Andy Andersen – Page 5 – UMGOBLUE.COM Michigan Wolverine Football & Basketball

October 29, 2017October 29, 2017

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2017: BRANDON PETERS ERA BEGINS WITH 35-14 WIN OVER RUTGERS

The Wolverines returned home to Ann Arbor Saturday afternoon to host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Alumni and fans celebrated Homecoming, and the Blast From The Past on a windy, chilly football Saturday.

Before Saturday, the Scarlet Knights were the proud owners of victories in their last two of three games, while the Wolverines had lost two of three.

Beating Purdue and Illinois was quite an accomplishment for a Rutgers team that had been struggling for wins under Head Coach Chris Ash. They nailed Illinois and then Purdue. Nailing Purdue was an especially good win for them, while the Illinois win was necessary for residency above the bottom of the Big Ten football barrel.

The Boilermakers produced over 472-yards of offense to Rutgers paltry 217, but two turnovers and red zone woes killed their chances of a win against a lesser team. On the other side of the ledger, as good as the win over Purdue was, an earlier Rutgers loss to Eastern Michigan seems bad.

The fact that M won 78-0 last year was immaterial. Wins are never automatic, and everyone in the Big Ten can mount a challenge. That score was source of pride for the Wolverines last year, but it is a regrouping focal point for the Knights this year. They even had T-shirts showing the score. But it was all to no avail for the Scarlet Knights, as an effective Brandon Peters replaced the struggling Jon O’Korn at QB and engineered the win.

PETERS’ TAKEOVER AT QB PROVED PROVEDENTIAL FOR THE WOLVERINES’ FORTUNES ON SATURDAY: Despite guiding an 80-yard, 13 play drive for an early second quarter TD, the mistake plagued John O’ Korn struggled through the first quarter, and into the second. He threw an interception and muffed a snap twice. While the Wolverines covered the fumbles, they obviously destroyed drives, and wasted downs. Interceptions speak for themselves.

While John was decent in the Purdue game, he threw game ending interceptions against MSU in the monsoon.

That the offense was ineffective against Penn State was not all O’Korn, who endured seven sacks. It was a team loss with the defense struggling mightily too. Still the passing game wasn’t working. and that is supposed to be a QBs forte.

Watching the first quarter, in which the Wolverines were scoreless, it appeared John was regressing against the Knights.

He did lead a scoring drive mentioned above 80-yards in 13 plays and contributed a 15-yard run in the series. Kahlid Hill finished from the one, and the Wolverines had a 7-zip lead, but M couldn’t protect the lead and needed more. They did not get more until Brandon Peters took over the offense.

John’s interception, and the two fumbled snaps, brought Peters into the game. This was about when everybody expected Peters to be inserted for a few plays or a series. Harbaugh said after the game, that they knew Monday Peters was going to play.

Brandon entered the game in mid second quarter, and the Wolverine’s offense rejuvenated. They scored on the next three series. With a bevy of short pass completions, the running game began to work better. The seemingly rough-cut-offense began to smooth out. Many of the passes were catchable and were caught. Not all of Peters’ passes were great, as a few were not on target, but he hit receivers regularly, and had no interceptions. The chains moved. He was 10 of 14 for 124 net yards, a TD, and he pitched a long throw of 20-yards.

Coach Harbaugh said after the game, with a smile, that a bird has left the nest.

SCARLET KNITGHTS HAD SOME TALENT AND THE SAME BIG TEN RECORD AS THE WOLVERINES BEFORE SATURDAY’S GAME:

The Scarlet Knights had a trio of running backs, the most productive of which is usually Gus Edwards. The Wolverines held him to 34 net yards on Saturday, but he did get a short TD.

Saturday their most effective runner was Janarion Grant. The returner/receiver/tailback showed his stuff again, as he has in prior years. He had five carries for 71-net yards, but one of those was a 65-yard streak for a TD. He makes a habit of that kind of play.

The Rutgers QB, Giviani Resigno hails from Michigan, and is more adept at running then passing. He started in two prior games before entering Michigan Stadium.

Michigan’s defense held up well against him, and the other Rutgers threats in general. They were held to 94 net yards rushing on 31 carries. 65-yards of the 94 were the result of Janarion’s long run. They were held to 101-net yards passing, as they completed 8 of 16. Meanwhile, the Wolverines amassed 334-yards rushing and 137-yards passing.

HARBAUGH HAD BEEN UNDER FIRE FROM SOME DISGRUNTLED FANS AND SOME OF THE NATIONAL MEDIA THAT HELPED BUILD HIM UP: Coach Harbaugh will not wilt under the stain, and he is not in any kind of a hot seat, nor is he leaving in the foreseeable future.

He is not ranting and raving and tossing blame around willy-nilly for the PSU team loss, or other woes. I am sure that he is discreetly assigning some well-deserved blame to both players and coaches, when and where deserved. The Wolverines did what they always do after a loss under Harbaugh. They went back to work. This time though, there seemed to be a lot more work to be done. A great deal of it seemed to have been accomplished for Rutgers Saturday, but not all.

To the disappointment of a growing group of fans, he had not been throwing any mud at the quarterback wall. He had solidly supported his starting QB, John O’Korn.

