Is The Michigan Defense Geling?

IS THE MICHIGAN DEFENSE GELING?

PUBLISHED 9/26/2012 BY: JEREMY WROBEL

 COMING OFF A DISAPPOINTING LOSS THE MICHIGAN WOLVERINES DID SHOW A SIGN OF LIFE ON DEFENSE. THE WOLVERINES DISPLAYED THEIR BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR DESPITE A LOSING EFFORT. TO THEIR CREDIT, IT WAS NOT THEIR FAULT THEY LOST.

THE WOLVERINES HELD NOTRE DAME TO 239 YARDS OF TOTAL OFFENSE, WHICH WAS 150 YARDS LESS THAN WHAT THE IRISH WERE PUTTING UP FOR THE YEAR. THE PREVIOUS THREE GAMES FOR THE WOLVERINES THEY WERE ALLOWING 369 TOTAL YARDS PER GAME. THE MANAGED TO SHAVE 12 YARDS OFF OF THEIR OPPONENTS PASSING YARDS AGAINST ND AND 117 YARDS OF THEIR AVERAGE OPPONENTS RUNNING GAME. THEY CUT THEIR OPPONENTS AVERAGE POINTS IN HALF FROM 26 TO 13 AGAINST NOTRE DAME. ALL IN ALL IT WAS A VALIANT EFFORT.

THE MICHIGAN “D” CAME UP WITH TWO INT’S SATURDAY EVENING. PRIOR TO THE INT’S THEY HADN’T EVEN HAD A SINGLE PASS BREAK UP THE WHOLE SEASON. THE WOLVERINES DEFENSIVE LINE HAD THEIR BEST GAME OF THE SEASON. THEY HAD GREAT PRESSURE ON THE QB FORCING THE IRISH QB’S FORCING THEM TO THROW NEGLEGENT THROWS, RESULTING IN TURNOVERS. IF THE MICHIGAN “D” CAN KEEP THIS A TREND THE SKIES THE LIMIT. THIS WOULD BE A PERFECT TIME TO START GELLING ON THE VERGE OF CONFERENCE PLAY. THEY KICK OFF CONFERENCE PLAY OCTOBER 6^TH AGAINST THE PURDUE BOILERMAKERS.

WITH THE LACK OF PERFORMANCE FROM THE OFFENSE THE ONLY WAY MICHIGAN HAS A SHOT IN THE B1G IS IF THEY KEEP GETTING BETTER ON DEFENSE. IF ANY SIGN OF IMPROVEMENT ON THE OFFENSIVE SIDE OF THE BALL GETS GOING THE WOLVERINES HAVE A REALITIC SHOT AT THE TITLE IN THE B1G CONFERENCE.

What The Wolverines Need: A Week Off

What the Wolverines Need: A Week Off

Published 9/25/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

What Notre Dame wanted
to see all night, Robinson passing.

Notre Dame was then, the Bye Week is now. The Wolverines need to figure their offense out. A disgusting outing at Notre Dame has Wolverines fans speechless. Wondering what will the rest of the season be like? Denard Robinson single handedly gave the ball away 5 times Saturday evening. With the Bye coming, he needs to somehow shake that out of his mind.

Robinson hasn’t ever been known to be a decent passer and it seems like that is most certainly not going to change. If he could just limit his mistakes, cut them in half even the Wolverines would at least be competitive. Yeah he apologized and stated it won’t happen again we will not know until the next game. Purdue is next on the docket set for the 6^th of October.

With the defense looking like they are figuring it out, the offense just looks a mess. I don’t know exactly if it’s the pressure put on him by his coaches or himself but they need to figure it out. It’s conference play time and everyone is 0-0. Put the non-conference behind you and act like this is a totally new start of a season. If they limit the bone-head plays and not turn the ball over Michigan still has a good enough team to compete in the B1G.

No Place Like Home, Or Is There?

No Place Like Home, Or Is There?



Will Kelly be able to handle the hype Saturday evening?

Will the Sophomore Everett Golson and HC Brian Kelly be able to handle their composure with the home pressure tomorrow evening? South Bend will be filled with anticipation and hope. The road team, the Michigan Wolverines come in to town riding a three game winning streak against Notre Dame. The Irish faithful believe this is the year they make a stand Nationally and more importantly as of right now against Michigan.

