Good breakdown of Michigan Run Off vs PSU Run Def by PSU Blogger
November 14th, 2023 at 1:23 PM ^
Thanks for sharing that. I like the way the guy breaks down both what works and what doesn't, with praise for good work on both teams.
November 14th, 2023 at 2:52 PM ^
I agree.
Somewhere else today I saw praise for both sides, I think it was Michigan highlights cued to the Penn State radio. A few moans about bad calls but for the most part, they were acknowledging good plays on both sides.
November 14th, 2023 at 3:56 PM ^
like OSU I thought PSU's play guys were ok; though they did whine mightily about the PI call in Q4 and I found myself watching the replay and thinking "we must be looking at completely different video"
November 14th, 2023 at 4:05 PM ^
Fortunately, when we Michigan fans disagree with those on the other side, we're always right.
November 14th, 2023 at 7:02 PM ^
Yeah, it looked awkward on replay because the ball was not on target, but it was PI.
November 14th, 2023 at 1:27 PM ^
Love the hand on the knee so tackle knew when ball snapped even though could not hear the count.
November 14th, 2023 at 1:49 PM ^
Simple things like the hand on the knee make me realize just what an amazing staff we have. Not a single dud on our coaching staff. All the BS of "before and after" comparing our record 2021+ vs. 2015-2020 as if sign-stealing is the SINGULAR reason for our success.
November 14th, 2023 at 2:59 PM ^
Desmond raised the issue of the staff in his conversations on Get Up and with Steven A Smith on Friday. And, part of Desmond's argument was - adjustments at halftime - since the last two Michigan v OSU games were close at the half. The second was - "NFL" experienced coaches.
I give full credit to 1) the players on the roster - they are busting their behinds, and 2) the coaches / staff who are providing great information / introducing & developing technique and strength.
IIRC - when Harbaugh arrived in Ann Arbor - one of the first things he addressed with the offense was - the exchange - the snap - and doing it correctly. And, Harbaugh might have commented to one of the coordinators (that first spring) - "I don't know if we can win a game this season. I mean, I don't know if we can win a single game."
The program has come a very long way since he arrived. The support and culture of this team is something they all deserve a great deal of credit for.
November 14th, 2023 at 7:08 PM ^
I am still waiting for the play on video where it looked like Michigan knew the play before the snap. Most plays are obvious for team tendencies on down and distance; personnel, and score/clock. And everyone know that crossing routes always work on Michigan anyway.
November 14th, 2023 at 1:37 PM ^
Really strong analysis. Shows how LB could have read most of the big runs and stopped/slowed them.
November 14th, 2023 at 2:27 PM ^
It really shows what the UM run game does to make life hell for LBs, but also how much fundamentals and staying home could have shut UM down. The old Brady Hoke “We just didn’t execute.”
November 14th, 2023 at 3:47 PM ^
True, but even if he makes the right read (which they did most of the time), Blake still gets 3 or 4 yards. THAT was the plan.
Use our beef to eke out 3-4 yards a play and walk the ball down the field with little risk of turnovers or huge negatives. And when one of those LBs messes up one of those difficult reads, they get punished, every time.
November 14th, 2023 at 7:05 PM ^
And it gives me a better understanding of why the OSU LBs starting ducking on plays late in the game in 2021.
November 14th, 2023 at 1:42 PM ^
So, wait... WTF? I thought the only way to get the right play call on was to have stolen the other teams signs? NOW you're telling me that simply watching video of how the other team plays allows you to design an entire gameplan tailored to exploit the other teams tendencies?? LITERALLY, WHAT THE FUCK? Somebody get Tony Petitetitties on the fucking phone!
November 14th, 2023 at 1:52 PM ^
Thank you.
It sounds like something called "a missed assignment" - or "out of position" defender, can result in an offensive player (running back) gaining a lot of yardage on a play.
Based on video evidence from both recent Ohio State and Penn State games against Michigan - it seems this situation has occurred on multiple occasions.
Candidly, I thought that Penn State might have a stolen certain sign Ohio State used in its game against Michigan last year. It seems to me that this is one of three signs OSU and other B1G teams have used recently - the other two are "Don't Tackle Haskins" (from 2021), and "Don't tackle Corum" - unfortunately, video evidence of the other two signs is not available.
November 14th, 2023 at 4:19 PM ^
Upvoted for "Petitetitties"
November 14th, 2023 at 1:49 PM ^
+1, insightful.
November 14th, 2023 at 1:49 PM ^
On another note….snow is in the forecast for The Game.
let the excuses begin
November 14th, 2023 at 1:58 PM ^
Be careful - this could be considered revealing selective, confidential information.
The current weather forecast for Saturday, November 25th is a high of 37 degrees - with overnight lows in the mid 20's, so - snow is definitely a possibility.
Regarding signs - I hope I haven't compromised Michigan's case. In fact, many years ago - I attended a Maryland football game in College Park. I had a camera for our tailgate festivities and took photographs. Those photos were actually captured on "film" - not in an electronic format - so, hopefully my actions don't result in greater infractions. As a point of reference, this was before Maryland joined the B1G conference.
