Klatt on how we can defend Washington
Listening to Klatt is almost as insightful as reading MGoBlog. He knows football and he knows Michigan. Best in the business.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB-5CWOuYvk&ab_channel=CFBONFOX
January 4th, 2024 at 8:03 AM ^
Going back to the TCU game, how much different would it have been with Corum playing? He and Edwards could be an illustration of your example on averages. When Edwards is at his best, it's because of explosive plays, not grinding out long possessions.
January 4th, 2024 at 8:31 AM ^
While UW passing attack is exceptional, to state that it is better that Stroud/Wilson/Olave/JSN is a hawt take...
That is the passing game that Michigan faced in 2021. Yup, in the snow, but look at Stroud's numbers in that game, they were still outstanding.
Your original point stands. We beat OSU on that day by limiting TDs and a powerful running game mixed in with PA shots. We are going to have to score 35+ to win this game. The defense will be measure on the 28 point line. Keep UW under 28, I feel good about this game. UW gets over 28 then it will be dicey...
January 4th, 2024 at 10:42 AM ^
Yeah. Against OSU in 2021 and 2022 the UM defense was the epitome of bend but don't break. In both games OSU had almost 500 yards of offense and Stroud passed for almost 750 yds in those 2 games. Washington is going to move the ball. The key defensively for UM will be if they can force some FGs and get some turnovers.
January 4th, 2024 at 2:00 PM ^
The key defensively for UM will be if they can force some FGs and get some turnovers.
Exactly. Forcing two FGs instead of TDs takes UW from, say, 35 points to 27. If we hold them to 27, for example, I'm very confident we win...
January 4th, 2024 at 7:44 AM ^
Would be nice if you gave us a few hints. Seems to be a lost art around here.
January 4th, 2024 at 8:05 AM ^
What travels...?
January 4th, 2024 at 8:24 AM ^
LeBron James.
January 4th, 2024 at 9:03 AM ^
You're my new best friend. Can't stand "The Savior". Signature move is the 4 step bunny hop with a continuation foul by absolutely nobody near him.
Weird that a guy so truly talented needs a league to bend all the rules to pad his stats. Dennis Rodman would be in his head.
January 4th, 2024 at 9:32 AM ^
oh give me a break. LeBron is an all-timer, not some dude who is good because of traveling.
The only thing to hate on with him is his Buckeye-ness. Glad he didn't go to school there, tho.
January 4th, 2024 at 8:07 AM ^
Perfect breakdown. We ARE built to beat Washington. Now let's clean up some special teams issues and have a great time Monday.
January 4th, 2024 at 8:37 AM ^
Great stuff from Klatt. Always respect his analysis.
I would like to see him break down UWs defense.
January 4th, 2024 at 10:43 AM ^
I just listened to Klatt's recount of his experience at the Rose Bowl, and I think it was spot on. My favorite bit was his discussion of Harbaugh's decisions on the 4th Q TD drive to tie it at 20.
(Paraphrasing) After pushing in all the chips and going for it on 4th and 3, I thought, "Harbaugh's going to go for the 2-point conversion." But then he didn't - he kicked it and played for overtime. And of course he did. It was the right decision. He knew he had the better team.
January 4th, 2024 at 2:12 PM ^
Plus we scored too quickly (IMO) to be comfortable going for two. Tie the game and while Bama will obviously try for the win, as they did, they're not taking too many risks knowing that they can fall back on OT, while a mistake could hand us the win in regulation. Get the two-point conversion, and now we're up by one, but Bama has 1:30 and only needs a FG for the win, with a kicker that already hit from 52 on a kick that was probably good from 60. So you kick off, they can fair catch and get the ball at the 25, and potentially only need 30-35 yards in 1:30 for a solid shot at the win? I'd be shitting my pants.
It's the same reason that kicking the last FG was the right move against OSU. Yeah a first down wins the game, but if we didn't get it, they can tie with a FG, instead of needing the TD. Force them to need the TD...
January 5th, 2024 at 2:40 PM ^
Yes, on going for one.
I'm still not sure about kicking that last FG against OSU. Coach Moore chose to give his defense ~10 chances to stop the OSU offense. Go for it, and you're giving your offense one chance to win it, and if that doesn't work, the defense has about 5 chances to stop the OSU offense.
