Michigan Football 2016: I-Rashan-al
- Thread starter sachmoney
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Gulp, even with Speight playing like butt @Iowa, it was still a known quantity. JOK will hopefully be ready for IU's tempo and the offense hasn't been as good as last year's, but this is certainly going to test this team.
I only saw the 4th Q on Saturday, but I was surprised that Rashan Gary barely got PT. The offensive playcalling and execution was atrocious in that quarter.
I only saw the 4th Q on Saturday, but I was surprised that Rashan Gary barely got PT. The offensive playcalling and execution was atrocious in that quarter.
The IU game was similar to the Iowa debacle with top notch defense paired with putrid offense. The outcome was obviously different, and we can mostly thank Deveon Smith for that. JOK was NOT GREAT BOB, with his ~30 yard scramble the biggest highlight. He didn't look comfortable in there and Harbs did not call plays as if he was comfortable with him either.
What this means for OSU is also not great Bob. While the defense can likely keep OSU's offense under 30, they may have to keep them under 20 to win with the offense in the current state it's in. The UM D line is about the best I've seen and that includes 2006. This group may not have quite the top end talent (time will tell), but any deficiency there is completely cancelled out by the fact that the 2nd unit would be a top 25 unit on its own. The corners have been very solid (Lewis is a bawse and Stribling does very well considering how much he gets targeted), but the weakness of this team has been tackling by the LBs and Safeties. As it so happens, OSU specializes in this.
I haven't seen much OSU this year, but if the UM O line can't get the good guys some easy yards, this will be tough sledding. Some creative playcalling may be in order to loosen up the defense, but since OSU has great athletes, this will have to be done carefully. The one area where I can see UM getting a big advantage is on special teams. Obviously, Jabreezy is a big weapon, but UM has blocked the most punts in FBS this year (4) and is tied for 2nd in blocked kicks (6).
OHHOWIHATE!
What this means for OSU is also not great Bob. While the defense can likely keep OSU's offense under 30, they may have to keep them under 20 to win with the offense in the current state it's in. The UM D line is about the best I've seen and that includes 2006. This group may not have quite the top end talent (time will tell), but any deficiency there is completely cancelled out by the fact that the 2nd unit would be a top 25 unit on its own. The corners have been very solid (Lewis is a bawse and Stribling does very well considering how much he gets targeted), but the weakness of this team has been tackling by the LBs and Safeties. As it so happens, OSU specializes in this.
I haven't seen much OSU this year, but if the UM O line can't get the good guys some easy yards, this will be tough sledding. Some creative playcalling may be in order to loosen up the defense, but since OSU has great athletes, this will have to be done carefully. The one area where I can see UM getting a big advantage is on special teams. Obviously, Jabreezy is a big weapon, but UM has blocked the most punts in FBS this year (4) and is tied for 2nd in blocked kicks (6).
OHHOWIHATE!
I know The Game is almost always on at noon (2006 was 3:30, I believe), but I think the B1G needs to evolve a bit here. Shouldn't this game be on in prime time??
I agree that they'd probably make more money so I'm surprised the conference hasn't suggested it be moved but for me personally, I'm OK with it. I love that this game is at noon. In fact I think all Big Ten games should by default be on at noon giving the SEC the 3:30 slot. But I realize that I am old and prefer things to be as they have been.
oh and also OHOWIHATE!
I like the noon kickoff, but I doubt I'd care if they moved it later. More importantly, both teams should wear home unis. It would look awesome.
Ohio State has played a ton of prime time games this year, so I'm happy this game is at noon. But I, too, am personally shocked it is at noon, there must be a contractual reason.
ABC has Florida at FSU in prime time and ND@USC at 3.30. From a neutral's perspective, having The Game as The Game in the noon slot and not having to pick between it and the MSU/PSU, ND/SC (albeit not a great matchup this year) games and the Iron Bowl in one timeslot is pretty useful.
Some great pre-game reading on Jim Harbaugh and his eclectic list of famous friends.
I have no relationship to Michigan (and my wife went to Penn State...), but Harbaugh is just such a captivating personality that it's hard not to root for him or his teams - very similarly to Belichick, though with obviously different temperaments.
