MGolem

September 6th, 2021 at 3:59 PM ^

Braiden McGregor looks like a guy who will be an impact player in the very near future. He had at least two almost sacks, one of which was only prevented via uncalled hold. Which of course was the play Western scored their second touchdown. Definitely excited about his development behind Hutchinson and Ojabo. 

Joined: 10/14/2010

MGoPoints: 13595

Ezekiels Creatures

September 6th, 2021 at 4:10 PM ^

#41 Nikhai Hill-Green, he's everywhere! Looks great, especially considering he's a sophomore.

#93 Jordan Whittley, from 11:53 to 12:26, making a presence in the middle! Gets around great for such a big man.

And #17 beast Braiden McGregor, 12:54 to 12:58, taking the double team and flushing the QB! Reminded me of Chase Winovich.

Joined: 03/14/2019

MGoPoints: 28664

outsidethebox

September 6th, 2021 at 4:47 PM ^

Dax is one helluva a player-in case anyone was wondering. Michigan has 2 All-Americans on this defense.

These tapes move far too quickly from one play to the next...should be 3-5 seconds longer on each play.

Joined: 01/23/2017

MGoPoints: 18816

Double-D

September 6th, 2021 at 5:42 PM ^

UFR may show mixed results for Ross.  His recognition sometimes on pass coverage and misdirection seems to get him a step out of position.

Colson looks super athletic.  The sky is the limit for Hill-Green.

Dax is a special player.  It’s fun watching how they use him.  Maybe a guy like Domani Jackson will take note. 

Joined: 12/21/2013

MGoPoints: 87524

DTOW

September 6th, 2021 at 6:12 PM ^

The good:

- Dax and Aiden are just awesome

- Overall tackling but particularly from the secondary.  Just a solid solid job all around.

- Violence of the linebackers was nice to see.  Both Ross and Hill-Green can bring it.

- Loved the different looks this defense can show and overall how organized they appeared to be for the first time out.

 

Need to see more of:

- Defensive lineman were serviceable but thats about it.  The good here is that they weren't consistently getting blown up.  The bad news is I don't think we can expect a ton out of Hinton or Mazi.  At this point, I'll take them each being able to eat a lineman or two and just anchor.

- Whittley seemed like a playable piece.  Not sure why we didn't see him more in the beginning of the game but he moved surprisingly well for a man his size.

- RJ Moten and Hill-Green showed flashes that they can become a real good players

- Secondary appeared to be improved over last year.  Still had a couple of busts but the zone coverage makes them a bit less punitive.

 

The not so good:

- Wasn't very impressed with our linebackers in coverage.  Just seemed like they got caught in no mans land a few times.  Not sure Ross is ever going to be real good in coverage and I hope we have a plan in place for when Ohio State and Penn State try to exploit him because its going to happen.

- Lack of turnovers and overall ball skills from the secondary.  Dax had the one pass break up but I don't recall another secondary player getting their hands on a ball with the other exception being Hawkins diving attempt at an INT.  That needs to be an INT when we start going up against the big boys.

Joined: 08/31/2013

MGoPoints: 6381

MGoStrength

September 6th, 2021 at 6:42 PM ^

I can't help but wonder "what if".  We get so many great pieces, but it always seems like we don't have quite enough around them to make the most of it and we have to ask them to do too much or play out of position.  Or we're able to piece them all together on one side of the ball, but the other side of the ball can't keep pace.  It felt that way with Jabrill and now it feels that way with Dax.  I'm sure we'll feel that way with Colson, JJ, & Edwards in another year or two.  Imagine a world where Dax & Jabrill could roam the middle of the field together and fly down to make plays?  Imagine a world where Bush, McGrone, & Ryan could go sideline to sideline alongside each other in the middle.  Imagine a world where a healthy Hutch & Paye could have rushed the QB with guys like Glasgow & Hurst in the middle of the line instead of having to worry about the run all the time?  Imagine a world where Lewis, Hill, & Long could all be together without worrying about the slot when OSU comes to town?

Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 20002

Jordan2323

September 6th, 2021 at 7:10 PM ^

I’m imagining Domani, Dax and Will Johnson in the secondary together next year. Even if we got Domani to flip I guarantee you Dax would be gone. As you said, they never seem to get elite players at the same time. 2016-18 was the best timeframe we had for that level of talent. 

Joined: 11/09/2013

MGoPoints: 48922

joeismyname

September 6th, 2021 at 10:11 PM ^

Ummmm, our defense kicked ass in 2016 with Jabrill. Maybe we didn’t have a second all American safety, but we sure did have all that was needed to beat everyone on the schedule….and don’t forget Jabrill didn’t play against FSU, which was one  poor kick coverage play away from being a win, and with Jabrill would have been an almost certain win. 
 

We can be a great defense with a couple all American candidates, then a bunch of other guys who are still relatively highly recruited athletes who have the ability to learn and improve. Michigan has the pieces to be a very good defense 

Joined: 11/07/2011

MGoPoints: 1271

MGlobules

September 6th, 2021 at 7:19 PM ^

Wouldn't be surprised to be in the minority on this, but I am not a big fan of Orlovsky. It's kinda why I like British and foreign films better than Hollywood many times--not a fan of movie star looks and makeup, want my world reflected back to me. Big egos and showy displays by announcers get in the way. 

That said, he is explaining the game a little, I'd admit. 

Joined: 11/17/2008

MGoPoints: 47745