With a quick tempered coach like Brian Kelly it should be interesting to see if Golson makes a few mistakes. Will Kelly pull him? The weight of the Irish fan base will be on his shoulders. He will be under the microscope as much as the team. He’s very erratic.

What it comes down to is the Notre Dame’s coach could lose this game for them. If Michigan forces a early turnover or two. Possibly a few three and outs, we could see a QB competition right there on the field for the Golden Domers. Tommy Rees, Andrew Hendrix, or Everett Golson? Then just in like years past, long faces and a long season for the Irish.

Brian Kelly's Heroes: Can UofM Stop Golson & Riddick?

Brian Kelly's Heroes: Can UofM Stop Golson & Riddick?

Published 9/21/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel


Everett Golson will lead the Fighting Irish against Michigan Saturday evening. The Sophomore from Myrtle Beach has 611 yards for Three TD's and One INT. Golson is completing 58% of his passes with 7 sacks. Michigan's defensive line will have to play disciplined with Golson's ability to scramble.

Michigan must contain
Golson to have a chance.

Linebackers must play an excellent
game and pay attention to where
Riddick is lined up.

Theo Riddick, a Senior RB for the Irish has had a solid start to the season. He has 46 carries for 190 yards and 2 TD's. Along with 9 receptions for 85. The linebackers for Michigan will have to play the possibility of Options and Riddick's threat coming out of the backfield or lining up at receiver for catches. It will be a challenge for the young defense for Michigan and be interesting to see what DC Greg Mattison has in store. Going against Denard Robinson in practice everyday should be an advantage to stopping Golson.

If Michigan can get to the QB and rattle him or force a turnover or two, it wouldn't surprise me if Brian Kelly doesn't jump the gun and pull Golson. I believe Michigan will be able to move the ball on offense so the pressure will be on the "D" and Special Teams. Field possession and turnovers in my opinion will be the deciding factor in the game. Big statement game for the Wolverines defense, let us see if the "Big Blue' can't know Notre Dame off their wagon for a 4th straight year.

Meeting Number 40: Can the Irish Slow Down Denard?

40^th Time

Published 9/20/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

Can the Irish stifle Robinson?

Denard Robinson has eaten the Irish up the past couple years. He has a 3-0 record against the Irish and Saturday evening will be looking for number 4. Michigan leads the overall series 23-15-1. With Saturday looming the Irish have something to prove. With having their best start in 10 years will the Irish be able to slow down Robinson?

The Irish have only allowed 30 points through three games this season the best since 1988 when they only allowed 27 through three. 88’ was the last time the Irish won a National Title. The test is Denard; he has 950 total yards through three games and 10 TD’s. The last two games are what were to be expected as the season started. Going against a team that looks to be much improved will Robinson be able to do what he does best against the Irish? Win.

For Manti Te’o this is his 4^th and final game against the Wolverines and the last time he has a chance for a W against them. For Notre Dame, Te’o must have a great game spying Robinson and slipping into creases and cutbacks where Robinson has killed them in the past. It’ll be very interesting to see how that matchup goes down on Saturday. For Michigan it’ll be how the O-Line pushes off the ball and pulls to open up the run game.

The Irish lost their starting safety last Saturday. Jamoris Slaughter tore his left Achilles tendon and it will be curious to see if they bunch the box to stuff the run and leave one on ones on the outside. If Notre Dame does that I see the potential for big plays in the pass game for Michigan. That is also assuming the Michigan O-Line can give Robinson enough time to throw the ball. Should be an intriguing matchup Saturday in South Bend filled with rivalry emotions and big time plays.

4-0 in South Bend

4-0 Coming Around the Bend
Published 9/17/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

Denard Robinson looks to go 4-0 against Notre Dame Saturday evening. The Wolverines are one of the few teams that have a winning record against the Golden Domers with a record of 23-15-1. Also, at South Bend they have a winning record of 9-8-1. The last three meetings have been decided by 4 points.

