General Excitement Thread - Specific Examples for the Upcoming Season

Submitted by mgobaran on

Okay. A lot of negativity on the board recently. Whether OL stuff, or, well just the OL stuff. And the scrimmage didn't seem to ease anyone's mind. Actually, it has seemed to make everyone feel even worse. Not to mention it is Monday, which is factually the worst day of the week. 

Anyways, I am here to change all that!

Open ended question to the board; and remember folks, no wrong answers here.

What, specifically, are you most excited about for the upcoming season? No, not the ND game, or the night game against PSU. Not CBs, or LBs, or even JABRILL PEPPERS (which is officially its own position group as of right now).

Mine has to be the Dime defense. Even if it only shows up in 4% of this year's plays. Our corners going 5-6 deep has been an amazing revelation this offseason. No more white slot guys from CMU and Akron killing us up the middle. No more Indiana games. Come at us with 4 or 5 WR sets and see what happens! You got JMFR roaming in the middle, and Jabrill rushing in from the nickel. Or a safety in the box. Active and aggresive CBs in run support. And killer DE's to crush the QB. 

IMO, this defense will be deadly in the few times we roll it out. 

Okay, so what's yours?

12 days to kick off and I am still pumped! As always, GO BLUE!!

mgobaran

August 18th, 2014 at 2:37 PM ^

Do you think people dislike you for your support (economically) for all the uniformz? I just don't get it.

If I had the money to burn on all of it, I'd be in the same boat as you. No amount of Michigan gear is too much Michigan gear.

mgobaran

August 18th, 2014 at 7:02 PM ^

No no no. Sorry, must have worded it wrong. Wasn't trying to say your parents pay for anything. I honestly think it's cool you buy all that stuff. What I don't understand is why people get offended because you like to buy jerseys. I mean, anytime the topic comes up and you post anything, someone (if not multiple people) downvote you.

When I was saying you support all the uniforms (economically), I was just trying to say when people buy the alt unis, Brandon thinks its a good idea in the future type thing, and that people are angry with you because they dont like them. I am not one of those people. Once a year is not a big deal.

And I dont have money to burn on uniforms because I spend my money on booze and cigarettes.

Sten Carlson

August 18th, 2014 at 1:14 PM ^

Like Schembo, I am excited to see the OL develop as well.  I think they're being thrown under the bus by so many -- almost all of whom know abso-fucking-lutely NOTHING about OLine development nor technique.  I cannot think of another group of Michigan Men who has been so maligned by those who profess to love them.  Woe be to those who will incur their wrath!

AZBlue

August 18th, 2014 at 3:23 PM ^

I also no A-f-l nothing about O-line development....but...it seemed to me that Mattison was throwing everything but the kitchen sink at these guys just like they will see at East Lansing et. al. to toughen 'em up instead of coddling them. Should pay dividends later - they are not likely to see anything close to that until at least the PSU game - assuming ND loses those starters of an already-rebuilding D.

LSAClassOf2000

August 18th, 2014 at 1:22 PM ^

On defense, I am particularly excited to see how our LBs and DBs do, like a couple others here. We're particularly deep here, and I think between the shift in scheme and experience as well as incoming talent, we have the ability to stop quite a few drives before they really get going. That will be key. 

On offense, I am really just excited to see what  new look, an actual base scheme and a new OC can at least start to do here. I admit to being excited about seeing some better things from the OL even despite what folks saw in the scrimmage - as I keep saying, we don't need miracles there to do well in most games. 

CLord

August 18th, 2014 at 1:24 PM ^

Just looking forward to the games and getting excited for them, but the OL and my avatar's ongoing employment are dampering the mood yes.  Once again the O line will define the season between mediocre and potentially very good.  3 key games being away is stupid.

Excited to see Pepp and Pip do work with Bold and Count.

Excited to see the new receivers.  Not excited about seeing the O line against MSU or especially Ohio's D line.

The lynchpin game for me is PSU.  We must beat Evil Incorporated or to me the season is ruined.

CLord

August 18th, 2014 at 2:28 PM ^

I was actually born in a country neighboring Bolivia so I'm quite at home down here.  I finished my first straw canoe.  Tomorrow I see if it's sea-worthy as I will be taking it for a spin on Lake TitiCaca - the highest fresh water lake in the world, which abuts both Bolivia and Peru.

Eastside Maize

August 18th, 2014 at 1:25 PM ^

I wanna see Hagerup pinning opponents on their 5 yd line. Wile being consistent between 40-50 yds. This year I know we get at least one kickoff and punt return between #5,Fleet and Canteen.

True Blue Grit

August 18th, 2014 at 4:42 PM ^

I hope Hagerup wasn't teasing all of us with that monster boot during the scrimmage on Saturday.  If he kicks anything close to that consistently, plus Peppers can return a lot of long receptions, our average starting field position should be much better right there ignoring how the offense does.   

Bodogblog

August 18th, 2014 at 1:29 PM ^

Scout said in their write-up that the knock on Matt Godin previously had been high pad level and lazy effort at times. Not so in the scrimmage. He likely got the start at least partially to keep Henry motivated, but nevertheless he earned it. If he's playing with better technique and effort, that speaks both to coaching and his own personal vision quest. And his presence anywhere in a 3 deep with Henry and Wormley speaks to the great potential and depth at DT.

Danny Bonaduce

August 18th, 2014 at 1:29 PM ^

I'm excited to see what I believe will be a "Michigan defense".  There is so much talent and depth all over the field.  Watching Mattison act like a little kid at Christmas when talking about the defense only makes me that much more excited!

