I agree, as we could point to OSU and Alabama as power-based run games that also put their outside skill-position players in position to #makeplays. But I don't think we will see anything substantially different from an offensive play calling perspective against Washington or other Big 10 teams. We have a few years experience proving that point.
End of the day, happy that we had a productive offensive game and hopefully we can see similar offensive performances throughout the season. If we can beat Wisconsin and Penn State with this offensive game plan than most of the fans will be happy. Problem is the marketing: don't sell Speed in Space, multiple level reads, putting defense in conflict, etc when - given the opportunity to put your skill players in space based on defensive numbers - you don't do that.
Looking forward to listening to this, but appreciate the call out on #speedinspace. We've seen it over the years, saw it again Saturday, and even had the announcers emphasizing what Harbaugh had told them re: power running team. Either your goal is to get playmakers into space and let them make plays, or you decide to (try to) push people off & control the line of scrimmage damn whatever the numbers say. Seems they have decided on the latter...
A band I've enjoyed over the last year or so is BRKN LOVE. A new, young band with only one album so far. Saw them open for Skillet last year in GR and really enjoyed their music and energy live.
To me the biggest loss from Evans comes from his ability (or presumed ability since we never got to see it) to help move the chains or make some big plays in the passing game in the 2 or 4 minute drill. If Michigan were to be down late in a game and need to move the ball through the air I think Evans offers a skill set that the other RB’s don’t.
Hopefully that isn’t necessary at any point, but if it is I think Evans would be valuable in that situation.
That position didn’t fit my argument so I ignored it...
In all honesty those are good points and I could certainly see CB being a problem. I guess for that position after the last 3-4 years I’ve defaulted to assuming the coaches can find quality players and make them work - even if they are overlooked or lower level recruits (Stribling/J.Clark/Watson).
I agree with the CB opinion for the same reasons - with Viper the next position up but back quite a bit. I think Glasgow could fill in suitably short-term but I think a long-term injury to Hudson would be problematic against certain clubs.
Funny you say that. WWMT has video of the fight and you can see a large Paw Paw player book it down the court and “pancake” a South Haven player when the fighting starts. I don’t know if it was him, but he was my first thought when I saw it.
He looks good, but the tape doesn't scream top 150-200 guy. His mobility appears good, but maybe a notch below McCaffrey. I'm more concerned about his arm at the moment, as I didn't see a lot of zip on his passes on his highlight video but that may be a function of his technique as he seems to throw flat footed a bit (sometimes because he has to). Doesn't mean that won't develop, just something to keep an eye on as he adds strength.
Certainly too much protection. I didn't watch the game last night but the recent penalties on Clay Matthews have been crazy. From a cynical fan perspective, maybe I would prefer my team to not try to sack the QB as that seems a surefire way to give up a few free 15 yard gains per game.
At the end of the day I just want to watch good football. I want to see well blocked run plays, perfectly drawn up "pick" passing plays, and confusing defensive schemes. Hats off to the winner in those games.
Guys get hit hard, and I'm all for taking out the blatant "targeting" hits or purposeful diving at the knees of QB's. Unfortunately - and this is mainly in the NFL so far - too many game results are being impacted by these roughing the passer or unnecessary roughness penalties in favor of the team who would have lost the same game 3 years ago. These are the calls that make me turn my TV off because, at that point, it seems it's not a football game I'm watching any more.
It's an awkward comparison given the size difference, but I see quite a bit of Mike Hart in his running style. His patience, jump cuts, balance and little shake in the hole to go forward look an awful lot like Hart. So does his lack of breakaway speed, but ideally we have other backs who are home run hitters.
If he can bulk up to 230 and keep the "vision" the coaches think he has, then he can certainly be the "Thunder" in this recruiting class that can pull out decent 10-20 yard runs but maybe not those 70 yard touchdowns.
“Baseball Fever: Early Baseball in Michigan” by Peter Morris AND was published by the University of Michigan Press. Talks about the development of the game in the mid 1800’s and how it spread throughout the state.
