Nebraska Snowflakes: The Coaching
October 10th, 2021 at 1:11 AM ^
You. I like you. I like you very much
October 9th, 2021 at 11:40 PM ^
Yeah, my ass cheeks are still clenched.
Great win--tough environment and the boys didn't wilt under adversity.
October 10th, 2021 at 12:06 AM ^
"ass checks are still clenched", why is Urban right behind you?
October 10th, 2021 at 1:07 AM ^
Yeah, we played in Lincoln, Nebraska and not Cayman, Nebraska
October 9th, 2021 at 11:41 PM ^
Great to get the win. But the reality is that Harbaugh's offense is a liability. Hard to even know where to begin. Endless dysfunction in the offensive concepts, game plans, in-game play-calling, etc. Maybe it can be summarized as follows: Opposing D-coordinators really do not have a hard time planning for what they will see from the Michigan offense. In the end the players on the field made just enough plays to pull out a close win. But they did so despite being handicapped by manifest dysfunction on offense from the coaches, starting with the basic concepts that Harbaugh insists on.
October 9th, 2021 at 11:46 PM ^
style points are for shit.
we just put 450 yards on a pretty good defense. just because you don’t like it doesn’t make it less effective.
October 10th, 2021 at 12:29 AM ^
Nebraska's D is nothing special. Overall, Nebraska is a better team than their losing 3-4 record, but...the fact is that Nebraska is just an o.k. team with an o.k. defense.
As for Harbaugh's offense...yeah, it is a liability. That is the unfortunate truth. What I said is true. It is not a hard offense for opposing D coordinators to figure out, game plan against, etc.
One symptom is having to settle for 4 FG while scoring only 3 TDs today (on 459 yards of offense). That is direct result of the manifest dysfunctions on offensive approach, in-game play calling, etc.
Just looking at today, and just one problem, once again Michigan far too often failed to take the easy yards that were there on the edge, and also failed to go back to free pass play yards in the short and intermediate middle of the field that was there all day.
I wish it were otherwise. But Harbaugh consistently gets fewer points out of his offense than the overall roster talent on offense would indicate. That is a main feature of Harbaugh's seven years at Michigan.
October 10th, 2021 at 11:52 AM ^
what i said is true, too. style points are for shit.
left unsaid was an admonishment to try not to be a turd after we put up 450 yards. when we needed yards we got them. you want to be pissy that it wasn’t 550, go right ahead. knock yourself out.
October 10th, 2021 at 2:33 PM ^
Style points? No idea what you are referring to. I never mentioned anything about style points. Just mentioned the Harbaugh offense is a liability. Also........I never mentioned anything about yards. The problem is not yards. Getting into the end zone only three-time on 457 yards, however, is a big problem.
But hey, keep arguing against straw men if it pleases you. And keep your head in the sand while you are at it about the reality of Harbaugh's offense.
They are getting great performances from both RBs, and generally very good work from the OL. The problem is not a lack of roster talent. The execution is overall good too. The problems all point to Harbaugh himself--play design, play sequencing, overall offensive philosophy. It all produces an offense that year in and year out scores less than the overall offensive roster talent would indicate. But hey, if you want to focus on attacking the messenger, great!
October 9th, 2021 at 11:46 PM ^
I think it’s the same crap as every year from the coaches, I think this year the difference is turning out to be the RB dual.
October 10th, 2021 at 12:39 AM ^
Being miserable is a trait.
October 10th, 2021 at 12:54 AM ^
I am not miserable. You are just using a personal attack as a device to avoid the merits of my comment. If you think I am wrong, then discuss the merits.
But...maybe ignoring reality is a trait.
October 10th, 2021 at 2:24 PM ^
lol. i just looked at your posting history, and there’s not one single post that could be considered anything other than what can only be called “whining manbaby pissiness,” including blaming harbaugh for “ruining the helmets,” whatever the fuck that means. so give it a rest.
i’m sure i’m not alone when i ask that you post the location of your season tickets, so i can be sure to sit as far away from you as possible.