I have no relationship to Michigan (and my wife went to Penn State...), but Harbaugh is just such a captivating personality that it's hard not to root for him or his teams - very similarly to Belichick, though with obviously different temperaments.
Ha I do have ties to Michigan (grad school) and I feel the opposite. I root for Michigan in spite of him and admit to enjoying a little schadenfreude whenever they lose.
How do you call yourself a fan when you enjoy a loss even a little? Not sure what angelic college coach you are pining for who will also win games.
Incidentally I like Harbaugh. He is weird and can be childishly competitive, but I see no evidence that he is a bad person and doesn't care about the kids....and college football is littered with bad people. Urban Meyer may be one of them (see Florida gators, Aaron Hernandez era)
Don't care if he is a good person or bad. He just rubs me the wrong way. He's a whiny bitch and seems more about himself than anything else. Which I am sure is true of lots of college coaches. I just don't like the guy. I also don't trust him. Sorry if that offends you.
Not offended - we just need all the Wolverines we can get on sosh...in you we have a half an ally...
I'm just bitter and disappointed - so sick of losing to those assholes
Fair enough. Yesterday sucked. I didn't enjoy it. I hope it changes if Harbaugh is there for the long haul. I have no idea if he will be.
I'm ok with people not liking our HC as long as he doesn't recruit or tolerate bad citizens. Hoke was a lovable coot, but this job - as many others in P5 - is based on results. Harbaugh will continue to coach at UM for any number of tangible and intangible reasons - until he doesn't - but he will always be a polarizing figure. If OSU/MSU and Kirk Herbstreit don't dig his act, I'm quite satisfied.
I'm sick of the OSU-UM thread, so I'll put this here. I had no problem with the spot. And I have no issue with the result, other than it sucked. I'll be curious to see how the CoFoPo plays out, but I don't think UM belongs. The conferences should matter. So, even though I think UM and OSU are head and shoulders better than Wiscy and PSU, both teams should've taken care of their losses.
I hope UM plays FSU in the Orange Bowl, since that is a high profile matchup in FL and I think UM would do well there. Plus, I'd likely go to it.
I hope UM plays FSU in the Orange Bowl, since that is a high profile matchup in FL and I think UM would do well there. Plus, I'd likely go to it.
Ohio State is def in the playoff. Even Michigan isn't completely out of it given that they are currently fifth in the CFP standings. You'd think that the B10 champion would pass them but we will see.
Obviously, UM needs one of Wash/Clemson to lose (preferably Wash), but after that, who should UM root for in the B1G CG? I say PSU since UM absolutely clobbered them and no one wants to see PSU in the spotlight, but Wiscy has a worse resume. At the end of the day, if this is a badly played close game (i.e. not a blowout either way), it shouldn't matter. To have a chance at the CFP, it would also help to have OU lose, since I worry that they will clamor for a spot with a big W over OSU, especially if Wash and Clemson both lose.
Michigan landed 5* WR Donavan Peoples-Jones yesterday. DPJ is one of the best players ever out of Michigan and should contribute as a true freshman - he will be enrolling in January. Michigan also landed 4* WR Tarik Black earlier in the week. Unfortunately, 5* OL Isaiah Wilson picked UGA over UM today in a pretty big surprise. Happy trails to the young man. 4* OC Cesar Ruiz out of IMG in Florida will decide early next week along with LB Jordan Anthony. UM is still very much in on #1 overall recruit RB Najee Harris, but he is currently a Bama commit. Other big targets include NTs Aubrey Solomon and Jay Tufele and OT Chuck Filiaga. Michigan needs 2 or ideally 3 of these 4 guys to make it an elite (top 3) class.
Hail, Cesar (Ruiz)! Nice pick-up. Anthony said to be a UM lean, and Singleton (LB) has apparently moved up his announcement date. Would love another stud LB like Singleton (or Gay), and I'd also like to get Filiaga and at least one more high-level OL as it sounds like Kai-Leon Herbert's commitment is beginning to lag...
4-star Deron Irving-Bey flips from Michigan State to Michigan. Another nice pickup and a pretty strong indication of how recruiting dynamics have changed in state. (The top 6 ranked recruits in Michigan are all going to UM.)