I vaguely pay attention to soccer during the league seasons, but come World Cup time I'm all in rooting on the U.S. and Italy. When the U.S. was eliminated I was disappointed, but for me that meant I could cheer on Italy without tempering my enthusiasm due to the U.S. inclusion. With Italy and the U.S. out of it I truly don't think I'll watch the World Cup with the same level of excitement. Truly disappointing.
That sounds interesting. It's been more than a decade since I played someone decent in this game. My 13 year old son is on the PS3 significantly more than I am, but we'll look for you when we're on. Unoriginally, my screen name is nofunforfu.
Appreciate the updates. My son and I just downloaded the rosters Sunday and it looks like some changes have been made since then. One thing we went through and updated a bit was some of the speed ratings and I'm curious if there's a scale you use for that? We bumped a few of the skill position guys up as well as Rashan who I believe was at a 79 speed. We tried to offset that with decreasing other ratings to get the players at about the same overall rating they were per the file.
Definitely appreciate your work on this. This was something I did in my younger days with just Michigan but it's nice having all the teams refreshed.
My dad is in the U of M cardio center again, being admitted yesterday with an elevated heart rate. He has had 2 heart surgeries since July and spent Thanksgiving in the hospital recovering from the second. Thankfully his heart rate went back to normal early this morning and all other vitals appear normal.
I know spending Christmas at home was something he was looking forward to and unfortunately that won't happen. So tonight I want Santa to bring my dad good health and good spirits. The family will be driving to AA tomorrow to celebrate with him, and a good day with him would be great.
Probably my favorite thing to see on his highlight video is the aggressiveness when tackling. He is not catching guys and dragging them down but attacking and running through the guy. Looks like a good pick up!
Love McDoom's film. He's got speed we lack on offense currently (excluding Chesson) and among our recruits, especially if Enis leaves. Wouldn't mind seeing Stewart join the fold offensively as well.
They update them pretty regularly. Just go check out the ncaa 15-16 roster string and there will be a last updated date on there. I downloaded one just before the MSU game and it was pretty accurate other than Bolden being the highest rated guy on the team!
So many...as a kid I would try to finish up my bowling league quickly Saturday mornings so I could be home to watch the newest X-men episode. Watched a lot of TGIF with my parents and enjoyed Family Matters, Step by Step, etc. Are You Afraid of the Dark was a must see. Batman/Superman cartoons, Animaniacs, Wishbone, GUTS, Scooby Doo, Salute your Shorts, Pinky and the Brain...
By the time I reached 14 or so, the unequivocal favorite was X-Files.
My wife laughs at me for this, but my sister and I loved Wishbone. Actually just started finding episodes online and am watching those with my 3-year old daughter to break the never-ending string of Daniel Tigers Neighborhood she likes to watch.
Fox afternoons were fantastic in the early 2000's. I was in college at the time and the 4pm-6pm slot in w.michigan was something like family guy/Simpsons/That 70's show/Family Guy. Unlike the rest of the day when people were spread out, everyone was packed near the TV's in the cafeteria from 4-6.
Like most I'm excited for Vic...but McKeon is a close second and, if this was a "Who out of this group will be a star?" I'd probably go with McKeon full out. He's already 6'5'' 230 and displays really good speed and great balance for a TE. Playing in Massachusettes I think keeps him under-rated, but I anticipate him getting to campus at around 245lbs and potentially seeing quality time as a true freshman if Butt leaves or redshirting and vying with Bunting in 2017.
We did two years ago. Wasn't able to work out a date last year or this one. They're a pretty busy club and get a lot of requests for games, but we've discussed making something work next season. Really nice group of guys though and they have a nice home field.
Play baseball according to the rules of the 1860's. Might have seen Chris Rock recently poke fun at it, but it is a fun way to play the game and crate a "Living History" show for spectators. Been playing for six years, entering the third season with a club I started in W. Michigan.
Done this a bit.....started as a teacher, spent a few years as a journalist and now work in finance. If I had to change, again, it'd probably try to do something as an astronomer. I always enjoyed studying space.
