Thank You, I was honestly drawing a blank! Now, what I would say, is really none of those players were just "amazing" after leaving. Milton was meh at best for UT and frankly was passed on the depth charge by Cade. Zach was the headscratcher when he left but with him leaving, we got Corum, Haskins and Edwards.
So, maybe I should restate my questions, has anyone left and been better than who replaced them here at Michigan. I think clearly, that answer is no, is that fair?
Attrition on the o-line was bound to happen at some point as many of these guys want to see the field.
We have done a great job over the years with transfers coming into our program and being key contributors. However, can anyone name someone that left transferred out of our football program that actually became a star/big contributor somewhere else? I mean, we complain when we lose a football player to the transfer portal, but I can't recall the last time that player really made a name for himself after leaving.
I get what you are saying, I really do, but if none of those results in goals, then its meaningless. That is my point.
In a way, it's like saying in football: We ran for more yards, we killed them on time of possession, but you still lost by 3 TD's because the other team was more explosive when it matters.
All I am saying is, when you are losing what is now 4-0 in a Hockey game this late in the 3rd period, you can't really use the "we out played them" card. If we outplayed them, we'd be winning.
Why is it a terrible take? 4 on 4 or 5 on 5, makes no difference. They have the same number of players on each side, there is no advantage. Yes, there is more room on the ice, but if you are better at 4 on 4, then chances are you are also better at 5 on 5 as well.
And we didn't do the same in 22, we lost that game. We had all the talent in the world and lost that game so not sure what your point is about our 2022 Team, we lost.
Understand how you feel but when you're losing 3-0 in Hockey, you cannot use the "we out played them" argument at all. It sucks, but you can't. That's like when Frost said "We out hit them" when we killed Nebraska by 30+ points in football
Rewatch the play, like it or not, Duke stuck his leg out. It wasn't a lot but he did do it. Is it a ticky-tack call, absolutely, but regardless it was called and players/teams have to adjust.
It also made it a 4 on 4, so no advantage to either team, and they still ripped off 2 goals in under a minute.
Again, I'm not a hockey expert, but I think we are watching a different game. I see Michigan players falling on their ass or whiffing on passes at a far worse rate than BC is. We haven't even had a close shot on goal, and BC darn near scored again before the period ended.
I've seen a lot of people blame the ice, but BC is NOT falling over any way near what our boys are doing.
Not a diehard Hockey fan but I do enjoy Michigan Hockey. But what in the absolutely fuck is Michigan's problem in Frozen Four games? I have watch several over the years and we absolutely play like dog shit in them: constantly falling down, whiffing on shots, terrible passes that lead to easy transition goals for the other team.
For real, what is their problem because it stems across multiple teams and coaches? How many times have our guys fallen down or whiffed on shots today? A 4-2 break away and we can't even get a shot off?
Love the comp editions of the M line. I have a base M4 as my every day driver, plenty fast for me, but man, would have loved a comp.
Sorry about the dealership issue regarding it being an X drive. The dealer where I live now only stocks X drives because pretty much that is all anyone wants here. The only way to get a non X drive is to either buy an on the lot used BMW or you have to custom order it.
I previously had an Audi S4, which I loved and road like a charm. We recently traded that in and we went with 2 different BMW's (M440 X drive and an M4 X Drive). Both are fantastic cars. Before moving to AWD, i previous had some luxury and sports cars that were RWD. While I enjoyed that power and torque, I really like have the equal distribution of power, especially when the weather is shitty.
You really cannot go wrong with an Audi or BMW with their AWD systems, should you want a luxury car sedan/car. Just make sure you get the right tires. I am replacing the tires on the M440 because they are low profile 3 season tires, so some slippage in the winter months. Thats really it.
Moore is going to have to balance out what is best for continuity with what is best for the long term success of the team.
From the defensive side of the ball, I would love for Minter to return but I believe he will go with Jim. With that being said, it sounds like the logical thing would be to either promote Clink or Elston. Something tells me they may promote both to Co-DC but with Clink as the main guy (go with the youth movement)
As for the OC, I honest don't think it's Hart. The cold reality is that he has never been more than a RB coach and the move to OC is a BIG jump. He has to get a handle on the passing game, play design, play creation, and feel for the game. I think moving to an OC role is too big a jump especially when you have a first time HC as well. What I see happening is that if Moore doesn't go outside to find an OC, that Campbell moves into that roll (as he was an OC before at ODU) and that Hart may get a promotion as Co-OC and continue to be the RB Coach and coordinator.
From a defensive stand point, nothing really has to change, as we have a ton of talent coming back. They just need to find depth and have some of the guys coming of redshirts to step up.
As for the offense, my gut tells me that it's a toss up between Orji and Denegal. I wouldn't be shocked if they split time in the Fresno State Game to see who the "starter" is and it also would NOT shock me if they deploy the 2 QB system that was popular back in the 90's and early 2000's. Denegal and Orji are so different that the offense has to change depending on who is in the game.
