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M FOOTBALL 2016- WOLVERINES BUSINESS LIKE IN SMASHING ILLINOIS 41 TO 8.

The latest version of the Illinois Football team rolled into Ann Arbor to challenge the then six win, no loss Wolverines. The Fighting Illini were burdened by a recent four loss skid, to which Maryland added another loss Saturday. Their losses included North Carolina, rising Western Michigan, Nebraska, and struggling Purdue. They avoided sinking to the Big Ten basement with last Saturday’s 24-7 whipping of Rutgers. That loss firmly fastened Rutgers football to the floor of the B1G, a fate the Illini escaped by its Rutgers win.

Under the tutelage of first year, but highly qualified Illini Head Coach Lovie Smith, the Illini rolled in hoping to change their luck, but the task could not be managed against the three or four ranked Wolverines. The AP poll had M at three, while the Coach’s poll held them at four.

As the Wolverines were 35 point pregame favorites, the ability of the Fighting Illini to top the Wolverines predicted 35 points seemed an improbable, if not impossible accomplishment for the Illini, Fighting or not.  Many Wolverine fans feared the bye week blues

The Wolverines had scored 300 points in six games, producing a 50 point average per game. If the first half Wolverine onslaught had continued all the second half the Wolverines would have certainly achieved or exceeded fifty, but three things happened. Later in the game, Harbaugh took his foot off the accelerator, substituted freely, and the Fighting Illini made some adjustments. Even so, 41 points was more than enough.

The Fighting Illini were thought to not be able to stop the run or effectively pass and that proved true as they managed only 107-yards running and 95 yards-passing Saturday. In contrast the Wolverines amassed 309-rushing and 291-passing.  M piled up 29 first downs, Illinois just 6.

FOR A TIME, GARY MOELLER AND BO SCHEMBECHLER WERE AT ODDS WITH THE ILLINI FOOTBALL OPERATIONS. Gary Moeller left the University of Michigan’s Assistant Coaching staff for a 1977 thru 1979 stint as the Illinois Head Football Coach. He did not win there, producing a dismal 3-34-3 record. He took the reins at Illinois to over-turn scandalous practices in running the football program there, and he was running a clean program. He was dismissed with hard feelings on both sides without getting to stay the full five years of his contract, which reasonable minds had calculated  necessary to right the capsized program.

Welcomed back to the Wolverines, Gary returned to Bo’s staff as the M QB coach when Bo rehired him. He joined Gary in distaste for the Illini shennigans. M walloped the Illini 45/14 in 1980 and 70/21 in 1981 in a low scoring era. Was there a hint of retribution? Fighting Illini fans thought yes, M fans thought no. The Illini stopped that conversation in 1982, besting the Wolverines 6/16.

For a while encounters with the Illini were not friendly for M fans, but that ship has long since sailed.

HOMECOMING 2016: This was the 95th meeting Homecoming battle of the Fighting Illini and the Wolverines. The Wolverines have hosted Illinois for Homecoming 16 times with 15 wins prior to Saturday. Now it is 16 wins.

M had an 88 to 27 overall Homecoming record (excluding old time exhibitions) before Saturday’s meeting. The last time the Wolverines met Illinois in a Homecoming Duel was in 2012, with the Wolverines prevailing 45 zip. A continuing feature is the blast from the past composed of returning veterans of the M Marching Band. Hammering Hank Aaron was the honorary coin tosser to start the game, and Harbaugh said post game that he (meaning Aaron), gave an extremely inspirational talk to the team, which they appreciated.

SATURDAYS OUTTING WAS PROBABLY SPEIGHT’S BEST OF THE SEASON PER HARBAUGH. Coach Harbaugh had indicated that the bye week was to be a week of improvement and it was evident from Wilton’s comments that he took advantage of the opportunity to study film to hone his mind and procedures during the bye. The results showed. Harbaugh said post game that ” I thought Wilton Speight may have had his best game. It was windy out there. Whether we were going with the wind, or against it, he was throwing the intermediate/deep stuff—30-yards throws,35-yard, 40-yard .throws—they were on the money.” Harbaugh added, “Sometimes it is never as good as you think until you look at the tape. But I have a feeling that was his best game.” Speight was 16/23 for the day, tossing for two TDs, and 253-yards.

