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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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2018-FIVE MISCUES SINK OUTBACK BOWL, 19-26

The Wolverines toted an 8-4 regular season record to Tampa’s Outback Bowl at noon on the 1st day of January 2018, to confront South Carolina’s Gamecocks in Raymond James stadium. It certainly looked like they would fashion a hard-earned victory, but their own miscues allowed the Gamecocks victory. They were well on their way to a late lead, when QB Brandon Peters threw his first career interception in the red zone. It hurt the cause with 5:42 left in third quarter. Last year’s finish to the season was distressing, and here it is again. This time with an 8 and 5 finish.

The Wolverines wanted to usher in 2018 as a new era of Michigan Football with a memorable start. An era replete with impressive individual and team performances. But instead they fashioned a loss.

Shame to see this game as the last Michigan hurrah for notable Seniors like Mo Hurst, Pat Kugler, and others.

The next time you see Mo in a football uniform it will be on Sundays sans the winged helmet. Mo was the 2017 Wolverine’s MVP, and a consensus All-American. He had contemplated not playing in the Outback to avoid injury to maintain his expected status in the upcoming pro draft. The specter of last year’s injury to Jake Butt, which is still hampering Jake’s pro progress, was a serious consideration.

Even before his decision to play for the Blue one last time, Mo Hurst had proved to be a consummate Michigan Man, and that continued. He played another outstanding game for the Wolverine’s New Year’s Day.

There are other past contributors to M football that have decided to take their football elsewhere to exhaust their fifth-year graduate eligibility. Quarterback Wilton Speight contributed much to M Football, and whether here or elsewhere, should be lauded for his effort, ability and determination while wearing the Maize and Blue. His nasty spinal injury was a difficult problem to overcome in time to play again this season. Wilton could have provided some welcome QB experience next year, and competed for the starting QB position.

The QB roster has recently been strengthened with the transfer to Michigan of QB Shea Patterson from the University of Mississippi, a.k.a. Ole Miss. This program has recently been beleaguered by serious NCAA violations. This has enabled some of their players to transfer to other institutions to continue their NCAA football careers. Patterson was a highly ranked recruit, and performed in accordance with that ranking for Ole Miss, until he was injured in the regular season just completed. He has three years to exhaust his Maize and Blue eligibility as things stand.

M QB Alex Malzone will try his fortunes elsewhere, as will Wide Receivers Maurice Ways and Drake Harris. Drake played in 7 games this year, but only snagged nine catches, and battled injuries seemingly continuously during his career. Drake could have been a poster child for injuries. They occurred and recurred for him, and hindered his display of talent, and advancement.

We should, and we do wish all departing Seniors, these good M men, a great future in whatever they choose to do, wherever they choose to do it. 

 

PETERS AND THE OFFENSE HAD A JOURNEYMAN DAY: In opposition of some fan expectations, Brandon Peters did not fashion a leg up on the 2018 starting quarterback job. He did make some nice plays, and also some bad mistakes as the Wolverines lost. He had an ordinary game, throwing for no TDs, and 2 interceptions.

There was a key fumble on an exchange with Sean McKeon as the running back. In after game comments Coach Harbaugh indicated it was a matter of the wrong personnel being on the field.

That Peters had his face mask pulled as he was sacked in the second half, and was poked in the eye, and had to sit some at crunch time, was a real downer, a critical turning point. John O’Korn came in and had no magic, either.

When Peters came back in, he threw a game clinching interception which ruined a late and great M red zone chance. A chance to take the lead.

The four field goals came back to haunt them as the Wolverines produced an anemic 277-yards of total offense.

The starting offensive line consisted of Cole, Onwenu, Kugler, Ruiz and Runyan. , Spaniellis replaced a dinged Kugler at center.

Peters was often hurried. At times the OL produced holes for Higdon, and Evans, The average yards per carry in the first quarter was something like 2.2-yards an attempt. It boggles my mind that a team that practices against a blitz everyday can’t handle the rush consistently, and protect its quarterback. This has to change.

Peters needed to play well to get this win, to earn a leg up on the competition he will face at the QB position next year. His prime competitors at the position of QB consist of Sophomore Dylan McCaffery, who red shirted this season, and incoming and experienced talent from Ole Miss transfer, QB Shea Patterson. They are both hyper talented. It seems likely Patterson will be allowed to play next year, although NCAA permission has not yet been granted. In any case, the QB room will have three good talents in the room during next season’s meetings.

All will be set to operate in prime competitive mode at the QB position, but they will miss a win at the Outback Bowl as their starting point. A win in that fracas would have been pure gold to jump start next season.

There are other QB talents in the wings. Hopefully they will not have to contribute sooner than later.

PLAYCALLING WAS NOT INVENTIVE, AND PREDICTABLE: The other side said afterwards that the route running in the passing game was very predictable, and the offense favored its tendencies. The running game was not inventive. It also fell short, producing only 74-yards. Karan Higdon fell six yards short of 1,000-yards. He had 17 carries for 65-yards. He averaged 3.8 yards per carry. Evans had 9 carries for 24 yards. He averaged 2.7 per carry. He and Evans both ran hard.

HARD HITTING GAME: Apparently there was a verbal war of words between the Wolverines and Gamecocks at pregame get acquainted bowling competition.

No one from either side got bowled over, and cooler heads prevailed, but it was an indication that it was not to not be a ho-hum affair.

On at least one occasion, it was a little too hard hitting on the part of one defensive Gamecock. He was flagged for targeting and thrown out for putting the top of his helmet on M receiver Donovon Peoples-Jones helmet.

The targeting call was reviewed and up held.

Muschamp went nuts, but it looked deliberate to me as did the face mask on Peters. I can’t say that Will Muschamp earned any respect from me in this game. Not that he cares.

THE GAMECOCKS: Their first scoring drive in the third quarter had two plays where our defense was out schemed. The second play resulted in six, and provided the path to their first TD and their victory.

There were some similarities between the teams. The similarities included an 8-4 record for the 2017 regular season, an offense that sometimes sputtered, but this game outplayed the Wolverines. Their defense was a solid defense that was respected more than their offense.

They too had a desire to finish up 9-4. Their defense was solid and their offense suspect. Sound familiar?