October 10th, 2021 at 2:43 PM ^
Get your head out of the sand It is year seven. Harbaugh has been a failure.
As I said in the original post, the list of problems is long. But it can be summarized with the following: It is just is not hard for opposing D-coordinators to game plan for Michigan's offense.
That is not 'whining. That is just the unfortunate reality. Stating facts is never 'whining.'
October 10th, 2021 at 3:09 PM ^
I know we’re not supposed to feed the trolls, but this offense has dunked on every opponent its faced this year. It has areas that are stronger than others and certainly Cade can improve the timing of his passes, etc. You and FTown are both acting like trolls, so you should expect to get treated like trolls instead of having everyone here take your nonsense seriously.
October 10th, 2021 at 4:33 PM ^
Really not trolling at all here. Very happy to get out of Lincoln with a win and with Michigan at 6-0.
But the offense is underperforming due to the Harbaugh factor. I wish it were otherwise. Michigan won last night because players made big plays in key moments, but in spite of the Harb-offense...
As far as the offense 'dunking on every opponent this year'...I do not agree. Obviously, the offense did not dunk on Rutgers. Really Michigan has not even played a good team yet. Wisconsin is 2-3 and way below pre-season expectations. Nebraska is 3-4. Washington is also a mediocre team with a 2-3 record. Someone posted above that Michigan had 450 yards of offense let night, as though it proves me wrong, makes me a 'whiner' or whatever. But it isn't 1993 anymore. The way the game works now 450 yards of offense against a 2-3 opponent is...just a mediocre result.
Michigan is 43d in total offense in FBS. That is...just o.k. Those are the facts. There is more than enough roster talent on the offensive side of the ball to produce a much better result. As in the past, this year the Michigan offense produces below what the roster talent level would indicate.
But...people want to ignore the obvious problems. Easy to do when Michigan got the win. But serious problems remain. They are obvious if you bother to look. They have not produced a loss so far. But that does not mean the problems are not present. It just means that Michigan really has not played a good team yet. But MSU, Penn State, and OSU are much better than the teams Michigan has beaten.
October 10th, 2021 at 7:32 PM ^
Miserable jackass.
October 10th, 2021 at 8:52 PM ^
LOL. Happy as can be.
October 10th, 2021 at 4:23 PM ^
it kinda looks like it IS hard, since we’re, you know, moving the ball and scoring points. you want a straw man? how about “leaving yards on the field because we’re not doing things the way i think we should.”
bitching constantly about everything, up to and including “ruining the helmets,” doesn’t mean you’re “stating facts.” it just means you’re “being a dick.”
October 10th, 2021 at 4:39 PM ^
I really do not know why you are getting so bent out of shape. Nothing I have posted in this thread is incorrect. You seem incapable of engaging on the merits. Instead you just post personal insults.
October 10th, 2021 at 1:11 AM ^
I thought the offensive game plan was good in this game. There were a few miss throws by Cade and some drops by our WR. Running game was great and it opened up the passing game which turned out to be OK but needs to be improved. When JJ comes on he's going to have to throw some and I hope the coaches start letting him toss the ball instead of option for the run. Next year is going to be tough not to have JJ be the starter.
October 9th, 2021 at 11:42 PM ^
My 11 year old said one of the most insightful things I've heard in years, when he entered with a bowl of popcorn tonight during the last drive.
"You guys are freaking out over a bunch of numbers?!?!"
October 10th, 2021 at 12:38 AM ^
Bright kid, EYB.
Was going to make the "he must be adopted" joke. But it never works out as well as hoped...
Go Blue!
October 10th, 2021 at 7:02 AM ^
Lucky for him he got his mom's brains.
October 9th, 2021 at 11:43 PM ^
the chemistry of this group is off the charts.
honestly wasn’t worried when we first got down.
October 10th, 2021 at 12:53 AM ^
I echo this comment. I was a little nervous but never had a sense of dread being down in the fourth quarter. Totally different feels this season.