With Denard being the focus, I believe someone other than he will have to step up and standout. My X-Factor is Junior wide out Devin Gardener who has three TD receptions this year. With Notre Dames much improved defense someone will have to emerge. I think the Irish will have a bead on Denard this game and we will need to possess a passing threat. Gardener who converted from QB to WR has shown signs of being a dominate wide out. He leads the team with 3 TD receptions and just looks the part.

The offensive line will get its true second test against N.D. this week and must keep Denard off the turf in passing situations. Having a lot to prove, this would be an outstanding moment for them to get it together. Lewan will be the anchor for this highly criticized line and needs to have his boys fired up.

The run game showed signs it actually has a life last week and it will be interesting what Borges has up his sleeve to open it up. N.D. did a pretty good job last week against a Heisman caliber running back in MSU’s Bell. The Domers held Bell for just 77 yards on 19 carries and their MLB Te’o is looking the part.

Making an Impact

IMPACT

Published 9/17/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

Devin Gardener has made a significant impact at the WR slot for the Wolverines this year. The 6'4 203lbs. Junior has had 8 catches for 155 yds. and 3 TD's this season. He's averaging 19.4 yards a catch and had a very nice catch and run for a TD against UMass Saturday afternoon.

It should also be interesting to see how Michigan plays him. A deep outside threat or a come acroos the middle catch annd run. If Denard can find him whens he's open he is a serious problem for a defense. Big, strong and physical.

He has converted from QB to WR and could be impactful in a trick plays with him throwing the ball, if OC Al Borges decides to mix some of those plays in. With the Notre Dame game approaching, It will be interesting if end around options come into play. Could be the type of trickery that gives Michigan a W.

Disgruntled

Stuffing and Starting the Run.
Published 9/16/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

If the Wolverines want to have a shot at the B1G Championship the lines have to produce alot more than the first 3 weeks of the season.

The offensive line produced 158 yards for the running backs. It would be considered decent if it were a relevant team and not UMass. Brady Hoke knows there is room for way more improvement as he discussed after the game.

The defensive line gave up 112 yards rushing against an undersized and 1st year FBS line. Craig Roh is supposed to be the leader of the front 4 but in my opinion, he has stepped up and filled that role.

Both lines are still missing assignments and if Notre Dame is as good as they looked Saturday night against the Spartans we will be in for a long night. The burden will be put on Denard to win the game.

The Past Is The Past

The Past Is The Past
Published 9/13/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

It's been a tough couple weeks for the Michigan defense but, the past is the past. This upcoming game against UMass should be a great opportunity for the defense to build confidence. Last weeks game wasn't the ideal game to build confidence when DC Mattison had to build a gameplan for one of the toughest offenses to defend in real short notice. Players struggled and that was to be expected. What matters is the defense stepped up when they had to and iced the game securing a W.

Jake Ryan honoring the #47 jersey.

The game against UMass should be a defensive tweaker. Run different sets, schemes and work out kinks. We have to be consistent and tackle well. A big game is coming up against rival Notre Dame, as well as B1G play. I like how the coaches have been rotating players in, find your best. I believe after this weeks game there will be a steady depth chart with the players working the hardest and contributing the most will start more consistently. If they are freshmen, so be it. There has been flashes of talent from them. For instance Joe Bolden, James Ross, and Ondre Pipkins.

Let the past be the past and move forward. Michigan still has a great shot at the B1G title with the other teams struggling to find their own. If the Wolverines work harder they will hold the trophy.

Roy Just Wants To Win.

Winning Is What Matters
Published 9/12/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

Roy Roundtree (21)

Senior WR Roy Roundtree is always preaching Team first. Even though he only has 372 yards the last 15 games and only three receptions for 17 yards this season. His career stats are:

2009  - 11 games, 32 receptions, 434 yards (13.6 average), 3 TD
2010  - 13 games, 72 receptions, 935 yards (13.0 average), 7 TD
2011  - 13 games, 19 receptions, 355 yards (18.7 average), 2 TD
2012 - 2 games, 3 receptions, 17 yards (5.7 average), 0 TD

Roy says he not into stats and when he gets the ball he can make big plays for his team.

He wears the No. 21 Legends jersey formerly worn by Heisman Winner Desmond Howard. It is worn in a part of a leadership role. Hoke remains enthusiastic about his work ethic and ability to block. Roundtree remains sincere about any questions about his statistics. In his own words, "Stats don't matter to me — I just want to win."