With Denegal, the offense can stay somewhat similar to what it is today, since he is more of a prototype drop back passer with some mobility. As for Orji, I would love to see them watch a ton of film on the the JT Barrett offense at Ohio State and the Tim Tebow/Alex Smith Offense from Urban Meyer. I think Orji, in that kind of offense could be devastating for opposing defenses. Make him a 1 to 2 read QB and then take off. However, in that offense, they are going to have to scheme guys open, which is something we haven't seen a lot of over the years BUT, we actually saw quiet a bit of in the Alabama game.
It's also important to note that Moore also gets a bit more leeway now as well with the expanded playoffs. He doesn't have to go undefeated and frankly a 2 loss Michigan time is probably in the playoff most years.
I get that response is supposed to be a joke and, in a way, insulting to Mississippi; but I have to ask, have you ever been to Oxford? While it is in the middle of nowhere Mississippi, it has a beautiful campus and frankly, some of the hottest Co-eds you've ever seen.
So, If you are young, a good athlete, getting paid big NIL $$, why don't go to a warmer climate that is littered with some of the hottest women you'll find on any college campus?
Exactly. Watch tape of Bama and Washinton where essentially he shut down 3 DEs that were considers 1st and 2nd round picks in this year's draft(Dallas Turner, Bralen Trice, Braswell)
I mean, we didn't hear any of those guys number called in the last two games and with Trente being the newest linemen, any coach worth their salt would have sent their best pass rusher against the "weakest" link.
Fact is Trente probably starts on almost every single team we played except for us.
Honestly, I think the coaches missed on not having him start the year at RT instead of Barnhart. Jones, IMO, is a much better tackle.
I really don't get this by either. Both are essentially 1st round picks and frankly, getting drafted towards the bottom of the 1st round is actually a good thing. Yes, you give up some money on the front end, but you get drafted by better teams....
I don't get this, especially, with their O-line in shambles and the QB positions isn't in the greatest of hands. Nothing against Will Howard, kid is a baller, but he has never thrown for more than 2600 yards in a season..Its not like they are getting a kid thats gonna put up 3500-4000 yards passing.
Well, I may out myself here to other posters (because based on this superstition I have, some will know who I am...)
I turned down multiple ticket offers to attend the game because Michigan athletics have lost the last 11 sporting events I have gone to (including the Natty game against Louisville) so for that reason alone, I couldn't bring myself to buy tickets and go... My fellow alumni friends would have never let me hear the end of it...
Fuck Harbaugh. I'm sorry...at the end of the day what fuck has he actually won...fucking nothing. Stupid fucking play calling in the 2nd half. No running JJ, no nothing no adjustments. Starts at the top. The fact is Jim is the king of what could have been. I don't fucking care about wins over Ohio state...3 years in a row...three FUCKING EGGS LAID IN THE PLAYOFFS.... Conference titles mean fucking shit...its about National Titles...Full Stop
Playing call has been fine. JJ has to fucking execute. No excuse to miss Johnson on that throw. Moore can't play for them.....Moores calling today has been outstanding, but JJ has been off, again.
Perhaps this is just what JJ is...Uber talented bit still just cant put it all together..
Michigan doesn't have to reinvent the wheel for this game against Bama but will have to break tendency a few times just to keep them honest:
JJ will need to keep on the RPO/Arch Ready 1-2 times per quarter so they can't always key on Corum/Edwards
4-5 Deep shots off Play Action to keep the secondary honest and not crowd the line of scrimmage.
And perhaps one of the biggest frustrations I had from watching the Iowa game and rewatching some of the games earlier in the year...
Throw the Fing ball to Edwards in the flat when he releases, even if he isn't the #1 read.
Edwards was open all day in the flat against Iowa and I don't think JJ targeted him 1 time. Hit Edwards in the flat once per drive, and its an easy 6-8 yards+. Once you start getting him the ball regularly, then it is going to pull a LB or safety out of coverage, and then the big play over the middle will be there.
Basically, execute better, and we should win this game.
For the game, Ohio State ran the ball 28 times for 107 yards (3.8 YPC), so not sure where you think they "Ran the ball down our throat".
Yes, they had essentially that 1 drive where they ran the ball and basically Michigan'd us but that was 1 drive, the rest of the game, they couldn't run to save their life.
Also have to keep in mind, Alabama does NOT have 2 Top 20 picks on their team at WR. Minter will be able to leave his DB's on an island a bit more in this game because Bama has no one at the caliber of MHJ or Ebuka.
Harrell and Moore have become very good at setting the edge this year so I am less worried about outside runs than I have been in years past.
As other posters have pointed out, the ACC payout is terrible compared to the Big Ten and SEC and isn't getting better anytime soon.
The ACC is a bad, overall, football conference and this year, you could make an argument they were the worst of the Power 5. So by being a bad football conference, there is no margin for error with whoever their dominate team is in a given year
Part of this is also that Clemson hasn't been the Clemson of old for the past 4 seasons.
