Snowflakes Thread: Offense Vs. Maryland

Submitted by LSAClassOf2000 on

This will be your thread for thoughts and hot takes on the offense and offensive playcalling in our game versus Maryland.

This one could be interesting today.

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trustBlue

October 3rd, 2015 at 4:08 PM ^

Lots and lots of work still to be done on the offense. If Maryland can shut down our running game for 3 out 4 quarters how long will Northwestern or MSU be able to do it? 

Can you say MOON II?

Joined: 04/14/2014

MGoPoints: 8169

Eastern Wolverine

October 3rd, 2015 at 4:09 PM ^

Jake is improving every game. Yes, the offense struggled in the first half and yes he still needs work on long passes. Having said that he threw several excellent completions today. His decision making is better. The timing and rhythm of pass plays/patterns is improving. Mistakes happen at all levels of football but Rudock is learning/growing from them. Give me a good quarterback who's improving with an elite defense and I'll take it every time. How did the Ravens win the Superbowl in 2000 or the Giants ten years earlier?

Joined: 03/14/2013

MGoPoints: 374

Eastern Wolverine

October 3rd, 2015 at 4:37 PM ^

Location on his throws is a lot better than it was at Utah. His decision making--i.e. when to commit to running, when to throw it away, what throws to avoid, is improving. How many picks did he have today vs. Utah? Yes, I get that some of the picks at Utah were on receivers but to me Rudock is improving and the rhythm/timing of pass plays is improving. Like everything, it still needs work. What concerns me is not being able to run the ball at will at critical times. That's not on Rudock. Michigan has had critical third and/or fourth down against Utah, Maryland and I believe UNLV they haven't been able to convert. You've got to find a way to get one or two yards on the ground when you absolutely need them.

Joined: 03/14/2013

MGoPoints: 374

True Blue Grit

October 3rd, 2015 at 4:09 PM ^

Takes us.  Our D is good enough to win the conference.  But our passing game isn't, at least yet.  50% pass completion isn't going to cut the mustard against really good teams - especially with 3 turnovers on top of it.

Joined: 01/21/2011

MGoPoints: 32336

Danwillhor

October 3rd, 2015 at 4:55 PM ^

and that with a decent Rudock game. Other than a seeming inability to hit a wide open man down field and his patented one bad decision a game, he was fine. Smith is by far our best option but I'd put Johnson behind him. I like how they use a lot of Run & Shoot type delays with him. WRs played well overall. Oh, not too long ago someone posted about Johnson's likely cause for knee injuries. He still has a very pigeon toed (inverted PT?) running style. His knees must take a ton of strain while running. It was very visible today.

Joined: 12/02/2008

MGoPoints: 8609

HollywoodHokeHogan

October 3rd, 2015 at 5:39 PM ^

            Everyone who was bitching about the coaches not playing Isaac can now shut the hell up.  That was a brutal performance from him.  I thought the play-calling wasn't as bad as people think.  We are getting open WRs downfield, but Rudock just can't seem to hit them. I think he is trying to play it safe on the long balls, because an overthrow is unlikely to be picked. But are those are balls you should be taking a chance on.  Meanwhile he throws late and slowly on shorter routes where the potential harm is much higher.

Joined: 02/12/2011

MGoPoints: 20444

smwilliams

October 3rd, 2015 at 8:56 PM ^

This x100. What's the point of burying a 5-star RB in his 5th game with the program after 2 fumbles in one game in crappy weather? To make a statement? Have the kid run hills in front of everybody or go with The Program and make him carry a football everywhere he goes on campus and have people try to strip it from him whenever they can.

Joined: 08/20/2010

MGoPoints: 9917

CoverZero

October 3rd, 2015 at 6:50 PM ^

At what point does Peppers make and appearance on Offense?  He obviously is one of the most explosive players on the team.  Could we see another Woodson like performance vs. Sparty?  this offense needs playmakers

Joined: 08/30/2014

MGoPoints: 14571

Sten Carlson

October 3rd, 2015 at 7:01 PM ^

I've had a sneaking suspicion that we'll see Peppers make his offensive debut versus MSU for a while now. But, that might move up a week to the Northwestern game next week to give something for MSU to see on film so as to open up the decoy effect. I know the whole "surprise" factor would be nice, but drawing attention would be helpful too. I just want to see him with the ball on his hands more than just on PK/KR.

Joined: 11/16/2009

MGoPoints: -56

Sten Carlson

October 3rd, 2015 at 6:53 PM ^

Jake isn't seeing the open guys often enough. When he knows where the throw is going, he's fine. When he has to use his vision to find them, it's either a tuck-and-run, a dump off, or a sack. If/when he starts seeing the open guys the offense will absolutely roast opposing defenses who are stacking the box. Michigan, like in the UNLV game, basically ran into a stacked box all game, but lacked the downfield passing dagger to make this a complete blowout. Add to that turn overs, and it appeared a lot closer than it actually was. I don't know whether Rudock will "get it" or not. If not, it's on the coaches to come up with something creative as a counter to loading up against the run. As others have said, Michigan goes as far as Rudock can take the team. Sucks, but that's where we're at right now. At least with the defense looking elite we'll be able to hang with just about anybody. IMO, people should stop dogging on Jake. He is what he is, and he's the best we got right now.

Joined: 11/16/2009

MGoPoints: -56

ehatch

October 3rd, 2015 at 8:37 PM ^

I thought the offensive line took a step back today.  Maryland's defense is as bad as their offense and we made them look competent.  

We really missed DeVeon.  Isaac didn't take advantage of his opportunity.

The WR really need to help out Rudock on the deep balls.  The first one was a terrible throw by Rudock.  The second one was a great throw, but Chesson drifted outside instead of running straight upfield.  It would have hit him in stride.  The third one was a good throw that Canteen just couldn't come up with (on the fake smoke screen).  

Joined: 09/25/2008

MGoPoints: 1938

jblaze

October 3rd, 2015 at 9:09 PM ^

Rudock is the worst Michigan QB that I have ever seen. He's physical abilities are fine, but he doesn't understand the O and by my unofficial count has buffed 5 TD's to date.

We cannot beat a real opponent with him as QB.

Joined: 08/29/2008

MGoPoints: 19241

Slim_Hype

October 4th, 2015 at 9:08 AM ^

We really missed Deveon out there. Slot of those runs seemed like guys were being brought down without much of a fight. Jake Butt was constantly open as usual. Rudock has to just throw it up to these physical receivers and let them make a play. Might even get a few dpi

Joined: 01/21/2011

MGoPoints: 642