A big difference was that their offense, even though suspect, showed up when it counted.

The Gamecocks wanted to sustain the alleged superiority of the SEC over the B1G that the SEC proclaims, and in this case they did prevail. If we ever play them again, they will still be crowing over two wins, not just the hit.

Before the game, they fired their Offensive Coordinator for a very recognizable reason. Like Michigan, their offense had struggled against their better opponents.

2018 Outback Bowl - 01

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M’s DEFENSE OUTPLAYED ITS OFFENSE, BUT STILL DID NOT HOLD A 20-POINT LEAD IN THE SECOND HALF. If one says that they let 20 unanswered points happen in the last half, it is also fair to state the offense answered the twenty with three. Again the defense played an extraordinary game for most of three quarters. Again, when it counted the opposition found a chink in the armor in the third quarter as exhibited in the Gamecocks first TD drive.

It is fair to say they were often faced with sudden change caused by offensive gaffes, and one special teams error. Inexplicably Donovon Peoples-Jones dropped a punt deep in his own territory and it was recovered by SC. 

HOW THEY SCORED: The game started out as strictly a defensive production for both sides. It got a little interesting for Michigan Fans when Quinn Nordin booted the first of his four FGs at 3:42 of the 1st Quarter.

Ambry Thomas opened proceedings with the recovery of a fumbled Gamecocks punt. The drive stalled and Quinn Nordin hit a 17-yard FG. M was up 3 zip.

Quinn hit a 26-yarder, SC hit one from 44-yards, and Quinn hit a 45-yard field goal to make it 9-3 to end the first half. The FGs were nice but unsettling. When would the TDs begin?

The Wolverines kicked to start the second half, held and produced a great TD drive of 72-yards. Nico Collins used big frame to nab a 13-yard catch, K. Crawford got one for 27-yards, Higdon ran for 10 to the one, and Ben Mason hauled it in for six. This was his second career TD.

It was now 19-3. The Wolverines were in command at the ten-minute mark of the third quarter.

Noah Furbush then intercepted a tipped pass and advanced it 27-yards to the SC 27. Great play by Furbush. The Wolverines had a 1st down at the SC 9-yard line, when Higdon, struggling for yardage, had the ball ripped loose. SC recovered and another golden opportunity was history.

The Wolverines Quinn Nordin then struck again, this time from 48-yards out. Now 22-3 at the 5:42 mark of the third quarter, the Wolverines were still very much in charge.

But not for long, as SC moved 77-yards featuring a 17-yard TD run. Two M penalties were also featured. L. Marshall was offside early in the drive, and Josh Metellus was called for unsportsmanlike conduct. I believe M’s defense got out schemed on this drive. It was now M 19, SC 10.

Things were about to rapidly unravel for the Wolverines. A Peters, McKeon exchange error was offered the football on the ground to the Gamecocks and they covered it. The fumble is credited to Peters. A 27-yard pass made it 19-16 as SC did not convert their two-point attempt. At the end of the third quarter it remained 19-16.

The Wolverines could not move offensively to start the 4th, but the Gamecocks could. SC completed a 55-yard TD pass and it was 19-23. The big play bug bit again at crunch time.

Peters was sacked, poked in the eye, and went to the bench. John O’Korn replaced him. Peters came back in, and the ball moved to the SC five.

Peters then threw the first interception of his career. I thought things could not get worse, but a punt that DPJ was fielding at his 10-yard line bounced off his shoulder pad, and SC recovered it at the M 14. They then hit a 22-yard FG. And it was 19-26.

Donovon Peoples-Jones  muffed a punt which was recovered at the M 14, to compound M’s woes.  It led to the 22-yard SC FG included in the score above.

M had one more chance after a missed SC FG, but Peters threw his second interception, and it was over except for the gloating by SEC mavens.

THIS WAS A TOUGH SEASON: The Wolverines played hard this season but did not do well against better competition. This last loss was particularly tough for them, but it is not the end of their world or ours.
The coaches performed a near miracle with a defense that had one returning starter, and again was one of the best in the country. The coaches could not perform the same miracle for the offense. Running backs look better, play calling, and scheme are not getting necessary results.

They need to get stronger. Some of that may be helped by a new Strength and Conditioning perspective as Kevin Tolbert is leaving and Ben Herbert has been retained. Herbert formerly was with Wisconsin and and Arkansas.

I do not know how to make the Wolverines a well oiled football machine, but I trust the coaches do, and I hope they will be geared up to slug it out next season.

Thank you for slogging through these pages this season, Happy New Year, and Go Blue!

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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2017: THE GAME IS LOST AGAIN 20-31

Another contingent of self-important, and self-assured Buckeyes fans piled into Michigan Stadium in full bray regarding great deeds of their talented Buckeyes this season (nobody mentions Oklahoma), and their certainty of an addition to the string of wins they have had against Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines.

There was also some rightful crowing regarding their domination of predecessor Michigan teams and coaches, back to and after disgraced Ohio Coach Jim Tressel. The Buckeyes posted their 6th straight win against the Wolverines, and have won 13 of the last 14.  On last Saturday they owned the rushing statistics 226-yards to 100. M owned the passing stats 195-yards to 124.

Besides their winning streak versus the Wolverines, the Buckeyes had demolished PSU and MSU this season, feats which eluded the Wolverines.  

Six straight M losses to the Ohio State horde has not lessened the aggravation for the losing team, and could not have elated the winning team more.

That Michigan took this loss hard, was readily evident in the post-game interviews.  They were incensed, and disappointed their valiant effort fell short of a win. The Wolverines fought hard.

This tally of Ohio wins has unarguably become more than a simple aggravation, and is a thorn in the side (and other regions) of Michigan fans everywhere.

While it is never fun to give the devil his due, Ohio State played hard and very well Saturday, even if they couldn’t seal their win until the last two minutes of play.

These results have had some M fans again recalling with relish the John Cooper days as head football Coach at the Ohio State University, but don’t step to the ledge.

During the Ten Year’s War, and later through the John Cooper Ohio coaching era, M prevailed more often than not. The pendulum will swing the Wolverines way again. 

It is certain that next year won’t be too soon for Coach Harbaugh, and Wolverine fans.

