Props to Borges...
We all like to give praise to Mattison and Hoke for the tremendous job they've done getting our defense and overall team to over achieve in a lot of respects. Nevertheless, if one coach deserves praise for today's W, it's Gorgeous Al Borges.
In addition, I think he has really done a terrific job adjusting his play calling throughout the year, as well as staying patient with Denard and helping him grow. I haven't seen a flat footed duck from Denard in weeks, and his new ability to tuck and run is really paying dividends. I know that there are a couple of play calls we disagree with throughout the year, but that's a pretty nice complaint to have when stepping into a less than ideal personnel situation given his past experience.
I know this board likes #s, so I'd just like to point out a couple:
35.25 - points per game in conference (5 more than last season).
25 - average points per game allowed by our opponents in their 8 games of conference play (identical to last year)...I just threw this in there to show that we're not playing a bunch of swiss cheese defenses relative to 2010.
85 - points the last two weeks against two national powers. Granted OSU seems a bit wounded, but they're still a pretty damn athletic defense.
I can't wait to give this guy a whole month to prepare a scheme for the bowl game. Hail Borges!!!
November 26th, 2011 at 8:08 PM ^
He and everyone else associated with the offense had a fantastic game. Only the officials could keep us out of the endzone.
November 26th, 2011 at 9:38 PM ^
or our called back TD ? Would love to see them on You Tube but nothing on there, yet.
November 26th, 2011 at 10:03 PM ^
was absolutely, for sure a fumble. I didn't think so live, but the replay was plain as day. The TD on the other hand shouldn't have been overturned even on bizzaro world.
November 26th, 2011 at 10:03 PM ^
A clear fumble.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:09 PM ^
Of the starters. Wouldn't you expect at least a 5 point increase? But I though he called a beautiful second half today. Probably his best half of the season.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:09 PM ^
Coach Borges is a terrific OC. Works with the talent that he has...mixes the gameplan up so much you never know what is coming, and the offense executes the plays very well... guy is great at his job.
November 26th, 2011 at 9:14 PM ^
When it's all said and done, 'ole "West Coast Al Borges" calls a pretty mean zone read option spread.
I was concerned when Hoke was hired and brought him in as OC that Al Borges = Mike DeBord. Man was I WRONG.
I especially like that Borges does not go into a shell under duress. All year long, when the game was tight, he was not afraid to put it up in the air when the opening was there.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:09 PM ^
Well stated. I am wondering if this season will alter his style of playcalling/offensive recruiting. Denard is still doing amazing things, even in the hybrid offense. Could this be the start of a NEW offense? Making a new offense is something that Michigan has done before...
November 26th, 2011 at 8:10 PM ^
in the middle of the season, likely at Borges' & Hoke's suggestions.
DRob hit the home stretch with a healthy body this year, and I think the DRob-governor was officially removed for the Nebraska game (game #11).
IME
November 26th, 2011 at 8:34 PM ^
I doubt it. Last year denard rarely improvised on pass plays. A great example is the TD to Hemingway on a 3rd and long against Illinois: denard had an easy scramble for a first down yet instead chose to zing it to hemingway into blanket coverage. This month, he would have run it given the dame situation. Maturity
November 26th, 2011 at 9:40 PM ^
are we talking about ? MSC ?
November 26th, 2011 at 9:51 PM ^
My guess is the one who hacked his twitter.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:11 PM ^
I completely agree that you'd expect that type of increase. But given that fact that we have been able to execute that increase with a full transition of staff and half transition of system speaks volumes of these offensive coaches and the players' dedication.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:12 PM ^
Borges was hammered in the two losses and the Illinois game. As I said then, some criticism was deserved, but not the backlash he got.
<br>It's mostly about execution, and while I thought he called a fairly good game, execution was very good.
<br>The Koeger TD on 3rd and 1 was a very similar play call to the 666MSU 4th and 1. Executed this time! Go Blue!
November 26th, 2011 at 8:16 PM ^
Is a lot different than calling it on 4th and 1 when you absolutely need to score and the opposing teams' D line is split giving you the easy first down if you just fall forward.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:15 PM ^
He's done a great job this year. When Michigan got the ball for its last drive, I had a flashback to Michigan running the ball three times and punting. Instead, they played to win. Great job overall.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:16 PM ^
Last three years O$U didn't care we were wounded or re-building, they called it a victory all the same. To hell with that idea. They have some of the best recruits money can buy and we still beat them. We have the same team as last year and this year we outcoached them and outmanned them. They are sore losers (see the classless bucknuts thread on the 'Board) let's not lend them any credit they don't deserve.
