Alabama Scouting (Texas & Georgia Rewatch)
I’ve experienced the opportunity to re-watch two Alabama games. Those games were versus Texas and Georgia respectively. It’s possible that other MGoBlog users may find the following notes to be of relative interest.
-Alabama’s QB, Monroe is a Denard/Tate Forcier hybrid. While explosive in the run game, he tends to lock onto the deep threat. This potentially plays into one of Michigan’s strengths, as they generally have a safety or two to cut off the long ball. During the Texas game, Monroe would panic easily and start to scramble once the first read proved covered. However, in the last SEC Championship game, he had exponentially improved his pocket presence. When moving to his second or third read however, he still tended to making hurried decisions, leading to unnecessary interceptions.
-Alabama possesses several stud receivers who hold the ability to control slightly off target passes even when facing blanket coverage.
-Their Corners, although highly praised, frequently grab onto receivers when given a double move, and they are unable to see the quarterback release the ball.
-Neither Texas or Georgia particularly attempted to run the ball down Alabama’s throats. Subjectively, it seemed that they either stuffed the run game at the LOS, or allowed a 15 yard run. I know that due to prior tape, Alabama knows Michigan will run the ball, even on 3rd and 7, but I am not completely sure that it matters. I believe Michigan will have several long yardage runs.
Over the last 20 years, Alabama has transpired the definition of a juggernaut. This will be a tough game to win. If Michigan loses, I’ll absolutely still have love for all the players on the team, and think nothing less of them. I think they have the chance to put a singular nail into Nick Saben’s coaching career, and I am getting close to expecting it. Go Blue!
December 10th, 2023 at 11:45 PM ^
The biggest factor nobody is mentioning is that McConkey and Bowers were both hurt for Georgia in that last game v Bama. Their two best receivers, and Bowers is an absolute beast when healthy.
If we play our game, and few mistakes - it is Michigan to the finals, baby!
Go Blue!!!
December 10th, 2023 at 11:46 PM ^
*Milroe (Spelling problem from the OP) has shown his ability to comprehend and throw quick throws versus standard Cover 2 and Cover 3. I believe it's important that we continue to mess with his original reads.
December 10th, 2023 at 11:50 PM ^
I think Monroe was a Freudian slip. OP was hoping Michigan shocks Monroe with excellent defense.
December 10th, 2023 at 11:51 PM ^
This win would be absolutely seismic on so many levels. Will be not be easy because they have an advantage on both sides of the ball - arguably the biggest beast running QB in the country, and safeties who will come down and stop the run because their talent at DB will make it hard for Johnson/Wilson to gain any separation.
I just want to see Michigan finally appear as thought it belongs on the same field with an SEC power for the first time in nearly two decades.
December 11th, 2023 at 1:41 AM ^
We smacked Florida on 1/1/2008. They were pretty good in that 2007 season.
December 11th, 2023 at 2:19 AM ^
Carr came out with a completely new offense for that game. And it was glorious.
December 11th, 2023 at 6:38 AM ^
One of the most glorious moments in my Fandom. We need some kind of 30 for 30 on how that team won the bowl game and the decisions that led up to installing a new offense. I would love to hear from insiders what happened between the OSU game and Florida that year.
December 11th, 2023 at 8:29 AM ^
I'm by no means an insider but what I've read indicated they wanted to implement that offense much earlier in the year but both Henne and Hart got injured very early in the year and those injuries delayed rolling out that offense.
December 11th, 2023 at 10:13 AM ^
Tom Moore was brought in during the off season to show the Michigan coaches the offense he was developing for the Colts. Manning went on to great success with it.
They didn't want to use it for the Horror and afterwards injuries prevented it from being implemented until the bowl game.
December 11th, 2023 at 7:42 AM ^
Amazing what a man can do when he knows there is quite literally no tomorrow for his coaching career.
As fun as that game was, all I and just about every other fan must've been asking afterwards was:
"Where in the ABSOLUTE HELL was this gameplan all year?"
December 11th, 2023 at 8:28 AM ^
Yes, I did ask that. And this was spectacular!
