M FOOTBALL 2015: WOLVERINES CHOMP GATORS IN BUFFALO WILD WING CITRUS BOWL 41 TO 7.

The final chapter of the Wolverine’s 136th season, and the finale of Coach Jim Harbaugh’s inaugural season as the Wolverine Head Coach, was written New Year’s Day at the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida.

The Wolverines met a dedicated and dangerous Florida Gator team in an attempt to secure their 10th victory this season, and prevailed convincingly. This win doubled last year’s total wins, and provided a positive note on which to springboard into the 2016 season. The Wolverines are 3 and 0 all-time against the Gators.

Post-game, Coach Harbaugh was effusive in his praise for all elements of the team, offense, defense and special teams. He even named a list of outstanding players, and this is a coach that doesn’t do that sort of thing ordinarily. Accolades were deserved, as they played their best game of the season in this true team victory.

41 to 7 was the final result of a fine effort by offense, defense and special teams against a Florida team that fought hard, but was overshadowed offensively at QB by Jake Rudock, and a stern defense. The Wolverines were better organized and played harder.

QB Jake Rudock hit 20 of 31 passes for 278-yards, two TDs and no interceptions. He became the second Michigan QB to amass over 3,000 yards (3017) in a season in a season. He took every Wolverine snap at QB.

His Gators counterpart had no such success, tossing a pair of red zone interceptions that hurt. The Gators tried “trickeration” on their opening drive after being stalled after a third down in the Wolverine red zone. They pulled a fake FG out of their bag of tricks. M LB Jenkins-Stone batted the resulting shovel pass to Channing Stribling for an interception. The Wolverines answered with a 73-yard drive for a TD.

Florida answered with more “trickeration”, this time effective as they scored their only TD. The play was a reverse. The QB turned his back on the play, stood still, and then leaked into the end zone to receive a perfect shovel pass for six from a wide receiver, achieving a first quarter tie at 7 up. This play was beautifully conceived and executed to perfection.  The bad part was that it belonged to Florida.

Michigan missed their most talented skill player, Jabril Peppers who did not play. His understudies stepped up. Injured punter, Aussie Blake O’Neill also did not participate, but Kenny Allen stepped up, and filled the punting gap admirably. The defensive backs were very good, including Channing Stribling.

Running Back Drake Johnson rushed for a TD, and caught a TD pass. He rushed 6 times for 58-yards and a TD with a long of 17-yards. He caught two, one for a TD. WR Grant Perry had his best game as a Wolverine, nabbing a TD.  Season MVP and WR, Jehu Chesson produced 118-yards and a 31-yard TD.

SETTING THE STAGE AND OTHER COMMENTS:
Both teams had displayed problematic offenses at times during their regular season, and they seemed fairly evenly matched pregame with both sporting better defensives then offenses for parts of the season. Florida has struggled to score TDs recently, which was very un-Florida like. Last season’s Wolverine OC, Doug Nussmeier is now up to the same task for the Gators.

This season, the Wolverines did not produce a 1,000-yard rusher. At times they could not rush the ball enough to win. This was very un-Michigan like. They got back on track against the Gators. The Wolverines produced 225 net rushing yards.

It seemed that perhaps Jake Rudock was the better QB pregame , and that proved out, but the Gators seemed to have better running backs and a better running game, but that did not prove out.

These were some of the pregame concerns regarding the Wolverines.

Also, the architect of their defense this season, D.J. Durkin had advanced to the position of Head Football Coach at Maryland. Fortunately, M’s astute and experienced Greg Mattison was available to stand in as the DC for the Citrus Bowl game. Mattison and his crew did an outstanding job. For example, the Gators produced 2-yards in the third quarter.

A master of aggressive defenses, Don Brown, lately defensive coordinator for Boston College, has been hired as Durkin’s replacement. He will be coaching at Michigan immediately at the completion of the Citrus Bowl.

M’s stellar defense, supposed to be the success base of the team while the offense matured, but the unit struggled in the last portion of the season, not helped by an injury to the outstanding Wolverine walk on nose guard, Ryan Glasgow. DE Mario Olejumudia was also lost for the season early , and they were missing Jabril Peppers Friday.

The secondary, seemed to perform among the best position groups on the team all season and again Friday, and the entire defense did well. They were the best defense on the field at this year’s Citrus Bowl as previous problems were alleviated or eliminated Saturday. Special teams also stood tall, except for allowing one long runback.

On the other side of the ball, M’s offensive ground game sometimes had added to the team’s difficulties during the regular season. They did not effectively run the ball against the better defenses, and were notably lacking against Indiana and the Buckeyes. That too was in the past Friday.

M’s best back was D. Smith who often presented a remarkable effort, running, and pass blocking Friday. The now healed Smith rumbled for 109-yards in 25 carries and a TD. Sione Houma effectively plowed a path rushing 9 times for 32-yards and a TD. Drake Johnson made a remarkable contribution, looking recovered from last year’s injury and sprinting for 58-yards on 6 carries with a long of 17. Ty Isaac did not play and Derrick Green did not travel with the team according to reliable sources.