Still a few needs out there, but it's great to see the momentum swinging back to Michigan.
Now we just need someone to convince Peppers that he could benefit from another year in school ...
Still a few needs out there, but it's great to see the momentum swinging back to Michigan.
Now we just need someone to convince Peppers that he could benefit from another year in school ...
I'm not sure where you get that he flipped from MSU. He was never an MSU commit and was always and pretty heavy lean in your direction.
Might be incorrect to call him an MSU lean recently, but he was considered one by many Mich St folks earlier in recruiting process.
From SpartanTailgate (via MGoBlog):
"Per a source, Michigan State had the lead for Irving-Bey even before he had an offer from MSU. Michigan State co-defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett has been in touch with Irving-Bey since January and has done an outstanding job recruiting him. Irving-Bey plans to visit Michigan State again very soon. A source added that if MSU stays on Irving-Bey that he’ll end up a Spartan soon."
My understanding was that he had verbally committed to MSU last year, but after looking, I can't find that anywhere. (Lots of places edit their previous predictions when someone commits, but the most I can find now is that it had been assumed he was leaning toward MSU until this fall.)
An inadvertent misstatement. Apologies.
Michigan picked up both Anthony and Singleton. A handful of highly-touted recruits still out there. Hoping they get at least one more well-regarded OL.
I'm with you on getting another OL. Another DT too. But perhaps most importantly, Najee Harris would be YUGE.
Ah, the Michigan thread. Updates on teenagers and off-season champions.
You guys should watch college football. It's fun!
You guys should watch college football. It's fun!
Not a good night for Harbaugh. Team came out flat and clock management was lousy (should have called timeouts on d at the end - would have had plenty of time).
I think Speight has regressed if not flatlined. I really hope Peters battles him next year. The o line was bad, but Speight's performance was too. He just doesn't seem to have a high ceiling, and we want to compete for a spot in the playoffs.
Losing a ton of talent, so opening game vs Florida will be tough...but plenty of good young talent so hopefully we peak when it counts, late. This year was a real disappointment in that respect. Three late losses by a total of like five points. Frustrating year in many respects.
I think Speight has regressed if not flatlined. I really hope Peters battles him next year. The o line was bad, but Speight's performance was too. He just doesn't seem to have a high ceiling, and we want to compete for a spot in the playoffs.
Losing a ton of talent, so opening game vs Florida will be tough...but plenty of good young talent so hopefully we peak when it counts, late. This year was a real disappointment in that respect. Three late losses by a total of like five points. Frustrating year in many respects.
Jimmy H is much more of a weirdo than a dick. He doesn't think he's being a prick when he calls those timeouts. He just thinks your supposed to compete until the end.
Some good news...mustache is going to be around for awhile
http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2016/12/report_michigan_defensive_coor.html#incart_river_mobile_index
Going to need some dudes to step up next year. I think it will happen...just need the offense to improve.
http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2016/12/report_michigan_defensive_coor.html#incart_river_mobile_index
Going to need some dudes to step up next year. I think it will happen...just need the offense to improve.
OL play needs a major overhaul. It's been about 5 years of garbage play now. Not sure where the change will come from. Cole is game, but undersized. Bredeson wet himself last night. Who will bring the nastiness? Does Ruiz have that personality?
I agree that Speight was lousy. He has an unusual ability to avoid sacks, but he's so tentative with his throws, and accuracy was a major issue last night.
I've loved his compete level, but Jourdan Lewis also had a rough, rough night. Screwed up the coverage on the long TD (Thomas had to stay with the slot WR who ran a post/vertical route as well) and got gashed on other plays.
Speaking of Thomas, he's been the weak link in the secondary due to his decision-making and taking bad angles, but I thought he was a baller last night on defense and ST.
As always, it'll come down to line play in '17. I feel reasonably good about the DL (Hurst, Mone, Gary et al), but the OL will be scary.
I agree that Speight was lousy. He has an unusual ability to avoid sacks, but he's so tentative with his throws, and accuracy was a major issue last night.
I've loved his compete level, but Jourdan Lewis also had a rough, rough night. Screwed up the coverage on the long TD (Thomas had to stay with the slot WR who ran a post/vertical route as well) and got gashed on other plays.
