The amount of you who are genuinely comparing this offense to Iowas is insane. Iowa hasn't just been bad at QB, they have been horrible at literally every offensive position besides TE. This Michigan offense might not be top 10 or even top 25, but with the only concerns being if the QB can be more than just "okay" and the WR's being young, this is still an offense that will do just fine against the majority of teams. If Orgi turns out to be Milroe 2.0, it becomes a sure fire top 25 offense, which has been enough to win 3 straight conference championships.
I'm curious how they distribute the carries this year. 22' and 23' Corum was the clear bell cow, do they now try an make Edwards into a 20 carry guy? I kind of wonder if he's really suited for that type of role. Especially with Mullings fitting that bruising every down back style, how will they manage the two? You'd assume Edwards is the clear #1, but I don't know if the carries can or will reflect that title.
I know I am in the minority on this, but I think JJ could start pretty much anywhere next year and be atleast serviceable as he develops. I agree either NY team would be an up hill battle for him, but it would be for any QB.
I really don't think the Harbaugh 2020 comp is right. Outside of that lone season, Harbaugh had the football program at a pretty good place, with a few bad breaks being the main difference between top 5 program and top 15 program. Add in where Michigan Football was pre Harbaugh vs Basketball pre Howard and things are even less similar.
Michigan Basketball was a premier program before Howard took over, having been a near lock for the tournament every year. Since he arrived it has been a steady decline, surrounded by constant drama, and inconsistent play. He also didn't have near the pedigree Harbaugh did. Harbaugh was coming off a Super Bowl appearance, and arguably a top 5 coach in the whole sport. Howard was a seemingly good assistant in the NBA with strong ties to the program and a former star player, but his resume as a coach was just okay, and his tenure at Michigan has been mediocre from the start.
I feel like the majority of the top QB prospects over the years have either been flat out busts or still quality starters, but not really super stars. Teams that have a top 5 pick always seem to draft the hottest commodity, rather than the best on film, so you end up with the 3rd or 4th QB taken having the best career.
I think JJ fits that description perfectly, as those of us who have been watching him know how good he is. Most pundits recognize it, but still insist the other options are better.
JJ will be a star.
I also think people are severely undervaluing Wilson.
I agree if they have a weak spot it's the QB and probably the O-line as well, but their defense will be elite, and I expect the offense to better than last year.
They have stacked an absurd amount of experienced* talent, and it's in the shoe - against a Michigan team that is likely closer to the 21' ceiling than the 23'. I'm not saying we can't win, but OSU looks like heavy favorites right now.
Really? I think 7 is being generous toward Michigan. The Game is in Columbus against arguably the most talented OSU team we have seen in decades.
It's honestly surprising Vegas and the Media have been showing Michigan the amount of respect they have been. We lose a ton, and if you aren't someone who really knows the team it definitely looks like they will take a pretty sizeable step back.
As much as they do replace a lot, I think you are understating how much leadership and experience they still bring back. They didn't just have one magical year. They have 3 years of playing for Championships, and learning how to win the big games. Will Johnson, Mason Graham, Rod Moore, Donovan Edwards, Colston Loveland, Makari Paige and Kalel Mullings have all been big pieces of the last 3 years and provide a solid foundation.
The rest of the team may be less "proven" but it's not like they will be 1st and 2nd year guys being thrown to the wolves. The O-line starters are all at minimum 3rd year players, and whoever the QB is will also be at minimum a 3rd year player - maybe even a 7th!
They won't be as deep as the 23' team, but this is far from a total rebuild.
I guess I just don't think the drop off on offense will be that great. We will probably lose a few because JJ isn't around to bail us out, but the offense as a whole has the pieces to remain very good in the areas that have gotten them to where they are now. Assuming the defense doesn't lose anymore major pieces, it should be able to carry the team. The success they have had has largely been on the back of the defense anyway, as the offense controls the game with a crushing ground attack and safe passing game - while playing clean and efficient. Nothing about next year's offense makes me feel that isn't still achievable.
Obviously we'd all love for Orji to light the world on fire, but Tuttle is definitely a good option to have. Michigan has shown they can win with average to above average QB play (21' cade, 22' Mccarthy)
With Michigan already looking like a very clear run first team, an experienced QB who doesn't put the offense behind the sticks is a good pair.
Hopefully we can just run the Triple Option with Orgi/Mullings/Edwards.
I think OSU will underwhelme at times, and is the type of team that will have one loss turn into two. I just struggle to see how a team contructed off of buying the best players won't lead to lockeroom issues. One of the biggest reasons for the 23' teams success (as well as 21' and 22') was how close the team was. We have seen organizations buy teams this way before, and it rarely works out.