THE DEFENSE CONTINUES TO SWARM. The M defense has been the best segment of the team for the first six games this season, and that continued Saturday. Pregame, they were Number One in the following NCAA categories: Scoring Defense, Total Defense, Sacks, and in Allowed Third Downs. They were second in Pass Efficiency and TFLs. These numbers reflect great defensive credentials as good as any in the NCAA, and they probably were not diminished against Illinois.

The Wolverines prevented Champagne toasts in Champaign in spite of the fact that Lovie Smith is a highly regarded Coach at both college and pro levels. He is fresh from a head coaching stint with the Tampa Bay Bucs, and earlier with the Chicago Bears, and others. Lovie will hit the fertile Chicago area recruiting grounds hard, and they will become a football threat. But not last Saturday, not now, not yet, someday.

Lovie or not, the Illini were totally dominated by the Wolverines: offensively, defensively, and on special teams.

THE PEPPERS WATCH: Has played at least 13 different positions this year: Linebacker, free safety, strong safety, cornerback, nickel cornerback, quarterback, running back, wide receiver, slot receiver, running back, punt returner, kick returner, gunner and hold up. His Offense, Defense, and Special Teams performance Saturday were not extra special statistically Saturday, but were essential to his team.

Some have his chances categorized as fifth in line for the Heisman currently. Two factors will play a big part in a successful Heisman run for Jabrill. I believe that much of it is contingent on whether he continues to lead his team to victory and stars against teams like MSU, OSU, and the Championship game and in the playoffs. Both Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson highlighted their runs for the Heisman with spectacular special team’s returns for six against OSU.

If you want to get noticed that is about as good a time to display your talents as any on the schedule. Great football plays get noticed more against the best and winning teams-like the 1997 Wolverines.

While he was not a producer of spectacular of statistics Saturday, he still was all over the field, still the best player on the field. We are privileged to watch Peppers play football, Heisman or not. Its only going to get better.

SOME PRE-GAME NOTIONS FULLFILLED OR FAILED: Some thought the Wolverines would score more than their season’s average of points, more than 50 points, and that the Wolverines would dominate on offense, defense and special teams. Reality: They failed to do so for reasons described above.

Also, it was thought the second and third teams would play much of the second half. Reality: Indeed they did. Wilton Speight was relieved after the third quarter, by John O’Korn.

It was thought that we would see 5 running backs, with a healthy Drake Johnson on tap and effective. Reality: I did not note a Drake Johnson appearance on the field. D. Smith had 18 carries in the first half for 86-yards and a TD. Karan Higdon had the run of the day, a 45-yarder, and was impressive with 8 totes for 106-yards. Afterwards, Harbaugh lauded his vision and acceleration and vision. His great run, the nicest run of the day occurred late in the second half, and improved an otherwise somewhat boring second half, when took the handoff, cut to the east sideline, veered towards the post on a zig zag course, and bulled in for six. It was the Wolverine’s last score of the day, and the best run. He had an impressive 13.2 yards per carry.

Ty Isaac had an excellent game too, with 10/48-yards.

Chris Evan took a knock-out blow to the helmet ear piece and was down for the count. He finally arose and walked off. I certainly do not know if the concussion protocol will apply. We will hear more as the week goes on, but after the game I heard optimism regarding his situation from a reliable source. I hope he gets to show the Spartans his abilities. Before injury he ran effectively. Some great still photos by UM Go Blue Photographer Del Callihan showed the hit, the fall, the aftermath, and seemed to me to indicate targeting, but there was no call. The reliable Khalid Hill rammed in from 3-yards out for another TD.

There was a significant change to the left side of the offensive line and it seemed to work well. Ben Braden played at left tackle and Ben Bredeson played at left guard. It seemed to work. Juwann Bushell-Beatty did not play,

THE WOLVERINES AGAIN DISPLAYED A GREAT SET OF RECEIVERS. The usual suspects contributed-the big three: Butt, Darboh, and Chesson. 8 other players copped a pass, including fast Eddy McDoom and Tyrone Wheatley.