We can all bring up the argument that moving forward, FSU should stay in the ACC because now with the new format of 12 teams, they can almost guarantee a Top 4 seed every year and a home play-off game (or at least the winner of Clemson/FSU would get that honor). However, if you look bigger picture, they would still be paid about 50% of what the top seeds out of the Big Ten and SEC get... So, is it worth, in terms of $$$, getting a Top 4 seed and a home game, but $40M less on the back end, OR, get in as an 6-12 seed, a coin flip on a home game, but a guaranteed extra $40M on the back end.
It makes sense to get that guaranteed money, I don't blame them for wanting to leave.
There are many ways to run "Play Action" so I think that if the staff gets more creative and adds a few wrinkles here and there, they could be fine.
Many will look at PA as the more traditional i-formation/Ace Formation straight drop back after the fake hand off. However, we can still run a successful PA out of multiple formations, sets AND we can also get JJ on the move:
Bootleg or Waggle action that gets JJ moving outside the tackle box.
Our tackles, when beaten, usually it's not wide but inside, which if you get JJ on the move in a Bootleg or Waggle action, negates that inside d-linemen.
RPO out of Pistol/Shotgun with a layered route tree (short slant/smash/square out, Middle In route and then the deeper post route)
Another thing they should do, is add in those small wrinkles on existing plays, thus the defense can no longer key once the recognize the formation, down and distance:
Example: On the Donovan Edwards half back pass, I believe I've seen it run out of the same formation and Donovan always rolls to the right side of the field. So for Bama, we can run the same play out of the same formation, but this time, JJ should roll wide left after the pitch and DE should hit JJ on the backside of the play. That is something I am pretty sure Bama wouldn't expect.
When we run Zone / Stretch Right, run that play a few times and then out of the same formation, sneak Barner or Loveland out to the flat, and add in a JJ Bootleg. Now he has a Run/Pass Option to the backside of the play.
We really don't have to have "New Plays" per say, but add in those wrinkles to existing plays, which IMO has a great impact.
I will also say, JJ has got to keep on the RPO and Arch read at least 1-2 times a quarter to keep the defense honest. I lost count of how many times the DE keeps crashing down, and JJ just doesn't keep the ball. Had he kept, he had 6-8 yards in front of him before a single defender was there. We had a similar problem when Shea was here, so it makes me think it's more of a coaching decision than really giving the QB the free reign to make the decision in game.
Last thing (sorry for the long post, work is DEAD right now), would love to see an old school/traditional screen to the RB instead of these wide side flanker screens. I think with the speed of the Bama DE's, a more traditional screen could be devastating against them.
Wow....Perhaps the worst take I have seen on this board in years, maybe ever.
What you just said is literally the reason why what happened at Penn State, Michigan State, Ohio State and MICHIGAN happened with the sexual assault scandals, they all "kept it in house" instead of doing the right thing and reporting it to the proper channels.
I don't think I have ever said this on a message board before, but you should be ashamed with this post.
I love the harder schedule to be honest. I hate just watching blow out, cupcake games, but I also understand the need for them.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is as daunting as this schedule looks, every single team (outside of Texas) is having to reload and break in a new QB next year. Yes, the transfer portal will impact how much those teams have to reload but:
Washington loses Penix and Odunze
Oregon loses Nix
USC loses Williams and their defense is God awful and you cannot turn a defense around as quickly as they will need to, to be competitive.
Ohio State has to break in a new QB, loses arguably their 2 best players on defense and despite all the BS, MHJ and Ebuka are going pro.
I'm sorry, but its utter bullshit that MHJ would return, no Top 3 pick is coming back for NIL money and passing up $40M+ in guaranteed money as a Top 3 Pick. Not to mention, the sooner he gets to the NFL, the sooner he can get to his 2nd contract, which is where the big money comes into play.
Texas maybe our toughest team just because they will return their QB.
From the Michigan side, we will have a whole new O-line and most likely a new QB (IMO) but I could see a legitimate chance that JJ comes back if he isn't guaranteed a 1st round pick. Defensively, we are in pretty great shape. Returning our DT's, Derrick Moore, Will Johnson, Huasmann, Burrows has played well, and we rotated enough in the secondary that its not like Berry, Hill and Sabb are "rookies". We should once again probably field a Top Ten defense.
I might be over optimistic, but I like our chances next year. Not saying the team will be as good as this season, but I don't think we fall to far. I could see like 10-2 and a 4th straight playoff appearence.
As a born and raised die hard Bears fan, you hit the nail on the head. Bears ownership is maybe the worst in the league and that is saying something when Dan Snyder still owns Washington. (for now)
There isn't a football brain in the whole family, and they have been living off the Halas name forever. Infact, and I had to look this up, the McCaskey family is the only owner in the NFL where they have NO business ventures outside of the Team. This means their ONLY source of income is the Chicago Bears. So, in a way, I can never understand why they DONT put everything they have into making that team as successful as possible.