Before the game, many fans certainly hoped that Brandon Peters would at least get a few quality snaps or more against the Knights, even if he did not start.

Surprisingly, he played for much of the second quarter and earned the whole second half. He has surely earned the start next week.

While there will undoubtedly be some controversy as to why he did not take over sooner, there is no cloud in my mind. To me, the time was ripe, and the time was right.

M’s offense had fallen to 10^th in the Big Ten in points scored in games this season prior to Rutgers. They also lagged in most other offensive categories. It’s was not just O’Korn. Receivers did not break open, and catchable passes were dropped at critical times. Backs have not blocked well in pass pro at times.

The nature of the quarterback position is that it is at the center of the offensive storm that occurs when an offense is not playing well. A play action team prospers when there is both a robust passing game and running game. It’s hard to have one without the other.

PETERS AND THE OFFENSE DIDN’T WIN IT ALONE: The Michigan defense showed up. With the exception of about four plays, they were absolutely outstanding. They had 11 TFLs for thirty-nine yards in losses. They had 5 sacks. They allowed Rutgers 11-yards in the first quarter and only 17 fourth quarter yards. Mo Hurst had M’s first sack on the first snap of the game to set the tone.

LB Devin Bush led the group with 3 solo tackles and 8 assisted tackles for a total of 11. Mo Hurst had 2 and 6 for a total of 8. Viper Kaleke Hudson had 4 and 1 for 5.

DE Rashan Gary regretted afterwards that he did not flatten as many of the Knights as he would have liked to, but he provided great pressure that drove them into other Wolverine hands.

DE Chase Winovich had three sacks, and one was spectacular. One of his sacks flattened the Rutgers QB, who then was fortunate enough to recover his own fumble.

THE SCORING: The scoring started in the 2^nd quarter as the first quarter was barren.

The Wolverines opened the scoring on a one-yard TD plunge by Kahlid Hill, and the Wolverines were in the lead 7 zip.

This 13-play drive engineered by O’Korn, covered 80-yards with O’Korn contributing a run, and the rest of the running game was working, but after that offensive production lapsed.

In the second quarter, Rutgers’ Janarion Grant ran in a 65-yard TD for a 7-7 tie. The run completed a three play 75-yard drive.

After this score, Brandon Peters was taking snaps as the Wolverines quarterback. The Wolverines pulled ahead with Karan Higdon providing runs of 8 and 12, and then producing a 10-yard TD. Ty Isaac had a good 6-yard run in that drive too. Before that score, Wheatley had caught a nifty Peters 15-yard pass. M-14, R-7.

Peters than provided a flawless two-minute drill to close the second quarter, and half. Higdon ran for 3 and 4-yards. Peters hit Gentry for 12-yards, and Isaac ran for 10-yards. Then it was an Evans catch and scamper for twenty yards-and six. If you blinked you likely missed it. The half ended 21-7.

Early in the third quarter, Higdon was at it again, rushing for 32-yards. Kareem Walker pushed for 5-yards and the TD. M-28, R-7. This was a 4-play, 54-yard drive.

Rutgers answered on a 2-yard Gus Edwards TD run. This ran the score to M-28, R-14.

Karan Higdon produced a 2-play, 51-yard drive for a score with runs of 12, and 49-yards. The beautiful 49-yard TD capped the scoring, and produced the final score of 35-14.

A TOAST TO THE RUNNING BACKS AND OFFENSIVE LINE: The backs benefitted from better OL play.

Karan Higdon was at his best, toting 18 times for 158-net yards, and two TDs with a long of 49-yards. Ty Isaac had a good game too, carrying 14-times for 109 net yards with a long of 21. Kareem Walker ran hard 6 times for 34-yards, and his first collegiate TD, with a long of 13. All this did not happen without the OL blocking better in the running game, and some good running performances.

SOME TAKEAWAY: The insertion of Peters into the line-up provided an offensive spark that has been missing for some time. He is not a cure all. He will face challenges as a starter that he has not had to handle yet. Tougher circumstances, and rougher, tougher, opponents.

Things will get tougher than in this game as the season progresses. Pass rushes, better defenders, higher stakes. Everything. His performance Saturday showed poise and talent, and provided a very promising lift for his team. He throws a nice ball with accuracy.

It should be fun to watch him develop over the rest of the season, if that is in his future, and it now appears that might happen. He will have to continue to compete with the rest of the quarterback roster. His job has just begun.

Go Blue!

October 22, 2017October 22, 2017

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2017: PSU LIONS SMOTHER WOLVERINES-13 TO42

The underdog Wolverines flew in to Happy Valley with The Wolverines lew in Happy valley Saturday with the full intention of making it UnHappy Valley football-wise last Saturday. This was no small task for the Wolverines, as they have had trouble scoring points at times this season. This continued against the Lions, as the Wolverines managed just 128-yards of total offense.

The offense has been consistently inconsistent this season. Scoring in the red zone in particular has often been a challenge for the Wolverines, but this was not the problem Saturday. The Lion defense had the Wolverines’ number, and sacked O’Korn seven times. There were still OL woes in that regard. The M defense yielded 506-yards, and the offense yielded 7 sacks.

