Best thing you saw: Week 4
If you just saw the score of the Michigan game, you'd think, 'hmm, about what I expected' but it was anything but in many respects. Elsewhere, Ferentz out-Franklin'd Franklin, and Bert out-Sumlin'd Sumlin. How Kirk and Bert biffed their games with late leads was stunning. Florida keeps making the win look better, but Georgia is rounding into the class of the SEC East. Big 12 gonna Big 12 - so much for the fighting Pickens.
With that the best of what I saw...
Non-Michigan: Sparty got throttled - though they really Plax'd themselves in the 2nd in what became 14pt swing when it was still a game. But...the end of the PSU-Iowa game was max entertainment and the best thing I saw.
Michigan: John. Emer. Effing. O'Korn.
I'm still disgusted by the hit that knocked out Speight - it seemed dirty, and the fact it didn't get a flag also chaps my arse. Coupled with 2 targeting calls, it seemed to be a theme for them on the day. Regardless, it sure seemed like after the OL got their starting QB maimed, they played a bit more inspired the rest of the game - certainly the blitz pick-ups improved. I pray Speight will be fine and thank my lucky Harbaughs the back-up was ready to go and performed at that level.
What you got?
September 24th, 2017 at 1:34 AM ^
Coupled with MSU's, Maryland's (what was that about?) and Penn State's, the schedule doesn't look as arduous as it did 24 hours ago. Everything's still on track.
September 24th, 2017 at 2:28 AM ^
Hardly anyone can score on us this year, but watching the Oline continually break down is depressing.
JOK extending plays under pressure is an unfortunately necessary asset, and one I feel pretty good about after today.
September 24th, 2017 at 8:49 AM ^
I agree. O'Korn's ability to avoid pressure, extend plays, dodge sacks was integral to our offensive production yesterday. If he were less mobile and didn't keep his head under pressure there is no way we score 28.
September 24th, 2017 at 10:45 AM ^
The OL needs work, but I thought the RBs also had a lot of trouble picking up blitzers.
September 24th, 2017 at 12:51 PM ^
the pocket might slow down the rush and make blitzes riskier.
September 24th, 2017 at 7:41 AM ^
starter last week when he went down. So it was third stringer against a tough, tough UCF squad. Everyone knows how tough they are. I don't see how Penn State eeking out a win at Kinnick puts anyone at ease about playing them. We struggled and lost last year in Iowa, it's tough to play there at night as a ranked team. Saquan is special, he definitely showed me some things yesterday; the game in Happy Valley is going to be huge. As for the Spartans, if there was a team that would use their last breath to spit at us it would be them; do not underestimate the Spartans. It was GREAT to see what JOK could do in Wilton's stead; hopefully Wilt will come back 100 percent but it looks like the team will be okay with John at the helm. Or is it Tiller?
September 24th, 2017 at 8:25 AM ^
They are nothing and will always be nothing
September 24th, 2017 at 8:58 AM ^
You must not have seen Leap yet.
September 24th, 2017 at 12:55 PM ^
Helm and tiller are essentially the same thing. Both steer the boat.
September 24th, 2017 at 9:00 AM ^
I think we beat MSU, but MSU did outgain Notre Dame by about 150 yards. MSU shot themselves in the foot a lot: the fumble on the 1 inch line, the 50 yard pick-six, etc...
Hopefully they play as sloppy when out Dline is mauling their Oline.
September 24th, 2017 at 9:49 AM ^
Mork put up 8 points late when it was already decided to make it look better. Sometimes teams shoot themselves in the foot because the other team points the gun barrel that way. Staee is not good
September 24th, 2017 at 12:58 PM ^
The only reason it was over at the half was because of the fumble at the goal line causing a direct 14 point swing. They still moved the ball pretty damn well. Lewerke looked competent, and in general I thought they played better than I'd like them to.
September 24th, 2017 at 3:01 PM ^
MSU had 80 yards to stop that drive after the fumble. That drive took 5 plays plus a personal foul. Poor coaching and lack of character are issues that can't be fixed in 2 weeks.