Again the list is headed by Amara Darboh. He had 27 and 30-yard receptions for 99-yards. Jake Butt went 3/40 and caught a 22-yard TD.

TE Tyrone Wheatley caught his first collegiate TD pass and was beaming about it afterwards. It was a 21-yarder.

THE WOLVERINES v THE FIGHTING ILLINI. Famed baseball player Hank Aaron was the honorary coin tosser. He spoke to the players earlier and his comments were much appreciated by them and Coach Harbaugh.

Illinois won the toss and deferred to receive the second half. The Wolverines immediately and seriously went to work putting up 21 points in the first quarter.

To start, Smith, Isaac, and Higdon contributed short yardages, but it was a streaking Eddie McDoom that got 33-yards to the Illinois 20. Peppers got short yardages both catching a pass and rushing and the football was at the three. Jake Butt got it the three yards into the end zone to break the scoring ice via a Speight pass.. M was up 7 on their first possession.

On the next M series, Chris Evans made a nice 16-yard run but was blindsided and kayoed, and the ball went to the ground. It was recovered by Jake Butt to enable a 21-yard TD pass to Tyrone Wheatley. Partly as the result of poor defense by the Illini, he could not have been more open, and he made the catch. M up 14 to zip.  He had lined up as a wide receiver at 276 pounds.

The defense held again, and fast Eddie McDoom rushed for 19-yards. After some short yardage rushes, Chesson caught one for 13-yards got it to the Illini forty. Darboh caught a 20-yarder. After a short rushing gain, Speight ran for 10 and the first down. He was roughly pushed out of bounds. No flag. Eventually the Illini were called for PI, and M was at the 1. Kahlid Hill moved the scrum and M was up 21 to zip. M had 21 first downs in the quarter, Illinois 3.

Early in the second quarter, K. Hudson blocked a punt and it went out of bounds at the M 47. Smith rushed for 13, Peppers for 4, Higdon for 16, D. Smith lost 4, Amara Darboh caught a 27-yard pass. Peppers rushed for 3. D. Smith ran for a 4-yard TD. M was up 28 to zip.

M’s Dymonte Thomas made a great interception at the Illini 29-yard line to stop a threat.

Kenny Allan whacked a 23-yard field goal for a 1st half final of 31 to zip.

To start the second half, Illinois received, and they were forced to punt.  M returned the favor. At about the ten minute mark M’s Mike McCray recovered a fumble, but M returned the favor as Chesson fumbled and the Illini recovered at the M 20. Four defensive plays later the Wolverines had the ball again.

The Wolverines produced a 10-play, 60-yard drive that resulted in Kenny Allen’s second FG on the day, this time from 27-yards. M up 34 to zip.

Early in the 4th quarter, John O’Korn was at QB. Ben Gideon fumbled and recovered to stall the drive.

Then the Wolverines did the unthinkable and let out a 43-yard Illini TD pass, and the zip went bye-bye as it was now 34 to 6. A 2-yard 2 point conversion attempt was good and the Illini had managed 8 points to the Wolverines 34.

It didn’t take long for the Wolverines to answer. A couple of short rushes, and the stunnining beautiful 45-yard gallop by Karan Higdon made it a final score of M- 41, I-8. This run extended Higdon’s yards per carry to 13.2 per attempt.

Now it is time to bring on the Spartans in one we have been waiting for all season. Five losses indicate that the Spartans are not going to repeat their reign as Big Ten Champions, but it does not indicate that the Spartans will not come out fighting in this next “Championship” game.

They may no longer reign, but they want to rain on the Michigan Parade in any way possible. It will be a scrap on their turf.

Go Blue!!!

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M FOOTBALL 2016: WOLVERINES COMPLETE 15 ALLOWED 2016 SPRING FOOTBALL PRACTICE SESSIONS WITH FAN ANTICIPATION AND EXPECTATIONS SURGING. AN ESTIMATED 45,000 FANS WERE IN ATTENDANCE.

The period since the Wolverine’s win in the Citrus Bowl has been an outstanding Coach Harbaugh success on behalf of his Wolverines.