M QB John O’Korn, newly minted starter for the Wolverines after Wilton Speight’s injury three games ago, sorely needed a break though game. While he played better this week than last week, 14 points is unacceptable in modern football if you expect to win. O’Korn completed 16 of 28 passes for 166-yards.

He had been struggling in prior games due to a variety of factors, not the least of which, was the play of the offensive line. Another was his penchant for big plays, missing his check downs, and happy feet. Add to that, that he is not particularly adept at getting rid of the ball quickly when rushed.

Sometimes those happy feet are among his best assets. He can athletically avoid the rush sometimes, and has been known to put his shoulder down and try to smash for a first down. He ran well against PSU. He can throw off the run. Because of the many sacks, his rushing yardage equaled a dismal minus three, but he had some nice runs. He seldom is able to throw the ball away, and late in the game lost control of the ball. It was covered by the Lions as review confirmed. This error helped kill any late game scoring, just as the three interceptions at MSU did during M’s late charge there.

Because of his running ability there has been some speculation that Harbaugh’s pro set system does not meet his talents head on.

This should now be confirmation that the Wolverine offense will continue to be problematic against good teams. The OL was often a sieve.

Penn State has not shared M’s kind of offensive woes this season, and again they produced, with two early 1^st quarter TDs featuring Heisman contender Saqueon Barkley. His 69 and 15-yard TD runs ruled the first quarter against the Wolverines, and set the tone of the game for a suddenly shaky M defense. The Lions produced 506-yards of offense against the Wolverines vaunted defense.

They feature one of the best QBs in the Big Ten, Lion QB Trace McSorely, and a Heisman Candidate, running back, Saqueon Barkley. Barkley demonstrated that can catch the ball as well as tote it effectively. He scored a receiving TD in the second half. It was a Big Ten highlight catch of 42-yards, that he batted into the air and ran under to secure and take into the end zone.

In seasons past, the Wolverines dampened Barkley’s production Even with the M current defense being one of the best in the nation pregame, or close thereto, they could not do it again, under the lights, in Beaver Stadium, before a frenzied, prime time, “white out” crowd. The Lions were revenge minded. They were all steamed up, after the Wolverines took it to them last year in Michigan Stadium, 49-10. This year they got their revenge 42 to 13.

A plus for the underdog Wolverines, who were an eleven-point underdog, was that the Lions had been generous with TFLs this season. It was thought that the Wolverine’ s defense brought a large supply with them to the now Unhappy Valley, and they put on pressure for much of the game, but not always effectively. It proved out that the Lions had the better supply of sacks, hurries, and TFLs. The defense obviously had its worst day of the season, which was a surprise, and the offense struggled to provide 13-points, which was not a surprise..

M IS A SPECIAL OPPONENT FOR THE LIONS: When the Lions were in their Big Ten swaddling clothes, new to the Big Ten, their fans seemed to favorably tolerate Michigan fans. That has changed I’m told.

Among the causes were events like the Judgment Day meeting in 1997, when the future National Champion Wolverines gave them a fierce beating in their home stadium. Also, there were many wins in the past ten years or so that fervent Lions fans who follow Blue and White Illustrated, could not stomach. They cited biased officiating, and formulated conspiracy theories. The first M /PSU match in Beaver Stadium that I recall featured a PSU first down near the goal to win. In four rushes, the Lions could not punch it in as M held and won. Storied Coach Joe Paterno got the stubbornness award for that game, but not the coveted victory.

M’s Mike Manningham caught a last second bullet from M QB Chad Henne in a stunning play to watch. The Wolverines won, and the PSU faithful reached for their TUMs, appropriate libations, or other solaces. Since Saturday the shoe is on the other foot.

Again, when losing, some of their fans disputed calls and spouted invective regarding the Big Ten, some intimating that they, (the Big Ten), wanted the Lions to lose through manipulation of game officials. There are many good PSU Fans with love of school and the sport. But some seem a little bit overboard at times. Michigan was overwhelmed Saturday by a better football team.

The terrible scandal that toppled their great coach, Joe Paterno off his pedestal, understandably still gnaws at them, increasing their angst.

Since the lifting of the NCAA sanctions, and the entry of current coach, James Franklin, and subsequent to the serious thumping by the Wolverines last year in Ann Arbor, they have turned it around, and they won the Big Ten Championship. I hear part of that was that he adjusted his offensive scheme to his personnel.

Winning the Big Ten Tournament under the play-off system is a feat the Wolverines have aspired to and never accomplished. That was a magnificent PSU accomplishment the Wolverines, can and should envy and emulate.

While MSU was a PSU rival for years, always the Spartans last game of the season, the PSU/M series reaches back only to the beginning of PSU’s participation in the Big Ten, and is studded with M victories. The intensity continues to grow.

WOLVERINES NEEDED A SIGNATURE WIN: Bo had his win over undefeated OSU in 1969, and it gave his tenure at Michigan a tremendous boost that lasted all his career. Jim Harbaugh needs something that approaches that win over a ranked team that has equal or better talent.

