Ferrara starting: Twisted joke of an evil genius, or just a mistake?
I think people are underestimating one major adjustment that RR made at halftime yesterday, switching Ferrara out of LG and inserting McAvoy. In the first half, when our running game was getting summarily stuffed, there was a DT in the backfield almost every play. I'm not a tactical wizard, but I do believe that when the same O-lineman is standing over his tackled teammate in the backfield as much as #94 was, it means that #94 is the problem.
When they put McAvoy in for the second half, the O-line disappeared in a good way, and the skill players emerged and started making plays. Coincidence? Its possible, but I think not. Its unfair to Threet to give all of the credit to someone else for his second half turnaround, but O-line aptitude has a lot to do with QB performance. The offensive UFR will probably shed a lot of light there.
I only wonder why a guy with a month and a half of college level O-line experience would get a start over a guy with three years. Regardless, I hope McAvoy and the coaches are on the same page from here on out, because Ferrara, God bless him, is not ready for prime time.
September 29th, 2008 at 12:26 AM ^
September 29th, 2008 at 12:41 AM ^
September 29th, 2008 at 7:12 AM ^
September 29th, 2008 at 9:06 AM ^
"We thought John obviously had practiced well enough," Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said. "I'll have to watch the film to see how they graded out. He's a tough guy, a bigger guy, and we knew we were going to need some size up there."
This is strange to me b/c McAvoy is clearly a bigger guy than Ferrara. I'm guessing he just practiced well enough to start over McAvoy but it just didn't translate as well once gametime approached.
September 29th, 2008 at 9:13 AM ^
HMMMMMMMMM not sure I totally agree. The change might of made some difference but I think the major differences are:
- Michigan going away from the run in the 2nd half (they had to to get back in the game)
- Michigan going 4 or 5 wide on every play in the 2nd half
- Wisconsin playing a more conservative zone defense in the 2nd half (less blitzing)
September 29th, 2008 at 1:33 PM ^
September 29th, 2008 at 9:32 AM ^