October 9th, 2021 at 11:43 PM ^
Tip of the hat to this team and coaches to dig deep and win. Felt like a NFL game. Seriously. These coaches and players are not afraid of close games. On the road two weeks in a row and we win. I don't think we are going to see another QB like this. Good news is that if they give up points, the coaches are not afraid to go after it. Character building game. Coaches can definitely learn from this game, but hell of a game with two WRs down. I think I lost a year of my life. LOL. Glad we won.
October 9th, 2021 at 11:44 PM ^
That was an excellent win under tough circumstances. I always shake my head at the commenters here who quit on the team’s chances at the first sign of struggle. I wonder if they give up so easily in their personal lives. Michigan is very good team and they’re playing with a lot of heart. That being said, the most challenging part of the schedule lies ahead and they’re going to need better QB play to beat MSU, PSU and OSU. They’re not going be able to get away with leaving points on the field in those games.‘
My only gripe is the call on the last offensive play. If you’re going to run it, give it to Haskins or Corum. The only reason to bring in McCarthy at the point would have been to have him throw it when they weren’t expecting him to. Good thing Jake Moody was nails.
October 10th, 2021 at 12:42 AM ^
That being said, the most challenging part of the schedule lies ahead and they’re going to need better QB play to beat MSU, PSU and OSU.
Do you post ANYTHING other than "JJ should be the starter? Ever?
(Explicit usually but implied in this case!)
October 10th, 2021 at 1:33 AM ^
Not unless you count the rest of the comment you responded to. I’ll also say that a team usually wins tough, close games because a few players stepped up and made great plays; the type of plays that have been missing Michigan’s most disappointing losses over the past couple of seasons. I think there were three of those plays tonight:
1. Hill’s tremendous interception;
2. Sanristil hauling in the overthrown pass;
3. Hawkins game saving strip and recovery;
October 10th, 2021 at 7:58 AM ^
I think I recall of clutch 3rd dimes from Cade as well… tho most were of hit crossing guy in stride or open TE in middle, some key plays were Cade’s also. Coaches are working in JJ just about perfectly, imo
October 10th, 2021 at 9:51 AM ^
Nobody is going to mention Haskins? I swear without Haskins we get blown out yesterday, I haven't seen him mentioned once by anybody.
October 10th, 2021 at 12:59 PM ^
Can any Wolverine fan imagine that leap and run and not smile and smile?
October 10th, 2021 at 12:07 PM ^
Also the number of completions Cade had while getting hit, and at least 2 sacks he avoided with his pocket presence
October 9th, 2021 at 11:46 PM ^
Lol, just saw highlights of the game on BTN, and poor Molly McGrath trying to get an interview with Harbaugh after the game. Harbaugh showed great breakaway speed for his age.
October 9th, 2021 at 11:47 PM ^
Michigan played hard for 60 minutes. Took a good shot from a very inspired Nebraska team. Coaches and players deserve credit for that. Martinez is a great athlete. There were a few plays where better passes would have meant more Michigan touchdowns.
Nebraska was a bit chippy sometimes. Thought Michigan did a good job keeping their composure with that as well. I like all our coaches better than coach Frost.
October 9th, 2021 at 11:48 PM ^
A&M just sunk Bama.
October 9th, 2021 at 11:50 PM ^
JJ zone reads are the 2021 version of Pepcat. It worked twice and now we beat it to death as it becomes more and more obvious what's happening. It's so bad. How do they not see this
October 10th, 2021 at 12:33 AM ^
They do. Harbaugh likes keeping stuff in his pocket for later games (we ran a screen this game! Nebraska snuffed it out).
My guess is that JJ gets either a real RPO read or a PA in a high-leverage moment against MSU when they get a favorable look. He's obviously capable of it, so there's no way that some kind of change-up is ready.
The problem with the JJ run late in the game was that nobody believed Michigan would throw in that particular situation (contra others, throwing would be insane in that game situation, you run and force TO usage and you might even still gain the first down). So Nebraska was crowding the box with press coverage, but there's no pass in that situation that's worth the risk with Moody ready to give you the lead.
I don't think they should have brought him in there, but given that they did, I didn't want them to throw there.
