Upon Further Review 2021: Defense vs Washington
Formation Notes: Michigan responded to Washington bone look with this front I called 4-2 Eagle.
John Donovan likes his tight WRs and TEs off the line where they can crack. I think that opens you up to safety blitzes and the like, but what do I know—I have never coordinated anything. This play was a double safety blitz that delivered Hill to the RB at the handoff.
I don’t know what to call this, which came out on passing downs:
We went with “5-1 split” but that’s Ross between the nose in the frontside A-gap and Hutchinson in a 7-technique on the weakside.
OForm/Fronts. I gave up on the numbering for techs because it wasn’t enough detail for coaches and too much for the laymen so we’re back to “Even”/”Odd” stuff. But I’m adding personnel numbering to the offensive formations so I can track O-Pack. The first number is how many RBs and the second is how many TEs, and you subtract from 5 to get the # of WRs. So 22 personnel is 2RB, 2TE, 1WR, and 11 personnel is 1RB, 1TE, 3WR, etc. If not mentioned it’s standard: 11 for Shotgun, 12 for Ace, 21 for I-form. “Wk” or “St” refers to where the slot receiver is in 3-wide sets. “F” means the lone TE is off the line. “[ ]-Flex” means that box positions is split out wide, or if they all are I’ll just say “5-w.”
Substitution Notes: The starting line was Morris (WOLB), Hinton, Smith, Hutch. Still plenty of rotation on the line: Morris plays both T and OLB, Smith is the N or a T, Jenkins is the next T in, then Welschof, then Speight. Jeter the first one out. Whittley came in as a nose a few times and wears #3. Rod Moore was the dimeback and non-Dax Hill nickel, and got meaningful snaps. Junior Colson rotated possessions with Nikhai Hill-Green. Michigan debuted a pass-rushing front of Hutchinson, Morris, Upshaw, and Ojabo that I called “Racecar.”
On with the show.
[After THE JUMP: What did I say about John Donovan?]
Ln | Dn | Dst | OForm | DPack | Front | Hi | Type | Rush | Play | Player | Yds | EPA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
O25 | 1st | 10 | I-Twins Unbal | 4-2-5 | Under | 3 | PEN | Delay | The Fans | -5 | -0.74 | |
UW comes out with the TE covered. Helpful M fans let them know about the ineligible receiver though M has this smoked. W takes a delay of game. That'll shut us up. Fans(+1). RPS+1. | ||||||||||||
O20 | 1st | 15 | I-Twins Unbal | 4-2-5 | Under | 3 | Run | FB Counter | Morris | -2 | -0.40 | |
Morris(+2) ignores FB's counter and won't get chipped. Brings RB to a stop and then Ross(+1) comes flying in with help. Do I RPS John Donovan? Okay. RPS+2 Hill(+.5) and Moten(+.5) came too. | ||||||||||||
O18 | 2nd | 17 | Ace Tight | 4-2-5 | Eagle Over | 4 | Run | Split Zone | Ross | 12 | 0.49 | |
Hinton(+1) gets in the backfield and Smith(+.5) has his guy rocked back so it's just up to Ross(-2, tackling-2) to get past the C and tackle. He whiffs. Hawkins(-1, tackling-1) is hanging backside even though Green's got it, whiffs. Moten(+.5) stops it after a big gain. | ||||||||||||
O30 | 3rd | 5 | Gun 12 Trips Tight | 5-2-4 | Under | 1 | Pass | 4 | Curl | Green | Inc | -0.37 |
Harrell backs into an ILB spot pre-snap. RPS-1 I think M screwed up their firedrill substitution. Hutchinson(+2) bulls this draft pick LT and Morris has to throw to this TE who's trying some flagrant GETERFME OPI (refs-2) on Green(+1, cov+1) that doesn't matter because ball is at his feet, not lying. | ||||||||||||
Drive Notes: Punt. 0-0. 13 min 1st Q. Other than the tackling, how we feeling? | ||||||||||||
Ln | Dn | Dst | OForm | DPack | Front | Hi | Type | Rush | Play | Player | Yds | EPA |
O26 | 1st | 10 | I-Twins Unbal | 5-2-4 | Under | 1 | Run | Power | Ross | 2(-14) | -0.37 | |
W stands around then runs to the line. M gets set fine. Jenkins(-1) gets washed past the PoA but recovers, Harrell(+1) constricted the gap by running at the TE though he's high man. Ross(+1) shoots through puller at the LoS and Hill(+.5) is there because RPS+1 M saw the covered receiver. Forward momentum is stopped but the play keeps going and the RB starts to burrow for 2 more until Jenkins lands on him. RT keeps trying to hit NHG and draws a flag. | ||||||||||||
O14 | 2nd | 22 | Gun Wk | 4-2-5 | Over | 2 | Pass | TE Screen | Moten | 12 | 0.22 | |
Looks dead because M rotated to a cov3 at the last minute that has Moten (RPS-2) stretched btw the TE and WR (cov-1) and Hutchinson attacking the edge so he won't stick with the TE (no minus for this). NHG(+1) sees it and he takes out two blockers while Moten(-1, tackling-1) tries to dive inside to end at LoS. Like that he tried. Gray(-1, tackling-1) comes up but whiffs on Otton as well. Hawkins(+.5) finally knocks him out near the original LoS. | ||||||||||||
O26 | 3rd | 10 | Gun St Tight | 4-2-5 | 5-1 Split | 3 | Sack | 4 | Sack | Hutchinson | -4 | -0.24 |
Coverage (cov+3) lasts a long time because there's only 3 guys in a route. Ojabo(+1) shoots at 9 yards vs a dbl and forces Morris to step up. Hutchinson(+1, PR+2) has now whipped the LT and come back inside. He sneaks up behind and Upshaw(+1) who's been guarding lanes helps clean up. | ||||||||||||
Drive Notes: Punt. 0-0. 9 min 1st Q. Stop tingling, Donovan ran a 3-man flood on 3rd and 10. | ||||||||||||
Ln | Dn | Dst | OForm | DPack | Front | Hi | Type | Rush | Play | Player | Yds | EPA |
O25 | 1st | 10 | Bone | 4-2-5 | 5-1 Split | 1 | Run | Split Zone | Hill | 0 | -0.70 | |
RPS+3 as Donovan runs the play "Please blitz into my RB." Hill(-2, tackling-2) obliges but misses the tackle, Moten came too but thinks it's too easy and redirected at the QB since Dax was in the RB's legs, Smith(+1) planted the LT 2 yards deep and Colson(+1) comes up to end this. | ||||||||||||
O25 | 2nd | 10 | I-Form | 4-2-5 | 5-1 Split | 1 | Run | Power T | Ross | 2 | -0.23 | |
Hawkins is placing everyone then Colson comes up and butt-taps Smith to move over. That doesn't do but but the RG stands like he thinks he's pulling the other way. Hinton(+2) ends up standing up a weird double that's a G hugging a T's butt and the real puller gets stuck behind this. Ross(+1) shoots up and sticks the FB. Hole closed, Hutchinson(+.5) was unblocked backside and comes around to tackle. | ||||||||||||
O27 | 3rd | 8 | Gun St Tight | 4-2-5 | 5-1 Split | 2 | Pass | 4 | Throwaway | Ross | Inc | -0.22 |
UW does the huddle-tempo thing again. Breaks huddle at 9 seconds, lined up at 7, M is lined up at 6, snap at 4. Okay. Extreme Donovan with just 2 men in routes whom Green(+1) and Gray(+1, cov+2) are all over. Upshaw(+1) gets around his guard, and Ross(+2) activates pursuit. Morris jumps out of the pocket and throws it at the sideline. I mean whoa. | ||||||||||||
Drive Notes: Punt. 3-0. 5 min 1st Q. I didn't realize it was this bad. Next drive starts on the 1. | ||||||||||||
Ln | Dn | Dst | OForm | DPack | Front | Hi | Type | Rush | Play | Player | Yds | EPA |
O1 | 1st | 10 | Ace Tight | 5-2-4 | Odd | 1 | Run | Dive | NHG | 0 | -0.24 | |
Smith(+1) bends his G back and that is enough space for Ross(+1) to thunk a C and NHG(+1) to tackle for no gain. | ||||||||||||
