We Have the Best Offense In The Country

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September 26th, 2010 at 12:21 PM
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HeismanPose
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Joined: 09/21/2009
MGoPoints: 1383
We Have the Best Offense In The Country

Net Total Yards:

1- Michigan - 2251

2- Oregon - 2240

3- Nevada - 2116

 

Rushing Yards:

1- Air Force - 1576

2- Michigan - 1325

3- Oregon - 1287

 

We're also ranked 51st in passing yards, 9th in total points, 5th in first downs, and 5th in third down % (53.7) .  And then there's Denard, who still leads the nation in rushing yards and is 16th in passer rating, between Kirk Cousins and Stephen Garcia.  Pryor is 12th.

 

I know it's early, but it's worth noting what Rodriguez has accomplished in the first month of the season.  Did anyone, in their wildest dreams, think our offense would be this good?

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September 26th, 2010 at 12:26 PM | Just imagine if... (Score:1)
Firstbase
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Joined: 09/30/2009
MGoPoints: 3120

...DRob had played the entire game. 800 yards total offense wouldn't have been a stretch.

Now, if we only had a stout defense to match.

September 26th, 2010 at 12:50 PM | The defensive numbers are bad (Score:1)
HeismanPose
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Joined: 09/21/2009
MGoPoints: 1383

The defensive numbers are bad but kinda interesting.  We're 93rd in total yards allowed (exactly 400.0/game) and 64th in points allowed (23.0).  Howeva, we are middle of the pack in rush yards allowed (62nd) and are tied for 15th in interceptions, with 6.  It's not ideal, but "bend don't break" is kinda sorta working.  Considering the personnel we have, I think the D is pretty much playing to expectations.

 

We are a few good defensive recruits away from being a legitimate FORCE.  But I guess a lot of teams can say that.

September 26th, 2010 at 1:41 PM | For sure. (Score:1)
BlockM
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Joined: 07/03/2008
MGoPoints: 25314

The difference between us and a lot of teams is that historically, when we have a good team, we can get a lot of top recruits. A non-upper-echelon team might need a few defensive recruits and not get them. I have a hard time believing we'll be in that boat once things are clicking.

@pnbloem | Ultra-MGoBoard

September 26th, 2010 at 3:18 PM | I'd like to think this (Score:1)
victors2000
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Joined: 03/21/2009
MGoPoints: 2324

'bend but don't break' concept is more about the lack of talent than it is an active coaching philosophy. I think the coach is more about 'get after it and don't give up the big play'; once we get the talent, I think we'll be all about 'Crush, Kill, Destroy'.

You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. ~Dan Birdwell

September 26th, 2010 at 4:23 PM | GERG brought the house last year (Score:1)
Muttley
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Joined: 07/07/2009
MGoPoints: 4599

and we were burned for TDs on screens/delays by ND (but for TV review and the ND back barely stepping OOBs at the Mich ~30), Iowa (Moeaki sp?), and the last OSU TD.

Opposing offensive coordinators knew GERG had little reason to trust his coverage last year.  What else was GERG going to do?

It'll be nice not to have to be so predictable.

September 27th, 2010 at 7:27 PM | not being... (Score:1)
BigCat14
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Joined: 09/14/2009
MGoPoints: 277

sarcastic but technically we are most definitely undefeated.  so the 'd' is bending and not breaking, completely!

I am thankful to live in an awesome country!!!

September 26th, 2010 at 12:56 PM | This offense + stout defense (Score:1)
Louie C
Joined: 11/16/2009
MGoPoints: 2014

This offense + stout defense = universe caving in on itself

"It's the only place to get the inside story on Wolverine football, so blee bluhh tahh!" - Bo

September 26th, 2010 at 1:20 PM | This offense + decent defense (Score:1)
BiSB
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Joined: 08/15/2009
MGoPoints: 27921

This offense + decent defense = black hole sized warping of space-time  

They no longer call me Bisbiño

September 27th, 2010 at 4:26 PM | But (Score:1)
TIMMMAAY
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Joined: 09/08/2008
MGoPoints: 5954

I don't want a "decent" defense, I want a reincarnation of our '06 defense. We would destroy ALL.

not just "douchey" MGoBlog user, but now TRUSTED MGoBlog user

September 27th, 2010 at 7:32 PM | of course... (Score:1)
BigCat14
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Joined: 09/14/2009
MGoPoints: 277

though with dilithium power DRob most definitely can e s c a p e the black hole sized warping of the mediocre universe M football has been in.  taking us to the top universe of universes called "The National Championship universe"  Go Blue

I am thankful to live in an awesome country!!!

