2021 Michigan Football Photos – Game 10 Michigan 21 Penn State 17
2021 Michigan Football — Playbook — The Leap — Hassan Haskins
Let’s break down Hassan Haskins’ leaping 50 yard run versus Nebraska.
There are some nice plays on both sides of the ball. The Wolverines nearly scored a touchdown if not for some backside pursuit by Nebraska. It was crucial point in the game, with the Cornhuskers leading 49-26 with 6:27 remaining in the 4th quarter.
This is what Cade McNamara sees as the Michigan offense lines up. The Wolverines are attacking the right side the Nebraska defense. It’s 2nd down and 3 yards to go, the Cornhuskers are expecting pass, they have a safety deep (practically in the the next county) to stop the big play– they’re conceding a first down on this play call.
#25 Hassan Haskins is lined up behind Cade to take the hand-off post snap. The play will be led by #86 Luke Schoonmaker and #52 Chuck Filiaga who are pulling to point of attack.
The key players to watch on Nebraska are #9 (safety), #8 (defensive back), and #42 (linebacker).
#3 AJ Henning blocks #8 all the way downfield, #86 Luke Schoonmaker and #52 Chuck Filiaga pull and engage defenders, opening a gap for #25 Hassan Haskins after taking the handoff from #25 Cade McNamara.
At this point, #9 (the safety) moves up to tackle Haskins (note the block by #66).
And then this happened.
Credit #42 Nebraska for shaking the block by #66 Filiaga and catching Hassan Haskins. If Filiaga had been able to get his head on the other side during the block, Haskins may be scored a touchdown. But Filiaga made a great play, not only did he delay #42 he also avoided a blocking in the back penalty when which would have erased the play. The Nebraska linebackers key on the players pulling which reveals the point of attack, making Filiaga’s task more difficult.
#42 chased Haskins and eventually made the tackle. While Haskins’ leap got the raves deservedly so) the play was made possible by pulling of #86 Schoonmaker and #66 Filiaga.
It was great play by #42 to catch Haskins after the leap.
2021 Michigan Football — Playbook — Flea Flicker — Hassan Haskins to Cade McNamara to Cornelius Johnson
Let’s break down Michigan’s first touchdown versus Wisconsin in their 38-17 victory.
The Wolverines execute a textbook example of flea flickers pass. They line up in an I-formation with two wide outs. Roman Wilson goes in motion pre-snap and the Wisconsin defensive back #21 goes with him, clearing out the left side of the field.
Look at what Cade sees pre-snap. You can #9 the safety already cheating up.
#25 Hassan Haskins is lined up behind Cade to take the hand-off post snap. By lining strong right the Wolverines cause the Wisconsin defense to shifts attackers away from the center of Michigan formation. The Michigan offensive line must prevent any defender from getting to Haskins before he can flip the ball back to McNamara. Michigan has five offensive lineman to counter Wisconsin’s nose tackle, defensive linemen, and defensive end (4).
This play targets the safety #9, who overcommits to the run when he see #25 Hassan Haskins take the hand-off from #12 Cade McNamara.
#9 comes up to cover the run and he shifts to cover #14 Roman Wilson when the he recognizes that something is afoot. #6 Cornelius Johnson takes off to the left corner of the endzone. #21 from Wisconsin who had gone in motion to cover #14 Wilson shifts to cover Johnson but he is too late, getting turned around with his back to the play in an effort to close the gap. #11 shadows mirrors Johnson but can’t match his speed.
McNamara throws a prefect pass to Johnson and Michigan scores their first touchdown of the day.
Everything worked for Michigan to execute this play.
2021 Michigan Football — Playbook — Cade McNamara’s pass to Cornelius Johnson
Let’s break down Cornelius Johnson’s 10 yard reception from Cade McNamara in the 1st quarter versus Rutgers.
The Wolverines line up with four receivers in a diamond formation which overloads the right side of the field.
Pre-snap, the first thing to notice is that RB Blake Corum is in the slot of the diamond and unaccounted for.
Michigan snaps the ball, the front three players of the diamond engage the defenders opening a gap on the defense while Blake Corum retreats for a potential pass.
Michigan QB Cade McNamara passes the ball to wide receiver #6 Cornelius Johnson and on the slant pattern, who makes the 10 yard reception and converts to first down.
But Michigan had multiple options out of this alignment. If the Rutgers safety had cheated up to take away the slant route, McNamara could have stepped up in pocket and ran the ball, taking advantage of the blocking provided by this offensive line.
He also could have passed the ball to Blake Corum who would who has three teammates blocking for him. Another variation would be for Corum to take a lateral from McNamara and throw a pass downfield.
Look for the Wolverines to use this formation later in the season.