Harbaugh owns a dismal record against teams with a winning record this season.

He is now one and five against the likes of OSU and MSU in his M career.  Also against other better teams in the Big Ten this season, his team has not prevailed. PSU was an outright embarrassment. These are conditions are overripe, and must be remedied.  

This season a Wolverine win was of course wanted, needed, and at the same time highly unlikely.  The Wolverines were solid underdogs, and were uncertain as to which QB would be available for the nod to play. Of necessity, their third string QB got that nod, as John O’Korn started.  Brandon Peters continued to show effects of injury all week according to Harbaugh afterwards.

Many of the games have been razor’s edge close against the horde, even at the Shoe, and this year’s tilt in M Stadium was no exception.

Last year the festivities came down to two overtimes. It seemed to Michigan fans that last year’s game turned on a faulty late game spot in ball placement in favor of the Buckeyes, which aided in turning an apparent chance of success into failure. 

Urban himself was so stunned with the win he dropped to the turf, flat on his belly in astonishment and glee at the victory.

M QB JOHN O’KORN KEPT THE WOLVERINE’S OFFENSE IN THE GAME UNTIL ABOUT THE 2 MINUTE MARK OF THE FOURTH QUARTER DESPITE PRIOR ERRORS.

John had his struggles against a very good OSU defense.  He overthrew three receivers in the first half alone.  Others were missed during the course of the game. He was sacked five times, and that was not all on John.  The OL, and backs share some of that blame. Still, in at least 3 of the five sacks, he did not seem capable of getting rid of the ball quickly enough to avoid the sack. In another instance, he got his feet tangled with center Pat Kugler, and fell down on a critical series.  The error that will be remembered for years happened with about two minutes left. 

Finally, at about the two minute mark of the fourth quarter, O’Korn tossed an interception fatal to Ms winning ambitions. A drive to victory was deceased. Dead as a door nail.  There were receivers open, but he tossed an errant ball to the Bucks because he misread the coverage.

His description of it was something like this in the post-game presser.  Its thrown, and you can see its no good. You can’t get it back. Nobody feels worse about it than John O’Korn.

We as fans think we are really invested in winning, but the players give it their all, mentally and physically.  John’s emotions of frustration and regret welled up in the presser. Losing hits the players harder than us.

John did not have a totally bad day, but on a day when perfection was required, the errors were too many, regardless of the fact he had not played for weeks.

He hit 17 of 32 for 1 TD and 1 interception.  His short TD pass was laser perfect.  Despite everything, all their errors, the Wolverines were in it to the last. Again.

OFFENSE SCORING MORE THAN TEN WAS NOT ENOUGH, BUT AN IMPROVEMENT:  Kahlid Hill, Sean McKeon and Higdon scored TDs.  Chris Evans lead the M rushers with 57 net yards for an average of 6.1 yards, and a long of 24.  He also nabbed 5 passes for 34-yards, with a long of 13.  Karan Higdon had 55-yards rushing, a TD, and a long of 22. Sean McKeon caught a TD pass, and Kekoa Crawford led the receivers I yardage with 57-yards, and a spectacular catch and run for 43 -yards which led to a score.

THE GOOD AND BAD OF THE DEFENSE: Much of what kept the Wolverines in the game was the defense.  It was amazingly effective, wildly successful at times, but it was also sometimes causing a “what the hell happened there” reaction in observers, as the Michigan defense gave up quarterback runs to the second-string JT Barrett replacement quarterback, Dwayne Haskins, as well as to Barrett, and could not protect leads.

Part of that might be attributed to a lack of DL depth.  Constant blitzing is demanding. They will accrue more depth with time, and they have improved over the course of the season. 

Mike McCray had ten total tackles with 8 solo.  He caused 2 TFLs.  Rashan Gary, dinged before and during the game, also had ten total tackles, with 5 solo.  He had 2 sacks and 3 TFLs. Chase Winovich had 9 total tackles, with 3 solo.  He had 1 sack and 1.5 TFLs.

As good as they did at times, they allowed 228-yards rushing, a total of 350-yards, and they made stops on  only 8 of 16 third downs.

They were dominate for periods of time, stifling the OSU offense.  They allowed only a negative 6-yards gained in the first quarter.

HOW THEY SCORED: The Wolverines had the first offensive possession and were stopped defensively, and their defense returned the favor to the Buckeyes on their first possession.

In about the middle of the 1st. the Wolverine’s Chris Evan’s scampered for 24-yards.  Later Zach Gentry nabbed a 27-yard heave on third and eight, and took it to OSU 14.  After a penalty, another toss to Gentry, this time a five yarder, took it to the two. Kahlid Hill took it in from there for a tough two-yard TD. This 13 play, 77-yard drive enables a score of M-7, OSU zip.

The Bucks had a three-play drive that lost eight yards, and then one that lost 10-yards. 

The Buckeyes called a time out at 2 seconds left in the first quarter.  They punted from their own 7.

Donovon Peoples-Jones gathered in the punt.  Zig-zagging and breaking tackles, he ran down the sidelines 46-yards to the OSU eleven-yard line. DPJ is beginning to show his stuff, and drew praise from Harbaugh after the game. A half the distance holding call advanced the ball six-yards to the five.   Higdon ran it to the two, and the quarter was finished with the Wolverines threatening and a TD ahead. M-7, OSU-0.

O’Korn’s TD pass to Sean McKeon for three-yards put it into the end zone.  M was up 14-zip to start the second quarter.  It was a two play five-yard drive.

The Wolverines failed to contain JT Barrett, and the Bucks marched 11-plays and 75-yards.  Barrett got the TD on a 21-yard scramble.  M-14, OSU-7.  On the prior play Josh Metellus was hit in the hands, and dropped an errant OSU pass that would have killed the OSU scoring drive, and perhaps jump started an M victory.

On their next possession the Bucks did it again.  This time it was a 3 play, fifty-yard drive, after holding the Wolverines.

Again, it was Barrett. This time he performed a 26-yard jaunt, and  then a TD pass for 25-yards.  It was 14 up at the half.  It was mind boggling that a credible and known threat like Barrett was allowed to scamper.

The Bucks received to start the third quarter, and they were held by the Wolverines to a 3-play nine-yard drive before punting.

