BTN UM practice assesment
Sorry this is from the Freep, but at least it's not any of their writers doing the analysis...just quoting a BTN analyst who has access.
Things to like: Hoke's coaching, receivers, DRob,
Things to worry about: a drop off after MM on the D line.
http://www.freep.com/article/20110819/SPORTS06/110819023/BTN-analyst-li…
August 19th, 2011 at 12:39 PM ^
we have read from an independent observer. Recruiting - check. Intangibles - check. Coordinators - check. Coaching fundamentals - check. Gets it - check. Return to prominence - check back soon.
August 19th, 2011 at 1:14 PM ^
I'd even take a return to relevance.
August 19th, 2011 at 1:16 PM ^
darn android
August 19th, 2011 at 2:12 PM ^
it is imparitive you hit post comment only once! I have learned the hard way!
August 19th, 2011 at 8:22 PM ^
Michigan got more national press at 7-6 than Sparty did a 11-2. THAT is relevance.
August 20th, 2011 at 1:53 AM ^
What do you know.... A reference about MSU in a post by Tater, SHOCKING! Just admit you're an addict it's the first step to recovery. This thread has absolutely nothing to do with MSU and yet you still find a way to slip them in here. Unbo.
August 19th, 2011 at 1:14 PM ^
I'd even take a return to relevance.
August 19th, 2011 at 1:14 PM ^
I'd even take a return to relevance.
August 19th, 2011 at 12:56 PM ^
Sheesh!
August 19th, 2011 at 12:52 PM ^
Might want to edit that one
August 19th, 2011 at 12:56 PM ^
I'm glad you didn't respond directly to me.
August 19th, 2011 at 1:00 PM ^
Is Chris Martin still with Big Ten Network?
To which I'll add: "God I hope not"
August 19th, 2011 at 1:16 PM ^
August 19th, 2011 at 1:39 PM ^
Look, I know the DBs were bad last year, but we had the last two guys on our depth chart at CB, both true freshmen, getting significant playing time. We had three different safeties start games as freshmen (both Gordons and Carvin). At the start of the season, we had three DBs who had been on a college field before, one was a former walk-on and one missed the second half of the season anyway. Rogers was the third and he just wasn't very good.
Sub in Woolfolk for Rogers, add in a year of experience on all of those guys as well as a group of true frosh who can actually provide some competition during practices and I'd expect this group to take a major leap forward. They won't be the best unit in the league, but they won't be the laughing stock either.
August 19th, 2011 at 2:58 PM ^
Your assessment is spot-on and it was nice to read it in that clear, compact form. I appreciate you taking the time. I guess after the past year or so of being so down on the secondary it is hard not to carry that into this season as well. Its refreshing to read your comment and actually feel somewhat optimistic about this group again!
August 19th, 2011 at 3:26 PM ^
Let's not forget that our pass rush was less than stellar last year. QB's had 7 to 8 seconds at times to pick us apart and any D1 QB with that kind of time can hurt you. No DB can be expected to maintain coverage for that amount of time. If the D Line improves the DB's will as well.
August 19th, 2011 at 4:31 PM ^
August 20th, 2011 at 1:28 PM ^
This string of comments has taken me beyond optimistism in regards to our defense. Is it possible this defense could be good? They'll inevitably be mistake prone at times simply due to the inexperience of the players and their roles within the system, but is it too far of a stretch to think this d has top 40 potential?
August 19th, 2011 at 4:30 PM ^
Ray Vinopal.
Enough said.
August 19th, 2011 at 1:50 PM ^
No longer freshmen and sophomores galore. What do ya know?
August 19th, 2011 at 1:23 PM ^
the defensive backs have talent.
August 19th, 2011 at 1:30 PM ^
angered the AMDBHG. Commence panic.
August 19th, 2011 at 1:51 PM ^
Poor Tloy.
August 19th, 2011 at 4:11 PM ^
“You have Mike Martin, who is a tremendous defensive player, but after that, it’s a drop-off. Once they get back to guys on the offensive and defensive lines, that’s when you’ll know Michigan football is back."
I have to agree with that assessment. And what's more I am troubled by the fact we refused Tommy Schutt a visit. It seems to me there is lots of playing time available up-front starting next year. Martin is gone in 2012. Campbell is unproven as of this writing and would only have 1 year of eligibility remaining. That would leave is w/ Richard Ash and QWashington as the only two players currently on the roster who are slotted on the DL. That's not exactly what I call an embarrassment of riches up front. Pipkins of course will be here next year but another DL certainly wouldn't hurt...We need girth up front. Our defenses have gotten pushed around these last 3 years. If we can hold the line of scrimmage I guarantee you the defense as an overall unit will do well in the future. But to me it all starts up front...
August 19th, 2011 at 4:14 PM ^
We may have PT available next year up front, but when's the last time a true freshman DT started? They almost always need to pay their dues a year or more.
August 19th, 2011 at 4:35 PM ^
August 19th, 2011 at 5:42 PM ^
huggy bear will be missed.
August 19th, 2011 at 8:24 PM ^
I just can't wait to see the difference on the field. With the last 3 years of torture that we have all undergone, I just want to see a little redemption. Depth will hurt us for a year or so but I definitely like where we are going, and to hear guys like Griffth (that actually played against UM) say that things are heading in the right direction makes me feel good.
August 20th, 2011 at 12:33 PM ^
This quote stood out to me:
“Some guys say, 'My system is what’s most important.' That’s not the case here and shouldn’t be the case in college football.”
A not so subtle dig at our former coaching staff I'd say.