Taco and Mario's performance vs. Maryland
Since we've all been so #FireHoke obsessed recently I thought it would be nice to, you know, have a talk about actual football.
Anyway, in light of the very disappointing loss of Frank Clark, of which nothing more needs to be said, I was pretty impressed with the way that Taco Charlton and Mario Ojemudia played this weekend. Both had good motor, made some "plays" and in general did not feel like a step down from what we'd come to expect from the position.
I think we can look forward to a lot from these two next year and was wondering if anyone else had a take on that position group. Further, are there any other players who we hope to see a leap from next year regardless of coaching staff?
November 24th, 2014 at 10:43 AM ^
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November 24th, 2014 at 11:16 AM ^
Are you implying that Taco and Mario are better than Frank Clark??
November 24th, 2014 at 12:01 PM ^
I think he was more just pointing out that there was a lack of a precipitous drop in production from that spot. The fact that it came by committee is what slows my roll a little bit, but overall the position played well. I haven't broken it down, I'm just going by feel.
November 24th, 2014 at 12:32 PM ^
No, not implying that either guy is better than Frank. Merely that they each appeared to hold their own and make some good plays. As others have said throughout the thread though, clearly there is still room for improvement with regard to run defense in particular.
I see room for optimism between the two, I guess.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:23 AM ^
Drake played well against Indiana (terrible team), then wasn't all that good against Northwestern (3.0 ypc). Meanwhile Deveon Smith had a very good game against Northwestern (18 carries, 121 yards, 1 TD) and then played poorly against Maryland (2.8 ypc). Of course in the Maryland game, Drake Johnson then had 14 carries for 94 yards.
It seems to have been that way for most of the season: One back has a decent game and seems to take charge as the lead back, then falls back to earth the next game.
November 24th, 2014 at 10:46 AM ^
If there's one guy I'd like to see a major leap from next year (other than a QB), it's probably Freddy Canteen. If we lose Funchess, our receiving corps could be really bad next year. Like the worst it's been in decades. And that'll be during a year in which we have one of the shakiest QB situations we've had in recent memory, too.
Most of our other WRs seem physically limited in some way, and I'm assuming that Drake Harris isn't going to storm onto the scene after such a long injury absence. We really need a guy to emerge from that group, and Canteen seems like the most realistic bet, given that he seems to have the physical tools and hopefully just needs some seasoning. It would have been nice to see more positive signs from him this season, though.
November 24th, 2014 at 10:51 AM ^
I'm thinking it can happen in Mo Ways than just Canteen.
OK, that was terrible. Honestly, as I said on another thread, I think it really does just come down to QB. I think Darboh has talent, Chesson has shown flashes, we know Norfleet has wheels, and I think with better coaching, all of them can improve plus Canteen, Harris, Ways, Jones, there has to be someone in there who can break out. Plus there will be Butt and hopefully Bunting to add threats (I know Clark hasn't made it official, but I'm not optimistic there). And don't forget Brian Cole if he sticks with the 2015 class. The real issue is just grooming a guy who can get them the ball.
November 24th, 2014 at 10:55 AM ^
I've had it in my head that Norfleet's a senior. Even without a redshirt, it feels like he's been here for six years. Here's one of the rare cases when it's good news that I'm an idiot.
November 24th, 2014 at 10:59 AM ^
It would be so so great to see a big year from a guy like Dennis Norfleet. I know this site raves over the guy but his general lack of utilization has been a disappointment. I'd love to see him with a few TDs next year.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:02 AM ^
I also think the passing game could improve simply by having a better run attack to keep defenses honest. The O-line replaces no starters, with (finally) some experienced backups as well, and there will be a three-headed hydra in the backfield of Green, Smith, and Isaac. If you can't put together at least a serviceable rushing offense out of that, you aren't a football coach.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:14 AM ^
November 24th, 2014 at 11:36 AM ^
On his (almost) return for a touchdown, I was sure it was going to be his last chance to return one to the house, and it seemed fitting. I, too, did not realize he has a whole year left. Plenty of time to take one all the way back..
