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.
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RoseInBlue

September 4th, 2017 at 11:31 AM ^

Honestly, it seemed like Speight never really got into a rhythm.  Which I'd say is to be expected for a QB in his 1st game with all new recievers and a new Oline.  Despite that, we took on what should be 1 of the best defenses in the country this year and came out on top.  I'll take that in the 1st game of the year.  We'll see what this team truly looks like going forward.

Joined: 02/21/2016

MGoPoints: 6692

Blusqualo

September 4th, 2017 at 11:38 AM ^

I think he had a hard time seeing the defenders downfield, which could be from the all maize uniforms standing out so much. Kind of like looking at a porch light at night and seeing a couple bugs around it when there are actually a couple hundred. Even though thats where the fun is, listen to your momma and don't stare at the sun.

Joined: 10/08/2014

MGoPoints: 2700

LDNfan

September 4th, 2017 at 3:03 PM ^

This...

UM just faced what will likely be the second best D they see until the last game of the regular season..and they shredded it. This team served notice to the rest of the conference and the country. 

It really is amazing what GREAT coaching can do with GREAT, albeit young/raw, talent. 

Joined: 09/28/2014

MGoPoints: 10415

SpinachAssassin

September 4th, 2017 at 10:56 AM ^

Thanks for the hit, OP. I'm refreshing this page every 5 minutes looking for something, anything. I'm sure there's a 12-step program for this but I don't want it.

To your question, the first drive of the second half. Icewater in the veins and let everyone know the team wasn't going to suffer fools. We may have left points on the board after that, yet that drive was as good as it gets.

Joined: 05/23/2013

MGoPoints: 4869

ShruteBeetFarms

September 4th, 2017 at 10:59 AM ^

I'm not worried anymore. Hurst, McCray, Gary and Kinnel provide leadership. I was pleasantly surprised to see some younger players like Bush, Metellus, and Hudson showing swag. Those guys will be great leaders next year.

 

Joined: 09/25/2010

MGoPoints: 63922

mikeelikesit

September 4th, 2017 at 11:00 AM ^

First key moment was after Lavert got beat for deep ball that led to Fla only score FG. Never bothered him got right back up and back to business. Huge for that youngster. Great point though....very good signs pf this teams identity. This maybe the best team w a edge we have had since 2006. Last year was a great team, but this team has a edge to them!

Joined: 01/04/2011

MGoPoints: 277

Tyrone Biggums

September 4th, 2017 at 11:43 AM ^

Ambry is still pretty light but he is gonna be a playmaker. FF on that kickoff return. Harbaugh favorite. He may not be completely ready physically but he will benefit greatly from just being on the field. After a few games he may prove to be a upgrade this season over Watson.

Joined: 01/16/2013

MGoPoints: 4720

Putt4Birdie

September 4th, 2017 at 11:02 AM ^

Made everyone ( coaching staff included ) that much hungrier and better prepared to take over games at the end and close it out with confidence. I really like the identity of this young team already!

Joined: 07/14/2017

MGoPoints: 1923

Cw1lly33

September 4th, 2017 at 11:08 AM ^

I swear this team is young and just played on the national stage. For most of them this was their first big game against a great sec defense. This team will get better as the year goes on and they have plenty of time to work out the kinks before they get to penn state and even osu. Yes speight didn't start out great but I feel he will get better as the year goes on. Last year he started out with a interception against Hawaii and bounced back. Florida is not Hawaii and yet he bounced back in the second half. Speight will get better around a young and talent receiving corps and a good o line. I am confident in harbaugh and his staff will work out the kinks but it takes in game experience because camp can only simulate the real thing. We are going to be fine. Go Blue.

Joined: 11/12/2016

MGoPoints: 635

Carcajou

September 5th, 2017 at 8:34 AM ^

Yeah, it can hardly get any worse than to give up two pick-sixes in a row to give up the lead in a big game on the road, and yet he/they fought through it and won convincingly. Excellent confidence booster.

Joined: 02/26/2009

MGoPoints: 5768

WallyWallace

September 4th, 2017 at 11:09 AM ^

.. the RT situation will iron itself out. First start against Florida Dline is learning to swim in the deep end, Ulizio won't face anything that intense until Penn State. However, Speight is the best QB on this team and I feel has hit a ceiling. Not sure if that plateau is enough.(hope so)Had a chance in 16' class but apparently Peters isn't a college ready starter after enrolling early and 2 camps.

Joined: 11/25/2012

MGoPoints: 1219

moetown91

September 4th, 2017 at 11:12 AM ^

be confident about, but lets not get ahead of ourselves.  Your never as good as you think you are after a big win or as bad as you think are after a tough loss.  Florida offense was 119th in the country last year.  The season begins in Happy Valley....lets work out the kinks leading up to that game.  Our defense played lights out....looking forward to seeing more of the depth/speed come out when Luigi and Jeter get healthy.  On offense I feel there plenty of great things to still see play out....DPJ, Oliver Martin and more Ty Isaac please.  Go Blue!