The McCaskey family has a lot of bad history as well. Do some research and read about how Virginia (the current head of the team) really fucked over her younger brother's (Mugs Halas) kids and grandkids when he died. That woman is a real piece of work.
While this will sound bad, there is a reason most Bears fans are waiting for the day she finally kicks the bucket. Shes not a good person at all.
That's the thing that is so crazy, it's NOT allowed at all. Infact, it's not allowed in any of the 4 major US sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL). Basically, as I have read, it violates the Salary Cap in the 4 major sports, among other issues.
Now obviously, once you retire, you can buy a stake in a Team (Jordan, Magic Johnson have done so) but you cannot as an active player.
This is why after everything that has happened this season, if I was a GM, i wouldn't take Williams at #1. For starters, he didn't have a great season and played pretty bad in some of the more "important" games on USC schedule. 2nd, the fact that this story even saw the light of day tells me that either Williams just doesn't get it, or you are dealing with a Lavar Ball situation 2.0. Either way, I don't think he is worth the headache.
So, I think OSU is out regardless of what happens this weekend. They have way too much ground to make up, so I think it's a non-starter. Michigan is in (more than likely regardless of what happens), the Pac 12 Winner is in (regardless of who wins), Winner of the SEC is most likely in (regardless of who wins), so there is 1 spot left. FSU would have to lose, Texas would have to lose, Oregon would have to win in a huge blow out (but Washington would still have a win over Oregon which is better than any Ohio State Win) and if Bama beat Georgia, NO ONE things OSU is better than Georgia). I don't see any legitimate way Ohio State could make the Playoffs. Any talk about them making it is just to get clicks and eyes on ESPN.
Now, if you are asking, what do I wish would happen for Michigan to have the smoothest path to the Championship game, then I wish for the following:
Michigan Wins
Washington Wins
Alabama Wins
Florida State Wins
Texas loses
The reason why I want this to happen is because this would mean that Michigan moves into the #1 seed with Washington taking over as the #2 Seed. Bama moves into the #3 seed which means that we get Florida State with a bad back up QB. There is no way the committee could justify NOT making Michigan #1 and with a Washington Win, they are basically locked into the 2/3 seed.
Now, perhaps Texas wins and the rest happens. In that case, I think FSU could be the odd man out and then we are looking at Michigan playing either Bama or Texas in the first round. I could see the committee justifying putting Bama at 3 and Texas at 4 because, you know "SEC". People will bring up that Texas beat Bama but the committee would push back and say "Yes, but Bama just won against Georgia and won the SEC. Texas is still in the playoffs and isn't that the goal?!?!"
I'm not disagreeing that Day inherited a juggernaut, but you still have to coach that talent (Again, Texas A&M as an example of elite talent the last 4 years but shit coaching and nothing to show for it)
I did say maybe Washington and Clemson but again, the only 4 firm programs that wouldn't want Day are Michigan, Alabama, Georgia and Oregon.
There have been numerous articles and blogs where the fans in South Carolina are calling for Dabo's head recently.
As for Deboer in Washington, I think he is a phenomenal coach, but the reality is he has only been there 2 years and with Penix, a transfer QB. His first 2 recruiting classes are in the high 20's. Yes, I know it's hard to recruit for Washington, I get that, but let's see how he does the next 2 years without Penix. Day, like it or not, can recruit his ass off.
As for FSU, I do like Norvel as well but in 4 years there, his recruiting hasn't been great (the class for next year is the first time he has broken into the Top 10 nationally) and this year is a very senior laden team. Can he keep things up? I mean hell, their fan base wanted him gone after Year 2. Infact, outside a win against a NC ranked team in 2020, this was the first year Norvel beat a ranked opponent during the season (I don't count bowl games).
It's entirely fun to bash Ohio State and Ryan Day, but if you take an objective step back, Ryan Day is a damn good coach. You don't win as many games as he has with only 7 losses without being a good coach.
Yes, talent makes a difference but if talent was the sole reason for OSU's success, then Texas A&M would have like 2 National Titles in the past couple of years with how well they have recruited.
There are only about 4 programs in the country that wouldn't trade their HC for Ryan Day (Alabama, Georgia, Michigan and Oregon). Maybe you could put Washington and Clemson up there as well (although the natives are getting restless in Clemson...)
I personally think one of the biggest issues with Day is the culture he is instilling. Under Urban Myer (and similar to Harbaugh) they instilled a "Fuck Around and Find Out" kind of culture. You busted your ass to earn your playing time, you got your ass busted if you fucked up; adversity was embraced, and if you failed, they made sure to instill that you learn from failure and work even harder to not fail again.
Day, on the other hand (and again IMO), seems to have created this culture of excuses and fake tough guy syndrome. When they lose, rather than bust their assess harder, it seems they look to excuses. There is a lack of accountability there. Think about the ND game and the Lou Holtz comments: Harbaugh, Myer, Saban and Kirby wouldn't have said a damn thing about it and would have blown it off because they have work to do. Day, acts like a damn baby. To me, that's the big difference.