Football (College and NFL) and hockey have always been sports I could watch regardless of teams. Over the last decade I've developed an increased interest in soccer and, since I didn't grow up watching a particular club, I enjoy watching almost any soccer from any league.
Baseball has always been my first love and I would gladly drop anything I am doing to play, but if it is not the Tigers (or maybe Cubs/Braves) I have trouble sitting through a game for more than an inning or two.
If true I think the "floor" is 8 wins. Given the overall talent on the team and the believed improvement courtesy of the coaching staff I would be disappointed with 8 but think itis possible (L's to Utah, MSU, Penn St. and OSU). Rudock's add, though, makes me feel better about the chances of hitting 10 wins.
I want to see what Isaac can do at the RB spot as I see him as the starter for next season. I also want to see if Green can grow into the power back he looks like he could be - and will need to be to run in the offense Harbaugh has run in the past.
At WR, I want to see if Canteen/Harris/Ways can make a splash opposite Darboh, as I don't see Norfleet or Chesson being that #2 guy.
I had the same mindset. Sure made for a difficult explanation to my son, though: "Dad, I thought we are NEVER supposed to root for Ohio State to win???"
As someone mentioned above, Michigan's tradition isn't some random collection of memories but the "whole package." The uniform, the helmet, The Victors...this is what makes Michigan, "Michigan". How the home uniform looks is not a marketing opportunity but an identification of the school and team. If every nationally televised game game is just another opportunity to show a new uniform and "market" the team to a new group of high school recruits, all they will know are these special uniforms. Maybe I'm old and cranky at 31, but just give me our traditional home blues and with the band playing "The Victors" in the background and I'm good.
I saw the beginning of this game and heard the end on the radio as Mercury Hayes caught a touchdown in the corner of the endzone for the win. I was in middle school and my friends and I played football all the time in our street. After that game we had a play called "Mercury Hayes" where we would run a post-corner and try to catch the ball just before falling over the curb and onto the grass. Exciting radio call, great play and great way to end the game. Plus, we relived that moment hundreds of times on the street so I'll never forget it.
We just got a club started last summer in Kalamazoo and finally have the funds to order our uniforms. The order should be placed by next week and we should have them by April. I'll be working on some more fundraising as well and getting our equipment ready for year #2.
Plus no football means more weekend time for grad school homework.
I mentioned this in Brian's column yesterday but I think next year's WR corp is the best group since 2007. I think we'll see more PT from the 2014 group largely bc of Canteen and Harris enrolling early. Canteen potentially splitting time with Jones at the slot and Harris should see more PT than York/Dukes bc of his superior athleticism.
I might actually be more excited about the group next year if York or Dukes plays over Harris as this should mean that one is more advanced than expected. Either way, I love the size of the whole WR group and think the increased size will pay dividends.
I can admit to maybe being overly optimistic, but I think the potential is there. Next year's WR group is the most talented group since 2007 and while you can't be sure there is a Mario Manningham in the bunch, it's not unrealistic for there to be a Jason Avant (earlier time, I know) or Adrian Arrington. What I like is the fact that there should be greater competition next year for the receiver spots, especially with Harris and Canteen enrolling in the spring.
While we have to rely on hype and recruiting rankings for most of the WR's, it's not like we are replacing several hugely impactful players. Gallon will be tough to replace, but an improved Funchess, Chesson and the return of Darboh should help as passes are spread out more among the receivers. And I don't think it is crazy to think that Dukes/York/Jones/Harris/Canteen/Ways can provide at least two contributors equal to what Dileo and Jackson/Reynolds provided this past year (26 receptions 314 yds 2 tds).
I had something longer typed out, but it got lost in the nether regions of the internet. Here is the abridged version:
I am quite optimistic about the offense next season, largely because of the WR depth. Michigan will have more talent at WR next year than they have had since 2007. I look for Funchess/Darboh/Chesson/Harris to be the top 4 WR's and to perform admirably, with a potential quality player coming from York/Dukes/Jones/Canteen/Ways.
