schreibee

September 4th, 2015 at 5:15 AM ^

I didn't see Higdon, but I'd like to! All the talk that Deveon was separating himself from the other backs had my hopes up - but now it makes me worry, because he didn't separate himself from ANYTHING in this game!

Perry & B. Cole were only true freshmen I saw. After TWJr's injury, I think they may be the only ones who do play - tho again I'd like to see Higdon get a shot.

Mr. Yost

September 4th, 2015 at 6:08 AM ^

If you're talking literally...yeah, Smith didn't seperate. He's got no speed.

If you're talking in terms of performance. It's VERY easy to see why he's the starter. He had 2 obvious missed reads from what I saw, one was crucial that he just can't do.

That said, we have no run blocking and he fights for EVERY single yard. He hits the hole hard and he's routinely falling forward for more yardage.

He was clearly the best option last night. It wasn't even close. Issac is too upright like Eddie George - only we don't have Eddie George's line. Green is almost the same back as Smith but without the beast mode.

Smith is a MAN out there. After seeing Frank Gore and Marshawn Lynch over the years, I'm sure Harbaugh appreciates that tough style of running. 

It was the same thing last year...we need Drake Johnson because we have no run blocking. Johnson makes up for this with his vision and he's the fastest RB we have. He's like watching Mike Hart even without the #20.

But Smith isn't a bad option and he did all he could with what he was given.

They hyped up Utah's RB as the second coming for Emmitt Smith and he didn't do anything either...you need holes and running lanes, unless you're Barry Sanders. And we don't have Barry Sanders.

Smith matched the Utah RB carry for carry. Both were tough and did all they could going up against two stingy defensive fronts. We have to get off De'Veon's back...just like I hope Utah fans aren't riding their RB. There was rarely anywhere for either to go and they both kept running hard and making something out of nothing - consistenly getting an extra 2-3 yards.

klctlc

September 4th, 2015 at 9:56 AM ^

He must be practicing well and got the reward of pt.  ALso LTT?  Poggi?  A lot of guys played that surprised me.  

I think Green is being tested by the staff to see how he responds.  I disagree Smith is the better option.  Green has more speed and can cut a little bit.  However, his effort is not where Smith's is and Smith can pass block. 

Mr. Yost

September 4th, 2015 at 10:27 AM ^

May be a team rule. Cole was back in a few snaps later.

Poggi was rumored to be the starting H-Back TE, so no surprise there. He looked pretty good, IMO.

He's playing an Aaron Shea FB/TE hybrid role. Williams was the #2 TE and Bunting was the #3 TE.

IMO, Hill and Bunting should be #2 and Williams should never play. But I've said that for 2 years. He's huge and can't block, he's not a good athlete, and he can't really catch that well either. He's just a big body of potential.

I personally like Hill as the #2 TE because he's a better blocker than Bunting.

I'd have Bunting back up up as the pass catching TE and Williams back up Hill as the blocking TE.

Poggi would be my H-Back with Winovich backing him up at that spot - which really isn't a full-time position.

socalwolverine1

September 4th, 2015 at 10:54 AM ^

Agree, Williams overall is a net liability because he misses some blocks and isn't a receiving threat at all: the one time Rudock threw to him (inexplicably) he didn't even turn around.  

However, to his credit, there was a play last night where he flattened a CB/safety in run support, just laid him out.  Everyone at my table in the pub cheered!

Mr. Yost

September 4th, 2015 at 10:22 AM ^

He came out the first time before we even took a snap because we got a presnap penalty.

I wonder if they were trying to set up a screen or trick play. He's the smallest and shiftiest of the bunch...it would be easy to see them trying to use him on a Vince Smith type screen play.

Pit2047

September 4th, 2015 at 2:40 AM ^

The only ones I saw were Cole and Perry.  I think those are the only guys  who will play this year (besides Wheatley who is hurt).  The only other one who maybe semi-ready is Tyree Kinnel but he's at a deep position and he wears the same number as Canteen who also may show up on D.

Bo's Hat 41

September 4th, 2015 at 7:23 AM ^

I feel like Rudock's family might be indebted to the Perry's. It was like he had to throw it to him, on every play (that wasn't to Butt), and we all know how that went.

megaswami

September 4th, 2015 at 10:17 AM ^

Have to at least wonder if the first INT was Perry's fault. He was not a highly touted recruit but is playing over 4* guys and multiple guys who have been in the program for 2-3 years!




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yossarians tree

September 4th, 2015 at 10:46 AM ^

First INT definitely Perry's fault. Rudock did not play well though. If he hits that first deep ball for an obvious touchdown, that loosens up the Utah defense, which was loading up the box to stop the run. You can criticize the run blocking, but until we have a true Michigan quarterback who can kill you through the air, the run blocking still has an alibi in my opinion. We haven't had a good throwing quarterback since Chad Henne. This is egregious on Rich Rod and Hoke. Fuck, how hard is it? I bet you the best QB on this team right now is O'Korn.

BigRedWolverine

September 4th, 2015 at 12:41 PM ^

LTT did not come in for Cole. The next play was 6 OL, LTT was the 6th. Cole was on the right side of the line