The wide receivers have matured and played well. During the regular season, the Rudock to Chesson long ball connection took a while to establish, but it got established again in Friday’s game as Jehu caught one for 45-yards .

TE Jake Butt shored up the respect for Harbaugh’s desire for tight end offensive contributions, and Jay Harbaugh’s ability to coach them, by nabbing three for 34 with a long of 12. TE Ian Bunting got one for 17 and Kahlid Hill had one for 24-yards.

Most notably, QB Jake Rudock again proved much more than a game manager. He concluded his career at Michigan with a flourish.

As the soft spoken graduate transfer from Iowa again proved his toughness, smarts, and ability to hit streaking receivers in stride, he reinforced respect for Harbaugh’s wisdom in securing his graduate transfer services, and he further proved Harbaugh’s ability to teach his system to QBs, and to choose assistants that can teach that system. He again proved his worth as a Big Ten Quarterback with an outstanding and winning performance.

This in spite of the fact of Jake’s early season problematic miscues throwing the long ball downfield, and throwing interceptions. Interceptions were not a problem on Friday! Worries that Jake had lingering effects from the OSU game proved unfounded. The Jake Rudock one year stint as Michigan’s Quarterback was an outstanding success both for Michigan and Jake Rudock. Jake just kept improving.

A BRIEF SCORING RECAPCAP:
Florida won the toss and chose offense. Starting at their own 25, they got to M’s twenty before the fake kick attempt previously described resulted in a Stribling interception.

Smith powered a 73-yard drive, which was capped by a great Drake Johnson cut back run for 4-yards for the first score of the game. M-7, Fla.-0.

Florida answered with a couple of minutes left in the first quarter, with a 75-yard drive culminating in the spectacular two yard trick play TD described above., and it was 7 up. That was Florida’s last incursion into the end zone in this game, which means the Michigan defense was up to the task. M-7, Fla.-7

The offense was rolling. Later, in the second quarter, Jehu Chesson grabbed a 31-yard pass for 6. He has already caught a 24-yarder in the 60-yard drive and Smith was running tough. Michigan was assisted by 15-yard face mask penalty to give the drive early life. It was M-14, Fla.-7.

A Jerrod Wilson end zone interception stopped a threatening Gator drive, and the offense produced an 80-yard drive scoring drive. Chesson caught one for 12, Drake Johnson ran for 17, and WR Grant Perry caught one for 24. An incompletion to Jake Butt brought on Kenny Allen’s FG of 21-yards. The 1st half ended M-17, Fla.-7.

Michigan received to start the second half. Smith ran for a couple, and Amara Darboh grabbed one for 17-yards. Jake Butt collared one for 12-yards. Smith ran for 10 and 2. A three yard TD pass to Grant Perry finished the 69-yard drive, and it was M-24-Fla.-7. Florida’s game was a little rough around the edges. The drive benefitted from a Gator substitution infraction as well as an off-sides penalty.

Ruddock then hit Houma with a long ball, a 45-yard completion and Sione Houma finished the work with a tough two-yard TD run. M-31, Fla.-7.

Next came a wide open Drake Johnson reception for six after an 84-yard drive with the assistance of a couple of Rudock runs, a Florida face mask penalty, and a 24-yard pass to TE Kahlid Hill. Johnson recovered his own fumble, and then caught an 8-yard TD pass for six, making it M-38, Fla.-7.

Ian Bunting contributed a 17-yard catch, Jake Rudock rushed for five and the game’s scoring was completed on another 25-yard Kenny Allen field goal for a final of 41 to 7.

RISING WOLVERINES:
The new management in charge of the Wolverines has wrought remarkable stability, national respect, and favorable results in their first year.

It looks like the program is prospering in all its phases. That tickets are selling again, that there is a better work ethic, that more toughness and player skills are being developed, that there is better game management, that there is a better coaching team resulting in a better coached team, that this is a team playing better away from home, that nation-wide recruiting is prospering, are all indications, inter alia, of program development. These are all among a host of feel goods this football season has bestowed to Michigan fans. They mostly overwhelm the disappointments.

Like most fans early this season, I stated that the season could not be a success without victories over the Spartans and the Buckeyes. I do not believe that now.

While there is plenty of work to do in hammering out the next special Wolverines football team, the work is off to an unbelievably effective start. The trajectory is up as the improvements are developed, and deficiencies diminished, and as recruiting improves speed, toughness, and effective depth. At least a top five, maybe better 2016 recruiting class is on the horizon.

The fact that 2016 recruits QB Brandon Peters, Running Backs Kareem Walker and RB/FB Kingston Davis, LB Devin Bush Jr., WR Ahmir Mitchell, LB/DL Carlo Kemp, and TE Sean McKeon will be enrolled Wolverines the 1st week of January, will help address some immediate and significant depth issues. LB and RB are examples of need. Harbaugh will play freshmen at certain positions if they can prove they are the best competitive answer.

