With OOC done: Concerned Gardner = <5 plays
Happy to be 4-0. Happy the team is relatively healthy. Happy with defensive improvements.
However, I really wish DG would have seen more snaps. I know Robinson needs the game experience with the new O, however I feel that DG should be in the 20-30 snap count range... Not 3-5.
[EDIT]
This was NOT meant to be a "2 QB system" post. Robinson is our QB and I am happy with that. This was not meant to say that I wanted DG to replace Robinson during meaningful game play. I DO feel that in the EMU & SDSU games, there were points where the game was well enough in hand to rest Denard and give Devin some snaps against teams that did not wear winged helmets.
Is it life & death? No. Does it mean I am unhappy with this season or the results? No. But, if Devin does get called into a serious game, I would rather him be trotting out with 15-30 plays under his belt then 3-5. Nothing more then that. I do understand the flip arguement, that it gave Denard and Borges more time to practice working together... to each their own.
September 24th, 2011 at 6:26 PM ^
We are not having this discussion.
September 24th, 2011 at 6:54 PM ^
Once again, this was concerning cleanup duty, not "qb controversy"
September 24th, 2011 at 9:46 PM ^
I know. Still.
September 24th, 2011 at 6:27 PM ^
I want denard to have more pass opportunities so there is that.
September 24th, 2011 at 6:28 PM ^
You really think an extra 15-25 snaps against WMU and EMU would make him that much more ready for B1G play?
September 24th, 2011 at 6:36 PM ^
Exactly. Something tells me that mop up snaps against EMU and WMU won't mean anything against the likes of a defense the caliber of a Nebraska or tSIO. We will only be able to judge Devin's ability when he plays in meaningful snaps against a good opponent. And I for one hope to never see this scenario because that means something has happened to Denard.
September 24th, 2011 at 6:52 PM ^
I would rather have DG come into an emergency situation with 15-20 EMU snaps then zero snaps.
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<br>It was an opportunity to (a) have rested Denard with the game in hand and (b) given DG the chance to play against non- Michigan players.
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September 24th, 2011 at 6:29 PM ^
September 24th, 2011 at 6:29 PM ^
Nope, he's been on the field. Out of the question.
September 24th, 2011 at 6:37 PM ^
September 24th, 2011 at 6:29 PM ^
Also concerned that Denard needs more work. I tend to think concern #2 trumps concern #1.
September 24th, 2011 at 6:38 PM ^
September 24th, 2011 at 9:42 PM ^
...But either Hoke or Borges said Denard needed as many snaps as possible in an interview..
September 24th, 2011 at 6:39 PM ^
I'm not concerned that we'll run out of things to complain about. It won't matter how well the team plays or how well the staff recruits.
September 24th, 2011 at 6:39 PM ^
with OOC done: I am impressed with the defense. We played one cupcake in EMU, and three pretty good teams. Jake Ryan is a stud, Cam Gordon is going to have a hard time getting his starting role back. What is up with him? Hasn't played a down yet! Same with Brandon Herron, hasn't been out there since his legendary game against WMU. All I know is the defense has gotten better each week, and we still have two more tune-ups until MSU. go blue
September 24th, 2011 at 7:34 PM ^
Pretty sure that Cam Gordon isn't going to be playing rush linebacker anytime soon. Different coaches, different position.
September 24th, 2011 at 6:39 PM ^
September 24th, 2011 at 6:48 PM ^
This is not a "we need a 2 qb system" comment. This is a "we have had two games that were in hand half way into the fourth (or vs EMU, the entire 4th) that we could have easily gotten Gardener up to 20 snaps" statement
September 24th, 2011 at 6:40 PM ^
We should have thrown on all 3 downs of the last drive today to get Denard more throws. The passing was ugly today.
September 24th, 2011 at 6:42 PM ^
September 24th, 2011 at 7:17 PM ^
I think he means 20-30 throughout the course of 4 games, not per game. I dont think 5-7 snaps a game for DG in garbage time is unreasonable.
September 24th, 2011 at 6:48 PM ^
DG has a year and a half to get some game experience.
