Expectations for the Run Game
Last year Shea had a big play on the Arc Keeper after rarely keeping the ball at all up to that point in the season. Back then it was unclear if that was done intentionally or not, and this year we have the same questions. I don't know whether its Shea's injury, game planning, or TOs which affected the game flow. It could be all, but obviously our run game has been lackluster.
At the end of the day even if Gattis isn't the home run hire we wanted. This is basically the same O line, and the same QB running much of the same base running plays. We have to believe that at least we should be AS good on the ground as we were last year, where we rushed for 320 against UW, all be it at home. Whatever the reasons I expect the offense to look much better. I also expect some wrinkles. What are you expectations?
Also, on MgoVideo i continually see that drill where Shea gives on the IZ then gets another ball to rep the triple option. I don't believe we have seen that yet have we? Hard to believe they would drill it like that without it being part of the game plan at some point...right?
September 20th, 2019 at 1:14 PM ^
You know you're in the BPONE when you go back to read Opponent Watch and for a second thought it read BPONEnt Watch... Guilty.
Dear Wolverine football players - reach your hands down into this pit and pull us out tomorrow!
September 20th, 2019 at 1:14 PM ^
My expectations for the run game is the crowd won't get very close to the Area 51 border before they are first warned via loudspeaker to stay out and then warning shots are fired. A few folks will proceed with the run game and will get tranquilized.
September 20th, 2019 at 1:16 PM ^
Our similar offensive players is only 1/2 of the football field. Wisconsin has different personnel this year, so that figures heavily into the success we have.
September 20th, 2019 at 1:17 PM ^
My expectation is that we pass to set up the run. Run a few QB keepers early to put the defense on their toes. Be unpredictable and attack attack attack. Get up early, shut the crowd up, and don’t let the foot off the gas.
September 20th, 2019 at 2:03 PM ^
I would have qualified this as my hope...but probably not my expectation.
September 20th, 2019 at 2:44 PM ^
I’m a pretty optimistic person by nature, but if not now then when? Gloves off time.
September 20th, 2019 at 1:18 PM ^
"What are you expectations?"
Predominantly running on first down; 2.4 yds/carry; punts.
September 20th, 2019 at 1:29 PM ^
I mean my ideal expectation is simple. Show the full arsenal of the running game as far as looks go. Don't let Wisky key on one thing. Unfortunately I think the staff is going to hone in on the fact that Wisky is starting a true freshmen at NT, so what I expect to see is a crapload of runs up the middle. I will say if that is working and the interior of the line is handling Wisky than they should keep doing it. I just don't think a physical and sound defense is going to get manhandled like that though.
I mean if we expand it further to the whole offense, I just want to see the offense that was hyped up the spring as one that was going to make the defense defend the whole field. I don't think Wisky has the elite athletes to truly do that against a team with good talent. This is a traditional good Wisky defense, very physical and sound, but can be had if you have the athletes to take advantage of it.
September 20th, 2019 at 2:55 PM ^
"A crapload of runs up the middle." A bold prediction, sir, as no one would ever guess that would happen with Harbaugh in charge. I'm joking and I actually love the guy but this OCD he has sending a back into a 22 man front 12 times a game needs to stop.
September 20th, 2019 at 1:35 PM ^
Wisconsin's OL are not known for their speed. So, if it's raining and Michigan wants to go with its old run it up the middle vs a stacked box, we are toast. If they want to actually do speed in space, its going to work to our advantage.
September 20th, 2019 at 1:35 PM ^
MTSU first half was fine on offense. Didn't need anything in the second half. I don't know what was up with the Army game. Injury to Shea, just a weird game plan...not sure. But I am willing to disregard it at the moment.
Zach or no Zach, I am looking for--I am EXPECTING--to air it out to Nico, Tarik, Eubanks, and Bell. Shea can throw it downfield. The run game, we'll do just enough to keep them honest. If we end up running it into the line over and over it's only going to be because it's working and we're killing clock up three scores in the 4th quarter.
September 20th, 2019 at 2:14 PM ^
MTSU first half was fine on offense.
The first half looked more than fine. The offense looked dynamic in a way that it hasn't in a long time. The bones are there, but the coaches keep shutting it down - I think due to all of the fumbles.
Hopefully everyone stops dropping the ball and we finally see a full game of the offense humming.
September 20th, 2019 at 1:42 PM ^
Honestly, a great run game would be great, but what I'd like to see are correct reads and good execution. If Wiscy sells out to stop the run, I'd be happy with less than a hundred on the ground and 450 through the air. In other words, I'd like Gattis's system to do what it is designed to do.
