Michigan Thursday: Is Big Jon Runyan Jr. Ready To Grab One of the Tackle Spots?

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The Big Ten Network practice report included seeing Jon Runyan take a bunch of 1st team snaps at left tackle.   As we all know, both tackle spots are available this camp and outside the QB position are probably the biggest question marks on the team. 

"I think since moving around last season playing both guard and tackle, and then I was able to focus on mainly tackle (since spring)," Runyan said. "I was able to focus on mainly technique not worried about playing guard and tackle and my technique on the interior and then moving out to tackle. So really ever since spring ball focus on tackle in practice and get myself better, if I can win eight out of 10 times against Rashan (Gary) and Chase (Winovich), I feel like I can do pretty well against anyone on our schedule.”

If Jon has separated himself as one of the tackles, who will fill the other tackle position?  We have heard a ton of positive buzz from James Hudson and Chuck Filiaga has a year experience in the program now.  Both guys are candidates, but JBB has the most experience on the offensive line.   Jaylan Mayfield has also been getting strong reports for a true freshman, but I don't expect he will be rushed on the field so early in his career.   It will be interesting to see which guys run on the field in 16 days.

"I've been repping right and left tackle with the one's and some other guys mixing it in with the one's, too," Runyan said. "So kind of what coach Ed (Warinner) sees what we are doing, evaluating the practice film, mixing it up every now and then, keeping us on our toes. He want the best five out there against Notre Dame. So that's obviously the goal."

• The Maryland Regents are meeting on Friday and its expected to have a decision on DJ Durkin future after its complete.  Most are expecting that he will be fired.  

• OSU's Urban Meyer investigation team is also expected to complete its report on Sunday.  Most feel Urban will be suspended and won't be fired.  It will be interesting to see what the OSU President feels about this situation as it's clear Urban protected "a bad egg" because he was grandson of his mentor Earl Bruce.   Urban is also a habitual liar and I'm not sure how you have a guy like that run your football program.  

Michigan Thursday: A Look Back at The Maryland Win

Michigan gets a needed road win at Maryland against their former DC.

Maryland Preview

msa.maryland.gov

Time: 3:30 EST
Location: Capital One Field
Weather:  Cold 38, No Rain
TV: BTN
Stream: BTN to Go
Line: Michigan -17


Michigan travels to College Park to take on the fighting Scott Van Pelt's on Saturday afternoon.  The forecast calls for chilly conditions with zero chance of rain.   Maybe this game can start on time? 


Jimmy will get to match-up again with his coaching tree as DJ Durkin is now in his second year leading Maryland.  


Tale of the Tape
Michigan Oline vs. Maryland Dline = Michigan
Michigan Dline vs. Maryland Oline = Michigan
Mich Passing Game vs. Maryland DB's = ?
Michigan Run game vs. Maryland D = Michigan
Health = Michigan
Weather = Maryland


This is the final stretch of the "feels good" portion of the schedule.   Michigan has run through the likes of Rutgers, Minnesota and now probably Maryland.   Michigan struggled to beat bad teams early in the year and now are finding it much easier as the running game is finally executing properly.


The funny part is Maryland is down to it's 5th string QB and Michigan is on it's 3rd.  It's very strange for 8 QB's to have played between two teams.   It's time to take the training wheels off Brandon Peters and let him throw the ball, even if the running game is clicking.  Jimmy sort of kicked himself after the Minnesota game, because he didn't give Peters enough opportunities.


Yell, let's do this in Madison if...................

• Brandon Peters plays clean and well
• Michigan's defense is still the best unit on the field
• Michigan's run game opens up the passing game
• Michigan has 100 yard days for Higdon and Evans
• Defense causes 2 turnovers

Yell, why can't we play well on the road if.....................

• Michigan's offense is turning the ball over
• Michigan's defense is on the field too much
• DJ is reading Michigan's mail
• Defense gives up big plays

The Maryland defensive line is undersized and the Michigan offensive line should have another big day in opening up running lanes.   The Maryland defense is very similar to Michigan's in structure (not talent) and we will see a Viper and strong play from the defensive backs.    The offensive line will have to protect Peters from meeting Maryland's viper Antione Brooks Jr.  Look for DJ to blitz a ton to see if the line and a redshirt freshman QB can handle it. 


This game stays close if Michigan is turning the ball over and giving Maryland short fields.  It doesn't if Peters plays clean and the offensive runs for 250+ and passes for 200.  


Michigan needs to win this game and win it impressively so they have some momentum going into the trip to Madison and hosting Ohio State.  As Michigan fans, we have seen improvements but we're concerned that is due to the competition then real improvements.   Run the ball, throw to the tight ends, play great defense, and leave College Park with a win. 

Michigan 31 Maryland 10

Citrus Bowl Preview

Time: 1:00 PM EST
Location: Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL
Weather: 82 - 10%  rain
TV: ABC
Line:  Michigan -4


Bowl games are funny things, some programs consider them a reward for a tough season, others consider it an exhibition.  When predicting a winner, you try to find the teams that want to be there  vs. the ones that don't.   Nebraska didn't even win 6 games and found themselves in a bowl game against a quality UCLA team.     Nebraska wanted to be in a bowl - UCLA didn't and Nebraska upset the Bruins. 

