Author: Phil Callihan

Editor-in-Chief, UMGoBlue.COM -- AKA BLUE LEADER -- 1993 University of Michigan Graduate -- GO BLUE!
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2021 Michigan Football — Playbook — The Sack — What Could Have Been

Let’s break down the play where Cade McNamara was sacked at the 10:29 mark of the 1st quarter resulting in a 10 yard loss for Michigan.

It was a big play for Northwestern, but it could have been a huge play for the Wolverines.

PRE-SNAP


Here is the pre-snap look as the teams line up. Michigan has the three receivers to the wide side of the field– I’ve mentioned before I love when the Gattis brings three or four receivers out like this. It gives the offense many options and causes the defense problems as we’ll see here. Northwestern as their wide side defenders 5-10 yards off of the Michigan receivers.

This is what Cade McNamara sees as the Michigan offense lines up. The Wolverines are attacking the wide side of the Northwestern defense. It’s 2nd down and 7 yards to go, and Gattis has a pass play dialed up.

Cade McNamara’s pre-snap look at the defensive alignment

POST SNAP

Post snap the receivers streak down the left side of the field, creating a bubble for Blake Corum who swings out of the backfield. At this point Northwestern has a problem; Michigan has overloaded the left side of the formation 4 to 3. The receivers are creating space for Blake Corum to potentially catch the ball and turn up field.

Blake Corum has a lots of room to work with as the Michigan receivers head downfield

And what about the middle? AJ Henning is streaking open behind the Northwestern linebackers who have stepped up to pressure McNamara.

And wait there’s more:

AJ Henning is by himself but Cade McNamara doesn’t have the time

Things are looking up…but Northwestern makes a play.

PLAY DIAGRAM — THE ACTION

Northwestern #16 Brandon Joseph sprints at the snap of the ball and runs unimpeded to sack #12 Cade McNamara.

#66 Chuck Filiaga doesn’t see the speeding Joseph who exploits a huge split in the Michigan formation.

This is a great example of the fickle finger of football fate.

Michigan had a great play dialed up but Filiaga, a solid offensive lineman, fails to pick up the blitzing Northwestern defender. What could have a been a big play for Michigan instead results in a big play for their opponent.