991GT3

October 22nd, 2017 at 3:43 PM ^

Don Brown's defensive schemes. Good teams going forward will know how to handle our defense.

As for the offense, drop the pro-style and go to shot gun giving O'Korn more time to throw and see the field better. Michigan doesn't have the talent on offense to run pro-style.

We all need to understand this is a young but very average team on BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL.

corundum

October 22nd, 2017 at 4:00 PM ^

The result last night wouldn't have been nearly as bad if Metellus and Kinnel were taking good angles to Barkley. They were completely underestimating his speed all night, coming up on him like he was another Wadley like plodder. McCray is just too slow to play his position on Brown's scheme against spread teams. These problems were compounded by Hirst and Gary getting held all night. We will be completely fine going forward.

RockinLoud

October 22nd, 2017 at 4:32 PM ^

The holding can't be stated enough. I recall several long pass completions that the only reason the pass got off was because Gary and/or Hurst were getting held like a mofo, otherwise there wasn't time for the play to develope.

I think we still lose, because our offense, but it may not have turned into the blowout it was in the end.

991GT3

October 22nd, 2017 at 6:58 PM ^

but I will make an exception in your case.

By stating Michigan has ten new starters on defense only makes make case they are average. Whenever the defense played a good team and the game was on the line, the defense lost the lead. Look at the Iowa, OSU and FSU games last year. Last week indiana almost beat us after they score 10 points in the fourth quarter to tie us. In OT they march down to the two year line and but for questionable play calling they would have scored.

MSU rolled up over 200 yards in the first half scoring 14 points and but for the rain and a critical dropped pass by Jackson they would have scored much more.

We are number one in defense because we pad our numbers against hapless and out manned teams like AF, Cincinnati and the like. Play a decent offensive team and watch what happens to Brown's defense. Many stated his defense is high risk. That was on display in spades yesterday.

Look I want Michigan to win the NC. But I refuse to look through rose colored glasses in assessing our chances.

snarling wolverine

October 22nd, 2017 at 7:20 PM ^

Whenever the defense played a good team and the game was on the line, the defense lost the lead. Look at the Iowa, OSU and FSU games last year.

Hmm, I don't remember the defense faltering late against Colorado or Wisconsin (both 10+ win teams).   I wonder why you don't consider them good teams?  In fact, I seem to remember Jourdan Lewis doing something kind of cool in the UW game. 

For that matter I'd hardly say they did so against OSU.  I remember an OSU drive extended by a dubious PI penalty late in the 4th quarter, and then an OT drive extended by an, ahem, iffy spot...

Finally, Iowa and FSU both had short drives to make their game-winning scores.  I'd blame the offense and special teams, respectively, for that more than anything.

 

Are You Not En…

October 22nd, 2017 at 8:13 PM ^

Lol "cretin." Cute. It's not just you I'm reponding too but every single person losing their shit out there.

There are down years. Before JH we were DOGSHIT. How people forget that blows my fucking mind. JH came in and subsequently turned DOGSHIT into 2 top ten finishes. What has happened is the diamonds he found in that DOGSHIT rough have moved on to the NFL (14 of them if you've forgotten) and he had to replace EVERYONE. So I am not arguing that hte defense is worse. Nor am I arguing the team is worse. I am against the idea that people have "figured out" Brown's defense and that we should switch off pro-style offense. 

To your second point about last year and finishing games....

I mean... The defense didnt cause Speight to have a garbage game vs Iowa, the defense didnt cause Speight to fumble at the 1 or throw a pick 6 vs OSU... FSU I concede was a defensive nighmare shutting down Cook.

I say again,.. The defense is fine.

Additionally, WHY SWITCH TO SHOTGUN..... the man has made a living off prostyle. But some talent isnt there yet. I would rather he not adjust away from the system he plans to run for years and sticks with it so every servicable player in this lost year can be better at prostyle come next year. 

It makes ZERO sense to transition to a shotgun/spread with a QB who wont be here next year and a passing game bordering on VTAC on the reg.

 

Good day, sir.

Are You Not En…

October 22nd, 2017 at 8:13 PM ^

Lol "cretin." Cute. It's not just you I'm reponding too but every single person losing their shit out there.

There are down years. Before JH we were DOGSHIT. How people forget that blows my fucking mind. JH came in and subsequently turned DOGSHIT into 2 top ten finishes. What has happened is the diamonds he found in that DOGSHIT rough have moved on to the NFL (14 of them if you've forgotten) and he had to replace EVERYONE. So I am not arguing that hte defense is worse. Nor am I arguing the team is worse. I am against the idea that people have "figured out" Brown's defense and that we should switch off pro-style offense. 

To your second point about last year and finishing games....

I mean... The defense didnt cause Speight to have a garbage game vs Iowa, the defense didnt cause Speight to fumble at the 1 or throw a pick 6 vs OSU... FSU I concede was a defensive nighmare shutting down Cook.

