First Game Blocking Observations
I've been watching though some of the highlights and other parts of the game, and trying to assess some of the blocking. The internet sucks here, so I am kind of limited as to my resources. Also, I'm just a casual fan and don't know that much about offensive line blocking schemes. These are just my observations, please share your own if you have more or different ones. Here's a little bit of what I've seen:
TE's
- Williams: Seemed to be able to block anyone in a white and maroon uniform
- Funchess: Stood up a DE a couple times, seems much improved from last year
- Butt: Struggles with block on safety (Haven't found a lot a lot of film on him)
OL
- Lewan: Same old Taylor
- Schofield: Excellent play
- Kalis: Awesome at zone run blocking. Definitely has that mean streak
- Glasgow: Pulled very well on Toussaint's 2nd(?) TD, but didn't really hit anyone. Does pretty well in pass protection at keeping defender in front, occasionally gets shoved back
- Miller: Gets the least amount of push of any of the linemen, looked alright in pass protection. Whiffed on second level at least once.
Overall a pretty nice performance from the line compared to last year.
Receivers, especially Chesson and Reynolds look good.
Toussaint had a nice blitz pickup that I noticed and might have whiffed on another (couldn't catch number with bad quality video)
September 1st, 2013 at 7:17 PM ^
September 1st, 2013 at 8:25 PM ^
September 1st, 2013 at 8:50 PM ^
September 2nd, 2013 at 3:57 PM ^
September 1st, 2013 at 7:20 PM ^
I think Chesson, is an ex-factor on long runs. It seems like he's the guy that's taking 10-15 yard runs and making them 20+. He had a good block to allow Devin to waltz in on his first TD and an even better one to give Green's long run, where he sealed two maybe three guys inside and allowed Green to go untouched into the secondary. It seems like any time he made it into frame on a running play he was engaged with a defender and winning.
September 2nd, 2013 at 10:59 AM ^
I agree. Chesson looked really good out there blocking the LBs. Probably why the buzz around him was strong during the off-season; if he can seal like he did against CMU, he'll see the field all year.
September 1st, 2013 at 7:21 PM ^
Chesson was a devasting blocker yesterday. I completely blown away by his blocking.
September 1st, 2013 at 7:25 PM ^
September 1st, 2013 at 7:38 PM ^
September 1st, 2013 at 7:38 PM ^
September 1st, 2013 at 8:11 PM ^
September 1st, 2013 at 7:26 PM ^
September 1st, 2013 at 7:48 PM ^
September 1st, 2013 at 7:34 PM ^
September 1st, 2013 at 10:11 PM ^
The weight of anecdotes of bad Miller plays suggests that there are issues, and this bears out some of the worries from camp.
Doesn't mean he will cost us a game, and it doesn't necessarily mean that he was "awful," but it is quite reasonable to worry about center going forward.
September 2nd, 2013 at 11:01 AM ^
Miller has always struck me as the weak point of that line anyway, so I agree that while it may not cost UM a game, he's definitely going to need to improve to keep the line at least competent.
September 1st, 2013 at 7:41 PM ^
Funchess had that huge block on one of Gardner's (I think?) runs. Would have been illegal in the pros, but really blew up a guy.
September 2nd, 2013 at 2:57 PM ^
Yep. Laid a guy out right about the same moment that Gardner did that funky back step out of bounds that left the Central defender diving at air.
September 1st, 2013 at 7:58 PM ^
There were quite a few notable blocks by the offensive line, but my personal favorite was when Kalis more or less Branch'd CMU defensive lineman Blake Serpa, allowing Gardner to make that 22-yard TD run. We seemed to be doing OK on the interior for most of the game.
September 1st, 2013 at 8:15 PM ^
http://thepiratebay.sx/torrent/8870120/NCAA.F.2013.Week01.(31_aug).Central.Michigan.v.Michigan.720p
Here is the video for people who want to watch the whole game.
September 1st, 2013 at 8:43 PM ^
I thought the fullbacks also dismantled some people in a couple of runs.
September 1st, 2013 at 9:58 PM ^
September 1st, 2013 at 10:15 PM ^
regarding AJ Williams. Granted I'm not a professional and I didn't do a full UFR, but I did rewind and saw some of the first half runs, and AJ was the main culprit on at least two of the blown opportunities.
September 1st, 2013 at 10:50 PM ^
September 2nd, 2013 at 12:23 AM ^
First game or not, blocking problms can be easily erased by simple communication. Proper game planning and strategy are terribly important here, so if someone happens to block the T.V. at a critical juncture, you may think perhaps the execution was lacking, but most likely your game planning wasn't good enough. They weren't ready, and it's your fault. You have to be diligent and inform them to the proper schemes and etiquette necessary for a block-free experience. However, if you didn't plan ahead and it is now only mere minutes to kickoff, just instruct them to stay seated until the commercials. Pretty basic and really not thread-worthy stuff here, guys.
September 2nd, 2013 at 9:55 AM ^
better hope that Miller improve quickly because he'll face one of the best NT in the country in Louis Nix who is a load to block against.
September 2nd, 2013 at 10:04 AM ^
September 2nd, 2013 at 10:21 AM ^
He was penalized for being downfield on a play where he rode his DE downfield. It was a meh call at best.
September 2nd, 2013 at 11:02 AM ^
Yeah, calling him an inelligible downfield receiver because he was blocking a guy into the 3rd row felt a bit weak.
September 2nd, 2013 at 1:06 PM ^
September 2nd, 2013 at 12:33 PM ^
Anyone know what was up with the play they ran a couple times where Lewan pulled to the right and just looked kinda lost? What exactly was supposed to happen there?
September 2nd, 2013 at 12:45 PM ^
I blame Heiko
September 2nd, 2013 at 4:51 PM ^
September 2nd, 2013 at 2:59 PM ^
All the talk about Miller and Glasgow, I think it's worth noting how well Kalis performed for a RS freshman playing for the first time. If he's looking this solid now, I can only imagine what kind of 4th or 5th year player he's gonna turn into.