Heiko vs. Borges and the mystery of the missing bubble screen solved (maybe)

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November 3rd, 2011 at 9:19 AM
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토린
Joined: 04/07/2009
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Heiko vs. Borges and the mystery of the missing bubble screen solved (maybe)

In yesterday's Mailbag, Brian offered two explanations for why Borges wouldn't answer the question:

1. He is vaguely aware of the fan zeitgeist about this and is sick of these laymen bothering him about a stupid play.
2. He is going to bust it out as part of Michigan's ever-evolving baseless offense.

WRONG (Borges smug?) and KIND OF WRONG.

The bubble screen is the base offense. Everything they've shown on film so far is a trap for Ohio State. On November 26, Borges will break out 5-wide ninjas, all bubble, all the time, left bubble, right bubble, all the way down the field bubble, 500 yards and 48 points of bubble. They'll go for 2 and make it 50 with a bubble screen.

/mystery

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November 3rd, 2011 at 9:22 AM | Great.  You ruined the (Score:5 Normal)
evenyoubrutus
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Joined: 11/04/2008
MGoPoints: 4721

Great.  You ruined the surprise.

Not that I loved Rich Rod less, but that I loved Michigan more.

November 3rd, 2011 at 9:30 AM | Good Job, you know Luke (Score:5 Normal)
Andrew Jackson Jihad
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Joined: 10/30/2011
MGoPoints: 1008

Good Job, you know Luke Fickell has spies patroling MGoBlog for any bit of information they can find. Now he knows, and you know what pal? Knowing is half the battle. 

www.eatacheeseburger.blogspot.com Brian Cook has read this blog!

November 3rd, 2011 at 10:10 AM | Spies? (Score:5 Normal)
Hoke_Floats
Joined: 09/21/2010
MGoPoints: 2060

Monitoring MGoBlog is too important a task to delegate...he does it himself

November 3rd, 2011 at 10:27 AM | You do realize (Score:5 Normal)
Six Zero
Six Zero's picture
Joined: 09/05/2008
MGoPoints: 10153

Luke Fickell is just a puppet for some hidden megalomaniacal dictator.  In Indianapolis.

Heck, Fickell may very well be an RC robot.  Built out of surplus sweater vests.

November 3rd, 2011 at 7:58 PM | Yeah but I love his movies... (Score:1)
RickH
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Joined: 11/01/2009
MGoPoints: 948

Yeah but I love his movies...

November 3rd, 2011 at 10:42 AM | posted from iPhone (Score:1)
GoBlueMAGNUS
Joined: 08/17/2009
MGoPoints: 622

I'll bet he has the iPhone app

Despite what the other guy calls himself, my name actually is Magnus.

November 3rd, 2011 at 11:32 AM | Droid (Score:1)
BluCheese
Joined: 04/14/2011
MGoPoints: 405

I'll bet he's a Droid kind of guy.

"You're fat and you're mine".  Bo to Dan Dierdorf.

November 3rd, 2011 at 1:07 PM | *kills Droid with fire so as (Score:1)
Soulfire21
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Joined: 03/18/2010
MGoPoints: 3135

*kills Droid with fire so as to not be like Luke Fickell, or Ohio*

HAIL.

November 3rd, 2011 at 9:44 AM | It'd be hilarious if Heiko (Score:5 Normal)
bdsisme
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Joined: 09/19/2010
MGoPoints: 5480

It'd be hilarious if Heiko asked the bubble screen question every week until Borges finally called it.  Unfortunately this would probably lead to Heiko being Bacon'd.

"It would be a travesty, it would be ridiculous to all of a sudden come back and get the feeling back, get the health back, feel good again and then all of a sudden go throw some other colors on my shirt and go coach."

November 3rd, 2011 at 9:54 AM | I don't have a problem with (Score:2 Normal)
gajensen
Joined: 02/02/2011
MGoPoints: -998647

I don't have a problem with Borges stashing plays/formations UNLESS they could have turned an L into a W.  If bubble screens would have made a difference in the MSU game then they should have been called then.

