez didn’t do anything to hurt his completion percentage Saturday night. Taylor was the most effective QB on the field throwing 24, and completing 14 for 166-yards, and an interception.  Jake Ryan sacked him once.
  • Which team would stop big plays?  Or produce them. Actuality: Both teams limited long scoring plays fairly effectively.
  • Would the offense be able to produce enough points to stay in the game, and adjust to a more open game without turnovers or penalties blunting the effort? Actuality:  No.  Denard’s injury did not help.
  • Could special teams contribute by effectively stopping punt returns and KOs, and produce some significant yardage of their own. Actuality: They did OK.  Jeremy Gallon let a 1st half punt, a low liner slip through his hands inside the M 10, but Denard and the offense recovered from it.  Could Norfleet contribute? Actuality:  He did not break one, but made respectable yardage returning.. Would Denard again hang out some on special teams?  Actuality: Injury probably prevented any of that. Could the FG kickers hit their attempts in front of a hostile crowd? Actuality:  Matt Wile missed one, but Brendan Gibbons hit three, with a long one of 52-yards among them.
  • Could M get ahead early and hold the lead against a team that had recently produced come-back victories against Wisconsin and Northwestern? Actuality:  M went up three, but they were held to another three late, before the half, and by that time the Husker had 7 points to the Wolverine’s 6.
  • The biggest question of all was whether M could finally produce a win over a good team on foreign territory, with the same kind of winning elan and effort they have produced under Hoke at home? Actuality: They played their worst offensive game of year in a very high stakes game, and that included the time that Denard was in the game as they scored no TDs.  That is the most obvious problem an offense can have. They have now gone 8 quarters without a TD. Four quarters against a great defense and four quarters against an ordinary Big Ten defense. The onus belongs to the Offensive Coordinator to fix this situation.  He has vast experience, so maybe he can. I have to wonder whether or not this hyper conservative offense is a function of the hurts Denard has piled up over the course of the season.  The hand has been an issue before.   Russell Bellomy was not ready, and one wonders why he did not get more                             seasoning against the likes of Massachusetts etc.  The whole world knows what the Wolverines are going to do on first down, and even if it has failed the last 15 times, here it comes again.  As a result they are often in the position of third and long, facing a blitz. The OL and backs can’t handle blitzers.  All that falls into the lap of Offensive Coordinator Borges.

BRIEF SCORING RECAP:

It is easy to recap the 1st quarter.  M received, punted, and then M and N traded punches with N held to around 34 yards, and a first down.  Not a fast start, but the defense looked solid.  The quarter was not without dramatics.  A Matt Wile FG was missed after a replay reversed a stunning 55-yard apparent catch by Roy Roundtree.

Nebraska’s offense showed life in the passing game to begin the second quarter producing a 6-play, 72-yard drive for six, and M was playing from behind.  M- 0, N-7.  Coach did not let the defense off the hook in his after game comments.

The Wolverines answered with two Bandon Gibbons FGs, one for 52-yards, and one for 24-yards, and the half ended 6-7.

 Nebraska received to open the third quarter. Mario Ojemudia spoiled the drive by intercepting a tipped pass at the Michigan 46.  But Russell Bellomy returned the favor tossing a pass intercepted at the Michigan 43, and returned 53-yards to the Michigan 4. The defense held, but N converted a 19-yard FG.  M-6, N 10.

The Wolverines offense was stagnant, and a 15-yard personal foul penalty enabled a 51-yard Big Red field goal.  Now hopes are descending faster than a hot air balloon with a hole in the top, and it seems over.  M-6, N-13.  Then came a 31-yarder and it was  M-6 ,N 16.

Finally the Wolverine offense showed a little life.  Bellomy drove them

58-yards on 8 plays.  With an assist from Husker penalties.  A 15-yard Nebraska personal foul and a 15-yard unsportsmanlike were the big plays. Naturally a field goal resulted, but Russell completed some passes.    One passing 1st down, 3 TO’s, and 0 for 4 third down attempts, tells the Wolverine story for the quarter.  M-9, N-16.

Nebraska put the game away early in the 4th quarter with a final drive for 6 over the tiring M defense.  3 plays and 47-yards capped a victory in a game with a strange feel to it.  M-9, N-23.

WHERE DOES IT GO FROM HERE?

The Wolverines are still in the Big Ten race, but Nebraska rightfully will be considered the front runner, having disposed of Michigan.  They are a decent, but not a great team, and I think that they will probably lose another game, as they play away form home.  It is notable that they lost their poise for thirty yards of penalties.  That could hurt in a competitive game.

The down side is that now the Wolverines might have to win out.  Perhaps they could beat emerging Minnesota without Denard, perhaps not, but from there on, if they do not have his full services, they certainly could lose to Iowa, Northwestern, and Ohio.

It will be interesting to see how they approach next week if Denard is in dry dock.  Bellomy or Gardner?  I think it will be Russell.  At a recent press conference I asked Coach Hoke how many snaps Gardner was getting, and he said some, and made it very clear that Russell, not Devin was the backup. I think Denard will probably play next Saturday, but who knows.

The Wolverines can suffer fisherman’s remorse for a little while as a big one got away, but it will soon be back to business for them.  They won’t quit, but they will have to deal with adversity, as it is at the door.  Hopefully, there will be some coaching innovation.

Whatever the situation next Saturday, they will be journeying up to Minnesota, to harass the pesky Gophers, while keeping an eye on that Little Brown Jug.

 

Go Blue!