Borges will be under heavy pressure to perform so he either A) can run the ball next season making the offense much more effective or B) knows he can't run early in the year and goes to a heavy passing attack to save his job. This has been successful when they have turned to it in the last 1 1/2 years and should be even more so with the WR corp Michigan will have next year.
From the get go I assume he's in on nickel packages and probably returning punts. But the coaches showed no creativity this season to get the ball in the hands of Norfleet - a special player in space w/o a position. I truly wonder how they can/will gameplan him in on offense based on the Norfleet experience, especially considering that Pepper's - unlike Norfleet - will be learning the defense as well.
Although the insertion of two brand new Olinemen in the middle of the year is not good, could this signal that Borges will abandon the power run scheme for more spread? Both Bryant and Kalis have not proven up to the task on the stretch plays run so far - and clearly not in the power run game either - so the insertion of lighter, more agile players would make sense if we see more spread looks and runs.
With that said, I reserve the right to change my mind if Borges runs MANBALL to start the game tomorrow.
Barring new testimony, you have to feel bad for him. To proceed to trial you would imagine the prosecutor would have some evidence of a physical assault or direct life-threatening verbal threats from Furman towards the victim, but if what the witnesses testified is what actually happened you know all spring he had to be thinking "I'm missing spring ball for THIS?"
I liked his acceleration, but what I liked most from the video is the fact that the 5'9'' kid ran hard, didn't always bounce outside and seemed to always want to move forward. On many of the inside runs he did a good job of staying behind his pads and getting everything he could out of the hole that was there. Very little start, stop, bounce and outrun everyone to the sidelines.
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I agree, as we could point to OSU and Alabama as power-based run games that also put their outside skill-position players in position to #makeplays. But I don't think we will see anything substantially different from an offensive play calling perspective against Washington or other Big 10 teams. We have a few years experience proving that point.
End of the day, happy that we had a productive offensive game and hopefully we can see similar offensive performances throughout the season. If we can beat Wisconsin and Penn State with this offensive game plan than most of the fans will be happy. Problem is the marketing: don't sell Speed in Space, multiple level reads, putting defense in conflict, etc when - given the opportunity to put your skill players in space based on defensive numbers - you don't do that.
Looking forward to listening to this, but appreciate the call out on #speedinspace. We've seen it over the years, saw it again Saturday, and even had the announcers emphasizing what Harbaugh had told them re: power running team. Either your goal is to get playmakers into space and let them make plays, or you decide to (try to) push people off & control the line of scrimmage damn whatever the numbers say. Seems they have decided on the latter...
De' Veon Smith but fast? That's who he reminds me of in terms of his body style and running posture.
A band I've enjoyed over the last year or so is BRKN LOVE. A new, young band with only one album so far. Saw them open for Skillet last year in GR and really enjoyed their music and energy live.
Wrote a response, and changed my mind after posting. Probably a good decision...
continentalbbc@yahoo…
In!
[email protected]
To me the biggest loss from Evans comes from his ability (or presumed ability since we never got to see it) to help move the chains or make some big plays in the passing game in the 2 or 4 minute drill. If Michigan were to be down late in a game and need to move the ball through the air I think Evans offers a skill set that the other RB’s don’t.
Hopefully that isn’t necessary at any point, but if it is I think Evans would be valuable in that situation.
That position didn’t fit my argument so I ignored it...
In all honesty those are good points and I could certainly see CB being a problem. I guess for that position after the last 3-4 years I’ve defaulted to assuming the coaches can find quality players and make them work - even if they are overlooked or lower level recruits (Stribling/J.Clark/Watson).
That’s fair - and a good point. I’ll go:
less than 10 wins: 10%
10 wins: 45%
11 wins: 35 %
12 wins: 10%
I agree with the CB opinion for the same reasons - with Viper the next position up but back quite a bit. I think Glasgow could fill in suitably short-term but I think a long-term injury to Hudson would be problematic against certain clubs.