It appears more good things loom in the Wolverine’s Football future if the work is done. And with this team of coaches it is certain the work will be done.

I hope that you and yours have a Happy New Year and Go Blue!

M FOOTBALL 2015- SOME SEASON ENDING COMMENTARY AND THE 2015 ANNUAL FOOTBALL BUST.

The 95th edition of the Wolverine’s football bust was again sponsored by the University of Michigan Club of Detroit, and was held on the evening of December 7, 2015 at Livonia’s Laurel Manor.

I was not able to attend the Bust this year, but it remains an opportunity that Michigan Fans should take annually for a number of reasons. It enables fans to put a face on the football machines you see on the field on Saturdays, and some that you don’t often get to observe that are in the background of the program, but contribute much to the success.

Obviously, we all still remember that the Wolverine’s 2015 football regular season ended in disappointment with a pounding by the Buckeyes. Nevertheless, this season overall was a resounding success, despite the ten second reprieve that saved Michigan State’s bacon in this year’s tilt against the Wolverines, and the last disappointment against Ohio State.

Like many others in the preseason, I held the opinion that the season could not be a success without victories against the Spartans and the Buckeyes, but it was a success in spite of that. The Wolverines were competitive in all their games, home and away, except for OSU. They endured, fought, and often overcame, fighting to success nine times.

The coaching team was, for the most part, also outstanding, and remains intact, with the exception of departing Defensive Coordinator D. J. Durkin. Durkin is the Head Coach at Maryland now and will be replaced by Greg Mattison as DC for the bowl game. Interim Athletic Director Hackett will be replaced at his own wish. A search committee to replace him has been formed, and is operating.

The entire record of this season is not written, as Florida will once again cross paths with the Wolverines in a New Year’s Day Citrus Bowl competition, in what should be an evenly matched game.

While it is obvious improvements are necessary, a 9 and 3 win loss record, and appearance in the Citrus Bowl are drastic improvements over last year’s dismal 5 wins, 7 losses, with no bowl appearance.

At the end of this season the Wolverines were seconds away from a real run at the East Division Championship game. They won away from home. They fielded a remarkable defense, and an improving offense. They were exciting and innovative.

For example, Jabril Peppers, was learning, and improving defensively (in several categories), offensively (in several categories including running back), and on special teams as he became an integral part of the Wolverine’s success. He will only improve his own, and his team’s fortunes.

The staff recruited Jake Ruddock, a graduate 5th year QB from Iowa, taught him a new system, nurtured and supported him through the rough patches, and he had quite a year. They made him into more than just the caretaker all expected. He became a playmaker.

There was a learning curve, as there were timing problems on early long throws, and much fan wringing of hands. It seemed for a while he would never hit WR’s like the streaking Jehu Chesson with the deep ball, but he did as they switched from a running to an effective passing offensive.

Ruddock and his teammate, Chesson, became only the second pair of teammates in conference history to share the Big Ten Player of the Week Award, after they connected for four TDs in the Wolverine’s double overtime at Indiana.

The speedy Chesson also prospered on special teams, recovered a fumble, blocked a punt, and was honored as the MVP of this year’s team by his teammates.

The nomenclature of the MVP Award has changed to the Bo Schembechler Most Valuable Player Award, and was earned for this year by Chesson.

The Dr. Arthur Robinson Scholarship Award was awarded to Tight End Michael Jocz.

The Hugh J. Rader Award for the Best Lineman was bestowed on Offensive Center Graham Glasgow. A fifth year Senior, he started 36 games in a 41 game career.

The Robert P. Ufer Award for enthusiasm and love for Michigan was bestowed on Line Backer Joe Bolden.

The Roger Zatkoff Award for most outstanding linebacker was given to Desmond Morgan. He was second on the team this year with 67 total tackles.

There is just one game left this season, but the fifteen practices preceding it will continue to benefit the Wolverines into next season, no matter the outcome..

 

Bring on the Gators, and Go Blue!

Note: As stated above, I did not attend this year’s Football Bust. The commentary is mine, but the facts pertaining to the Bust were gleaned from the official M football web site.

M FOOTBALL-2015: THE WOLVERINES BATTLE TO 2ND OVERTIME VICTORY OVER THE COMPETITIVE HOOSIERS FOR A FINAL OF 48-41.

Michigan’s Wolverines breezed into the Indiana Hoosier’s Memorial Stadium (52,929) with a history of solid accomplishment against the Hoosiers at their back, having bested them 64-9 over the years. They also had an abundance of solid accomplishment this season, sporting a 7 and 2 record with only one Big Ten loss this season while Indiana had not yet won a Big Ten game.