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M FOOTBALL 2012-WAS LAST SATURDAY’S SLUGFEST AT MICHIGAN STADIUM MSU’S BOWL GAME?-WOLVERINES 12, MSU 10

M’s 900th WIN, AND BRADY HOKE’S FIRST WIN OVER MSU IN TWO ATTEMPTS, WAS A DEFENSIVE STRUGGLE RESULTING IN A SATISFYING, EVEN IF NAIL BITING, LAST SECONDS WIN. 

The Green and White played somewhat like this was their Bowl Game, and a year- end Bowl for them may now be beyond reach, even if, as Lansing newspapers said, it was their best game of the year. Their options are becoming more limited with every loss. 

After rolling into Michigan Stadium expecting to teach the Wolverine’s Football team another lesson in humility as they had the last four years, they got a loss. 

Humiliation of the Wolverines had become a Spartan expectation, with Coach D’Antonio tactlessly pointing out early this year that: “We’ve beat Michigan the last four years so what is the threat?”  

Spartan players recently ripped Denard for his lack of success against them using Twitter as their club.  Denard has breached 10,000-yards of total career offensive production, but he has had little success against the Spartans, with an average of 3.3-yards gained against them prior to Saturday.  Not much for Denard to crow about there, and he hasn’t.  In contrast, consistently, the Spartans do not need much ammunition to crow, and they have. 

Game Photos

The Wolverines were able to restore some of that concern Saturday in the friendly confines of an energized Michigan Stadium.  Seeking a spot representing the Legends Division in the Big Ten title game in Indianapolis, this was a game with bigger meaning than just Michigan/Michigan State bragging rights.  It left Michigan’s title quest intact, and destroyed that of an arch competitor by giving the Spartans another Big Ten loss, bringing them to three Big Ten losses, while the Wolverines remain undefeated in the B1G. 

STILL A SPECIAL GAME 

The pregame hype out of East Lansing this year has been at an unexpected low in comparison to some prior years.  Possibly because early season hype regarding visiting the Rose Bowl etc., has evaporated along with MSU’s national ranking as unexpected losses were acquired-Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Iowa. This lack of yak is not the usual pregame stance for Michigan State as on many occasions they have had a tendency to laud their team (talk smack) as much before the game as afterward. When they were usually losing, the smack was always pregame. 

Rest assured hard feelings by fans remain on both sides of the ball, and they go back quite a ways and are sincere.   It goes back long before this happened, but MSU fans felt spurned and aggravated by Michigan who opposed their entry into the Big Ten in their Biggie Munn era.  Michigan fans hated MSU Athletic Director Smith who voted for Ohio State to go to the Rose Bowl after the M/OSU 10-10 tie in the Bo era.  Bo threw a magnificent rage that M fans considered righteous indignation. The Spartan’s 1990 tripping of Desmond Howard in the end zone as he attempted to score a late game winning TD facilitated a 27-28 victory over a highly ranked M team, thus igniting M fans in the Moeller era. The 2001 “clockgate” game at Spartan Stadium, enabled another late MSU victory (24-26) in the Carr era that was enabled by homer timer Spartan Bob, who displayed official timekeeper’s deceit.  

This competition has been a monument to hotly contested football as much as founded and unfounded billingsgate, but there has been as much bilge as attends some nasty political campaigns, and it is every year, not every four. 

Michigan State usually plays well and aggressively in this contest regardless of prior season performances, and they always play hard. Very hard.  Sometimes they are a little overly enthusiastic as harmful penalties hurt them.  Some consistently rough play results in suspensions.  An example was Sparty Gohlston’s week’s suspension last year for punching Wolverine Lewan.  His twisting of Denard’s helmet did not draw official wrath, but certainly was not unnoticed by the TV cameras. 

Once in a while a Michigan player has gone awry in this game, too.  I remember our DE Cecil Pryor kicking a State player who was on the ground at the end of a play many years ago. They correctly threw him out.  But the recent stuff has had more Spartan ownership than Wolverine. 

No Michigan player or Coach was critical of the style or intensity of Spartan play this year before the game.  They just said football was a rough game and said that is why they like to play it.  

It is amazing that both the Spartan defensive coach Narduzzi, who lauded the rough play after the game last year, and their head coach, recently publically challenged this year’s officials to stop the rough stuff.  Say what?  To a Michigan fan this is like Al Capone challenging the Chicago cops to enforce prohibition.  

In spite of all these things, or maybe because of them, this is always a special game.  Its not Ohio, but its close in intensity.  Players and fans often know each other.  Coaches are recruiting the same schools and players.  Everybody lives with the results for an entire year. 

PREGAME KEYS:

  • Would the Wolverines be physically over matched again this year? Actuality:  The Wolverines at least matched the Spartan intensity.
  • Could the Wolverines keep their cool, and not make jittery mistakes, especially early, as has happened from time to time in Denard’s career? Actuality:  For the most part the Wolverines were poised, and they never gave up.  In crunch time, they crunched.  Denard did toss up a late 2nd Quarter interception.
  • Taking an early lead would be of immense value to the Wolverines. Actuality:  While they did lead 6 zip at the half, they did not take a significant lead until the last 5 seconds of the game.  
  • Could they establish an other than Denard running game?  Would it be Toussaint or Rawls?  Fitz has not been as productive as he was last year. Actuality:  As usual, DRob was the leading ground gainer with 96 net yards on 10 carries, and a long of 44.  Vincent Smith had one carry.  Thomas Rawls did not carry.  Fitz Toussaint had 52 net yards on 10 lugs, with a long of 38.  M had 52 carries for a net yardage of 163-yards with a 5.1 average.
  • Could they stop the run and would the ground game belong to the winner? Actuality:  Yes, MSU gained only 112 net yards on 31 carries.  L. Bell had 26 for 68 net yards.
  • Would the Wolverines have a successful passing game?  Actuality: Drew Dileo was outstanding.  He made the tough catches when they were needed including the one that enabled the winning field goal.  He snagged 4 for 92-yards.  This was his most significant game as a Wolverine, and it made Wes Welker comparisons live on.  The rest of the receivers caught one or two, including a 22-yarder by Jeremy Gallon.  The receivers totaled 14 for 163-yards.
  • Most importantly of all, could the Wolverines possess the ball and avoid interceptions, and fumbles?  Are they now vaccinated against turn overs?  Actuality:  Probably not, but the most significant TO of the game was owned by the Spartans as Jordan Kovacs picked one off just as it appeared the Spartans were driving to seal a victory.
  • Would special teams contribute? Actuality:  When four field goals provide all the scoring in the game and the winning margin special teams have done something right.  Will Hagerup  hit punts for 218-yards averaging 43.6-yards.  Matt Wile had 2 for 77-yards.
  • Would the seemingly effective Michigan secondary be able to cover effectively?  Actuality: State caught 21 passes for 192-yards, and one TD.
  • Could they stop big plays and Sparty trickeration? Actuality:  They did not and it almost bit them.  Sparty significantly advanced its cause with a gem of fake punt run for 26-yards. At the time it seemed to seal the Wolverines fate, enabling a 90-yard drive. 
  • Would one of the least loved trophies, the Paul Bunyan, finally return to the warmth of his Ann Arbor home?  He is home, and intends to stay awhile. 

GAME AND SCORING SUMMARY 

The 1st quarter was a defensive standoff and a boring quarter if one was ever invented.  The offenses moved with the alacrity of refrigerated molasses. 

The second quarter did not yield the expected Wolverine TDs, but fortunately the Wolverines collared a pair of field goals by Gibbons and Wile.  Gibbons for 24-yards and Wile (Coach Hoke said he has the stronger leg) for 48-yards. 

The half ended M 6-MSU 0, and there was a reasonable expectation that since the Wolverines received to start the half, half time adjustments would get the offense moving and keep the defense effective.  Didn’t happen. 

The offense stalled and the defense allowed the aggressive Spartans to produce an 80-yard, 10-play drive culminating in a two-yard TD pass.  M-6, MSU 7. 

The teams traded punches for most of the third quarter with little result. 

Suddenly with a couple of minutes left in the third, a dull ball game got interesting, as Michigan began to drive.  Jordan Kovacs intercepted an MSU pass to stop what could have been a game winning MSU drive.  Instead M got an opportunity. Robinson ran, Roundtree caught a 15-yard pass, and the drive continued into the 4th quarter, finally stalled and Brandon Gibbons hit  a 21-yarder and Michigan held a precarious lead 9 to 7. 

MSU produced a drive of 8-plays and 90-yards, enabled by the fake field goal, and hit a FG of 21-yards.  M-9, MSU 10. 

Denard than skittered for 44-yards, and it looked like a score was in the bag. A holding call and an inability to convert a third down attempt added to the drama as M punted at about 3:07.  

I thought it was likely over, but the defense forced a three and out.  Jake Ryan caused a fumble that MSU recovered, but it stopped their drive. 

At the 2:00 mark, M had the ball and began a drive.  Vincent Smith had a 12-yard run, MSU contributed a 5-yard off side penalty, Denard ran for a short 1st down, and pass to Fitz Toussaint was completed but he was thrown for a loss, and the drive was stalled, but suddenly the Wolverines had a field goal chance. Brendan Gibbons struck a 38-yarder which angled a little to his right. I wondered at the time if it would be wide right.  I had a good look at it as I was standing by the left upright.  It was a happy moment when that baby sailed through.  After the goal, 5 seconds remained on the clock.

Coach Hoke on execution of the final drive … “You teach those situations, you talk about those situations. I really thought that Denard (Robinson) handled it well. He ran the offense, the other guys hurried back to the line of scrimmage. As far as Drew (Dileo) goes, he isn’t the biggest guy in the world, he’s not the fastest, but I can tell you one thing. Drew Dileo is a football player and he is a tough, little football player.”

I was standing next to former Wolverine center Steve Everett, who was also elated, and I got quite a celebratory bear hug and back slapping there.  Like the rest of us Steve was mighty happy to see his Wolverines prevail, but probably more so.

It was a wild finish to what for most of three quarters had been among the dullest offensive games I have seen. 

What a beautiful and impressive scene it is from ground level in M Stadium.  There are bands blaring on either side, scoreboards loud, activity everywhere, at times it seems to border on bedlam, and a collision sporting competition is in progress.  I did not think the old bowl could be improved, but it has been.  Even the lights enhance the ambiance. 

But the Wolverines have to leave all that behind and travel to Lincoln, Nebraska to try to husk the Huskers.  They may not face again this year defense on the level of Alabama, Notre Dame, and Michigan State but all their remaining schedule can bite the Wolverines.  Stopping that productive Husker offense will be the next challenge.

Go Blue!

 

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M FOOTBALL 2012: EVERY BIG TEN GAME A CHAMPIONSHIP GAME-MICHIGAN 45, ILLINOIS 0.

By Andy Andersen

FINALLY MSU, THE BIG TEST, IS NEXT!