O1 | 2nd | 10 | Pistol Ace | 5-1-5 | Odd | 1 | Pass | 4 | Bootleg | Ross | Inc(+15) | 0.65 |
Ross(+1) shoots a gap and gets taken out by the RB but flushes into Hinton(+1, PR+2) off the edge. Nobody is close to open(cov+1). Hinton shoves Morris as he's throwing and picks up a HORRIBLE flag (refs-3). If you're wondering the difference between 3rd and 10 on the 1 and 1st and 10 on the 16 is 0.75 EP. | ||||||||||||
O16 | 1st | 10 | I-Form | 5-2-4 | Odd | 2 | Run | End Around | Hill | -4 | -0.65 | |
You tried to edge Dax Hill(+1), how did that go? Nowhere because Hutchinson(+2) planted his arcing TE in the backfield and set an edge. NHG(+.5) is also outside his blocker. Jenkins(+1) comes through and he and Dax reintroduce Giles Jackson to the Michigan Stadium turf. | ||||||||||||
O12 | 2nd | 14 | Ace Tight | 5-2-4 | Odd | 2 | Run | Pitchout | Turner | 4 | -0.02 | |
You tried to edge Dax Hill(+2) again but got away with a lucky horsecollar (refs-2) after he shot by or this a potential 4-yard loss. Turner(+1) comes up and takes out the RB's legs and NHG(+.5) finishes. | ||||||||||||
O16 | 3rd | 10 | Gun Wk | 4-2-5 | Racecar Over | 2 | PEN | 4 | False Start | NA | -5 | -0.10 |
Pass rush line is Hutch-Morris-Upshaw-Ojabo. The two "DTs" are a little confused. UW center tries to take advantage and snaps without waiting to set. | ||||||||||||
O11 | 3rd | 15 | Gun Wk | 3-2-6 | Racecar Over | 2 | Pass | 4 | Quick Seam | Moore | 16 | 1.41 |
UW exacts maximal damage from Moore(-3, cov-2, tackling-1), who is the curl/flat guy in Cov3 whose 1st responsibility is the seam but needs to drive on the slant as soon as the #2 he's over stems in (he has safety help). He doesn't drive until after the ball is thrown. Play design allows him to give up 5 on a slant; he gives up an 11-yard pass then gets spun by the WR for five more on 3rd and 15. Dammit freshman. | ||||||||||||
O27 | 1st | 10 | Gun Tight | 4-2-5 | Over | 1 | Run | Split Zone | Colson | 3 | -0.32 | |
Colson(-1) is running on the field late. Hutchinson attacks the QB and has a thundersack if this is PA but it's just SZ (RPS-1) which is scary because Ross(-1) is engaged inside with the T and there's a Gary vs. Barkley cutback lane the RB doesn't take because Smith(+1) has the C just deep enough in the backfield. Ojabo(+.5) and Hinton(-1) had the backdoor closed until Hinton is taken down in a way that's often called holding even though it isn't. Hawkins(+1, tackling-1) shoots inside this and would be +2 if he doesn't miss the tackle. It still delays the RB enough for the LBs to arrive. If Colson's in the right spot at the snap this is a TFL. | ||||||||||||
O30 | 2nd | 7 | Gun 12 5-w | 5-1-5 | Odd | 2 | Pass | 5 | Smoke Screen | Gray | 6 | 0.29 |
Gray(-1) comes up and just needs to hold his ground bc NHG is arriving, but gives up an extra 4 on the sideline to make this 3rd and short instead of 3rd and 5. | ||||||||||||
O36 | 3rd | 1 | Bone | 5-2-4 | Eagle Over | NA | Run | Split Zone | Jenkins | 0 | -0.76 | |
Yeah! Jenkins(+1) goes under his TE and the kicker. Hinton(+1) has his G planted a yard deep and Hutchinson(+1) rocked his TE back into this mess. RB can only cut into Gray(+.5) and NHG(+.5) on the edge. UW lines up to go for it, jumps early and is flagged, gets it, and then the play is waved off for a Michigan timeout. UW comes back and punts because the Frames Janklin has spread. | ||||||||||||
Drive Notes: Punt. 3-0. 12 min 2nd Q. Frames. | ||||||||||||
Ln | Dn | Dst | OForm | DPack | Front | Hi | Type | Rush | Play | Player | Yds | EPA |
O25 | 1st | 10 | Gun 12 Trips | 5-2-4 | Odd Wide | 2 | Pass | 4 | TE Out | Turner | 6 | 0.33 |
Subs in. Smith(+2, PR+2) blows a guy into the QB's lap but TE out is open under Cov3 (RPS-1, Cov-1). Turner(+1, tackling+1) brings non-Otton TE down. | ||||||||||||
O31 | 2nd | 4 | Ace Trips Tight | 5-2-4 | Over | 1 | Run | Dive | Green | 2 | -0.55 | |
Smith(+1) stands up G, Jenkins(-2) gave up 2 yards though. Ross(+1) shoots into the C, M has an extra guy bc Dax and Green(+1, tackling+1) are in the box. RB chooses Green and gets to where Jenkins has spun off. | ||||||||||||
O33 | 3rd | 2 | I-Heavy 2TE | 5-2-4 | Under | NA | Run | FB Dive | Ross | 3 | 1.15 | |
Smith(+1) stands up to a dbl, Upshaw(+1) rocked back the T, Ross(-1) has a chance to stick for a loss but gets powered through. | ||||||||||||
O36 | 1st | 10 | Gun Tight | 5-2-4 | Odd | 2 | Pass | TE Out | Turner | 7 | 0.71 | |
Same deal. Hinton(+1) whips bad G, Smith(+1) again pushing C back, but Cov3 vs TE out (RPS-1) and Turner can only push the guy out after 7. | ||||||||||||
O43 | 2nd | 3 | Ace Trips Tight | 5-2-4 | Over Wide | 2 | Run | Pitchout | Ross | 2 | -1.81 | |
Looks dangerous but Harrell(+1) got his TE into the backfield with a hands to the face (refs+1) and Ross(+2, tackling+1) shot through a block to stuff this. Refs-1 give it back by not calling a T trying to pull Green's shirt over his head. | ||||||||||||
O45 | 3rd | 1 | Ace Trips Tight | 5-2-4 | Odd | NA | Run | Dive | Hinton | 1 | -1.04 | |
Hinton(+1) gets under a T, Hutchinson(+1) split a double, Jenkins(-1) moved by a double, but Ross(+1) shoots past the G that freed to join plus Hill(+1) and Hawkins(+1) for a stop short of the sticks. Spot is generous, still short, but refs call it good anyway (?!?) then review (?!!) and overturn (!!!). You can do that? | ||||||||||||
O45 | 4th | 1 | Ace Heavy | 6-2-3 | Goal line | NA | Run | QB Sneak | Whittley | 0 | 2.06 | |
Team Heavy is Smith-Whittley-Jeter-Hinton. Whittley(-1) is in wearing #3 which is delightful. But he goes high and they go low, and Hinton(+2) went lower, and almost stops it but they get it. Hill(-1) refs+1 jumps on the pile don't do that you'll get flagged man. | ||||||||||||
O46 | 1st | 10 | I-Twins | 5-2-4 | Odd | 1 | Play-Action | 4 | TE Post | Hill | 17 | 1.13 |
Whittley remains for Smith. M sucked in badly by PA (RPS-2) and not getting to QB (PR-1). Responsible parties were Ross(-1) and Hill(-1, cov-2) who was way down looking for a run but he gets back there fast. | ||||||||||||
M37 | 1st | 10 | Gun 11 5-w | 5-1-5 | Over | 2 | Pass | TE stick | Harrell | 5 | 0.08 | |
Harrell in at LB. Attacks Cov3 hole, but Gray attacking now. Cov-push. Tackling+1. | ||||||||||||
M32 | 2nd | 5 | I-Form | 5-2-4 | Odd | 1 | Play-Action | 4 | Deep Dig | Green | Inc | -0.77 |
Lots of time (PR-2) to throw IN at Jackson that Green(+2, cov+2) had covered. | ||||||||||||
M32 | 3rd | 5 | Gun Str | 4-2-5 | Okie | 1 | Run | Zone Read | Hawkins | 1 | -0.75 | |
RPS+2 since M has a double-safety blitz on with Hawkins(+.5) who gets there first, and Moten from each side that can play both sides of the read. Can't go forward because Upshaw(+1) got his turn at 'ol revolving door LG. | ||||||||||||
M31 | 4th | 4 | Gun Str Tight | 5-2-4 | Okie | 1 | Run | Zone Read | Hutchinson | -2 | -2.51 | |
Same play! And they run it as the playclock is running out so everyone gets to jump it!!! LOLOLOL. RPS+3 because this time Hutchinson(+2) is here too. He picks up the RB and rips the ball out. Thanks John Donovan! | ||||||||||||
