2015 Michigan Football: Getting Real Real, Real Fast

Status
Not open for further replies.

sachmoney

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 14, 2008
9,513
Tim Thomas' Bunker
Bill Connolly has Michigan with a 65.9% win probability wtih a 7.1 pt projected margin. I'm personally worried with how the defense has trended with the mounting injuries. If Michigan can slow/shutdown the run, I do believe that they can force some turnovers out of Hack that they've been missing all season. Rudock is playing his best football of the season, and I trust Harbaugh, Drevno, and Fisch to make the necessary offensive line adjustments to handle pressure with misdirection or whatever. We'll see. I expect it to start slow, pick up, and slow down again.
 

WayBackVazquez

white knight against high school nookie
SoSH Member
Aug 23, 2006
8,294
Los Angeles
Sigh. Good win. Horrible screwover by Ohio. Looks now like win next week = Rose Bowl; lose and it's whatever Bowl #4 is. Peach?
 

sachmoney

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 14, 2008
9,513
Tim Thomas' Bunker
It is definitely frustrating that Sparty was able to pull another rabbit out of a hat like that. Urban Meyer called a James Franklin-esque game. It was really bad. On the other hand, I am very happy with getting win #9. Thought that the team showed resilience and made big plays when needed. Rudock did a good job of moving the ball on the scoring plays and the coaching staff put them on the path to victory. If we're giving game balls, I'd start by giving one to Jarrod Wilson who had a couple of big TD saving tackles. It was a really satisfying win.
 

twibnotes

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 16, 2005
20,232
It is definitely frustrating that Sparty was able to pull another rabbit out of a hat like that. Urban Meyer called a James Franklin-esque game. It was really bad. On the other hand, I am very happy with getting win #9. Thought that the team showed resilience and made big plays when needed. Rudock did a good job of moving the ball on the scoring plays and the coaching staff put them on the path to victory. If we're giving game balls, I'd start by giving one to Jarrod Wilson who had a couple of big TD saving tackles. It was a really satisfying win.
I was at this one and watched much of the game through binoculars. Looked like Ross had a great game. Did that come through on tv?
 

sachmoney

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 14, 2008
9,513
Tim Thomas' Bunker
Thought a lot of members of the D had good games. Ross, Lewis, Willie Henry. Hurst made some plays. Peppers was burned on that TD, but he came back and had some good coverage on that fourth quarter RZ drive. The reason I mentioned Wilson is because he is one of the less heralded, more boring players on the D but he made some big plays.
 

WayBackVazquez

white knight against high school nookie
SoSH Member
Aug 23, 2006
8,294
Los Angeles

TheYaz67

Member
SoSH Member
May 21, 2004
4,712
Justia Omnibus
Now you get a demoralized Ohio State to close out the regular season, a team that hadn't beaten anyone and were exposed (132 yards total) against a good defense. I like Michigan's chances if they play defense like they can, and would be amusing to see OSU go 0-fer against ranked teams ....
 

sachmoney

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 14, 2008
9,513
Tim Thomas' Bunker
It's a double edged sword, imo. There may be blood in the water, but Ohio State was embarrassed by Michigan State. They played like shit. You rarely see an Urban Meyer team get out-coached and it just wasn't even close on Saturday. I'm not sure where the players' heads are, but I would imagine their coaches are going to do whatever they can to turnaround what happened against State. Their schemes will be better, the play calling will be better. The biggest thing that may be going against Ohio State is the motivation of the players. What was said was said. Does that soften their determination? I can't say. I really refuse to take Ohio State lightly, but I do think that they've shown some vulnerabilities that we have not seen in the past. I expect a very motivated Ohio State team on Saturday just as I expect a very motivated Michigan team. It should be a great game.
 