September 24th, 2011 at 8:14 PM ^
I'm glad we never needed a back-up last year.
September 24th, 2011 at 7:01 PM ^
Listen Michigan fans. We're 4-0, and our best football is ahead of us. A virtual martini for us all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 24th, 2011 at 7:24 PM ^
How many plays did unconcerned Gardner get?
September 24th, 2011 at 7:20 PM ^
I got it. So if we use Denard for run situations only. Then we can use DG for every passing situation only. No one will EVER figure this one out.
Then this will allow Bellomy an opportunity to come in and get some snaps during blow outs or mop-ups.
This is the best situation EVER!
September 24th, 2011 at 7:40 PM ^
Guys, I'm concerned.
October 2nd, 2011 at 11:27 PM ^
Anyone who negged the OP hasn't paid attention the last three Big Ten seasons. Please read this slowly and take it in. There are bigger faster players on the upcoming schedule and there is a chance Michigan will need to put DG in if Denard gets banged up. It IS unfortunate that he has played so few snaps because he WILL be needed.
September 24th, 2011 at 8:16 PM ^
havent seen much from gardner is because the staff is doing all it can to work on denards mechanics and footwork. They dont want to waste a snap unless absolutely neccessary where denard isnt on the field working on his fundamentals. This will be for the better. And as you all know the staff is taking a risk by not playing devin that much but remember the decision with 8 seconds left a few weeks ago worked out.
September 24th, 2011 at 8:18 PM ^
havent seen much from gardner is because the staff is doing all it can to work on denards mechanics and footwork. They dont want to waste a snap unless absolutely neccessary where denard isnt on the field working on his fundamentals. This will be for the better. And as you all know the staff is taking a risk by not playing devin that much but remember the decision with 8 seconds left a few weeks ago worked out.
September 24th, 2011 at 9:08 PM ^
September 24th, 2011 at 9:48 PM ^
Anyone seen a dead horse? He needs a beating.
September 24th, 2011 at 10:00 PM ^
I'm more concerned as to why Denard is running the ball in the final minutes with the game in hand. Tempting fate is not wise.
September 24th, 2011 at 10:08 PM ^
There isn't a debate over the 1st string QB. Denard is the guy and while I'm disappointed about his ability to throw the ball, there is no debate he is the QB unless he is hurt. However, I really wanted the coaches to get Devin Gardner on the field the last two weeks. I was irritated that he didn't get in earlier against Eastern.
Today, I really wanted to get that 28 pt lead so Gardner could get in there. Yes, getting snaps against Eastern and SDSU would have been very beneficial. Unfortunately, I think he will have to get in the game because of Denard getting banged up later in the season. As Hoke likes to say we have expectations for the "position", Gardner needs to get more experience. Period.
September 24th, 2011 at 11:11 PM ^
We still have Minnestota and Northwestern before our schedule gets really tough. Do I think Denard should still get those reps? Yes, but if there's a chance to get Gardner out there for a few garbage snaps, I'll take it.
Certainly not saying those games are gimmes though....
September 24th, 2011 at 11:13 PM ^
double post
September 25th, 2011 at 12:35 AM ^
I think people are snakebit after the experience last year with Denard getting nicked up every other series, forcing Forcier in. Forcier>DG, from what we've seen. It wouldn't be bad to get DG more experience, but then again, Denard has shown to be much more durable this year - dude is jacked
September 25th, 2011 at 7:29 PM ^
'cuz Denard isn't likely to play every snap this year, given how many times we're running him. Gardner needs some snaps, and should have played the entire 4Q against EMU. If/when Denard goes out, Devin has been put in a position to fail (not that he will, but still).
Also FWIW, Devin MAY be our best passer. At some point in B1G play, The Denard runs will be shut down...then what? Denard isn't going to beat anyone throwing, unless he improves A LOT, and quickly.
I love Denard, but everyone has seen the same constant overthrows I've seen. Brian's UFRs are overly kind to Denard with respect to his passes, IMO. That said, yes I realize Denard's legs are the only reason we're 4 - 0.
Neg away if the truth hurts that much, but Denard's accuracy is pretty bad right now.