ST3

December 5th, 2016 at 9:41 AM ^

We gained 5.0 ypc, 2nd in the Big 10 to OSU and we didn't even employ a running QB which we all know provides a decided schematic advantage (one more player the defense has to account for.) We also had multiple all-big 10 performers on the offensive line. We also gained ~800 more yards rushing this season through 12 games than last season. So this trope that the line must be the problem is factually incorrect.

lilpenny1316

December 5th, 2016 at 9:58 AM ^

Wisconsin, Iowa and OSU.  We could not run the ball effectively in those games.  When we had chances to close out Iowa or OSU, we couldn't depend on our ground game.  Some of it was on the running backs not making the right cut, some of it was on the conservative gameplan, but a lot of it also goes on the OL play.

We need their play to improve significantly next year.

ST3

December 8th, 2016 at 4:40 PM ^

We lost Glasgow to the Lions and effectively replaced him with a true freshman, yet we gained 800 more yards rushing this season. It may seem like they didn't improve much, but the numbers tell a different story

SAMgO

December 5th, 2016 at 7:16 AM ^

Looks like we need to stop making fun of Freddy J's scouting reports, you guys. He was right about all of them. Unfortunately for us, the players all needed someone else actually coaching them to reach their potential.

The Baughz

December 5th, 2016 at 7:54 AM ^

Yes the o-line hasn't been great but it seems our RBs often miss cutback lanes or simply go the wrong way. I have coached RBs at the varsity level for 8 years now so maybe I look at things differently, but you can't blame everything on the oline.

I was watching the Ok/Ok st game and the Ok St RB was tremendous. His vision and speed was something I haven't seen from Michigan since Chris Perry. That guy just needed the slightest of holes and was able to dart through. Our guys can't quite seem to do that on a consistent basis. I think Evans, once he gains some weight, could be that guy.




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The Baughz

December 5th, 2016 at 9:06 AM ^

We do a ton of drills where we incorporate jump cuts and other things of that nature, but you can't teach vision. We had a RB who just broke the district rushing record and he had the best vision of any guy I have ever coached. You can't teach that. His instincts and cut on a dime ability is outstanding. We helped him along the way, but those are God given abilities.




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LKLIII

December 5th, 2016 at 10:20 AM ^

This sounds corny but I read awhile back about Michigan incorporating VR technology. I could see this being most useful for QBs and RBs identifying receivers/holes, and maybe OL/FB/TE identifying blitz pickups. Although vision might be natural, I could see a bunch of VR reps helping guys learn how to diagnose a defensive look.




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LSAClassOf2000

December 5th, 2016 at 8:46 AM ^

Watching Rawls find a role with the Seahawks - he's had 41 carries for 201 yards in the last three weeks, which comes out to 4.9 YPC, so not too bad - is another one of those things that, like others here, makes me ask a lot of "what if" about the Hoke era when it comes to coaching and a few other things. If Rawls had a better OL and better OL / RB coaching, I think he could have been fun to watch. 

robpollard

December 5th, 2016 at 9:57 AM ^

I, mean, literally. People talk about holes and the OL...but on some of his big runs, the (initial) holes weren't there. He made amazingly quick jump cuts that found another hole and he just exploded through the line. This wasn't like Zeke Elliot and the Cowboys; this was a back who was making it work.



He looked amazing.