Something to make the on-field success rise to the level of Harbaugh’s off field success. Something to make this young team believe they are both capable and extraordinary. They shouldn’t have let this opportunity evaporate, as it had all the necessary makings with the 17^th ranked Wolverines butting heads with the Number 2 Lions. They came a long way from a signature win Saturday as the defense as well as the offense struggled big time.

THE WOLVERINES WERE OUTCLASSED OFFENSIVELY, DEFENSIVELY, AND ON THE SIDELINES: It was all there for the taking, but the Wolverines were simply outclassed by the determined Lions as the offense again struggled, and the usually reliable defense was sometimes at a loss. They could not contain either McSorely or Barkley early or late, and fell to an early 14-point deficit.

A much-needed interception helped the Wolverines to briefly close the gap in the second quarter. A little surprise zone coverage instead of man to man paid off, as M’s Long caught the ball, and advanced it 25-yards, giving the Wolverines their best field position till then. The ensuing Higdon TD made it 13-14, as Nordin missed his first extra point. It was 13-14 as the half waned, but the M defense could not protect the Wolverines’ interests, and gave up a TD before the half closed, making it 21-13 at the half.

Essentially this case was closed at the half. The Wolverines did not quit trying, but they had a barren second half score wise.

The Penn State second half scores were on a 13-yard McSorely run, to make it 13-28, the great, acrobatic Barkley 42-yard catch made it 35-13. The scoring was capped by a 9-yard McSoreley run, and it was final at 13-42.

MOVING ON: While it is probably that any Wolverines aspirations toward a Big Ten title are gone with the winds of Saturday’s loss, it is apparent that there is still much work for the Wolverines to accomplish. Tough games, meaningful games, signature games, are still to come. The character of this team will have to come to the forefront to rebound. It is the coaches job to see that they bounce back.

That lowly Rutgers is next could be a trap. The Knights are coming off two wins so they might make it a spat, but M’s defense should shatter them. Will the offense score enough points so that some understudies get a little time?

FINAL THOUGHT: In comparison to the Wolverines offense, the Lions offense looked hyper smooth while both passing and running to scores. Play calling was effective. Their read option runs by McSorely after delayed fake handoffs were smoothly deceptive, and were greatly effective, as supported by 506-yards of offense against the Blue. McSorely ran 11 time for 76 net yards, with a long of 23, and 3 TDs. Their tall receiver Hamilton was outstanding. They hacked M’s vaunted defense apart, early and late. Their play calling was outstanding.

I don’t like PSU very much, and always will, and I never thought James Franklin was at the top of the coaching heap, but they are a very impressive football team at this point, and looked like they are the Number two team in the country last Saturday.

Go Blue!

October 15, 2017October 15, 2017

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2017: INDIANA KNOCKED ON VICTORY’S DOOR IN OT. M DEFENSE LOCKED IT OUT, 27-20.

The improved Indiana defense is not at the top of the Big Ten, but good enough to give the Wolverines a battle. Some wonder why a program that recruits basically two and three star players can compete with four and five star players. There may be several answers to that question.

The Wolverines have not made a habit of losing to the Hoosiers, having strung together 22 wins over the Bloomington denizens. They have not been easy wins as they often have been very close.

FORMER M COACHES MENTOR THE HOOSIERS: Mike Debord was the OC of Michigan’s 1997 Rose Bowl, and National Champions. Recently at Tennessee, he fostered a prolific offense. I had the good fortune to be acquainted with Mike while he was with the Wolverines. He was friendly, professional, and pleasant.

He is somewhat reviled as a coordinator by some M fans, who did not appreciate the style of offensive play. Now he advises a more wide-open style of offense. I don’t think he will ever be back in Ann Arbor, but other than in this game, I wish him all possible success.

Mike Hart of Little Bro fame/infamy is the Hoosier running backs coach. In contrast to Mike DeBord’s situation, there are fans that would like to see him in Ann Arbor again as the running backs coach. He did know how to hang on to the football, and as a freshman he became only the third freshman M RB to lead the Big Ten in rushing.

Nick Sheridan was here in the Rich Rodriquez for a short time as a quarterback. He is the QB Coach at Indiana now.

The only games I want to see the above coaches lose are those against the Wolverines. At times late Saturday I was afraid they might be happy post game.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS: The Wolverines lost the coin toss, and defended, receiving the second half kick off. The defense held for a good start.

The Wolverines had an impressive 6 minute drive on their first series. Unfortunately, it was not a point a minute drive as its stalled, and culminated in a 40-yard Quinn Nordin FG. Quinn is money in the bank, but again the Wolverines only got half of what they wanted for the drive. M was up 3-0.

On the next Indiana possession Hurst blocked a field goal and LaVert Hill secured it and hauled it 35-yards. Again the drive stalled, and again Nordin hit a field goal, this time from 38. More money in the bank, but again the Wolverines only got half of what they wanted. It was 6-0.

On their next possession O’Korn pulled out his Houdini bag of tricks and got himself free from the scrum, and hit Donovan Peoples-Jones for 17-yards for a much needed first down to prolong the drive. The Wolverines benefited from DPJ taking a late hit resulting in an unsportsmanlike conduct call. Review killed the targeting call, but the 15-yards unsportsmanlike penalty endured. Karan Higdon showed some magic, and streaked 12-yards for the score. 13-0.

