Confidence of this team

Submitted by ssuarez on
2 key moments in this game stood out to me. 
 
1. The blocked punt after the two pick sixes. To me, this felt like the wheels had completely come off. That is until the Defense came right out and took care of business - three and out, missed FG. O'Korn then completed the long pass to Black, and Nordin absolutely drilled the 55 yarder - it would have been good from 55 1/4, at least. 
 
2. The 4th and 1 play on the first drive of the second half - The offense was ready to get to the line quickly, and Isaac picked up 18 yards - huge momentum swing to start the second half - we would have given Florida the ball on our own 44, but Harbaugh was ready to go for it, and the team was right there with him. We then drive down, get the TD and never look back. 
 
Both of these two moments could have been daggers for a "young" team, but in spite of the narrative, this isn't your average young team, Harbaugh has them ready. I love the adversity that these guys went through. Hard not to feel confident going forward.

TheTruth41

September 4th, 2017 at 12:47 PM ^

To miss good contact and still make a 55 yarder.  He'll be a difference maker this year in games.  Nice to know you've got him in your back pocket.  Kickoff guy is solid.  Punter...from his first punt I can say at least he looked like he had good form and follow-through?

jdemille9

September 4th, 2017 at 10:55 AM ^

It was concerning to see Speight toss those back to back pick sixes, even if the first one did go through Crawford's hands. I'm not as optimistic as I was heading into the season. D looks like they should, and much faster it seems than last year but the offense did not look good to me at all. Save for a couple plays they don't look like the kind of team that can keep pace with PSU or OSU at all. 9-3 team unless the OL and Speight take some big steps forward. 

BassDude138

September 4th, 2017 at 12:59 PM ^

OSU and Wisconsin also struggled on offense in the first half of their games before settling in during the second half, kinda like Michigan. Penn State played Akron, so yeah...

There is no pre-season games in college, so there is usually plenty of things that teams need to work through after the first game. Not to mention the fact that it takes much longer for an offense to come together than a defense. Back away from the ledge.

jdemille9

September 4th, 2017 at 12:03 PM ^

I came in thinking this was a 9-3 team (lose to PSU, Wiscy and OSU). I also came in thinking Speight would be better, not tossing two pick sixes on back to back throws.

11-25 for 181 and 1-2 was not what I was expecting from Speight. I didn't think he'd have 300 yards but a 44% pass completion is not ideal for a 2nd year starter. 

jabberwock

September 4th, 2017 at 3:33 PM ^

Michigan won more in spite of Sp8 than because of him.He is looking more like an unpredictable variable, than a slightly above average game manager.

I think it's always about 50/50 myself.  2 pic 6s are awful, but a couple throws were money & he moves well..

Overthrew Crawford, but had the awareness to check in to that play in the 1st place.  etc. etc.