That's what a team player is all about and any HC would love to have more players like that.

Coach Countess

T.J. Floyd

Texting T.J.
Published 9/12/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel


How important is Blake Countess to the Michigan secondary? Ask J.T. Floyd, the senior corner opposite of Countess. Blake was hurt in game one with a torn ACL and is out for the year. According to J.T. Floyd, he will checking his phone at halftime in each of the games here on out. Countess will be relaying advice.

Last week Countess told Floyd to watch the cut blocks and the deep ball. T.J. said it was helpful and is looking forward to the advice. After rooming with Countess, they have developed a great bond sources say.

Blake Countess

Floyd said, "Any time you have a teammate that goes down with something like that, it's something you don't want to see happen. But for me, personally, that's a guy that I really wanted to take under my wing. We were roommates during camp, we've got a great relationship and I kind of took it hard ... But he's doing well, he's in good spirits, and he's being Blake."

Michigan continues to list Courtney Avery as the starter, but Raymon Taylor doesn't seem too far behind. Also in the mix is sophomore Delonte Hollowell and freshman Terry Richardson.

Floyd says he feels comfortable with either junior corner Courtney Avery or sophomore Raymon Taylor on the field.

As far asMichigan's unquestioned starting cornerback opposite Floyd, Michigan coach Brady Hoke says that's still somewhat of a work in progress. Just goes to show you how important Countess is to that secondary.

TheMichigan continues to list Avery as the starter, but Taylor doesn't seem to be far behind. Also in the mix now is sophomore Delonte Hollowell and freshman Terry Richardson.Michigan continues to list Avery as the starter, but Taylor doesn't seem to be far behind. Also in the mix now is sophomore Delonte Hollowell and freshman Terry Richardson. Ann Arbor NewsMichigan continues to list Avery as the starter, but Taylor doesn't seem to be far behind. Also in the mix now is sophomore Delonte Hollowell and freshman Terry Richardson.Michigan continues to list Avery as the starter, but Taylor doesn't seem to be far behind. Also in the mix now is sophomore Delonte Hollowell and freshman Terry RichardsonMichigan continues to list Avery as the starter, but Taylor doesn't seem to be far behind. Also in the mix now is sophomore Delonte Hollowell and freshman Terry RichardsonMichigan continues to list Avery as the starter, but Taylor doesn't seem to be far behind. Also in the mix now is sophomore Delonte Hollowell and freshman Terry Richardsonnbbggffhhh

Keeping the Rivalry Alive

Staying Alive

Michigan is 23-15-1 against rival Notre Dame.

Published 9/12/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

After confirming the move to the ACC in all things other than Football, Notre Dame and Michigan's contract expires in 2020. The play regularly through 2017 and have a break in action in 2018-19.

Michigan AD, Dave Brandon said it was up to the Fighting Irish to decide how the two storied programs keep the rivalry going. Dave Brandon hopes to keep the battle between the two going well after the 2020 season.

On All Cylinders

On All Cylinders
Published 9/12/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

Will Fitz get rolling?

After a poor season debut against the Falcons, will this be the game that gets Fitzgerald Toussaint on track? After a 1,000 yard season last year, he started his 2012 campaign with a staggering (awful), seven yards on eight carries.

Without Fitz contributing in the offense Michigan has become a Denard show. He provides good balance that the offense is in dire need of. The Michigan offensive line must dominate and get Toussaint clicking on all cyclinders.

If he doesn't get rolling and our offense can't provide diversity our season could be in shambles starting next week in South Bend. This is a must game to fix any and all problems.

Walk-On Meeting

Trouble for the Minutemen.
Published 9/12/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

According to the UMass football page on Facebook, the team will be having a meeting for athletes interested in walking on. I guess it can't hurt when you are only averaging 121 yards passing per game and 40.5 yards rushing per game. If this isn't a bad sign for them I do not know what is. OUCH!

Paying With Probation and the Possibility

"Big House" For Clark?
Published 9/12/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

Frank Clark a Sophomore DL for Michigan is probably wide eyed. After pleading guilty to one felony count of second degree home invasion he is on probation and if he doesn't abide to it, could serve a max of 15 years in prison. Clark admitted to entering a dormitory on June 14 and without permission, taking a Macbook Air laptop before returning to his room.