The Wolverines avoided what well might have been a “trap” game in pounding the University of Illinois late Saturday afternoon.  Sandwiched between what was considered at the time to be a very good Purdue team in last Saturday’s Big Ten opener, and just before the game of the year against the Green Meanies from the East, Illinois was considered easy pickings by some. Quite probably because of their lackluster 2-4 win/loss record prior to arriving in Ann Arbor, with an offense generally considered to be ineffective, and a talented but underachieving defense. 

Game Photos

The Wolverine Coaches and player spokesmen all reiterated the mantra cited in the title, which is another, if more elegant, way of stating the oft used coach speak of “one game at a time”.  No Michigan State talk was allowed prior to the Illini’s appearance, although some media tried mightily to evoke a response regarding the Spartans, but only succeeded in trying Hoke’s patience on the subject.  When Hoke was asked about the subject post Illini, the answer from him, and the players was tomorrow. 

Saturday’s results proved the team must have realized the wisdom of that counsel, and must have realized that their opponents would bring their “A” game, if the Wolverines allowed it, no matter the hype or lack of hype preceding the competition.    

No doubt some M players remember participating in that dreadful 2009 loss at Illinois which deep sixed a season, 13-38.  It was a watershed game which helped destroy the Rodriguez regime by setting up a disastrous season, and some certainly remember the remarkable game a year later that broke scoring records in M’s triple overtime win, 67 to 65.  While it was entertaining and an exciting game to watch, both teams proved that defense was a thing of the past for each of them that year.   

 

It is remarkable how far M’s defense has come from 2009 to last Saturday.  And a great deal of that improvement is in the form of a determined defensive Wolverine, Jake Ryan.  Credit him with 7 solo tackles, and four assists, for a remarkable total of 11 tackles, and 4.5 tackles for loss.  He is a remarkable blend of speed, agility, and the desire to hit.  But it is his motor that may be most obvious.  Jake takes his football seriously.  LB Kenny Demens played well, gathering in an interception, making 3 solo tackles with 5 assists for a total of eight tackles.  

Desmond Morgan’s stats were almost as good.  He has been assigned the Legend’s Number 48, which honor’s a great Wolverine center, Gerald Ford.  That Desmond calls Grand Rapids home as did Gerald Ford, is a coincidence. Quinton Washington is seriously contributing as are the DBs.    And so is Greg Mattison, obviously providing extensive experience and grey matter to the defensive success.

The 13 points allowed in the three prior games seems valid proof of team defensive progress.  Before Saturday the Wolverines led the Big Ten in pass defense, and were seventh nationally.  I haven’t checked, but I assume they still do.

Coach Hoke on the defense…”The guys were well prepared. Part of that was Kenny Demens on his interception. We had worked the route. He had seen the formation. (Linebackers coach) Mark Smith did a great job with him, teaching. He jumped the route. He knew what the play was going to be. It tells you about the kids and the teachers they have as coaches, who are doing a great job with them. I think we played hard. We will look at film tomorrow, or even tonight, and we’ll know a little bit more. But, I thought we were a very physical football team.”

PREGAME/POSTGAME

If there is a lack of Illinois offensive capability, it was not in the form of Nathan Scheelhasse as he is their bright spot, as he was in 2010, and prior years.   He can throw to their best receiver, Ryan Lankford, and there are other offensive players that can help the experienced Big Ten quarterback.  But that offense  was generally thought to not be enough to whip the Wolverines at home.  Prior to Saturday, the Illini were outscored 82-28 in the second half. Actuality:  The Illinois nightmare continued, with the Wolverines putting 45 to zip on the board.  Now it is 127 to 28. 

Nathan has put up tons of points in his career, but Illinois is in the first year of Tim Beckman’s head coaching tenure, and there is a new offensive coordinator. Some Illini are missing former Head Coach Ron Zook. Actuality:  Scheelhasse’s influence on the out-come of this game was limited because of injury in the second quarter.  Both Illini QBs managed to throw 7 completions for 29-yards.  On the ground they had 37 attempts for 105-yards.  Their receivers dropped catchable passes. 

Coach Beckman has been beleaguered in his earl tenure at Illinois.  First for trying to benefit by gathering strays from the distraught Penn State herd of incumbent players when they were first beset by their program’s well-advertised misfortunes. More recently he was caught with a “chaw” during a game, which is strictly verboten. He has apologized, but the Big Ten remains firm, and will not install spittoons, brass or otherwise, on the sidelines, even in the cause of sanitation.  Actuality:  Saturday’s loss to the Wolverines did little to enhance his coaching resume at Illinois.  It appears the Illini are struggling as much as any team in the Big Ten, right now, and probably more. 

Their defense is experienced and talented, but its players have been labeled underachievers this year.  Would they break out this game?  Actuality: The Wolverines ran 51 times for 353-yards and 4 TDs.  Robinson got two of them, Rawls one, and Toussaint got one. The Illinois defense did not break out, but continued to struggle the entire game.  Underachievers still describes their defense. 

There was speculation as to the type of passing game M would deploy.  Would they try to throw downfield and abandon the basic passing game they used against Purdue, or use both.  Actuality: Jeremy Gallon streaked 71-yards to a TD in his only catch early in the game. Roy Roundtree had a single 33-yard catch, and could have had more had he not dropped a couple. Gardner, Toussaint, Dileo, J. Robinson, Funchess, Esterline and Rawls all had one catch.  Funchess scored on an 8-yard catch near the corner of the south end zone, and a thing of beauty it was.  Seldom used Dylan Esterline had a 7-yard catch near the end of the game, and his teammates were still patting him on the back as they approached the tunnel. 