Funny you say that. WWMT has video of the fight and you can see a large Paw Paw player book it down the court and “pancake” a South Haven player when the fighting starts. I don’t know if it was him, but he was my first thought when I saw it.
He looks good, but the tape doesn't scream top 150-200 guy. His mobility appears good, but maybe a notch below McCaffrey. I'm more concerned about his arm at the moment, as I didn't see a lot of zip on his passes on his highlight video but that may be a function of his technique as he seems to throw flat footed a bit (sometimes because he has to). Doesn't mean that won't develop, just something to keep an eye on as he adds strength.
Certainly too much protection. I didn't watch the game last night but the recent penalties on Clay Matthews have been crazy. From a cynical fan perspective, maybe I would prefer my team to not try to sack the QB as that seems a surefire way to give up a few free 15 yard gains per game.
At the end of the day I just want to watch good football. I want to see well blocked run plays, perfectly drawn up "pick" passing plays, and confusing defensive schemes. Hats off to the winner in those games.
Guys get hit hard, and I'm all for taking out the blatant "targeting" hits or purposeful diving at the knees of QB's. Unfortunately - and this is mainly in the NFL so far - too many game results are being impacted by these roughing the passer or unnecessary roughness penalties in favor of the team who would have lost the same game 3 years ago. These are the calls that make me turn my TV off because, at that point, it seems it's not a football game I'm watching any more.
It's an awkward comparison given the size difference, but I see quite a bit of Mike Hart in his running style. His patience, jump cuts, balance and little shake in the hole to go forward look an awful lot like Hart. So does his lack of breakaway speed, but ideally we have other backs who are home run hitters.
If he can bulk up to 230 and keep the "vision" the coaches think he has, then he can certainly be the "Thunder" in this recruiting class that can pull out decent 10-20 yard runs but maybe not those 70 yard touchdowns.
I vaguely pay attention to soccer during the league seasons, but come World Cup time I'm all in rooting on the U.S. and Italy. When the U.S. was eliminated I was disappointed, but for me that meant I could cheer on Italy without tempering my enthusiasm due to the U.S. inclusion. With Italy and the U.S. out of it I truly don't think I'll watch the World Cup with the same level of excitement. Truly disappointing.
Definitely appreciate your work on this. This was something I did in my younger days with just Michigan but it's nice having all the teams refreshed.
My dad is in the U of M cardio center again, being admitted yesterday with an elevated heart rate. He has had 2 heart surgeries since July and spent Thanksgiving in the hospital recovering from the second. Thankfully his heart rate went back to normal early this morning and all other vitals appear normal.
I know spending Christmas at home was something he was looking forward to and unfortunately that won't happen. So tonight I want Santa to bring my dad good health and good spirits. The family will be driving to AA tomorrow to celebrate with him, and a good day with him would be great.
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Probably my favorite thing to see on his highlight video is the aggressiveness when tackling. He is not catching guys and dragging them down but attacking and running through the guy. Looks like a good pick up!
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2. Tigers
3. Lions
4. Red Wings
5. USMNT
6. Michigan Basketball
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By the time I reached 14 or so, the unequivocal favorite was X-Files.
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Like most I'm excited for Vic...but McKeon is a close second and, if this was a "Who out of this group will be a star?" I'd probably go with McKeon full out. He's already 6'5'' 230 and displays really good speed and great balance for a TE. Playing in Massachusettes I think keeps him under-rated, but I anticipate him getting to campus at around 245lbs and potentially seeing quality time as a true freshman if Butt leaves or redshirting and vying with Bunting in 2017.
We did two years ago. Wasn't able to work out a date last year or this one. They're a pretty busy club and get a lot of requests for games, but we've discussed making something work next season. Really nice group of guys though and they have a nice home field.
Play baseball according to the rules of the 1860's. Might have seen Chris Rock recently poke fun at it, but it is a fun way to play the game and crate a "Living History" show for spectators. Been playing for six years, entering the third season with a club I started in W. Michigan.
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Football
A few for me...
