ESPN article about Michigan Football and Nussmeier Hire

Submitted by 502sezGoBlue on

Interesting ESPN article touching on the state of Michigan football and how Nussmeier hire was the right move. Definitely highlights our O-line, leadership, and inconsistency concerns for next year. All I'm saying is bring me that Michigan Football season, we'll be great.

 

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An Angelo's Addict

April 4th, 2014 at 10:29 PM ^

I like that they acknowledge the lack of pressure we have been bringing on defense. I was always curious last year that when it was very obvious the "right to rush four" wasn't working why we never blitzed like we did in 2011. I hope to see Mattison go aggressive and press coverage, no more 10 yard cushions please

Joined: 07/12/2011

MGoPoints: 7982

MaizeBlueCA

April 5th, 2014 at 12:15 AM ^

We had a great defense over all. A DL holding the LOS, had gap discipline and a more than capable back 7. Mattisson felt he could call any blitz and coverage on any given down that year. While 2013 was the complete opposite, indeed. We didn't have a gap sound DL, nor a back seven that could play man l, or plain out any of the above, period. When the rush or blitz couldnt get to the QB, the back 7 were getting torched. Hence forth, the 8-10yd cushions and no aggressive play calling. I strongly believe 2013 was the last year we will see "bend don't break defense." We have talent coming in more than capable to play press-man coverage, as well as the young talent already on campus definitely more than capable. Growing pain hurt when a young team is on the field. But The foundation has been built the last 3 years and it's time for fruition of W's!

Joined: 01/04/2014

MGoPoints: 127

I dumped the Dope

April 5th, 2014 at 2:19 AM ^

I think they really opened some eyes last year the way they ran their corners (and they had really good ones) just sitting out there on an island play after play.

If you can have success there, and it sticks, the safety can come downhill on run support ala Smashem Kovacs.  Probably an oversimplification and a display of my lack of defensive philosophy knowledge but hopefully I got the idea across.

The bend-dont-break can keep the D on the field a lot.  Get some stops and they get to rest.

Joined: 09/22/2013

MGoPoints: 2342

Franz Schubert

April 5th, 2014 at 7:12 AM ^

Was very frustrating watching blitzes fail because of huge cushions by the corners which allow the QB to get rid of the ball instantly. Gotta press the receivers on blitzing downs to take away the easy bailout. Playing aggressively also makes the game fun to play and builds a toughness in the players. When you got your corners 15 yards off the ball and back peddling all the time it drains the swagger out of your players.

Joined: 07/20/2009

MGoPoints: 4453

turtleboy

April 5th, 2014 at 10:18 AM ^

I like the sound of getting aggressive on defense, it'll be fun to watch them go after it like a Michigan defense should. I like the sound of rational playcalling and converting the odd 3rd down on offense, too.

Joined: 04/22/2011

MGoPoints: 35131

UofM626

April 5th, 2014 at 10:45 AM ^

Everyone in football is trending towards more man to man coverage. I only say this cause my buddy and have been coaching football for years at high school and at a very competitive pop Warner league and we have been running a man defense exclusively on every play. I know it's not the same as college but in all honesty it
is! Running man also lets you know who is getting burned and who can cover. I just laugh cause we always said for years why don't these teams go get big physical corners and just run man to man every play and free up those backers to get after it. I'm just saying this cause we crack up at watching this as its trending now. I'm not a pro coach just someone who watches a ton of football. To this day we still run man only so we know who's fault it is on every play. No excuses

Joined: 01/02/2012

MGoPoints: 3443