Just Rewatched TCU/K-State...(thoughts/notes)

Michigan on Offense:

• TCU runs a 3-3-5 Stack (like Michigan in the Rich Rod days). They don't seem to like to get away from it, however, they'll go with a 3-4 in "and short" situations. Removing the NB and adding another LB. Usually they just crowd the LOS and try to find gaps to get the TFLs (in "and short" situations).
• One thing Michigan doesn't do incredibly well, that TCU doesn't defend well is no-huddle. Michigan should go no-huddle in certain situations and take advantage of TCU's inability to sub, they will be too small. Could be easy yards, especially in the redzone. Don't let them adjust!
• Because TCU doesn't like to deviate from its 3-3-5, the LBs fly up to fill the pockets in the line. Play action could be huge if we can establish a run game. Schoonmaker and Loveland up the seam!
• Olu, Zinter, Keegan are the key to the offense. TCU squeezes their DL to prevent runs up the middle. Our interior line will be the best they've faced all year.
• Speaking of blocking...K-State's WRs did an excellent job blocking TCU DBs, I expect Michigan to do the same.
• JJ's legs will play a huge role, TCU's alignment opens up HUGE run lanes for the QB. For example, they take those 3 interior DL and slant them one direction and then loop a LB around on the backside. Pick up the LB and you've got a huge lane to run, right up the middle.

Michigan on Defense:

• Getting Mike Morris back is major. Michigan has to get pressure with 4. You simply have to stay over the top of Johnson, he's too good otherwise and Duggan throws an incredible deep ball.
• TCU uses the entire width of the field, they throw a ton to the sideline (and not screens). I don't know another team that is this good at finding completions outside the numbers.
• TCU's OL had trouble picking up K-State blitzes...even when they weren't disguising anything. K-State went Cover 0 twice and got sacks both times. That said, if you blitz and don't get home...Duggan is off to the races.
• Duggan isn't afraid to throw a 50/50 ball to Johnson...Even if it's great coverage, Johnson does a great job fighting back to the ball and drawing DPIs. Turner and Johnson have to be careful.
• I didn't see many throws to Johnson underneath, makes you wonder why people don't just give him 10 yards on every play.
• TCU's OL doesn't push people around. They don't just line up and run at you. The big runs are typically "gash" plays. They play the angles and try to seal the DL to create cutback lanes. Again, Michigan must control the LOS and keep the LBs clean. The interior OL will be huge on offense and the interior DL will be huge on defense.
• This might not be the game for Okie and McGregor...2 of the 3 best pass rushers on the team, but they both get out of their lanes really easily. Duggan is fast enough to pickup a 3rd and 8+. He's a Rich Man's Sean Clifford. 

Just my two pennies.