Michigan - Wisconsin Review: No Defense = No Chance

I actually thought Michigan played hard this afternoon. They showed flashes of what could have been this year. The defense got a couple of turnovers and even scored a touchdown. Tate and crew seemed to move the ball through the air and could of won the game with a few more touches and stops on defense.

The future does look bright for the Michigan offense with a strong game by freshman Vincent Smith at running back and catching the ball out of the backfield. If Michigan doesn't rough the punter in the first half and if they could have found a way to land on the ball on Wisconsin's fumble on the first play of the second half, Michigan could have snuck away with a win.

With one game to play it seems, Michigan is headed for a 5-7 record and missing a bowl game for the second straight year. That's disappointing after starting the year with a win over ND and a 4-0 start. With that said, this team did get better on the offensive side of the ball but with young players and 3 defensive coordinators in 3 years the defense continues to under preform. Right now this defense can't stop anyone and has probably cost Michigan 3-4 more wins this year.

I don't understand why they continue to be in Zone pass coverage. Tight ends seem to run wide open anytime the opposing offense wants to run a pass play. I would rather see these guys covered in man to man. I'm sure there are reasons for the Zone but Matt Millen actually made a valid point during the OSU game. He said most defensive breakdowns in college come via the zone because of the 20 hour a week rule. That defensive players don't get enough experience/practice running that form of coverage. My point on the man to man is that it would hopefully show a tighter coverage to the QB and could give Graham and others the 1-2 extra seconds they need to get to the QB for a sack. It seemed on Saturday the rush was getting there just a second too late and Wisconsin was finding the tight ends for a 5-10 yard gains.

(What was with the Wisconsin rushing touchdown where Graham laid out Clay? Why do they even have replay? He wasn't even close to crossing the goal line. Another terrible call)

I'm concerned about the defense next year. I know experience helps but does Michigan have the right talent and depth (on defense) they need to win 8-10 games next year? I don't think so. The Michigan coaches really need to recruit hard for the last 5 spots in the 2010 class for impact players.

I feel sorry for Brandon Graham who is playing at an All American level and Brandon Minor with his banged up ankle. They deserved a Bowl game and they are not going to get one. Enjoy next week gentlemen, you have both been loyal Wolverines and you both will be missed.

If you didn't catch the #15 ranked Michigan Basketball team in action tonight, they have a ton of young talent and will be exciting to watch all year long. I haven't seen this much young talent on the Wolverines since the Fab 5. With Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims leadership this team will make some noise in the Big Ten this year. It's fun to watch a ranked, well coached, basketball team again!

Reality Check: If your feeling down about Rich Rodriguez Wolverines take a second to think about the fight that Phil Brabbs and Vada Murray are going through. Both are proud former Wolverine football players and both are fighting cancer. If you need some perspective on whats really important in life keep Phil and Vada in your thoughts and prayers. If you want to donate to Phil's treatment please donate here. I have.

I'm not excited about Ohio State week, but I am excited about Michigan Basketball for the first time in a long time. Go Blue!