Lacrosse Falls to Penn State 17-13 in Season Finale

Submitted by L'Carpetron Do… on

 

Michigan lacrosse finishes its season today with a game against 9th ranked Penn State in the Big House. Michigan is eliminated from contention for postseason play and this marks the last game of an up-and-down season. There is a lot to build on from this year but they have to correct a number of problems that still linger. Game is at the Big House at 2 and will be aired on Big Ten Network on tape delay at 6.

Overall it was a good season for the boys - they finished with at least 8 wins which is a program record and are still receiving votes (somehow) for the Top 20 poll. In 2016 they went 3-10 and were one of the worst teams in the country so this was a great turnaround for this program.

However, there are some smoke and mirrors here. The record is largely the result of a stroke of scheduling genius by JP in which Michigan played very weak out of conference opponents. Of their eight wins, only one came against a team with a winning record (another came vs Furman who finished at .500). It helped the team build confidence but did little to prepare them for the rigors of Big Ten play. And it obscured some serious flaws in Michigan’s game.

A closer look reveals a team that is very much like last year - stagnant on offense, undisciplined on defense and terrible on faceoffs and in transition. Their losses - at Notre Dame and against all Big Ten opponents - were uncompetitive blowouts. What’s worse - they looked terrible too - often in front of a home crowd and/or on national TV. The matchup against Ohio State before the spring game which resulted in an 18-7 victory for the Buckeyes was particularly painful.

Michigan has been bringing in decent recruits the last few years but the product on the field has not significantly improved and there could be shakeups among the coaching staff this offseason. A change at the head coaching position is not out of the question. 

 

UPDATE: Michigan fell to Penn State 17-13, officially ending their 2017 campaign.  This was a much better showing from a Michigan team that was routinely blown out by more talented teams.  I didn't see the game but followed along with the score and it seemed close most of the way.  Not the result we were looking for but I'm glad they played with some pride to make it respectable.  Here's to hoping they make big improvements in 2018.

L'Carpetron Do…

April 30th, 2017 at 12:05 PM ^

In other news - Maryland dominated Hopkins 12-5, last night to win the B1G regular season crown in front of 14,553(!) fans.  Maryland, Ohio State, Hopkins and Penn State will play for the B1G championship next week; winner gets an AQ bid to the NCAA tournament.

Wolverine Devotee

April 30th, 2017 at 12:54 PM ^

No.

Now that the hockey search is done, Warde will have his next assignment.

JP should step down tomorrow after today's inevitable result. Last year there was an excuse he probably used to not be fired: injuries.

Can't use that this year. Completely uncompetitive against actual teams. 

If the department wants people in the seats in that new stadium next year, need an actual D1 coaching staff.

 

Wolverine Devotee

April 30th, 2017 at 4:17 PM ^

at ND- L 5-16

at MD- L 8-15

vs RU- L 7-14

vs OSU- L 7-18

at JHU- L 9-19

vs PSU- L 13-17

Year 6 of John Paul. Enough is enough. 

16.5 goals allowed per game against good teams.

L'Carpetron Do…

April 30th, 2017 at 6:42 PM ^

As a former Michigan defenseman, I'm appalled at these numbers.  What they're doing simply doesn't qork and JP has to go back to the old school style of defense.  Broschart's system is flawed. They don't even do fundamental/basic things that all defenses do. I don't know what he's trying to do but he can't get the guys to do it so its time for something else.  

joedafan

May 1st, 2017 at 8:10 AM ^

"A change at the head coaching position is not out of the question."

Is this remark based on something other than wishful thinking?