Ohio State Snowflakes: The Coaching

I never wavered in my belief that there is more evidence than lack thereof that Coach Harbaugh is an ideally suited leader for this position and Michigan's best chance of a return to prominence.

I've been frustrated with the doubters for a long time, and what I believe has been a shared analysis of the program that is less than nuanced and, crucially that the particular nature of the shortcomings has always called into question the predictive quality of these past results. I feel vindicated today in my belief that this is an excellent and well organized program that is building towards a culture of growing and sustainable success.

And yet I've always been able to appreciate your measuredness, acknowledgement of uncertainty, and the influence of random and uncontrollable factors, and willingness to admit the limits of our knowledge as fans.

Basically, I see you as a model example of a Michigan fan. Cheers!

Thoughts on the game and coaching:

1. I think it's evident that Michigan has strategically sandbagged throughout the year, probably aided by analytics, to maximize the likelihood of playing for - and winning - it all in this game.

For example, Donovan Edwards' breakout last week as a receiving threat, followed by deploying him early for misdirection today and varied motions - learning the extent that OSU is prepared to bite on it - and then shelving it until the 4th quarter to get OSU biting on the counter while picking up some low volume efficient yards on the base play. This sort of thing seemed to be a recurring theme throughout the entire offensive game plan.

2. Fans have thought that Gattis was hired to grow Michigan's offense and take it to new heights, but have not appreciated the extent to which Gattis was hired to grow within Michigan's offense. Gattis has certainly brought different elements that were lacking, but make no doubt about the fact that Michigan runs a balanced, pro-style offense that is designed to move the chains and control games start to finish.

Building the passing game out from the running backs and tight ends who can threaten in carrying, blocking, and possession receiving has allowed Michigan to marry pro-style spread passing concepts with a diverse and overpowering run game. As the young receivers and QBs have developed and connected on more of the deep shots outside and over the middle, the offense has the ability to be explosive and balanced in a way that benefits both concepts and simply finds ways to add value to the game state.

3. Not only have Gattis and Harbaugh delivered offensively, Sherrone Moore deserves tremendous credit as a first year offensive line coach in addition to his other leadership and administrative duties with this staff. Michigan's offensive line delivered a dominating performance down the stretch in this game and played with tremendous discipline, cohesion, and conditioning (shouts out to Ben Herbert as well, and the players themselves, for being physically prepared).

4. Michigan seems to have found clear upgrades at QB coaching as well as the QB position itself. Cade McNamara is focused, confident, and determined; he is growing as a player and as a leader. JJ McCarthy has improved through the season and it's been a benefit to the team that they've been able to get him involved in games.

5. Stopping Ohio State's pro-style spread passing attack is what Mike MacDonald was hired to do, and it is now clear that his experience with the Ravens has had him well prepared to do that even as a first time coordinator. The defense has shown remarkable improvement and player development this season. Upside for his career seems to be several seasons of very successful defensive coordinating before taking on a head coaching job at some level.

6. As I've previously almost alluded to, Jim Harbaugh is not just a leader of players, he is a leader of coaches and developer of coaching talent. It's been emphasized for years with the Harbaugh family, and we've seen it this past off season and current season starting from accepting a reduced contract, evaluating each coach on the staff and making correct decisions about the future direction. Sticking with Gattis and Moore for example, while letting some extremely accomplished coaches go, and doing all it from the front and leading by example. TREMENDOUS leadership.

7. Talent retainment efforts should begin immediately, and that means not only coaches but retaining current players as well. Sell everybody involved, as much as possible, on the possibility of returning and building a personal legacy as well as a foundation for the future, that they will be proud of for the rest of their lives.

8. Mel Tucker signed a 10 year, mega extension, based on results that have every realistic possibility of being non-replicable. Ryan Day, meanwhile inherited the keys to a Ferrari and it is within reason that he can be worked from here into a position of vulnerability.

9. Michigan won this game "Pretty Much Thoroughly" (TM), and now has every possibility of turning the corner. GO BLUE.

Stephenrjking,

We had a good discussion yesterday about this game.  You have my full respect.  You are a true Michigan Man...

I will always HOPE

I will always BELIEVE

and when it happen it makes everything so sweet....

Hopefully you won’t explain over many long drawn out posts just how much hot air you blow on a regular basis. 

Same here.  It's never felt so great to be wrong!