Could they run by getting Fitzgerald Toussaint revved up, or would they in desperation try Thomas Rawls earlier in the game. Hoke made a reasonably plausible excuse for Fitz’s non production at West Lafayette stating Purdue chose to stop Fitz, and let Denard go because of Fitz’s 170-yards against them last year.  Time will verify or deny the plausibility of that premise. That Fitz would start is reinforced by the stated policy of Coach Borges which endorses one designated tail back to get most of the carries, but that doesn’t mean the clock isn’t ticking for Fitz as crunch time is now. Actuality: Fitz started and both Fitz and Thomas Rawls had carries.  Fitz gained 66-yards on 18 carries and had one TD. Thomas had 9 carries for 90-yards, with a 63-yard TD run.  I hope we see Rawls more in short yardage situations as Fitz did not score twice on one series from about the two.  Vincent Smith did not play, suffering from a tweaked hamstring. 

Coach Hoke on the improved play of the tailbacks:  “(Thomas) Rawls is a difficult guy to tackle. In the spring, he punished us a bit and in fall camp. I think Thomas is improving and he’s really grasped more of the offense, when you get into protections and passing games. Then you get to Fitz (Toussaint). There were two runs, to be honest with you. I thought that he maybe danced a little bit, but there were some runs where he really went vertical, north and south, made a cut and went downhill.” 

Will there be offensive line issues?  Did they adequately run block, and pass protect?  Avoid penalties?  Actuality:  They were adequate, and workmanlike. 45 points helps prove it, as does 527-yards of total offense.  

THE GAME IN BRIEF: 

The Illni received and the Wolverine defense slowly forced a punt.  On their 5th play Jeremy Gallon snared a Denard pass and galloped 71-yards for the game winner.  This reception was Gallon’s career long and longest scrimmage play of the season.  M went up 7-zip.  

Then the Wolverines produced a 65-yard, 9 play drive, ending in an 18- yard field goal. 10-zip. 

After Illinois missed a 50-yard FG, Denard went magic and produced a 33-yard run and a TD from 6-yards out. M 17-Illini 0.  Denard injured a hand during the quarter, but returned for the second half. 

Denard celebrated his return to action by engineering a six play drive that ended with Denard scampering 49-yards for his second rushing score.  This was a remarkable run featuring his ability to escape with quickness, agility, and speed. M 24-Illini 0. 

Early in the third quarter,  Kenny Demens stepped up and grabbed his first career interception on a magnificent play in which he appeared to recognize exactly which route was coming. Denard hit TE Devin Funchess with a high and highly accurate pass that Devin collared, and managed to get the necessary foot down in bounds. M 31-Illini 0. 

The Jake Ryan freight train then caused a fumble, and Mario Ojemudia recovered. Fitz Toussaint finished with a dive into the end zone.  M 37- Illini 0. 

Thomas Rawls rolled round right end for a 63-yard score, and that’s all there was.  Game over.  M 45- Illini 0. 

This was another good step up the championship ladder with disaster averted by a wide margin, on a rainy, dreary, cloudy day, with a constantly slippery football due to conditions.  The weather did not hamper the Blast From The Past. 

Again it was a Denard Robinson day. With 41 rushing TDs, Denard became the eighth player in NCAA history to rush for 40 TDs and throw for 40 TDs. 

Many off the bench played.  Among them were offensive players Esterline, Kwiatowski, Williams, Mateus, Burzynski (Barnum injured), Gunderson, Bellomy, Kennedy, Hayes, Kerridge, Glascow, Houma, Jackson and Reynolds. 

Defensively they were: Clark, Ojemudia (fumble recovery), Pipkens, Ash, Black, Heitzman, C. Gordon, Bolden, Ross, J.Wilson, and M. Robinson (a leader on special teams he blasted down a return man before the ball got there, thereby achieving the moarre spectacular penalties of the day). 

This is great for both team morale and individual technique. 

Finally, the slug fest that is the Michigan State game is at hand.  They will roll into Ann Arbor smarting from their usual perceived slights from the University of Michigan, and their most recent loss at Iowa.  Last year MSU won its many close games.  In a couple of instances that has not been true this year.    

It is up to the 133rd edition of the Wolverines to keep it that way.

 

Go Blue!

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M FOOTBALL 2012: BIG TEN OPENER WAS A MUST WIN FOR BOTH WOLVERINES AND BOILERMAKERS-THE WOLVERINES DOMINATED PURDUE 44 TO 13

WOLVERINES BEST GAME OF THE YEAR SO FAR

The sixth week of the 2012 season is already completed, and before Saturday’s game no one could be reasonably sure as to how good the 133rd edition of the Wolverines could be.  How likely were prospects for a competitive run at a Big Ten title to materialize?  Would the Wolverines at 2-2 get out of the gate faster than 3-1 Purdue?  They not only owned a better record at 3-1, but almost beat the Irish in Notre Dame Stadium.  The Boilers also harbored visions of winning the Big Ten, and had the comfort of their home crowd at Ross-Ade.  This was a crucial opener for both teams and, without doubt, the Wolverines played their best game of the year, offensively, defensively, and on special teams. 