Indiana managed a late field goal near the half to finalize the half time score at 13 to 3.

The Hoosiers took the ball to start the second half, and took it to the Wolverines. The defense allowed the Hoosiers first score in the second half on a run by Hoosier John Ellison, but neither side added any additional score in what remained of the third quarter. For the rest of the quarter the defenses prevailed, as both teams settled for three and outs. The score remained 13-10.

The Wolverines running game broke out in the fourth quarter as Karan Higdon, and the other backs went to work. Higdon’s 59-yard streak to and over the goal line energized the Wolverines and their fans. The Wolverines appeared to be in charge and headed to a certain win, as they were up 20-10.

But as the clock ticked to 3:27, a cloud appeared on M’s football horizon,. Indiana QB Peyton Ramsey threw a TD pass to Whop Phiylor. It was a whopper, reducing M’s lead to a fragile 3 points, 20-17. Thoughts of a tie or worse began to fester.

The concern was enhanced by what seeming to be a successful Indiana onside kick which bounced over the head of M’s Donovan People-Jones. He leaped and hit it with his hand, knocking it into the hands of Indiana’s Simmie Cobb, Jr.

Cobb tight roped down the sideline attempting to gain control of the ball and stay in bounds. A review gave Michigan the football. It was ruled that he did not gain control of the football until out of bounds.

The Wolverine offense was not up to the task of icing the game in regulation, as they went three and out. The defense sputtered a little and could not protect the M lead. A 46-yard Hoosier field goal tied it 20-20, and it was on to overtime.

OVERTIME: The Hoosiers won the toss and forced the Wolverines to go first. Higdon ran the ball 25-yards into the end zone for what became the winning score.

Then the Wolverine’s defense made their magnificent goal line stand by withstanding a Hoosier first and ten at the two. That terrific stand was described earlier. Final M-27, I-20.

TAKE AWAY: This Wolverine team has plenty of fight. They can give and take hard knocks, win away from home, and can play defense with the best of them. The weakest link in their chain right now is passing offense. Usually balanced between run and throw, they netted just 58-yards passing. This time the game was in perfect passing weather. Even without errors, that low production passing game will hinder winning. At the very least they need to maintain balance.

At the first of the year, I thought the receivers were one of the better position groups, but it seems that the much maligned running backs are producing than they are now.

The offensive line is still leaky in pass protection, but they were outstanding at times in the run game today.

It seems John O’Korn, and the OL, and the receivers, all need to do better in the passing game in the search for a balanced attack.

John needs to connect down field a time or two to gain confidence, and move defenders back. He overthrew a long ball to a wide open Donovan Peoples-Jones during the first drive, and another to Grant Perry. It seemed to me that throw to Perry had to be high to miss the defender. It was still a miss even if it was just off the fingertips of Perry. There is always room for improvement.

Bring on prime time and Penn State. This one is going to be interesting.

Go Blue!

October 8, 2017October 8, 2017

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2017: SPARTANS SHOCK WOLVERINES IN TOUGH HOME LOSS, 10 TO 14.

The always pugnacious legions of Michigan State Spartans Football, and their dedicated fans marched confidently into Michigan Stadium Saturday, bent on destruction of the seventh ranked Wolverine’s heretofore unbeaten season.

The turning point in the game occurred early, after Ty Isaac had produced a nice gain that was negated.

The ball was stripped and recovered by the Spartans. At that point Michigan momnentum went whoosh. Later, M’s WR Kekoa Crawford caught a 55-yard pass and broke the plane for a TD, but it was called back due to a stupid penalty. Later, M’s Tight End Sean McKeon caught a 36-yard pass and had it knocked out and recovered by the Spartans. Thus the game went as the errors piled up.

Before any of this the Wolverines had scored first. They hit a field goal after an impressive opening drive that culminated in a red zone stall. That was their only lead of the game. A pair of fade passes into the end zone were off target and fell incomplete, so M was forced to convert a thirty yard field goal. They keep going to red zone fades that. when missed, help facilitate their red zone woes.

The Spartan locomotive gained momentum after the fumble, and it was never really relinquished. As a thunder storm was expected in the middle third to fourth quarter, the Wolverines seemed on the sharp edge of defeat.

The story of this game is encapsulated in the fact that the Wolverines made errors and the Spartans made plays. The Spartans had all the points they needed for a win at the end of the first half.

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Fresh off a 14-10 beat down of the Iowa Hawkeyes for their first Big Ten victory this season, the Spartans sported enhanced confidence. The Spartans always reek of aggressiveness, and cocky self-assurance, but the off season shennigans of some of their players, and the dismissal of a few of them, had engendered unusual quietude among the Spartan Nation this season to date. That is at an end now. And for cause. The Spartans came to play, seemed better schooled in the game’s necessity, and earned a tough win. Unlike their last win in Michigan Stadium, this one was not the result of luck or a bad call.

THE AGRESSIVE SPARTANS OFTEN LIKE TO FEEL PUT UPON BY THE WOLVERINES: The bulging muscles of their mascot, Sparty, and the rakish hats and demeanor of their large band, perfectly describes their preferred milieu. They recruit aggressiveness, and it is part and parcel of their team and fandom’s schtick.