While the former was less result important than the latter, and both are impressive to an extent, the Wolverines had every reason to be wary of the Hoosiers for a number of reasons. History means nothing as each game is unique, and the Hoosiers have been playing their best against better competition. They have been losing this Big Ten Season, but coming close against Iowa, Michigan State, and Ohio State, and now the Wolverines.

Late in the fourth quarter Michigan bollixed a fine series in an attempt to score a go ahead TD on third and goal. Inexplicably they chose to run Drake Johnson outside, and he was easily stopped short of the goal. A field goal got the Wolverines on top again by a single point. It was 27-26.

Considering the course of this game it seemed very unlikely that that score would stand up, and it didn’t.

The hope at the time was that Michigan’s beleaguered run defense could finally get a stop, but they didn’t as the Hoosiers drove to what used to be called pay dirt, establishing a 27-34 point lead with a little over two minutes left in the fourth.

Jake Rudock was up to the ensuing two minute drill. Emulating Tom Brady a little, he hit Jehu Chesson with a games saving TD for the tie, and much to the absolute surprise and delight of M fans, they were still alive with but a couple of ticks remaining on the clock.

Rudock played the best game of his Michigan career. He has elevated his status from “care-taker” to a rising star at QB. He heaved 33 passes for 432-yards, and he set a Michigan school record by tossing 6 TDs. His only error was an interception he lofted late in the game. It fell short.

Jehu Chesson has become a force at wide receiver, setting a school record with four TD catches. The long anticipated downfield passing connection of Ruddock to a streaking Chesson is now a matter of fact. He made some difficult, and timely receptions. His talented fellow wide out, Amara Darboh presented his best Jason Avant impersonation of a possession receiver, by collaring 8 for 109-yards and moving the sticks on critical third downs. He made a great TD catch.

The wide receivers, long considered as more or less a liability, have proven to be one of the strengths of the offense. TE Jake Butt continues as a consistent offensive strength. He caught 7 for 82-yards. Chesson, Butt and Darboh carried their great play to overtime.

Saturday’s accolades belong to the offense as the defense struggled to stop the Hoosier running game. No longer will M’s defense be considered at the top of the national heap, but in spite of their poor tackling, they preserved the victory with a brilliant 4th down goal line in the 2nd overtime. The Hoosiers became so confident in their running game that they ran 8 straight times with good result.

Hoosier RB Howard, had a very good day against the Blue. He rushed 35 times for 238-yards and had 2 TDs on the ground and one in by air, both at critical times. This collapse of the Wolverines highly ranked defense against the Hoosier running game was a total surprise, but it will recover.

As everybody knows, a happenstance which elevated the importance of this game was the renewed life Michigan State’s loss at Nebraska a week ago provided the Wolverines.

It injected new hope into a possibility of the Wolverines making it to the Big Ten Championship Game in this, Harbaugh’s first season. It make this Indiana game as important as Penn State or Ohio State, regardless of the win/loss records of M, or their opponent. Aspiring championship teams have to win in November.

Practically moribund earlier this season, M’s championship hopes could only be realized if the Wolverines could win out. Their last three games of the season, Indiana, Penn State, and Ohio State each had to fall to realize the dream. With this win one third of the job is done. Thus the importance of beating the Hoosiers had assumed a level not imagined earlier. Injury concerns at RB and at nose tackle are grating. Both D. Smith and Drake Johnson were a little dinged, Isaac and Green were nowhere in sight, and the running game suffered, producing only 141 net yards.

Nose Tackle Ryan Glasgow did not play, and his absence was very noticeable. He is a player that makes those around him better. Obviously, this hurt the run defense more than I had hoped it would.

Michigan had not exactly blown away the opposition in away games, and that trend continued Saturday. For a while, the outcome was questionable, and it was questionable if the Wolverines could ever stop the Hoosiers from scoring, but they did when it counted most, with Delano Hill tapping the ball away at the goal line late in the second overtime on a fourth and goal to save the lead and the win.

While Indiana was credited with one of the better Big Ten offenses, their defense was not considered to be at the same hyper solid level, and they proved that Saturday. As they say, defense wins ball games, as does a lack of defense, but for the other side. Suffice it to say that Hoosier offensive prowess exceeded their defensive performance Saturday, as did that of the Wolverines. Aspects of both offenses were outstanding Saturday. Michigan totaled 581 net yards and the Hoosiers 527.

The Wolverines special teams surprised all by giving up more punt returns. A 51-yard TD return was the result of poor tackling on the edge as the runner slipped a tackle and got outside. Though improved over the Saturday before last in some respects, the unit again showed some rough edges on return coverages and a couple of low center snaps, one of which accounted for a missed field goal. This nearly caused a critical extra point miss which could have cost the game, but the kick hooked through.

The Wolverines have displayed some problems in pass defense at times, but Saturday they excelled, holding the best passing unit in the Big Ten to 220-yards.

