MGoPodcast 5.5: Jugs Machine

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We have all the Funchess photos and will use them, appropriate or not. In this case: appropriate. [Eric Upchurch]

OFFENSE

No turnovers, no turnovers, and no turnovers. Tackle buddy system: sustainable? Funchess, Funchess, Funchess. Bubble screens make a cameo.

DEFENSE

Grim Ishtar drive and then the rest of the game. Pipkins sadness. Parboiled passivity puzzling.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Matt Wile is back yo.

TALKING BIG TEN WITH JAMIEMAC

Will Michigan have to play Indiana twice to

MUSIC

"Across 110th Street."

"Super 8," Jason Isbell

"Just Dropped In To See What Condition My Condition Is In," Kenny Rogers.

The usual links:

Comments

Ron Utah

October 7th, 2013 at 5:28 PM ^

Great job guys.  Enjoyed it.  It wasn't the most fun game to watch, and it certainly didn't relieve all my anxiety, but I feel better and believe we're improving.  Can't wait for PSU.

I really don't understand Ace's Borges hate in this podcast.  The unbalanced line worked well, and the offense was extremely efficient.  We only ran 52 plays, and we averaged 6.69 yards/play.  That's better than we did last year against Minny.  Sure, you'd like a better YPC average in the running game, but the running game set-up the big plays.  We scored TDs on 5/8 drives, and one drive should've been extended by an obvious PI call.  The TFLs were down, and even a slightly inaccurate DG averaged 13.8 YPA and completed 76.5% of his passes.

As for whether or not the unbalanced line works in the future...we'll see.  But it sure worked on Saturday, and Michigan did establish more of an identity as a power team.

Borges had a great day.  He's earned some criticism this year--most notably against UConn--but he's been darn good in our four other games, and addressed the TE issue on Saturday.

Mattison had a so-so day, IMO.  I'm with Brian on that one.  Our defense seems pretty passive right now, and I don't like it.  As I've said before, I think he's in a tough spot: we can't rush with just the D-Line and don't appear to be very good at blitzing either.  But after five games, we need to find ways to put more pressure on the opponent, and some of the pressure stuff worked against Minnesota.  MOAR PLZ.

The Reeve

October 7th, 2013 at 7:46 PM ^

Wow. Ron, I can't share your enthusiasm for that Podcast. That was unsettling. I certainly am not a pollyanna, but to hear that much snark in a podcast is unfortunate, particularly from two people so gifted in many aspects of football anaylsis.

I acknowledge that criticism of the coaches and players is fair game when things aren't going perfectly, but the derisive laughter that follows most assertions as if a) the coaches are fools for not embracing schemes that are clearly superior to anyone with a pulse, and b) the guards and DLine and safeties and tight ends are deficient and - endlessly using largely flawed transitive analysis (Iowa rushes for x ypc and we rush for y ypc) - a reason to be oh so grim despite the team being 5-0 and ranked is unnecessary. It tarnishes a great product, IMO. 

Football coverage on MGOBLOG is unparalled and does not need the endless snark.

 

 

El Jeffe

October 8th, 2013 at 10:06 AM ^

How do you know when people who disagree with you are SHEEP and when they are just a collection of unrelated individuals who have come to the same independently-arrived at decision that you're a twat?

I'm not saying you're wrong; I'm just curious about how you reached the conclusion you reached instead of the alternative.

flwolverine

October 8th, 2013 at 10:16 AM ^

Brian feeds the morale of a part of this section of Michigan fans. Those fans have developed some sort of fanatical hypochondriasis, induced by Brian, whereas the fanatical experience can't merely be enjoyed, but one has to find something to act butt-hurt about. Now, this doesn't happen all the time, but too often to not get annoying.

MGoManBall

October 8th, 2013 at 9:26 AM ^

I love the podcast. I slap in on at work and finally have something I care about to listen to once a week.

I didn't think Mattison coached a bad game.  Sure, his defense and 2-deep shell looks passive during the game... but Minnesota scored 13 points. Mattison has the ability to dial up the pressure whenever he wants to. Against Central, Akron, UConn, Minnesota, the key is to try to keep everything in front of you. Don't give up the big play that can swing the momentum. He may be trying to keep the defense very vanilla so the better offenses don't have much film to go on besides last year.

If we get into the tough parts of the season and he isn't bringing the heat, then I panic. Right now, I feel it's the calm before the storm. 

 

The Reeve

October 8th, 2013 at 12:21 PM ^

Please don't recruit me into your vendetta. I do happen to think the writing on this site is first rate, that the UFR is a breakthrough in football coverage for the fanatic, and that the intelligence of the typical MGoBlog participant is without peer on sports sites. Some of the other features are top shelf as well.

I'm hoping for constructive criticism here. The snarkiness is the one drawback to MGoBlog. And it is unnecessary. Respect is a simple thing, and snarkiness is the opposite of respect. There is no reason not to respect the accomplishments of this coaching staff (while still giving strong, heartfelt advice) and the effort of young men playing a sport (while still acknowledging and discussing their shortcomings). The point is, both objectives are within reach: More of the great coverage, less of the snark.

jamiemac

October 8th, 2013 at 4:32 PM ^

There was nothing wrong with the tone of podcast. Talk about an example of complaining to just complain. The kettle is on the phone and would like a word............

The Reeve

October 8th, 2013 at 5:46 PM ^

It really is not complaining just to complain. It is actually awkward to listen to the breakdown of the game, like an unfunny comedian. But this is my ear and my opinion; I don't expect them to change. There is enough of value to work around the problem.