Drive Notes: Turnover. 10-0. 5 min 2nd Q. You know that moment when you realize something you wrote is going to be used in someone's lawsuit against their OC? | ||||||||||||
Ln | Dn | Dst | OForm | DPack | Front | Hi | Type | Rush | Play | Player | Yds | EPA |
O34 | 1st | 10 | Gun Wk | 4-2-5 | Under Wide | 1 | Pass | 4 | TE Wheel | Hawkins | Inc | -0.99 |
Back out Hutchinson and bring NHG, stoned (PR-2). Time to find someone, chooses TE Wheel that Hawkins(+2, Cov+2) has blanketed after absorbing some light OPI. He PBUs. Mmmm, coverage. | ||||||||||||
O34 | 2nd | 10 | Gun Wk | 4-2-5 | Even | 1 | Sack | 4 | Sack | Hutchinson | -5 | -0.87 |
Hutchinson(+2, PR+3) puts the LT on a skateboard then MOTORSACKs. Smith(+1) is casually shoving by UW's useless LG to help. | ||||||||||||
O29 | 3rd | 15 | Gun 12 Trips | 4-2-5 | 5-1 Split | 2 | Pass | 4 | Throwaway | Hutchinson | Inc | -0.12 |
Hutchinson(+2, PR+2) splits a GT double. It's a 7-man Prot so nowhere to go (Cov+1) and TA | ||||||||||||
Drive Notes: Punt. 10-0. <2 min 2nd Q. Hutchinson made me clip this whole drive, in which he absorbed 2 rounds Kirkland's draft life. Next drive starts with 12 seconds and no TOs so grading is cognizant of that. | ||||||||||||
Ln | Dn | Dst | OForm | DPack | Front | Hi | Type | Rush | Play | Player | Yds | EPA |
O36 | 1st | 10 | Gun Wk | 3-1-7 | Prevent | 4 | Pass | 4 | Cross | Gray | Inc | -1.04 |
Almost want to let him catch it but Gray(+2, cov+2) plays it perfectly. Pad those stats my man. | ||||||||||||
O36 | 2nd | 10 | Gun Wk | 3-1-7 | Prevent | 4 | Pass | 3 | Deep Cross | Gray | 17 | -0.58 |
Guy catches it on the 50, immediate tackle. Gray(-1, tackling+1) gives up a catch by not contesting, takes him down inbounds with 2 seconds. | ||||||||||||
M47 | 1st | 10 | Gun St | 3-1-7 | Prevent | 4 | Pass | 3 | Deep Cross | Gray | 25 | -3.39 |
Same thing. No chance of scoring, Gray runs him OOB. | ||||||||||||
Drive Notes: EoH. 10-0. Next drive is the Bone Drive, which takes most of the 3rd Q with M up three scores and happy to burn clock. | ||||||||||||
Ln | Dn | Dst | OForm | DPack | Front | Hi | Type | Rush | Play | Player | Yds | EPA |
O18 | 1st | 10 | Bone | 5-2-4 | Odd | 2 | Run | Split Zone | Colson | 6 | 0.27 | |
Smith(+1) bends the line, two guys end up in the next gap. Blame Colson(-2) is my guess as Hinton(+1) outside-insided a T and the LB has to play off that. He had time. Confused freshman opens a bounce that would have been a TFL. | ||||||||||||
O24 | 2nd | 4 | Bone | 5-2-4 | Odd | 1 | Run | Split Zone | Ross | 1 | -0.55 | |
Same thing the other way (RPS+2 DONOVAN!!!) and Smith(+1) again bends the line. Ross(+.5) and Colson(+.5) combine to stick. | ||||||||||||
O25 | 3rd | 3 | Bone | 5-2-4 | Over | 1 | Play-Action | 5 | Bootleg | Hill | 4 | 0.99 |
This is some MTSU QB luck on a play that's vastly more likely to end in a turnover than a reception. Hutchinson(+1, PR+1) is on Morris and waving his hand at his throwing hand--90% this is a tip ball. Hill(-1, cov-1) is baiting an interception--can tell because he is leaping back to it with Morris's arm motion. Ball goes through his hands and into TE's. Results-based charting, but RPS+1 Michigan was all over this to the point they were trying to turn it into a turnover. Ross(+1, tackling+1) puts a lick on and makes it hard to hold on (he does). | ||||||||||||
O29 | 1st | 10 | Bone | 5-2-4 | Over Wide | 1 | Play-Action | 5.5 | PA Cross | Harrell | Inc | -0.83 |
Another 50%+ to be a turnover that's almost a 1st down. Ross(+1, PR+2, tackling-1) RPS+1 comes through unblocked on a blitz but whiffs, which made Morris drift into a near self-sack on Hutchinson(+1) who clobbers as he throws. Harrell(-1, cov-1) didn't get much depth and that left plenty of room for WR#17 to come back and almost grab this off the turf. Likelihood of ball getting to this guy vs a M player: 10%? | ||||||||||||
O29 | 2nd | 10 | Gun 11 5-w | 4-2-5 | Over Wide | 2 | Pass | 5 | Shallow Cross | Ross | Inc | -0.44 |
Again Ross(+1, PR+2) through immediately and Jeter(+1) is right behind. Pass to the open crosser underneath (Cov-2, TEAM-2) would be batted by Ross so this is turfed at Hutch's feet instead. | ||||||||||||
O29 | 3rd | 10 | Gun 12 Trips Y-Flex | 5-1-5 | 5-1 Split | 1 | Pass | 5 | Deep Out | Green | 19 | 3.03 |
More dumb luck. Hinton(+1) and Colson(+1, PR+2) coming through to sack, tosses up a light ball in double coverage that goes over Hill(-1, cov-1) fingertips. Also Green (+1, cov+1) is on this, has a hand inside the WR's when the ball arrives, and somehow can't rake it out. Hawkins(+.5) arrives soon after because now this guy is getting YAC. | ||||||||||||
O48 | 1st | 10 | Bone | 4-2-5 | Over Wide | 1 | Run | 4 | Draw | Morris | 6 | 0.36 |
Smith(+2) has his G two yards in the backfield to the point where the RB trips. Could be over there but Morris(-2) is mis-gapped and Hill(-1) kicked hard by a TE. | ||||||||||||
M46 | 2nd | 4 | Bone | 5-2-4 | Over | 1 | Run | SZ Cross | Colson | 4 | 0.35 | |
RPS-1 Donovan brings a WR across and M slants that way, LBs too. Hinton(-1) blown back by a double, Colson(+1) still manages to dodge an OL waiting for him, and Hawkins(+1) came down LB like to close main gap, but room behind Hinton to burrow for a 1st. | ||||||||||||
M42 | 1st | 10 | Gun Str | 4-2-5 | Under Wide | 1 | Pass | 4 | Slant | Gray | 18 | 0.61 |
Gray(-1, cov-2) is expecting Harrell(-1) to help on in-breaking routes, recovers to tackle. | ||||||||||||
M24 | 1st | 10 | Ace Trips Tight | 5-2-4 | Okie | 0 | Run | Dive | Colson | 2 | -0.16 | |
M is in goal line at their 24. Donovan... Smith(-1) is slow off the line and eats a double, but Colson(+1) comes free and there's a wad of bodies here. Successful run if it's 2nd and Goal from the 2 though. It's not. RPS+2. | ||||||||||||
M22 | 2nd | 8 | Bone | 5-2-4 | Over | 2 | Run | End Around | Colson | 12 | 0.33 | |
RPS-2 as Michigan is bringing a double safety blitz that chases this around backside. Also a freshman mistake as Colson(-3, tackling-1) doesn't react to this until way late. Hinton(+2) does his best to hold two blockers inside and make a third go around him and Gray(+.5) came up to force this back but Colson overruns and misses the tackle. RR | ||||||||||||
M10 | 1st | Goal | I-Form | 5-2-4 | Over | 1 | Run | Power Lead | Whittley | 2 | -0.10 | |
Hello big guy. Whittley(+2) ragdolls the BS G and meets the RB at the LOS. Double beat back Jeter(-1) but NHG(+1) fully extends into one of the lead blockers and cuts off any escape from Whit. | ||||||||||||
M8 | 2nd | Goal | I-Twins | 5-2-4 | Over | 1 | Sack | 5 | PA Slants | Hutchinson | -2 | -0.46 |
Wants the TE but Harrell(+2, cov+2) has that well-covered with Dax around for help because it's a 3-man route (DONOVAN). Green(+1) and Gray(+1) also on like glue. Whittley(+.5) slowly motors into the backfield but can't get anything with his grab and is sealed. Hutchinson(+2, PR+2), whipped the RT, forced Morris into Whittley's rush, then sacked. Jeter(-1) finally broke his double but that put him out of his lane so if Hutchinson can't get back this is a scramble. | ||||||||||||
