Key Matchups: Koger / Webb vs. Sparty LBs and secondary
Graham, the Wisconsin TE caught 3 TD passes vs. the spongy Sparty LBs and secondary. Rudolph, the ND TE had 95 yds vs. Sparty.
This is a key matchup that Michigan can exploit with Kevin Koger and Martell Webb who should be able to get open vs. Sparty. Look for some key grabs for big yds on Saturday.
October 1st, 2009 at 1:02 AM ^
Ever since his first catch last year (26 yd. TD against Wisconsin), I've been impressed with how this young man has contributed to this team. It's amazing to think that he's only a sophomore. I see great upside in Koger for the next two years. If it's one thing that I feel Michigan fails to do better than other teams in the Big 10 it's use a TE more often as a high-option receiver (see: Wisconsin, MSU). Hopefully Koger can become more than just a "dump" like so many other TEs are when all other options are covered.
Apart from the EMU game (which should be disregarded based on, oh, I don't know, 380 yds. rushing), Koger has shown himself to be a reliable option for Tate and Denard. Not only was he one of the top receivers in the first two games with a TD against WMU and ND each, but he made his one catch against IU really count by helping Denard keep a key drive alive. If Tate/Denard can get him the ball 3+ times, I forsee a UM win for sure.
Honestly, I hope Koger stays through his senior year and continues to progress at this pace. If so, look forward to more happy times in Ann Arbor.
Also, how can you not love this profile picture?
http://michigan.scout.com/a.z?s=162&p=8&c=1&nid=3069229
October 1st, 2009 at 1:15 AM ^
Koger has come up with some difficult catches this season. Webb on the other hand has dropped two accurate balls thrown his way.
October 1st, 2009 at 1:31 AM ^
He has come up with some big catches in his young career, but I don't ever recall him having a huge GAME. I think he's due for one. 5 catches, 90 yds, and a TD this game for Koger, and a crushing block to spring Carlos for a long TD.
October 1st, 2009 at 2:30 AM ^
Dantonio Vs Common sense about a Qb situation. To steal something from Brians previews, cackle with knowing glee if keith nichols sees considerable playing time. His nickname should be drive killer. Consequently, he is my favorite MSU player, just beating out Blair White, the most perplexing Wr ever. Is he fast? Is he good in space? Does he have grit? The only time I've seen him is breaking long ones at CMU, but he's a white kid named Blair White! I hear from one guy he's explosive, another that he's a possession Wr, and I'm not sure if the first one is a state slappy, or if the second one can't believe anyone named blair could ever be "explosive"
October 1st, 2009 at 2:48 AM ^
If I've had one thing that I've been harping on as I yell at the TV during games, it's been to throw to the TE. I said it right before Koger made his tough grab in the second half last weekend. The coaching staff went to Oklahoma and talked to Stoops about how to use the TE in the spread for a reason. Koger is a premiere receiving TE IME and I think could abuse the MSU LBs and Safeties if utilized this weekend.
October 1st, 2009 at 5:16 AM ^
After seeing you title Tom I can't get that stupid ESPN Keyshawn Johnson promo for "Key Match Up" out of my head right now...
October 1st, 2009 at 4:29 PM ^
that was intentional Dred...lol but i dont mix and match ties and socks like that
October 1st, 2009 at 5:20 AM ^
Has anyone heard anything about Moore this year? Is he going to be a contributor at TE or is he not panning out? I realize he is still really young, but I have heard next to nothing about him.
October 1st, 2009 at 7:47 AM ^
I would love to see the tight ends get a lot of work in the passing game. Martell, though, needs to keep his hands on the friggin ball.
I love that play action/counter pass to Koger/Grady that they've been running. that's a good one particularly because if it's open, it provides the QB the option to run as well as pass.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:01 AM ^
It's basically a waggle, and the TE is ALWAYS open on a waggle.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:34 AM ^
RR went to oklahome to visit their coaches and work on fitting the TE into his spread schemes. we haven't seen that much of that yet. i wonder whether RR is waiting to break that out against higher quality opponents. if it rains as predicted, the TEs will play a greater role because the passing game will shorten.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:58 AM ^
So, I need to be shaking my keychain when Koger's on the field then?
October 1st, 2009 at 11:19 AM ^
Webb has had stone hands this year. Keep Koger in if you're even thinking about passing to a TE.
Bt the Key matchup will be if their blue jackets go with the maze socks.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:24 AM ^
**maize?
October 1st, 2009 at 11:35 AM ^
This doesn't really pertain to the TEs, but I was thinking today, that, with the emergence of Daryl Stonum as a formiddable force in the Return game, I would LOVE to see a Kick Off return REVERSE with Stonum handing off to Kelvin Grady or whoever the fastest is that is lined up the row in front of Stonum. This would catch those clowns off guard and really take the air out of their sails!
October 1st, 2009 at 4:30 PM ^
I didn't realize how fast Koger was until he caught a pass in space (off the waggle, I think) against Indiana. I was really impressed with his speed, and he does seem to get himself open a lot. Great hands too.