Indiana had not presented an over whelming ground game this season, but as recorded above, it was more than adequate Saturday. At times, it simply seemed unstoppable. The Hoosiers have an outstanding hurry up offense and caught the Wolverines off guard a couple of times. The Wolverines wanted to avoid a shoot-out, but couldn’t. Michigan incurred more than their usual number of penalties this game.

The Wolverines scored first after stopping the receiving Hoosiers. Jehu Chesson caught two during the drive, one for 12-yards, and one for a 34 yard TD. IU then hit two FGs of 39 and 36-yards to make it M-7, IU-6 at the end of the first quarter.

The Hoosiers dominated time of possession 11.49 minutes to 3.11 for the Wolverines, but the Hoosiers were hindered by multiple false start penalties, and a 12-yard Wolverine sack.

M started the second quarter with a bang, driving for a second TD. Jake Butt caught one for 24-yards, and Jabrill Peppers showed again why he is one of the better players in the Big Ten with an 18–yard scamper. Jake Rudock ran for 19, and threw to Jehu Chesson for a 25-yard TD. M-14, IU-6.  It looked like the Wolverines were in control with great offensive execution.

IU answered with another FG, this time from 51-yards to get within 3.

M answered with a D. Smith run for 16-yards, and a spectacular end zone reception by Jehu Chesson for 64-yards made it M-21, IU-9.

Hoosier QB Nate Sudfeld passed his team into the end zone via a 7-yarder to RB Jordan Howard, aided by an M penalty during the drive for Indiana’s first TD, and it was 21-16, and half time.

M received to start the second half. And it wasn’t pretty as Jabrill Peppers was thrown for an 8-yard loss on a jet sweep, and Channing Stripling couldn’t collar the IU punt returner who slipped his contain tackle, got outside and sped for a 51-yard TD to make it M-21, IU-16.

To make matters worse. Kenny Allen missed a FG because of a low snap, and IU got its next TD, to make it 24-26 Indiana, and Rudock threw a floater that came up short and was intercepted.

The miserable third quarter finally ended. Aided by a pass interference penalty, and a Jake Rudock scamper, M answered with a 78-yard drive which produced an Allen FG of 20-yards. The Blue led by one with about 6:30 left in the game.

RB Jordan Howard then took over for Indiana with consecutive carries, and scored with a rush from the IU twenty-five to put IU up by seven, 27-34.

At 2:52 of the 4th, M answered with a Jake Butt 16-yard catch to the 50-yard line, D. Smith, Houma and Chesson contributed to one of the most important comeback drives of the year so far, with Chesson contributing a 41-yard snag and grabbing a five-yard TD. M-33, IU-34. The clock recorded two seconds left in the game. When Kenny Allen nailed the extra point, it was time for overtime at 34 all. This drive was as good as it gets, with everything on the line, and no mistakes allowed. Kudos to holder Blake O’Neill for righting a low snap to provide the extra point for the win.

M deferred at the start of OT. IU set up at the M 25. Several runs and Jordan Howard bulled in for the IU TD from the one M-34, IU-41. A 21- yard Jake Butt catch, and a Kenny Allen extra point quickly ties it again at 41 up.

Michigan set up at the 25 and Amara Darboh quickly broke the suspense with a TD catch for the go ahead points. M-48, IU-41, and it was IU’s turn. M defense rose to the occasion and foiled the 4th down pass on a play described above for a final of 48 to 41.

While the Wolverines inability to stop the run was not expected, they played hard enough to overcome circumstances, and win. This time the offense gets the kudos, but like losses wins are team accomplishments.

All that is left before M’s Bowl game, are the States, Penn and Ohio. Both are red letter must wins.

Go Blue!


M FOOTBALL 2015: MICHIGAN WOLVERINES DISPATCH RUTGER’S SCARLET KNIGHTS 49 TO 16 IN JAKE RUDOCK’S FINEST PERFORMANCE AS A WOLVERINE

The Scarlet Knights blew into M Stadium Saturday riding the ill wind of a 48-10 loss to the Badgers of Wisconsin, an earlier one TD loss to the Spartans, a blow-out loss to the Scarlet and Gray, and Penn State got 28 on them for another loss, and so on this season.

So far it had been a rough Big Ten season for the Knights. Their armor was dented and pierced prior to Saturday’s trip to Michigan Stadium and they suffered more dents Saturday. Even so, their return game was certainly not rusty.

Saturday the Wolverines won the joust as Jake Rudock had his best day as a Wolverine. He was 18 of 25 for 377-yards and 2 TDs.  He seemed in tune with his receivers, and was poised.  He consistently fed the ball in there with precision.

Even though the Knights had trounced a Hoosier scoring machine (sans defense) by a couple of points in Hoosier land 55-52, Rutgers Head Football Coach, Kyle Flood, who had been suspended for cheating previously, had to be desperate to shore up the dam against the flood waters that are trying to deep six his regime. A Michigan tsunami flooded Rutgers.

The Knights had a sometimes explosive offense, three good running backs, and some great receivers.

