sUTL Open Thread

Submitted by Texagander on
I'll start it off.

Kickers out practicing punting. Hagerup consistently hitting 70+ yards.

MGoStrength

August 16th, 2014 at 9:37 PM ^

Even if the o-line doesn't improve much, the mind-numbing playcalling of Borges no longer around, and the, granted hopefully, better playcalling from Nuss should make for an improved offense.

Joined: 07/29/2010

MGoPoints: 20002

MayOhioEatTurds

August 17th, 2014 at 4:45 AM ^

Yes, pre-season, "the Defense was ahead of the Offense last year too."  And last year the OL looked very bad pre-season. 

And those pre-season observations turned out to be highly predictive of the season as a whole.  Aside from two games (ND and OSU), the offense wasn't great.  And aside from one game (OSU), the Defense remained ahead of the Offense. 

I'm all about hope and change, but wow-- M-I-L-L-E-R . . . .  I'm hoping the Defense is truly tremendous.  And I'm hoping the Offense improves with time.  But indications are that the OL remains in shambles. 

Joined: 06/29/2013

MGoPoints: 5893

MWolverine7

August 16th, 2014 at 9:38 PM ^

I don't understand why they brought back Funk. I'm no longer buying the OL is young argument..we should be seeing some improvement since last year.

Joined: 12/14/2013

MGoPoints: 5190

Bodogblog

August 16th, 2014 at 9:41 PM ^

As several peopl have mentioned, it's possible this is the D getting that much better.  In particular the interior DL, I've thought for a while the possibility for light bulbs going off this year was there.  Looks like UTL was the time to showcase it, yikes. 

But yes, OL is concerning.  No magic fix.  Hopefully the gel as the year progresses. 

Joined: 06/08/2010

MGoPoints: 26674

Schembo

August 16th, 2014 at 9:43 PM ^

Here's what I saw at LT:

I like Cole, he doesn't have the size we've been accustomed to after all those years of Long and Lewan, but moves well with quick hands. And, obviously freshman with room to grow in that aspect.

LTT got a lot of time there and he's got that prototypical size and great reach, but got beat on the inside a few times. Consistency is going to be the issue with him.

Dawson got reps there, and I thought he looked good, but I didn't see him as much as the other two.

It looks like 4 years of Cole at LT, unless he gets a little overwhelmed early this year. I didn't see Mags rep at LT. Also, disclaimer: I'm not an Oline guru or anything. There's definitely more qualified people on the board to diagnose the position. I just chose to watch that spot in particular today.

Joined: 01/06/2011

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SalvatoreQuattro

August 16th, 2014 at 9:48 PM ^

metamorphosis. DO remember how awful MSU's QBs were at the beginning of last year. 

UM also has two bye weeks in which to work on OL play. If by the end of the year they cannot fashion themselves into at least an average line then Funk has to be fired. He should have went with Borgas, but that's water underneath the bridge.

Joined: 11/30/2010

MGoPoints: 79291

Pelini's Cat

August 16th, 2014 at 9:47 PM ^

I know everyone's freaking out... but wouldn't you be more worried if our offense was ripping the defense. We know this will be a defensive team, so I take some comfort in knowing that the defense will shut down a mediocre offense (ours)

Joined: 08/15/2014

MGoPoints: 1513

AZBlue

August 16th, 2014 at 9:59 PM ^

Optimistic overall from what I am reading...unfortunately I am stuck watching the 'Cards v Vikings - Stanton to Ginn (both 2nd teamers) - how am I supposed to root for that?

Joined: 09/14/2008

MGoPoints: 16869

Gameboy

August 16th, 2014 at 10:05 PM ^

The only thing that worries me is hearing about how great the DL looked last year and it turned out that DL was not that great and it was just that our OL was terrible. I would like to believe it is different this year, but this is scaring the SHITe out of me.

Joined: 11/28/2010

MGoPoints: 9656