Density of Fat vs. Muscle & implications for Michigan
I enjoyed reading the diary by Blue Heron on the myth of Big 10 size (http://mgoblog.com/diaries/myth-big-10-size) A comment in the diary by CRex on body fat mass per conference got me thinking. While that level of data would probably be hard to compile, we can be reasonably sure that under Barwis, fat has decreased and muscle mass has increased.
According to The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 56:B191-B197 (2001), muscle is almost 20% denser than fat. If, in fact, Michigan lineman, both on offense and defense, have decreased fat content and increased muscle mass, say by 5%, I think that our lineman could appear smaller, but actually weigh the same as a lineman who had higher fat content.
This also doesn't account for changes in strength, agility, endurance, and stamina. I believe that both at the end of games and the end of the season, superior conditioning will weigh heavily in Michigan's favor.
I remember attending the 2004 Rose Bowl, and being struck by how our linemen were often winded, with their hands on their hips, manhandled by USC. I am so glad that under Barwis, we can look forward to Michigan playing hard and keeping up with any opponent they face.
October 5th, 2010 at 11:17 AM ^
In our offense, it is essential to get 1st and 2nd level blocks. Having quick, strong and agile lineman the reason we lead the nation in rushing. (Denard helps, but it's not 1 vs. 11)
Our lineman dictate the tempo and are laying the hits instead of receiving the blows from the linebackers and lineman. I think that as the season progresses, you'll see Michigan start to wear down these oversized lineman and linebackers because we're using their size against them.
Additionally, dipping any offense player in Barwis' urine essentially makes them Ulysses.
That is all.
October 5th, 2010 at 11:31 AM ^
October 5th, 2010 at 11:55 AM ^
I'd say they could easily have a 10 lb swing in a day. (they being 300lb athletes)
I weigh around 195, and my weight can fluxuate about 5lbs any given day. Think about just hydration. If you have 4 - 8oz glasses of water (1 nalgene bottle) that's over 2lbs. You just gain the weight
October 5th, 2010 at 11:40 AM ^
Just speculation on my part. I do think that Barwis is paying more attention to this than Gittleson, but I don't think they would easily release this kind of data.
October 5th, 2010 at 12:33 PM ^
I don't know, but it's obvious Barwis is doing something right when you watch Patrick Omameh crushing people, then barely losing a step chasing Stonum down the field vs. UMass.
October 5th, 2010 at 12:50 PM ^
If fat is more dense than muscle, that would be telling. On the other hand, if muscle is more dense than fat, that would also be telling.
<assumes "The Thinker" pose>
Barwis is badass, but the advantage Michigan has over other teams (also using modern methods) has been greatly overstated.
October 5th, 2010 at 2:19 PM ^