M couldn’t move offensively, and the Bucks were then held to 3 plays and minus one-yards. 

The Wolverines struck first in the quarter, but not often enough.  It was their last score of the day.

O’Korn hit a 43-yard completion to Kekoa Crawford to the OSU 8-yard line. It was a memorable play for Crawford. OSU helped by getting hit for half the distance to the goal for holding.  Karan Higdon ran for a tough one-yard, and then a tough two-yards for the score to make it M-20, OSU-14.

The fourth quarter held no charm for the Wolverines as the Buckeyes struck early, putting together a ten play, forty seven-yard drive, that resulted in six.

OSU reserve QB Dwayne Haskins had replaced the injured JT Barrett and tossed a 29-yard pass amid many runs by Weber. A forty four-yard field goal made it 24-20.  The earlier extra point miss by the Wolverines put it out of reach of field goal tie.  The Wolverines now needed more that than one score to tie or win.

John O’Korn threw his game changing interception and the die was cast.  The Bucks laid on one more TD for good measure with under two minutes left on the clock, as Ohio’s Mike Weber ran for a twenty-five- yard TD.  The final was 20-31.

TAKE AWAY:  All season long we have wanted the Wolverines to be more special than they turned out to be.  They turned out to be a very solid eight and four team.

Their lack of depth at the quarterback position, the lack of development of consistent timing between QBs and receivers hurt chances, the lack of development of consistent run and pass blocking, and significant injuries, all led the Wolverines to not achieve at the level they wanted to.  Yes, lack of experienced depth due to losses from last year’s team also provided a barrier to our hopes, and their goals.

The defense mostly played at a level superior to that of the offense, and at times were outstanding, but they too had their problems.  Big plays for example, and not protecting leads.  Even without Maurice Hurst, they should be better next year, or at best, by bowl time.    

It should be known where they will be Bowling soon.

No matter where they go, or how they do, they deserve credit for all the hard work, scrapes, nicks, and bumps that they have taken on behalf of our team this season. They gave fantastic effort to their team.

Go Blue!

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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2017: BADGERS BOUNCE WOLVERINES 10 TO 24

The Wolverines trekked to the other side of Lake Michigan to Madison, Wisconsin to battle the undefeated Badgers of the University of Wisconsin in their most significant contest yet this season.

The Wolverines played a decent first half, but could not present an effective offense or defense for the last third of the third quarter, and in the fourth quarter.  This has been a symptom of their play all year long.  Complete games have been rare against better opponents.

Both sides had great expectations and motivation in this battle, but the Badgers prevailed to remain undefeated and on top of the Big Ten.

BADGERS: Foremost in the Badger’s immediate expectation was to hammer the Wolverines.  All time, the Badgers had suffered at the hands of the Wolverines, but they have had their moments, as the M record of 50 wins includes 15 losses, and Saturday’s win.

One of those moments was an early season 1980’s contest against the Wolverines in Camp Randall. In a season opener, the Wolverines featured their great running back Butch Woolfolk, and went into the game ranked Number One in the country.  They were convincingly toppled by the Badgers, demolishing M’s expectations and momentum.

This time around the Badgers were ranked Number Five, and had a shot at another step towards an unbeaten season. They had the advantage of playing on home turf at a frenzied Camp Randall Stadium in front of a packed house of over 80,000.

Representing the much-maligned West Division, which they had already won, they wanted to teach the higher profile East Division a lesson by taking another step up the ladder in esteem.  They were already destined for the Big Ten East/West game in Indianapolis.

If the right circumstances occur, the Badgers could possibly get a shot at NCAA football’s football final four.  It’s a long shot, but a shot. These were compelling expectations and motivations.

A victory over the nineteenth ranked Wolverines is just the ticket to eliminate criticism that the Badgers had not beaten a ranked opponent, and had played an easy schedule.  That discussion is now diminished, if not at an end.

WOLVERINES: The Wolverines still desperately needed a “signature” win.  Coach Harbaugh and his Michigan  program have not routinely knocked off a member of upper football echelons in a meaningful game.   I think one out of six in his Michigan Head Coaching career is the correct number. This season has been no exception to date.

M also wanted to maintain the slim chance of a shot at the Big Ten Championship.  They needed to combine a win over the Badgers at their home burrow, with a clobbering of the Buckeyes in their regular season finale to maintain that chance. That is gone now, except for wanting to clobber the Buckeyes.

They also wanted to play spoiler. They did not want the Badgers to continue to sniff an undefeated season, but couldn’t stop them.

BRIEF STATS:  Offense: The Wolverines managed a dismal average rushing yardage of 1.6-yards a carry. Chris Evans led the pack hauling 10 for 25-yards with a long of 10 and a 2.5-yard average.  Karan Higdon, who was dinged during the game and left it, toted 7 for 20-yards with a long of 8 for 2.3 average.  Donovan Peoples Jones ran once for twelve yards.

Donovan Peoples Jones led the receivers. DPJ had his best day as a Wolverine receiver gathering in 4 passes for 64-yards with a long of 48-yards.  Zach Gentry had a thirty-five yard completion that put the Wolverines at the five early, before the DPJ no TD call and Peters lost fumble.

Defense: K. Hudson had six solo tackles. He had 1.5 sacks and 1.5 TFLs.  Josh Metellus had the same stats minus the sacks and TFLs.

Michigan had 58 net yards rushing, and 143 net yards passing to Wisconsin’s 176 net yards rushing and 183 net yards passing.

HOW THEY SCORED; First Half: The odds were against the Wolverines but they stayed determined, and played hard and smart for much of the game on offense and defense, especially in the first half.

A costly first half special teams gaffe was an exception.  An M punt hit the ground and laid there unpossessed for a second or two.  An alert Badger scooped it up for a 50-yard TD.

This lackadaisical punt return effort allowed the first TD by either side for the day.  Did the Wolverines think the ball was dead when it hit the ground?  Whatever the case, it was a major error.

There was only one Wolverine near the ball as it lay on the ground before being picked up by a Wisconsin player, and toted to 50-yards into the end zone.  The M player overran the ball, and could not get back to make the tackle. Another player wearing Maize and Blue missed his tackle, and the Badger was home free.

