Illinois Snowflakes: The Offense

Submitted by LSAClassOf2000 on November 20th, 2022 at 5:00 AM

This will be the thread for hot takes regarding the offense and offensive playcalling.

Jordan2323

November 19th, 2022 at 6:06 PM ^

One thing I’ve noticed from a lot of other wide receivers that ours don’t do is create separation by pushing off right before the ball gets there. We get grabbed and tugged on all game but we don’t shove back. Our receivers apparently aren’t being taught to do so 

Beat Rutgerland

November 19th, 2022 at 6:42 PM ^

Well since I'm getting down voted to oblivion anyway...

He needs to improve or Michigan needs to look to a different option to start next season.

Edit: first half of the season was more than good enough, last couple weeks were a bit dicey, this game though was a big ole alarm bell. I'm only really interested in moving on if he plays like this next week.

Gohokego

November 19th, 2022 at 6:58 PM ^

Cj stroud is limping. Forecast for next week looks like 40 with rain and snow.  Lfg.

 

Hopefully schoon and Edward's are ready. Need Corum to be healthy ready to go.  He was put in in 2nd half.  Let's see world class trainers get him ready for next Saturday.  

The Truth Hurts

November 19th, 2022 at 8:02 PM ^

People are saying one of the Ocs have to go.  The choice would obviously be Weiss since Moore also coaches the strength of the team which is O line.  Bring in Joe Brady as PGC

tigerd

November 19th, 2022 at 8:04 PM ^

I hate to say it but there was a lot of talk earlier this year that JJ had increased his speed and he was now a 4.5 guy. If that's true then just about every defensive lineman is now running a 4.5. JJ trying to sprint to the outside is simply a lost cause and lost yardage at this point. 

BrightonB

November 19th, 2022 at 11:54 PM ^

I didn't see an extra gear slip but when he went back in after the injury I actually said .. "What!  What are they doing .. No."  Couldn't believe they even aloud that esp after I saw him try and warm up after the half and could not push off well. 

Truly hope he takes it easy this week and just lets things heal over the next few days with light duty if anything at all. We need Blake, Edwards and Schoon next weekend!

EverybodyMurders

November 20th, 2022 at 7:09 AM ^

I’ve noticed the slightly lower top end speed as well. We’ll always have last years Washington TD as his absolute fastest and even with the PSU TD this year I think he’s lost a step with the muscle he’s put on. Which is fine given how Michigan has used him, valid trade off. But I think last years Corum takes that screen to the house for 90 yards instead of getting tackled by the safety. Also really wish he tried to cut back in instead of giving himself up out of bounds. That safety could’ve whiffed a tackle anyway 

skatin@the_palace

November 20th, 2022 at 12:12 AM ^

Kind of a hot take, I think this offense is good enough to win this year. I think compared to other historic offenses, it’s middling, but defenses seem to have taken a step up this year. TCU and Tennessee were the only real offensive death machine this year and UT has 2 losses now. UGA isn’t blowing folks out, OSU’s offense has taken steps back (they aren’t up 49-0 on state the week before the game), Bryce young is out there by himself, clemson has offensive issues. If Michigan sets the tone and wins at the line of scrimmage they could overcome this anemic passing game because it can execute just enough. I think we could be okay but we certainly shall see. 

jhayes1189

November 20th, 2022 at 12:37 AM ^

- 4th and 5th string RB’s are 4th and 5th string for a reason, but did just enough

- our receivers minus Ronnie are disappointing, maybe Roman is still a threat….maybe. Hoping for a big Roman game next week

-JJ had by far his worst game, and Illinois did a good job containing his legs. His play where he fumbled and then got the throw off was pretty heroic 

- I loved that we actually had a RB screen game today 

- Colston Loveland is great, now JJ needs to get him the ball every time he’s wide open for a TD (twice this game) 

- did just enough against a very tough defense, best D I’ve seen UM play since UGA last year and best in the BiG10 since Wisconsin last year (maybe better than them) 

BlueinLansing

November 20th, 2022 at 1:42 AM ^

What has happened to our receiving corps.  No progress at all.

 

JJ missed two absolutely wide open dead nuts TD passes again by checking down to the easier throw, Anthony dropped another.  Absolutely shocked we didn't run one TE cross on the final drive after nearly scoring on the previous one 3 times.

Carcajou

November 20th, 2022 at 4:56 AM ^

The good news is, this had all the signs of being a trap game loss, with the added losses to injuries, bad weather, an opponent that is more physical than we've been used to, and a real offense, and Michigan was able to scratch out a win. I wish this game had been played in September or early October - as I think Harbaugh said, "lots to work on" so much room for improvement that was exposed and so much that hopefully will be improved on by this Saturday.

Midukman

November 20th, 2022 at 6:02 AM ^

A win is a win, but we can’t bring that shit to Columbus or things could get ugly. I’m sure the OSU boards are saying the same about their performance yesterday as well. Just a weird day for college football. 

EverybodyMurders

November 20th, 2022 at 7:31 AM ^

I’m fine with the overall playcalling this game to be honest. Illinois is a good defense and an especially good secondary. How many wide open receivers did we see on key plays? Yet JJ missed some wide open plays. In addition his running ability and decisions were a bit disappointing. Illinois did a good job containing his run threat but he kept trying to bounce outside, gaining one yard instead of four because he thinks he can outrun defenders. No way in hell OSUs athletes let him get outside easily. It’s frustrating but QB regression is pretty much baked into the Michigan offensive strategy given their run game focus. We aren’t going to be able to pound OSU like we did PSU - they’ll stack the box and make JJ win it and I don’t have any confidence anymore that he can unfortunately. 
 

And in the grand scheme of things: if you’re a high end QB/WR recruit, why would you ever consider Michigan with what’s been shown on the field. Both positions regress and it’s clear the play calling and pass design are poor.