Unfortunately for them, they also had the second worst defense in the Big Ten, and their best offensive player, WR Leonte Carroo did not play due to injury. He has missed about half of this season’s games this season because of injuries and discipline. The explosiveness of Rutgers did come within 7 of beating then unbeaten MSU.

It seemed that the Wolverine’s defensive backfield had learned from the sometimes poor effort that they displayed against the Gophers.

That that effort was poor was indicated by Secondary Coach Zordich in a prior interview, who said that the back end of the defense (the DB’s) did not play aggressively, or well in the Minnesota game. Against the Knights, that was remedied.

Those DB feet, hands, and eyes got coached up this week. Aggressive, they held Rutgers to 95-net yards passing on 11 completions in 27 attempts. Even well into the second quarter, Rutgers had not a single pass completion yard.

The same could not be said regarding the Wolverines problematic kick return coverage. Knight return man Janarion Grant ran 4 kick returns for 155-yards, including a stunning 98-yard TD. He also had a 67-yard punt return.

Several things energized the Wolverines, not the least of which was Harbaugh, who was incensed by half time tunnel talk in which the Knights said that they were game finishers, blah, blah, etc.  Jabrill Peppers mentioned trash talk in a post-game interview. Some Rutgers players were ignited by their late first half field goal.

Harbaugh apparently lit a fire under his team for the second half as they came out roaring. It was interesting JH went for a two point conversion after the first M TD of the half to drive the score from 35-16 to 42-16. Post-game, he cited “percentages”, and the venerable two point authorization chart as justification. Hmm. Could be.

Whatever the reason, more than one player cited Harbaugh’s fury at the half over two calls and the trash talking. One call was an overturned targeting call. This is the third such (targeting) call that has not gone the Wolverines way.

The other was an unsportsmanlike penalty, or “intention to deceive call”. Jake Butt with no intention of going off the field or to deceive, inadvertently trailed the players going off the field, but lined up. Noting the open receiver, Jake Rudock did what he was taught to do, toss to the open receiver. Harbaugh said he was “offended” by this call.

More incentive was that Rutgers came into the friendly confines of Michigan Stadium owning a winning record against the Wolverines. The Wolverines had never beaten them, and the Wolverines loss to them last year constituted another very low point for the last year’s team. I had not forgotten that Janarion Grant provided the FG block that provided the misery of defeat for last year’s Wolverines.  He burned them again Saturday.

Last year’s team did not have this year’s Jabrill Peppers advantage. Earlier, Coach Zordich recently had indicated that the coaches had to do a better job of getting him (Jabrill) into position, and he had to make the plays, noting his near interception against the Gophers.

While not an interception he had an outstanding TD run. It was rumored that Jabrill was somewhat dinged, and Jourdan Lewis supplied two kick returns for 59-yards with a long of 35. He likes to have the ball in his hands and ran well. Jabrill gave no indication of being dinged in the TD run, and had, overall, a very good outing.

Lewis also set a M record for pass break ups, eclipsing the former record of 18 by one in bettering Marlon Jackson and Leon Hall.

Peppers has reinforced his stature as Michigan’s best player this season. He is becoming a legend at Michigan. Ninety-two plays against the Gophers on offense, defense and special teams was a remarkable performance. And while he shared the load some with Jordan Lewis on kick returns Saturday, he had that outstanding 18-yard TD run after a lateral on what looked like it was going to become a wheel route, but was cut up field. This was as nifty a run as you will ever hope to see as he made tacklers miss. The usually more restrained Harbaugh was justifiably effusive in his post-game praise for both Jordan Lewis and Jabril Peppers.

The Wolverines received to start the game and botched the first play. What was called a fumble on the field, was the result of an awkward Rudock attempt to push the ball to Drake Johnson. The call was fortunately reversed and considered an incompletion. Then a ten play drive resulted in nothing as Kenny Allen missed a 37-yard field goal wide left.

FB Sione Houma got it started for the Wolverines with a 32-yard catch and run to the Rutgers 14, and Chesson caught a 13-yard TD for the Wolverines first points of the game. M-7, R-0.

Rutgers answered with a FG, but the Wolverines pushed in another score on with Jake Butt contributing to the drive by catching one for 20-yards. Butt was the Wolverines leading receiver with four catches for 102-yards.

The just recovered from injury Jake Ruddock ran it into the corner of the end zone, catching the pylon, on a play characterized afterwards by Harbaugh as Rudock exhibiting toughness. Harbaugh’s comment “As tough as a two dollar steak” fit Jake on this play and.  M-14, R-3.

The Wolverines got another first half TD to start the second quarter. Jake Butt had catches for 17 and nine yards and Jabril Peppers took it from there on a remarkable 18-yard scamper for 6. Seemingly trapped, he escaped and speedily made a beeline to score. Harbaugh lauded his remarkable ability after the game saying he did not know there was another rung to that (Peppers talent) ladder. M-21, R-3.