Football (College and NFL) and hockey have always been sports I could watch regardless of teams. Over the last decade I've developed an increased interest in soccer and, since I didn't grow up watching a particular club, I enjoy watching almost any soccer from any league.
Baseball has always been my first love and I would gladly drop anything I am doing to play, but if it is not the Tigers (or maybe Cubs/Braves) I have trouble sitting through a game for more than an inning or two.
If true I think the "floor" is 8 wins. Given the overall talent on the team and the believed improvement courtesy of the coaching staff I would be disappointed with 8 but think itis possible (L's to Utah, MSU, Penn St. and OSU). Rudock's add, though, makes me feel better about the chances of hitting 10 wins.
I want to see what Isaac can do at the RB spot as I see him as the starter for next season. I also want to see if Green can grow into the power back he looks like he could be - and will need to be to run in the offense Harbaugh has run in the past.
At WR, I want to see if Canteen/Harris/Ways can make a splash opposite Darboh, as I don't see Norfleet or Chesson being that #2 guy.
I had the same mindset. Sure made for a difficult explanation to my son, though: "Dad, I thought we are NEVER supposed to root for Ohio State to win???"
I saw the beginning of this game and heard the end on the radio as Mercury Hayes caught a touchdown in the corner of the endzone for the win. I was in middle school and my friends and I played football all the time in our street. After that game we had a play called "Mercury Hayes" where we would run a post-corner and try to catch the ball just before falling over the curb and onto the grass. Exciting radio call, great play and great way to end the game. Plus, we relived that moment hundreds of times on the street so I'll never forget it.
I can admit to maybe being overly optimistic, but I think the potential is there. Next year's WR group is the most talented group since 2007 and while you can't be sure there is a Mario Manningham in the bunch, it's not unrealistic for there to be a Jason Avant (earlier time, I know) or Adrian Arrington. What I like is the fact that there should be greater competition next year for the receiver spots, especially with Harris and Canteen enrolling in the spring.
While we have to rely on hype and recruiting rankings for most of the WR's, it's not like we are replacing several hugely impactful players. Gallon will be tough to replace, but an improved Funchess, Chesson and the return of Darboh should help as passes are spread out more among the receivers. And I don't think it is crazy to think that Dukes/York/Jones/Harris/Canteen/Ways can provide at least two contributors equal to what Dileo and Jackson/Reynolds provided this past year (26 receptions 314 yds 2 tds).
I had something longer typed out, but it got lost in the nether regions of the internet. Here is the abridged version:
I am quite optimistic about the offense next season, largely because of the WR depth. Michigan will have more talent at WR next year than they have had since 2007. I look for Funchess/Darboh/Chesson/Harris to be the top 4 WR's and to perform admirably, with a potential quality player coming from York/Dukes/Jones/Canteen/Ways.
Borges will be under heavy pressure to perform so he either A) can run the ball next season making the offense much more effective or B) knows he can't run early in the year and goes to a heavy passing attack to save his job. This has been successful when they have turned to it in the last 1 1/2 years and should be even more so with the WR corp Michigan will have next year.
Although the insertion of two brand new Olinemen in the middle of the year is not good, could this signal that Borges will abandon the power run scheme for more spread? Both Bryant and Kalis have not proven up to the task on the stretch plays run so far - and clearly not in the power run game either - so the insertion of lighter, more agile players would make sense if we see more spread looks and runs.
With that said, I reserve the right to change my mind if Borges runs MANBALL to start the game tomorrow.
Barring new testimony, you have to feel bad for him. To proceed to trial you would imagine the prosecutor would have some evidence of a physical assault or direct life-threatening verbal threats from Furman towards the victim, but if what the witnesses testified is what actually happened you know all spring he had to be thinking "I'm missing spring ball for THIS?"
I liked his acceleration, but what I liked most from the video is the fact that the 5'9'' kid ran hard, didn't always bounce outside and seemed to always want to move forward. On many of the inside runs he did a good job of staying behind his pads and getting everything he could out of the hole that was there. Very little start, stop, bounce and outrun everyone to the sidelines.