September 20th, 2019 at 2:22 PM ^
The offense is designed to use the pass to set up the run, so ideally there should be more passing yards than rushing yards. With that being said, running the ball for 2 yards/carry is not what the offense is designed to do. Each rush should be significant, but that requires an effective passing game to keep the defense on edge. Without an effective passing game the running game will look miserable.
September 20th, 2019 at 1:43 PM ^
Maybe I’m an idiot but I look at their roster vs our roster and I don’t see us losing this game. Take the 3 points, double down and sit back and watch UM play like the team we expected coming into the season.
When the game ends, collect your winnings and use it to buy your tickets to the Big Ten title game.
This is the game where it all turns around. UM 37 Wisky 13
September 20th, 2019 at 1:56 PM ^
On paper UM has better athletes overall, but that will only matter if the coaches utilize it. Also I would like to point out that Wisky has the best player in this game, in Taylor. I really wish I could have your optimism, but at best if I squint I can see maybe a toss up kinda game.
September 20th, 2019 at 1:57 PM ^
I don’t think there is enough there to move from Michigan -7 preseason to now a 3.5pt dog. They’ve played 2 games. Wisconsin played tomato cans and everyone looks bad against Army. Maryland looked like world beaters the first 2 games too. And then came out and shit the bed against Temple. Fuck BPONE. I’m taking Michigan to win
September 20th, 2019 at 2:59 PM ^
We will smoke Wisconsin by 20 tomorrow with one caveat. I'll take 7 points away from this projected win for every 3 carries up the middle into an 8 man box.
September 20th, 2019 at 2:47 PM ^
I'd love to have your optimism.
September 20th, 2019 at 7:38 PM ^
September 20th, 2019 at 2:03 PM ^
I feel like this could be the week the running game truly comes to fruition. The game last year showed that if you can get the ball outside good things can happen. I understand there was some attrition defensively for Wisconsin, but Higdon was very efficient and Patterson and McCaffrey had opportunities as ball carriers as well. If the proper reads are made this could be the game where we see what we’ve been waiting for.
September 20th, 2019 at 2:12 PM ^
Hate to be a negative Nancy but if Charbonnet isn't available and it's on the road and Patterson isn't a great passer then I would assume Wisconsin will win.
I will watch tomorrow but I just don't believe in Patterson to be effective as a passer. Patterson sort of reminds me of the Cam Newton type qb. Not comparing the two players because clearly Newton is on a different level but only their effectiveness when they can't run.
I see a 14-10 type game. I hope UM wins. They do have the receivers. UM is just a passing qb and a healthy Charbonnet from being a good offense.
September 20th, 2019 at 2:22 PM ^
0 fumbles would be spectacular
September 20th, 2019 at 2:36 PM ^
My expectation is that Patterson is going to hand the ball off the majority of the time. Shea appears to be a mobile quarterback but nothing in the 3+ years he's been playing college football indicates that he is going to run the ball. His rushing statistics are just slightly better than Steven Threet as an example of his productivity in the run game. The truth is he's much more of a pro style quarterback with athletic enough ability to keep the defense honest and extend plays.
September 20th, 2019 at 2:41 PM ^
I'm hoping they make a statement.
September 20th, 2019 at 3:05 PM ^
What's Wisconsin's field goal kicker like?
September 20th, 2019 at 3:29 PM ^
3 ypc . Power football will not work tomorrow
September 20th, 2019 at 9:23 PM ^
If the coaches call a good game tomorrow and the kids don't win then that's life, they did their best, move on. If the offense is totally predictable, again, and our opponents defense starts overloading, again, and we make no effective adjustments and have a less explosive offense than 4 quarters of consecutive fullback dives, again?Then, yeah. Pitchforks. Extra pointy pitchforks. Unless you're aquaman, he can use his trident, if he wants.
September 20th, 2019 at 9:33 PM ^
Running the ball out of the shot gun isn't the same kind of the down hill power game that the double tight end two back sets bring. That said, Shea has two more weeks honing his skill in reading the conflict defender.
His injury is behind him and I think the butter fingers as well. The run games success Saturday, will be greatly effected by Michigan's ability of stretching the field and throwing over the top the line backers. Any early success in mid crossing routes, fly routes and such will give the OL good blocking numbers. Anything less that modest success down field will bring lower yards per carry. I believe that Shea's injuries and turnovers rattled him in the Army game. he will pass in the high 200s. Runyans return and good pass protection will insure a Michigan win.
I will add, lets see if Wisconsin has the speed to cover the edge. Patterson should keep much more tomorrow.
September 21st, 2019 at 7:12 AM ^
This game is needed for Michigan. Id rather my team face adversity on the road and have to measure up than shine by running the ball over sub par D lines. I think these guys man up and take that major step before this game is over.