This special team’s gift made it 0-7 Badgers at 8:52 of the first quarter.

It was not the Wolverines lucky day. There was some first half bad luck for the Wolverines.  A great Peters throw to Donovon Peoples-Jones for 48-yards was captured by a leaping DPJ in the end zone.

While in the air, he was being pushed to the boundary by the defender.  He had control of the pass as first his left, and then the right foot came down.  I thought the replay showed the left foot in bounds and the right out a split second later as it touched the line.

It was the judgement of the officials after review, it was not a catch.  That TD was still born.

Next came Peters first turnover as the M QB. On the subsequent play, it looked like the Wolverine’s  red zone woes were in the past, as Peters sprinted to the goal line down the sideline.  A little short of the flag (pylon), he tried to switch the ball from his left to right hand to score by stretching stretch over the pylon.  Jostled during the switch, he dropped the ball, and a Badger recovered.

Before those two plays, the Wolverines had earlier enjoyed some good luck when an apparent Badger third and 14 first down conversion was overturned on review.

Donovan Peoples-Jones contributed to positive passing stats with a 48-yard grab of a perfectly thrown Peters’ pass. DPJ had his best day as a Wolverine receiver..

On third and eight, Peters then checked down to Chris Evans for a 19-yard first down.  TE Sean McKeon then nabbed another nifty Peters pass of 14-yards and the ball was on the Wisconsin one.

Harbaugh got inventive, and lined up K. Hill beside Ben Mason.  Mason got the call, and the one-yard TD, which was the first of his career.

Despite of the special-teams gaff, the Wolverines had bettered the Badgers in the first half.  Wisconsin had not scored an offensive TD, and the Wolverines had allowed the Badgers just 99-yards of offense.

HOW THEY SCORED; Second Half: The first two-thirds of the third quarter were good for the Wolverines.  M Punter Brad Robbins set the Badgers on their own ten after the Wolverines held to begin the third quarter. The defense stood tall, and the special teams stood tall.  M’s Robbins dropped a punt on the Wisconsin ten.

M’s Viper, Devin Bush, stood especially tall as he collared an errant Badger pass on the first play of the drive to put the M offense at the Wisconsin 29.  The Wolverines offense stalled and they had a Quinn Nordin field goal of 39-yards.  M-10; Wisc.-7.

Nordin was relieved and happy after his score on the sidelines. In a big game, under pressure of previous misses, he knocked it through to aid his team, and preserve his job.  Harbaugh had warned him after the last game not to miss another.

Even though the later loss of Peters was also very significant, I believe that not scoring a TD after the sudden change was a serious turning point of the half, and the game.

The wind seemed to go out of the Wolverines defense.  The Wolverines helped the Badgers by means of a Tyree Kinnel 15-yard pass interference penalty. The Badgers took it to the house from there.  A 24-yard pass capped a 7 play, 77-yard drive that produced all that was needed to win, as Wisconsin went ahead to stay, 10-14, at about 3:32 of the third.

The Wolverines went three and out, and Peters was downed by what I considered a late hit that could have been called, but wasn’t.  It was close.  Peters was lost for the game.

After the game Harbaugh said he seemed OK, but was getting checked out.  He also said O’Korn was ready.

Hopefully, Peters will be back to face the wrath of the Buckeyes, but possibly not if it is a head injury instead of a shoulder injury.  Then the concussion protocol could rightfully apply.

John O’Korn took over, and the offense could score no more points.  John made no mistakes, but the Wolverines were not effective offensively from that point of the game on.

Meanwhile, the Badgers were super charged, and went up 10-21 on the strength of a 32-yard TD run.

With 2:22 left Wisconsin hit a 30-yard field goal to make the final 27-10.

TAKE AWAY:  The Wolverines offensive line and its backs do not shield the QB very well, so it is no surprise whatever that Peters was knocked out of the game.  In fact, it was predictable, and predicted.

The Wolverines are a team that has not yet this year played a full game effectively against the better teams they faced.  While the defense shines for a longer period and is more remarkable, they too finally bite the dust late against the better teams.

The offense is significantly ineffective in producing points against the better defenses.  For a team the relies on its running game as a staple, they often can’t move the chains at crunch time as runs are stifled with the box loaded with defenders. The pass pro is so rudimentary that they can’t consistently move the chains through the air.  Michigan’s QB is too often harassed.  They suffered well over a dozen QB hurries.

The Wolverines game management is too often suspect.  Why did they have to use so many time outs so early in the first half?  It didn’t burn them this time, but could.

Almost everyone forecast that this game was a true litmus test of the Wolverines fortunes and capabilities this year, and forecast that at this we would be able to measure this edition of the Wolverines.

These results show that they look like they fit well into an 8-4 season.

They can change that perception as the big, ugly shadow of the Buckeyes looms over them.  It will take a lot of fight for sixty minutes.  Ten points will not do the trick.  We will see if the Wolverines can do it.

Go Blue!

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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2017: M DOMINATES SCOREBOARD IN 35-10 WIN OVER MARYLAND

The Wolverines traveled to College Park, Maryland Saturday afternoon to confront the Maryland Terrapins in a 3:30 PM football game.

The Wolverines were fresh from a soggy, but very necessary victory over the Golden Gophers in Michigan Stadium in their last outing, while the Terrapins suffered a humiliation by the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 31-24 in their last outing.  The Wolverines are 6-1 against the Terrapins.

MARYLAND’S QBs HAVE BEEN SUFFERING INJURIES THIS SEASON:  The Terrapins have lost three QBs this year, and are now on their fourth with Ryan Beard.  The Wolverines were not in as much of a bind in the quarterback department as Maryland Saturday, but the position has also been a problem this season for M.

As you know, the Wolverines lost their season starter, Wilton Speight, to injury.  His understudy, John O’Korn played himself into a starting position against Purdue, and then out of the starting position two games ago.  He was replaced the game before last by last Saturday’s starter, Brandon Peters.  It appears Peters has cemented that role, as he started against the Terrapins. He has solidified his future somewhat against the Terps.  He was solid, but not spectacular.  His big chances loom in the immediate future.

While he may or may not develop into the last word in college quarterbacks, he has displayed poise and a knack for the position.

