Those Who Stay Will be Champions: Michigan Football 2024
- Thread starter Zososoxfan
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I was expecting this to turn into M00N 2.0, but nice to see Michigan put that idea to rest rather swiftly. Warren did a nice job spreading the ball around and leaning on players not named Colston Loveland. Tyler Morris is finally starting to get balls his way, as questionable as the receiving unit is I do like him. I would like to see Hogan Hansen get more reps, as we'll need to find a new TE to throw to after Loveland gets drafted. Jordan Marshall even got some opportunities in the 4th quarter and while he only ran for 17 on 7 carries, he did have a really nice kick return after the safety. Northwestern's a mediocre team, but their defense had been a respectable unit this yar. It gives me some optimism going into the OSU game, though OSU's defense is a totally different monster. It'll be interesting to see what they've got in the bag for OSU.
Warren basically didn't throw the ball more than 15 yards downfield all game. Almost everything was to the flat or sideline, with a couple of passes over the middle. tOSU will figure that out pretty quickly.
The Mullings banishment is still puzzling to me... Edwards is a Michigan Man, but he's been given infinite opportunities and just doesn't have the toughness or vision to be a consistent chain mover. Seems like Mullings was only put in to give Edwards a breather and then went on a heater for 10 minutes so Moore kept feeding him.
I still don't want Campbell anywhere near next year's offense.
The Mullings banishment is still puzzling to me... Edwards is a Michigan Man, but he's been given infinite opportunities and just doesn't have the toughness or vision to be a consistent chain mover. Seems like Mullings was only put in to give Edwards a breather and then went on a heater for 10 minutes so Moore kept feeding him.
I still don't want Campbell anywhere near next year's offense.
Just looking at SP+ ratings this year and which offenses outside the P3 (sorry Big 12) are doing well and also don't have a HC who's on the offensive side, a few schools jump out: Kansas St., Boise St., UNLV, and Washington St. My thinking here is that HCs that come from the defensive side are less likely to be responsible for positive offensive performance, and my school criteria are intended to identify OCs who would likely consider Michigan a promotion and could also likely be outspent on salary.
The OCs for those schools are Matt Wells/Conor Riley (KSU), Dirk Koetter (BSU), Brennan Marion (UNLV), and Ben Arbuckle (WSU).
Wells is from OK, and was previously HC at Utah St and TTU. It's also only his first year at KSU. My WAG is he's looking for another HC gig, but maybe raising his profile in A2 for a few years opens some doors for him? I like that he has some HC experience. Riley is a younger guy who hasn't been a sole OC yet, so I don't think he fits Michigan's needs.
Koetter is the one name on the list that I recognize. He was the TB Bucs coach for 3 years. He's been a HC at various stops and could likely get another HC gig if I had to imagine. He's been the OC at BSU since 2022 and seems to have a good track record. Hoping someone can add some color here.
Brennan Marion of UNLV is probably familiar to some here just by virtue of having played Michigan last season. He's probably responsible for the go-go offense and that alone probably doesn't make him a fit or a real candidate in A2.
Finally, Arbuckle is another younger OC with a pretty solid track record. He's been the OC at WSU for 2 seasons (including this one) and both years they've had a prolific offense. He spent the previous 2 seasons before that as Co-OC at Western Kentucky, which also had good offenses. He's originally from Texas. I'd like to know more about his time at Western Kentucky and if he's on national radars.
Edit: One final name is Texas Tech's Zach Kittley. But for both Kittley and Arbuckle, it's important to tease out how much they impacted Mahomes vs. how much he impacted them (the latter is more likely IMO, but they also put Bailey Zappe in the league and that has to count for something).
Dan Mullen previously Florida's HC is also getting mention, but he's been in TV for the past 3 years. Not saying he's not an option or a good one, just putting that out there. He's also pretty old going from memory, and who knows if he'd be OK coaching under Sherrone when he may want another HC gig.
The OCs for those schools are Matt Wells/Conor Riley (KSU), Dirk Koetter (BSU), Brennan Marion (UNLV), and Ben Arbuckle (WSU).
Wells is from OK, and was previously HC at Utah St and TTU. It's also only his first year at KSU. My WAG is he's looking for another HC gig, but maybe raising his profile in A2 for a few years opens some doors for him? I like that he has some HC experience. Riley is a younger guy who hasn't been a sole OC yet, so I don't think he fits Michigan's needs.