The Citrus Bowl could be a similar situation.   Michigan didn't go to a bowl game last year after Brady Hoke left this program on fire.  Florida did go bowling but was coached by Michigan's DC this year (DJ Durkin).   Both programs replaced their head coaches after last season and have had successful first years.   Florida played in the SEC Championship and had thoughts of Playoffs or at least a New Years Big 6 Bowl.   They lost to FSU and Alabama back to back and that playoff dream slipped away.   UF recently had a bunch of NFL Draft announcements and a few suspensions.

Tale of the Tape:
Michigan WR vs. Florida CB = Florida
Michigan DL vs. Florida OL = Michigan
Michigan OL vs. Florida DL = Florida
Michigan QB vs. Florida QB = Michigan
Intangibles = Michigan


Both programs should know each other very well.  Michigan's former DC and now head coach of Maryland, helped create the dominate Florida defense.  (Did Jimmy drain DJ's brain on the Gators before he left for Maryland?).  Michigan's 1 year OC under Brady Hoke, Doug Nussmeier is now the OC at Florida.   These teams should know each other very well.  

UF has had serious trouble moving the ball on offense under Nuss and with recent suspensions could have mostly freshman on the offensive line.   That should be a huge advantage for the likes of Worm, Taco, and Big Willy.    Florida has also watched the Minnesota, IU and Ohio State games and knows Michigan has had trouble stopping the run against an athletic QB. 

Sing Hail to the Victors if...................................

• Michigan can move the ball on the UF defense
• Michigan can get TD's instead of field goals
• Michigan has some sort of running game
• Peppers and Rudock are healthy
• Michigan defense shuts down the UF offense

Yell, I just got bite by a gator if........................................

• Michigan's Defense can't stop the new offensive formations we will likely see from Nuss
• Michigan can run against the Florida Defense
• Michigan's WR can't get separation against the Florida DB's
• Michigan offense gives Florida offense a short field
• Michigan LB's continue to look lost

If you want a ton of points and a lot of offense, this is not the game for you.   Both teams have a very good secondary and want to stop the run.   If Michigan is going to win this game they will have to have a game plan that sets up the run through their passing game.   Michigan's offense is a stronger unit then Florida's offense, but has also turned the ball over in spurts and turnovers could push the game towards the Gators.  

Michigan's biggest advantage on offense is their TE's.   I expect Darboh and Chesson will have trouble with Florida's CB and Michigan will have to use Butt and Bunting a ton to move the sticks and get into the red zone.   I expect if Peppers is heathy enough to play, he will only take defensive snaps.  Rudock went to high school in Miami and will want to play well in his last college game in front of family and friends.   I just hope he is 100% healthy after a months rest.    He will have to play very will in getting the ball out fast and throwing in tight windows.   If he is not healthy or not even playing, all bets are off.

I like Michigan in this game, because the Wolverines are excited to be in a bowl game and have Harbaugh as their head coach.  This entire team remembers this time last year.   Florida is playing in their home state but could have their heads elsewhere.   Michigan will have to play smart, physical football to win.  I hope this game doesn't come down to a special teams mistake.

Michigan 17  Florida 9

Michigan Thursday: Two Spots With A Ton of Possibilities

Michigan this week have found themselves looking for two very important roles in the Michigan Football program. 

#1 is the Boss - Michigan Athletic Director - Jim Hackett might have been the best Michigan AD since Don Canham.  U of M has hired a search committee but it's hard to believe they haven't had a short list of candidates during the past year.   If there is a reason for a person to have a statue created for one year on the job, Jim Hackett might be the right person.

#2:  Michigan's DC:  DJ Durkin's unit got embarrassed on Saturday afternoon and then less then a week has a Big Ten head coaching job.  DJ's body of work made him a hot candidate for head coaching jobs, he is young, has coached under Urban Meyer, Jimmy (twice) and created the very good Florida defense under Will Muschamp.    It was only a matter of time but I was hoping for a job not in the Big Ten and in the same division as Michigan.

Losing top young coaches is something we are going to need to get used to.   One of the things we haven't had at Michigan is a head coach with large coaching tree.   Jimmy's is one of the best coaches in football and other schools will be looking to "poach" our top assistants for years to come. 

Jimmy has a ton of options to replace DJ.   He has a few options on staff including former DC Greg Mattison.   Greg Jackson and Mike Zordich has done a very good job with the DB's this year.   Like I mentioned yesterday, Scott Shafer another former Michigan DC and Stanford DC has to be a candidate.   He was recently fired as the head coach of Syracuse and Jimmy could off load some of the HC stuff he doesn't like to him (like some press updates, interviews, etc).     Either way, Michigan needs to find a better way to stop spread teams with mobile QB's.  We have struggled against OSU, IU and others for too many years. 

I also don't think this has to be a quick decision, Michigan is in a good spot with Mattison leading the defense during bowl prep.   My only concern is with recruiting, Michigan really needs some Linebackers in recruiting and has a really big fish on the line with Rashan Gary.   I hope DJ moving on doesn't hurt the recruitment of Michigan's big needs in the 2016 class.

• Instate WR Donnie Corley is expected to announce his college decision next week.  MSU is the presumed leader in the clubhouse if he still plans on keeping that announcement date. 

• Devin Bush Jr. told ESPN TomVH that the loss of DJ doesn't effect him much, I don't know if that means he is planning to go to another school or DJ wasn't a big pull to Ann Arbor for him.

• Michigan QB commit Brandon Peters is a finalist for the Army All American Player of the Year Award.