After last year Michigan will take all the wins they can get, in fact being 3-0 this year equals the total number of wins in 2008.
Michigan won 45-17 on Saturday but there is a lot of work still to be done with the young Wolverines. Rich Rod after the game said there were a number of teachable moments in the game and I have to agree. Michigan looked "out" of it for most of the first half. Their only saving grace was that the Michigan offensive line dominated the Eagles D line which created huge holes and memorable runs like Carlos "Santana" Brown's 90 yard TD scamper which was the third longest run in the history of Michigan football.
Still the half time score was 24-17 and Michigan has plenty of areas they will need to focus on as the Big Ten season starts next week. Here are some of the areas I believe Michigan needs to work on:
- The defense needs to be able to stop the run. They gave up 179 yards on the ground and most of that was in the first half. The left side of the D line and linebackers was the focus of the Eagles rushing attack.
- The passing offense looked rusty and there were a number of drops. Michigan passed for a total of 68 yards. Yes, 68.
- Michigan did look like they letdown a bit after the ND game last week.
Don't get me wrong, I am very excited that Michigan is 3-0 and beat the Eagles on Saturday, I just saw a few things that concerned me. There was also some good on Saturday. Now on to the much anticipated Cheers and Jeers.............
Cheers:
- 380 Rushing Yards! This is the best the Michigan offensive line has played in years.
- Carlos "Santana" Brown went for 187 of those 380 and had a career game with 14.4 yards per carry.
- Denard Robinson is an amazing runner. He went for two more touchdowns on the ground.
- Half Time adjustments: again the Michigan coaches made great adjustments at half time to stop the Eagles run attack on defense and shutting the Eagles out in the second half.
- Michael Shaw looks like he has found his speed again after an off season surgery.
- Many young players did get into the game late.
- Craig Roh had a nice pick off a tipped pass.
- Warren is a really becoming a great cover corner.
Jeers:
- Odoms, catch the ball! a drop cost Michigan a drive in the first half.
- The Michigan defense in the first half gave up 17 points.
- Tate struggled in the first half with the pass rush and fumbled once.
- I'm worried about Minor's ankle. He only played a few plays and Coach Rod said it was sore and they sat him out.
- Starting center David Molk went out with a foot injury in the EMU game.
- Denard's two picks don't concern me. He needs to throw the ball more and yesterday was just phase one.
Bottom line is Michigan was the better team and proved it on Saturday. The effort for the road ahead will have to be better.
Thoughts around the league on Saturday:
- USC loses to the 2008 0-12 Washington Huskies: Great win for Washington. Terrible loss for USC. I'm glad this was the game the former coordinator won and not the Michigan game. It also shows that OSU lost a great opportunity to beat the Trojans last week in Columbus.
- MSU loses to ND: Michigan State showed character against ND but they also showed stupidly with a number of lost of opportunities to win or tie the game. The last minute pick was a huge mistake only down three points. So was the missed wide open pass the play before. State is now 1-2 with Wisconsin and Michigan up next. Yikes!
4 comments:
What I found concerning, and confusing, is that Michigan gave up some long runs by Eastern's quarterback. You would think that by practicing against the likes of Forcier and Robinson, Michigan's defense would be especially prepared for this. Instead, they were often caught off-guard by this spread staple.
Another great game this weekend in Ann Arbor and I was so happy to be apart of it. The shirts have been making their appearance around town and are a huge success. Pick up a hope t-shirt at www.dwuapparel.com. They are American Apparel, available in Navy and Grey, and sizes S – XL. These are one of a kind, cannot be found in stores, and only a limited amount of shirts have been printed. The Rich Rod Hope shirt also makes for a great gift for family members and other Wolverines in your life. Let’s support the coach and our program. Ordering information and pictures are available on the website. Go Blue!
USC lost to a very good UW team. They may have been 0-15 in 2008, but they're on the rise under Sarkisian.
That ND schedule with Wash on it now doesn't look so easy!
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