Having said that, the talent is real. If they play as a unit, and Ryan Day learns how to lean on the run game, they will likely be celebrating a championship.
I always remember him first for his dropped INT in the end zone against ND, before being pleasantly reminded of his game saving strip sack vs Nebraska.
Considering Michigan has the personal to run that scheme specifically - having recruited for it the past 3 years, I think it makes good sense to get the best available option to run it. It is also the best way to ensure those players who have been learning it the past 3 years don't leave.
I could see him having a really good showing at the combine, in addition to the praise he has been getting during these practices. That should put him in the 2nd round.
I think he is gunna have a nice career in the league. Underrated in a lot of ways. He's mostly known for his speed, but he developed a lot throughout his time at Michigan, and showed the ability to not only be a reliable target, but also made some really tough catches as well. His route running and ability to get separation improved a lot too.
It is absolutely reasonable for the fan base - and even university to be coming down on Warde. The Harbaugh situation alone was a failure that directly involved him. Harbaugh probably still would have left, but the friction between the two had been clear for months, and he had a direct hand in not giving Jim what he wanted. Even the sign stealing stuff was a disaster from a PR stand point, and he never seemed willing to support Harbaugh. That aside, he has overseen some serious negative things happen in the Athletic Department, and has taken an L in nearly every scenario as far as handling situations go. At some point it can't be every one else's fault. He seems to make everything hard for the Athletics and is consistently a road block more than an ally.
With all the fuck ups he's had, he should feel lucky to still have a job, and is deserving of all the hate he has been getting. He's the AD, this all comes back to him, and he has done very little inspire confidence that he is/has done all he could to stop these negative things from happening. Herbert being the most clear example.
1) D. Moore - been flashing since he was a freshman, next in line.
2) Grant - established himself as a true high level prospect in 23', ready to solidify his first round spot
3) Mullings - The bruising style back that Michigan loves to feature, but has an uncanny ability to find the hole. 20 + carries for him well be a joy to watch
HM) Edwards - I think he will bounce back and look how we thought he would in 23'. He probably won't get or even want 20 carries a game, but 10-15 while featured in the pass game should provide a lot of memorable plays.
Yeah injuries really took a toll on his career for Michigan. Wish he would've stuck around though. Morris and Morgan seem like a fine 1 and 2, but we really don't have much past them and lack a big bodied outside guy with the departure of Johnson. Hopefully we can get someone from the portal, or maybe English could step up as a deep threat.
I think he has the misfortune of being one of the last "True" QB's. His prime playing years were also the start of a lot of spread concepts, and more mobile QB's. He was an awesome QB, but not the type of threat running most teams really needed.
JJ coming back would obviously be awesome, but I only really see it if we fall short this year...
On a side note, I always wonder what a Jr/Sr Denard would have done in a poten spread offense. He probably would've won the Heisman if he played in a spread oriented offense today.
38 - 10. First half is a little uncomfortable, but the wheels fall off for Nebraska in the Second Half. Corum and the run game continue to round into form while Mccarthy has another solid outing on limited passes. The Defense gets chewed up a bit early on some annoying option plays, but dominates and forces multiple turnovers.
52 - 3. Offense is mostly more of the same with a few more explosive runs. The defense creates multiple turnovers and the back-ups don't look like a Mac team when they come in for the garbage time.
I know it's an uncommon opinion, but I really don't think OSU's looks that imposing this year. They of course have loads of talent, but it's mostly first year starters.
They lost their starting QB, 3 starting OL, and look thin at wr in terms of returning production, albeit talented players.
I think if you look at the roster, this is a bit of a down year for them. Now, a down year for OSU is still a team that's in playoff contention most the season, but this doesn't look like one of the best teams they have/will field.
Michigan could start only transfers and current "depth guys" and still have one of the best O-lines in the conference. I remember the days when Michigan's OL was down right pathetic. What a time too be alive.
I don't think a Harbaugh run offense needs a star WR and the recent history of Michigan TE's would imply 1 or 2 guys will know how to block at a high level. I expect the pass rush to be as good or better collectively, but Derrick Moore seems like a good bet on a guy too break out as an "elite" pass rusher
I would be worried about TE next year if Loveland didn't already look like a Big Ten starter by the end of his freshman season. That guy is gunna big things here.
