superstringer

March 12th, 2024 at 12:44 PM ^

Here is what we are going to miss: JJ on 3d and long.

He bailed us out of so many bad situations with incredible, tight throws, or him taking off when the play breaks down. I think we got so used to it, we don't remember that is a key thing that set us apart. Ask Alabama about that 4th down play. Or the 3d and long deep in the Natty when he recognized the Wash. D formation from film and more or less flipped the field. Over the season (even two seasons), we probably avoided losing games because of him doing this. And we can't expect any of the guys currently on the roster to be able to do that in a sustainable way. It's going to show by the end of the year.

OTOH, looks like the Vikings or Giants are gonna get to enjoy that special skill.

Joined: 02/04/2009

MGoPoints: 18277

M-Dog

March 12th, 2024 at 1:07 PM ^

Yep.  Logged in just to upvote this.

People who don't know shit about football will say that we were run-heavy to avoid JJ's passing. 

No.  JJ's passing allowed us to be run-heavy.  We could control the ball, run clock, and wear down the other team, knowing that when we inevitably hit 3rd and long, JJ would bail us out.

And he did it time and time again.  He kept all of those Boa Constrictor drives alive.  He was money in 4th quarters especially, in the biggest games.

We will miss that greatly.  You don't just plug in a QB from the bench and replace that.

Joined: 07/06/2008

MGoPoints: 257576

Blinkin

March 12th, 2024 at 1:34 PM ^

I'm certainly not saying we won't miss JJ.  There's a lot of daylight between "we will be garbage" and "we won't miss JJ."  Of course we'll miss his arm and his ability to improvise and keep drives alive.  It must have been INFURIATING for opposing fans, how many times did they think they were going to get us off the field, only for us to pick it up AGAIN?  

So yeah, the ceiling on the offense is markedly lower than it was.  I won't argue with that.  But the floor isn't so low either.  There's a foundation there, and some interesting pieces to build on top of it.  Couple that with what looks like easily a top-5 defense and it should be a fun year.

Joined: 08/17/2022

MGoPoints: 28796

Bo Harbaugh

March 12th, 2024 at 11:21 AM ^

When Peyton Manning left UT, (after losing Heisman to Chuck :) ) UT fans cried about their lost shot at glory, only to win the following year with a first year starter Tee Martin. Florida won a championship playing 2 qb’s(Tebow, Leak) and then with Tebow alone -neither an NFL quality QB, and Tebow basically a fullback that could throw.  
 

We’re a running team that leans on O-line dominance and wearing down opponents.  I don’t expect any QB to be as clutch or efficient as JJ next year, but our overall dropoff should be much less than other teams, say OSU or other soft squads) relying on 3-4 wideout formations.

JJ is an elite talent, but the offense was not built to lean on his excellence. UM proved, this year, and UGA, specifically in Bennet’s first year starting, that you can win it all, even in this modern era, by simply having the best D-line in the country.  
 

I believe d-line is the most important group on the field, specifically in CFB, as it is involved in play on ever snap and can neutralize great QB play through rush and allowing a team to drop more into coverage. We will be very good this year due to our front 4- and maybe elite again if we can rotate 6 in on the d-line and Moore manages to develop a top 5 O-line again.

15-0, probably not; playoff worthy and a team nobody wants to see come winter, likely

 

Joined: 08/03/2019

MGoPoints: 38689

Harbaugh4TheWin

March 12th, 2024 at 11:28 AM ^

You're not right very often.  But you're wrong this time.  The offense will continue to ground and pound.  Not perhaps as excellent as last year without JJ.  But better than good with a great O-line, great tight ends, great RBs, and athletic wideouts and QB.  Matched with a better than excellent Defense, will should challenge for the Natty again.  Like '97, great D, adequate O.  Go Blue!

Joined: 12/27/2014

MGoPoints: 663

TESOE

March 12th, 2024 at 11:05 AM ^

Super smart move by QJ if it works out. He will be drafted likely next year if all goes well. Please make this happen Michigan fairy or whoever you are that gave us all the championship year. 

This is not a small thing if it happens.

Joined: 09/21/2009

MGoPoints: 8535

JonnyHintz

March 12th, 2024 at 11:22 AM ^

The wording here makes me mildly cautious. “Intends” doesn’t necessarily mean he’s able to, as it’s unclear whether he’ll need a waiver from the NCAA and whether that process has been completed. 

Joined: 01/11/2015

MGoPoints: 48741

WholeMilk

March 12th, 2024 at 4:40 PM ^

I think it's safe to say the guy loves Michigan.  He had every opportunity to transfer out when he was buried on the depth chart for multiple seasons, but stayed and made the most of his chances once getting on the field.  It's easy to root for guys like that.

And if he has a solid season, it should improve his draft stock for next year.

Joined: 08/25/2015

MGoPoints: 1816