thehitcat

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 25, 2003
2,376
Windham, ME
We are at the baseline of what our expectations were at the start of the season. One more win and we're hitting the top line. I know expectations change once you see what the team is capable of, so what are you expectations? What does it take for this season to be a success? Is it already a success? What would make it a disappointment?
So today was disappointing. There is nothing more demoralizing than having any team go up and down the field on you by running traps, options and counters. That said for me even with the horrible blowout today and the you've got to be kidding me loss to State this season has been a resounding success. Sure the team has holes and the depth isn't there yet but they played hard all year, beat the teams they are supposed to beat and outside of today were in every game including the Utah game. I hope we manhandle whoever we get in the Citrus bowl, get in a couple more recruits to finish off this class and head to next spring on a high. Losing to Ohio sucks this year on the whole has not.
 

twibnotes

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 16, 2005
20,232
So today was disappointing. There is nothing more demoralizing than having any team go up and down the field on you by running traps, options and counters. That said for me even with the horrible blowout today and the you've got to be kidding me loss to State this season has been a resounding success. Sure the team has holes and the depth isn't there yet but they played hard all year, beat the teams they are supposed to beat and outside of today were in every game including the Utah game. I hope we manhandle whoever we get in the Citrus bowl, get in a couple more recruits to finish off this class and head to next spring on a high. Losing to Ohio sucks this year on the whole has not.

Well said. This is the beginning of what should be a great turnaround for the program. I trust Harbaugh to get it done.

As for the bowl, if no Rudock, not sure there will be any manhandling.
 

RedOctober3829

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
55,298
deep inside Guido territory
Jim Hackett on his way out as AD as they begin their search for a permanent guy.

The University of Michigan is expected to ramp up its search for a permanent athletic director this week, multiple people with knowledge of the situation told the Detroit Free Press. The permanent athletic director is not expected to be interim athletic director Jim Hackett, sources said.

The people requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about the matter. U-M spokesman Rick Fitzgerald and associate athletic director Kurt Svoboda did not immediately return requests for comment.
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2015/12/01/jim-hackett-michigan-athletic-director/76615108/
 

WayBackVazquez

white knight against high school nookie
SoSH Member
Aug 23, 2006
8,294
Los Angeles
Big Ten awards came out today.

Freshman of the Year: Jabrill
Tight End of the Year: Jake Butt


Coaches' Awards:
Butt, Jehu Chesson(kind of a shocker), Jourdan Lewis and Jabrill (as a DB) were named first team all conference.
Jabrill was named second team as a return man.
Erik Magnuson and Chris Wormley were named to the third team.

Rudock was a sportsmanship honoree.
 

thehitcat

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 25, 2003
2,376
Windham, ME
Wonder how Durkin leaving impacts the ability of this staff to recruit the South. Felt like they were getting a toe in the water and popping up on some defensive players lists but alot of that was ascribed to Durkin and his time at Florida.
 

Granite Sox

Member
SoSH Member
Feb 6, 2003
5,054
The Granite State
Jehu Chesson named 2015 team MVP, as voted by his teammates.

He improved a great deal this season and has an interesting back story as well. Dad came in from Liberia for the banquet.

Congrats to Jehu!
 

sachmoney

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 14, 2008
9,513
Tim Thomas' Bunker
I don't think he's leaving UGA so much as looking for work. Not sure if he's officially been let go, but I doubt that he'll be on Kirby Smart's staff. I believe he is the favorite to replace Kirby at Alabama considering he's an alum and has strong ties to that region. If Harbaugh does lure him out of the South, it would definitely be a coup. Also, if Pruitt tries to fight Harbaugh like he was rumored to have tried to with Richt, I'm sure Harbaugh would not only win but put him in his place. And I'm not saying Harbaugh would fight clean either.

It looks like the big problem with Lance Anderson is that he is trying to get the BYU HC opening.
 