Koetter is the one name on the list that I recognize. He was the TB Bucs coach for 3 years. He's been a HC at various stops and could likely get another HC gig if I had to imagine. He's been the OC at BSU since 2022 and seems to have a good track record. Hoping someone can add some color here.
Brennan Marion of UNLV is probably familiar to some here just by virtue of having played Michigan last season. He's probably responsible for the go-go offense and that alone probably doesn't make him a fit or a real candidate in A2.
Finally, Arbuckle is another younger OC with a pretty solid track record. He's been the OC at WSU for 2 seasons (including this one) and both years they've had a prolific offense. He spent the previous 2 seasons before that as Co-OC at Western Kentucky, which also had good offenses. He's originally from Texas. I'd like to know more about his time at Western Kentucky and if he's on national radars.
Edit: One final name is Texas Tech's Zach Kittley. But for both Kittley and Arbuckle, it's important to tease out how much they impacted Mahomes vs. how much he impacted them (the latter is more likely IMO, but they also put Bailey Zappe in the league and that has to count for something).
Dan Mullen previously Florida's HC is also getting mention, but he's been in TV for the past 3 years. Not saying he's not an option or a good one, just putting that out there. He's also pretty old going from memory, and who knows if he'd be OK coaching under Sherrone when he may want another HC gig.
Well THAT was certainly unexpected. tOSU played sooooo tight. 5 trips inside the red zone —> 10 points.
That Davis Warren INT on the goal line was perhaps the worst INT I’ve ever seen, non-Mac Jones division… but it came at the end of a 16-play, 75+ yard, 9+ minute clock killing drive. Very odd.
That Davis Warren INT on the goal line was perhaps the worst INT I’ve ever seen, non-Mac Jones division… but it came at the end of a 16-play, 75+ yard, 9+ minute clock killing drive. Very odd.
Still riding the high. It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine. One game makes the entire season a good one. Well done Blue.
What sucked about that INT was that it came on 1st and goal to go from like the three-yard-line. Pound that bitch in there with Mullings and call it a day.
Just an unreal Saturday. I'll never forget it. I was hosting my first watch party here in Tampa on behalf of the U of M Club and I was hugging and probably frightening a lot of strangers. I can't say enough things about this team. The D stepped up so huge without Will Johnson all year. Day deserves a ton of criticism for not throwing enough on Saturday, but Jyaire Hill, Aamir Hall, Wesley Walker, Zeke Berry, and Makari Paige deserve all the praise too. They hung with much more athletic guys and helped pull off one of the biggest upsets in sports of my entire life.
The DL played perfectly as expected from their high standards. Still, they had to execute and did. The LBs also played pretty perfectly, with Barham being an absolute menace all over the field and the maligned Hausmann playing a very good sideline to sideline game.
No one on offense deserves that much praise other than Khalel Mullings, who deserves ALL OF IT. The guy was an absolute beast all season and again on Saturday. He alone practically won the USC and OSU games. Davis Warren will be fondly remembered as being just good enough to win, despite resembling John O'Korn more than any other Michigan QB of my lifetime. Some insane catches and just enough blocking got Michigan over the hump. But upon further consideration, I actually think these guys deserve credit for just the mere perseverance to continue believing in themselves and coming to play. When I heard Loveland was out, any glimmer of hope I had was extinguished. I went into this game saying that anything else other than utter embarrassment was a huge moral victory. Welp, these guys kept plugging away and they have my sincere respect.
Huge kudos to the ST and especially Zvada. In a game marked by missed OSU FGs, the confidence to kick 50+ yarders all game allowed Moore to coach like it's the 1950s.
Really happy for the players and Coach Moore. They've been up against it all year, but this was magical.
TBH, this game says more to me about Day and OSU than anything else. I'm still taking in all the postgame media, and this is the best thing I've read so far:
Edit: Giving the O some more credit considering Loveland was out for the game and Edwards went out too (although the latter almost certainly helped because it resulted in more Mullings runs).
The DL played perfectly as expected from their high standards. Still, they had to execute and did. The LBs also played pretty perfectly, with Barham being an absolute menace all over the field and the maligned Hausmann playing a very good sideline to sideline game.