P.S. - I'm a fan of the Weather Channel. And, on occasion - I actually use my iPhone to record the long range forecast. The video I capture isn't usually shared with many people - but, this might be a gray area. Again, my apologies for any infractions I'm responsible for.
November 14th, 2023 at 2:40 PM ^
Oh, no! Does this mean MGoBlog Weather is illegal?!
November 14th, 2023 at 3:32 PM ^
This is a great question - and, I'm one of many who appreciate the MGoBlog Weather forecast every weekend.
The legality of this is a great question - and, I do wonder if it might impact the Sportsmanship clause of the B1G By Laws.
Imagine this - Michigan gets an expert with advanced techniques to forecast weather with pinpoint accuracy - particularly in the 48104 area code - and a specific address of 1201 South Main Street. These techniques provide a "minute by minute" accuracy with information regarding wind conditions, temperature, precipitation, humidity, UV levels, etc.
Michigan then uses this information to make strategic decisions - after the coin toss - take the ball / defer, which end of the stadium to defend - etc.
There's a rumor that the College of Engineering's ECE Department - and Computer Science department in LS&A, is using AI to further this expertise.
The only possible recourse available might be, and I emphasize might - is whether this information is in print - or in video.
November 14th, 2023 at 4:09 PM ^
OMG. This goes deeper than I thought.
Does it me that we—you, me, all MGoBlog readers—are criminally liable?
November 14th, 2023 at 4:32 PM ^
BV,
My understanding is - and, truth be told, I contacted my attorney - we are not criminally liable.
However, B1G Commissioner Tony Petitti appears to have the authority - in an undisclosed, "Double Secret" section of the conference's By-Laws, to limit the amount of time we can spend "following the weather" - and, even invoke a policy which requires his and the B1G's JCEG approval for "tailgate menu items".
I'll be at the Michigan - OSU game, with plans to tailgate as usual. However, I don't know if there will be a summons, fine, or suspension of some kind that might be served the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Let's hang in there. There's strength in numbers.
November 14th, 2023 at 4:21 PM ^
The next thing you know, some team will find a picture of Stalions in the snow to prove their idiotic case.
November 14th, 2023 at 4:34 PM ^
My last wish to provide more evidence; however, I feel compelled - to provide the evidence in my possession (especially electronic) and cooperate fully.
Stallions in the snow... here it is.. It seems to me that their signal is - "run".
November 14th, 2023 at 6:13 PM ^
Turns out that there’s a vast network of people who predict the weather for a living. Like, they’re paid for it!
There’s no evidence tying them to Michigan football. Better suspend Harbaugh just to be safe.
November 14th, 2023 at 7:50 PM ^
Found Stalions new account...
November 14th, 2023 at 2:19 PM ^
the real drama will watching OSU play next Minnesota to see the battle between Day trying to pad Marvin Harrison Jr's Heisman Camapign stats and getting MH Jr. healthy to the Game. I dont wish injuries on anyone but it would be somewhat ironic if he gets dinged up trying to make a Heisman case next week, which they seemed to do vs MSU
November 14th, 2023 at 3:15 PM ^
Also, if Minnesota wins that game and Iowa loses, literally any team besides Purdue could win the B1G West depending on how the remaining games turn out, which would be awesome.
Unfortunately, Minnesota ain't gonna beat Ohio State.
November 14th, 2023 at 3:33 PM ^
While we are all engaging in some full disclosure...
In 1985 (or so) some of my MMB friends and I went to a rehearsal of the Wisconsin Marching Band the Friday night before the M-Wisconsin game. We watched their entire halftime show, in person, before the game. This was before camera phones, but we all had pretty exceptional memories.
The advantage this provided to the MMB was probably quite scandalous.
My only hope is some sort of statute of limitations applies.
November 14th, 2023 at 5:53 PM ^
Didn't think of this before, but literally any game the MMB plays they can be scouting, they're in a pretty decent position to record the other team's sidelines from their seats when they're not playing. Heck, for short periods of time they can even be on the sidelines with the opposing team and literally hear whatever they're saying to each other.
Gasp, this could be another scandal in the making.
November 14th, 2023 at 7:52 PM ^
Found Stalions Dad's account too...
November 14th, 2023 at 1:54 PM ^
In addition to the fits caused by beefing up the line, PSU got burned on multiple 3rd and longs because they didn't even consider it a possibility that Michigan would run it. And against most other teams, that's a pretty good assumption. Against Michigan, it's a gamble. I'm just surprised Diaz didn't adjust at all after the first two times it happened.
November 14th, 2023 at 2:06 PM ^
are you though? are you surprised?
November 14th, 2023 at 2:30 PM ^
I think I Diaz goes away from his pass rush UM just flips to throwing. We weren’t scared of the DBs, we were scared of the pass rush. If Diaz sacrifices the pass rush, JJ has Loveland and Barner audible to routes.
November 14th, 2023 at 3:02 PM ^
Might this also be referred to as - "Pick your poison"? If you fill the box, we'll either add to our OL or throw over the top. If you move to a nickel or dime - we'll run at you.