Someone will say "But the OSU game 2 years ago" and my response is we were running at almost 6 yards a carry in that game. We are not running that well today.
We aren't asking to air it out but fuck many, throw 2-3 times a drive just to loosen up the defense.
Hell, throw a fucking old school RB screen, a quick slant, a smash concept, something
Despite that fact we are winning right now, Moore is showing me he isn't ready to be a Head Coach yet.
They have got to mix things up just to stop PSU from putting 9 in the box and he refuses to. 1 pass play over the last 23 plays? Give me a break, throw the fucking ball a few times
Because of hard bad our RT is getting beat today, PA is hard to pull off because that DE isn't even thinking about the runner, he's going straight for the QB.
I would actually like to see us try PA out of that heavy set we have been doing and catch one of our TE down the seem.
Recent Comments
Thank You, I was honestly drawing a blank! Now, what I would say, is really none of those players were just "amazing" after leaving. Milton was meh at best for UT and frankly was passed on the depth charge by Cade. Zach was the headscratcher when he left but with him leaving, we got Corum, Haskins and Edwards.
So, maybe I should restate my questions, has anyone left and been better than who replaced them here at Michigan. I think clearly, that answer is no, is that fair?
Attrition on the o-line was bound to happen at some point as many of these guys want to see the field.
We have done a great job over the years with transfers coming into our program and being key contributors. However, can anyone name someone that left transferred out of our football program that actually became a star/big contributor somewhere else? I mean, we complain when we lose a football player to the transfer portal, but I can't recall the last time that player really made a name for himself after leaving.
I get what you are saying, I really do, but if none of those results in goals, then its meaningless. That is my point.
In a way, it's like saying in football: We ran for more yards, we killed them on time of possession, but you still lost by 3 TD's because the other team was more explosive when it matters.
All I am saying is, when you are losing what is now 4-0 in a Hockey game this late in the 3rd period, you can't really use the "we out played them" card. If we outplayed them, we'd be winning.
Why is it a terrible take? 4 on 4 or 5 on 5, makes no difference. They have the same number of players on each side, there is no advantage. Yes, there is more room on the ice, but if you are better at 4 on 4, then chances are you are also better at 5 on 5 as well.
And we didn't do the same in 22, we lost that game. We had all the talent in the world and lost that game so not sure what your point is about our 2022 Team, we lost.
Understand how you feel but when you're losing 3-0 in Hockey, you cannot use the "we out played them" argument at all. It sucks, but you can't. That's like when Frost said "We out hit them" when we killed Nebraska by 30+ points in football
Rewatch the play, like it or not, Duke stuck his leg out. It wasn't a lot but he did do it. Is it a ticky-tack call, absolutely, but regardless it was called and players/teams have to adjust.
It also made it a 4 on 4, so no advantage to either team, and they still ripped off 2 goals in under a minute.
Again, I'm not a hockey expert, but I think we are watching a different game. I see Michigan players falling on their ass or whiffing on passes at a far worse rate than BC is. We haven't even had a close shot on goal, and BC darn near scored again before the period ended.
I've seen a lot of people blame the ice, but BC is NOT falling over any way near what our boys are doing.
Not a diehard Hockey fan but I do enjoy Michigan Hockey. But what in the absolutely fuck is Michigan's problem in Frozen Four games? I have watch several over the years and we absolutely play like dog shit in them: constantly falling down, whiffing on shots, terrible passes that lead to easy transition goals for the other team.
For real, what is their problem because it stems across multiple teams and coaches? How many times have our guys fallen down or whiffed on shots today? A 4-2 break away and we can't even get a shot off?
Love the comp editions of the M line. I have a base M4 as my every day driver, plenty fast for me, but man, would have loved a comp.
Sorry about the dealership issue regarding it being an X drive. The dealer where I live now only stocks X drives because pretty much that is all anyone wants here. The only way to get a non X drive is to either buy an on the lot used BMW or you have to custom order it.
We pretty much only purchase AWD cars and SUVs.
I previously had an Audi S4, which I loved and road like a charm. We recently traded that in and we went with 2 different BMW's (M440 X drive and an M4 X Drive). Both are fantastic cars. Before moving to AWD, i previous had some luxury and sports cars that were RWD. While I enjoyed that power and torque, I really like have the equal distribution of power, especially when the weather is shitty.
You really cannot go wrong with an Audi or BMW with their AWD systems, should you want a luxury car sedan/car. Just make sure you get the right tires. I am replacing the tires on the M440 because they are low profile 3 season tires, so some slippage in the winter months. Thats really it.
Do we not have any 3pt shooters this season?
Kyle Shanahan is the NFL version of Ryan Day. There, I said it...
Howard can go now, he doesn't have it and just isn't the guy.
This team is so poorly constructed and has such bad basketball smarts and that's 100% on Howard.
Moore is going to have to balance out what is best for continuity with what is best for the long term success of the team.