October 10th, 2021 at 10:26 AM ^
Calling throwing "insane" is a little much. Moody is very good, but 35+ yard FGs are not automatic, and a "give up and kick" gives a team that has proven they can move the ball fast a minute and a half needing only a FG to force OT.
Getting a first down there is worth much more than burning Nebraska's last timeout. Maybe that doesn't mean throw, but it does mean do something that at least has a reasonable chance of getting the first down, and the JJCat with everyone expecting it is not one of those things. I mean, Cade might throw there, they've used his arm to pick up multiple 3rd and mediums already, so you have to respect it, but JJ was absolutely NOT going to throw, and everyone watching knew it.
If you're gonna run, would have rather seen Corum on a play that gives him the opportunity to bounce outside. Or hell, use that opportunity to pull the Henning end around with a fake Haskins hand off out of the garage. That at least would play against tendency to that point.
October 9th, 2021 at 11:51 PM ^
Double post. Go blue!
October 9th, 2021 at 11:58 PM ^
This team passed. This team ran. And, the defense got a key turnover and then a stop to win the game this is a well coached team. If you are not enjoying this season or are here to say "but, but, we are going to lose eventually" -- find another team.
October 9th, 2021 at 11:58 PM ^
Unpopular opinion but Frost is a great coach and made insanely good halftime adjustments. We're lucky Martinez fumbled and I'm just happy to get the win.
October 10th, 2021 at 12:36 AM ^
It was quite obvious to the entire world that Frost had this game circled on his calendar. This was his Super Bowl. They threw the literal kitchen sink of offense at Michigan's defense. And Michigan responded. We would've lost that game for certain any other year under Harbaugh, or Hoke or RR for what it's worth. Great team win tonight.
October 10th, 2021 at 12:38 AM ^
Is the whole "halftime adjustments" a myth? I think Nebraska executed the game plan they developed. Putting Hawkins in conflict and testing the LBs was the plan for the 2nd half, not an an adjustment.
October 10th, 2021 at 12:49 AM ^
He didn’t just fumble. That was a forced fumble. Not quite a lucky bounce. However, I agree that it was more than a needed occurrence. Go Blue!
October 10th, 2021 at 12:53 AM ^
Frost is 5-16 in one-score games at Nebraska. 21 games is a large sample size. He might be a decent OC but his game management is terrible.
-Nebraska could have used the 3 points they threw away on their opening possession, when they decided to go for it on 4th and a long 2.
-Martinez's fumble wasn't on Frost, but burning a minute to run three plays was. They had no urgency on that possession. It looked like Frost was content to go to OT (as he was against MSU a few weeks ago).
-On their last drive, they rushed to the line on 4th down even though the clock was stopped, and threw a 30-yard pass when they needed 10, and when they had a minute left. Really weird call.
Anyway, if you want to call Martinez's fumble a gift (despite that we forced it), we gave them a bigger gift when Cade tripped and his knee went down on Haskins' TD. That cost us four points and possibly a much more comfortable win.
October 10th, 2021 at 1:40 AM ^
Frost and his coaches obviously made great halftime adjustments that, combined with the effort and execution of their players, gave Nebraska a great chance to beat a better team. You can dislike Frost all you want, but Nebraska didn’t lose this game because he did a bad job.
October 10th, 2021 at 1:49 AM ^
Your comment is a prime example of how we move the goal posts for opposing coaches vs. our own. If our own team had been shut out in the first half, we'd be killing the coaches for that, complaining about how they didn't have the team prepared, and talking about how they waited until halftime to pull their heads out of their asses.
If Harbaugh had made the same aftermentioned game-management issues, we'd be killing him for that, too.
At the end of the day, you are what your record says you are. Scott Frost is 15-24 at Nebraska, including 5-16 in one-score games - the kind of games where individual coaching decisions can make all the difference.
October 10th, 2021 at 6:48 AM ^
there are are “lucky” fumbles and fumbles you cause, and this one was 100% the latter. you’re playing a qb that’s sometimes loose with the football, so you take a shot at ripping it out in exactly that kind of situation.