M10 | 3rd | Goal | Gun Str | 4-2-5 | Under | 2 | Pass | 4 | Fade | Hill | Inc | -0.44 |
You tried to fade Daxton Hill(+1, cov+1) it didn't work out for you. | ||||||||||||
Drive Notes: FG(28). 17-3. 6 min 3rd Q. This drive took 5 minutes, 14 plays, five DONOVANs, and reduced Washington's win likelihood from 5% to 4.2% I dub it The Bone Drive. | ||||||||||||
Ln | Dn | Dst | OForm | DPack | Front | Hi | Type | Rush | Play | Player | Yds | EPA |
O26 | 1st | 10 | Bone | 4-2-5 | Even | 1 | Run | End Around | Hill | 1(+15) | 1.35 | |
Tried to edge Daxton Hill(+2) and it didn't work out for you, in part thanks to Green(+1) because Hutchinson(-1) overran. Turner(-3) blasted the QB on the backside and got caught. | ||||||||||||
O41 | 1st | 10 | Gun Str | 4-2-5 | Over | 2 | Play-Action | 4 | PA Post | NHG | 33 | 1.94 |
Don't have All-22 for this but think it was a Moten(-2, Cov-3) bust since it's 20 yards downfield and he's the MoF. It's a huge bust if so because Ross (who has the RB) NHG (who's 15 yards deep on the other hash) and Dax (who's over the TE out maybe a little too fast?) are in cov3 zones. Might be Dax didn't carry far enough but where it's thrown is MoF guy. | ||||||||||||
M26 | 1st | 10 | Gun Wk | 4-2-5 | Under Wide | 2 | Run | 4 | Scramble | Hinton | 3 | -0.15 |
Hinton(-2) gambles on an inside rush, runs into Smith(+1, PR+1) beating back a double, and there's a lane inside that a diving Ojabo can't squeeze closed. NHG(+1) close so QB gives up after 3. | ||||||||||||
M23 | 2nd | 7 | Gun Wk | 4-2-5 | Over Wide | 1 | Run | Power | Jeter | 1 | -0.40 | |
Jeter(+2) fights off a double, absorbs the puller, Speight(+.5) and NHG(+.5) arrive from the sides to stick for no gain. | ||||||||||||
M22 | 3rd | 6 | Gun Trips Wk | 5-1-5 | Odd | 0 | Pass | 5.5 | Fade | Moore | 22 | 3.26 |
RPS-2 catch Michigan in Cover Zero and target the true Fr on a fade. Moore(-1, cov-1) was behind 2 steps but made them up and just needs to react a bit sooner to break it up. He does get a swipe but results-based. | ||||||||||||
Drive Notes: Touchdown. 24-10. 12 min 4th Q. Michigan goes three-and-out, and bolded alter ego is yelling "We're going to blow it right here." | ||||||||||||
Ln | Dn | Dst | OForm | DPack | Front | Hi | Type | Rush | Play | Player | Yds | EPA |
O18 | 1st | 10 | Gun Wk | 4-2-5 | Over | 2 | Pass | 4 | TE Zip | Ross | Inc | -0.51 |
Clear out BS for their TE vs Ross(+2, cov+2) who wins. Hutchinson(+1, PR+1) was coming through. | ||||||||||||
O18 | 2nd | 10 | Gun Wk | 4-2-5 | Over | 1 | Pass | 4 | Curl | Green | 5 | 0.04 |
Colson(+1, PR+1) is through on a blitz and Morris has to get rid of it under the Cov2. Green(+1, push cov) only has to keep this in front of him and inbounds, does so. | ||||||||||||
O23 | 3rd | 5 | Gun Str | 4-2-5 | 5-1 Split | 1 | Pass | 4 | Comeback | Gray | 9 | 1.44 |
I feel like a Gray slappy but Colson(-1, cov-2) and Ojabo can't possibly both be covering the same spot. They are, and Gray(-1) for doing what he can in man or the Gray Haters will think I'm an apostate, but he's over this and tackling on the catch. | ||||||||||||
O32 | 1st | 10 | Gun Str | 4-2-5 | Over | 2 | Pass | 4 | Sack | Jeter | 3(-13) | -1.48 |
Good spot to blow out your voice. Colson(+.5) blitzes and is popped by the RB but that plus Jeter(+1, PR+1) passing a guard flushes. Jeter oversells a little yank that happens every play. Refs+2 calculate their chances versus 100,000 people in yellow and throw the yellow thingy. Speight(+1) runs him out after a short gain anyways. | ||||||||||||
O22 | 1st | 20 | Gun Wk | 4-2-5 | Okie | 1 | Pass | 5 | Slant | Hill | 13 | 1.10 |
PR-1 as the blitz is picked up, leaving Hill(-1, cov-1) with no help inside (RPS-1). | ||||||||||||
O35 | 2nd | 7 | Gun Str | 4-2-5 | Mangled | 2 | Play-Action | 4 | X Flat | Green | 3 | -0.32 |
DTs change and are net set as Smith(-1) bumped into Jeter as they snap. PR-2 as Upshaw(-1) stays home for run, but nobody to throw to so he goes at Green(+1, cov+3, tackling+2) who gives up the catch but slams him down for a minimal gain. | ||||||||||||
O38 | 3rd | 4 | Gun Trips Wk | 4-2-5 | Over | 1 | Pass | 5 | Scramble | Upshaw | 7 | 1.94 |
Hutchinson(-1) gets a double and a blindside chip from the TE that knocks him over before he can engage them and that negates Colson. Jeter(+1) steps around this to pressure but Ross(-1, PR+2) gambles and loses by going inside the RB for a thundersack instead of containing, just misses. Smith(+.5) is a hair late on knocking down the LT to collect the sack. Flushed, but Upshaw(-1) is taking his coverage a bit too seriously and can't fill before the line to gain. | ||||||||||||
O45 | 1st | 10 | Gun Wk | 4-2-5 | Over | 2 | Pass | 4 | Stop | Turner | 11 | 0.86 |
Turner(-1, cov-1) playing off and can't contest even when it's not thrown well. Upshaw(+1, PR+1) swam through RT so this was the last read. | ||||||||||||
M44 | 1st | 10 | Gun Str | 4-2-5 | Over | 2 | Pass | 4 | Slant | Colson | Inc | -0.97 |
No doubt this time. Colson(-2, cov-2) is supposed to take the slant from Turner and does not. They yell at him. Smith(+1, PR) shoved C into the pocket and might have affected the bad throw. Pulled for a talking to for NHG. | ||||||||||||
M44 | 2nd | 10 | Gun Wk | 4-2-5 | Even | 1 | Pass | 4 | TE out | Hawkins | Inc | -1.07 |
Morris(+1, PR+1) through a double and puts C in backfield, Hinton(+1) bats it. Was going to Otton whom Hawkins(+1, Cov+2) was all over; would have intercepted if he wasn’t. | ||||||||||||
M44 | 3rd | 10 | Gun Str | 4-2-5 | Okie | 0 | Pass | 5 | Slant | Turner | Inc | -0.89 |
Cover zero but Morris and Ross are not out here. Turner(+2, cov+2) is however and PBUs. RPS-1 had to be a great play to break this up. | ||||||||||||
M44 | 4th | 10 | Gun Str | 4-2-5 | 5-1 Split | 2 | Pass | 4 | TE Dig | Hawkins | Inc | -0.67 |
They die as they lived. RPS+3 as Michigan knows exactly where this is going. They send Ross(+1, PR+1) who leaps over the RB and forces a first read throw. Both safeties are sitting on it. Hawkins(+2, Cov+2) is in the process of intercepting when Hill(+1) is like Not Unless You Do It Like Jourdan Man and PBUs the INT. Hawkins clarified after that he's pounding the dirt saying "YES!" not mad that his INT was stolen. Stolen it was. | ||||||||||||
Drive Notes: Turnover on Downs. 24-10. 7 min 4th Q. They do not, in fact, blow it. When UW gets the ball back it's 31-10 with 1:40 left so this is just to get clips for next year's preview. | ||||||||||||
Ln | Dn | Dst | OForm | DPack | Front | Hi | Type | Rush | Play | Player | Yds | EPA |
O25 | 1st | 10 | Gun | 4-2-5 | Over | Pass | 4 | Fly | Green | 45 | 3.26 | |
The stat padder. Green(+1, cov+1) is inside this guy, can't turn around because he's inside this guy. Guy catches it. Apologize to the gypsy. | ||||||||||||
M30 | 1st | 10 | Gun | 4-2-5 | Over | Pass | 4 | TE Out | NHG | Inc | -0.56 | |
Floater that NHG(+1) breaks up. | ||||||||||||
M30 | 2nd | 10 | Gun | 4-2-5 | Over | Pass | 4 | TE Flat | Moore | Inc | -0.76 | |
McGregor(+1, PR+1) pressures. Off-target nearly pick-sixed by Moore(+2, cov+1) | ||||||||||||
