5 things to take from this: Shootouts sure are exciting.
Then came the 4th quarter and again something changed. Tate got a different look about him. Important adjustments were made and Michigan began to take control of the game. Drives continued to stall but the field position battle started to swing in our favor. Then we broke through on a beautiful touchdown drive capped by Tate learning to fly. Two point conversion is good. There was a lot of time left but we had been holding them to field goals for a while, right? Maybe they could tie it up but...
SHIT!
One play later I was looking at my feet, feeling sorry for myself and this team. I was sure the game had been lost with that TD run by that F^&%@&! Indiana back that gashed us all day and looked like he should be slow but we couldn't catch up to him?!! Somebody get him! The sanity of the universe depends on it!!! NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
We three and out. It's over...
Indiana three and out. But Tate is wounded. But we already had our chance...
Then it happens. Tate takes the field with a right arm that dangles loosely, seemingly useless at his side. And he leads us. He makes great reads, scrambles for first downs, and hands off to two senior running backs that will not be denied. Third and six with Denard Robinson in the game. Maybe Shoelace can be the hero this week. Really can't blame Tate, dude's obviously hurting badly. Wait, is that Tate coming back on the field?
He takes the snap and scans downfield. Where is the quick hitch just past the sticks? Forget that, there is still magic in that boy's arm. As he releases it I catch my breath; that arm is hurt and that pass looks floated, and interception, and I can't LOOK, and, and, and...
OMG TOUCHDOWN!!!!!
Tate is the real deal folks, able to play through obvious pain and make amazing plays.
There is still a lot of time on the clock but the anxiety ends mercifully quickly. Did Indiana get hosed on that call? I certainly thought so at the time, but I didn't care. This game was already ugly and I would take the win no matter how tainted. Michigan fans won't let it sit like that and so we get further analysis like this from Maize 'N' Brew:
http://www.maizenbrew.com/
So let me adjust these Maize and Blue glasses a bit... Yep! No doubt a clean pick! We win! Yay!
4-0. Such a difference a year makes.
Five Things:
- Shootouts are an exciting way to win games and this team is well equipped to win more than their fair share. Michigan has speed on offense like it has never seen and can strike at any time. They can exchange blows and cover up mistakes by the defense. But in crunch time they need Tate Forcier to win these games. Please be just a bruise.
- The defense has issues, we already suspected this. They did show a lot of heart though in holding Indiana to all of those field goals. One or two touchdowns instead would have made this into a blowout loss. The good news is that with the offense clicking, every small improvement by the defense will be magnified. Please GERG, don't suck. We need continuity.
- Being so thin on defense is very stressful. Every gimpy limp between plays makes me hold my breath. Who didn't groan when Martin had to be looked at? I am impressed with RR and staff for making something out of walk-ons, Jordan Kovacs made some nice plays on blitzes, but their lack of 1-A level speed leads to plays like that Willis run.
- Stonum was crazy awesome on KO returns to the tune of 218 yards on 7 attempts (31.1 yds/per). He set us up in great field position over and over again. Hats off to him. I still like Mathews on punts though.
- The adjustment to taking snaps under center late in the game was a good one. It got the offense back in sinc and allowed for the first comeback TD drive. Moosman may get a little better at the shotgun snap but will probably continue to be a liability.
Michigan now heads into the meat of their schedule. They have showed what this offense is capable of and will surprise no one with their ability. The defense needs badly to get healthy and stay healthy if there is to be any hope for a New Year's Day bowl. I don't think Michigan will be shut out of the post season this year at least. Yesterday was a great day for watching football and based on what I saw, here are my impressions of the next stretch:
@Michigan State: I give this one 50:50 just based on the situation. Sparty has wounded pride, is playing at home, and probably needs a W more than us. This will be a true test of this team's character. Win this and the sky's the limit.
@Iowa: Scary D-line Kill Mr. Forcier? I think this is a real concern considering how much they got to Clark last night. I don't expect us to win this one but just coming out with both QBs intact would be nice.
Penn State: A little far out to be looking at but maybe we can take this one. It won't look anything like last night's game if we do.
I expect we will have no problems with DelSt. and will probably get to at least 7 wins at this point. If Tate can remain healthy I say 8-9 wins still. Awesome.
I hope that everyone was able to enjoy this game and that everyone made it home safe and sound. Have a great week.
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I was sure the game had been lost with that TD runNever ever ever ever lose faith. I guess it helped that I had the three biggest Indiana douchebags known to man right behind me (no seriously, biggest douchebags I've ever met) but at no point did I ever feel doubt about our ability to win this game. Some teams just know how to win, even in games where they could lose. This one showed me that against ND, and backed it up with this game. The rest of the season is going to be quite thrilling.
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