From the defensive side of the ball, I would love for Minter to return but I believe he will go with Jim. With that being said, it sounds like the logical thing would be to either promote Clink or Elston. Something tells me they may promote both to Co-DC but with Clink as the main guy (go with the youth movement)
As for the OC, I honest don't think it's Hart. The cold reality is that he has never been more than a RB coach and the move to OC is a BIG jump. He has to get a handle on the passing game, play design, play creation, and feel for the game. I think moving to an OC role is too big a jump especially when you have a first time HC as well. What I see happening is that if Moore doesn't go outside to find an OC, that Campbell moves into that roll (as he was an OC before at ODU) and that Hart may get a promotion as Co-OC and continue to be the RB Coach and coordinator.
From a defensive stand point, nothing really has to change, as we have a ton of talent coming back. They just need to find depth and have some of the guys coming of redshirts to step up.
As for the offense, my gut tells me that it's a toss up between Orji and Denegal. I wouldn't be shocked if they split time in the Fresno State Game to see who the "starter" is and it also would NOT shock me if they deploy the 2 QB system that was popular back in the 90's and early 2000's. Denegal and Orji are so different that the offense has to change depending on who is in the game.
With Denegal, the offense can stay somewhat similar to what it is today, since he is more of a prototype drop back passer with some mobility. As for Orji, I would love to see them watch a ton of film on the the JT Barrett offense at Ohio State and the Tim Tebow/Alex Smith Offense from Urban Meyer. I think Orji, in that kind of offense could be devastating for opposing defenses. Make him a 1 to 2 read QB and then take off. However, in that offense, they are going to have to scheme guys open, which is something we haven't seen a lot of over the years BUT, we actually saw quiet a bit of in the Alabama game.
It's also important to note that Moore also gets a bit more leeway now as well with the expanded playoffs. He doesn't have to go undefeated and frankly a 2 loss Michigan time is probably in the playoff most years.
I get that response is supposed to be a joke and, in a way, insulting to Mississippi; but I have to ask, have you ever been to Oxford? While it is in the middle of nowhere Mississippi, it has a beautiful campus and frankly, some of the hottest Co-eds you've ever seen.
So, If you are young, a good athlete, getting paid big NIL $$, why don't go to a warmer climate that is littered with some of the hottest women you'll find on any college campus?
Exactly. Watch tape of Bama and Washinton where essentially he shut down 3 DEs that were considers 1st and 2nd round picks in this year's draft(Dallas Turner, Bralen Trice, Braswell)
I mean, we didn't hear any of those guys number called in the last two games and with Trente being the newest linemen, any coach worth their salt would have sent their best pass rusher against the "weakest" link.
Fact is Trente probably starts on almost every single team we played except for us.
Honestly, I think the coaches missed on not having him start the year at RT instead of Barnhart. Jones, IMO, is a much better tackle.
I really don't get this by either. Both are essentially 1st round picks and frankly, getting drafted towards the bottom of the 1st round is actually a good thing. Yes, you give up some money on the front end, but you get drafted by better teams....
I don't get this, especially, with their O-line in shambles and the QB positions isn't in the greatest of hands. Nothing against Will Howard, kid is a baller, but he has never thrown for more than 2600 yards in a season..Its not like they are getting a kid thats gonna put up 3500-4000 yards passing.
God Damn it JJ. KEEP THE FUCKING BALL
I repeat . Where the hell is the play creativity we had against Bama....
Fucking JJ....playing stupid again. Maybe this is just JJ, maybe he never takes that "leap".
You can't make that many bad throws
God Damn it....Fucking run JJ there. Jesus, stop fucking saving him
Well, I may out myself here to other posters (because based on this superstition I have, some will know who I am...)
I turned down multiple ticket offers to attend the game because Michigan athletics have lost the last 11 sporting events I have gone to (including the Natty game against Louisville) so for that reason alone, I couldn't bring myself to buy tickets and go... My fellow alumni friends would have never let me hear the end of it...
Prob because he is exhausted because we have no freaking back up Point Guard. Kid plays 40 min damn near every game. Roster is a mess
You better through Harbaugh in there too.
Harbaugh not ready for prime time, let's be honest for once...
Fuck Harbaugh. I'm sorry...at the end of the day what fuck has he actually won...fucking nothing. Stupid fucking play calling in the 2nd half. No running JJ, no nothing no adjustments. Starts at the top. The fact is Jim is the king of what could have been. I don't fucking care about wins over Ohio state...3 years in a row...three FUCKING EGGS LAID IN THE PLAYOFFS.... Conference titles mean fucking shit...its about National Titles...Full Stop
Fuck this fucking team. And you know what, I don't care if I get negged...Fuck Harbaugh and his shit fucking coaching in bowl games and playoffys.
That's it.. I hate to be that guy but game over. This staff, this team, just doesn't have it. JJ is what he is, iber talented but it's not enough.
First half play calling was fantastic....now we look like Iowa....
Playing call has been fine. JJ has to fucking execute. No excuse to miss Johnson on that throw. Moore can't play for them.....Moores calling today has been outstanding, but JJ has been off, again.