September 24th, 2017 at 10:37 AM ^
Both teams looked bad at defense. Soft zone, bend but don't break on both sides. I didn't see much on the staee's offense I was worried about either. Their RBs are pretty good and the interior OL are good. Lewerke was pretty scatter shot and if they try running him against our D much Lewerke is going to get le worked.
September 24th, 2017 at 1:38 AM ^
Michigan division: The offense overcoming real (and persistent, and not necessarily fixed) struggles to put the boot to Purdue's throat in the second half. Great throws. Big holes. TDs in the red zone. With the bye week here, it's just what we needed to feel good about the team.
Non-Michigan division: Got to watch football for the better part of the day for the first time. The PSU-Iowa game was fantastic. Saquon Barkley is really, really good.
September 24th, 2017 at 1:41 AM ^
The Win, first (cliche, I know).. and the 2nd half grind. The D just wears em down after 4 quarters.
Oh.. and I love Devin Bush and Chase Winovich.
September 24th, 2017 at 8:39 AM ^
This was going to be my exact comment, but instead I'll go with...
Mr. GenTREE quickly becoming a force at tight end.
September 24th, 2017 at 10:50 AM ^
and I should add--tight end play. That's the kind of game that will pull top TE recruits--but either way, anyone should know, a TE is going to thrive at Michigan.
September 24th, 2017 at 11:03 AM ^
Michigan needs to find a way to get him the ball more. The guy is way too big for any DB to handle. The way he snared that high throw yesterday, he made it look easy. He's going to be playing on Sundays is my prediction.
September 24th, 2017 at 10:19 AM ^
the QB gets Bushovich'd. I don't feel sorry for them, it isn't like they don't have choices. They could go for Mo Hurts and Gary after all.
September 24th, 2017 at 12:59 PM ^
Bush is my favorite player in a while. Dude is everywhere.
September 24th, 2017 at 1:47 AM ^
Improvement at the QB position. Utilization of tight ends. Red zone success.
September 24th, 2017 at 3:51 AM ^
Definitely improved QB play. In fact, the performance difference between Speight and O'Korn was so pronounced it makes me wonder how in the world it didn't exhibit itself to the coaching staff previously.
September 24th, 2017 at 7:17 AM ^
and it turns out the coach who benched him at Houston is now on the Purdue sideline. I'm sure he had this game mentally circled for some time; now you know the rest of the story.
September 24th, 2017 at 2:01 AM ^
Heisman runs... get Don Brown on this guy immediately. That is going to be a battle.
September 24th, 2017 at 2:23 AM ^
We've stopped Barkley every time we've played him. I'm more worried about our offense playing in front of 110,000 fans in a white out.
September 24th, 2017 at 2:28 AM ^
Players improve, things change. We had stopped David Boston every time we had played him, until 1998. OSU had stopped John Navarre every time they had played him, until 2003.
I expect Barkley to have a productive day against Michigan, because he's a great player. As great as this weekend? I sure hope not, and I think Michigan can limit the damage. But he's going to make plays and get yards. And, to be honest, with the aggressive style Michigan plays, he's probably going to be left one-on-one with someone like McCray and totally burn them for a huge play at least once.
But that doesn't mean that the defense can't otherwise lock down PSU. What will the offense do? That remains to be seen.
If only there were an example of a Michigan team with a great defense and a suspect offense travelling to Happy Valley as an underdog in a huge game with serious national implications.
September 24th, 2017 at 2:52 AM ^
It'll be one on one with Bush. It's going to be amazing to watch.
September 24th, 2017 at 10:54 AM ^
Iowa had Jewell on Barkley 1-on-1 a few times, especially late, and Jewell couldn't quite wrangle him down. He did get the best of Barkley a few times though.
Is Bush really going to be checking Barkley? Wouldn't it more likely be a combo of McCray and Bush at times? Concerning because McCray defintely isn't great on he edge and Barkley is a whole different animal. Gesicki is a match up problem and so is Barkley and that would seem to be some combo of McCray, Bush, and Hudson on those 2.