They seem to do their utmost to maintain a perennial chip towards the Wolverines on their shoulder, always looking for an uttered action or statement of disrespect, that they can grasp to provide ammunition to pummel the hated Wolverines into a deeper respect for what they consider to be the superior qualities of Spartandom. There seems to be a functioning tendency toward a desire to paint the Wolverines as arrogant equine related creatures.

Part of this may come from Michigan attempting to deny them membership in the Big Ten in 1953, and, before that in 1946, when they pasted MSC 55-0. The memory of that loss had an East Lansing half-life that would have daunted Marie Curie. It lasted, and lasted, and motivated a trend that continues today.

Another part may stem from the Wolverine’s prominent place in football history, and the big shadow M casts as an academic institution. Also, a little trash talk got to them. They were incensed when former Wolverine Tail Back Mike Hart referred to their program as “a little brother”. That remark caused a tornado of response from the Spartans, and a situation unheard of, (in my experience), where a Head Coach got into an off-field trash talking contest with an opposing player.

SPARTAN RESURGENCE: In the last decade there has been a genuine resurgence of Spartan Football prominence under Spartan Head Football Coach Mark D’Antonio. Michigan’s forty-year football dominance evaporated under Brady and Rich Rod, and the Spartans slid upwards. Saturday. on the offensive side of the ball, it seemed that those eras had returned to the stadium.

A RIVALRY EXISTS: For much of recent history the Spartans have been a tough out for the Wolverines. They have now won 8 of 10 last outings against the Wolverines. MSU has won the Big Ten Championship, and battled in the final game of the National Championship Play Offs. That the Wolverines have not yet managed those feats is still a sore point for the Wolverines, and fans.

The Wolverines have sometimes been tripped up by bad luck in this series, as in the punter dropped punt attempt two years ago, and enduring an actual Spartan trip in the end zone of Desmond Howard, along with a bad call, as he tried to nab a game winning two-point catch late in a game. Sparty slappies mismanaged the clock at the end of the game to win another in the infamous clock-gate incident. Anything can be expected in this annual rivalry battle, and not all of it good for the Wolverines. That bad luck was not the cause of Saturday’s loss.

Most of the time, the key feature of the game has been the hard hitting, gritty nature of the play on both sides, as the winning team was usually the one earning the most rushing yardage. This maxim has not always applied the past several years, but was applicable this year as the Spartans protected the ball. They outrushed the Wolverines, gathering 158-yards on 40 attempts. M was held to 102-yards on 39 attempts.

The Spartans were 11/22 passing for 94-yards and a TD. While the Wolverines were 16/35 for 198-yards. The Spartans had a key fifty-yard strike on a beautiful catch of a ball batted by the receiver to himself.

Defensively Mo Hurst led the Michigan pack. He had six tackles and two assists for a total of 8. They held MSU to 2 of 14 third down attempts.

The offense simply did not play well. Unfortunately, that turned out to be the story of the game for the Wolverines. MSU played in the same rain, but the Wolverines forced no TOs. Both offenses struggled at times, especially in the rainy second half, but the Spartans did better than the Wolverines.

The offense was guilty of 5 sacks of and 4 TFLS. The offense still looks befuddled at times, and not very tough. The backs don’t block effectively consistently, couldn’t hang onto the ball, and the OL does not look tough and sharp, still making myriad small mistakes. O’Korn showed good ability to escape, and he really needed to use it too often. Three second half interceptions, rain or no rain, melded with two fumbles lost, result in losses losses every time.

Wilton Speight will not be back this year. WOTS has long held he had an injury to three vertebra. Reliable sources confirmed that Saturday. So for this season, for better or for worse O’Korn is the man, with Brandon Peters on deck.

In a pregame interview, M’s great defensive lineman Mo Hurst indicated that he was not aware of the rivalry, before enrollment, but that he became aware in the first game he played. He said he saw a new level of intensity when he was double teamed and hit under the jaw.

The Green Meanies have played some good football under D’Antonio, and the Wolverines have some scars on their record to prove it. This edition of the Spartans proved their mettle again.

Last season the Spartans were thoroughly whipped by the Wolverines in their down season. They had three wins and nine losses, and had an off season of player scandals. This season it appears that the Spartans have regrouped. They have already improved their number of wins, having already exceeded last year’s win total.

The Spartans have often played their best against the Wolverines, and they did again Saturday night. While neither team looked great, the Spartans collared a Big Ten win in hostile territory.

THE GAME STAKES: Besides football dominance in the State of Michigan, and in addition to football records, there is a more personal aspect to this game. This game is a contest that involves strong loyalties between members of immediate families, co-workers, and acquaintances. There are therefore often daily reminders of a loss, and sometimes a rearrangement of the facts to suit the trash talker. There is a large degree of personal pride involved for many fans on both sides, who want to rub the nose of the loser in it.

As much as we abhor Ohio State University, one does not see their fans every day if you stay off High Street, but living in central Michigan, there are Spartans all over the landscape.

A certain number are vocal win, lose, or draw, but most turn up the volume after a win. The Wolverine’s coaches usually deny this is a special game, and hold to OSU as the most important. That may be because the OSU game has so many times furnished a direct path to championships as a top of the league battle. Yet, there is convincing proof MSU is also a rivalry of note.