Speaking of Thomas, he's been the weak link in the secondary due to his decision-making and taking bad angles, but I thought he was a baller last night on defense and ST.
As always, it'll come down to line play in '17. I feel reasonably good about the DL (Hurst, Mone, Gary et al), but the OL will be scary.
Agree the OL is key. They lose a lot next year, but it wouldn't surprise me if the OL was nonetheless better. Some of those high end hoke recruits (e.g., kalis) just never developed or weren't that good.
In any case, next year's team will be young across the board and will hopefully set the stage for a bright future. If they can win 9 or 10 games to boot, I'll consider it a great season. It's a transitional year into a fully harbaugh'd team.
As for Lewis, what I've read is that he did not likely have deep third on that long td so it wasn't his fault.
On an unrelated note, is Scott Zolak a Mich fan or did he just think they got screwed vs OSU? He tweeted this out last night:
"SOOOOOO HAPPY FOR CLEMSON....nice no show Ohio State in Michigan's spot"
I think that Zolak is irritated by Breer's tOSU ballwashing and all the "we" shit. It was more of a tweak to Breer than a pro-Michigan slant. Although I also think Zolak believes Michigan is the better overall team. (Yes, Michigan lost 3 games, wasn't stout enough on the road, etc.)
Back to the OL... Yes, I think the line might be better as well, especially if Harbaugh continues to maximize the 74 TEs he has on the roster. Bunting will be the "receiver", but Wheatley and Asiasi demonstrated that they can be pretty effective blockers and all-around players. Along with K. Hill, that's a lot of beef to seal the edge and wham block for the RBs.
There's also a whole fleet of WRs that will be available (Harris, Crawford, Ways, McDoom, Black, Hawkins, DPJ and more); 3-4 should emerge to replace Chesson (woefully underutilized this year) and Darboh (made some $$ this season and should get drafted). I'm assuming it is 'Adios' for Grant Perry.
Back to the OL... Yes, I think the line might be better as well, especially if Harbaugh continues to maximize the 74 TEs he has on the roster. Bunting will be the "receiver", but Wheatley and Asiasi demonstrated that they can be pretty effective blockers and all-around players. Along with K. Hill, that's a lot of beef to seal the edge and wham block for the RBs.
There's also a whole fleet of WRs that will be available (Harris, Crawford, Ways, McDoom, Black, Hawkins, DPJ and more); 3-4 should emerge to replace Chesson (woefully underutilized this year) and Darboh (made some $$ this season and should get drafted). I'm assuming it is 'Adios' for Grant Perry.
This situation bears watching. If Perry did grope that woman, he's gone and should be. If, on the other hand, he was just guilty of underaged drinking and running from the cops, I think he deserves a second chance.
OL play was the culprit for the shitshow against FSU on offense. In the first half, Speight never had more than a couple of seconds before he had pressure up the middle. Once the OL settled down a bit, Speight continued to be rattled though, and that's on him. Butt going out in the first half exacerbated the symptoms. On defense, hard to watch that and not think that Peppers would've been a huge help against Cook. Peppers is the perfect remedy for Cook's skill set of getting to the edge and being a deft receiver for a RB. Still, hard to not be happy with the team in year 2 of JH. Next year will be the biggest test with so many OL graduating and moving on. Have to hope some familiarity with the system papers over a young team. Flipping Harris would also help make next year's OL and QB look much better. I have to think DPJ will step right in too. I believe he is an early enrollee.
I think there are way more than 9:
DPJ
Thomas
Black
McCaffrey
JKP
Ruiz
Jeter
Malone-Hatcher
Hawkins
Paea
St.-Juste
Woods
Hall
Mason
...
Harris*
Edit: My understanding is these guys are in the student directory.
DPJ
Thomas
Black
McCaffrey
JKP
Ruiz
Jeter
Malone-Hatcher
Hawkins
Paea
St.-Juste
Woods
Hall
Mason
...
Harris*
Edit: My understanding is these guys are in the student directory.
