Half-assed LF/HO/LB - Weasel Bowl 2008

Submitted by Lordfoul on

I am sorry to post my weekly recap late and in half-assed form, but life is hectic right now.  I definately have even deeper appreciation for what Brian and others do to keep their blogs up and running.  Kudos.

So that was a game that both gave me and cured my heartburn.  I watched just about every play except for the last 4 minutes of the first half (how in the world we had two interceptions and only gave up 3 points???!) and the 3rd down roughing the passer play (was creating a super-pizza).  Obviously we stunk, and then magically we didn't.

Looking Back

  • RichRod is a great coach.  This win firmly cemented this for me.  This team had no business getting off the mat to fight for this win.  He is a great, great leader.
  • Our defense was impressive all day.  Twice facing a short field, the Badgers had to settle for FGs.  It really shows what our D can do when given 27 yards to defend instead of 15 as in the ND game.
  • I think Wisconsin is a good team and that our run defense is really improving.
  • I know this isn't much by way of analysis but I have no time for more.

Hats Off!!! Awards:

  1. Mike Barwis - Our team finally came through in the end because they were in much better physical condition.  While Wisconsin's cheese eating fatties tired, our guys looked strong all game long.
  2. RichRod - While I have deep respect for our previous three coaches and I believe that they too would have lead a comeback, none of them (with the possible exception of Bo in 1969) had to pick up a team playing as bad as Michigan played in the first half.  Just wow.  I will never count out a RR lead team again.
  3. Johnny Thompson - Great concentration on that int and then what a run into the endzone.  After seemingly causing so many problems against ND (thank you Brian for UFR), he is now a hero in one of Michigan's top all time wins.  Hats Off!!! to you sir.
  4. Brandon Graham - Dude was a monster out there.  Might have saved the game forcing that fumble when Wisky looked ready to score with 3 minutes left.
  5. Brett Bielema - It seemed to me that he changed his gameplan to readily, almost in panic when Michigan scored their second touchdown.  The Badgers came out throwing and gifted us Thompson's int-TD immediately.  I have no doubt that this guy can coach, but RR just pwned him.  Plus not using Beckum and Clay more of the game seemed strange.

Looking Forward:

This team has serious problems ahead.  I really don't think we can take much from this performance going forward except this:  Michigan will be better conditioned than the opponent almost assuredly and always have a shot at winning.  Illinois is winnable next week as I don't see their defense stuffing us as well as Wisky's did.  Juice may cause problems with his feet, but I can feel the M Defense's confidence grow.  Threet will have more confidence himself after a full game of not being yanked no matter how badly he was sucking.  He may return to ND game form and if so, I see a win.  This game gave us a legit shot at a bowl game and hence, a successful season.  I now believe we can beat anybody left on the schedual, but I am still only seeing 7-5 overall.

 

Comments

Chrisgocomment

September 29th, 2008 at 9:06 AM ^

Apparently Beckum was not 100%, so I think his playing time was a little like Mike Hart vs. MSU last year. I mean, it was pretty obvious he wasn't healthy, do you remember Michigan's trip to Madison last year?? OMG Beckum totally bent Michigan's LB's over on that day. He is a great talent, we are lucky he wasn't in top form. BUT - that's not an excuse for WI, you have to play with who you have and injuries are part of the game.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 1287

the pickle

September 29th, 2008 at 9:40 AM ^

Terrance Taylor. I picture a friday night lights esque speech. Where the guy who never talks just stands up and starts yelling at everyone. Oh and never boo you dont have to cheer but do not boo.

Joined: 08/18/2008

MGoPoints: 23

JDNorway

September 29th, 2008 at 11:28 AM ^

Both their guards dropped down into their stance on the cadence and it was the combination of the movement and the cadence that made our whole team move. I didn't think you were allowed any forward motion presnap except for a shift into formation? That was a pretty obvious unsportsmanlike call for me, but I'm not completely unbiased...

Joined: 08/22/2008

MGoPoints: 350

WolvinLA

September 29th, 2008 at 1:10 PM ^

That's totally legal.  How can going down into your stance be illegal?  In high school we played against a couple teams who would all go down into their stances on cadence, and it occasionally drew teams offsides.  Few teams do this because most lineman like to get adjusted in their stance for a second so they are ready to pop off the ball, but it's definitely legal. 

As for Bielema smirking after we jumped off-sides - I think his look was more of "Thank God" or "we got lucky there" than anything else.  He was nervous, and he knew we bailed him out a little.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 875

mgobleu

September 29th, 2008 at 1:04 PM ^

You say 7-5 overall as if its a bad thing. Before the season I had 7-5, or if some serious wikken magic happens, 8-4. After going down 1-2, I had serious doubts that this offense even had the ability to play enough with decent teams to pull off a winning record. After saturday, I think they have the ability to run with anybody in the big ten, depending on which team shows up. So 7-5 seems not only attainable but a pretty darn successful season. And I'm not saying that they will, just that they could. PSU scares me, but I'm ecstatic that the tops in the big ten are wearing blue and not that vomit inducing scarlet.

Joined: 07/02/2008

MGoPoints: 38421