It is widely recognized that Harbaugh favored circus entertainment as a youth, and Michigan’s sometimes quirky, but always effective and intense second year head coach, has a natural touch of Ringling Brothers or Barnum and Bailey at times, as he invokes his innovative football ideas. It is predictable that he will set one trap and then another as the rules allow to enhance his charges position. Even so, he is no snake oil salesman, but honestly is totally dedicated to his winning ways, and enjoys his job.

The first week of practice at IMG in Florida provided a vehicle to tweak some of the SEC coaches who argued laughable concerns, as well as keeping the program in a national attention spotlight, and perhaps establishing a Florida recruiting presence.

How much it actually will help recruiting is to be seen, but the net benefit appears outstanding in all regards. That Harbaugh donned a Tigers uniform and coached first base, at a Detroit Tiger’s spring training game, was another nice touch.

The acquisition of one of the most highly touted defensive players in the country, Rashan Gary, was the cherry on the sundae of this year’s recruiting cycle. Gary was introduced at half time as were the rest of the 2016 recruits. He will be on board in the fall. It will be interesting to watch his progress on defense. He has the physique to immediately contribute.

So the beat went on through the end of spring training. It went nothing but well.

The unpredictable Harbaugh did not hold a post-game presser according to reliable reports. I must admit that I was unable to be there because of a recent total knee replacement. Hopefully, that is all I have to miss of the 2016 season.

There appears to be a real competition at Quarterback. Wilton Speight and John O’Korn had success both passing and running. Both scored a running TD. Shane Morris threw a TD from the wide receiver position, and an interception, but will likely also be in the QB competition. Shane threw an ill-advised jump ball late in the first half, after a nifty scramble, but Dymonte Thomas made him pay via an athletic interception. Shane’s use at WR was interesting.

Intensity levels and team enthusiasm were great.

This looks to be one of the best defenses in recent memory as it matures. While there were defensive bright spots Friday, they were being reigned in. For example, Peppers usage. Those usages will likely be more multiple later.  It is predictable that Don Brown’s defense will be hell for leather. It will be all out. More evidence of that is to come.

John O’Korn quarterbacked the Maize, and was responsible for the first and last TDs of the game. Losing 14-13, O’Korn’s Blue team could not punch in what would have been the winning points on a failed two point conversion. The Henry Poggi dive was stopped short, as confirmed by an official and Harbaugh on review.

To me it seemed as though O’Korn won the QB day, but only by the slimmest of margins. He hit Drake Harris on a nice 30-yard out to the 11 as part of a 70-yard, 15-play drive to the game’s first 6.

Drake Harris had a good afternoon, as did defender Mike McCray, who had a 6-yard TFL during the drive. Hope this oft injured pair can stay on the healthy side for a change.

Ty Issac was very productive at running back. He has a couple of years left, so it is critical he make a move now or become addicted to pine. Looks like he has now established an appropriate mindset, and is in better physical shape.

A lateral to wide out Shane Morris set up a TD pass to a wide open Drake Johnson. It was Blue 7, Maize 0. They had already matched last year’s spring game TD production.

Winton Speight’s Maize fought back. Speight was 3 of 4, with a 31-yard TD completion to Jake Butt to make it 7 up in the second quarter.

Shane Morris threw an ill-advised bomb that was athletically intercepted by an alert DyMonte Thomas to end the half.

Winton Speight was productive in the second half too, managing a nifty 6-yard run for six and the Maize had the winning points. He also ran another for 9-yards.

Brandon Peters got some time at the QB throttle. He looks good.

Late in the game a roughing the passer penalty facilitated a TD run by the Blue team. Morris caught a short pass and motored 25-yards to the 13-yard line. John O’Korn scrambled and ran for the score, and it was Blue 13, Maize 14. The dive for two from the two failed. Game over.

While one has to be careful leaping to conclusions after a spring game as talent is split between teams and for other reasons, it seems safe to say the both offense and defense are improved over last year at this time. It is appears there will be encouraging answers for problems and shortcomings.

I am really looking forward to fall camp, and know you are too.

Go Blue!

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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!

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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.

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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!