FOOOOOTTBAWWWWWW!!
November 26th, 2011 at 8:17 PM ^
What I like about Borges is that he did exactly what he said he would. He wanted two 1,000 yard rushers, he got them. He got variety and balance in the offense. He got Denard to the end of the season healthy and productive.
Most importantly, two things. First, 10 wins. Amazing. And second, good luck to Michigan's opponents in 2012 - Denard is going to maul folks in this offense next year.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:18 PM ^
Well said McBlue. The lawyer in me likes to address counter arguments before they even come up.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:19 PM ^
Other than the 3rd and 3 pass attempt to Grady that immediately preceeded the Hagerup blunder, I thought he called a perfect game today.
November 26th, 2011 at 9:11 PM ^
Although I think the blunder itself magnified the call immediately afterwards.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:19 PM ^
I love all of you. Never been happier to be a part of the University of Michigan
November 26th, 2011 at 8:22 PM ^
Borges wandered past our tailgate after the game looking oddly dejected. We thanked him for a great game as he went by, and he just kind of grumbled. Someone said "Hey, we won, the drought is over! It's OK to smile!" Borges stopped, kind of shrugged, chuckled, shook his head, and said "Man... I'm just so freaking tired." And ambled off.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:30 PM ^
However, he seems to get too cute on 3rd and 4th and short. You have two downs from the foot line. You do the bootleg and it opens up the chance of the holding call.
I've never seen a holding on a qb sneak.
If Miller hadn't tacopants the last throw to Posey, we would be calling for his hide.
We were gashing them with the run, even under center and had two downs.
Just seems it might be something to watch for going forward. Too much Trickery on 3rd and 4th and short.
Edit:
I'm really happy for the win and Borges deserves a ton of credit. I'm pointing out the pimple on Marisa Miller.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:40 PM ^
I actually like the playcalls for the most part on 3rd and short(not so much 4th when the most important thing is to get the yardage). This team isn't built yet to push a talented DL backwards, so misdirection is best. If you can get even one guy to take a step in the wrong direction, Denard will convert the 3rd down.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:26 PM ^
Absolutely... Offense won the game. I certainly didn't think we'd win if ohio put up 34. I don't know that any drives "stalled". They were either 3 and out, or a td. Once he got past that first first down he got in a groove and had ohio on their heels.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:30 PM ^
Overall record improved by 3 games to 10-2. Way to go Hoke.
Defense improved by a magnitude of google. Way to go Mattison.
Offense did very well even with a quasi-transition. Way to go Borges.
Special teams were much better even though they have a ways to go.
We were 2-1 against our rivals for the first time since 2007
8-0 at home, I think the first time since 1902
We put up 40 points on Ohio, a team that had not given up more than 34 points to anyone, to end a 7 year streak.
Even our last coach, who many on here have loyalty to, has landed on his feet at a BCS school.
We have a great recruiting class lined up.
We are likely to get a BCS bowl bid.
I think you have to feel good about the season and the future.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:53 PM ^
November 26th, 2011 at 9:45 PM ^
RR who is responsible for most of the players recruitment. I would give him some credit for this while we're gushing.
November 26th, 2011 at 10:54 PM ^
I'll get flamed for this, but come on. RR's impact on this game and the program as a whole was a net negative. Giving RR credit for this is like giving Chamberlain credit for the Battle of Britain because some of the planes were bought while he was PM.
November 26th, 2011 at 11:18 PM ^
November 26th, 2011 at 9:56 PM ^
First time ever.
November 26th, 2011 at 11:25 PM ^
November 27th, 2011 at 9:56 AM ^
The official site says it's the first 8-0 home season ever, so I don't know who to believe...
November 26th, 2011 at 8:36 PM ^
Yep Borges picked up the slack left by the D today. Sub par day for the D. Side note, but I honestly have to give props to the Ohio State offensive coordinator for calling a great game for the Buckeyes. The way he pushed our secondary back by going deep early really opened things up for OSU and for Miller to reprise Troy Smith, and made this a much closer game than it should have been. Not to mention all the horrilbe throws Miller made.