September 26th, 2010 at 1:29 PM | If you build it, he will come. (Score:1)
Maize n Blue Balls
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Joined: 08/28/2010
MGoPoints: 487

In this case the "it" being our offense and the "he" being a good defense.

I imagine defensive players prefer to play on a team with a good offense.

When Denard goes swimming, he doesn't get wet.  The water gets Denard.

September 26th, 2010 at 6:45 PM | Going The Distance... (Score:1)
raleighwood
Joined: 11/26/2008
MGoPoints: 1032

Michigan scored nine TD's yesterday and never punted.  I think that they only turned the ball over on downs one time.  It's hard to get more total yards when you're taking it to the house almost every time.   I guess that you could argue that Denard might have scored faster (or avoided turnovers), thereby increasing the number of possessions but I think that it would have been hard for M to squeeze out many more yards yesterday.

September 26th, 2010 at 12:26 PM | YES! (Score:1)
PIJER
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Joined: 07/12/2009
MGoPoints: 330

I think this is what we signed up for when we brought RR here! Great offense, with Michigan recruits!

"Homey don't play dat"

September 26th, 2010 at 3:14 PM | I like big butts too! (Score:1)
marco dane
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Joined: 07/01/2008
MGoPoints: 1005

Love some of her sweet chocolate candy right about now...yummy!

Lucky enough to have my own JT wristband!!

September 26th, 2010 at 12:26 PM | Thanks for sharing (Score:1)
ND Sux
Joined: 10/01/2009
MGoPoints: 3131

the stats.  NO I did not think the offense would be this good.  High hopes yes, but slightly lower expectatations. 

I did expect fewer turnovers though, and that is another big reason for the success so far.

"I promise you we would have walked to the University of Michigan."  - Brady Hoke

September 26th, 2010 at 12:27 PM | This (Score:1)
michiganfanforlife
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Joined: 05/05/2009
MGoPoints: 944

is exactly why he was hired here. His offense has taken a few years to solidify for the Wolverines, and the players are now in place to excecute his mayhem of a scheme.  I can't wait to see how  our wins keep piling up the rest of the year. This will create a few surprises in recruiting, and I bet we get a few guys by next Jan who aren't even officialy considering UM right now. Go Blue! Beat IU!  

September 26th, 2010 at 12:51 PM | True but . . . (Score:1)
profitgoblue
Joined: 09/01/2009
MGoPoints: 19415

At least we have something to hang out hats on!  Even if the defense implodes, at least we will say we were able to watch an extraordinary offense.  That's at least an improvement from the past two years, right?

Disgruntled former moderator.  I got a lot of problems with you people!

September 26th, 2010 at 12:29 PM | Since you asked... (Score:1)
A2toGVSU
Joined: 09/30/2009
MGoPoints: 156

In my WILDEST dreams, we are #1 in all these categories, have scored TDs on every single offensive posession, and are averaging close to 80 PPG. 

Since I keep my hopes and expectations grounded in reality, I am extremely happy with this offense thus far.  Denard still leading the nation in rushing despite only playing the first quarter yesterday is outstanding.

How buckeye fans embarrass themselves...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luPeewVObyc&feature=channel_page

September 26th, 2010 at 2:53 PM | You mean (Score:1)
Hail-Storm
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Joined: 06/07/2010
MGoPoints: 2382

despite Denard only playing the first 6 minutes.  He is pure awesomeness.

"Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest." -Mark Twain


 

September 26th, 2010 at 3:21 PM | For the minutes he did played (Score:1)
marco dane
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Joined: 07/01/2008
MGoPoints: 1005

The stats he put up were simply sick.

Lucky enough to have my own JT wristband!!

September 26th, 2010 at 12:32 PM | Interesting stats..  I did (Score:1)
switch26
Joined: 02/04/2010
MGoPoints: 2638

Interesting stats..  I did expect them to be good this year, but i didn't think Denard would be that good.  I guess when he was tearing our D up it was a preview of what was to come.