Would it really be that large of a step? He was burning people all year and either not getting a good ball, or flat out being missed (he was WIDE open on the Johnson out route against osu), and has shown both this year and last an ability to make big - contested catches. If Mccarthy can get his timing down with him, he could be lethal next year.
Atleast get the best of the best for playoff games. It seems reasonable and possible too have NFL refs doing the CFP given what's at stake for those 4 teams.
Does anyone know who actually decides on the jersey worn? I understand typically the away team can't wear their home jersey, but who decides the jersey combo will be all white compared to white/blue or white/maize?
1) I believe Michigan is better in the trenches on both sides of the ball and will be able to dominate the LOS.
2) Osu back seven is still not great and LB's will still struggle to be in the right place
3) Michigan has been very disciplined all season as one of the least penalized teams in the country. They also rarely turn the ball over on offense - something OSU has relied on from other teams this year at times to win games.
4) Michigan secondary is faster and more athletic than years past and they rank 6th Nationally in pass defense.
5) OSU run game is bad and will get shut down, as stated by OP.
Corum ran for 240 yards on 30 carries in this exact situation against Maryland. It was reminiscent of Indiana 21'when Corum went our and Haskins went beast mode. I'd also say teams have to commit to Corum as much or even more so because one small crease with him could be a TD or a chunk play. I love Haskins and by no means is it an insult to him, but Corum is currently giving this team everything Haskins did and potentially even more.
Recent Comments
3rd year guy with a 5th year mindset. That's the type of stuff we need!
The amount of you who are genuinely comparing this offense to Iowas is insane. Iowa hasn't just been bad at QB, they have been horrible at literally every offensive position besides TE. This Michigan offense might not be top 10 or even top 25, but with the only concerns being if the QB can be more than just "okay" and the WR's being young, this is still an offense that will do just fine against the majority of teams. If Orgi turns out to be Milroe 2.0, it becomes a sure fire top 25 offense, which has been enough to win 3 straight conference championships.
Unfortunately, the same could be said of Urban to Harbaugh. Besides 2016, Harbaugh was punked every time he faced Urban.
Glad the tables have turned.
Sure you aren't thinking of Jenkins INT against BG?
I'm curious how they distribute the carries this year. 22' and 23' Corum was the clear bell cow, do they now try an make Edwards into a 20 carry guy? I kind of wonder if he's really suited for that type of role. Especially with Mullings fitting that bruising every down back style, how will they manage the two? You'd assume Edwards is the clear #1, but I don't know if the carries can or will reflect that title.
Juwan is the Yin to Harbaugh's Yang.
Given my first football season as a fan was 08', I'm okay with that.
I know I am in the minority on this, but I think JJ could start pretty much anywhere next year and be atleast serviceable as he develops. I agree either NY team would be an up hill battle for him, but it would be for any QB.
I really don't think the Harbaugh 2020 comp is right. Outside of that lone season, Harbaugh had the football program at a pretty good place, with a few bad breaks being the main difference between top 5 program and top 15 program. Add in where Michigan Football was pre Harbaugh vs Basketball pre Howard and things are even less similar.
Michigan Basketball was a premier program before Howard took over, having been a near lock for the tournament every year. Since he arrived it has been a steady decline, surrounded by constant drama, and inconsistent play. He also didn't have near the pedigree Harbaugh did. Harbaugh was coming off a Super Bowl appearance, and arguably a top 5 coach in the whole sport. Howard was a seemingly good assistant in the NBA with strong ties to the program and a former star player, but his resume as a coach was just okay, and his tenure at Michigan has been mediocre from the start.
He should not have such a long leash
I feel like the majority of the top QB prospects over the years have either been flat out busts or still quality starters, but not really super stars. Teams that have a top 5 pick always seem to draft the hottest commodity, rather than the best on film, so you end up with the 3rd or 4th QB taken having the best career.
I think JJ fits that description perfectly, as those of us who have been watching him know how good he is. Most pundits recognize it, but still insist the other options are better.
JJ will be a star.
I also think people are severely undervaluing Wilson.
I agree if they have a weak spot it's the QB and probably the O-line as well, but their defense will be elite, and I expect the offense to better than last year.
They have stacked an absurd amount of experienced* talent, and it's in the shoe - against a Michigan team that is likely closer to the 21' ceiling than the 23'. I'm not saying we can't win, but OSU looks like heavy favorites right now.
Really? I think 7 is being generous toward Michigan. The Game is in Columbus against arguably the most talented OSU team we have seen in decades.
It's honestly surprising Vegas and the Media have been showing Michigan the amount of respect they have been. We lose a ton, and if you aren't someone who really knows the team it definitely looks like they will take a pretty sizeable step back.