I say again,.. The defense is fine.

Additionally, WHY SWITCH TO SHOTGUN..... the man has made a living off prostyle. But some talent isnt there yet. I would rather he not adjust away from the system he plans to run for years and sticks with it so every servicable player in this lost year can be better at prostyle come next year. 

It makes ZERO sense to transition to a shotgun/spread with a QB who wont be here next year and a passing game bordering on VTAC on the reg.

 

Good day, sir.

991GT3

October 22nd, 2017 at 7:54 PM ^

Last year Colorado lost their QB which made all the difference in the second half. In the first half, I beleive they scored 21 points.

Wisconsin had a new QB so throwing the ball wasn't an option. Michigan held them to 7 points because of  poor QB play.

Have you noticed that the sacks have twindled with each game as the competition got stronger? 

No doubt they are young and will get better. But they are not an elite defense. Far from it.

Inman

October 22nd, 2017 at 4:24 PM ^

Relax. Yes I agree that people are talking like they have a paper ahole and think they can coach better than Harbs, but let's not fight with each other. We all want the same thing. Those of you who think you know more than Harbs ur dumb and just realize you don't know more than someone with his credentials. Go Blue!

MJ14

October 22nd, 2017 at 4:38 PM ^

It would also make a little sense if Don ran the same exact same scheme every week. But he doesn't. He mixes it up and is multiple. Michigan's defense is top 5 and will get better with the athletic linebackers they have sitting on the bench in the next few years. Don Brown is the best defensive coordinator in college football.

In reply to by CLion

MWolverine7

October 22nd, 2017 at 5:14 PM ^

If you get a chance, listen to him on Sam Webb’s show - even when he complements Harbaugh it’s always back-handed.

In reply to by CLion

maize-blue

October 22nd, 2017 at 7:04 PM ^

He doesn't want anyone to be better than their 1997 team so he'll always look for ways to cut down current teams.

CLion

October 22nd, 2017 at 4:31 PM ^

Not even OSU has the weapons to exploit our D like PSU did. They beat us because they have excellent experienced playmakers who made plays and the coaches called a great game.

And then of course next year we won't be replacing 9/10 starters. Don Brown is literally last or tied with Hurst on my list of hypothetical concerns with this team.

bamf16

October 22nd, 2017 at 5:21 PM ^

They may have "figured it out" but do they have the players to do what they want to do to attack it?

 

And if they do, how does Brown respond?

 

Michigan is not average defensively. 

 

Posts like this at 1:30 this morning were at least understandable because we were all pissed off, drunk, emotional, etc.

 

No excuse for this nonsense at 3:43 the next afternoon.

Carcajou

October 23rd, 2017 at 5:54 AM ^

Yeah, sure.

Do exactly what Penn State did: Just get yourself a Heisman Trophy candidate who can also be deployed in Empty sets and catch passes; future possible NFL first round selection athletes at TE and WR; and a QB who can throw and run.

That said. yeah, hoping that the rush can always disrupt the QB before he can throw the ball to a receiver on a mismatched safety or LB is a certain high-risk strategy that will sometimes get burned, sometimes get you beat.

But yes, this team is above average on the DL and at QB (and Bush, though not in pass coverage). And average and/or inexperienced elsewhere.

BostonBlue41

October 22nd, 2017 at 4:17 PM ^

The past 10 years have made me a pretty glass half full Michigan fan given the turmoil of two bad coaches. I think what people should realize is that Michigan is relying on young players at KEY positions. Our entire defense is not only inexperienced but also filled with 2nd-year players. When you look at young teams that have done well, like OSU last year, the young players were mostly redshirt sophomores. Even the inexperienced Alabama players have had experience in the program. I know people think certain positions should be farther along in year 3, but I truly believe we will look back in 3 years and see this year as the exception in the Harbaugh era. If coaching changes need to be made, Harbaugh will do that. He's loyal to his assistants but he's also competitive as fuck, so I don't think he would hesitate to make staff changes. 

Maybe I'm just a blind follower, but to me, this guy has been successful EVERYWHERE he's been, no reason to think he can't do it here. Have faith and Trust the Process

flashOverride

October 22nd, 2017 at 4:22 PM ^

I am fine with the offense sticking to what it's doing. This season is lost, and I imagine changing schemes in the dubious hope of beating Wisconsin or Ohio State is something Harbaugh views as a wasteful diversion and mortgage on the future development of this offense. However, in that same spirit, yes I think it's time to go to Peters. Give him three games against beatable opponents, with the easiest of them coming first, and see if he looks ready for Camp Randall and then the Bucks. 

I am not a fawning fanboy who thinks Harbaugh is some wizard, but I am certain he knows football and knows what he's doing. Trust him.