Clark agreed to plead guilty under the of the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA). Judge Donald E. Shelton explained it as, "an opportunity for people under 21 with no prior convictions that it is their first and last contact with the law."

Frank Clark (57)

If Clark violates his probation he will be charged without the HYTA provisions and could be charged with a max sentence of 15 years. If he completes probation without trouble his record would be expunged.

Clark is due to be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 23.

I would hope Clark takes this serious and grows up. Coach Hoke said that the DL has, "paid a lot of consequences internally." My opinion is this is big boy life, not just football Mr. Clark.

A Breath Away.

A Breath Away.
Published 9/11/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel


Greg Mattison acknowledged he, himself did not arm his defense with enough in Saturday's performance against Air Force. The Wolverines allowed Air Force to rush for 290 yards and it took a late 4th quarter stop to ice the game.

"I'll take the blame for that as a coordinator. One thing we always talked about with our defense is we're always going to have enough bullets, always have enough in our package to be able to stop anything somebody does," he said. "For a number of reasons, we maybe didn't have enough adjustments, or I didn't adjust soon enough to take away what they were doing."

Mattison was concerned overloading the defense with so much of their scheme. He didn't want them to not remember anything, with only having two actual prep days.

Mattison said. When we started to slow their attack is when we did better with our eyes," he said. "Watching the tape, in crunch time at the end of that game, we had seven freshmen and sophomores in there at one time right during the heat of it. I don't fault our players."

"I'll say it again - I could have done a better job. That's why I'm proud of the players."

Not thoroughly impressed in the effort but Mattison said, "But it's great to be able to look at that and get a win."

With only two days actual prep time and playing with young talent, I feel Coach Mattison did a pretty good job. Air Force was coming off a blow out win and high confidence. They came to play and if it weren't for Mattison's defense stepping up and stopping them when they had to, it may have been a bad day. Overall in two days, I felt he did a great job.

Special So Far

Dan Ferrigno

Special So Far

Published 9/11/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel


The Michigan Wolverines Special Teams is off to an effective season. Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach, Dan Ferrigno looks to keep it that way.

Brendan Gibbons

Junior K, Brendan Gibbons is 1 for 1 for FG's. He made a 31 yarder against Air Force Saturday afternoon. Gibbons was 76.5% last year, that could improve. With a struggling defense as of right now his leg could come into handy.

Will Hagerup

Junior P, Will Hagerup has punted 9 times for a total of 441 yards and an average of 49 yards per punt. Hagerup had an average of 36 yards per punt. So far, major improvement. He has still yet to pin anyone deep but, 13 yards more per punt is important.

Dennis Norfleet

Dennis Norfleet has 254 kick return yards through two games and is averaging 127 yards per game.

It is very important for this success to continue. Every close game is won by Special Teams. It could be a a kickoff/punt return, a punt trapping a team or a game winning field goal. This is one of the most overlooked aspects on a team until the fans really need them to pull through. If they do, they are heroes and if not, they are despised.

Shot To The Heart

Working to Get Better
Published 9/11/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel



Senior DT is set to look ahead and not in the past.

Senior defensive tackle Will Campbell made this statement about the ability to stop the run thus far this season.

 "We take that to heart," Campbell said Monday. "Me being up front and being a part of that front seven, that needs to stop the run, we take that to heart. We're going out every day trying to prepare ourselves to do better."

 Campbell, a former 5 star recruit has been struggling as a first time starter. He plays with his pads to high enabling offenses to get a good push off the ball.

“He did some good things in there, but I think the consistency from a leverage standpoint and the pad level at times, he needs to play a little better," Michigan coach Hoke said.

“I think the only way you correct it is doing it every day right, and those good habits that you try and create," Hoke said. "I think with Will, playing defensive line maybe didn’t come naturally at first to him.”

Hoke has been impreesed with his work ethic and the way he's come to lead. "One thing is William’s come to work every day and I’ve loved his work ethic, I’ve loved how he’s come in to lead. I expect he’ll keep improving.”

Campbell is now being pushed for playing time by freshman Ondre Pipkins, who Hoke said is getting better every time he see's snaps.