Rutger’s talented returner, Janarion Grant then took the ensuing KO 98-yards for Rutgers first score. He had two long TDs in previous games this season. It was M-21, R-10.

Drake Johnson made a nice run to score from the one, after a beautiful catch of twenty by Armara Darboh. M-28, R-10.

Rutgers then hit a 29-yard FG after a holding call on Jabrill, and it became M-28, R-13. The Knights kept hanging in there.

Dymonte Thomas provided the spark for the next Wolverine TD with a 28-yard return to the Rutgers forty. The Wolverines piled their score to 35 after an 8-yard Darboh end zone catch. Jake Rudock was on.

A pass interference penalty on Stribling preceded a Jarod Wilson interception at the M 15. This over the shoulder catch in traffic was an outstanding play by Wilson. Then happened the “unsportsmanlike” penalty. Coach Harbaugh and the Michigan crowd were understandably upset.

A 67-yard Janarion Grant punt return preceded another Rutger’s FG of 27-yards.

The Scarlet Knights brayed about that FG in the tunnel. The half ended at M-35, R-16.

The Wolverines kicked to start the second half, and came out energized. A personal foul on Rutgers was applied to better M’s good field position at the 50. A Chris Wormley 12-yard sack aggravated Rutgers problems and they punted to the put the ball at the M 40.

A 56-yard Jake to Jake pass took it the Rutgers 4. De’Veon Smith hammered it home. M-43, R-16.

M converted two FGs by Kenny Allen, and it was finally 49-16.

The Wolverines kept their foot on the gas in the second half offensively and defensively.

While individual football games have an ebb and flow of their own, this one seemed long.

Most fans are pretty consistent in what they want.

Some simply want their team to catch the opposing whippersnappers and belt them into an appreciation of the moral beauty of being Michigan, preferably while winning. Not always is this desired result an easy accomplishment.

What the coaches want is improvement in all aspects of the game weekly, preferably while winning. Nor is this always an easy accomplishment.

This was a hard hitting game for some of three quarters, with the Knights doing just enough to hang in there for a half or more. When you hit FGs instead of TDs, or don’t score during a half, it is hard to win.

Michigan’s defense held the Knights to 128 net yards rushing, and 97 passing. Chris Wormley had two sacks, and the two middle LBs, Bolden and Morgan, had 15 tackles (solos and assists) between them.

The Wolverines are still a work in progress, but you can see improvement each week, and they now are getting ready to face the aerial fireworks of the Indiana Hoosiers.

Go Blue!


M-FOOTBALL 2015-EMOTION AND PASSION NOT ENOUGH FOR GOPHERS AT HOME AS WOLVERINES ENJOY HAPPY HALLOWEEN BY WINNING WITH LAST SECONDS GOAL LINE STANDS 29 T0 26.

Minnesota’s Gophers, led by their Mascot Goldie Gopher, left their Minnesota burrows, and settled into their football home Stadium with full intentions of finally nipping the Wolverine’s dreams of a shot at Big Ten prominence this year. They had many reasons to dispense another Big Ten loss to the Wolverines. The Gophers translated those reasons to the field as the they almost toppled the Wolverines.

At times, the defense did not play like the premier defense in the country or even like a top ten defense as they struggled to stop the pass and run. They let three interceptions slide through their hands. Their porous defense allowed the Minnesota offense to control much of the game, and make big plays. The Wolverines yielded 458-yards, including many significant pass plays over 20-yards.

Finally, the defense proved its mettle by conserving a victory with a last seconds stand at the half yard line. Not once, but twice. The M defensive line and linebackers controlled.

This was set up by trailing M DB Channing Stripling catching the Gopher receiver from behind, and getting his knee down a half yard from what would have been the winning TD. It looked like this 74-yard drive might be a game winner, with no time for M to answer offensively.

With 19 seconds left, the Gophers lined up, shifted, wasting time and perhaps losing a third opportunity at a TD. Seventeen seconds evaporated, and there was only time for one more play during the remaining two ticks on the clock.

According to a player after the game, the Wolverines knew that it would be a QB sneak by the 240 pound Gopher QB, Mitch Leidner.

They submarined, and pushed Leidner back just enough to not break the plane. The call on the field was no TD, the review confirmed the call, and the final score of M 29, Gophers 26, went into the record book.

While the Wolverines were 75-25-3 against the pesky rodents coming into Saturday’s game, they also owned a recent 30-14 thrashing that the Gophers doled out last year. As Keith Jackson would have said it was a “Whuppin”.

The Gophers also out gained the Wolverines this year with 141-yards rushing, and 317 passing.

What was called by many pre-game the Number One defense in the country was embarrassed by the hard charging Gophers. It came down to the unlikely scenario of M QB Wilton Speight tossing the game winning pass to the emerging playmaker Jehu Chesson, who caught two TD passes. One thrown by Speight and one from Rudock. Chesson has become a weapon  on the ground and in the air. He also had a 22-yard run.

