I have a question

Submitted by s1105615 on

So here's the question I've been racking my brain with since Saturday night.  When was the last time UM got a break (questionable or close officiating call, fumble off a snap or exchange, etc), basically some play that cannot be explained through RPS or even a simple talent advantage.

I have also noticed that UM rarely creates a turnover unless the game is already decided in their favor.  The only examples that currently come to mind are against UC (pick 6) and Wisconsin last year (Lewis INT). 

Granted that if this is the case and UM just doesn't get breaks, the question becomes one of when will UM return to the mean by getting a truckload of breaks, or is UM regressing to the mean due to having inordinate success prior to 2007?

There isn't much a coach or player can do to account for the luck of a fumble bouncing back to the offense instead of to the defense so this really is more of a intellectual exercise rather than a way to try and focus blame on anyone, and who honestly believes that Harbaugh or Brown are at fault for the way UM lost on Saturday?

Am I wrong about that or just blinded by the glare of the losses?  Anyway, just curious if anyone has seen the same thing.  And if I'm wrong, please provide examples so I can regain my hope that UM can expect the possibility of getting those types breaks in any of the games remaining on the schedule this year, rather than relying on being up by 3 scores going into the 4th quarter to seal a win.

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charblue.

October 10th, 2017 at 2:55 PM ^

we had a review of Michigan's record under various Big Ten referees and their crews.

Well, Michigan has losing records under two of the league's top crew leaders, Dan Capron, whose crew worked the Ohio State game in Columbus last year, and O'Neil, who has worked two home loss games against Michigan State.

I don't think Michigan got a call in those games. But here's the thing, pressure creates penalties on both sides of the ball, pressure to make plays downfield and defend them in crucial situations.

To me, the holding call on Higdon that O'Neill called could be called on nearly every pass play or any downfield block. It turned out that Michigan got a TD on that play and so it was called back. I missed much of the first quarter so I didn't see the PF call on Bush that extended an MSU TD drive.

However, the worst non-call of the night was just unbelievable because it falls in the POE column of things that we are trying to get out of college and pro football, the slamming of qbs to the ground after being hit in vulunerable throwing motion. It's one thing to hit a qb after he's released the ball, it's another to then slam him down WWF style after the fact. IMO, the Demetrious Cooper hit on O'Korn was late and the slamdown was unsportsmanlike and just as egrigous as a targeting hit while leading with the helmet.

This is the second time in two games that a non-call could have put out a starting Michigan qb. And MSU's sideline knew the play was way over the edge and uncalled for because they took out Cooper immediately.  This was a dangerous play and not only should it have been flagged but MSU warned for excessive contact.

I believe when your team has a losing record under certain officials and not a history of losing to any team they play, then there is something wrong with probability under these circumstances that can't just be explained away by breaks of the game.

Joined: 05/25/2010

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umich1

October 10th, 2017 at 4:45 PM ^

Denard was clearly stopped a half yard short on the second-to-last drive on 3rd down.  The refs gave him the first.  Very easily could have failed to convert on fourth and lost that game.  

Joined: 09/14/2009

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AMazinBlue

October 10th, 2017 at 5:13 PM ^

we get no breaks and the refs never see their playing "through" the whistle to actually way after the whistle, but the always see our reaction to it.  Hence, we get screwed.

There is just something about playing MSU that feels wrong, regardless of the outcome or how the game goes.  I can't explain it, but ever since Mark D. showed up, shit be crazy.

Joined: 10/12/2008

MGoPoints: 7197

Alumnus93

October 10th, 2017 at 10:00 PM ^

I noticed this....  regarding the DBs... they cover very well and always deflect the pass for an incompletion, and bat it down or away...almost want to yell, tip it up! or turn and catch!... little do i know how hard it is being in the right spot like they are... but it seems they are not going for it, per se.... brandon watson early in season tipped away a few balls that seemed as if he were in a drill to incomplete the pass, and not try to intercept... one of them was just shocking. i wish i could find the game and highlight, but it stuck with me.

and i watch the msu defense and they are constantly playing opportunistically and trying to strip and poke out ball on every single play.... we dont... we seem to be fundamentally sound in tackling and positioning, but never, ever opportunistic...almost as if we are too sound....  i could be imagining it but when i see msu play us, i see them pro-active with it.

Joined: 09/10/2009

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