PRE-GAME KEYS:

  • The shadow of Michigan’s missteps at Notre Dame still lingered.  Denard came off what he called his worst game ever, and no one could argue that.   For once, he was not the hero of the game, his 4 interceptions and red zone fumble put him in unfamiliar territory.  He owned up to his responsibilities and promised improvements.  Could the Wolverines limit their remarkable number of offensive turn overs ?  Actuality:  Denard was at his best, and lived up to his promises as his running paced the Wolverine victory in spectacular fashion.  His passing complemented his running with a  TD and 105-yards.  He ran twenty four times for 235-yards.  It was his 5th career 200-yard rushing game, and produced but a single turnover, a fumble recovered by the Boilers. He produced a number of long and spectacular runs, breaking Michigan and Big Ten yardage records.
  • Would the receivers produce and would the other than Denard’s ground game prosper?  Devin Gardner snagged 2 for 31-yards and a made a great catch for a 38-yard TD.  Jeremy Gallon had 3 catches and 37-yards with a long of 28-yards. Roy Roundtree came up with a couple.  Devin Funchess had one for 14-yards. The game plan set Denard’s legs in motion, used passing sparingly, and was an outstanding success, putting the Wolverines on path to an important win in alien territory.  While Fitz Toussaint had 17 carries for a paltry 19-yards, and a 1.1-yard average, he scored two TDs.  The lack of running back production is a  concern expressed by Coach Hoke.  Jeremy Gallon ran some end arounds in addition to receiving, and was very elusive.  Thomas Rawls’ TD came in mop up time, but he ran with authority.
  • The Notre Dame loss set some to wondering about Coach Borges’ management of the passing game.  At Notre Dame, in the first half Denard, threw 4 interceptions. Why were 2 more long passes called to be thrown by an obviously rattled QB, after the first two were intercepted?  Why wasn’t Denard rested for a series?  Would all this become forgettable water over the dam in the Big Ten opener? Actuality:  Its now water over the dam.  M’s sparse passing game was well managed and effective. Denard actually threw one away when trapped.
  • Could the offensive line provide better pass protection and better run blocking to provide the points necessary to win away from home, an area in which the offense has struggled? Against a hurry up spread offense?  Can they tackle in space?  Cause turn overs? Is our defense tougher than theirs? Actuality:  An emphatic yes to all the above, except the better run blocking for all but Denard. Purdue lost four turnovers- two interceptions and two fumbles. M fumbled once when Denard possibly held the read option too long on a play where he got intense pressure.  M won the TO battle.  The defense was workman like and effective.  They are progressing.
  • Was Kirk Herbstreit wrong picking Purdue to win? Actuality: It is most satisfying to say yes to this one, but it was hard to tell before the game as Purdue sports some decent football assets, like QB Caleb TerBush. Prior to Saturday he took over the position after Robert Marve was injured in the 20-17 loss to Notre Dame. The Boilers were alleged to be blessed with the best receivers M has faced this year, and they have a jumbo and talented defensive line.  Actuality: QB TerBush was rushed and sacked, and had a few catchable passes dropped by receivers. He had 105-yards on 16 throws, and one TD, with one interception returned down the sideline for a 63-yard TD by M’s Raymon Taylor. On this day his performance appeared fairly ordinary, but that is a credit to the Michigan defense, which played very well. Purdue did not throw down field much.  TerBush was relieved late in the game by Robert Marve, who returned from prior injury with some effectiveness, but also threw an interception to Thomas Gordon.  That one was returned 19-yards. Marve completed 5 of 8 for 43-yards, returning to action after recovery from a torn ACL.  He did provide a lift to the Boilers when he came in, but fortunately not enough to change results. Defensively, the Boilers LB’s are not as good as their down linemen.
  • Was home field advantage significant? Actuality: The Ross-Ade denizens are relatively close to the action in their 62,500 seat edifice, which is surfaced by prescription athletic turf.  Ross-Ade ambience is enhanced by the Golden Girl, and her companions in silver.  Actuality: Not a factor as the Wolverines went up early, the Purdue students were on break, and there was plenty of Maize and Blue to behold.  Only a crowd of approximately 50,000 attended on a great fall day.
  • Was the bye week helpful to the Wolverines?  Actuality: As M has won nine of its last ten outings after a bye week, it was business as usual.
  • Would special teams play be a factor contributing to victory or defeat? Actuality: Purdue kick-off returns were good enough to draw the attention of Coach Hoke in his on field after game remarks. The Boilers routinely had great return results.  They had many opportunities and too often started their offense at the M 35.   They ran 8 KOs back for 183-yards.  M’s Norfleet (3 returns for 76-yards with an average of 25.3) was no slouch either. Will Hagerup punted superbly. M’s Delonte Hollowell scooped up a Boiler muffed KO in the second quarter.  Brandon Gibbons hit FGs of 29, 42, and 27-yards, missing one of 44-yards that hit the cross bar.

THE GAME:

Michigan kicked off and the defense forced a Purdue punt.  They also made the most of their 1st offensive opportunity, holding the ball for eight minutes and 48 seconds.  This 17-play drive extended 78-yards and resulted in a 1-yard Fitz Toussaint TD.19 offensive players participated, providing perhaps the lengthiest drive since 1976.

With 111-yards of offense, and 12 minutes, 11-seconds of ball control, the first quarter was an almost perfect M start.

The  combination of a Purdue penalty, DRob running, Gallon and Garner receptions, and the short yardage TD by Toussaint, put M ahead and they never looked back. They ended the  1st quarter up 7 to nothing. 

The Wolverines made up for any shortage in points in the second quarter, scoring 21 points.  Fitz Toussaint scored on a one yard run, after an 8-play 60-yard drive which included a Devin Funchess grab, and a 38-yard Denard run, making it 14 zip Wolverines. 

Then Raymon Taylor grabbed a Purdue throw and scampered 63-yards down the sideline for a TD, and it was 21 zip.  Taylor showed why he has latched onto a starting cornerback spot.  This was a fantastic start.  There was hope for a blowout. Purdue moved downfield easily, but the Wolverine defense held them to a 40-yard field goal to make it 21-3. 