After the game Coach Harbaugh praised Rudock’s game, perhaps more than I thought he would. Jake left the game after a nasty hit as he was sliding. He was 13 of 21 for 140-yards and a TD, but also had a fumble and an interception.

Speight afterward said the coaches worked with him, and he got snaps just like a starter. He was 6 of 29 passing, hitting a leaping Chesson for the final, go ahead TD, and nailing a throw to Amara Darboh for a two point conversion to complete M’s scoring.

Speight did not have a prior completion in a game, but completed his first three in game time Saturday.

Michigan’s ground game was nothing special. The running game struggled. For example, D. Smith had 9 carries for 1.7 yards. Drake Johnson came on some though, hauling 10 times for 56-yards and a 5.5-yard average.

This year the Wolverine’s had to travel to Minneapolis to again possess one of the college football’s most venerable and storied collegiate football trophies, the Little Brown Jug. M now owns a 70-23-2 edge in the Jug series.

As you have heard by now, the competition for the oldest college football trophy originated after an M water jug was left in Minnesota hands by accident. M wrote a letter asking for it back and the Gophers replied by issuing a challenge to come and win it back. This inspired the Wolverine to do just that, and they met the challenge by claiming it back the ensuing year.

The trophy has gained lasting fame by ignoring its accidental origins. It is not abandoned or reclaimed by accident, or by re-enacting Caddy Shack gophers, but by being a visible representation of a serious football competition. The Gophers played some serious football against the Wolverines Saturday night.

It is a competition that had been improving under Minnesota Coach Jerry Kill and his resignation fueled their noisy home crowd which probably stirred in Coach Harbaugh residual memories of losing to the Gophers in the middle seventies.

Last Wednesday, the unwelcome and stunning news that Coach Kill was resigning before their game with the Wolverines on the advice of his medical advisers was announced.

Published reports said Coach Kill had long endured epilepsy, had suffered significant seizures during football seasons, had fought that serious disease tooth and nail, and avoided problems during a successful 2014 last, but sadly it had come to the point the that the situation was best fought without the chain of football coaching around his neck. Respected everywhere, he has endured over the course of a long and successful head coaching career. It was thought that his retirement might energize the Gophers and did it ever.

Kill was the Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2014, and had a 29-29 record as the Gopher head man.

The Minnesota DC, Tracey Claeys, had coached Minnesota during a prior Kill absence and again during Saturday’s game against the Wolverines.

Coach Kill’s rough and tumble approach to football, and his great defensive backfield, were much in evidence last Saturday. It was thought this resignation would add some extra emotion to the Gopher’s cause, and did it ever.

It was also thought that it was time for Jake Ruddock to make some plays. He did, but poor pass protection afforded a fumble, and an ill-advised, hurry up shovel pass which was tipped, provided a Gopher interception and early three point lead.

The game teetered back and forth in the first half, and ended with a late Gopher FG, securing a 16-14 lead at the half.

Offensively the Wolverines put up two TDs in the first half.  Harbaugh went to FB Joe Kerridge to squeeze out some yardage to jump start a sluggish running game and he scored.  Jake Butt had collared an 18 yard pass to enable the first TD drive, of the game .

Rudock hit a TD to Chesson, and Michigan had 14 points for the half. While the defense gave up a 1st half 52-yard TD run to the Gophers, they made three stops that resulted in Minnesota 1st half FGs.  Holding the Gopher offense to FGs was also critical to the win.

M received to start the second half and produced a great 75-yard drive culminating in a Jabril Peppers run of six yards.  What a run with a great burst to bull into multiple defenders at the goal line and into the end zone for his first offensive TD as a Wolverine.  The lead was now 21-16.  

Minnesota’s QB Mitch Leitner ran 24-yards for a TD to make it 21 to 23 Gophers. Then they hit a 45-yard FG, and it looked like M might be going down as they gave up a 5 point lead with about 10 minutes left, with their starting QB on the bench, injured.

Unexpectedly, inexperienced Wilton Speight was equal to the task, tossing a TD to the improving Chesson for a 12-yard TD, and another to Amara Darboh for a two-point conversion.  This produced a final score of  29 to 23.

Then, the defense came through with its finest seconds of the game, and the lead stood.

There were a number of up sides to this game. The Jabril Peppers saga is just getting going at Michigan. He ran for 16-yards for a TD in impressive fashion, made a 41-yard punt return, had a 43-yard kick return and played fine defense. He was in action for an impressive 92 plays. Kenny Allen hit three of five KOs for touch backs. Blake O’Neill punted 5 times for a 44-yard average.

The offense and defense both did enough to preserve the win, notwithstanding too many penalties, defensive lapses to yield big plays, offensive errors and the lack of an effective running game.

After a severe disappointment two weeks ago, and a uniquely energized Gopher team this week, suffice it to happily tuck this one into the record books and return to the friendly confines of Michigan Stadium to confront Rutgers.

Go Blue!