As much as they do replace a lot, I think you are understating how much leadership and experience they still bring back. They didn't just have one magical year. They have 3 years of playing for Championships, and learning how to win the big games. Will Johnson, Mason Graham, Rod Moore, Donovan Edwards, Colston Loveland, Makari Paige and Kalel Mullings have all been big pieces of the last 3 years and provide a solid foundation.
The rest of the team may be less "proven" but it's not like they will be 1st and 2nd year guys being thrown to the wolves. The O-line starters are all at minimum 3rd year players, and whoever the QB is will also be at minimum a 3rd year player - maybe even a 7th!
They won't be as deep as the 23' team, but this is far from a total rebuild.
I guess I just don't think the drop off on offense will be that great. We will probably lose a few because JJ isn't around to bail us out, but the offense as a whole has the pieces to remain very good in the areas that have gotten them to where they are now. Assuming the defense doesn't lose anymore major pieces, it should be able to carry the team. The success they have had has largely been on the back of the defense anyway, as the offense controls the game with a crushing ground attack and safe passing game - while playing clean and efficient. Nothing about next year's offense makes me feel that isn't still achievable.
Obviously we'd all love for Orji to light the world on fire, but Tuttle is definitely a good option to have. Michigan has shown they can win with average to above average QB play (21' cade, 22' Mccarthy)
With Michigan already looking like a very clear run first team, an experienced QB who doesn't put the offense behind the sticks is a good pair.
Hopefully we can just run the Triple Option with Orgi/Mullings/Edwards.
I think OSU will underwhelme at times, and is the type of team that will have one loss turn into two. I just struggle to see how a team contructed off of buying the best players won't lead to lockeroom issues. One of the biggest reasons for the 23' teams success (as well as 21' and 22') was how close the team was. We have seen organizations buy teams this way before, and it rarely works out.
Having said that, the talent is real. If they play as a unit, and Ryan Day learns how to lean on the run game, they will likely be celebrating a championship.
I always remember him first for his dropped INT in the end zone against ND, before being pleasantly reminded of his game saving strip sack vs Nebraska.
Considering Michigan has the personal to run that scheme specifically - having recruited for it the past 3 years, I think it makes good sense to get the best available option to run it. It is also the best way to ensure those players who have been learning it the past 3 years don't leave.
You have got to be one of the most negative people on this blog - I respect your ability to be original with your hate though.
I could see him having a really good showing at the combine, in addition to the praise he has been getting during these practices. That should put him in the 2nd round.
I think he is gunna have a nice career in the league. Underrated in a lot of ways. He's mostly known for his speed, but he developed a lot throughout his time at Michigan, and showed the ability to not only be a reliable target, but also made some really tough catches as well. His route running and ability to get separation improved a lot too.
I could see him blowing up in the right system.
It is absolutely reasonable for the fan base - and even university to be coming down on Warde. The Harbaugh situation alone was a failure that directly involved him. Harbaugh probably still would have left, but the friction between the two had been clear for months, and he had a direct hand in not giving Jim what he wanted. Even the sign stealing stuff was a disaster from a PR stand point, and he never seemed willing to support Harbaugh. That aside, he has overseen some serious negative things happen in the Athletic Department, and has taken an L in nearly every scenario as far as handling situations go. At some point it can't be every one else's fault. He seems to make everything hard for the Athletics and is consistently a road block more than an ally.
With all the fuck ups he's had, he should feel lucky to still have a job, and is deserving of all the hate he has been getting. He's the AD, this all comes back to him, and he has done very little inspire confidence that he is/has done all he could to stop these negative things from happening. Herbert being the most clear example.
Q Johnson delivers a huge hit on an otherwise big play to Ebuka resulting in an incomplete pass and eventual punt
Blake Corum TD against Penn State to seal it.
Mikey open field tackle against Alabama to prevent a first down.
1) D. Moore - been flashing since he was a freshman, next in line.
2) Grant - established himself as a true high level prospect in 23', ready to solidify his first round spot
3) Mullings - The bruising style back that Michigan loves to feature, but has an uncanny ability to find the hole. 20 + carries for him well be a joy to watch
HM) Edwards - I think he will bounce back and look how we thought he would in 23'. He probably won't get or even want 20 carries a game, but 10-15 while featured in the pass game should provide a lot of memorable plays.
2) OSU 23'
…
1) OSU 21'
2) OSU 23'
3) National Championship.