PAUL BUNYAN NEEDED TO STAY HOME: A neglected aspect of this game is the desire to own the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Initiated by Governor “Soapy” Williams in 1953, it was received in Ann Arbor at first with muted enthusiasm as it was designed to celebrate the entry of the Spartans into the Big Ten Conference.

Paul still does not earn the reverence afforded an icon like the Little Brown Jug, but it is painful to see him in the unhappy circumstance of living in East Lansing again for an extended period of time, or at all. He will spend another year in MSU captivity.

THE OFFENSE AND DEFENSE MADE A STAB AT A WIN IN THE SECOND HALF, BUT THREE INTERCEPTIONS AND OTHER ERRORS IN THE HEAVY RAIN CUT THEIR PROGRESS SHORT.

Michigan State received to start the second half and the defense held them to poor field position. M turned field position into what appeared to be their first TD on an eighteen-yard pass to Grant Perry. The refs said his knee was down at the one-foot line. Actually, it was his back side that landed first as he entered the end zone leaning backwards. But Kahlid Hill finished the task with a tough plunge, and the Wolverines had finally scored a TD. It was 10-14.

But the rains came, and John O’Korn threw his three interceptions that turned momentum in the second half. Both offenses stalled and the defenses slogged it out against them. The rains did not help, but at least one of those passes, if not more, were hurried passes tossed into a crowd. Part of that fault belongs to the leaky backs and OL, but some fault resides as well with O’Korn. He was often harassed, but it was not his best day.

THIS IS NOT THE DEATH KNELL OF THE WOLVERINE’S SEASON: It will just seem like it for least forty eight. There is a lot of season left and a lot left to be earned and learned, but M’s unexpected stumble at home against D’Antonio’s crew is a remarkable achievement for the Spartans, and a real blow M pride.

This win will get the Spartan horde off of D’Antonio’s back, at least for a while. It did nothing to reinforce Harbaugh’s portfolio. All those calling Harbaugh overrated will be gloating.

This was not Michigan’s night as there were too many M mistakes to be overcome. The conditions for the last half of the game were terrible, but the same weather existed for both sides, even if it is true that the team behind has to throw more in the downpour.

Bring on Indiana. The Hoosiers will present an entirely different set of challenges. How the Wolverine’s respond to this loss will reveal a lot about their character.

Go Blue!

September 24, 2017September 24, 2017

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 2017: M SAVES BEST FOR LAST HALF-M-28, PURDUE-10

On Saturday, the Wolverines traveled to West Lafayette, Indiana to meet the Purdue Boilermakers for their first Big Ten game of the season. This game called an end to the “exhibition” season, as now each game affects the chase for the Big Ten title, and all the other goodies consistent with Big Ten Championships.

The players knew the consequences of losses in Big Ten play, and were well motivated for this important contest. The Boilers were also steaming, and in the first half outplayed the struggling Wolverines. The half ended with Purdue up 10 to 7. Purdue owned the yardage as well as the score, having piled up 179-yards to M’s 131-yards. While Wilton Speight engineered a scoring drive in the first half, the offense looked off kilter. The offensive line was as leaky in pass pro as it could be, finally exposing Wilton to damage. In mid first quarter he was leveled, injured, and forced out of the game.

THIS YEAR’S BOILERMAKERS: Excitable first year Boilermaker Head Coach Jeff Brohm, who is noted for his trickeration, managed a respectable performance in a season opening win over Ohio. Then came a respectable loss, if there is such a thing, to a good Louisville team, and then they traveled to Columbia, Missouri to take out Mizzou by knockout, dominating 35-3. Caging the Tigers at home by that score was an impressive feat, even though this was not a vintage Tiger team.

They could throw the football, as evidenced by the fact that 13 Boilers made receptions against the Tigers. Their defense had been creating fumble recoveries and interceptions. Their defense had been rising, and over the first three games offensively, they had amassed 583 rushing yards, producing 4 TDs. They had gained 734 passing yards, producing 10 TDs.

Those good times ended Saturday for the Boilers with a splat in the second half against the bigger, stronger, and more talented Wolverines. There was a nice throwback pass for Purdue to the QB on the first play of the game.

Starting Purdue Quarterback David Blough had produced 600 passing-yards and 6 TDs before meeting the Wolverines. He then had a passing completion percentage of 61%, and for this season it was 76%, prior to the Wolverine’s adjustment of his statistics.

A measure of the strength of the Wolverine defense is that he did not fare well Saturday against the Wolverines, and was replaced early. His replacement, Purdue’s Elijah Sundelar, saw the most Purdue quarterback snaps Saturday.

There was a lot of fight in the Boilers, but the Wolverines defense punished them sufficiently on a hot day, and they paid the price for a couple of targeting hits as their desperation grew, and their poise and prospects waned. Those errors helped enable late game Michigan scoring, as the offense banished their red zone blues.

The Football Boilers are no longer pushovers, especially at home. They can do more than beat that famous giant drum, display a lovely Golden Girl, and blow train whistles. But on one of the hottest September days in West Lafayette since 2011, the Wolverines displayed their depth and talent to let the steam out of the Boilers.