While Michigan's interior tries to define itself, the good news is they are playing a dismal rushing attack in UMass.  UMass (0-2) ranks 121st rushing. It is averaging 1.35 yards per carry and 40.5 rushing yards per game.

The Minutemen's leading rusher is former Michigan tailback Michael Cox. He has 32 yards on 20 carries.

Campbell is set looking forward. "We're just going into this game looking for the win," Campbell said. "A lot happened. It's in the past now, so we're just looking forward to playing UMass."

BOLD Prediction

BOLDen
Published 9/10/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

Bolden on one of his 10 tackles.

Freshman LB Joe Bolden is making a sudden impact on the Michigan coaches,especially after a stellar game against Air Force. After playing two series in the first half and the duration of the second half, some might assume there is a legit competition at MLB. Hoke acknowledged that there is a battle going on. Either, Senior Kenny Demens steps up or he may be in a struggle for that starting spot. Bolden seemed to follow the ball better in the win over the Falcons, grasping their option style attack. He finished with 10 tackles, which was second on the team. Bolden has 11 total tackles on the year thus far and if he keeps it up there will be many more in this LB's future. Just a BOLD prediction.

Good Things To Come

Devin Funchess
Published 9/10/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

Funchess celebrating after his
first career touchdown.

With a receiving corps underacheiving, who would really step up and make an impact? Well, Devin Funchess a true freshman TE ended up doing just that. Last week against the Air Force Falcons, Devin caught 4 catches for 106 yards and one TD. His one TD was an outstanding catch jumping over a defender and showing great hands to come down with the 30 yard grab. He became the first TE since Jerame Tuman who had 126 yards in 1997 against Colorado.

Funchess earned B1G Freshman Of The Week with his breakout game on Saturday afternoon. Certainly this is a good sign to come with a mediocre receiving squad. Funchess stood out and hopefully this elevates his fellow receivers to step up. I'm expecting a big passing game Saturday against the Minutemen, and this should be a great game to touch up any flaws in the pass blocking schemes and route running. Going against a much smaller team I'd expect many players to breakout.

Weekly Breakdown: UMass

UMass Breakdown
Published 9/10/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel


On Saturday afternoon Michigan hosts the struggling UMass Minutemen. This will be the second meeting between the two. Michigan leads the series 1-0 with the last match-up coming in 2010 and the Wolverines winning 42-37. That was when the U of M had virtually no defense and every game was a struggle.


0-2, 0-0 Mid American (6th)



1-1, 0-0 Big Ten (5th Legends)

The defense has got to buckle down in the run defense. They are giving up 261 yards per game. That ranks them 103rd in the nation. Going against a lesser opponent hopefully this will boost their confidence and get them ready for a big game in South Bend. UMass is only averaging 40.5 yards a game rushing so I expect a dominating defensive performance.

As far as the offense goes this should be a chance for the skill players to step up a build confidence as well. The running game, besides Denard has got to make plays. We need to win in other ways than having him do it all. I expect Toussaint to run with a little more passion when his number is called and I would hope the receivers would step up and make some plays. The offense is ranked 77th nationally and after Saturday they should move up. I expect alot of yards and a high score for the Wolverines on Saturday afternoon.

Prediction 55-17. Go Blue!

Unsure on Offense

Questions on Offense
Published 9/9/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel


Michigan's rush offense was pretty good stats wise in game two, but it was a Denard show. He finished the game with 218 yards on the ground. Fitzgerald Toussaint had only 7 yards on 8 carries. The offensive line has got to get better before the Notre Dame game. They outweighed the Falcons defense in some cases by 50lbs. and still looked stagnant. If it weren't for a couple huge runs by Denard he would have been held to just 81 yards.

The passing game was more effective this week, and freshmen TE Devin Funchess was the factor. He had 4 catches for 106 yards and one TD. Roy Roundtree and Jeremy Gallon were not factors as Jeremy Jackson picked up few big catches. Devin Gardner had a receiving TD for the second straight game.

My overall offensive grade is a B-. Going against an out manned team we still looked stale and we have got to get better. With a what should be a blow out game next week, we won't see significant improvements in the offense until the Notre Dame game. As long as they keep working in practice, they have the talent to be a good offensive unit. Right now, not so good.