Perhaps this is just what JJ is...Uber talented bit still just cant put it all together..
We ran some plays we haven't run all year, love that fucking drive. Now time to Hammer down on defense
Michigan doesn't have to reinvent the wheel for this game against Bama but will have to break tendency a few times just to keep them honest:
And perhaps one of the biggest frustrations I had from watching the Iowa game and rewatching some of the games earlier in the year...
Basically, execute better, and we should win this game.
For the game, Ohio State ran the ball 28 times for 107 yards (3.8 YPC), so not sure where you think they "Ran the ball down our throat".
Yes, they had essentially that 1 drive where they ran the ball and basically Michigan'd us but that was 1 drive, the rest of the game, they couldn't run to save their life.
Also have to keep in mind, Alabama does NOT have 2 Top 20 picks on their team at WR. Minter will be able to leave his DB's on an island a bit more in this game because Bama has no one at the caliber of MHJ or Ebuka.
Harrell and Moore have become very good at setting the edge this year so I am less worried about outside runs than I have been in years past.
As other…
Well, yes and no:
We can all bring up the argument that moving forward, FSU should stay in the ACC because now with the new format of 12 teams, they can almost guarantee a Top 4 seed every year and a home play-off game (or at least the winner of Clemson/FSU would get that honor). However, if you look bigger picture, they would still be paid about 50% of what the top seeds out of the Big Ten and SEC get... So, is it worth, in terms of $$$, getting a Top 4 seed and a home game, but $40M less on the back end, OR, get in as an 6-12 seed, a coin flip on a home game, but a guaranteed extra $40M on the back end.
It makes sense to get that guaranteed money, I don't blame them for wanting to leave.
There are many ways to run "Play Action" so I think that if the staff gets more creative and adds a few wrinkles here and there, they could be fine.
Many will look at PA as the more traditional i-formation/Ace Formation straight drop back after the fake hand off. However, we can still run a successful PA out of multiple formations, sets AND we can also get JJ on the move:
Another thing they should do, is add in those small wrinkles on existing plays, thus the defense can no longer key once the recognize the formation, down and distance:
We really don't have to have "New Plays" per say, but add in those wrinkles to existing plays, which IMO has a great impact.
I will also say, JJ has got to keep on the RPO and Arch read at least 1-2 times a quarter to keep the defense honest. I lost count of how many times the DE keeps crashing down, and JJ just doesn't keep the ball. Had he kept, he had 6-8 yards in front of him before a single defender was there. We had a similar problem when Shea was here, so it makes me think it's more of a coaching decision than really giving the QB the free reign to make the decision in game.
Last thing (sorry for the long post, work is DEAD right now), would love to see an old school/traditional screen to the RB instead of these wide side flanker screens. I think with the speed of the Bama DE's, a more traditional screen could be devastating against them.
Wow....Perhaps the worst take I have seen on this board in years, maybe ever.
What you just said is literally the reason why what happened at Penn State, Michigan State, Ohio State and MICHIGAN happened with the sexual assault scandals, they all "kept it in house" instead of doing the right thing and reporting it to the proper channels.
I don't think I have ever said this on a message board before, but you should be ashamed with this post.
Exactly....
I love the harder schedule to be honest. I hate just watching blow out, cupcake games, but I also understand the need for them.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is as daunting as this schedule looks, every single team (outside of Texas) is having to reload and break in a new QB next year. Yes, the transfer portal will impact how much those teams have to reload but:
Texas maybe our toughest team just because they will return their QB.
From the Michigan side, we will have a whole new O-line and most likely a new QB (IMO) but I could see a legitimate chance that JJ comes back if he isn't guaranteed a 1st round pick. Defensively, we are in pretty great shape. Returning our DT's, Derrick Moore, Will Johnson, Huasmann, Burrows has played well, and we rotated enough in the secondary that its not like Berry, Hill and Sabb are "rookies". We should once again probably field a Top Ten defense.
I might be over optimistic, but I like our chances next year. Not saying the team will be as good as this season, but I don't think we fall to far. I could see like 10-2 and a 4th straight playoff appearence.
As a born and raised die hard Bears fan, you hit the nail on the head. Bears ownership is maybe the worst in the league and that is saying something when Dan Snyder still owns Washington. (for now)
There isn't a football brain in the whole family, and they have been living off the Halas name forever. Infact, and I had to look this up, the McCaskey family is the only owner in the NFL where they have NO business ventures outside of the Team. This means their ONLY source of income is the Chicago Bears. So, in a way, I can never understand why they DONT put everything they have into making that team as successful as possible.
The McCaskey family has a lot of bad history as well. Do some research and read about how Virginia (the current head of the team) really fucked over her younger brother's (Mugs Halas) kids and grandkids when he died. That woman is a real piece of work.
While this will sound bad, there is a reason most Bears fans are waiting for the day she finally kicks the bucket. Shes not a good person at all.