Before Robinson’s fumble (at the M 36) gave Michigan’s momentum a cold shower, he tossed a great 23-yard TD to a leaping Devin Gardner crossing the end zone.  A beautiful catch! Think Braylon Edwards.  Gallon contributed a 28-yard reception during the drive.  28-3 has a nice ring to it.  But Robinson’s fumble provided the Boilers a short field opportunity, and they made the most of it on a 4-yard TD pass.  The half ended  28-10. 

That half was the result of a great offensive and defensive effort, a great half of football against a decent team. Robinson was simply magnificent, notwithstanding the fumble. 

The third quarter was a bit of a standoff with M getting 3 on a 29-yard FG which completed an 8 play, 61-yard drive for a 31-10 lead. Denard contributed  an exciting 46-yard jaunt. 

Early in the 4th, the Boilers answered with a 37-yard FG.  The defense stopped a drive which looked to go all the way, and Gibbons answered with two FGs of his own,  One FG which covered 42-yards (Robinson had a 59-yard run to the Purdue 16), and one FG from 27-yards out. Now it was 37-13.  The concern was that M did not complete these drives in the end zone. Hoke referenced this in his post game comments. 

Thomas Rawls capped the scoring late in the game, with an outstanding 7-yard run to complete a 4-play, 33-yard drive for the 44-13 final score.  The entire 33-yard drive belonged to Thomas Rawls. 

ROBINSON BREAKS RECORDS

Denard is revising the Michigan and Big Ten record books. He now owns the Big Ten career quarterback rushing record with 3,905 career rushing yards. He has tied Mike Hart for career 200-yard rushing games. He is now in 5th place among M’s all time rushing leaders, passing Butch Woolfolk and Chris Perry. 

WHERE DO THE WOLVERINES GO FROM HERE?

It now appears the Wolverines will be able to compete well in the Big Ten, as long as they are reasonably healthy at key positions.  They have an influx of young talent that is beginning to step up. Note Funchess, Taylor, Norfleet and others. Desmond Morgan and Jake Ryan are improving every week as is Q. Washington.  

The Wolverines will return to the friendly confines of Michigan Stadium to host Illinois.  Forget the Illini record, they will provide excitement and competition. 

Go Blue!

 

 

 

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M Football 2012-NO LATE GAME HEROICS TO SECURE WIN AS WOLVERINES TAKE LOSS-MICHIGAN 6, NOTRE DAME 13.

WOLVERINE MISTAKES GUARANTEE OUTCOME

Recent Wolverine football games against the notorious Irish have produced competitive spectacles featuring last minute victories by the Wolverines as both vaunted programs have been trying to claw back to the top of the college football heap.

Lord, thank you for the turnovers we are about to receive…

But this time, the Wolverines produced no TDs, failed in the red zone twice early, produced five interceptions, fumbled twice, and produced foolish penalties.  To their credit Notre Dame produced better defense than they have in the past.

M trailed at the half 10-0, despite good defense.  Their offensive failures in the red zone in the first quarter were inexplicable.  A Raymon Taylor interception at the ND 27 and an Irish penalty putting the ball at the nine yard line seemed to set them up favorably early. The opportunity died by reason of interception.  Later in the quarter RB Vincent Smith threw a pass under pressure, throwing off the mark per Coach Hoke.  When that was intercepted another great opportunity was wasted.  A field goal was also missed in that quarter. Golden chances wasted. A total of seven turnovers (five interceptions and 2 fumbles) over the course of any game spells defeat for a football team nearly all the time.

Defensively M stopped the run, and forced out the starting ND QB Golson after a couple of interceptions.  He was replaced by last year’s starter Tommy Rees.  Rees ran for the only TD in the game.  Finally, nothing could overcome Michigan’s own gaffs.

FOUR OUT OF SIX OF THE MOST RECENT GAMES AGAINST THE IRISH HAVE BEEN GREAT FOR THE WOLVERINES

In, 2007, both M and ND were struggling with perception of declining national prominence, when Charlie Weise came to Michigan Stadium for what some disparagingly called “the bottom of the barrel bowl.”  It was also Lloyd Carr’s last shot at ND as the head man.  Hart was hearty, and Mallet hammered. Surprising absolutely everyone, the Wolverines prevailed 38-0.  The self-proclaimed “offensive (football) genius”, Charlie Weiss, then owned a notch in his own decline as ND coach, but in 2008, Charlie’ fortunes were rejuvenated, and the Wolverines were dismayed by 6 TOs and a 17 to 35 defeat.  Rich Rodriguez owned this one.

Game Photos

Fortunes reversed again in 2009, RR’s charges winning at home, 38-34, and fortunes stayed tuned to the Wolverines for 2010 with a win in ND Stadium, 28 – 24. Denard was superb with 502-yards rushing and passing, and he really hit the big time with this game. Roy Roundtree ran in a 31-yard TD.  The only sad note that day was that the great Ron Kramer passed away the day of this game.

In 2011, Brady Hoke won his first Head Coaching game against the Irish, 35-31, in the first night game in program history.  Roy Roundtree caught a spectacular TD falling out of bounds with the ball being wrestled by an Irish DB, and again the Wolverines won in the final minutes in spectacular fashion after coming back from behind.  Last year the Irish dominated until the final quarter, M having produced only 3 first downs in the 1st half.  Denard again proved to be a football weapon of mass production as he engineered another spectacular last minute defeat of the Irish with under thirty seconds remaining.