December 11th, 2023 at 8:24 AM ^
I don't have the memory for old games the way some here do, but THAT game...
That game I remember. We had some commitment somehwere and I had to tape (yes, TAPE the game, ya know, on a VCR). Watched it as soon as I got home. Sat there stunned. Where has THIS offense been my whole life? If you can do THAT, what have we been doing all this time? I finished that game equal parts amazed and seriously pissed off at Lloyd for not having used all this imagination BEFORE he decided to retire.
December 11th, 2023 at 6:42 AM ^
And in 2015 & 2017 - amirite?!
December 11th, 2023 at 3:17 PM ^
ah yes, the "where the fuck has THAT been for the last 10 years, Lloyd?!" game.
December 11th, 2023 at 12:09 AM ^
had a hard time seeing the tide or UGA as elite this year. Play fast on D. Be methodical on O. Win special teams. No unforced errors.
Bama is good at football.
December 11th, 2023 at 12:12 AM ^
Was this analysis written by A.I.???
December 11th, 2023 at 12:15 AM ^
No.
It's written by the VN.
*vast network
December 11th, 2023 at 12:15 AM ^
I get that alot.
December 11th, 2023 at 12:47 AM ^
I’ve experienced the opportunity to re-watch ...
Alabama’s QB, Monroe is a Denard/Tate Forcier hybrid.
...who hold the ability to control slightly off target passes....
Subjectively, it seemed that they either stuffed the run game at the LOS, or allowed a 15 yard run. I know that due to prior tape, Alabama knows Michigan will run the ball...
Over the last 20 years, Alabama has transpired the definition of a juggernaut.
...put a singular nail into Nick Saben’s coaching career
I seriously think this is A.I. This is really odd language use, and I grade freshman essays for a living.
December 11th, 2023 at 1:43 AM ^
On the other hand, misspelling Milroe and Saban almost seem like human mistakes? Bizarre post, though. AI or genuine, between the misspellings, typos, and awkward verbiage, it's hard to take the analysis that seriously
December 11th, 2023 at 1:43 AM ^
AI wouldn't have misspelled the QB and HC names, though...
December 11th, 2023 at 8:12 AM ^
It just would have inserted phrases like “As Milroe’s article in The Journal of Evolutionary Biology shows…”
December 11th, 2023 at 6:12 AM ^
It for sure doesn’t pass mustard.
December 11th, 2023 at 10:10 AM ^
"Transpired" is the one that really stood out to me as misuse of a word. I'm assuming OP meant something similar to "typified" or "exemplified" or "epitomized."
December 11th, 2023 at 10:53 AM ^
Was the post about Alabama vs Michigan football written by AI is a controversial question with many arguments for either side even to this day.
AI was a film by Steven Spielberg, beloved by many, with music by John Williams, the famous composer of Star Wars Suite.
Michigan and Alabama features two very good teams. Alabama is a dynasty coached by Nick Saban. Michigan won the Big Ten against Iowa in a shut out. So people think either team could likely win.
In summary, the post could have been written by AI, a widely seen phenomenon. On the other hand, a human might have written it as well by the signs. It is likely to be debated for years to come.
The only thing that is certain will be the cheers of "Hail Roll Blue Tide!" to ring in the new year!
I like turtles.
December 11th, 2023 at 1:48 AM ^
Glad I wasn't the only one that thought that while reading this...
December 11th, 2023 at 8:32 AM ^
MAYBE WE ALL ARE AI IN A VAST NETWORKED SIMULATION.
Now we all know. #Proof
December 11th, 2023 at 12:13 AM ^
I hope we go all the way, or even win 1 playoff game. But I was wearing my hoodie at the grocery store the other day and a guy asked if I’d rather beat OSU or win the national championship and my natural response was beat OSU.
I can’t explain it. It just is what it is. But again, I really hope we can win a playoff game or two this year and would be ESTATIC if we won it all!
December 11th, 2023 at 2:20 AM ^
You gave the correct answer. I'd gladly go 1-11 every year forever if it meant that we would beat Ohio State
December 11th, 2023 at 7:02 AM ^
Yeah, I really wouldn't. Going 1-11 & beating osu wouldn't be any kind of satisfying anymore because they'd still make the 12-team field with a chance to win the NC.