His fakes are better than his predecessors, he has decent wheels and escape ability, and can throw accurately on the run.  He appears to have great poise.  The question remains as to whether he is a master at tossing the long ball.  He hit a beautiful thirty-three yard TD. Still, it will take more time to satisfactorily answer that question.

Time and action will tell that story.  It will be only a short time before we get a positive answer.  He had a nice game against the Terps.  He threw for 145-yards passing, threw no interceptions, and tossed two TDs.  He had a calm, workmanlike game, and took his licks without flinching.  It appears he is ready for more, as the Big Ten money games of the regular season are immediate. 

Peters tossed for 145-yards and two TDs, with no interceptions.

All the musical quarterback chairs didn’t belong to the Terrapins, but the depth at the position seemed definitely in the Wolverine’s favor Saturday.  For three quarters of the game the Terp offense was stifled by the Wolverines’ ability to stuff the run, hurry the QB, and prevent completions.

It seemed at the end of the first half the Wolverines defense was going to pitch a shut-out, and they also owned 200-yards of offense, plus a 4-touchdown lead.   It proved out that the Wolverines had scored more than enough points to win, but the third quarter took some of the polish off their win.  The wheels came off the both the Wolverine’s offense and defense for much of the third quarter.  The Terrapins held the ball for 11 minutes of the quarter.

MARYLAND’S THIRD QUARTER SURGE WON BATTLE OF THE STATS: Maryland produced 340-net yards rushing and the Wolverines 305-yards.  The Terrapins passed for 160-yards and 1 TD and the Wolverines passed for 145 and 2 TDs.  The Terps totaled 340-yards, and the Wolverines 305-yards.  This can be a source of pride to the Terps, and a source of wonder and  concern to the Wolverines, but it is still the final score that counts.

THE TERRAPINS HAD NOT PROSPERED AT DEFENSE LATELY, AND THE WOLVERINES HAVE:  One of the Terrapins’ own writers offered that opinion regarding the state of their defense pregame.

The Wolverines, on the other hand were ranked fourth nationally in total pass defense (an unexpected pleasant surprise), and their defense had been hell against the run.  Pass has pro remained a work in progress, and to some extent this was still true Saturday.  In the game against the Terps in the first half, M’s defense held the Terp offensive to 112-yards. 

For three quarters their dominating mode prevailed, but that inexplicable third quarter reared its ugly head to raise the sparse productivity of the Terrapin offensive and defensive efforts for three quarters to 340-yards.  That total surpassed the Wolverines total for the day by 35-yards.

On the scoreboard, the Wolverines were never in real trouble during this game.  Maryland never led.

THERE ARE NO SECRETS FOOTBALL WISE BETWEEN MARYLAND’S HEAD COACH DJ DURKIN AND COACH HARBAUGH:  They know each other well with DJ having acted as M’s defensive coordinator in Jim Harbaugh’s inaugural season.

Durkin is well acquainted with M’s schemes, preferences, and roster, or at least the better part of them.  Both are dedicated competitors, with an iron will to win.

Durkin wanted a signature win, and Harbaugh could only want to avoid a signature loss.  A win over the Terps was mandatory, but a win over the sometimes- struggling Maryland Terps simply could not qualify as a signature win for the Wolverines this season, however necessary it was. 

The Wolverines could have added to the misery of Maryland with a late TD, but Harbaugh called off the dogs, oops, Wolverines, and they settled the game with some good last- minute sports-man ship by taking a knee rather than taking a shot.  DJ and his staff are to be complimented on their good half-time adjustments against the Wolverines.

LEST WE FORGET:  Kaleke Hudson, Michigan’s so-called Viper (hybrid LB and safety), bit his team’s last opponent, the Gophers, to the tune of 8 TFLs.  This went with 15 tackles, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble.

This defensive tour de force earned a unique grade at of 99.9/100 from Pro Football Forum (a.k.a PFF).  He was also on the PFF team of the week.   8 TFS set a new Big Ten record and tied the NCAA record.  He was co-Big Ten defensive player of the week.

The above stats are the latest official rendition of Michigan statistics regarding Hudson’s performance against the Gophers.  Post-game tape review showed some TFLs and tackles credited to others in error.  The stats now stand corrected.  

While it is not surprising that he did not match his heroics of last week, he had a very solid performance against the Terps, and contributed to the victory.  His late interception sealed the win.

His best is yet to come.  It looks like he will be a Viper to remember.

M’S DEFENSE STOOD TALL FOR THREE QUARTERS:  They produced two game changing interceptions, a remarkable goal line stand, and produced an outstanding first half performance.  David Long changed the game with his critical first half interception and 80-yard return, and otherwise contributed. Tyree Kinnel has 6 solo stops and 4 assisted, for a total of 10. Hurst had 5 solos and 4 assisted for a total of 9.  He had the Wolverines’ only sack on the day.  Chase Winovich had 3 TFLs,  and the team had 7 TFLs.  They harried the Terp QB for three quarters, and caused him to hurry and inaccurately throw the ball to M’s Long.

THE OFFENSE PROVIDED 35 POINTS WHICH MEANS THEY HAD A GOOD DAY:  In the air:  Zach Gentry led the receivers and TEs with three snags for 63-yards with a TD long of 33.  Karan Higdon caught 2 for 40-yards, with a long of 35. 

The corps of receivers were quiet for the most part, as the tight ends and backs carried the load.

On the ground:  Chris Evans had an effective day with 13 carries for 80-yards and a TD.  His long was for 17-yards.  He carried the load in the absence of the banged-up Karan Higdon later in the game.  Higdon had 10 carries for 50-yards, with a long of 16.  Kareem Walker had 7 efforts for 23-yards.

HOW THEY SCORED: Only the Wolverines scored in the first quarter.  Peters conducted an impressive 9-play 67-yard, 9-play TD drive on the Wolverines second possession.

The big play was a Peters 21-yard pass to TE Gentry who roared down the sideline to the Terp five.  Henri Poggi finally got the ball across the goal as he bulled it in from the two. M-7, Terps-zip.  This had to be a big moment for Henri.  He hails from Maryland.