January 4th, 2024 at 8:39 AM ^
I keep asking myself the same question. How is this offense better than the 2021-22 Ohio state offense?
A big chunk of the defense that played in those games is still here.
January 4th, 2024 at 8:44 AM ^
They have a better coach that will put them good positions.
January 4th, 2024 at 8:53 AM ^
I said a few weeks ago if Michigan ran Corum 35 times against Bama they would lose. Michigan needed to be more versatile. This is the game you run Corum 35 times.
January 4th, 2024 at 9:02 AM ^
Funny how he describes to a tee two concepts that this boards editors have explained repeatedly: the Hammer and Anvil action of the DL and the coverage scheme designed to beat Ohio.
January 4th, 2024 at 9:11 AM ^
Here's a link to Klatt's entirre show. He says the keys for UW are to get material positive yards on 1st down & "be elite on throwing the football."
January 4th, 2024 at 9:16 AM ^
New upload with his pick (eventually) is streaming now. Started about 16 minutes ago
EDIT:
He picks Michigan to win. Says Michigan has 3-4 paths to victory, while Washington has 1 (basically Penix outscoring Michigan in a shootout).
January 4th, 2024 at 9:28 AM ^
I'm curious how we choose to attack Washington's offense. On one hand, do we go right back to the OSU defense and try to stop the run and get pressure with light box and 4 DL and let the secondary sit back in coverage with occasional schemed pressure? Or do we take the Alabama approach and really try to get pressure on Penix? Washington has a very good pass blocking unit and Penix makes them look even better than they are with his ability to evade pressure. Also a question of how Dillon Johnson being out factors into our approach
January 4th, 2024 at 11:14 AM ^
Why not do both. Hang back with two safeties, then do surprise blitzing.
January 4th, 2024 at 9:29 AM ^
I think this is a game where Michigan secondary will get some INTs. Penix throws a lot of deep balls.
January 4th, 2024 at 9:43 AM ^
Washington is plus 3 in turnover margin. UM is plus 17. That to me is important in that it shows Washington can be pressured/confused into mistakes. The question is whether Michigan can do that?
If they can Michigan is national champions. If not, Washington probably is national champions.
January 4th, 2024 at 10:46 AM ^
Nah, UM is the better team, turnovers would help but do not believe they are required for UM to win this game whatsoever if they execute on offense at a decent level. It is really bizarre to me that people on here are still saying things that are more what you would say if UM was the underdog and not the best team in the playoff.
Play their game, execute at a high level and they win in all likelihood regardless of what Washington does. Washington if anything is the one who needs some things like turnovers to go their way.
January 4th, 2024 at 9:44 AM ^
I feel confident… we beat the 2021 hairless nuts that had a high powered offense and very questionable defense… we faced down a first round QB with laser throws and three first round WRs … we have a better offense now , a much better OC and an equal DC … clean up special teams and we can win this game comfortably!!!
January 4th, 2024 at 9:56 AM ^
Sacks and interceptions wins this game for us. We have much better offensive balance and can wear them down in the second half. They will score some points but in the end we will be victorious
January 4th, 2024 at 9:59 AM ^
The way we've defended all season. Lots of varying pressures, lots of varying coverages.
January 4th, 2024 at 10:08 AM ^
It is our DL against their OL. Hope that Benny will be available.
On offense, control the ball and make it a short game.
January 4th, 2024 at 11:08 AM ^
theyre saying Benny wont be avail until Spring ball
January 4th, 2024 at 11:12 AM ^
Not to sound over-confident but I'm starting to get over-confident. Someone please pour me a shot of bpone!
That story of Jim Harbaugh calling John Harbaugh for defensive help and getting MacDonald then Minter - priceless!
January 4th, 2024 at 11:51 AM ^
I get we’re not on the team and it doesn’t matter for us not to take this team lightly. But the team can’t take Washington lightly. We were supposed to beat TCU last year and because of sloppiness didn’t. This needs to be like that scene in Major Paine when the rag tag group of cadets tries to steal the trophy instead of earning it and get their butts kicked. We need to beat Washington’s head in this game and play a clean game. If we don’t turn the ball over and if we clean up special teams think we are the better team this year. Will still be tough and will need to force field goals as they’ll likely move the ball between the 20s but this is doable. The team just has to be uber-focused which I believe they will be given they are 60 minutes away from immortality.