M30 | 3rd | 10 | Gun | 4-2-5 | Over | Sack | 4 | Sack | Ojabo | -8 | -2.42 | |
The Ojabo spin move vs Kirkland and subsequent Football Walk. | ||||||||||||
M38 | 4th | 18 | Gun | 4-2-5 | Under | Pass | 4 | Throwaway | McGregor | Inc | -0.45 | |
Ojabo(+.5), Morris(+.5) and McGregor(+1) flush and follow out to sideline and McG is taking him down as he throws it to the Michigan sideline. | ||||||||||||
Drive Notes: Turnover on Downs. Game over for Defense. |
So I have another hot take for the podcast.
It’s kind of late for that.
Maybe you can edit it in?
Just…what is it?
JOHN DONOVAN IS A TERRIBLE MICHIGAN SLEEPER AGENT, BECAUSE HE’S WAY TOO OBVIOUS.
I had a feeling this was where you were going.
So you have seen bad coordinating.
I’ve seen Al Borges put Denard Robinson under center.
But was it like this? Remember, Donovan goes way back with Gattis; he was his boss at Vandy and PSU. And after PSU do you know where John Donovan was?
Assistant to an NFL position or something right?
Assistant RBs coach at Jacksonville with…wait for it…Denard Robinson.
Omigod.
Right?
That’s an impressive take.
No my take is that he’s being too obvious about it.
Well Donovan isn’t subtle. There were many times in the charting I just wrote “DONOVAN” because he was outsmarting himself into uncharted or not recently charted territory.
I’m not saying I can read Donovan’s mind, but if I was writing a fictional OC who had just seen his team’s defense paved by inside runs and thought “I want to have one of those drives too—let’s run dives from the wishbone all the way down the field!” it would not have been any different than the Bone Drive. Unlike Jimmy Lake, however, Mike Macdonald took steps to stop it in its tracks.
This is a goal line defense at the 24 yard line. You heard me.
That has to be a Since-WWII Michigan Stadium record* for field position where a coach is willing to run into a goal line defense on 1st and 10 when not in the lead.
The main feature of Donovan offenses is he wants to go under center and bring material back into the box. Harbaugh/Gattis did a lot of heavy boxes too, because it forces safeties and safety-like linebackers out of their comfort zones, and adds more gaps they can attack. Donovan’s opening attack for Michigan was to go unbalanced I-form (meaning the TE in the box is covered and not an eligible receiver). After taking a delay of game (crowd+1) he did the same thing. Michigan took the invitation to blitz some safeties who no longer had to worry about covering anyone on that side.
The max protection I understood some because once again John Donovan’s in charge of an offense with a terrible offensive line. I mean, he put the 6’8” tackle at guard, and the 6’3” guard at tackle, and the 6’5” guard at center, and has something to do with the coaching of the All-Pac 12 left tackle who proved far more pliable than his MAC counterparts. But when you run a lot of two-man routes you need a plan better than “wait around and see if one of them comes open.”
That’s one read. It’s well covered (by Green). By the time Morris can come to the other guy his leverage is gone because the deep safety is there. Everybody else has nothing better to do than pressure the quarterback. Who drew this up?
Donovan also came out with a concept called “Huddle tempo” where they huddle then run to the line real quick.
The practice time for that resulted in nothing until Michigan learned it could use the time to change and got caught not set a couple of times.
And then there was running on 4th and 4 when they hadn’t been able to run all day. But wait, it’s so much worse! This drive is in Michigan territory because they caught Dax on play-action a moment ago. On 3rd down they run a zone read, Michigan has both safeties blitzing, and it’s swallowed.
Then they come out the next play, 4th down and 4, and not only do they run the same play: they wait until the clock is about hit zero and the defense can all time the snap perfectly, and this time just decide not to block Aidan Hutchinson.
That is some coordinatin’ right there. It also did not end there. Washington’s first drive after Michigan went up 17-0 was a Forrest Gump Special, a steady diet of split zone and PA off it that M had downloaded but kept getting yards from sheer dumb luck. It also burned 10 minutes of clock for a field goal and took Michigan from 95% to win to 95.8% to win on the ESPN probability tracker.
* [Previous record set in 1971 down 7-3 with 2:20 left in the game, but that was at the 20.]
So why was the RPS number so close, smartypants?
I thought Macdonald was taking a bunch of calculated risks (eg the 8-man blitz above), and got caught in a few of them. The one big play he got hit on was when he went zero coverage and left Rod Moore alone on a fade.
Moore played it well enough that I think he could break up that play most of the time. Take that play out however and the RPS wins for Washington were minor ones, so minor that half the time the plays came out negative (sometimes significantly so) for the offense anyways.
On the other hand, Donovan’s bungles and Macdonald’s good gambles paid off in huge point swings. I have Michigan for 6.69 points generated from RPS win plays and it would have been over eight if not for the lucky Bone drive reversing a couple of those RPS wins into first downs.
Were you able to learn any new things about the Macdonald defense?
They broke out more of their 5-1 nickel that works because Aidan Hutchinson Ba Gawd but this time it was just as a passing downs exotic. One theme that’s been popping up though is that Macdonald is asking players to be things they’re not, which is usually “A linebacker.” That includes Aidan Hutchinson—the surprise when he’s backing out is sort of valuable because they’ve committed so much material to him, but he’s just there in coverage, not able to cover a gap, so the pass rush has to pay off.
Jaylen Harrell was the most linebackerish of the OLBs, but he was still at his best playing defensive end outside of a TE:
Harrell also hung in admirably (and handsily) when tasked with covering Washington’s Jake Butt-like tight end.
On the other hand, they’re still struggling to get their regular linebackers to spot drop properly, and asking a DE to do it right is a role too far in Year 1. This slant on Vincent Gray was supposed to be have help, but Harrell, who isn’t threatening pass rush at all, doesn’t know where his zone is.
#32 bottom linebacker between the hashes
They’ll try to match personnel, and Mike Morris gives them some flexibility on that, but what happened a few times is they would get caught in their “3-4” (read: 5-2) personnel, then Washington would flex out their tight ends and put guys out of their comfort zones.
The point of this defense is to take those gambles, but select them, so if you throw a slant you never know whom might be dropping into it, nor where the pressure is coming from.
Did I just see a four-hundred pound man wearing #3 power lifting the Washington center?
Oh yeah.
Did this happen…like a lot?