A Peters scramble resulted in a vintage Karan Higdon catch of a short pass.  He turned it into something memorable.  Evading tackles he cut to the opposite side of the field and sped for 35-yards. In addition, Maryland earned a 15-yard penalty for roughing the passer. Then it was up to Chris Evans who contributed 4 runs to complete the TD drive of 5-plays for 66-yards.  In a nice display of toughness and ability, Chris jumped over, and into the pile at the goal line for the much needed six.  M-13, Terps-zip.

Next the Terps tried a fake punt that turned out non-productive due to recognition by M’s punt return team.  Great field position is often rewarded, and this was no exception.  Peters threw a beautiful pass to a sprinting and open Zach Gentry, who produced the 33-yard TD.  M-21, Terps-zip.

After a review of a stunning Terp reception on a third down long pass, it was confirmed it was not a catch.  This was a controversial call to Durkin and Maryland fans.  This multiplied Durkin’s blood pressure elevation, while it was therapeutic to mine, and other M fans pressure. 

The Wolverines got the ball back, and a little later Josh Metellus blocked a Terp punt.  M’s Devin Gil covered it at the Terp 29.   Karan Higdon, bulled through three tackles, toting the ball 16-yards to the 19-yard marker.  A 3-yard toss to McKeon got six.  Suddenly it was half time with the Wolverines leading 28-zip, and all was well with the Wolverine Nation.

Late in the first half it appeared the Terrapins were about to snap up a late half TD via their best drive of the half, which was an 11-play drive.  David Long put this worry to rest by snagging a Terp pass in the end zone, and running with it 80-yards. 

The Wolverines did not score because the slumping Quinn Nordin missed a 31-yard field goal. A golden opportunity for six had been lost as well as for the three. 

Nordin is into a recent habit of missing FGs he should convert.  This comes at a very inconvenient time for the Wolverines, as they head into their last two, and most critical games of the season.  Nordin drew Harbaugh’s ire, or at least his intense commentary, after this miss.

Maryland received the ball for the second half, and their offense and defense did an about face.  They were moving the chains with a change in scheme offensively, and holding the ball.  But when they got to the M one yard line, and had possessed the ball for nearly 11-minutes in the quarter, the Wolverines held and relinquished only a 20-yard FG.   M-28, Terps-3.  The shut out had vanished, but the win still looked good.

The Terps then got a TD on a 10-yard pass to make it 28-10.

Peters faced a critical third and 12 in Michigan territory and solved the problem by hitting Chris Evans for 20-yards and a first down.  This was the beginning of the end for any Terp hopes of victory, and M’s situation was aided by a pass interference call on the defense on third down.

From the 33-yard line, Chris Evans hurdled a would-be tackler, to get 14-yards.  Next, he broke three tackles and completed a tough 17-yard run for the capper.   The final score was M-35, Terps-10.

Kaleke Hudson’s interception slammed the gate shut.

TAKE AWAY:  Crunch time has arrived.  The Wolverines’ trip to Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin next Saturday will be a battle of somewhat similar styles, and will likely be a bruising contest in which the Wolverines will be significant under dogs to the undefeated Badgers. 

The Wolverines will need to put all together for four quarters of their best football on offense, defense, and special teams, in order to trap the undefeated Badgers in their own lair.

Go Blue!

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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2017: WOLVERINES RUN OVER GOPHERS 33-10

Those pesky rodents from Minnesota-oops-also known as the University of Minnesota’s Golden Gophers, gnawed-oops-clawed-oops-breezed into Ann Arbor to confront the elements and Wolverines to secure a football win, and take possession of the famous Little Brown Jug.

THE FIRST COLLEGE FOOTBALL TROPHY IS BACK IN ANN ARBOR: College football’s first football trophy, the venerable 30-cent, putty colored jug, has gained remarkable renown.  It has been mentioned in movies, its name has been used to identify restaurants, and other-wise has shown up in print in newspapers, magazines, and other media over many years.

Lost for a while in the 1920s, a duplicate jug was purchased by the athletic department, and stood in the Wolverine’s place of honor instead of the real McCoy for a while. Recovered from a weed patch, the actual famous jug has come again into the possession of the game’s winner annually.

In 1903, the Wolverines were to battle the Gophers there. According to M records the Wolverines had won 28 straight.  A good Gophers team managed a 6-6 tie against the Michigan juggernaut of that time, and they were proud of it.

The Wolverines, in their haste to return to Ann Arbor, left without their jug.

As M suspected prior to the game that Gopher “gamesmanship” might mess with the contents of their water jug, the Wolverines had obtained their own jug for safe supply.

The Gophers AD would not return the left behind jug, and challenged the Wolverines to win it back.  The Gophers painted the score of the 1903 six to six tie on the jug.  An enduring legend of college football was thus initiated.

WOLVERINES NOW LEAD SERIES: The Wolverines now lead the series 75-25-3, and are 72-23-2 in Little Brown Jug games. Saturday’s game was the 96th meeting for the Jug.

The Wolverines do not lose often in this scrap, but believe me, it is very painful when they do. Very painful.  In 2014, they lost 14-3, in 2005, 20 to 23, and in 1986, 17 to 20.

THIS YEAR’S EDITION OF THE GOPHERS:  The Golden Gophers are now 6-3 overall and 3-3 in the Big Ten under first year Coach PJ Fleck.  The personable Coach Fleck was Head Coach at Western Michigan University last season.  The Broncos were sensational under Fleck’s tutelage, and he was beloved there.

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A little polish was knocked off his image for Bronco fans, when he opted to become the Gopher leader for this season.  Western had a motto: ROW THE BOAT, that he initiated while there for his successful Bronco teams.  He took it to Minnesota, and it is a Gopher mantra today.  

Fleck and Harbaugh have both been both college and pro football coaches.

The Gophers have several decent running backs, headed by Rodney Smith, and they favor the run.  Smith had produced 1,158 yards this year before Saturday.  To say Tyler Johnson is a talented receiver borders on understatement. He had 31 receptions prior to Saturday this season, and 7 TDs.

The Gophers have a robust defense. Prior to the Wolverines, they had allowed only 150 points for their eight games. 

Marion Barber is a hallowed name in Gopher football. He was a great back at Minnesota and in the pros. Later John and Thomas Barber became Gophers football players, too. 