That's the thing that is so crazy, it's NOT allowed at all. Infact, it's not allowed in any of the 4 major US sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL). Basically, as I have read, it violates the Salary Cap in the 4 major sports, among other issues.
Now obviously, once you retire, you can buy a stake in a Team (Jordan, Magic Johnson have done so) but you cannot as an active player.
This is why after everything that has happened this season, if I was a GM, i wouldn't take Williams at #1. For starters, he didn't have a great season and played pretty bad in some of the more "important" games on USC schedule. 2nd, the fact that this story even saw the light of day tells me that either Williams just doesn't get it, or you are dealing with a Lavar Ball situation 2.0. Either way, I don't think he is worth the headache.
So, I think OSU is out regardless of what happens this weekend. They have way too much ground to make up, so I think it's a non-starter. Michigan is in (more than likely regardless of what happens), the Pac 12 Winner is in (regardless of who wins), Winner of the SEC is most likely in (regardless of who wins), so there is 1 spot left. FSU would have to lose, Texas would have to lose, Oregon would have to win in a huge blow out (but Washington would still have a win over Oregon which is better than any Ohio State Win) and if Bama beat Georgia, NO ONE things OSU is better than Georgia). I don't see any legitimate way Ohio State could make the Playoffs. Any talk about them making it is just to get clicks and eyes on ESPN.
Now, if you are asking, what do I wish would happen for Michigan to have the smoothest path to the Championship game, then I wish for the following:
The reason why I want this to happen is because this would mean that Michigan moves into the #1 seed with Washington taking over as the #2 Seed. Bama moves into the #3 seed which means that we get Florida State with a bad back up QB. There is no way the committee could justify NOT making Michigan #1 and with a Washington Win, they are basically locked into the 2/3 seed.
Now, perhaps Texas wins and the rest happens. In that case, I think FSU could be the odd man out and then we are looking at Michigan playing either Bama or Texas in the first round. I could see the committee justifying putting Bama at 3 and Texas at 4 because, you know "SEC". People will bring up that Texas beat Bama but the committee would push back and say "Yes, but Bama just won against Georgia and won the SEC. Texas is still in the playoffs and isn't that the goal?!?!"
It's actually a lot closer than you think, below are the Class rankings the last 5 years...
5 straight years of Top Ten Classes....Thats pretty damn good, and its more than a "single" great year.
I'm not disagreeing that Day inherited a juggernaut, but you still have to coach that talent (Again, Texas A&M as an example of elite talent the last 4 years but shit coaching and nothing to show for it)
I did say maybe Washington and Clemson but again, the only 4 firm programs that wouldn't want Day are Michigan, Alabama, Georgia and Oregon.
It's entirely fun to bash Ohio State and Ryan Day, but if you take an objective step back, Ryan Day is a damn good coach. You don't win as many games as he has with only 7 losses without being a good coach.
Yes, talent makes a difference but if talent was the sole reason for OSU's success, then Texas A&M would have like 2 National Titles in the past couple of years with how well they have recruited.
There are only about 4 programs in the country that wouldn't trade their HC for Ryan Day (Alabama, Georgia, Michigan and Oregon). Maybe you could put Washington and Clemson up there as well (although the natives are getting restless in Clemson...)
I personally think one of the biggest issues with Day is the culture he is instilling. Under Urban Myer (and similar to Harbaugh) they instilled a "Fuck Around and Find Out" kind of culture. You busted your ass to earn your playing time, you got your ass busted if you fucked up; adversity was embraced, and if you failed, they made sure to instill that you learn from failure and work even harder to not fail again.
Day, on the other hand (and again IMO), seems to have created this culture of excuses and fake tough guy syndrome. When they lose, rather than bust their assess harder, it seems they look to excuses. There is a lack of accountability there. Think about the ND game and the Lou Holtz comments: Harbaugh, Myer, Saban and Kirby wouldn't have said a damn thing about it and would have blown it off because they have work to do. Day, acts like a damn baby. To me, that's the big difference.
What the fuck is Moore doing....Someone please take play calling duties away from him, this is atrocious
Pick me up a Combo with sweet and hot peppers....Damn I miss Portillos!
Someone will say "But the OSU game 2 years ago" and my response is we were running at almost 6 yards a carry in that game. We are not running that well today.
We aren't asking to air it out but fuck many, throw 2-3 times a drive just to loosen up the defense.
Hell, throw a fucking old school RB screen, a quick slant, a smash concept, something
Despite that fact we are winning right now, Moore is showing me he isn't ready to be a Head Coach yet.
They have got to mix things up just to stop PSU from putting 9 in the box and he refuses to. 1 pass play over the last 23 plays? Give me a break, throw the fucking ball a few times
Its not JJ, its on Moore.
I am sorry but at some point..THROW THE FUCKING BALL
Because of hard bad our RT is getting beat today, PA is hard to pull off because that DE isn't even thinking about the runner, he's going straight for the QB.
I would actually like to see us try PA out of that heavy set we have been doing and catch one of our TE down the seem.