So, no Harris, but Michigan did pick up OT Chuck Filiaga out of Texas (by way of American Samoa) over the weekend. This pick up seems huge (literally and figuratively) because there is a real chance Filiaga plays this season. OL will be the biggest question going into this season. Michigan brings back starters Cole and Bredeson and that's it. Newsome was off to a great start to the season, but it's unclear if he'll be a factor next year. Onwewu is gigantic and should be ready to step in. After that, things get real sketchy. There's returners JBB (didn't impress after the Newsome injury and was passed) and Ulizio (who couldn't beat out JBB). Kugler could factor in, but not likely. But, I expect Ruiz (who enrolled early) to start the year at C and push Cole to T. If Filiaga really is ready and Newsome gets back, Cole probably stays at C and Ruiz is your backup interior OL. My guess for UF@Jerryworld:
Cole-Bredeson-Ruiz-Onwewu-Filiaga
Having 2 new interior starters sucks. Starting a true frosh at RT sucks. However, Ruiz and Filiaga are supposed to be 2 of the most college-ready OL in this year's class. Stack a blocking TE next to Filiaga and he should be able to weather the early season storm (aside from UF probably). Onwewu at 350+ pounds hopefully helps anchor Ruiz and Filiaga. Run to the left a lot and pray these guys gel quickly and can be ready to handle some challenges by the end of the year.
Looking at next year's schedule, I see 8 solid wins (Cincy, Air Force, @Purdue, MSU, @IU, Rutgers, Minny, @Maryland). UF (@Jerryworld), @PSU, @Wisco, and OSU are the tough games. I think UM squeaks by UF to open the season. Both teams are going to have a lot of question marks going into that game, but UM has a returning QB and the D will be in the second year under Brown where his defenses have typically improved dramatically (although UM is losing a boat load of talent). I'll take Harbaugh's coaching over McElwain (although I thought McE was a great hire). I don't know enough about what PSU and Wisco bring back, so I'll optimistically assume a split there. OSU will be more talented than Michigan next year, but it's hard to project how each team will look by the end of season. I'll give OSU the nod because presumably they have more depth than UM does (OL, DL, and secondary are all real trouble spots for UM until Harbaugh's recruiting classes begin filtering into upperclassmen). 10-2 with either a playoff appearance or NY6 bowl (this should become familiar).
Cole-Bredeson-Ruiz-Onwewu-Filiaga
Having 2 new interior starters sucks. Starting a true frosh at RT sucks. However, Ruiz and Filiaga are supposed to be 2 of the most college-ready OL in this year's class. Stack a blocking TE next to Filiaga and he should be able to weather the early season storm (aside from UF probably). Onwewu at 350+ pounds hopefully helps anchor Ruiz and Filiaga. Run to the left a lot and pray these guys gel quickly and can be ready to handle some challenges by the end of the year.
Looking at next year's schedule, I see 8 solid wins (Cincy, Air Force, @Purdue, MSU, @IU, Rutgers, Minny, @Maryland). UF (@Jerryworld), @PSU, @Wisco, and OSU are the tough games. I think UM squeaks by UF to open the season. Both teams are going to have a lot of question marks going into that game, but UM has a returning QB and the D will be in the second year under Brown where his defenses have typically improved dramatically (although UM is losing a boat load of talent). I'll take Harbaugh's coaching over McElwain (although I thought McE was a great hire). I don't know enough about what PSU and Wisco bring back, so I'll optimistically assume a split there. OSU will be more talented than Michigan next year, but it's hard to project how each team will look by the end of season. I'll give OSU the nod because presumably they have more depth than UM does (OL, DL, and secondary are all real trouble spots for UM until Harbaugh's recruiting classes begin filtering into upperclassmen). 10-2 with either a playoff appearance or NY6 bowl (this should become familiar).
I think this increases the chance we get Willie Gay. PT available at the position the coaches told him he would be playing (Viper).
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That's a great point, and he'd be a huge get. The buzz around that guy just seems to keep growing.
Blah blah blah this isn't V&N....whatever. Michigan refusing to share immigration records today is as ballsy and as American a move as I can imagine. I could not possibly have more respect for the University than I do now. It's your thread so I won't come back in, but you guys have a legit reason to be proud.
I won't root for you to get kerb-stomped by Eastern Fartpants Community College in the first quarter.
I won't root for you to get kerb-stomped by Eastern Fartpants Community College in the first quarter.