PRE-GAME PERCEPTIONS OF SATURDAY’S GAME, AND SOME ACUALITIES

There were numerous unanswered questions regarding Wolverine’s Team 133   prior to this contest.  The blasting by Alabama, the ball possession of the precise triple option scheme of the cadets of Air Force, and the home opener against winless Massachusetts, did not provide sufficient answers to the following and more.

  • Could M create a passing game against a decent defense like NDs that would be sufficient to open up the running game?   Actuality: 5 interceptions and two fumbles prevented any M TDs or magical comeback in this game. Would Fitz Toussaint, and all, take some of the load off Denard?  Actuality:  Fitz lugged 13 times for 58-yards, most of the yardage coming later in the game.  Michigan presented an anemic run game outside of Denard’s efforts, until late.   DRob carried 26 times, earning 90-yards.
  • Would the heretofore effective pass blocking continue and the effectiveness of that blocking extend to the running game?  After all, ND had held the Spartans to 50-yards on the ground.  The actuality:  Again, outside of Denard, M had no running game until the second half.  The protection of the OL was poor in some passing situations, causing Denard to revert to flinging it downfield when rushed. Even so, M had 299 total-yards to ND’s 239. Giving all due credit to ND, which earned it, particularly on defense, this is a game that should have belonged to the Wolverines had they retained their poise.
  • Would the M defense be able to get off the field, and stop up the middle? The actuality:  They did a good job against the run for most of the evening.  It appeared to me that the DL showed progress.  ND gained only 94-yards rushing.
  • Could Michigan get a pass rush, create any defensive TOs, and eliminate Irish interceptions and big plays? Actuality: Ryan knocked down a pass with a spectacular leap.   The M defense played well for most of the game, got two early interceptions, but got no help from their sputtering, mistake prone offense, until late in the game, when they managed two field goals.  Holding the Irish scoreless and to three plays in the third quarter was an accomplishment.  Thomas Gordon got an end zone interception.  But in the 4th quarter at crunch time, Notre Dame produced the drive that sealed it with a field goal.  When the defense created ND TOs, Wolverine offensive mistakes (interceptions, a fumble, and penalties) cancelled any chance to obtain a win. Devin Gardner was the leading receiver collaring 3 for forty yards.  He slid into some objects on the sidelines and injured an arm.
  • Could M special teams contain returns, and tackle effectively?  The actuality: M did not score until a pair of FGs in the 4rd quarter (Gibbons for 33-yards and for 31-yards), so there were few ND returns.  Matt Wile kicked off effectively, although he did not get much chance to do so. Dennis Norfleet was again outstanding in returning kickoffs. He returned three for 87-yards with a long of 33.
  • Denard is 90% or more of M’s offense and has had spectacular success against ND.  Could he do it again by land and air?  Actuality:  Denard was responsible for most of M’s offense as usual.  He also contributed most of  the constant offensive miscues.  Four interceptions and a fumble is nasty, but don’t lay it all on Denard.  The offensive line had its moments of indifferent pass blocking and penalties.  Denard when, rushed tends to fling it downfield, but ND deserves some credit.  They put on the pressure.  It was definitely his worst game against Notre Dame and maybe his worst ever.  Five Denard turnovers  a personal record, but  Denard’s performance over all games has been spectacular, notwithstanding this one.  With this game he passed Chad Henne in offensive production with 9,438 total yards, and he now has 1,197 career total yards against Notre Dame, but this will mean little to him right now.  I can’t believe those who trash him with their ill-conceived derogatory comments in some forums.  He has had and will have better days, but Saturday he did have a miserable 22nd birthday, at least the part in Notre Dame Stadium.
  • Would this be another close classic?  Well it was pretty close but it certainly wasn’t a classic.  ND made less mistakes and won, but they had their share of mistakes. Michigan had more first downs (19 to 14), more 3rd down conversions (8 of 15 to 3 of 9) and total yardage.  And more mistakes.  Tiresome to keep mentioning them,  but they were the key aspects of this game.

Almost every one conversant with Wolverine’s football knew that the Notre Dame game was the appropriate litmus test for the early season, and knew that we did not have a handle on the Wolverines standing from the first three games.

Now we do.  This year’s version of the Wolverines will struggle to win games, although they will be more competitive once they get a handle on their own mistakes, and young players develop.  They blew an opportunity to win a high profile game against a team that does not appear to be significantly better in spite of being ranked at 11 to the Wolverines 18.

Those two red zone failures in the first quarter could have been the ticket to a great win.  They changed M’s fortunes big time.  A 14 to nothing early lead would have changed things drastically.

To their credit the Wolverines played hard.  Post-game Coach Hoke indicated that both sides played hard, and it was obvious.  The running game got a little life in the second half, but I had to wonder why the ball kept going down field to be intercepted until the first drive of the second half, when some short passing game appeared.

This team is not going to roll over and play dead.  Denard, (and hopefully Coach Borges) will learn and adapt, and they will not disintegrate.  Nobody will quit. Maybe the defense came of age a little.

Bring on the Boilermakers in a key B1G game at Purdue.  The Boilermakers played Notre Dame better than we did, and may be a contender this year. While this game did nothing at all to improve the perception of the B1G, it appears there is a lot of parity within the League.  The Boilers will be tough competition having a good defense and decent offense, in what still appears to be an uncertain year.  It is going to be a tough two weeks at Schembechler Hall.  Team 133 will have a bye week to lick their wounds, and find some answers.  They will find them.

Go Blue!