Spring Game - Your perspective will determine your enjoyment
We are so close to the Spring Game now, and I can't wait to go. I was thinking about how no matter what happens, there will be people who are happy and others will be worried all at the same time. It really comes down to whether you are an optimist or not. Some people will see the offense making a big play and think about how great they might perform this year. Others will see the same play and talk about how bad the defense is.
The most important things to me about this weekend are threefold. #1. No big injuries. No matter what happens, we all hope that the 2-deep won't have to dramatically change after this weekend's scrimmage. #2. Great turnout by us (the fans). We really need to impress all the recruits that will be in attendance, and let them know that more UM fans will come to a spring game than most Div 1 schools in the country get for the real thing. The more people who show up, the better the atmosphere becomes. This also gives the new frosh a good idea of how intimidating the Big House is on game day. #3. Improvement on both sides of the ball from last year in key areas. I want to see less balls on the ground, crisp excecution of the read option by all three QB's, several running backs making the case for a starting job, Lewan looking like he belongs in the #77 jersey, linebackers who don't overcommit, good form tackling, DB's who stay deep as the deepest, and Will Campbell bending his knees.
What are you looking for this weekend? What will make it a good/bad scrimmage in your opinion? Will you look at the game through an optimistic lens?
April 15th, 2010 at 12:41 PM ^
On the one hand I want the offense to show us how much they've improved, but at the same time I want to see a similar improvement with the defense. So, what should we hope for? A low-scoring affair? A draw between the offense and defense?
April 15th, 2010 at 12:44 PM ^
A good scrimmage is relatively balanced without too many big plays by either side. I'd love to the see the offense hold on to the damn ball and I'd like to see solid execution (position, tackling, etc) out of the defense. Seeing the offense rock the defense is going to engender great consternation around here.
April 15th, 2010 at 12:47 PM ^
A big fan turnout and great atmosphere are the biggest things I'm hoping for. Anybody who considers themself a fan better be there unless they have a damn good excuse.
Other than that -- just hoping to see a clean game with no injuries and no stupid mistakes (HOLD ONTO THE DAMN BALL).
April 15th, 2010 at 12:49 PM ^
I am eager to see Denard throw and run the read. I am eager to see Cam Gordon chase a deep throw and also make some hits. I want to see if Shaw rises to the occasion, if Campbell plays with fire, if Roh looks comfortable off the line. I want to see how the two box safeties align and move. I want to see Tate look locked in. I want to see Devin, period. I want to see if the O-line moves fast, decisively, and as one. I want to see Gallon and T. Robinson wiggle in space. Etc.
April 15th, 2010 at 12:54 PM ^
Offensively -
-Would like to see some new stuff in the passing game.
-Toussaint, want to see him impress. Learn the whole playbook son, you're the most versatile back.
-OL, improvement across the board.
Defense -
-Holy good gosh please let the 3-3-5 help us.
-Secondary, prove to me I won't have a heart attack scare vs ND.
April 15th, 2010 at 12:56 PM ^
What you should hope to see is enthusiasm and no injuries. Also I hope you see all of the recruits enjoying themselves as well as committing later in the day. Remember what you are seeing on the field will have very little bearing on what you will see come September. So for those who are going relax and enjoy a little football in April.
April 15th, 2010 at 12:56 PM ^
I live in Minneapolis, and I'm leaving tomorrow morning to make the drive to AA for the game on Saturday.
If you live in Michigan and don't have anything going on Saturday, you have little excuse not to be there.
April 15th, 2010 at 12:59 PM ^
It will feel like a scene out of Field of Dreams. I just want to sit back, and watch the boys play football. September can't come fast enough.
first team offense to smoke the second team defense,
the first team defense to smoke the second team offense,
and if the first team offense plays the first team defense, I want all the players to levitate and rotate aimlessly on the 50 yard line--much like what happens when you tape a piece of buttered bread buttered side up on the back of a cat and drop it.
I was thinking the EXACT same thing
hanging in the Big House talking trash with the homies and dranking some booze and spitting some game at some ho's.
Gotta hope for some of both, but Zone left hit it on the nose: no big plays. While exciting, big plays are generally the result of a breakdown on defense (blown coverage, poor pursuit angles, etc) not an incredible offensive play. Likewise, turnovers are usually a poor decision by the QB or failing to hold onto the damn ball.
It'd be nice to see the offense move the ball steadily at times, and the defense force some 3rd and longs and then, you know, not let them get a first down. If there are lots of turnovers or lots of 50 yard plays, that is a bad thing.
Also, of course, the good atmosphere / no injuries thing, kthx.
Consistency on both sides of the ball would be good!
I'm Looking forward to a
WE WANT HART chant
As a couple people already pointed out, what we see Saturday will have little bearing on what happens in the fall. I just want to see some smooth execution, and it's always fun to get the first glimpse of the new guys.
After that, what I'm most looking forward to is Grizzly Peak, Jolly Pumpkin, etc.
is the Man! I have full confidence in him this season. This spring game what I am looking forward to see is this re-vamped Denard run the offense. AS well as getting a look at the 3-3-5. Really, i'm just excited that we have the opportunity to watch the game online (because i'm 2,000 miles away), and get a taste of football before september. I hope everyone has a safe and fun time at the game. GO BLUE!