Tackle Predictions
Tis the season to be parsing so here is what I gleaned from yesterday's presser:
Right tackle will be Dorrestein or Huyge - my money is on Perry.
Left Tackle will be Taylor Lewan.
There had been previous speculation that Dorrestein was battling for LT and was thus not in the mix for RT, but Omameh's comments have made it clear that TL will be at LT because only the barely-competent Huyge stands in his way. Depite my somewhat disparaging comment I feel good about having Huyge as a versatile backup with game experience at both tackle and guard. We are looking very good up front on offense = big yards on the ground.
GO BLUE!
August 17th, 2010 at 6:18 AM ^
I am excited to see Lewan, but perhaps more in 2011. Experience does mean alot, and Lewan is only just getting started.
August 17th, 2010 at 7:45 AM ^
I was worried that our 5 star tackle, Bob Tea, was transferring. Thanks for the heartburn.
August 17th, 2010 at 7:50 AM ^
This is absurd.
Rodriguez is running all the talent out of the program....was Tea supposed to contribute this season?
Our line depth is definitely gonna take a hit this season.
August 17th, 2010 at 7:56 AM ^
Everybody calm down -- it's not like Tea was starting this year!
August 17th, 2010 at 8:03 AM ^
But the crumpets will be out of the oven any moment, and I've already opened the jar of preserves! You'd better get the kettle on right now, or our afternoon civilities will become MOST uncivil.
August 17th, 2010 at 8:14 AM ^
I'm only going to talk about imaginary people who play for Michigan.
August 17th, 2010 at 9:03 AM ^
the real question is, if it came down to it, would we be willing to trade a schilling for tea?
yep, neg away.
August 17th, 2010 at 9:10 AM ^
will have me feeling pence-ive in no time.
August 17th, 2010 at 9:16 AM ^
Seriously, I don't. I mean, I guess I'm just too chai.
August 17th, 2010 at 11:02 AM ^
He didn't have the experience to contribute this year anyway, he was just too green.
August 17th, 2010 at 12:13 PM ^
the Freep will still consider the story one scoop or two
August 17th, 2010 at 9:39 AM ^
Oh no, nobody tell the freep, isn't bartering illegal to the NCAA?
August 17th, 2010 at 9:52 AM ^
Dude, I know everyone was expecting this guy to be like the "Next Coffee" but seriously, he showed up weak and bitter and with a lot of baggage. RR wants hard-ass beans whom he can grind and brew himself, not readily packaged, overhyped, just-add-water bags like Tea.
August 17th, 2010 at 9:25 AM ^
Yeah, that's right. Earl Grey was definitely gonna start before Tea anyway...
August 17th, 2010 at 11:25 AM ^
Rodriguez didn't think he was ready to start, and was going to put Tea on ice for a while. Rumor has it that Tea was very bitter about the whole experience.
August 17th, 2010 at 8:50 AM ^
He'd taken too many lumps... couldn't take the heat
August 17th, 2010 at 9:51 AM ^
Anyone in the market for a maize shirt with "IT'S TEA TIME, BITCHES!" in blue lettering?
August 17th, 2010 at 10:48 AM ^
I don't know, but SS Coffee has been dominating in the early morning sessions.
August 17th, 2010 at 7:55 AM ^
I see quite a few moving parts on the line this year, and right now I'm okay with that. I do not think Lewan is quite ready to take over full-time at the LT position (first year starter, still a little on the small side at 294), so I like the idea of moving Dorrestein, Huyge, and Lewan around at the tackles position.
August 17th, 2010 at 8:07 AM ^
If Lewan is ready to go vs UConn, put him at LT and let him grow up. If he's not, don't put him in until you know he's ready.
You can't go around switching lines from week to week. There has to be some consistancy or you are asking for trouble.
August 17th, 2010 at 5:29 PM ^
I'm not saying that the coaches should move the line around needlessly, but I'm also not sold that Lewan can handle the LT position all year. By having some depth and the ability to move guys around in certain circumstances, the offense will be able to make adjustments when needed. Listen, I would love for Lewan to establish himself at the LT for the future, but realistically he is still pretty small and it sounds like he still has some growing to do.