 

The season is still very early so im not holding my breath.  Anything can happen against better Defenses.  It will be interesting once we play MSU. 

September 26th, 2010 at 12:40 PM | And they're only going to get better (Score:1)
PurpleStuff
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Joined: 04/21/2009
MGoPoints: 10412

We've got a true sophomore QB, two underclassmen on the o-line and just two seniors (one of whom was more than adequately replaced when he got dinged yesterday), zero seniors at wide receiver or RB, and a group of talented backs just beginning to hit their stride. 

Yes, I have a boner.

It is spelled HOKEAMANIA.  Our coach is an ass-kicking American citizen, not one of the Beatles, for Christ's sake!

September 26th, 2010 at 12:51 PM | Now, if we only had a stout defense to match. (Score:1)
Don
Don's picture
Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 19222

Hell, if we only had a mediocre defense we'd be pretty tough to beat. If we had a truly stout defense we'd be essentially unstoppable.

As it is, getting to six wins and beyond is going to be a wild ride. Whatever happens, it's going to be an entertaining year.


September 26th, 2010 at 3:28 PM | We're 64th in scoring D (the (Score:1)
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 28972

We're 64th in scoring D (the only metric that really matters).  That qualifies as mediocre, especially given that we play at a quick pace and force our opponents to increase their own. 

September 26th, 2010 at 12:55 PM | Should be noted we have yet (Score:1)
enlightenedbum
Joined: 06/06/2009
MGoPoints: 1865

Should be noted we have yet to play a vaguely good defense.

September 26th, 2010 at 1:15 PM | True.  But I guess we can (Score:1)
HeismanPose
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Joined: 09/21/2009
MGoPoints: 1383

True.  But I guess we can operate under the assumption that nobody has.  Here are the national rankings of the defenses we have played:

 

UConn - 54th
ND - 103rd
UMass - Cupcake
Bowling Green - 120th (!)

 

Here's Ohio St.:
Marshall - 101st
Miami - 8th
Ohio - 41st
E. Michigan - 114th

 

Michigan St.:
W. Michigan - 47th
FAU - 89th
ND - 103rd
N. Colorado - Cupcake

 

And all of the Big Ten defenses, because HOLY SHIT I'm bored today:

Iowa - 1st (227.5 yds/game)
Ohio St. - 5th (239.3)
Wisconsin - 16th (265.3)
Penn St. - 18th (275.8)
Illinois - 48th (333.0)
Michigan St. - 51st (337.8)
Indiana - 53rd (338.3)
Purdue - 59th (349.5)
Northwestern - 77th (373.8)
Minnesota - 85th (387.0)
Michigan - 93rd (400.0)
Notre Dame - 103rd (433.8) - LOLZ
 

September 26th, 2010 at 1:20 PM | Last in the Big Ten in defense (Score:1)
M-Wolverine
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Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 38878

And have we faced a vaguely good offense yet? (Wondering where they rank and how bored you really are...)

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

September 26th, 2010 at 1:30 PM | My boredom knows no (Score:1)
HeismanPose
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Joined: 09/21/2009
MGoPoints: 1383

My boredom knows no bounds:

UConn - 53rd (394.0 yds/game)
ND - 36th (426.3)
UMass - Cupcake
Bowling Green - 91st (327.0)

For what it's worth, we held both UConn and Bowling Green to around 50 yards below their season averages.  Notre Dame went wild on us.  If you really want to stretch it, though, they pretty much hit their season average if you take away the 95 yards TD implosion.

September 26th, 2010 at 4:53 PM | While watching the Redskins/Rams (zzzzz)... (Score:1)
Muttley
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Joined: 07/07/2009
MGoPoints: 4599

I looked up Sagarin's updated ratings (still not "WELL CONNECTED")

Grouped as I see it

PREDICTOR
RANK TEAM SOS
   6 OSU 118

  16 Iowa 128
  24 PSU   66
  28 Mich  77
  37 Wisc 133
  43 NW  96
  45 MSU  157
  51 Ill  113
  85 Ind  200
  91 Minn  94
  93 Pur   129

(In my groupings, I didn't allow myself to override Sagarin's orderings. If so, I'd bring NW down to be grouped with Illinois.)