Let's take last year's playoff as an example. Osu went from humiliated that they still couldn't beat Michigan, at home in beautiful weather, to within feet of upsetting Uga & almost certainly beating tcu for the title.
That would have taken a whole lot of the pleasure of beating them away, while simultaneously making the loss to tcu even more painful.
Beating osu in the regular season is just going to be a big step going forward - but not The Game - in the pursuit of the ultimate prize.
Sorry issa...
December 11th, 2023 at 8:17 AM ^
Beating ohio is more important than making the playoffs.
December 11th, 2023 at 9:10 AM ^
Would OSU really have beaten TCU?
They were terrible against the big plays...and TCU was ALL big plays last year.
December 11th, 2023 at 9:34 AM ^
I'm with you here, but I think TCU would have "out toughed" osu.
December 11th, 2023 at 12:27 AM ^
After watching 2 games of intensive breakdown, you named Alabama's QB as "Monroe". Enough said.
Milroe is built completely different then the QBs you mentioned. He has the body of a strong safety or smaller LB. If he is not hit low he will stay upright. Glancing blows won't do much. We have seen this movie before. Neither of Michigans QBs had that body. He can be a Lamar Jackson type next year if he builds on his game. He is also young and still inconsistent. Who knows what version of himself will show this game. Michigan has been awful against running QBs since McNabb waltzed into AA decades ago. We will see. Milroe has a big arm (not as great as Joe Milton of course who could throw 80 yards sitting on his ass blindfolded) and running ability but struggles AT TIMES just with intermediate passing.
Ironically their best WR (Burton) is a transfer from Georgia. Averages 20+ a catch. Bond is not as explosive but has JSN qualities which will drive Michigan fans crazy based on what I have seen. Reminds me of Amon St Brown. If our ends don't get to "Monroe" we are going to be in a world of hurt. I am worried about Bond as they probably throw Johnson on Burton and then Bond is going to be playing vs who knows and has the lateral quickness to hurt us.
December 11th, 2023 at 12:33 AM ^
You are correct, I incorrectly spelled his name. That being said, he wasn't great at the "tush push" play even if he is a big boy. Michigan has absolutely been bad against running QB's with past coaches lol. I don't think that Michigan has this one in the bag, but they have a great shot! Go Blue!
December 11th, 2023 at 9:26 AM ^
Isn’t Orji 6’3, 236lbs, and Monroe 6’2, 220lbs?
December 11th, 2023 at 12:27 AM ^
Another thing about Milroe is that he can be pretty inaccurate. He will hit Michigan with some lightning bolts, but he will turf balls as well and set up multiple 3rd downs in which a sack or a pick are possible. I expect the game to come down to how solid of a shell can Michigan keep around Milroe.
If JJ is on, we should score in the ballpark of 30. Defense will need to make that enough to win.
December 11th, 2023 at 12:33 AM ^
Unfortunately, Texas and Georgia are a lot better than anyone we've played this year.
December 11th, 2023 at 12:38 AM ^
Georgia probably still the best team in the nation so good they got knocked out by a one off game. Bama is hot and cold, if we get Bama v Georgia we gone. If we get Bama vs 4 other teams we win. So much variability from their QB. And if we are going to be stubborn UM like last 5 decades and just practice the same old plays on film for a month or try other things.
We are told we have a first round grade QB. He needs to play like that.
December 11th, 2023 at 1:40 AM ^
The strange thing is after Bama who did Texas play? They lost to Oklahoma who is ranked behind Penn State? Then they played a bunch of Marylands if Maryland had a Big Ten West schedule. Iowa is ranked ahead of Ok st. I dont know Texas may be great but how are we the “Aint played nobody” team and our schedule looks slightly better than theirs?
