Annnnd if the offense wasn't frustrating enough last Saturday, the defense faltered early, as well. Michigan gave up 3 straight drives ending in points to the Wildcats, going TD-FG-TD. Michigan settled in eventually, but I was really curious what went wrong early to make the defense look mortal, for once.

What I found was mostly Clayton Thorson flashing that "First round draft pick" talent he taps into maybe once a season when his ACL is behaving. Really, a lot of these slants and routes that he hit that I analyzed below were just well thrown balls that are really difficult to defend. If the offense does everything right and the defense doesn't win the RPS battle, you get what happened at the beginning of this game.

That's not to say mistakes weren't made, too. NW seemed to want to attack Devin Gil, and they did so pretty effectively. 2 plays here ding him a bit. NW also targeted Kinnel in coverage. While I don't think Kinnel did poorly, you could argue that he could have done better. Won't argue that.

Anyways, glad you guys continue to like the series. Check out episode 5.2 below:

5.2.1 - Q1 12:41 - 1st & 10 - NW44 - Slant 7 yards on Long

• Good play action play from NW. Not terrible coverage from Long, does become disconnected from the WR on his route, though. Like to see a bit better coverage, but he’s there to make the tackle.

5.2.2 - Q1 11:46 - 3rd & 4 - Midfield - Thorson pass complete for 9 yards

• UM runs a blitz / stunt combo that gets Bush free up the middle. However, quick pass for NW to attack Gil’s assignment, the RB. Gil needs to have better eye discipline, here.

5.2.3 - Q1 11:01 - 2nd & 6 - UM37 - Screen pass for 36 yards

• Looks like a possible missed block in the back against Metellus. Gil needs to be more decisive in his path to the ball, and Kinnel chooses the wrong gap to fly into. Poor tackling late, as well.

5.2.4 - Q1 8:40 - 2nd & 8 - NW38 - 15 yard completion

• NW keeps in 6 to block 4 UM rushers. Gary & Winovich looking to get pressure late, but Thorson throws to first read. Metellus looks to have been playing the slant a bit too hard with alignment. Good throw.

5.2.5 - Q1 7:33 - 2nd & 9 - UM21 - 9 yard slant

• Northwestern handles 5 UM rushers well, giving time for Thorson. QBs eyes are looking at the safety to determine viability of slant against Kinnel. Excellent coverage, just an inch-perfect throw and a solid catch.

5.2.6 - Q1 0:39 - 3rd & 6 - dig route

• Michigan runs a stunt on each side of the DL, rushing 4. No one really gets pressure. Long / Kinnel on a dig route. Kinnel probably could have done a better job, here, but Thorson times it well and puts the ball on the money.

Links

Other Episodes

• Ep. 5.1 - NW - Early Offensive Struggles
• Ep. 4.1 - NEB - Offense Dominance
• Ep. 4.2 - NEB - Defensive Dominance

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