During the Fox broadcast on Saturday, Joel Klatt said that, "every time a Michigan WR goes in motion it's a run play, when they don't it's a pass play" Of course, after that comment every Michigan fan watched as a WR went into motion and Michigan ran the ball.
People that have more time than you or I do will watch tape from every Michigan game this season and come up with the data if this is true or not. Brian at Mgoblog has a theory that every time Michigan is in the Pistol, they run the ball. Here is what I do know, that Big Ten staffs are full of guys that chart plays against the opposition, I'm betting that OSU has a staff member that his/hers only job is to scout and chart Michigan plays every Saturday.
I don't chart plays but I watch pretty much every snap of every Michigan game every year. I can determine with a high probability (I would guess 90%), whether it's a pass or run play. Now add analytics, add play charting, and tendencies. Now you have a defensive problem if your Michigan or an advantage if your IU. We all know Indiana doesn't have the talent to match-up with most of the Big Ten and definitely not Michigan. They have to go the Casino route and try to hit the jackpot by guessing and blitzing in the proper spots. A run blitz can be just as effective as a pass blitz. That is what happened at IU on Saturday.
There are two thoughts here on why Michigan is doing this.
The first one, is the one we all hope to be true. Michigan is doing this on purpose. Meaning, Michigan is putting tendencies on tape, just to break them against "the States" (PSU, MSU, and OSU). This will keep those defenses off stride and open up big plays if they're guessing wrong. That Michigan doesn't need to be any other Baskin Robbins flavor than vanilla against Maryland, Iowa, and IU.
The second one is the worst possible scenario, that Michigan is arrogant enough to run what they run and hope to just out execute you. Who cares if you know if it's a run play or a pass play? You don't know where Blake is going to run and you don't know where JJ is going to pass to. Michigan has lost a ton of Rose Bowls with that type of offensive thinking (pun intended).
So now what?
We have to give the Michigan coaches the benefit of the doubt here and assume we are dealing with #1 above. Michigan has Penn State this week and we will test that theory. For a more effective pass game, Michigan has to put defenders in conflict with play action and motion.
I'm shocked we haven't seen more production from the Michigan WR's this season. Anthony has gotten very few targets and the freshman WR's only have 1 or 2 catches in blowout games. I'm also a fan of running the ball in 4 wide sets, I believe that takes defenders out of the box, and gives our RB's more room to gain more yards. Jimmy believes just the opposites and wants more TE's in the run game.
If the declines at Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin have taught us anything, you have to change and bring new looks every year/week. Don Brown was easy to beat, when you knew what was coming every week. You have to think the same way on offense.
- Michael Phelps will be the honorary Michigan captain at the Penn State game. New Michigan President Santa will receive the same honor against MSU.
- If you missed it from yesterday, Fred Jackson will be filling in for Mike Hart until he is ready to resume his role. Michigan got a waiver to allow Fred to fill in.
- Matt Rhule got fired yesterday from the Carolina Panthers. He will now get to sit back and think about that $40M he has coming and decide between the likes of Nebraska or Colorado.
- Has anyone considered we might have a ND/Charie Weiss situation at Michigan State right now with Mel Tucker? Win with the portal, lose with the portal.
- Big Mo Hurst said he will be attending the Penn State game on Saturday! Great to have former players back in the Big House.
- Speaking of former Wolverines, did anyone catch Devin Gardner on Fox on Friday night and Saturday afternoon? He did an excellent job! I think Fox has a star in the making.
6 comments:
It's very rarely if ever that Michigan out schemes an opponent, especially on offense. I have the same fear that Michigan will do the arrogance thing and line up and run their playbook and dare the opponents to stop them. Defensively it be nice if Minter came out with a wrinkle and shut down PSU from the start. He has done well adjusting in the 2nd halves of games, but the 1st halves have been a little rough. Michigan did run a play action on the 1st drive against Indiana, I believe it was out of the pistol formation and I almost fell out of my recliner. Only been looking for that play all season.
Hoping for #1, sadly believe it’s 2
Devin was great in the booth!!
When Michigan does pass they usually pass near the line of scrimmage. They need to use the wide receivers more and develop a passing game that gets behind the defense. Better opponents will be able to suffocate the predictable offense At least someone finally figured out what the Michigan uniform should be. I hope I never see them wear all white, all blue, or all yellow uniforms again.
This Michigan football ..they can't do differently....
Blue for life
I instinctively lean towards two but that is largely because I have so many frustrating memories with coaches like Carr, Rich Rod and Hoke. Last year against Ohio State I watched a team I hadn't seen all year.
I am cautiously optimistic the real answer is one. We will know more Saturday afternoon.
Bob,
I appreciate the work that you've put into this particular post. Thanks. IMHO!!!
Post a Comment