Yes but I want you to take this in context some of Washington’s players were really ba—
CHART!
Defensive Line | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Player | + | - | T | Notes |
Smith | 16 | 2 | +14 | Um...what? |
Hinton | 14 | 4 | +10 | Huuunnhhh? |
Jeter | 5 | 2 | +3 | That's more like it. |
Speight | 1.5 | +1.5 | Got in a few snaps late. Effective, not explosive. | |
Jenkins | 2 | 4 | -2 | Did some good things, still small for doubles duty. |
Welschof | 0 | DNC | ||
Whittley | 2.5 | 1 | +1.5 | As advertised. Glorious that he wears #3. |
Hutchinson | 16.5 | 2 | +14.5 | No friggin way this equals that? |
Ojabo | 2 | +2 | Passing downs only. | |
Upshaw | 5 | 2 | +3 | Pure DE, which limits him in this defense. |
Morris | 3.5 | 2 | +1.5 | Made one mistake, also started. |
Harrell | 4 | 2 | +2 | Reverse of Upshaw. Plays some LB, not a master at either. |
McGregor | 2 | +2 | All on the last drive. Feels like a guy who could rise next year. | |
Newburg | 0 | DNP | ||
TOTAL | 74 | 21 | +53 | I think Drain was right about their OL. |
Linebacker | ||||
Player | + | - | T | Notes |
Ross | 17.5 | 6 | +11.5 | Like him better when he's aggressive like this. |
Hill-Green | 6.5 | +6.5 | No negatives? No waaaaaay. | |
Colson | 6 | 9 | -3 | Awesome when pointed in the right direction. Got pulled. |
Mullings | 0 | DNC | ||
Barrett | 0 | DNP | ||
TOTAL | 30 | 15 | 15 | If only every offense was this easy to read. |
Secondary | ||||
Player | + | - | T | Notes |
Hill | 7 | 6 | +1 | Results-based charting. Missed tackles, coverage gambles. |
Hawkins | 9.5 | 1 | +8.5 | UW TEs were more his speed, got to shoot unblocked gaps on RPS wins. |
Moten | 1 | 3 | -2 | Mostly ranged high. Blamed him for the one big cov bust. |
Paige | 0 | DNC | ||
Kolesar | 0 | Returns only. | ||
Moore | 2 | 4 | -2 | Maximally punished debut, almost pick-six at the end. |
Gem.Green | 10 | +10 | Grading +s for being there. Might need to finish better? | |
Gray | 5 | 5 | 0 | Even day feels right. PBU'd a crossing route to Giles tho. |
Turner | 4 | 4 | 0 | A -3 for unnecessary roughness, otherwise solid day. |
TOTAL | 19 | 9 | +10 | Real enough that there were coverage sacks. |
Metrics | ||||
Pressure | 30 | 8 | +22 | Husky OL bad, Hutchinson good. |
Coverage | 31 | 23 | +8 | Like LBs, if only every offense was so uncomplicated. |
Tackling | 8 | 11 | -3 | Stopped trying to single-tackle the RB and it was fine. |
RPS | 18 | 14 | +4 | Macdonald was riverboat gambling, Donovan did...things. |
Last week you couldn’t be bothered to give the DTs any scores, and this week they’re all Aidan Hutchinsons?
CONTEXT. Alex Drain’s assessment in Fee Fi Foe Film last week was that the Washington OL was pretty butt, and their left guard was particularly butt. I would throw their center in there too. This was a significant downgrade from WMU and that was more true for the DTs than the OLBs. Here’s the canonical example from this game, a sack near the end of the 1st half. Watch Aidan Hutchinson (DE at the bottom of the line) first, then Mazi Smith, the DT one spot above him, on your next watchthrough.
Hutchinson Jaxson Kirkland in a blender. That guy wasn’t as good as “certain NFL prospect” suggested he would be, but it’s not like he’s a total scrub. Smith did the same thing to #77, the left guard. At no point does it feel like that guy is providing the kind of resistance your fan brain expects from an offensive lineman.
Hutchinson was also working against both of these guys:
And was having regular success at it:
They finally got him late by triple-teaming him. By that point you’ve played yourself, especially if the guy you’re supposed to triple backs into coverage while Josh Ross is screaming up the gut.
On the inside, the tackles just kept picking up +1s because Washington was running straight at them with linemen who couldn’t move them. Here’s Hinton taking a turn:
#15 DT second guy from the bottom on the line
When they played WMU that pile was bending until a linebacker used himself up by slamming into one of the two guys providing the double. When they played Washington the linebackers were allowed to flow where they wanted to more or less freely, and safeties who got involved rarely ate a block for it. Until we learn otherwise I’m going to assume that the DTs are more the guys we saw against the Broncos than they Huskies. NIU’s line won’t tell us much.
That’s the starters at least. Jenkins got in a bunch but when he got doubled he was moved. Whittley had a few plays here and there and looked like a big dude who will not be moved; as you saw on the Harrell Covering a TE clip above, Whittley as a push rusher is just a timebomb.
Why did they keep getting 7-yard gains to the TE when it looked like our pass rush was getting home?
This was frustrating on the drive after Corum’s TD, especially because the DL were starting to really whip up on Washington’s OL. Here’s a quick out that wasted a Mazi Smith +2 against the very bad center.
Welcome to Cover 3, the one coverage I know anything about because I got to hang around JV football for a summer, and have been reusing this graphic ever since.
Cover 3 is about how you get there as much as where you’re going, because it covers the seams by having the curl/flat defenders buzz them on their way to the flats. While the c/f defender is buzzing he’s behind any quick outs in the flats.
You need some freakish athletes or a very quick read to get over those, but to attack that the offense needs an out route at 5 yards and for that to be the QB’s first read. Less and you’re getting less, more and the vertical release will attract the CB. So this is just a rock, paper, scissors thing: the offense will have a hot out for Cover 3 teams, the Cover 3 teams will have a mix of coverages or surprise defenders to deter this behavior. As long as that’s in their minds it’s not a bad gamble for the defense, since Cov3 is otherwise safe, you’re giving up 5-7 yards if you’re caught in it, and the upshot of catching them attacking it when you’re not in it is often a sack or a pick.
And yet this was the second straight Hatin’ on Vincent Gray Club meeting you’ve missed. Do you even remember our motto?
Ours is not to speak of Gray; all that speaks is said in play.
There were three big catches with him in coverage and you gave him what, –2 for them?
Right. So he was targeted three times on the 12-second drive at the end of the half, and once on the Bone drive. Let’s talk about the end of the half first. The first of these he PBU’d. The next two times Gray stayed downfield instead of making a play on the ball. The first time he tackled, burning a few extra seconds in the process. I gave him a minus for that. The second time there 2 were seconds on the clock and he ran the guy out of bounds, ending the drive.
I’ll give you the first because it’s a better shot at Hail Mary but I’m not mad that he played it conservatively and made the tackle, because it set up a Hail Mary UW wasn’t even going to try. The second he was clearly just staying downfield of the ball—I’m not minusing a guy for making a play that ends a drive with no points, even if I am the kind of loser who gets annoyed by stats.
The one on the bone drive I already mentioned I thought was on Jaylen Harrell—Gray got a minus for that as well but only one, and begrudgingly. To the good, here’s that PBU:
I’m sorry but, as you well know, Rule 34.c of the HoVGC bylaws state ‘one is never to have one’s eyes open when Vincent Gray is in coverage.’ Can you describe the clip above perhaps?
That receiver is Giles Jackson. He is, if you recall, a Fast Person. This is a crossing route. Gray is in man coverage. The ball is well thrown. Do you want to guess what happens?
One of the recruits gets lost while trying on a uniform and wanders on the field?
PBU. There were also many clips where we’d get a glimpse of Morris looking downfield at utter hopelessness, IE Gray in the back pocket of the receiver he wanted to go to. I can’t tell you how often they do replays where the quarterback gets sacked or throws it away and the announcer proclaims “Nobody’s open” when there is in fact a guy open. I enjoyed the ABC announcers more than most, and when they went to show the “Nobody’s open” camera angle nobody was, in fact, open.
On the podcast, Brian and I postulated that Gray is having a JT Floyd renaissance in a defense that makes more sense for him. The Cyan is off his FFFF circle for now. He’s still a long way from star.