The fourth and longs - as noted - were great examples.
November 14th, 2023 at 3:13 PM ^
I agree but you still don’t want to get beat the same way over and over…switch things up to keep the offense off balance. Michigan was clearly fine with a run-first approach to deal with PSU’s hyper aggressive pass rush. Even on 3rd and long. So try something else…you might catch Michigan off guard. And then next time Michigan thinks pass, you can go back to your original plan.
It’s like they had one and only one pitch - a 100 mph fastball. It’s very Don Brown-esque philosophically. Sure, will work great against most everybody on the schedule. But the moment a team with equal or better talent and coaching comes in, they will be able to adjust to your approach and find something that works by using your own strength against you.
November 14th, 2023 at 2:54 PM ^
I think what's shocking is a school known for it's linebacking corps had that position group routinely roasted to such a degree M knew they didn't even need to pass.
November 14th, 2023 at 5:58 PM ^
That's the amazing blessing of having JJ as QB. If M sees the D changing up to stop the run, they could go right back to pass. Defending against M is a "pick your poison" scenario. Diaz chose to defend pass, because like many internet posters thought M's running game was off this year.
I'm sure Diaz was pretty exasperated watching those 3rd down conversions. Third-and-long, you always think pass, because surely your elite D can stop a run before the conversion marker. I think most DCs make the same bet in that situation.
November 14th, 2023 at 1:55 PM ^
This is a good companion piece to today's Neck Sharpies.
November 14th, 2023 at 2:09 PM ^
I agree, I'd love to hear Seth reconcile the two, as Sharpies focused on the upfield push and this guy focused on the LBs missing their gaps. Perhaps it's that the DEs shooting upfield so aggressively puts it ALL on that LB to find the correct fit, which isn't necessarily easy to do, i.e., it's him or a safety a few dozen yards later (or the end zone).
November 14th, 2023 at 3:13 PM ^
That's sort of how I took it, you have LBs having to read a not commonly seen front and having trouble in real time picking where they should fill.
November 14th, 2023 at 2:01 PM ^
Great breakdown. Shows how much you have to commit to the run and wait until the defense makes a mistake. I think as the defense tires, they start making mistakes which is why we have second half success.
November 14th, 2023 at 2:05 PM ^
Penn State is by far the best defense we will play until a potential matchup with UGA - but they are constructed differently.
PSU / Manny Diaz defense is really built to beat OSU - they actually had them with that fumble - except they didn't account for MHJ. They just seem to choke games away against OSU.
The problem PSU had with UM was the same 2 years in a row...too much beef up front from UM, without an offense to give PSU D-line a break.
OSU defense is not built to beat UM, and should fair even worse than PSU. Their edge rushers are not as good. Their DT's are middling. Their secondary is hit or miss, and their LB's are good, but not dynamic like PSU's. Whereas UM could really only ground and pound PSU, it looks like UM will be able to both run and pass on OSU, which really leaves it up to a smart game plan to pull out the game.
OSU's offense, of course, is much better than PSU's. That said, doubling MHJ and forcing them to run or beat us with dink and dunk to TE's and/or RB's and march the field feels like the formula. McCord gets happy feet under pressure and I find it unlikely he can withstand the noise, environment and pressure of playing in his first game in the big house.
Stroud is proving in the NFL that he is/was a generational talent and UM contained OSU with him the past 2 years. Not sure how McCord gives them a better shot, even if their defense is improved.
November 14th, 2023 at 2:20 PM ^
Wait, you haven't heard? CJ Stroud's success in the NFL is absolute proof that Michigan cheated against OSU! So, I tried to explain to some that he was under pressure the whole game in 2021, and that he refused to run for yardage when he had the opportunity in 2022, but to no avail. There's just no way that Michigan goes 2-4 in 2020, and wins the B1G the next year without cheating. Perfectly executed "Buckeye" logic.
November 14th, 2023 at 2:45 PM ^
I actually love that they believe this. I hope their players and coaches also believe this because it will only make it easier for us to beat them again if they don't even know why they are losing.
November 14th, 2023 at 3:17 PM ^
I did see that tweet from one or two people, phrased more or less the same way. I am sure it took milliseconds of nearly intense thought to arrive at such a quality conclusion too.
I remain convinced that there are a lot of football fans in the OSU fanbase, but precious few football students, if you will.
November 14th, 2023 at 3:42 PM ^
I remain convinced that there are a lot of football fans in the OSU fanbase, but precious few football students, if you will.
They didn't go to OSU to play football school.
November 14th, 2023 at 3:36 PM ^
Compare and contrast with Mike MacDonald's Ravens defense, which is not very shabby. Remind me where he coached previously? And Minter?
November 14th, 2023 at 3:40 PM ^
By this "logic", Troy Smith would have more Superbowl rings than Tom Brady. College to pro is not a linear progression.
Also, maybe some of his performance in the NFL is down to 1) better coaching, 2) playing in a dome for home games and probably good weather season to date.
Let's see how he does in a road playoff game outdoors in a cold-weather market.