November 3rd, 2011 at 3:42 PM | If it's all the same (Score:1)
ijohnb
Joined: 09/21/2009
MGoPoints: 2785

let's just go ahead and see it v. Iowa, what do ya say?

November 3rd, 2011 at 10:02 AM | Solved...? (Score:5 Normal)
victors2000
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Joined: 03/21/2009
MGoPoints: 2324

I'm going with 'Maybe'....

Actually something that hasn't been written is perhaps Coach Borges resents not being able to coach the way he wants to. Right now he's Coach Rod 2.0, doing things that the previous regime did and unable to do the things that have made him a successful coordinator. When it works he hears 'we should do more spread!' and when it doesn't, well it's just his fault. It's a lose/lose situation and he's being grumbly.

So when somebody comes up with 'bubble screen', it rubs him the wrong way, makes him feel more like Coach Rod 2.0, unloved, and underappreciated.

.02

You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. ~Dan Birdwell

November 3rd, 2011 at 10:25 AM | I think you nailed it.  No (Score:5 Normal)
mGrowOld
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Joined: 10/04/2010
MGoPoints: 13171

I think you nailed it.  No "new boss" likes hearing "that's not the way we used to do things" from anybody and when I heard Borges's response that's exactly how it seemed to me he took it. 

He's probably thinking to himself  "Look...I'm already running more of that stupid spread offensive than I want to thanks to the personnal I've got and now you expect me to add that bubble thing in too?  Give me a break......"

 

 

November 3rd, 2011 at 11:10 AM | Borges was brought into a (Score:1 Normal)
justingoblue
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Joined: 11/16/2010
MGoPoints: 10871

Borges was brought into a really tough situation, and it's not getting any better for him next year either, IMO. Hoke is a manager following someone who was castigated for not managing, Greg followed Gerg, but Borges has to be able to build on RR's offense while not being able to do much of what he's used to.

In the corporate world, think about a retail company like Abercrombie and Fitch or Victoria's Secret. Sure, they might be losing money (maybe they aren't, that's not really important), but do you really want to be the new CMO in a regime change? Especially when your experience is marketing Saks Fifth Avenue?

Go Blue!

November 3rd, 2011 at 11:00 AM | posted from iPhone (Score:-1 Trolling)
November 3rd, 2011 at 12:29 PM | Borges? (Score:5 Normal)
Needs
Joined: 08/05/2008
MGoPoints: 4162

Guh? Auburn 2004?

November 3rd, 2011 at 1:25 PM | Maybe not (Score:2 Normal)
ChiBlueBoy
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Joined: 10/11/2011
MGoPoints: 560

Borges doesn't strike me as a guy who would reject something if he thought it would work, even if it might annoy him or not be his way of doing things normally. So far, he's been nothing if not flexible. I have two theories of my own, one is the same as the OP's: He's holding back for Ohio/NE. The other is that there's some reason it won't work consistently or would be counter-productive, and he doesn't want to say what it is (lack of execution for some reason? would cause the defense to adjust in a way that he doesn't want it to--e.g., closing down slants with tighter coverage?).

"Mattison must break you. Jake Ryan is his tool."

November 3rd, 2011 at 10:11 AM | Has he ever used it in the (Score:2)
go16blue
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Joined: 04/28/2010
MGoPoints: 3427

Has he ever used it in the past? If so, hes probably saving it. If not, he probably doesnt like it. Mystery pretty much solved.

Theres a chance he just thinks the tunnel screen and bubble screen are similar, and uses our prctice time between the two on tunnels exclusively because he thinks theyre better.

COYS and lets go Detroit FC!

November 3rd, 2011 at 10:21 AM | Devin Gardner Bubble... (Score:5 Normal)
naters113
Joined: 06/09/2010
MGoPoints: 107

It would be great to see Gardner hit Denard on a bubble screen and let him loose.

November 3rd, 2011 at 10:39 AM | I like it! (Score:2 Normal)
Inertia Policeman
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Joined: 10/28/2011
MGoPoints: 95

And after that a couple of those . . . Denard back to Devin on the transcontinental! 

