BlueDMD

September 8th, 2013 at 9:46 AM ^

Drank way too much last night. Sporting a nice hangover this morning. Can't seem to stop smiling though. Anybody get a look at what recruits were there to witness that greatness? Please tell me Hand was there.

Joined: 10/08/2010

MGoPoints: 323

Cali Wolverine

September 8th, 2013 at 9:46 AM ^

A few things I learned this weekend... (1) Football at the Big House under the lights is absolutely incredible (2) Hand is a really, really nice kid and LOVES, LOVES Michigan...he talks about Michigan like he is already committed (3) Bunting is really, really tall...he looks like he could play power forward (4) 2016 OL recruit Swenson is a mountain...I can't believe he is a sophomore (5) Rick's is a shit hole (6) I can still drink like a college student...but my recovery is a little slower (7) fried chicken macaroni & cheese from Zingerman's Roadhouse is amazing...BUT rough on the stomach!

Joined: 01/13/2013

MGoPoints: 21754

MGoStrength

September 8th, 2013 at 9:48 AM ^

...BUT since I find it easier to focus on what we need work on, I still have some concerns.  We gave up way more yards than I expected.  Countess is back and is our best DB, but the rest of our defensive backfield was not great.  They did do a good job of avoiding the big play but gave up a lot of yards in the intermediate passing game.  Clark was a non-factor and I think the pre-season hype was just hype.  Ojemudia looked like he got more pressure on the few snaps I saw him.  I hope Charlton gets some snaps too.  Our run defense seemed to miss Q-Wash, so I hope he is feeling better soon.  Gardner looked great for a lot of the game, but again he can't seem to get through an entire game without an INT.  He almost threw two and we got a break with a pass interference call.  And, although I love Gallon he seems to throw his way too often.  Sometimes I feel like he decides where he's gonna throw before he actually reads the play.  Kalis looked great, but Miller and Glasgow couldn't get much push.  I know they went up against a big front, but their performance needs to improve.

With all that negativity out of the way we got a win, which really sets us up for a great year and a possible BCS appearence, even if we don't win the B1G.  Both the Devin's had big games, Fitz looked good with limited space, Gallon was great, the defense held when they had to, etc.  I am a little worried that we have some of the same issues we had last year...not enough push from the o-line, no real pass rush from the front 4, and a little weak on back half.  But, even with all that there are really only 2-3 teams that should be able to take advantage of those weaknesses (ND, NW, and OSU) and we already beat one.  All in all a great win and a great experience.  Mr. Hand, I hope you noticed our need for you! Does anyone think Peppers doesn't start at CB opposite Countess from day one?

Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 20002

bluebyyou

September 8th, 2013 at 10:08 AM ^

Remember that Devin has only started 7 games....that he is playing as well as he is, is nothing short of amaing.

Being at the game was an absolute blast....from the flyovers to the bracelets, the huge impassioned crowd, halftime show and the chicken Dance song....if you are a recruit and not impressed, I'm not sure what will get your attention.

I seriously regret that the "regional rivalry" is coming to an end and so did many of the ND fans I talked to before and during the game.  But hey, playing Purdue or Wake at noon makes so much more sense.  

Joined: 09/07/2009

MGoPoints: 18512

Mr. Rager

September 8th, 2013 at 10:48 AM ^

Jesus fucking Christ.

Some people will always find something to complain about, I suppose.

It was a GREAT performance by the team last night.  You're not a coach, let them work out whatever kinks there may be.  As a fan, you should still be enjoying what you witnessed last night, not picking nits.  

Joined: 11/16/2011

MGoPoints: 967

MGoStrength

September 8th, 2013 at 4:26 PM ^

And that's OK.  You are who you are and I am who I am.  I love the win and took note of a number of excellent things, but I can't help but see glaringly obvious challenges that we have had for quite some time, talked about all off-season, and still have.  And sorry, but to me that's frustrating.  I won't ignore it just because we got a nice win.  The win is great, we had some great performances, we hung tough, but we haven't fixed a lot of issues we had last year yet.

Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 20002

UMgradMSUdad

September 8th, 2013 at 9:52 AM ^

What a great game that was. Both teams gave it their best shot, and both teams played well. And anybody else watching it (I have to believe the recruits at the game were impressed) knows Michigan earned a spot as one of the top 10 teams in the nation.

Joined: 07/02/2011

MGoPoints: 13179

jmblue

September 8th, 2013 at 11:38 AM ^

our defense is not good enough to make this team top 10
Have you watched many other games around the country? In today's college football, games between top 20 teams frequently have scores in the 30s (as both of Georgia's games did, for instance).

Joined: 11/07/2008

MGoPoints: 102720

CompleteLunacy

September 8th, 2013 at 1:50 PM ^

Defense isn't played in a vacuum. Between the opponent they play, and the fact that coaches will, you know, coach them (the defense will get better as the year goes along)...the defense looked bad, but let's not forget what 2010 was. This defense still made some key plays when it mattered. And Mattison is still a genius.

Joined: 11/13/2010

MGoPoints: 12910

rossra2

September 8th, 2013 at 9:59 AM ^

1. It was the signature win michigan has been looking for through 2 .16 years.

2. DG was AWESOME apart from the ugly pick. But I am kinda happy for that ugly pick becuz it didnt hurt us too bad and it might be a tiny reason why dg  might come back to mich next year.

3. I was surprised by the offense overall. I frankly thought mi might struggle this year a lil bit with a lack of proven big time receivers.

4. Defense got exposed a lil bit. We are still far from being national contenders. Maybe next years elite talent will help. Is there something in the scheme of our defense that makes DTs less effective?

5. I share the concern that fleet will never break one for a td in kick return. Ill be watching for it in the next 2 games becuz itll probably be the best opportunity for him.

6. Overall, a very satisfying win...they have already shown that the team is good to elite this year.,,,no matter what happens the rest of the year... i liked utl2 more than utl1 cuz it was slightly more methodical...

Joined: 05/28/2012

MGoPoints: 62

TakeTheField

September 8th, 2013 at 10:07 AM ^

But I think they're better than they showed last night. Too many missed tackles and not enough big hits and disruption. Part of that seemed to be Mattison's game plan, which appeared to be one of containment. In the end, it worked. It seemed like our DBs other than Countess (especially Taylor) were getting beat all night in coverage, as well as Bolden and Ross, but when you look at the stats, ND only averaged 5.7 YPA in the air, which I'll take. Some of that was Rees missing open receivers, but we also did not give up any big plays. The offense, on the other hand, rang up 41 points and 472 yards against one of the better front 7s around, and we did that even though ND also moved the ball very well. That's impressive. I almost wish we had a bit tougher opponent next week, because I think our defense needs more of a test than Akron can give them before we can tell how good they really are. Too many good offenses in the BT for us to play this soft and win consistently.

Joined: 06/17/2013

MGoPoints: 147