You also called the coverage good. I saw the catches.
Green continued to be bit by the bad luck bug this year. The late State Padder is a perfect example:
Sure “get your head around” is a thing you yell at cornerbacks, but there are few places you could want them to be when the ball arrives than “in chest.” The WR caught this one on Green’s elbow.
The bone drive could have ended on 3rd and 10 on the Michigan 30 if a hand in between the arms of the receiver counted for anything.
I mean, if you’re looking at this from a “Why did Washington have a passing game?” perspective, okay, that was a better pass than Morris has ever thrown before, threading a very difficult needle to get the ball where his receiver could make a play on it and extend the drive.
If you’re trying to use it to extrapolate what will happen when an average ball gets near an average Gemon Green, well buddy…
We also got a new entry in the cornerback rotation this week. DJ Turner II, reintroduce yourself:
He also got out pretty fast on that Cover 3 example I showed earlier. I gave him a –3 for knocking the quarterback down on an end around and wiping out a perfectly good “You tried to edge Daxton Hill; how did that work out for you?” play to bring his day from positive to even. If he wasn’t on the team last year during Ricky Whiteageddon I might even feel positive about him.
And the new safety?
My own hot take from this game is I think Rod Moore is going to be good. Michigan had Moore on the field this week ahead of last year’s dimeback Makari Paige, who played for Michigan’s safeties coach in high school, remember. He did give up the only touchdown, and it was on a fade, and we all have had much therapy about these subjects.
Much more frustrating was when he gave up a 3rd and 15 early in the 2nd quarter. Yes, you have to stay over that guy as he travels down the seam.
You also have to drive on the next guy the second your guy stems inside. Moore’s guy stemmed, and Moore took two steps inside the hash mark before checking the slant.
…and then after impacting at 11 yards Moore got taken for a five-yard ride. It was extra annoying because this 3rd and 15 was the first 1st down UW converted all game without the aid of a non-play-related penalty. Freshman stuff. On the other hand look how he finished:
That was some burst.
The connecting tissue here is I think these guys are better than the statistics from this game. Overall Michigan’s coverage felt cobbled together but functional, more 2011 than 2010, but also more 2011 than 2016. They do not yet have the ninjas who can routinely break up plays when the linebackers are OLBs, or for that matter freshman linebackers.
Speaking of…how much are we reading a bit too much into giving Mazi Smith a butt tap?
Too much. After watching that sequence I think Hawkins was the one getting everyone realigned, and Colson was just the message lad. Don’t get me wrong—I like that he’s doing it. It did not, however, come with Bush-like savoir faire.
LB #25, second from right behind W#66
There is no such thing as a zone defense that has two guys playing the same zone. I’m pretty sure Colson was supposed to drop into the Hole (middle) zone, where he could help with the tight end, so Ross in turn could banjo back to bracket the snag route that’s breaking underneath Gray.
Colson’s mistakes were freshmany and fixable. One time Hinton flipped sides on a DT and Colson didn’t take his eyes off the RB and missed that he had to re-gap so Hinton could pay that off with a TFL. The one time Giles Jackson got loose on an end-around it was an RPS thing with two safeties blitzing behind him, but also Colson watching this instead of getting on his horse and riding out to Dax Hill country. Late in the game Colson wandered towards the boundary when he was supposed to be under a slant that broke wide open; Smith pressured and it went to the turf, but Colson got several teammates offering encouraging criticism and was pulled for Nikhai Hill-Green.
This was a good game for a Colson debut because Washington rarely does anything confusing and the LBs were feasting on their easier than normal reads. He got some pluses by dodging OL and blitzing with the rest of them. As soon as Colson’s caught up I think he’ll give this defense the speed at linebacker that converts some of these throwaways into sacks. I still prefer NHG in there for now.
This is also the second straight week with some bad tackling numbers.
The Washington RB isn’t going to make the top five of backfield terrors we face this year, but his one plus attribute is he’s compact and tough to bring down when he’s got a head of steam. Other than Moore, we’ve seen Michigan’s safeties tackle often enough that this isn’t a major concern going forward.
What happened on the chains review?
Justice, ultimately, and that’s what matters. This was the initial spot. The on-field refs are like “good enough” and 92% percent of Michigan fans in the stadium erupt in a simultaneous “WTF?” while 8% turn to someone and say “Hutchinson is going to Clowney them next play just watch.”
Instead they reviewed it, which is very rare but shows how bad of a spot it is at least, and UW got a 4th and 1 on the 45, went for it, and life continued. My only comment is it shouldn’t be weird that the correct thing happened. That’s what review is supposed to be for. As for the chain measurement, the rule is to the end of the chain, not the middle of the sticks:
The yardage chain shall join two rods not fewer than 5 feet high, the rods’ inside edges being exactly 10 yards apart when the chain is fully extended.
…which makes that more understandable.
Did they try to edge Dax Hill?
Yes.
How did it work out for them?
As it does.
Clearly, Washington was hoping to get Giles Jackson some extra all-purpose yards against his own team. Clearly Michigan knew this would be a thing, because Dax’s friend were out there helping him out.
Will they try it again next week? Yes. Will it go the same? Most likely.
Who’s Mr. Worldwide this week?
As a reminder, our criteria here are versatility, the ability to make your teammates better, being cool against long odds, and enjoying time spent under highway overpasses. This is decided after the second UFR. Your top three this week:
1. Ryan Hayes. Onetime tight end was Bulldozer in Chief for That Guy and That Other Guy, usually by blasting a double-team until Keegan looked like a Steely-Eyed-Reach-Blockin’ Man, then popping a linebacker. Did this after convincing me M was going to be a right-handed running team vs WMU. Gave a press conference that sounded like it was recorded under a highway overpass and which generated mostly articles about how great Cade McNamara is after the least QB-dependent Michigan game in memory.
2. Hassan Haskins. Got more carries than That Guy, softened them up for That Guy, and got the start over That Guy while relegating various 5-star competition to the bench or UCLA as a 3-star and moving back from linebacker one year ago (remember that?). Has more yards as a second RB this year than all but two other Big Ten teams’ first guys. Played some fullback. Delightfully real when given a microphone. Patiently hung out under this highway overpass until traffic cleared.
3. Aidan Hutchinson. Took on double and triple blocks so the DTs could get their numbers against Washington's less-than-MAC OL. Did this despite the cameras constantly showing his father’s disapproving face in front of an audience half of which thought another man on the field was his father. Awkward! Kept running under double teams from that guard and tackle, who were mere temporary traffic bottlenecks, sort of like a highway overpass.
3-2-1 point system and no repeats yet so our standings are:
3: Ronnie Bell, Ryan Hayes
2: Mike Sainristil, Hassan Haskins
1: Nikhai Hill-Green, Aidan Hutchinson
All complaints about these selections should be directed to Ralph Friedgen.
Heroes?
Hutchinson, Smith, Hinton, Ross, Hawkins, and Special Agent Donovan.
Maybe not so heroic?
Colson, Dax Hill didn’t have his best day, which was still by anyone else’s measure a good day. The gypsy who haunts Gemon Green.
What does it mean for NIU and the future?
The DT score was probably a Washington OL thing. We’ll find out for sure when they face Northern Illin… Ru… Wisconsin in three weeks. Jenkins probably won’t withstand those doubles.
Whittley! He’s on the field. Wearing a tiny number. Praise nose guard Denarbus.
Linebackers are good when they know where to go. This wasn’t a very hard test for the mental aspects of Macdonald’s defense, but involving Josh Ross in more blitzes seems like a good way to use his skills. Colson is useful already when you can point him in the right direction, will be the best of them when he figures that out for himself. Hill-Green quietly had a no-negatives game.
OLB is going to keep being Hutch and Lots of Friends. Everybody seems to have something that they’re good enough at to see the field, none of them are
Rod Moore has passed Makari Paige, wasn’t better than freshman Makari Paige. Rough debut but fixable issues.
Cornerbacks are actually right next to their receivers if you’ll open your eyes. So we’re told.
L’shanah Tovah. May you be inscribed in the book of life. Or better yet, be part of a religion that’s letting you eat today.
September 16th, 2021 at 1:15 PM ^
“If only every offense was this easy to read.”