Returning to Form

Can Roy return to form?

Returning to Form


Roy Roundtree, a senior WR for Michigan has got to play bigger and stronger out wide. He will be making his 31st start on Saturday afternoon against the Falcons. In 2010, Roundtree caught 72 passes for 935 yards and 7 TD's. He was a Biletnikoff Award candidate. Michigan fans want to see him return to that form after coming off a less than notable 2011 performance. Roy  had 19 receptions for 355 yards and 2 TD's.

Roundtree is the active leader on the team in both receiving yards and catches. He will  need to emerge this season and step up as a true number 1 receiver. In week one he had 2 catches for 12 yards. He must improve if Michigan wants to have a decent season. Someone besides Denard Robinson will have to make plays. Who better than the number one wide out? If Roundtree can return to his 2010 form we should have a respectable passing game and it will take alot of pressure off the run game for Michigan.

Man Up!

Manning Up

Published 9/6/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

Hoke is hoping for a star to rise.

Twelve freshmen made their debut's in Michigan's first game, setting a single-game school record. Those same freshmen are going to be asked to do the same in the U of M's home opener against Air Force on Saturday afternoon.

Hoke, made the reference of babysitting when asked what it was like traveling 17 and playing 12 freshmen.

With depth being an issue who will step up and make contributions?

Dennis Norfleet is expected to be the starting KR/PR against the Falcons. He averaged 22.1 yards per return in game one and had a long of 33.

Linebacker James Ross will be expected to rotate in for Demens. Mattison noted that Ross had a tremendous fall camp. "He (Ross) is a very physical young man and plays very aggressive." Mattison said.

A.J. Williams and Devin Funchess will provide depth at TE playing behind interim starter Mike Kwiatkowski, who is for Brandon Moore due to injury.

Junior, Courtney Avery will start in place of Blake Countess at CB. Sophomore, Raymon Taylor is behind him, but freshmen Terry Richardson could be called into play.

Linebackers, Royce Jenkins-Stone and Joe Bolden could have an impact.

Defensive linemen Mario Ojemudia and Ondre Pipkins could rotate.

WR Amara Darboh seen action in week one.

DB Jarrod Wilson and FB Sione Houma also seen action.

We will see if after the rout in week one any of these talented freshmen grow up and realize this is a big boy game.

Lewan Lets Loose

Taylor Lewan is ready to
play with emotion.

Lewan lets loose

Published  09/05/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel 

         

    Needless to say Michigan’s LT was not a happy camper after a disappointing week one. With a 2.4 average per rush, Taylor Lewan talked to the media Wednesday and said he addressed his fellow linemen that they were playing for tradition. He said 69 yards on the ground is embarrassing and that he takes that performance personally.

          After limping off Saturday with an injured ankle, Lewan is ready to play. “We saw where we were as a team” Taylor said. “We’re not where we want to be. But if we keep focusing and working, there’s no reason we can’t be successful.” Air Force better be ready for a fired up offensive line come Saturday.

First for Fitz

The First for Fitz

Published:  09/05/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

Fitzgeral Toussaint looks
to come out strong.

                After missing week one due to suspension, Saturday at 3:30 ET, Junior, Fitzgerald Toussaint will get his chance to pick up his team. The RB claimed he let his family and team down in a press conference. Now is his opportunity to get back and run the ball for the Wolverines.

                With a disappointing rushing game in week one, Toussaint must provide a spark for the offense and take some pressure off of Denard Robinson. With just a combined 69 yards on the ground in the opener, Michigan is desperate for production from the ground game. Toussaint rushed for 1.041 yards last year and scored 9 times on the ground.

                I think what is surprising; he only had 6 receptions last year for 29 yards and a score out of the backfield. Al Borges may want to think of incorporating him in the passing game a little more. The junior from Youngstown, OH, could be pretty dangerous out of the backfield with his athleticism and speed. That of course, will fall on Robinson’s shoulders to go through his progressions and see his check down.

                Overall, if the offensive line can sync a little and work together every week I believe Toussaint will reach a thousand yards again despite missing a game. I also believe he could be an X-Factor throughout the season coming out of the backfield catching the ball. If the Wolverines can make him a component as a check down it could mean the difference in a few games, taking the pressure of Denard, especially with their grueling road schedule.