Prince Lover

August 18th, 2014 at 1:32 PM ^

Nothing specific about the team, but the 1st game. The weather is hot, a little sunburn most likely, seeing my college friends for the 1st time since the OSU game last year, smelling all the food grilling, hearing the marching band again, seeing fans in crazy outfits like maize and blue overalls or inflatable waving arm guy, seeing the banner waiting to get touched, watching all the bouncing winged helmets on the sideline right after the whole team runs out of the tunnel, and hearing the announcer tell us the attendance quickly followed by his thank you for being part of the largest crowd watching football anywhere in America today (yes, I think he will be able to say that this game).
I love UM football.
I love going to games.
And I love it when they win.
Go Blue fergodsake!!

BlueCube

August 18th, 2014 at 1:32 PM ^

It's been mentioned slightly a few times and probably mainly by me but what I saw at the scrimmage is a guy that could change a game or two on his own. Granted there is more to it than just booming the ball. He has to drop it in the corner and things like that but I am predicting him to turn the field for us frequently while the offense comes together.

aiglick

August 18th, 2014 at 6:01 PM ^

Interesting choice. It feels like Sadler has been a main component of MSU's success especially when their offense struggles. If we are going to be led by the defense than our special teams and punting have to be that much better. Also, would be nice for him to finish his career strong.

Good luck Hagerup.

Mr Miggle

August 18th, 2014 at 1:34 PM ^

with a defense strong in every position group. He knows a lot of ways to create havoc, but has been limited until now. I'm not even worried about the SS. I expect to see a lot of blitzing from there.

ADogNamedBo

August 18th, 2014 at 1:57 PM ^

I am looking forward to not knowing what play we are going to run out of every formation.

Our defense is better and Nuss is an improvement over Borges...I think we have a chance at a special season.

Hope I am right.

MGoBrewMom

August 18th, 2014 at 1:59 PM ^

I can't wait to see who besides Funchess (but Funchess--WOO!!) will be the star.  I think Canteen, Darboh, Chesson...so much going on there--who's going to be THE star? 

 

And, if I could +1000 the OP for this thread I would.  Thanks for the exciting and hopeful visions on this Monday!

Bob The Wonder Dog

August 18th, 2014 at 2:11 PM ^

-We're currently 0-0, and still in the running for an undefeated season.

-We have a schedule that should give our offense some time to gel.

-We have a ton of solid young talent getting experience.

-We have an athletic quarterback that can usually get his way out of a jam.

-We have a defense that should get all biblical on most of our opponents.

alum96

August 18th, 2014 at 2:19 PM ^

Call me an exception to the rule but I get more excited by a dominant defense over a flamboyant offense.  I just love the debilitating effect it has on even good offenses - we've been on the wrong side of that for far too long.  Defense is also consistent - it shows up every week, while even great offenses flame out about twice a year.  Give me 1997 every year - bad ass defense with efficient if not exciting offense.  Worked for 2002 OSU, 2013 MSU, etc - it's just the championship blueprint and I want to see it in AA again.

I think this team is still probably a dominant DE away from that sort of defense but it should be, if the S issue works itself out and the DTs develop as I imagine, the closest thing we have had to a very good defense by the end of the year.  2011 and 2012 were good defenses on paper but I think this one just has the chance for more star power if players develop.

In terms of specific players the defense has numerous ones in that range of 2-3 years in the system where it all comes together and they just play instead of think on the field.  Based on spring/fall camp hype and play last year a plethora of candidates for breakout players on our defense:

  • Bolden
  • Lewis
  • Henry
  • Hurst
  • Wormley

This ignores the obvious freshman.  And maybe we get a surprise like a Charlton or Poggi surging this year.

Some also have forgotten what a man child JMFR was 2 years ago so I am excited to see that tornado back on the field at 100%.

MGoStrength

August 18th, 2014 at 2:28 PM ^

I'm excited about a lot, Clark, Pipkins, Henry, Hurst, about 5 LBs and at least as many DBs. I'm excited about aggressive defense, pressuring the QBs, some big hits by our LBs, and maybe even a shut down CB.  Insert your favorite choice here.  I'm pretty excited about the vast majority of the defense.  But, we all know our season pins on the o-line and as skeptical as I am, I refuse to assume that with a new coordinator that things will pan out the same way they did last year.  So, more than anything I am excited to see if the o-line will improve over the course of the season.  If it can this can be a very good team.  If it can't this will be an average team.  Here's to tempered optimism for o-line progress.

markusr2007

August 18th, 2014 at 2:30 PM ^

and has remained graduated ever since.

I mean, he's so graduated that he doesn't play quarterback anymore....at least not football quarterback.

And fuck lawn mowers.

But he is quarterbacking a real estate company however, which is not quite as terrifying.

Best of luck to Armanti and no hard feelings. May Janet Yellen's Federal Reserve decisions keep mortgage rates at records low forever. :)

Perkis-Size Me

August 18th, 2014 at 2:30 PM ^

I'm just looking forward to seeing Mattison bringing back an aggressive defense again. This is a defense that has depth and experience all across the board, and hopefully will be good enough to carry the team while the offense is still developing. I'm excited to see Henry's and Hurst's progressions on the D-Line as well, and I also want to see if Canteen really is the real deal. I'm just hoping Gardner has enough time to get him the ball.


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atom evolootion

August 18th, 2014 at 2:48 PM ^

might publicizing a scrimmage in which the offensive line will be burning under the magnifying glass--especially when the fears of last year are true this year at this point and player development and coaching are questioned once again--hurt michigan's attempts at bringing in highly-ranked offensive linemen, running backs and quarterbacks in the near future?