November 24th, 2014 at 10:52 AM ^
You never know, Chesson is serviceable now, and Canteen will hopefully make that leap next year. Darboh could truly be a star next year. Jake Butt could be a star also. With all the negative pub at M right now, it wouldn't surprise me to see Funchess come back, and a new staff could do wonders with all the talent on the team as a whole.
Cheers to a new staff breathing new life in an already talent-loaded team.
November 24th, 2014 at 1:18 PM ^
I agree on Darboh, that dude can catch just about anything that comes his general direction. I think he's one of the most underrated on the team currently.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:11 AM ^
If we keep Funchess, our receiving corps could be just as bad.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:21 AM ^
November 24th, 2014 at 11:37 AM ^
November 24th, 2014 at 12:18 PM ^
Losing Funchess would be an improvement to the overall receiving corps in my opinion. How many drives stalled by balls bouncing off his hands of stone. Neg away, truth is truth. Fourth and three with the game on the line and the legendary #1 drops a gimme.
November 24th, 2014 at 1:19 PM ^
I also think a healthy Drake Harris has the potential to be a better reciever than Funchess.
November 24th, 2014 at 1:37 PM ^
Why would Funchess leave?
November 24th, 2014 at 2:10 PM ^
After every game I start to think more and more than Funchess actually can't go to the draft. He is dropping balls that absolutely should not be dropped. Just a few games ago I thought he was a lock for a pretty good pick, but I'm sure scouts are starting to waver on him now as well.
November 24th, 2014 at 10:45 AM ^
I was thinking the same thing, at the very least they held their own. Happy about these guys being here for the next few years.
The UFR will tell I suppose.
November 24th, 2014 at 10:45 AM ^
I'm no expert on the matter, but I agree that there wasn't a major drop-off, they came to play. I think Taco got exploited a couple times on his over-persuit on draw plays/QB runs whereas Mario stayed home (deflected screen pass comes to mind). Still, it's nice to see some depth at DL.
November 24th, 2014 at 10:51 AM ^
I think Mario & Taco played okay, but they weren't dominant. And when the QB runs for that many yards I think everyone in the front-seven needs to be down-graded. Sure, the offense and special teams lost us the game, but the D gave up two fourth quarter touchdowns and allowed their QB to run for 80+ yards. If they're supposed to be an elite run-stopping defense, the entire front seven is an issue. The comments about the WR are also very accurate. Chesson has vanished, Darboh is solid but unspectacular, Norfleet doesn't get any chances, Canteen has barely played and dropped a great TD pass on Saturday. Even Jake Butt is rarely used and we know that the RB always stay in to block rather than run routes.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:18 AM ^
November 24th, 2014 at 4:43 PM ^
It's mixed among the four close games. They were really good against Penn Sate. OK'ish against Rutgers and poor against NW and Maryland. On the other hand, the offense's running game improves in the 4th quarter.
November 24th, 2014 at 10:51 AM ^
November 24th, 2014 at 11:05 AM ^
Kenny Allen, the back up punter is very good. I think he will do a very good job.
November 24th, 2014 at 10:58 AM ^
November 24th, 2014 at 11:01 AM ^
I have to admit that I didn't look at the stat line w/ regard to Brown's rushing yards when I pointed out Mario and Taco specifically. A few people have mentioned how his ability to gain yards would bode poorly on the front seven and I would agree with that assessment. Not being an expert, I was more going by the eye ball test and they seemed to do a pretty decent job.
UFR will be interesting to see.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:17 AM ^
C.J. Brown managed 87 yards on 18 carries, which is good for 4.83 yards per carry. It should perhaps be noted that his longest wa 30 yards, so the rest of the time he was being held to 3.29 yards per carry, which isn't a terrible rate.
Tackle totals on Ojemudia and Charlton - total tackles of 5 and 2 respectively, or about 11% of all of Michigan's tackles on Saturday.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:00 AM ^
I wouldn't mind seeing Peppers, Lewis or Stribling get a shot on the other side of the ball depending on what our depth situation looks like at the end of the year.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:02 AM ^
They should fill in nicely next year for Clark and Beyer. We should have a better pass rush, but I worry about those two against the run where Beyer is pretty stout.
Cole and Mone have been pleasant surprises on the lines --- and Jack Miller has had a solid year.