September 26th, 2010 at 1:55 PM | I'm pretty sure that any team (Score:1)
Mgobowl
Joined: 05/20/2009
MGoPoints: 1502

I'm pretty sure that any team that gets Boom Michigan Offense'd and gives up 700+ is going to have their defensive ranking skewed downward. BGSU is still bad, but they were supposed to be a decent MAC team.

September 26th, 2010 at 2:04 PM | I wonder how much (Score:1)
MichFan1997
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Joined: 08/04/2008
MGoPoints: 6238

damage our offense did to those defensive rankings....

Follow me on Twitter @gfraley05

September 26th, 2010 at 5:28 PM | You left out Nebraska... and (Score:1)
plev72
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Joined: 11/05/2008
MGoPoints: 28

You left out Nebraska... and UMass => Bowling Green

Italy, really? Why can't they at least move me to Paris. Damn it.

Detroit Born Michigan Bred Go Blue! Class of '95

September 26th, 2010 at 1:26 PM | offense rank (Score:1)
snowcrash
Joined: 07/22/2008
MGoPoints: 1569

UConn: 394.0 (53)

ND: 426.3 (37)

BG: 327.0 (93)

Of those 3, ND has played the toughest schedule by far.

September 26th, 2010 at 1:34 PM | What I expected (Score:1)
EGD
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Joined: 09/16/2009
MGoPoints: 1890

Heading into the season I anticipated that the offense would be very good running the ball and hit a lot of big plays, but I did not expect that Denard would be as efficient as a passer, or that our offense would be able to control the ball, convert third downs, and sustain long drives as well as it has. 

"You will suffer humiliation when the team from my area defeats the team from your area." -- The Onion

September 26th, 2010 at 2:05 PM | I, for one, have always liked (Score:1)
mgobleu
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Joined: 07/02/2008
MGoPoints: 2530

I, for one, have always liked the RR hire. I always watched longingly at his ninja offense when he was at WVU, wondering why Michigan has never had that kind of speed. I was excited when he got here, and hope like hell he stays for a long, long time. Now just imagine if the offense keeps it up all year, but the D continues to kill us. Our head coach (who is widely known as an offensive guru...) will be on the hot seat for dismissal, despite creating (again) the most, or maybe second most exciting and potent offense in the country. I understand that despite the fact that its not totally his fault that the D is a bummer, it is his problem. And I've heard all the platitudes about defense winning championships, but I think I would literally cry to see this regime and its offense go.  

September 26th, 2010 at 3:42 PM | We have to see how well the (Score:1)
switch26
Joined: 02/04/2010
MGoPoints: 2638

We have to see how well the offense continues to roll, but if it stays pretty good im thinking greg robinson will be canned before RR

September 28th, 2010 at 12:11 AM | I'm not sure it's Greg (Score:1)
charliebauman
Joined: 02/27/2010
MGoPoints: 116

I'm not sure it's Greg Robinson as it is with just having bad luck with recruiting defensive players. From Dorsey to Turner and all the other injuries, I don't think any system would have worked. Plus we're real young.

Woody Hayes punched me in the 1978 Gator Bowl.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmoIjMr1BZs

September 26th, 2010 at 2:55 PM | posted from iPhone (Score:1)
wolpherine2000
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Joined: 07/10/2009
MGoPoints: 918

As a matter of fact I like beer.

September 26th, 2010 at 3:38 PM | Just for reference, I looked (Score:1)
bronxblue
Joined: 11/22/2008
MGoPoints: 12592

Just for reference, I looked up the defenses Oregon has played because they seemed to be putting up massive numbers as well.  Here they are by total defense:

New Mexico - 118
Tenn - 66 (helped by beating Tenn-Martin 50-0)
Portland St. - 117 (FCS)
ASU - 49

So for all the talk about the fact that UM has not played a good defense, Oregon certainly has not been challenged much themselves.  I think the takeaway from these rankings is that UM finally has the type of destructive, soul-crushing offense that we all envisioned when RR was hired.  It just took a little longer than we expected.

September 26th, 2010 at 5:17 PM | It's confusing because Oregon's D is so much better...but I like (Score:1)
TSS
TSS's picture
Joined: 09/21/2009
MGoPoints: 1341

the Ducks for style points.  There wins are convincing over bad teams - and they never were in a 21 - 14 game with New Mexico or Portland State.   With Stanford downing ND with style as well - I don't think as much of the B10 pollwise as others.  UMass still happened no matter how good BGSU makes me feel.