At present, Tom Barber is a key to their stalwart defense, the best of which might be the Gopher linebackers. He had caused two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception and led the B1G, and the country in solo tackles before facing the Blue this year.  He had 75 tackles this season, 50 of which were solo.  Barber played well against the Wolverines Saturday, and the Gophers came out hitting, but to no avail.  Saturday, Barber had 7 solo tackles in a losing cause, largely because the Wolverines were at their best offensively and defensively Saturday night.

At QB for the Gophers, Conor Rhoda and Denny Croft split time this season.  Croft did the heavy lifting again the Wolverines Saturday, and was sacked five times.  In a 34-37 win for the Spartans, Croft threw three 4th quarter TDs to Johnson to almost nail the Green Meanies.  That was impressive.  But he could not replicate that feat against the Wolverines’ defensive effort Saturday night.

M’s DEFENSE WAS ROCK SOLID, AND WAS LED BY VIPER KALEKE HUDSON:  Hudson is credited with 11 solos tackles, and 2 assists for a total of thirteen tackles.  He also had six-point five tackles for loss, and produced two sacks.  He was all over the field as he played a great game, leading the rest of the defense. The defense allowed a Golden Gopher TD in the first quarter, and a field goal in the fourth quarter, and that was it.  The GG’s had 128 yards of offense in the first half, and ninety-five in the second.

Freshman Aubrey Solomon started at the nose for the second time. 

M’s Josh Metellus was ejected as a squall broke out in the scrum later in the game. He was ejected for allegedly fighting.

PETERS GETS HIS FIRST MICHIGAN START: Brandon Peters had a good game, in a game which featured the Michigan’s suddenly blossoming running game. Peters was 8 of 13 passing for 68-yards, with no interceptions, and a TD.  His early pass completions set the stage for the running game, despite the fact he was sacked three times.

Peters was in complete control of the offense.  He was poised and executed his job perfectly.  Harbaugh said later that he wished that Peters could have had more passing attempts.  With the long runs by Evans and Higdon, the number of snaps for the Wolverines were fewer than usual.

KARAN HIGDON MAKING A NAME FOR HIMSELF:  Two hundred-yard games are as scarce as hen’s teeth for running backs, and Karan has produced two in a row.  He is the first back since Mike Hart to have multiple 200-yard games in a season. That was in 2004.  He is climbing the ladder of great Michigan running backs. His first quarter 77-yard TD streak was the Wolverines’ longest of the season, and he ran for another.

While Higdon had a fabulous game on the ground, he was not the Lone Ranger for the Blue in the running game, this game.  Chis Evans piled up 191-yards and 2 TDs, with a long of 67-yards for a TD and another 60-yard TD run.

Karan averaged 12.5-yards and Chris averaged 14.7-yards a carry.

THE MUCH-MALIGNED OFFENSIVE LINE HAD A STRONG PERFORMANCE: In many of the games this year, these articles have bashed the performance of the offense line, and not without reason.

Today that is in the past, as they performed very well.  For the most part, they were a well-oiled machine in the running game, even if they did give up three sacks.

With a newcomer, Cesar Ruiz, at right guard in replacement of the dinged Michael Onwneu, they supported three hundred and one yards on the ground.  Post-game, Karan Higdon again mentioned the OLs effort and effectiveness.  Saturday night they earned kudos.  Helmet stickers for all?  Maybe.

M FANS DESERVE ACCOLADES FOR BRAVING ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS TO SUPPORT THE WOLVERINES:  The pregame inconveniences and weather threats for fans were numerous.  There was heavy rain, with major league thunder, and lightning.  Because of the rain, and vagrant electricity, M officials could not open the stadium at the expected time.

Fans were milling in the street, or huddled back in their cars or other shelters, but many were on the street enduring the elements.  Loudspeakers warned them to take shelter, but convenient shelter outside of cars did not seem readily available.  Fortunately, the lightning did not nail anyone.

There was conversation in the press box as to whether many of fans would show up after the all clear. We speculated that it might prove to be the end of the 100,000-attendance record. 

It was speculated that maybe 75,000 would show up at most.  At first the field and stands were harboring only light patches reflecting off patches of water.

The on-field water patches were squeegeed away, and soon a trickle of fans began to come down the aisles.  More and more of them poured in, and soon it was a flood of fans.  The roar of the over 111,000 could be heard during this later than scheduled night game.  A surprising number endured the uninviting weather to the end.

All the fans who persevered deserve helmet stickers! Well done!

HOW THEY SCORED:

The Wolverines struck first early in the first quarter on a Peters TD pass to Sean McKeon. Karan Higdon had a 47-yard run in the drive. M-7, G-0

Minnesota had a 10 play, 75-yard TD drive, scoring on a ten- yard run by RB Rodney Smith, and it was 7-up.

The Wolverines responded with a lightning strike by Karan Higdon for 77-yards to complete a two-play drive, and suddenly the Wolverines led 14-7.  It was as nice a run as one can ever want to see.  The Wolverines answered the Gopher score with a barn burner.

In the second quarter, Karan produced 13-yards on 2 carries, while Chris Evans did the heavy lifting with an 18-yard run, and a 60-yard TD to make it 20-7.  This was a four-play 91-yard drive, and it ended the scoring for the first half.

Michigan was in total control of the game. So much for red zone woes.  The Wolverines accumulated 312-yards to the Golden Gophers’ 66-yards.

The Higdon/Evans show continued in the second half, with Karan rushing for 15, and Evans for 8-yards.  Karan got 7 more.  Peters hit a 10-yard strike which was caught by Donovan Peoples-Jones. Higdon ran for a 5-yard TD to complete a 9-play, 46-yard drive. The Wolverines now had the game totally in hand, and were dominate, at 27-7.

Chris Evans put the frosting on the cake with M’s final score.  He ran 67-yards for a TD to make 33-7.  His attempt at a two- point conversion failed.

The Gophers completed their scoring with a field goal to make the final 33-10.

TAKE AWAY: The Wolverines are improving in all respects, but with Maryland (away), Wisconsin (away), and the Buckeyes (home) they need to win, win, and win to make this a more memorable season.

Go Blue!