November 19th, 2012 at 9:33 PM ^
Brady Hoke loves the fact that this is probably a conversation occurring in the Ohio coaches room right now. And because of that, Michigan gains a huge competitive advantage.
You have two tremendous athletes that have both proven they are dangerous and proficient, both of whom can attack at three or four separate positions in different combinations. The largest criticism of the Michigan offense this year has been the fact that it is predictable. I'd love to argue with anyone who thinks that notion at this point in the season.
If anything, I think this argument is serving one purpose and one purpose only for Saturday and that is to keep the Ohio defense honest about the pass and rush threat that Michigan now has.
Both Devin and Denard will run. Both Devin and Denard will attempt to throw. Hell, both will probably catch a pass. And you probably won't be able to tell before they snap the ball.
November 19th, 2012 at 9:47 PM ^
but on a couple maybe Denard gets a quick pitch and throws the ball IF he can put any zip on it.
Devin needs to be in a rhythm to be successful in a game like this. Switching QBs evry few plays makes it hard for the Oline and the QBs and receivers to develop a rhythm.
Denard is definitely the better athlete, but Devin at QB and Denard all over the field makes them both better.
November 19th, 2012 at 9:52 PM ^
Gardner at QB. Robinson at RB. Play action has been lethal these past few weeks. Combine that with Denard getting yards in space, and that's a pretty potent offense.
I'm wondering if Robinson will throw a couple times (assuming he can) just to keep the OSU offense on their toes. Or maybe a throw across the field back to Gardner type of play. Ehh who knows?
November 19th, 2012 at 9:59 PM ^
where is fritz crisler when you need him...
November 19th, 2012 at 10:22 PM ^
Based on last Saturday's gameplan, I think Borges can do a decent Crisler impersonation.
November 19th, 2012 at 11:34 PM ^
If Denard can throw then let him throw and take them by surprise on the plays where he lines up as QB and everyone thinks he's running.
November 20th, 2012 at 12:08 AM ^
Which way works better? Denard - QB + Gardner WR or DG QB + Denard RB/WR/QB?
Clear answer at this point: DG QB, Denard gets 20+ touches at RB/WR/QB = Good chance to beat OSU.
Rob
November 20th, 2012 at 12:13 AM ^
let denard have the first snap because he is a senior then let gardner take over as QB and denard as a running back and slot receiver. RB- rawls, hayes, smith. remember ohio states pass defense is real bad so we need a pocket passer. Devin!!!!
November 20th, 2012 at 12:54 AM ^
I'll second Brady Hoke's pick. He has a habit of doing the right thing.
November 20th, 2012 at 1:26 AM ^
Zone read with Devin (QB) and Denard (RB)... who then might just chuck it (up for grabs)
November 20th, 2012 at 3:24 AM ^
whynotboth.gif
November 20th, 2012 at 5:59 AM ^
November 20th, 2012 at 10:02 AM ^
How typical. I start a thread talking about exactly what we saw against Iowa, and are likely to see against Ohio, and I get docked, chastized, and torn apart. Now, after it is clear that Denard is likely not going to heal enough to throw, and Devin has emerged in a big way, board members show no sign of contrition towards others who saw this coming, and are jumping on the bandwagon as if they were supporters all along.
Interestingly, is the fact that Borges said that he had been working on this for 18 months. Obviously, circumstances and depth issues kept the Denard Hybrid offense from becoming a reality -- until the injury that is.
This is what I was talking about when I said, "this could be a blessing in disguise." We're seeing that blessing unfold right before our eyes. Denard is getting to do what he does best, and is forcing the opposition to account for one of the best runners in CFB history. Devin has emerged as an accurate and efficient passer, and a capable runner.
I know I won't get back to my previous point level, but I think that whomever docked me should at least appologize because I was 100% correct!
Go Blue, Beat Ohio!
November 20th, 2012 at 11:52 AM ^
For me it does not realy matter who starts, however who plays the majority of snaps at QB who can be effective! That said I have faith that DG has more potential to move our offense on scoring drives that will control the clock and keep BM off of the field to a greater degree. Also my opinion is such that DR may see some time in packages and possibly even throw but will ultimately effect this game with his legs from a TB/slot standpoint! DG is our future and DR's future in the NFL is an Antwan Randle-El/Hines ward type guy making millions. When the NFL scouts/execs see him in the backfield and spread out and moving in formations they will see what they want (DR will have a great Combine/Workout) and he will go high in the draft. With that he will reep millions in contract and incentives clauses and because he is DR and complete awesomeness he will then return to Michigan to be a big donor and continue his love of A2 community. Which can only HELP The Team, The Team, The Team in the future! Here is to a healthy DR with good legs under him, DG with a lots of Qb reps and a game day of game day efforts/execution, a 'gorgeous' offensive scheme & finally an excellent 'D' flying around and containing BM! Beat O - hi - O!