 

Joined: 12/05/2010

MGoPoints: 1811

Mitch Cumstein

September 4th, 2017 at 11:21 AM ^

On my amateurish rewatch, the safety play really stood out to me. I think that position group will be better than expected. They looked really fast, and seemed to be in position to stop any leakage from the front 7 on runs and screens. Really excited.

Joined: 10/02/2009

MGoPoints: 14072

whidbeywolverine

September 4th, 2017 at 11:28 AM ^

Looked like 1st degree separation shoulder, maybe out until MSU. I worry about line injuries during Air Force (WTF Brandon) even to the point of limiting Hurst and Gary snaps for safety. I am more confident about Speight than others. I think he looks all big ten by spartytime.

Joined: 04/04/2009

MGoPoints: 1265

Wolvie3758

September 4th, 2017 at 11:35 AM ^

this was a GEM...watching all the other games many of the big name teams struggled...Most came back but they struggled for better or most of the game..Michigan did NOT..Yes those 2 pic sixs were awful and demoralizing but other than that  is was a dominating opening game..Teams improve most from week 1 to week 2...Watch out Cincy this team will ony get better with each passing day.

 

If I  had one bone to pick it would be TDS not FGs... 6 FG attempts..If even 2 of those are converted  its a rout

 

 

Joined: 12/12/2010

MGoPoints: 6338

Mitch Cumstein

September 4th, 2017 at 11:40 AM ^

I agree to some extent, I also think in the 2nd half it was pretty clear Florida wasn't scoring twice. So part of that was conservative play calling and solid game management in my opinion. Also, don't forget WS had a great read and check at the line for a wide open TD, then unfortunately buffed the throw. Add to that the 1st drive where 2 plays could have been TDs. So it's not like the offense was entirely stymied in the red zone.

Joined: 10/02/2009

MGoPoints: 14072

big john lives on 67

September 4th, 2017 at 11:43 AM ^

There were two evenly matched teams on the field from a talent and experience perspective for the most part. The difference in the game was coaching from top to bottom. In terms of strategy, tactics, technique, adjustments, and controlling the mindset of the players through adversity, we totally outclassed them. As fans, we should totally get ahead of ourselves. Saturday was a huge sign that our coaches can have this team ready for the huge games this year. We should have confidence in this team and let them get to work as we have fun and enjoy it. We deserve it after what we have been through.

Joined: 02/15/2009

MGoPoints: 3973

Mitch Cumstein

September 4th, 2017 at 11:49 AM ^

Watching that game, that was an NFL coaching staff vs. a college coaching staff. So many examples, but look at the 3rd down draws by Tye for 1sts. Clearly something the staff picked up on film and exploited. Another example was the adjustment to get the TEs going in the 2nd half. FLA had no answers. Don Brown and associates gave Fla no chance on that side of the ball.

Joined: 10/02/2009

MGoPoints: 14072

Tyrone Biggums

September 4th, 2017 at 11:50 AM ^

I respectfully disagree. Florida was outmatched physically, schematically and we were just hungier. Florida's D is top 3 in the SEC, they couldn't match our skill position players and our O line blocked pretty well. All new starters so they should improve. The only comparable defense athletically will be OSU going forward.

Joined: 01/16/2013

MGoPoints: 4720

LDNfan

September 4th, 2017 at 4:11 PM ^

Agreed..but I also liked his overall body language. It was like he knew he belonged there and was out to make plays. The whole team showed a lot of confidence and 'swagger' from start to finish. Think they are taking on the personality of JH. 

Joined: 09/28/2014

MGoPoints: 10415

Ty Butterfield

September 4th, 2017 at 11:54 AM ^

Just hated to see Michigan get inside the red zone and not be able to get TDs. Have too much PTSD from this happening way too much in the Hoke and RR years. Consistently leaving points on the field will come back to bite them in the ass against a better team.

Joined: 09/07/2009

MGoPoints: -81685

old98blue

September 4th, 2017 at 12:14 PM ^

1st game! Mistakes did make this game closer than it was like a first down on the 8 and come away with nothing, lost 2 yards, false start, missed FG but again 1st game, young team on the road. On the other hand we have a kicker, a ton of young talent, the best DC in the country and the best coach in the country and it wasn't Akron, Bowling Green, Arkansas St we were playing it was Florida and without all the 1st game mistakes we hang another 500 yard performance on them in the first game of the season not a bowl game that you have a month to prepare for and did it with the youngest team in the country

Joined: 11/16/2015

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