Big gulps huh? Alright! Well, see ya later.

November 3rd, 2011 at 10:51 AM | No that'd be too easy... (Score:2 Normal)
One Inch Woody ...
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Joined: 06/25/2011
MGoPoints: 562

No that'd be too easy... Denard has to amass all of his rushing yards against 9 guys in the box. Having him facing 2 DBs with the help of 2 blockers would be too easy.

November 3rd, 2011 at 12:22 PM | I think that misses the point (Score:3 Normal)
Sambojangles
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MGoPoints: 1318

I think that misses the point of the bubble screen. The play works when there is a slot receiver uncovered/covered by a cheating LB. When Denard is split out wide, teams always have a defender on him because they know it will be some kind of play that will probably use Denard.

The bubble would be best used when Gallon is in the slot with no one around him because the defense is stacking the box to stop Denard and the RBs from running. 

"The trouble with quotes on the internet, is that it is often difficult to discern whether or not they are genuine" --Abraham Lincoln

@Sambojangles

November 3rd, 2011 at 10:51 AM | Hope it still works! (Score:2 Normal)
sammylittle
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Joined: 09/29/2008
MGoPoints: 1894

November 3rd, 2011 at 11:46 AM | Remember the Maine... (Score:2)
wlvrine
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Joined: 09/25/2008
MGoPoints: 1464

to hell with Spain!  I mean OHIO!

November 3rd, 2011 at 10:53 AM | I kinda wondered (Score:2 Normal)
ClearEyesFullHart
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Joined: 09/09/2011
MGoPoints: 804

     I kinda wondered myself if he was saving some of this stuff for OSU.  I also kinda wonder if all the free scouting this site does might provide a bit of a "crib notes" scouting advantage to the opposing team.  I cannot help but think that providing specific schematic knowledge(like responsibilities in defending the option), while interesting and informative for us, might not be in the best interest of the team and coaching staff.

Omnes i facere est vincere 
November 3rd, 2011 at 11:26 AM | Could be (Score:1)
randyfloyd
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Joined: 08/19/2008
MGoPoints: 1042

but none of that crap he saved for MSU worked. I just hope he doesn't try to overthink the OSU game, the way he did MSU.

It's tough being Blue in Columbus!!!

November 3rd, 2011 at 11:32 AM | My bet would be that a Big (Score:4 Normal)
justingoblue
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Joined: 11/16/2010
MGoPoints: 10871

My bet would be that a Big Ten coach has more faith in his film watching skills than he does in Brian's, Magnus' or anyone else posting on MGoBlog. They're knowledgable, but I can't help thinking that it's like asking Bill Gates whether he reads Microsoft blogs for sales projections. I'm sure he trusts his people way more than someone he doesn't know posting on the internet.

Go Blue!

November 3rd, 2011 at 11:04 AM | Did someone mention (Score:2 Normal)
AMazinBlue
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Joined: 10/12/2008
MGoPoints: 2250

Bacon?  Hmmm...Bacon!

Maybe if we stop asking any questions, everything will be a surprise and no opponent will have a clue and we'll score 100 on everyone.  Is that Houston does?  Oh, that's right, they don't play anyone with a pulse.

I am hesitantly optimistic about Saturday.  We seem to be the better team with better athletes at most poisition, but........it's at Iowa, and those pink walls.  I guess we will all have to wait until Saturday and find out what happens.

What the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve and...Those Who Stay WILL Be Champions.

November 3rd, 2011 at 11:12 AM | Borges.... (Score:1)
burtcomma
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Joined: 11/01/2009
MGoPoints: 2332

His secret contract with Dave Brandon says that he has to forego $50 of salary anytime he calls a former RR play........The Pimp Hand will not let him disclose this to the public, thus his frustration.....Remember, we have no base offense, just plays we run that work!

November 3rd, 2011 at 11:52 AM | Its a strategy of glaring (Score:3 Normal)
BradP
Joined: 10/17/2010
MGoPoints: 259

Its a strategy of glaring omission.