September 24th, 2017 at 3:04 AM ^
Can't remember a RB doing much against us with Don Brown. The last time we got burned on the ground was against Ezekiel Elliott in 2015 or Jordan Howard the week before but we had DL injuries. I think that we aren't going to get gashed with Bush, Winovich, Hurst, Gary and a suspect PSU OL. He may get some big plays like he had 1-2 last year against us.
September 24th, 2017 at 10:24 AM ^
Akrum Wadley and Dalvin Cook
September 24th, 2017 at 5:35 AM ^
Can you share some of your points with me ??
September 24th, 2017 at 7:49 AM ^
The first rule of MGoBlog is we do not talk about MGoPoints. The second rule...you know the rest.
September 24th, 2017 at 10:06 AM ^
Barkley was really good. However, Iowa tackling was pretty bad. So many shakes they bit on. I am hoping our athletes are better in space and the containment has to be really good.
September 24th, 2017 at 1:02 PM ^
I'd bet you a dozen high quality donuts that Brown game plans this one directly around stopping Barkley. That's the whole key to shutting down PSU's offense. Do that, and make them throw the ball.
September 24th, 2017 at 9:34 AM ^
If they spent 200+ reps on the triple option you can guarantee Brown has already been scheming how to stop Barkley.
September 24th, 2017 at 2:12 AM ^
THe blocking on the last TD. Beauties from Poggi and Wheatley.
September 24th, 2017 at 2:32 AM ^
John O'Korn. I can't believe that was the same guy who looked completely flustered against Indiana last season. He carried the offense today.
September 24th, 2017 at 4:43 AM ^
Leaders rise to the occasion
September 24th, 2017 at 7:59 AM ^
John OKorn has credited Pep Hamilton with coming in and restoring his confidence. JOK has the physical talent he showed as a freshman but you have to have a TON of confidence to throw that ball into the middle of a defense and trust that your receiver is going to get there and catch it. Way to go Pep and John OKorn!
Go Blue! no boo
September 24th, 2017 at 2:38 AM ^
John Okorn and execution on offense. As we develop a passing game it will back guys out of the box and make things easier on the line and open up the running game. If okorn makes decisions to run a little quicker he can kill teams. I see a Michigan team that will become much more dominant on the scoreboard moving forward.
For the record purdue is a dirty team and has the whinyest coach in the big ten. The guy spent ten minutes yelling at the line judge. Line judge broh, he does not call pass interference asshole. Purdue got away with murder on the late hit on Speight, but I think did us a favor. I like Speight as a person and am sure he is allright, but OKorn is the better QB and should start the rest of the year. Peters played one play but man that kid just looks the part.
September 24th, 2017 at 3:30 AM ^
I chuckle whenever I see Michigan fans complaining about coaches whining towards refs on a sideline as if the rest of the country doesn’t say the same thing about our coach....you know the one coach in the country that managed to get a Tech on a football field in a crucial game against OSU while having a dedicated coaching cam on ESPN.
Harbaugh has turned it down this year. He’s not nearly as tantrum prone, which is a good thing imo
September 24th, 2017 at 4:03 AM ^
I agree that JH was flirting with disaster a lot last year, given some of his sideline theatrics; but did he ever get flagged until THAT crew took the field in the OSU game? Honest question. Given their other antics, I’m guessing those clowns couldn’t wait for a chance to hit him with 15 yards.
September 24th, 2017 at 7:51 AM ^
That was the first time I ever saw a technical foul called in football.
September 24th, 2017 at 10:06 AM ^
That's what made it clear they had an agenda, as opposed to 'just' horrendous officiating
September 24th, 2017 at 2:40 AM ^
Purdue was 0-for-12 on third downs, punted 11 times, barely moved at all in the second half. For a team that lost seven defensive players in the first four rounds of the last draft, Michigan has itself a Defense.
Saquon Barkley has everything you could want in a running back. He'd have my Heisman vote right now if I had one. I think he's a top-three pick next year and October 21 is that Defense's biggest test this season.
They lost, and it's not week 4 college football, but the 49ers' Pierre Garcon had this catch (initially called incomplete) on the sidelines where he defied several of Newton's laws.
Repeating myself, but pretty much anything Devin Bush did today.
September 24th, 2017 at 2:46 AM ^
Nuff said. That guy was a boss today.