August 17th, 2010 at 11:54 PM ^
I think we gotta go with some experience this year when we have it.
August 17th, 2010 at 9:18 AM ^
UConn's defensive front is very small, especially now after losing two players. The UConn game sets up perfectly for Lewan to start (he is very agile).
August 17th, 2010 at 8:04 AM ^
Michigan has had plenty of their highly acclaimed redshirt freshmen start on the offensive line in the past. I'm thinking of Hutchinson and Long right off the top of my head (yes, I realize how good they are. No, I could care less about holding Lewan to high standards). If Lewan's good enough and he's ready, get his butt in there.
August 17th, 2010 at 9:35 AM ^
it appears the OL depth is much improved this year. and outside of Molk, there is probably nobody head-and-shoulders above his competition at his position (maybe Schilling). Therefore, I like the thought of keeping the OL fresh throughout the game by mixing-in guys like Huyge and Dorrenstein at guard and tackle. this could help keep the OL fresh come the 4Q.
August 17th, 2010 at 9:39 AM ^
Therefore, I like the thought of keeping the OL fresh throughout the game by mixing-in guys like Huyge and Dorrenstein at guard and tackle. this could help keep the OL fresh come the 4Q.
I'd be willing to bet that you can't find a single football person who agrees with you. The offensive line needs to stay intact for the entire game (unless an injury occurs, obviously). It's necessary for timing and cohesiveness.
August 18th, 2010 at 2:30 AM ^
That is the conventional wisdom, but Jim Tressel disagrees. He will make in-game OL substitutions and in 2006, he actually would play the entire second string OL in the second quarter of games.
August 17th, 2010 at 10:02 AM ^
Omameh's comments from yesterday's presser made me even more excited about this year's offensive line. Molk is back, and with Schilling and Omameh the guard positions we have a very good inside 3. Omameh commented on how much better it is to play guard with Molk at center.
At the tackle positions we have up and coming Lewan and LT, and then a competition at RT, which means that whoever wins the starting job will have to be sharp. Our offensive line was good last year before Molk got injured, and now we have one more year of experience and Barwis training, plus Molk is back and more competition for positions. It's going to be a good year up front.
August 17th, 2010 at 10:47 AM ^
...and post-practice presser analysis = the new Kremlinology.
Who's on the platform for today's parade and how are the seats arranged?
August 17th, 2010 at 11:37 AM ^
the Nuclear Fuel Production Bureau has promised he can increase production 12% next quarter. He is being seated nearer the remainder of the Premier, but his records are now under investigation as we believe he has been stockpiling.
August 17th, 2010 at 11:43 AM ^
...the WLA to give us their perspective on this.
/Serious invite to chitownblue to provide funny stuff, not a call out about some lame ass "MGo" controversy.
August 17th, 2010 at 10:50 AM ^
is the biggest OL we have at 321. After watching his countdown video today, I see how he keeps that up - the guy just loves to eat.
August 17th, 2010 at 11:03 AM ^
Between the eating and the napping comments, I sorta think some players are intentionally downplaying the work they're putting in. They want to be underestimated. They want to be the underdog. ...but it's probably some sort of inside joke too.
August 17th, 2010 at 5:44 PM ^
Or the coaches work them so hard they don't have much energy for much else during football season.
August 17th, 2010 at 12:09 PM ^
Lewan's redshirt year was used to get ready for thsi moment. If he's ready to be a 4 year starter at LT for us, so be it, let's do this thing. If not, then the more prepared veterans play until he is ready. I have no problem comparing him to Jake Long. He has said that is his role model so certainly he compares himself to Jake as well. Hey, if you're gonna set goals, why not set them high, right?!?
Either way this will be a pretty solid and experienced OL this year, and i'm very excited for the return of Molk. Most importantly, i think Omameh is poised to have a serious breakout year and i'm really excited to see our interior line work in cohesion.
I dont' think it's a coincidence how we played last year after Molk went down.
August 17th, 2010 at 1:06 PM ^
Its great that we are comparing talented players across the OL. Another year and we will be doing the same for DB's and all other positions.