Yeah injuries really took a toll on his career for Michigan. Wish he would've stuck around though. Morris and Morgan seem like a fine 1 and 2, but we really don't have much past them and lack a big bodied outside guy with the departure of Johnson. Hopefully we can get someone from the portal, or maybe English could step up as a deep threat.
Someone give Ryan Day a 20 year contract.
1) Blake Corum 67 TD against Washington in 2021.
2) All TD against Penn State
3) Blake Corum 20 yard TD vs Maryland 2022.
I think he has the misfortune of being one of the last "True" QB's. His prime playing years were also the start of a lot of spread concepts, and more mobile QB's. He was an awesome QB, but not the type of threat running most teams really needed.
JJ coming back would obviously be awesome, but I only really see it if we fall short this year...
On a side note, I always wonder what a Jr/Sr Denard would have done in a poten spread offense. He probably would've won the Heisman if he played in a spread oriented offense today.
42 - 7
38 - 10. First half is a little uncomfortable, but the wheels fall off for Nebraska in the Second Half. Corum and the run game continue to round into form while Mccarthy has another solid outing on limited passes. The Defense gets chewed up a bit early on some annoying option plays, but dominates and forces multiple turnovers.
52 - 3. Offense is mostly more of the same with a few more explosive runs. The defense creates multiple turnovers and the back-ups don't look like a Mac team when they come in for the garbage time.
DT's were unstoppable. Pressure was really good overall.
LB's are a quiet strength, if for no other reason than not being a problem.
This secondary is going to be elite when we get our All American Corner and All Conference Safety back. It's already excellent.
Derrick Moore is gunna be a monster.
48 - 13
48 - 10
I know it's an uncommon opinion, but I really don't think OSU's looks that imposing this year. They of course have loads of talent, but it's mostly first year starters.
They lost their starting QB, 3 starting OL, and look thin at wr in terms of returning production, albeit talented players.
I think if you look at the roster, this is a bit of a down year for them. Now, a down year for OSU is still a team that's in playoff contention most the season, but this doesn't look like one of the best teams they have/will field.
2024 will be the year for them.
I'm gunna assume you just wiped 2008-2014 from your memory.
Know what? Never mind organic pass rush. Give me Lewis, Dax, and Peppers. Even a Richrod team's pass rush could get there before someone came open.
This assumes both Mikey, and Moore are still in the starting lineup
Hurst
Peppers
Hutchinson
Hurst
Peppers
Michigan could start only transfers and current "depth guys" and still have one of the best O-lines in the conference. I remember the days when Michigan's OL was down right pathetic. What a time too be alive.
His change of direction and quick twitch cuts in the open field are unmatched - even for Corum.
I don't think a Harbaugh run offense needs a star WR and the recent history of Michigan TE's would imply 1 or 2 guys will know how to block at a high level. I expect the pass rush to be as good or better collectively, but Derrick Moore seems like a good bet on a guy too break out as an "elite" pass rusher
I would be worried about TE next year if Loveland didn't already look like a Big Ten starter by the end of his freshman season. That guy is gunna big things here.
Would it really be that large of a step? He was burning people all year and either not getting a good ball, or flat out being missed (he was WIDE open on the Johnson out route against osu), and has shown both this year and last an ability to make big - contested catches. If Mccarthy can get his timing down with him, he could be lethal next year.
Atleast get the best of the best for playoff games. It seems reasonable and possible too have NFL refs doing the CFP given what's at stake for those 4 teams.
Imagine he transfers to Wisconsin and then upsets OSU in Madison.
Does anyone know who actually decides on the jersey worn? I understand typically the away team can't wear their home jersey, but who decides the jersey combo will be all white compared to white/blue or white/maize?
1) I believe Michigan is better in the trenches on both sides of the ball and will be able to dominate the LOS.
2) Osu back seven is still not great and LB's will still struggle to be in the right place
3) Michigan has been very disciplined all season as one of the least penalized teams in the country. They also rarely turn the ball over on offense - something OSU has relied on from other teams this year at times to win games.
4) Michigan secondary is faster and more athletic than years past and they rank 6th Nationally in pass defense.
5) OSU run game is bad and will get shut down, as stated by OP.
Corum ran for 240 yards on 30 carries in this exact situation against Maryland. It was reminiscent of Indiana 21'when Corum went our and Haskins went beast mode. I'd also say teams have to commit to Corum as much or even more so because one small crease with him could be a TD or a chunk play. I love Haskins and by no means is it an insult to him, but Corum is currently giving this team everything Haskins did and potentially even more.
Just one? Harsh.