No one on offense deserves that much praise other than Khalel Mullings, who deserves ALL OF IT. The guy was an absolute beast all season and again on Saturday. He alone practically won the USC and OSU games. Davis Warren will be fondly remembered as being just good enough to win, despite resembling John O'Korn more than any other Michigan QB of my lifetime. Some insane catches and just enough blocking got Michigan over the hump. But upon further consideration, I actually think these guys deserve credit for just the mere perseverance to continue believing in themselves and coming to play. When I heard Loveland was out, any glimmer of hope I had was extinguished. I went into this game saying that anything else other than utter embarrassment was a huge moral victory. Welp, these guys kept plugging away and they have my sincere respect.
Huge kudos to the ST and especially Zvada. In a game marked by missed OSU FGs, the confidence to kick 50+ yarders all game allowed Moore to coach like it's the 1950s.
Really happy for the players and Coach Moore. They've been up against it all year, but this was magical.
TBH, this game says more to me about Day and OSU than anything else. I'm still taking in all the postgame media, and this is the best thing I've read so far:
Quick interruption to say this is wrong, but was included for necessary context.
The bolded is everything.
Edit: Giving the O some more credit considering Loveland was out for the game and Edwards went out too (although the latter almost certainly helped because it resulted in more Mullings runs).
Campbell is out. Too bad it wasn't quick enough to snatch the guy from Washington St. who's going to be OC at Oklahoma but I feel good about Michigan paying for a good option. Important to get someone good with Bryce coming in.
Yeah… that was pretty quick, actually. I respect Moore for pulling the trigger less than 24 hours before Signing Day… there’s a lot going on. Hope/expect they can find someone good.
There has to be someone already done, maybe 2-3 options in case they're waiting on their first choice (e.g., if it's an NFL guy). Would love Mullen, but not set on him by any means.
Michigan hired Chip Lindsey as the new OC. Seth did a nice breakdown on him:
https://mgoblog.com/content/hello-offensive-coordinator-chip-lindsey
https://mgoblog.com/content/hello-offensive-coordinator-chip-lindsey
Supposedly Drake Maye called and spoke with Moore to advocate for Lindsey. Said that despite his numbers being a little off in ‘23 compared with ‘22, Lindsey did more than his ‘22 OC to develop him to be a pro, specifically helping him learn how to read defenses and work through progressions.
Edit to add link (behind paywall): Real Recognize Real report (12/11) – Inside Michigan's OC search & the call that put Chip Lindsey over the top
Edit to add link (behind paywall): Real Recognize Real report (12/11) – Inside Michigan's OC search & the call that put Chip Lindsey over the top
I don’t know crap about watching QB film, but in looking at Underwood highlights he seems to be a one read, then run QB. There isn’t a lot on film to suggest he can read defenses, and doesn’t seem to go through progressions before bolting the pocket. That doesn’t mean he can’t, just that his athleticism dominates his film more so than any cerebral component. So if it’s true that Lindsey helped Maye with his reads, then this obviously bodes well.
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We uh, still need a QB to compete with BU and Jadyn Davis. Everyone linked us with Miller Moss (Louisville), then Billy Edwards (Wisconsin, but why!??). I read that Mikey Keene from UCF is visiting this weekend, and he QB'd under Lindsey, so hopefully that one comes through.
Michigan also landed the best DT in the portal in Bama's Damon Payne, which is also a nice development. He's from MI originally and went to Belleville (our newly established pipeline to the local powerhouse HS is very much appreciated). Hard to argue with building the D from the DL backwards. Barham, Benny, Payne, Moore with TJ Guy and Pierce rotating is a nice DL. Question then becomes who plays LB next to Hausmann. It could be Rolder or one of the Jrs (Hood, Pollard). The secondary should also be pretty strong, with Rod Moore almost certainly returning, Hill another year older, Berry finding a home at CB as opposed to Nickel, and some really exciting Freshmen coming in (Earls, Sanders).
They still need to build the OL and nab another WR or 2 as well.
Michigan also landed the best DT in the portal in Bama's Damon Payne, which is also a nice development. He's from MI originally and went to Belleville (our newly established pipeline to the local powerhouse HS is very much appreciated). Hard to argue with building the D from the DL backwards. Barham, Benny, Payne, Moore with TJ Guy and Pierce rotating is a nice DL. Question then becomes who plays LB next to Hausmann. It could be Rolder or one of the Jrs (Hood, Pollard). The secondary should also be pretty strong, with Rod Moore almost certainly returning, Hill another year older, Berry finding a home at CB as opposed to Nickel, and some really exciting Freshmen coming in (Earls, Sanders).
They still need to build the OL and nab another WR or 2 as well.