In short, inexplicably remove an obvious play from the playbook, thereby forcing  opponent defenses to devote time preparing for a play that the Mich offense isn't even working on.

November 3rd, 2011 at 12:33 PM | This is the question to ask (whether he used it in the past) (Score:1)
trussll12
Joined: 11/21/2010
MGoPoints: 204

Does anyone know the answer?  I fear the answer is he hasn't used it in the past. 

(Meant to reply to comment above)

 

November 3rd, 2011 at 1:59 PM | For the last time (Score:2 Normal)
Promote RichRod
Promote RichRod's picture
Joined: 11/11/2008
MGoPoints: 997
  1. The bubble screen is NOT restricted to spread offenses.  Just about every offense runs this play.  MSU runs them.  Are they a spread team?  Just about every week on MNF Gruden complains about how there are too many bubble screens in the NFL.  The play is widely used, everywhere.
  2. The bubble is not a play you save and surprise a team with.  This is not a valid answer whatsoever.  It is a constraint play that you want opposing DCs to have to account for and worry about on every single play.  It forces them to defend you differently and makes life easier on the WRs.  It's not a trick play that will likely net a TD when pulled out at just the right time.  It's a quick strike that can net 5-7 yards almost automatically when the defense gives it to you.  Once the defense knows it's there, the corners have to play closer to the line or they will die by a thousand cuts.  The adjustment is simple but forcing it opens things up everywhere.  Borges is doing his offense a disservice by ignoring this play, period.
November 3rd, 2011 at 2:21 PM | Man, with that kind of (Score:-1 Flamebait)
November 3rd, 2011 at 2:31 PM | So what's your explanation? (Score:2 Normal)
ChiBlueBoy
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Joined: 10/11/2011
MGoPoints: 560

A bubble screen killed his family when he was a child? All the other OC's got bubble screens for Christmas and he got socks?

"Mattison must break you. Jake Ryan is his tool."

November 3rd, 2011 at 8:32 PM | Borges is the OC Michigan deserves, (Score:2 Normal)
George Blogha
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Joined: 11/14/2009
MGoPoints: 70

but not the one it needs right now.

November 3rd, 2011 at 9:04 PM | ...and space (Score:1)
ChiBlueBoy
ChiBlueBoy's picture
Joined: 10/11/2011
MGoPoints: 560

We're the #2 offense in the League right now. What, exactly, are you wanting?

"Mattison must break you. Jake Ryan is his tool."

November 4th, 2011 at 3:46 PM | Dark Knight (Score:1)
George Blogha
George Blogha's picture
Joined: 11/14/2009
MGoPoints: 70

joke.

November 3rd, 2011 at 5:40 PM | Agreed. (Score:1)
shorts
Joined: 08/28/2008
MGoPoints: 2342

Co-sign 100 percent. The bubble isn't a trick play that you pull out for one huge gain at an opportune time. Borges isn't saving it -- if he's not running it, I assume there's a valid reason, but it does seem odd to consistently ignore defensive alignments that are giving you 5-10 yards if you want it, especially with receivers who are both excellent blockers and pretty good at getting YAC.

Those who stay will be champions.

November 3rd, 2011 at 2:59 PM | A Few Good Wolverines (Score:1)
Hal_Victor
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Joined: 05/11/2009
MGoPoints: 348

All you did was weaken a football program today, Kaffee.

 

"I want to go back, I gotta go back, to Mi-chi-gan."

November 3rd, 2011 at 5:53 PM | This does not help my (Score:1)
BlueDragon
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Joined: 11/14/2010
MGoPoints: 16716

This does not help my feelings of existential dread.

Abort, Retry, Fail?

November 3rd, 2011 at 7:22 PM | My interpretation of Heiko (Score:2 Normal)
Soulfire21
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Joined: 03/18/2010
MGoPoints: 3135

HAIL.

November 3rd, 2011 at 9:06 PM | (No subject) (Score:0 Overrated)
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