Hey guys! I'm back again doing analysis this year! Hopefully I'm a bit faster this year after a full year of analysis last year! I've found lots of ways to optimize the process, so expect an uptick in the number of episodes / plays this year!

So, for episode 1.1 I look at 7-8 plays of positive plays, as well as a handful of plays that juuust missed for whatever reason. Overall, I'm understanding of some of the frustrations with Shea Patterson from this game, but he didn't make many big mistakes. Here are some other quick hitters:

• Hayes seems like the way to go at RT if we have Runyan Jr. back at LT.
• Charbonnet was excellent (duh) and impressed on almost every play I saw.
• The upside for most plays were vast. Last year, it seemed that the ceiling for most plays were 5-6 yards. This offense has a much higher percentage of more explosive plays, just by design alone.

I'll post the video below, as well as some notes for each play. As always, let me know if you disagree with anything or any constructive criticism. Also, I post these individually on my twitter @StephenToski if you want to see the plays before the full video is exported. Enjoy!

1.1.1 - Q1 12:46 - 1st & 10 - UM27 - Charbonnet gain of 14 yards

• Looks like triple option, here? McKeon does well to pull across formation to pick up TE. Excellent jobs by Hayes to pick up OLB blitzing and Bredeson getting to MLB.

1.1.2 - Q1 0:29 - 2nd & 7 - MTSU36 - TD Pass to Black

• Tru Wilson shows off that pass protection with a sacrificial effort against Khalil Brooks, one of MTSUs better defenders. Holds him up juuust enough for a clean pass. Blacks DB trips, but had him beat anyway. Great to see Black healthy again.

1.1.3 - Q2 13:44 - 2nd & 5 - UM38 - RPO to Black for 22 yards

• RPO to Black which is such an easy-looking play. OL + McKeon only account for 5/6 box defenders, but the conflict player Patterson is reading comes up in run support, leaving an open throwing lane that is timed perfectly. Just how it's drawn up!

1.1.4 - Q2 13:01 - 1st & 10 - MTSU28 - TD Pass to Collins

• Michigan keeps 7 in to protect, MTSU only sends 5. Good job by McKeon, Mayfield, & Charbonnet in particular. Pass could've been a bit more inside, but decent location. Nice route from Collins.

1.1.5 - Q2 7:13 - 2nd & 10 - MTSU28 - TD Pass to McKeon

• 4 Verts look, which takes advantage of only 3 deep MTSU defenders in zone. Relatively quick throw, but the OL as a whole did well to keep a clean pocket. Nicely placed ball, easy TD.

1.1.6 - Q3 0:54 - 1st & G - MTSU6 - TD McCaffrey

• The easiest Arc zone play you'll ever have. The line becomes a big ol' mess, but good job by Mayfield getting to the second level (although the LB helped). Eubanks does fine on his arc block, good read by DCaff.

1.1.7 - Q4 12:56 - 3rd & 3 - UM37 - Charbonnet 41 yard run 

• An inside zone of beauty. Great block by McKeon to set the left side of the hole. Good movement from Hayes / Bredeson, also finding a LB. Charbonnet displaying some speed and a nice stiff arm. Really maximizes yardage on this play.

1.1.8 - Q1 8:35 - 1st & 10 - MTSU20 - INC to Bell

• Great pass protection all around, especially Charbonnet on a blitzing LB. No safety makes it 1-on-1 coverage for Bell's post pattern. Would like to see a lower, more inside throw here, as well as more separation from Bell. Oh so close.

1.1.9 - Q2 7:19 - 1st & 10 - MTSU28 - INC to Bell 

• Good pass protection on 6 initial rushers from MTSU. Everyone accounted for. McKeon could have done better, but recovers. Throw is juuuust a bit far for Bell, who's all alone after a DB trips. Your call if you think it's on QB or WR.

1.1.10 - Q2 1:28 - 1st & 10 - MTSU37 - INC to Bell

• Hurts to watch, a bit. I like Patterson a TON but this is rough. Great protection, esp. Charbonnet. Safety fails to get depth, leaving a lot of area to throw the post, which Patterson air-mails. WOOF.

1.1.11 - Q1 7:46 - 3rd & 6 - MTSU16 - INC to Bell

• MTSU sends 7 and Ruiz decides #90 should get a free shot. Rare mistake from the otherwise excellent center. Patterson with a correct read to throw to Bell, but obviously has to release suuuper early. Missed opportunity.

1.1.12 - 2nd & 10 - MTSU47 - INC to McKeon

• Simple pass protection here. Patterson reading safety #7 all the way. There is a narrow window for McKeon on his post / seam route, but Black seemed like the better option, here. Regardless, nice throw and good play by CB.