Keene began at UCF under Lindsey but most recently has been at Fresno St (visiting the Big House this past Fall), but your point remains. There is also (allegedly) mutual interest with the Nevada QB Brendon Lewis (similar playing profile as BU).
They got Norton from Cal Poly at OT, and there's interest in another IOL from Northwestern (transfer pipeline!). I suspect they'd like two more OL besides Norton if they can get good talent.
Benny hasn't decided whether to return yet or not. Going to play the bowl game and then decide based on any signals he gets from his performance. I'd love to see them get another DL in the Cam Goode mold just in case. As you mention, LB is sneaky thin on experience at the moment.
edit: Lewis to Memphis about 5 hours after this post.
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Worked today so I just watched the bowl game. Vegas can fell free to make us 3 score underdogs anytime they want. Also sweet to end Bama’s season after all the gnashing of teeth about how they should have been in the playoff. I would like to apologize to Wink. The D has been playing a top 10
level since the second half of the Indiana game. They were incredible today especially Moore and Guy on the edge Hausmann at the second level and the coverage behind it Hall the standout but everyone was good. Liked what I saw from Marshall (especially) and Hall. Even though Alabama knew we were running they found holes or bounced out finished through contact and fell forward.
Looking forward to next season. Go Blue!
level since the second half of the Indiana game. They were incredible today especially Moore and Guy on the edge Hausmann at the second level and the coverage behind it Hall the standout but everyone was good. Liked what I saw from Marshall (especially) and Hall. Even though Alabama knew we were running they found holes or bounced out finished through contact and fell forward.
Looking forward to next season. Go Blue!
Michigan has brought in a bunch of more transfers in the past couple of weeks. They've struck out on high end WR targets and still need an OT, but they've picked up CBs, low end WRs, and IOL.
WRT WR, there are 2 portal targets I'm interested in--Tru Edwards from LA Tech and Cortez Braham from UNLV. Stats comp:
Tru - 6-3, 200 lbs.
84 receptions
986 yards (11.7 y/r)
6 TDs (!)
Cortez - 6-2, 200 lbs.
56 receptions
724 yards (12.9 y/r)
4 TDs
I don't know the answer, but is there any chance that someone like Dane Key (committed to Nebraska but not enrolled) can be flipped? Seems like enrollment at Michigan for spring is already a bygone conclusion for anyone, right? So no difference in when for example Tru can come in, vs. Key?
All that said, Edwards or Braham would be a big boost.
WRT WR, there are 2 portal targets I'm interested in--Tru Edwards from LA Tech and Cortez Braham from UNLV. Stats comp:
Tru - 6-3, 200 lbs.
84 receptions
986 yards (11.7 y/r)
6 TDs (!)
Cortez - 6-2, 200 lbs.
56 receptions
724 yards (12.9 y/r)
4 TDs
I don't know the answer, but is there any chance that someone like Dane Key (committed to Nebraska but not enrolled) can be flipped? Seems like enrollment at Michigan for spring is already a bygone conclusion for anyone, right? So no difference in when for example Tru can come in, vs. Key?
All that said, Edwards or Braham would be a big boost.
Welp, congrats to OSU on winning the NC. The first 2-loss champion of this new playoff era, and the first since LSU in 2007.
Michigan looks to be leading for 2025 5* OT Ty Haywood, who decommitted from Bama and recently took an official. Michigan's two biggest needs going forward remain OT and WR. Perhaps Sherrone and Co. are ready to commit (ha!) to Haywood and Babaloa, but it would be nice to have a kid with college ball experience compete with them and start the year. WR looks pretty screwed other than maybe Braham. Braham has a visit scheduled to Kentucky, which continues to fight and often win recruiting battles with Michigan. WTF.
As a coda to this season, there's an OSU championship shirt for sale on Fanatics that lists Michigan as TTUN:
Never change OSU lol
Michigan looks to be leading for 2025 5* OT Ty Haywood, who decommitted from Bama and recently took an official. Michigan's two biggest needs going forward remain OT and WR. Perhaps Sherrone and Co. are ready to commit (ha!) to Haywood and Babaloa, but it would be nice to have a kid with college ball experience compete with them and start the year. WR looks pretty screwed other than maybe Braham. Braham has a visit scheduled to Kentucky, which continues to fight and often win recruiting battles with Michigan. WTF.
As a coda to this season, there's an OSU championship shirt for sale on Fanatics that lists Michigan as TTUN:
Never change OSU lol