Zososoxfan

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 30, 2009
9,208
South of North
At positions of significant need no less. Walker would really have to like FSU to sign up to backup Cook instead of having a pretty clear shot at starting at UM. Don't know what FSU's LBs look like right now, but if Bush is that good (and I think he intends to enroll in January), he could potentially start for UM in '16. A formal switch to a 3-4 could open up more opportunities for him too.
 

twibnotes

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 16, 2005
20,232
Surprised and very happy to hear the Bush news. Speed and athleticism at LB is key to slowing down Urban
 

sachmoney

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 14, 2008
9,513
Tim Thomas' Bunker
I'm definitely excited about Bush Jr., but I am a little worried about his size. He's 5-9, 222 lbs. Michigan definitely needs more athleticism, but I am wondering how his skill set translates at the next level. I say all of this not having watched any of his film. I guess it's a testament to his skill set and pedigree that he is as highly ranked as he is. As Zoso said, with Michigan assuredly going to be in a 3-4, it's tantamount that Harbaugh & Co land some linebackers. The extra athleticism of Bush Jr. is a huge plus.

On the flip side, I have seen Kareem Walker's highlights and I can say that the thing I really love about his game is how he sets up defenders for his blockers with subtle movement. He kind of gets defenders off balance with slight jukes and fakes that cause hesitancy and makes it easier for the blockers to engage them. He doesn't have breakaway speed, but he has great RB qualities.
 

Zososoxfan

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 30, 2009
9,208
South of North
On the flip side, I have seen Mike Hart's...er, Kareem Walker's highlights and I can say that the thing I really love about his game is how he sets up defenders for his blockers with subtle movement. He kind of gets defenders off balance with slight jukes and fakes that cause hesitancy and makes it easier for the blockers to engage them. He doesn't have breakaway speed, but he has great RB qualities.
What the hell happened to strike thru??
 

Zososoxfan

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 30, 2009
9,208
South of North
Welp, that is just faaaaaaaaaaaantastic. Both of these kids will have an opportunity to play right away. IIRC, they both intend on enrolling in January. This is shaping up to be a good class, and if Gary comes in, fuggedaboudit. Nauta is not likely, but if he comes along as well, full priapism will be warranted.
 

sachmoney

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 14, 2008
9,513
Tim Thomas' Bunker
Welp, that is just faaaaaaaaaaaantastic. Both of these kids will have an opportunity to play right away. IIRC, they both intend on enrolling in January. This is shaping up to be a good class, and if Gary comes in, fuggedaboudit. Nauta is not likely, but if he comes along as well, full priapism will be warranted.
They are both enrolling early. Kingston Davis, one of the other RBs, is also enrolling early (signing papers today), which should make for some good competition.
 

thehitcat

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 25, 2003
2,376
Windham, ME
Also Brandon Peters the QB is the 4th EE. Gives him a chance to compete in Spring ball which might be huge for the next season.
 

sachmoney

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 14, 2008
9,513
Tim Thomas' Bunker
Yeah, I'm not sure Peters can start or if will see the field next season, but I can also say that he has a shot. Getting on early is huge. Supposedly, there may be a decent amount of attrition at a lot of positions, including QB. While I see John O'Korn winning the starting role, I wouldn't be surprised if Peters is competing for the back up spot.

Ahmir Mitchell is another early enrollee. He is an athlete out of NJ. Not sure where he's going to play. I've seen him projected at both WR and S.
 

thehitcat

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 25, 2003
2,376
Windham, ME
Everything I'm reading says this is a grandslam. Is there any reason not to be thrilled about this?
If there is I can't see it. He did so much at BC with less than what he'll have at Michigan. The BC defense was tenacious, attacking the ball all over the field. I am beyond excited to see what he can do with next tier athletes.
 

twibnotes

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 16, 2005
20,232
Any thoughts for how Brown's approach has worked against the read option type stuff even good Michigan defenses have struggled with?
 

BigSoxFan

Member
SoSH Member
May 31, 2007
47,083
Any thoughts for how Brown's approach has worked against the read option type stuff even good Michigan defenses have struggled with?
I have no idea about Michigan's personnel but BC did a great job of stopping the run during Brown's tenure. I think he'll show you a defense that you haven't seen in a decade. One thing I will add is that BC's secondary was far more athletic and aggressive under Brown than they were in the past. The difference in talent back there won't be as profound as you think. But seeing Brown with the front 7 that Harbaugh will recruit will be something.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.