Deciding who is more dominant is a good thing though no matter who comes out on top.

September 26th, 2010 at 4:16 PM | Although we might have had (Score:1)
wildbackdunesman
Joined: 07/16/2008
MGoPoints: 2584

Although we might have had 800 yards with Robinson in the entire game, it is not like our offense wasted opportunities scoring on its last 6 drives.  It wouldn't have been easy, but the fact remains we could get 800 at some point.

September 26th, 2010 at 4:36 PM | I don't think  it's likely (Score:1)
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 28972

I don't think  it's likely to happen.  To get that many yards, you need to not only move the ball like crazy, you also need to start most of your drives very deep in your own territory.  If you get turnovers, that gives you less yardage to gain before you score.  Thanks to our currently crappy special teams, we've started a bunch of drives close to our own goal line, but that may not continue.

We nearly played a perfect offensive game yesterday.  We had 11 possessions and scored nine TDs.  The other two possessions we drove to the opposing 36 and 26.  So we missed out on 62 yards.  Gaining them would have given us 783.  The only way to gain more would been to either 1) commit some additional offensive penalties that would force us to have to gain more yards or 2) get one more possession.  The latter almost happened, with Vinopal's INT, but even if it had, there were only 20 seconds left. 

Basically, we'd need a perfect combination of things (flawless offense plus crappy special teams plus lots of offensive penalties or possessions) to get 800 yards.  But it is fun that it's even in the discussion. 

September 26th, 2010 at 5:32 PM | pretty meaningless (Score:1)
nazooq
Joined: 07/09/2009
MGoPoints: 1369

I know it's awesome and fun to look at these stats but the level of competition has been so poor thus far, it's silly to get too excited over them.  We only need to look to last year when Michigan had the #4 ranking nationally in scoring offense vs. non-conference opponents and #6 ranking nationally in total offense vs. non-conference opponents.

Against conference opposition, Michigan's offense fell to a meager 22.1 points/game, good for 83rd in the country and 96th in country in total offense.

Obviously, injuries to Molk and Forcier had a lot to do with that but even with them in, Magee and RR had few answers when Big Ten defenses shut down their first option.  Since quality of out of conference opposition varies so much and the sample size we're working with is so tiny (3-4 games), such early season rankings shouldn't be more than an amusing curiosity.

September 26th, 2010 at 5:54 PM | The nice thing now is that (Score:1)
Zone Left
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Joined: 07/03/2008
MGoPoints: 13967

The nice thing now is that the first option might be Denard running, but if teams sell out to stop it, they're in a lot of trouble.  This is a very different season.

It's all John Navarre's fault.

 

September 26th, 2010 at 5:57 PM | Dear buzzkill: (Score:1)
Tater
Tater's picture
Joined: 08/13/2008
MGoPoints: 10383

Yeah, right.  Why should Michigan fans get excited about our team?  Why should we enjoy the most exciting player in college football?  Why should we enjoy the most exciting offense in college football?  Why should we have the unadulterated nerve to think that Michigan is "back," and that a bowl is forthcoming.  Apparently, if you had your way, we would all hang our heads in anticipation of impending disaster. 

Today, though, you are not having your way.

 

 

 

September 26th, 2010 at 6:14 PM | We should enjoy the WAY (Score:1)
nazooq
Joined: 07/09/2009
MGoPoints: 1369

We should enjoy the WAY Denard plays, his smile and joy and devastating decisveness he brings to every play.  But he himself says that he cares nothing for the stats.  We should adopt his approach, especially when it comes to early season stats from a small number of games against opposition that is proving itself poorer by the week.

September 26th, 2010 at 5:58 PM | This year is not last year.  (Score:1)
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 28972

This year is not last year.  People need to stop making this comparison.  Our offense gives defenses an entirely different look with Denard in there than with Tate.  If you want to compare this O to anything, you have to look at WVU's offenses with Pat White.

September 27th, 2010 at 1:01 AM | Yes - I had that dream once (Score:1)
Search4Meaning
Joined: 01/06/2010
MGoPoints: 2838

Wait - I'm still in it!

Wolverine Nation Unite!

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