Let’s break down Blake Corum’s 33 yard TD run in the 2nd quarter versus Maryland.
With 35 seconds remaining until halftime and Maryland leading 13-10, Michigan has a 4th and 1 at the 33 yard line. The Wolverines are lucky only to be trailing by 3 points, their sole TD compliments of a Maryland turnover on the opening kick-off.
To appreciate this 4th down conversion and TD you have to go back to the previous play. On 3rd down and 4 yards to go, Blake Corum ran for 3 yards to set up 4th and 1.
It’s important to note that Maryland has 3 timeouts remaining while Michigan has 1.
It seems that the Maryland defenders are expecting a timeout, but instead Michigan quickly sets up to attempt the 4th down conversion.
The Maryland defense is misaligned. They should have called timeout.
Their strength is away from Blake Corum- there’s no need to protect the wide side of the field away from him on 4th and short.
Let’s take a look from Corum’s perspective:
Michigan has the advantage formation wise but there’s no indication (yet) that this play is going to end up in the endzone.
But things go bad for Maryland after the snap of the ball, when their defenders collapse to stop an anticipated short dive for the first down.
Maryland safety #25 breaks in and away from Corum’s side of the field and #8 Ronnie Bell executes a great block on Maryland defensive back #4.
There’s nobody left to account for Blake Corum, who seeing the pile-up ahead of him bounces outside and scampers for a 33 yard 4th down conversion touchdown.
Michigan makes the extra point and heads into halftime leading 17-10 after being outplayed by Maryland for most of the first half.
This play is a great example of multiple defensive failures leading to a huge play for Michigan.
- Maryland did not anticipate Michigan’s quick 4th down play call.
- Maryland’s defense did not align correctly for the 4th down.
- Maryland didn’t call time-out to properly prepare for the 4th down play.
- Maryland’s left side end crashed in, leaving a lane for Blake Corum to run.
- Maryland’s safety took himself out of the play by stepping in and away from Corum’s side of the field.
