Rivals: Ten scheme changes to watch in 2010
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1100552
MICHIGAN The change: From a 4-3 defense to a 3-3-5 set The buzz: Coach Rich Rodriguez had some solid defenses at West Virginia using the 3-3-5, and after two seasons of watching the Wolverines bumble and stumble on defense, he obviously decided to give up the ghost and switch to the 3-3-5. One problem: The secondary is extremely young and lacks depth, which could make things mighty interesting this season. On the other hand, Michigan's linebackers struggled mightily last season and Rodriguez's 3-3-5 asks them to make fewer reads, which -- theoretically, at least -- should lead to more production. While there are five defensive backs, two of the safeties will line up near the line of scrimmage, meaning the Wolverines will have eight men in the box. Michigan gave up 171.9 rushing yards per game last season, and coaches think the scheme change will help that number go down.
Interesante. If we stop the run, we're in for a fun season.
The inflection on 'fun' obviously depends on whether our secondary is swiss cheese or not.
Michigan will employ a hybrid defense that gets the best 11 players on the field, whether its called a 3-3-4, 4-2-5, 4-4 under...
I hope it's not a 3-3-4. That would be much worse than continuing to start walkons.
Depends on the walk on.
So that's 6 of our opponents that run a version of the spread...is that right? Only problem is after the divisional breakdown, we'll only probably play 3 or 4 of these teams annually.
Big Ten
Illinois: Multiple spread
Indiana: Multiple spread
Michigan: Spread option
Northwestern: Multiple spread
Penn State: Spread HD
Purdue: Shotgun spread
ND: Shotgun spread
It said at the bottom of the article that Illinois is dumping their spread and going back to a more conventional pro-style set. As a UM fan, I have to say I approve this move. I hope Illinois gets pounded for the Zooker's comments about the SEC. Big Ten (12) teams unite!
It was sort of hidden at the bottom, but according to that same article, Illinois is going to ditch the spread for a more pro-style offense.
EDIT: Wow, that's what I get for opening up multiple message board topics, then waiting like 15 minutes to comment. Disregard this post.
Way too much is being made of this scheme change. It's not too different from what we ran last year.
From my understanding it was more of a terminology change to make the scheme easier to understand.
The Michigan scheme change that we SHOULD be focusin on is the change of that which changes change in changing. Rodriques is changing things that should have been changed before the change.