Roh Over

Roh Over the Falcons

 Published 9/04/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

          Craig Roh, a senior at Michigan University has to be the glue that holds the glass together on Michigan’s front 4. Starting 38 consecutive games at the UofM, he has to step up and build the foundation for the future Wolverines. He must bring the passion against the Falcons to keep the psyche of the Wolverine’s defense together. Without a big game and senior leadership they could be in trouble.

          The three year varsity letterman, and Tom Hendricks Award Watch List Candidate, Roh must give that front four of young men a boost against a potent run attack. The ability to blow through the blocks and create a spark is necessary. Stagnant and unpassionate on Saturday, they must bounce back. Craig Roh, is a B1G factor.

Shoelaces Tied?

Shoelaces Tied?

Published: 9/04/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

         

            Well after a dismal display Saturday evening will UofM switch up their play calling and let Denard have a little more freedom? It seemed to me that they tried to develop him as a pocket passer against the best defense in the nation. We saw a glimmer of hope, but nothing too promising. He has a strong arm but is inaccurate a makes rash decisions.

            Denard went 11 of 26 for 200 yards. and 2 interceptions, with a completion percentage of 42.3, and one TD. He had a 27 yards net rushing with 1 TD. Granted, in the passing game he had numerous drops, but also had many overthrows. All this took place in the pocket. I think he may be too small and isn’t consistent enough to pass over a surrounding defense. Get him on the run, outside the pocket and he’s just better.

            I believe Al Borges will learn from their mistakes and will be a really big problem for an Air Force defense that let up 365 yards passing against an Idaho St. team. Fitzgerald Toussaint should lighten the pressure on Denard by at least being somewhat of a factor in the run game. Saturday was just a horrible display in the rushing department. Hopefully the offensive line will gel a little bit and open up some lanes.

I am anticipating a good bounce back game against a lesser team. With a hard weeks practice I see an offense out to prove they are way better than they showed on Saturday evening.

Triple Option Troublesome?

Triple Option Trouble?

 

 

Published 9/04/2012 by: Blue Wolverine

                Well after one game the Wolverines are in need of a defensive spark, especially in the run game. So far they have allowed 553 all purpose yards and 446 total offensive yards. They are giving up 5.9 yards per rush and come Saturday they are taking on the number one rush offense in the nation after week one. Air Force rushed for 484 yards in their week one romp of Idaho St. beating them 49-21. Michigan allowed Alabama 247 yards on 42 carries. In week one Air Force carried the ball 58 times, so needless to say Michigan better have their focus on stuffing the run.

                Air Force runs a triple option style attack on offense and could cause problems if the defense does not stay disciplined. The front seven will have to be sharp and put a helmet on a helmet to contain the (could be) dangerous attack. If Michigan could hold them to 3^rd down they may be in decent shape. They held Alabama to 30% on third downs. They cannot let Air Force get into the red zone where Michigan failed in week one. They allowed 3 TD’s and a Fg.

                As long as Michigan stays disciplined and tackles better they should be ok. Don’t let Air Force catch you looking in the backfield on an option read or they could burn the secondary over the top. It will be interesting how Michigan will react if they give up a big play, last week it looked like it took all life out of that defense. Michigan will be playing at the Big House where they went undefeated last year under Hoke and I believe they will still be after week 2. My prediction, close for awhile but Denard makes a play and it uplifts the defense for a couple stops. 27-13.

Counting on Courtney

 

 

Published  9/4/2012 by: Blue Wolverine

The week leading up to an interesting matchup with the Air Force Falcons the Wolverines look to avenge their embarrassing loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide. The task seems a little easier said than done. With a crushing loss to the secondary, will Courtney Avery be able to step up? Blake Countess tore his ACL in the loss to Alabama in week one.                                         

Avery a previous starter for the Wolverines has started in 8 games in his career. He has contributed two career interceptions. As a veteran will he be able to fill the shoes of aspiring star Blake Countess? They take on a run oriented team in Air Force this weekend, and probably won’t get to much pressure at the corners.

The Wolverines and Falcons have only played in one previous game and that was a victory for Michigan in 1964.