Comically, all the Cooler Poopers rant about is Miller spiking on 3rd and 6 and how it's all Bollman's fault and how they want him gone. They're idiots. Their O.C. called a great game for them today, and if he gets broomed to usher in Meyer, I'll be relieved.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:54 PM ^
Agreed, first game I felt Mattison was on his heels a bit as far as game planning. Gotta give him credit for utilizing his weapons and finding our weaknesses.
November 26th, 2011 at 9:36 PM ^
Yea, the fact that Ohio was calling a much different offensive set than they used all year had something to do with that. That's why underdogs who have nothing to lose can sometimes be so dangerous to play. Ohio was expected to lose today, so they went for broke, passing on first down and going deep early in the game when they hadn't done that all year. And Miller provided a huge lift with his scrambling and running.
November 26th, 2011 at 8:39 PM ^
Put his guys in a position to expose the Ohio State defense in a way we haven't done in years.
Over the last three games, he really made the adjustments necessary to get this team to 10-2.
Hats off to Al!
November 26th, 2011 at 8:51 PM ^
http://btn.com/btn-game-of-the-week/ Vote so we can watch our wolverines!! Take it to Ohio..Again! Go Blue!
November 26th, 2011 at 8:52 PM ^
November 26th, 2011 at 8:52 PM ^
November 26th, 2011 at 9:06 PM ^
I think you can argue that the better defense held us back in a lot of regards. We were gunning until the end in every game last season, while this year, many of our games involved running out the clock for the entire 4th quarter.
November 26th, 2011 at 9:10 PM ^
But obviously a good defense helps the time of possession.
The players performed well. This thread is not taking anything away from them. I just find it pretty odd how little this board praises the offensive genius we have up in the box who could have been stubborn all season running more of a west coast / pro style type offense. Instead, he found a happy medium with his players and just finished off the year putting up 85 on OSU and Nebraska.
November 26th, 2011 at 9:23 PM ^
Hail Al Borges!
Can you imagine the pressure and scrutiny he lives with? With rabid "Beat Ohio"-starved fans like us questioning every playcall?
I hope he's able to take a much deserved vacation.
I also hope that Aaron Wellman hooks him up with a hot coed personal trainer in the off season to help him get in a little bit better physical shape for next season's grind.
I love the guy and accept him for who he is. But he would feel better and have more energy and stamina if he burned a few lbs.
November 26th, 2011 at 9:25 PM ^
Best thing I can say about Borges; when this team gets in the Red Zone, I have no clue what he is going to call
November 26th, 2011 at 9:27 PM ^
The playcalling to the games prior to Nebraska were noodles scratching. Don't think we would have been able to win the last 2 weeks without Toussaint.
November 26th, 2011 at 9:31 PM ^
Yes, Borges called a great game today. And the players executed. They seem to be more comfortable in what they are being asked to do. The only quibble I have with the play calling is I would like to see a pass on first down once in awhile to keep the defense from always being able to expect a run. I have no problem with trying to run outside in short yardage situations. How many times this year did we only try to pound it up the middle in those situations and get stuffed? If the defense doesn't have to worry about the perimeter, they can just stack everyone in the box. The hold Michigan got called on was not what made the play work. It was a touchdown whether the hold was there or not (and I'm not convinced it was). The personal foul call on the same play was complete BS. More contact than that went on after every play of the game.
Earlier in the season Borges did try to get too fancy at times (then again, when those plays work, everyone praises the genious of them), but I didn't really notice that in this game.
November 26th, 2011 at 10:14 PM ^
Why "quibble" at all with 40 (should have been 44) points against a top defense? Obviously, running on first down was working just fine, why would you want something different?
November 26th, 2011 at 9:31 PM ^
Everything was gorgeous. This will probably grade out as Denard's best game of the season, and within his top two or three of his career thus far. He does this next year, and Denard gets drafted as a QB.
As of right now, this instant, I think we can take Bama next fall. You know... if Mike Martin and RVB can sneak back in under aliasas as freshmen.
November 26th, 2011 at 9:33 PM ^
You could see what he was trying to do all year, and that was to keep Denard fresh for the end of season, which proved to work today as Denard's running ability was great with fresh legs.