Coaching Question: When to play non-starters
I was disappointed that Priestly from EMU kept on gashing the right side for significant yardage Saturday. From what I could tell, Mouton was greatly missed. His replacement, Leach, got a lot of tackles, iirc, but they came after too much yardage.
Other than the disappointment of the defense giving up the rushing yards, I also was disappointed that the reserves couldn't get to the field sooner. The game was a bit too close from Michigan's perspective, possibly keeping Forcier et al in for a few more series.
I want to know what kind of margin is needed before coaches put in the 2nd string. I'm sure part of it is getting the first string more reps, especially on the offense. However, I continue to be very concerned about all parts of our defense: the line, the linebackers, and the secondary. Our depth is so bad that if Max Martin, Brandon Graham, or Warren go down, I'm concerned that no one will be able to adequately fill the gap. Any real game experience that subs can get will only help.
This question goes particularly to Indiana and Delaware State. Should we get a 3 score lead in any game, it seems that we should get the subs as much game experience as possible. Thoughts?
September 21st, 2009 at 9:46 AM ^
Ya, that Max Martin better stay healthy or we are screwed...
September 21st, 2009 at 10:45 AM ^
It's not too often you see a RB convert to DT. I can't believe he still has eligibility left over!
September 21st, 2009 at 9:48 AM ^
I agree that we need to get the second team some reps and IMO opinion it should be done once you have a substantial lead midway through the third or early in the fourth quarter. But on the other hand, let's not forget that a good amount of our starters need the experience against perceived lesser opponents in order to be ready further into the schedule as well so it is somewhat of a double edged sword.
September 21st, 2009 at 3:11 PM ^
I'd say 21 points if its before the end of the 3rd quarter. Maybe 14 by the fourth assuming your opponent is pretty well under control the way Eastern was by the fourth this past Saturday.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:55 AM ^
In Leach's defense, i will say for a walk-on he did pretty well. its just too bad for our depths sake that we had to use a walk on. Anyone know if Big Will is going to get in more often, or at all? I feel like i havent seen him in yet, but i may also be selectively blind.
September 21st, 2009 at 10:15 AM ^
to what you said regarding Leach, the Big Ten didn't inform Michigan of Mouton's suspension until AFTER Thursday's practice, which meant that Michigan had exactly ZERO practices to prepare for Leach's installation into the starting lineup. Had Gerg had more than, oh, 36 hours to reformulate his linebacker formations, and had the team been able to practice even once while accounting for Leach's presence in the lineup, things may have been different.
The Big Ten's decision was abysmal on so many levels. They should not be allowed to dole out retroactive punishment at a point in the week past, say, Wednesday, when a team doesn't have enough time to adequately prepare for the arbitrary decisions the Big Ten has decided to make to be sure Fat Charlie is happy.
In this sense, the Big Ten can now take a seat next to the NCAA Clearinghouse (their delay in getting JT Turner cleared is the probable reason Turner's yet to play this year) in my doghouse.
September 21st, 2009 at 10:26 AM ^
A small lead can disappear quickly on a couple fluke plays. Need to get a big lead before putting in backups. Unless the backup is competing for starting time, the you want to see how he does in an undecided game.
September 21st, 2009 at 11:02 AM ^
24 points, or after 4-5 offensive series, whichever comes second.
Get the starters in, get some points, then blood the n00bs (and seniors that stick around!) as much as possible.