Live Film review with Devin Gardner & Michael Spath Royal Oak and Ann Arbor
I just returned from watching Devin Gardner break down the film of 15 plays from last Saturday’s game. This happens at 6:30pm every Thursday at Tap House in Royal Oak and earlier in the week at The Grotto Ann Arbor and next week also Weber’s Inn.
These are put together by Michael Spath and are very friendly to Q&A. I learned a couple interesting things from Devin and it’s fascinating to hear how a player like him sees things when watching a game.
Devin told me to post this and invite all of you to attend next week and the rest of the season.
September 20th, 2018 at 10:03 PM ^
Wait, this happened right by my house and no one told me?
Dicks.
September 20th, 2018 at 10:04 PM ^
That’s why I’m posting. This wasn’t even on the website for the Tap House and it was a really cool event.
September 21st, 2018 at 7:27 AM ^
Thanks for posting this. Tap House isn't one of my usual spots, but I'll definitely check it out sometime this season.
September 21st, 2018 at 11:00 AM ^
‘Hatter,
Come to one of these and I’ll buy your first round.
September 20th, 2018 at 10:25 PM ^
Do people know about this? Because I like to think I listen to a good amount of WTKA content but it’s always in the morning on the way to work, so after 10am when Spath is on I’m either listening to Pandora or your moms voicemails, so I don’t know about cool events like this.
September 20th, 2018 at 11:02 PM ^
"listening to your mom's voicemails"
Got heeeem ?
September 20th, 2018 at 10:48 PM ^
Podcast link?
September 20th, 2018 at 11:08 PM ^
No podcast. Devin just stands up there and talks to the group about what he sees on the screen.
September 20th, 2018 at 10:53 PM ^
Whoa, that's awesome. Any idea when the events at the Grotta and Weber's happen?
Thanks for sharing!
September 24th, 2018 at 11:13 AM ^
6pm Tuesdays at The Grotto.
September 20th, 2018 at 10:57 PM ^
What did you learn? We would love to hear some of what Devin was seeing/teaching.
September 20th, 2018 at 11:26 PM ^
Things I found interesting:
1. Devin described the difference between a gap blocking pass pro scheme and a slide protection. He thought part of the problem of free runners at Patterson might have been miscommunication between the RB and the C or the center calling a slide the wrong way because he misread the blitz.
2. His observation of big Proche TD against Hawkins was that David Long accidentally faked Hawkins out. Long’s receiver was very physical at the line and got Long off balance which might have appeared to Hawkins that Long was opening his hips to switch and cover Proche. Gardner said this is not something a defense would ever do but Hawkins may have 2nd guessed himself in the moment because Long is experienced and Hawkins is not. The video seems to support Gardner’s theory
3. Why teams run into stacked boxes?!? Gardner explained that first, M was trying to establish keys for the SMU defense to read later when M would screw with those keys. Additionally Gardner pointed out that protecting a lead in any game nearly always requires, at least for a play or two, running into a stacked box when everyone in the stadium knows you are doing it. One benefit of Harbaugh pounding it against SMU is he starts to get a feel for how the team might respond in those moments and is giving them the chance to live rep the challenge of blocking 8-9+ boxes. Same goes for short yardage situations. Harbaugh knows the FB dive is likely to work but they still need a couple changeups off that and need to be certain who they can trust in those moments. Let Evans/Wilson/Higdon or Thomas/DPJ show you who can be trusted on 4th down and short.
Lastly, we reviewed the 4th down play where SMU quick pitched and beat everyone to the sideline. Gardner lamented that when M tries to run the running backs to the edge M has put it on film too much with too few adjustments to it so teams are likely to stop it more than SMU who (according to Devin) had never put that play on film prior to coming to Michigan.
September 20th, 2018 at 11:50 PM ^
Thanks for the info. However, I’m don’t quite understand your last point re: the quick counter pitch on 4th and 1. Did Devin say that SMU exploited the way M pursues the the RB action on perimeter plays? And that other teams will continue to do this until M adjusts ? Thanks in advance.
September 20th, 2018 at 11:59 PM ^
He didn’t say that. He simply said M was probably surprised because SMU hadn’t showed it before but shouldn’t have been too surprised because M runs it and most teams do. He then lamented that M is seemingly only about 50% successful with it because they put it on film more consistently than other teams.
September 21st, 2018 at 12:31 AM ^
Awesome, thanks for the info. Is there any way we can get the content/summaries from these events after they happen, for those of us that don't live close to AA?
September 21st, 2018 at 12:34 AM ^
Ah. Appreciate the info sir. An up-vote is warranted here.
September 21st, 2018 at 10:52 AM ^
He could recognize point 1 because he can point out the MIKE now...
Man, remember when that was a thing. Good times.
In all honesty, hearing DG talk about it would be interesting. A perspective based on the things he learned in his time at UM.
September 21st, 2018 at 11:04 AM ^
Space Coyote,
remembering the same stupid news story you reference I did cackle with knowing glee quietly to myself when Devin was explaining this last night and said the Mike and someone (possibly Spath?) said “could you please point out who you mean?” And Gardner walked up to the screen and pointed at the guy and said “this is the Mike”
September 21st, 2018 at 12:22 PM ^
This is really great. I don't live in the area so otherwise would never hear what DG had to say. So appreciate you posting it!
September 21st, 2018 at 6:10 AM ^
Sounds fun. Maybe the wife and I can check it out next week
September 21st, 2018 at 6:17 AM ^
If someone is going and could record this or a portion of it, that would be so awesome Sounds like a very cool event.
September 21st, 2018 at 12:06 PM ^
I've attended both weeks in Royal Oak so far and plan to continue going, as long as my schedule allows.
I'd echo everything that OP presented and add that both weeks have turned into more than just film review. The first week (after the western game) there maybe 8 of us who showed up and DG/Spath were more than happy to sit down for one-on-one conversations. Last night there was a larger crowd, so not as much personalized interaction, but it made for a better overall atmosphere.
Also, anyone who might question if this is an event for the family and/or significant other will be happy to know there have been families/wives/girlfriends both weeks.
September 24th, 2018 at 9:08 AM ^
Hey guys, glad that you enjoyed the film review. Devin and I are having a blast doing them. The one at the Grotto in Ann Arbor is every Tuesday at 6pm. Royal Oak Taphouse is every Thursday at 6:30pm.