December 11th, 2023 at 8:23 AM ^
I'm not sure I agree with this. First off Texas beat Alabama and Georgia were without their two biggest offensive weapons for much of the game and when they were in, they were clearly hobbled. I would argue that OSU is better this year than last even without the NFL rookie of the year. Their defence is better, their offence is just as good....They should have actually beat Georgia last year and Georgia is definitey not as good this year as they were last year. Texa for me is just too hard to get a handle on. some games they lok like world beaters and others they look pretty mediocre. Either way I think OSU this year is better than Texas so to say we haven't played anyone close to Georgia and Texas, in my opinion, is flat wrong.
December 11th, 2023 at 1:39 AM ^
2 things worry me. Michigan has been dreadful in bowl games for well ever it seems, second is Saban getting a month to plan for this game. I don't care they struggled with so and so. This is a different beast.
December 11th, 2023 at 1:42 AM ^
If we beat Bama it will be a tougher win than any of the 3 PSU, 3 OSU, or Big Ten Champ wins. Itll be a nailbiter and they will score.
December 11th, 2023 at 5:31 AM ^
Saban had a year to prepare for playing UGA (since everyone knew they were almost a certainty to win the SEC East again).
December 11th, 2023 at 4:13 AM ^
Michigan's defense under Minter has been mostly good against running QB's.
2023 Taulia: 8 runs, -43 yards, long of 7.
2022 Taulia: 4 runs, 20 yards, long of 9.
2022 Clifford: 6 runs, 74 yards, long of 62. (I.e., one bust and not bad on the rest.)
2022 Thorne: 5 runs, 2 yards, long of 12.
2022 Chubba Purdy: 5 runs, 39 yards, long of 13.
Those are some good dual-threat QB's. Michigan did fine.
Now, there is one other. The TCU game. That, to me, is uncharacteristically bad play calling and execution mistakes that happened to get maximally punished. Yes, Michigan will have to to better than that one.
December 11th, 2023 at 6:56 AM ^
Taulia*. Milroe is 10x the runner of any of these guys. He has Lamar Jackson speed. He will have his runs but Michigan will have to take advantage of his turnovers
December 11th, 2023 at 8:20 AM ^
Minter’s experience with the ravens may be useful here, as he’s certainly seen the variety of strategies teams used to try to contain Jackson. Whether “strategy” is the most important factor, though, isn’t clear to me. Seems like rush discipline and avoiding overpursuit and missed tackles may be the most important thing
December 11th, 2023 at 2:51 PM ^
Thanks for catching that (Taulia). I fixed it. +1 to you, sir.
December 11th, 2023 at 4:54 AM ^
Milroe to me seems like Taulia + Milton. Scrambly, sometimes great throws, can throw it a long distance, is big, but sometimes bad throws, sometimes holds it too long, sometimes bad decisions.
If our defense is able to get to Milroe, he will not have an easy time of it. If our defense gives confusing coverage, he will not have an easy time of it. And under Minter, our defense has mostly been good against QB runs.
I think our defense will do well. Minter is a wizard. Our players on defense are great.
On offense, it might be that we are able to run it well on Alabama. I've read that their interior D line isn't the strongest we've played. If so, maybe it's a python game.
If Alabama can close down our running, though, I think we can still do great if we unleash the Don into the passing game, and let JJ do more passing. We've got the Don, Loveland, Barner, Wilson, CJ. Also, if our running gets clogged, I hope Mullings gets some carries (as he reminds me a lot of Haskins).
Alabama's defense on average is not nearly as good as Ohio State, Penn State, or Iowa. Alabama's offense on average is not nearly as good as Ohio State's.
December 11th, 2023 at 11:53 AM ^
Scrambly, sometimes great throws, can throw it a long distance, is big, but sometimes bad throws, sometimes holds it too long, sometimes bad decisions.
I think the underrated part of Minter's prep for the OSU game is the amount of coverage looks he threw at McCord et al. Yes, you have to have guys execute, and ours did... enough.
But, with a guy like Milroe especially, if you can get him to have to take that extra beat to figure out what he's seeing before he makes a decision and throws it, that's an extra beat that Jenkins/Graham/Grant can get in his lap and move him off his spot. If we have a Colson/Barrett spy of sorts to keep him from getting to the edge untouched, I like our schematic ability to throw different looks at him that get him to make late throws or throws to the wrong spot/man.