Jourdan Lewis has improved a great deal, but other than the players I've listed, I can't make much of an argument for anyone else.
Drake Johnson, to me, is running how he did before injury. Small sample size, but I think he gets a meets expectations in my book. Darboh and Chesson have been "meh" but not awful. No one on defense (outside of those mentioned) has exceeds expectations or been a surprise in my book. Matt Godin got a nice sack on Saturday, but I'm not going to let one play cloud a year long review.
Moving forward to next year, the entire teams needs to improve...obviously, especially the OL and DL, obviously. But if you're just singling players out based on what we're losing.
- We have to find a QB. I'm actually interested in the Morris/Speight/Malzone battle - I think they're all even right now.
- I think we'll be fine at RB if we had a decent line, I'm not worried as I think we have 4 guys who can get the job done if they had some help.
- Darboh, IMO has to fill in for Funchess if he leaves - not Canteen. Canteen needs to develop into a sure handed slot WR. Darboh and Chesson need to become x factors on the outside.
- We need a 2nd TE whether that is Bunting, Hill or Shallman
- I won't touch the OL because everyone needs to get better. Okay, I lied, I will touch the OL. We need a big time jump from Kugler. Michigan hasn't been even relevant since David Molk.
- I won't touch the DL because everyone needs to get better. Okay, I lied. Pipkins needs to become a monster in the middle.
- We should be fine at LB with Ross, Gedeon and Bolden (and Morgan).
- CB should be fine with Peppers and Lewis, I'd move Countess to FS unless you absolutely need him at nickel.
- One of the biggest leaps we need is from Jarrod Wilson. Out safeties have been non-existant.
November 24th, 2014 at 4:51 PM ^
What were your expectations for Ryan Glasgow and Henry? Or are you that down on them?
We are 18th in rushing first downs per game with 7 per game and 16th in sack percentage. They aren't dominate, but given expectations I'm not sure what you are looking for from the DL.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:02 AM ^
November 24th, 2014 at 11:03 AM ^
How bout Blake Countess? Man has he regressed. We know he has the talent, so maybe a new coaching staff will reignite that flame. Also, like others have mentioned, Canteen is a guy I think will be an impact guy next year.
November 24th, 2014 at 4:10 PM ^
I just don't think he's any better from the day he stepped on campus.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:06 AM ^
I don't think there was much, if any, drop off from Clark to Mario & Taco. There is good depth on the D line.
November 24th, 2014 at 12:40 PM ^
(on 3rd down?) was totally on Charlton. He had pushed his man 5-6 yds into the endzone leaving a gap that you could drive a semi through. This is the area where you see the biggest drop-off without Clark...discipline/experience.... which should come with time from Taco.
I thought Mario played well but he just doesn't have quite the explosiveness that Clark did.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:08 AM ^
I'd really like to see them move Godin out to DE next year. Interior DL is loaded with options, and Godin has impressed me with his limited play. He's surprised and forced you to notice him when he gets in there, which is what you expect a younger player to do when he's going to be a good 'un. Move Charlton over to WDE. Poggi and Godin at SDE.
I saw some of the interior lineman get blown off the ball - one was Wormley, the other has Henry. On the latter it looked like he wasn't even trying, my first thought was he must still be hurt. Wormley just got doubled, too high, pushed back, turned his back to the lineman, and got shoved about 6-7 yards back. Just everything you do not want to do when doubled.
I hope we get a UFR for this one, I'm also curious on Mario and Taco.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:13 AM ^
November 24th, 2014 at 11:39 AM ^
November 24th, 2014 at 11:46 AM ^
Agreed, and the hidden message here is that Funchess is unfortunately playing with a lack of passion. This is readily apparent on some poor catch attempts, resulting in a lot of dropped balls.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:54 AM ^
November 24th, 2014 at 11:15 AM ^
He doesn't show up in the defensive stats.
November 24th, 2014 at 11:34 AM ^
November 24th, 2014 at 11:58 AM ^
November 24th, 2014 at 11:55 AM ^
November 24th, 2014 at 1:23 PM ^
Maybe he's still bothered by the hand injury.
November 24th, 2014 at 12:29 PM ^