Let's Talk about TCU
Since there weren't any games on except for Army/Navy, I watched some TCU highlights and was wondering what you all thought about them.
Here's my observations:
1. WR #1 and #18 are both big elite receivers who will mix it up in the blocking game. I can easily see us giving up some 50-50 balls ala MSU.
2. RB's #33 and #3 are both very good. #3 is more of the speed back and #33 is more of the work horse, but both find the hole and follow their blocking well.
3. O-line was better than I expected for an "air raid" team. They pull two people, run duo, etc.
4. Texas got amazing pressure on them. This is the key matchup in my mind. If we can get pressure with our middling 4 man rush, we win this game.
5. DB's gave up a lot of 50-50 balls, but they looked good to me. They were there in phase a lot o the time.
6. Seemed to play a lot of 2 high zone.
7. Their DL looks good, but I think our OL can get push on them.
8. They look good in short yardage due to penetration from the 2nd line (LBs and walked up DBs).
9. I think we can run pretty consistently on them if they play 2 high against us. The 3-3-5 is not going to work against our two TE sets.
10. Duggan is a freaking hero.
I expect a close game with them scoring a lot. If we can get a lead and crucial stops, we should win handily. That offense is really balanced and Duggan is the x-factor in the run game.
What do you guys see?
December 11th, 2022 at 8:44 PM ^
If my math is correct, this will be the first Big XII opponent of the Harbaugh era? And the first since sugar Shane Morris was at the helm vs K State after the 2013 campaign?
I don't know what to expect, but I do anticipate our QB play being a bit stronger in this one than back then.
December 11th, 2022 at 8:54 PM ^
Played SMU in '18, not a B12 school but from the same neck of woods as TCU
December 12th, 2022 at 6:25 AM ^
Michigan is going to pound TCU. Edwards should have 150+ yards and JJ will be fully functional. I'm looking at a 35-21 game with TCU having a couple of chunk plays to keep them in it, but UM will be too much by the end of the game. The score won't be indicative of how much UM controls the game. Gonna be a fun New Years Eve!
December 12th, 2022 at 8:01 AM ^
It’s going to be a long (almost) three weeks…
December 12th, 2022 at 8:18 AM ^
Without a deep personnel analysis, TCU seems to have won a lot of close/very close, relatively high-score games against not-great defenses. Michigan will get its points and, if successful, on soul and stamina-crushing drives. Minter seems to like his “four point plays,” making opponents extend drives and getting increasingly stingy as the field compresses in the red zone, providing scoring margin. And who didn’t have problems with Donovan McNabb, Troy Smith, Amp Lee and Roger Staubach (really?). Whenever you’re faced with a capable, multi-dimensional offense, the choices are to scheme to limit it or hope to out perform in a track meet. OSU’s self-limited running game (apparently low confidence in its’ RBs and Stroud’s refusal to run) was a gift.
December 12th, 2022 at 10:07 AM ^
I don't think the basic philosophy changes.
Duggan is a strong, mobile QB - with a few solid and long receivers. The D will need to keep things in front of them - and, not only contain Duggan - but, try to force him to throw (instead of tuck and run) on plays that are covered well.
Michigan's D - can they apply pressure with four? Will Barrett be the "spy" on Duggan? How will the lines compete and match up? My guess is - contain and force Duggan to stay inside the tackles - so, if he escapes the pocket and runs, he'll be running up the center of the field.
Michigan's O. Will TCU play a 3-3-5 on D? If so, how will they commit to stopping the run. The OL and Edwards should create / find holes - will those be three yard gains, or 8+ yard gains is the question. I'm guessing JJ will have a bit more "freedom" from a mobility perspective, and - I hope he takes the available yards - if that's three, or five - on any covered passing routes, and that JJ continues to make good decisions.
It's one play, series, and game at a time. It can't get here soon enough.
Go Blue!
December 12th, 2022 at 10:14 AM ^
TCU is effectively equal to Penn State- better offense due to better QB & better receivers- much worse defense.
If Michigan doesn't make errors U of M should win by 2+ touchdowns.