For those worried about RS Freshman OL
There has been considerable worry voiced here about our inexperienced offensive line, and that is perfectly understandable. However, I would like all to remember the 1997 team and who was on the left side of that line and the experience they brought with them. Two fellows by the name of Backus and Hutchinson(to become 2 time AA) protected Griese's blind side that year. Both were RS freshmen. And we are all aware that team ended up doing fairly well, with less than a mobile qb and outstanding RBs, although Howard and Floyd ran extremely hard. It was also AT's coming out party and it appears he enjoyed it being named Conference Freshman of the year. Have no idea if this team can duplicate that type of performance, but we do know the LT spot is taken care of and the new additions will be the same type of linemen that were recruited during that period of Michigan football. Just saying OL play is not on my list of major worries this season. I think by midseason they should be pushing the ball in the manner that could well remind us of those times.
Those are valid concerns. I personally wouldn't rank the defensive backfield or OC as a bigger concern, but I can see the rationale. I think Borges will have a good year and people will start to see the offense progress. The WR depth is about on par with the OL. They are both pretty big concerns but I would say the OL is of more importance. Michigan really needs to improve the run blocking between the tackles. I think the defensive backfield will be improved from a year ago regardless of Countess's condition. I think the defensive will be fun to watch this year. Is it football season yet?
I don't want to give the impression that I don't believe in Kalis, Braden, Magnuson, etc. I think they can be great, but there's a reason that O-Lineman starters are usually upperclassmen. They've had enough time to physically mature, and become technically and fundamentally sound.
Luckily, they've got plenty of time to gel before the meat of the schedule hits, and Notre Dame's D-Line will be a real trial by fire for them.
They'll get to face Louis Nix & Stephon Tuitt in week 2...
Schofield's job away from him?
Don't make this about coaches - respect the players. I rather suspect that all of them came to play for Michigan. If I put lol at the end does it change my message?
are we going to be having this same discussion next year when we have 2 new tackles and 3 fresh and untested faces starting on the OL?
I wouldn't think so. There should only be two new guys on the OL next year. Lewan and Schofield should be the only guys who are gone, barring injury.
at least 2 new guys (maybe kugler pushes for center position, so potentially 3), and talk of Braden moving to the outside, which would be a new position for him. so, seems like next year there will be as much if not more uncertainty
It takes time to build depth, especially at a position like OL, which tends to utilize older players. So, yeah, offensive line concerns will linger for another couple of seasons, probably.
Yes that's the beauty of college football. But if Braden develops it will be likely he is moved from guard to tackle so it will be (a) can he handle the switch rather than (b) damn we are putting in two rookies at the tackles.
All that said, next year should be the last year of real worries if these stars mean anything. The OL of 2015 should be stacked with experience, relative youth, and meanness. Magnuson/Braden (Fox backup - LTT a mystery) tackles - Bosch, Kalis (Dawson backup) at guards, Kugler/Miller at center? Yes please.
People forget how that team won games. It had a stellar defense.
Look back at the 1997 stats.
Michigan had the #1 scoring defense, and #1 total defense.
It had the #44 scoring offense and #44 total offense. To put that in perspective the OSU and PSUs of the world were in the 20s on offense.
It was a low turnover, conservative, offense that was fine, but helped by a once in a generation (or two) dominating defense. And yes as others had said we had two 1st round NFL draft picks as those young guns on the left side, so if we have 2-3 1st round NFL draft picks on our interior and the #1 ranked defense next year led by Heisman candidate Blake Countess, no problemo.
Yes, but obviously having RS freshmen on the OL improves your defensive capabilities, so there's nothing to worry about.
OP sounds good and I'm thinking a more mobile QB would only help the issue.