Wait. You’re telling me that results may vary?!
September 16th, 2021 at 4:41 PM ^
I think this is Seth letting slip he secretly wants Al Borges back.
September 16th, 2021 at 1:39 PM ^
Nice work here too Seth although I'm fairly confident that it take nearly as long as the offense UFR.
My overriding thought watching the game live was "our defense knows what it's doing" and that they had a diverse plan. Last year I didnt think the defense had a clue what to do and the plan was the same as every plan under Brown - blitz like hell and put your corners on an island.
I saw different fronts, different coverages and in each one it sure seemed like the players knew what was expected of them (coaching) and were able to do what was expected of them (more coaching). And as much as the inner teenager in me channeled Michigan football circa 1973 watching the offense, I was even happier watching the defense.
Because that defense gave me a glimmer of hope that when they do play a big game they will have a game plan specifically designed for the team they are playing, And that the defense game plan might actually work.
September 16th, 2021 at 1:58 PM ^
I am the same. I know they will have some bad games, but I feel the staff will adjust and at least attempt to stop what the other team is doing. The last few years, it seemed like you would know what the D was going to do each game based on the first series, because they weren't going to change anything.
September 16th, 2021 at 2:46 PM ^
+1. This reflects my feelings as well. We're not designed to pile-drive bad teams into <100 yards of offense, but our performance against high-powered offenses should be much improved. I'll take some execution mishaps on defense over question marks flying over 11 heads any day.
September 16th, 2021 at 1:41 PM ^
In Hutchinson's Mr. Worldwide section, I think you meant Washington's OL, not Wisconsin's. Unless I'm missing the joke, which is definitely possible.
September 16th, 2021 at 2:50 PM ^
He's making predictions maybe. SETH WAS THE KNOWLEDGE! Is the knowledge?
September 16th, 2021 at 1:43 PM ^
Sounds like Washington's coaching staff might be Hoke bad. They have definite year-two disaster vibes.
September 16th, 2021 at 1:50 PM ^
Re: the Mazi-move moment, here's your Michael MacDonald-Appropriate Lyric of the day: "...Make no mistake where you are... this is it."
September 16th, 2021 at 4:30 PM ^
Praise be to Kenny Loggins
September 16th, 2021 at 1:55 PM ^
Going to make a potentially controversial argument about these CB scores (esp. for M #22, in whom I am ultimately a believer). CB is a MAKE PLAYS position - not a be in the right place position. I understand that UFR is more about expected than actual, but P5 receivers are talented enough to make contested catches regularly. The 2015 Jourdan Lewis vs. Aaron Burbridge battle stands out as an example of MAKE PLAYS. Burbridge got Lewis on a few critical contested catches, but the reason I'll remember Lewis playing well in that game is that he forced like 8 PBUs or something ridiculous like that. A contested ball that the WR wins is the functional equivalent of a missed tackle on the edge at the LOS, and I'm not sure that +10 reflects that. Thanks, as always, Seth!
September 16th, 2021 at 8:21 PM ^
Kind of agree. Above Green in the chart is Hill, and the comment with Hill's score is 'results based charting'. Like you said, with a corner when the ball is thrown his way the result is did the receiver catch it or not.
September 17th, 2021 at 12:17 PM ^
My rationale is Green got his hand on the ball, Dax did not.
September 16th, 2021 at 2:01 PM ^
Seems like some of the clips are in the wrong spots to me? In the bit about Hutchinson dominating double teams, under the clip that says "And was having regular success at it:", just shows Hutchinson bull rushing one dude. Doesn't seem to be the right clip to me.
Right under that, in the one about Hinton where it says "Here’s Hinton taking a turn:", I see the Colson moving Mazi over clip, and I don't think Hinton is on the field.
There might be more, but also maybe I'm wrong.
September 16th, 2021 at 4:19 PM ^
Reload the page. That happens sometimes. It's a Google container problem
September 16th, 2021 at 2:35 PM ^
l'shana tovah, buddy. eatin' some jams and / or jellies for ya.
September 16th, 2021 at 2:49 PM ^
In the Mr. Worldwide section for Hutch, Washington's* less than MAC OL. You mixed up your UW's and had me both confused and excited for the possibility of prediction. Felt like THE KNOWLEDGE was back.
yes.
September 16th, 2021 at 2:51 PM ^
Help me ... what's the significance of Whittley wearing #3? Does it hint at him maybe being used on the offensive side of the line, ala a "The Fridge" type run play?
September 16th, 2021 at 2:52 PM ^
Didn't Rashan Gary wear 3? That brings back some happy vibes, I figured. Also big dudes in little numbers is just good stuff. Like a reverse Doug-Flutie-wears-22 or Devin-Gardner-wears-98
September 16th, 2021 at 7:31 PM ^
Henning wears 3, so Whittley won’t be doing anything on offense. The offensive series after I noticed Whittley on defense featured a fake end-around to Henning. I still had #3 Whittley on my mind and was very confused. There are more dual numbers getting playing time than I am used to and it’s hurting my brain.
September 16th, 2021 at 9:40 PM ^
Might be fun watching Whittley on an end around with a full head of steam--who'd want to get in his way?
September 16th, 2021 at 2:55 PM ^
Wow. Reading that breakdown about Washington's offensive line.. like John Donovan, WTF are you doing??? Moving a 6'8" tackle to play guard, and moving 6'3" guard to play tackle when these guys are all returning starters(!!). Now I am certainly no football coach, but it seems to me if an offensive coordinator I just hired suggested to me he was going to invert our guard-tackle spots along a line with 5 returning, competent starters, I would contemplate rescinding his job offer on the spot. Imagine a defensive coach suggesting it's a good idea to invert the DE-DT positions along the defensive line.. obviously just a terrible, terrible idea.
Egregiously tone deaf play calling, non-sensical "huddle tempo" clock management.. the level of Donovan's incompetence - even as a Michigan fan, rooting for Michigan - irritates me. I would be somewhat shocked if he lasted another month calling plays for Washington. It's not just that his offensive philosophy is not effective, it's an absolute suicide mission every time his offense takes the field. It's honestly just offensive to the football senses.
I'll end the rant here, glad we will no longer have to discuss John Donovan around these parts.
[* so tell us.. how do you feel about John Donovan?*]
September 16th, 2021 at 3:02 PM ^
Your evaluation of Hills game definitely felt like what I was watching. It seems like the coaches are putting him in a high risk/reward position where he could make some great plays but also relying on his speed to try to recover from mis-reads or crossing routes. This has gone ok but I do wonder if they’ll maintain this approach as we encounter more athletic teams.
September 16th, 2021 at 3:17 PM ^
I know competition caveats imply, but I've been wanting to see DT charting like this for a couple years. This article emotionally moved me.
September 16th, 2021 at 3:42 PM ^
"It also burned 10 minutes of clock for a field goal and took Michigan from 95% to win to 95.8% to win on the ESPN probability tracker."
I am cackling.
September 16th, 2021 at 4:47 PM ^
For once it wasn’t us.
September 16th, 2021 at 4:30 PM ^
I would add Corum as one of the heroes. Just sayin’
September 16th, 2021 at 4:34 PM ^
Moore has an INT if he turns around just a fraction sooner...
September 16th, 2021 at 4:45 PM ^
I don’t think I’ve seen the impact of line play taken to such cliche levels in the 21st century, and I survived the Hoke years.
FFS, where did UW find these jokers? Morris ought to join a Forsaken QB support group with Hackenberg and Devin Gardner.
September 16th, 2021 at 8:50 PM ^
Forgot about that sequence where coach’s timeout saved us giving them 4th & 1 by offsides, and then they punt. (Thank you!) And our next series, our fake punt on 4th at own 30 starts the onslaught, M taking over the game. Couple of timely coaching calls that worked out perfectly. The W was won right there
September 16th, 2021 at 9:22 PM ^
I hate so much that Gattis got Donovan's side of the family and not Moorhead's.
September 17th, 2021 at 8:08 PM ^
Speaking of L’shanah Tovah, I find it amusing that I get spam texts from Hillel at Michigan State despite being neither Jewish nor an MSU student/alumnus. I wonder what random phone list I was on that got me on their list.
September 18th, 2021 at 11:42 AM ^
thank you, i love these so much!
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