THE M DEFENSE CLAMPS DOWN. At first, Purdue Quarterback Sundelar was more successful than Blough, but in the second half, the M defense was the star of the show. They held Purdue to just 10-yards of offense in that half. Purdue had 30-yards rushing in the game. Purdue was zero for 12 on third downs. The Boilers had no first downs in the second half. This was an outstanding performance by a young defense that is fast becoming a well-oiled machine. This was a team defensive effort. Mike Devin Bush was active and effective as usual, Kaleke Hudson had a good game at Viper, and the defense line was dominant. The defensive backfield played well. Chase Winovich, and Mike McCray played well. Rashan Gary continued to draw double teams.

THE OFFENSE SPUTTERED IN THE FIRST QUARTER, BUT RECOVERED: After Wilton Speight’s early injury, understudy Quarterback John O’Korn revived the sputtering M offense by converting three for three red zone opportunities into touchdowns. Two were rushing TDs and one was through the air.

The Tight Ends were often targeted by O’Korn. M’s Sean McKeon caught 5 for 82-yards, and Zach Gentry caught 3 for 48-yards, and a TD. Zach Gentry is becoming a notable tight end.

The Wolverines compiled 139-yards rushing, and threw for 284. Purdue had 30-yards rushing and 159 thru the air.

Spieght was 2 of 4 for 71-yards. O’Korn was 18 of 26 for 270-yards, and a TD. His lone interception bounced off Perry’s chest. Chris Evans had a great game, hauling 14 times for 97-yards, and two TDs, with a long run of 49. Ty Isaac had a TD.

Grant Perry gathered in three passes for 39-yards, with a long of 23, and Nate Schoenle got 2 for 29-yards, with a long of 15-yards.

THE QUARTERBACK COMPETITION TAKES A TURN: Understudy John O’Korn was handed the reins when Wilton fell injured in the first quarter, and O’Korn never looked back. He was 18 of 26 passing for 270-yards and a TD.

Upon entering the game, O’Korn produced a splendid 13-play, 83-yard drive on five throws and five completions, and he had a remarkable second half.

Many fans have clamored for John O’Korn, and now they have their wish gratified. Most fans will appreciate Wilton’s many accomplishments. He has gotten some fine wins in the past, and it may be the Wolverines will need him sooner or later this year.

Right now, John has the hot hand, while, according to Coach Harbaugh, Wilton has a soft tissue injury. We need two experienced, healthy QBs.

Wilton had been struggling for some time now, too long. John had a fine day Saturday, an admirable day. He has to do it again. The competition will continue. The best player will play. O’Korn has done nothing to prove that he is not the one at this time, but has a lot yet to prove. He will have to prove it day in and day out. It will be interesting to watch this revitalized competition play out. It is not every team that can lose its starting QB early and still make the win.

Brandon Peters got a few snaps late in the game. He was one of one for four yards.

HOW THEY SCORED: Michigan’s first score came on John O’Korn’s first drive upon entering the game midway in the first quarter. His 12-yard TD pass to Zach Gentry culminated a 13 play, 84-yard drive, and the Wolverines were up 7. What a relief it was.

Purdue quickly answered with a 10-yard TD pass to tie a 7-7.

An M fumble led to a 29-yard Boiler field goal, and it was 7-10 at the half. That ended the Purdue scoring for the game.

The Wolverines had won the toss before the game so they naturally elected to defend, thereby gaining the ball to start the second half. Unfortunately, they did little with it for a couple of series.

A defensive stalemate developed, but was broken by a terrifically athletic move by John O’Korn. On third and six, while inside his own twenty-yard line, he evaded a sack, bolted toward the sideline, and discovered Grant Perry for 12-yards and a critical first down. The Purdue defense lost its poise, and was flagged for targeting, after Sean McKeon had grabbed a 30-yard pass. The infraction turned a 30-yard gain into a 45-yard gain, and the offense was in business near the red zone. Later in the series, Evans scampered 10-yards into the end zone for six.

Now 14-10, it finally seemed that the Wolverines might pull off a win. The defense held. A long drive was enabled by a nab by McKeon on second and 17, and by Gentry on first and 25. Ty Isaac secured the score from a yard out and it was 21-10.

The capper came on a Chris Evans 49-yard TD burst. He made a nice early move, and then outraced everyone 49-yards into the end zone. 28-10 went into the books as a hard-earned Wolverine victory.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The unit performed relatively smoothly. The punting was substantially improved as Brad Robbins took over that job. He hit 7 for a 40.6 average.

SPARTANS UP NEXT: After a bye week, the Wolverines will face the Spartans that were demolished at home by Notre Dame Saturday. The Spartys will want to do likewise to the Wolverines to restore their season. If they do that, in their book, all has been righted in their football world. For them, the Michigan game is always the game of games.

Whether it is Speight or O’Korn at the throttle, the Wolverines will have to be at their best, regardless of the Spartan’s record. The Spartans will battle, put up a good fight. They will be rattling their swords, and desperately searching for Wolverine insults, in the next two weeks. They have that constant chip on their shoulder.

Go Blue!