Key Matchups: Koger / Webb vs. Sparty LBs and secondary

Ever since his first catch last year (26 yd. TD against Wisconsin), I've been impressed with how this young man has contributed to this team. It's amazing to think that he's only a sophomore. I see great upside in Koger for the next two years. If it's one thing that I feel Michigan fails to do better than other teams in the Big 10 it's use a TE more often as a high-option receiver (see: Wisconsin, MSU). Hopefully Koger can become more than just a "dump" like so many other TEs are when all other options are covered. Apart from the EMU game (which should be disregarded based on, oh, I don't know, 380 yds. rushing), Koger has shown himself to be a reliable option for Tate and Denard. Not only was he one of the top receivers in the first two games with a TD against WMU and ND each, but he made his one catch against IU really count by helping Denard keep a key drive alive. If Tate/Denard can get him the ball 3+ times, I forsee a UM win for sure. Honestly, I hope Koger stays through his senior year and continues to progress at this pace. If so, look forward to more happy times in Ann Arbor. Also, how can you not love this profile picture? http://michigan.scout.com/a.z?s=162&p=8&c=1&nid=3069229

Koger has come up with some difficult catches this season. Webb on the other hand has dropped two accurate balls thrown his way.

He has come up with some big catches in his young career, but I don't ever recall him having a huge GAME. I think he's due for one. 5 catches, 90 yds, and a TD this game for Koger, and a crushing block to spring Carlos for a long TD.

Dantonio Vs Common sense about a Qb situation. To steal something from Brians previews, cackle with knowing glee if keith nichols sees considerable playing time. His nickname should be drive killer. Consequently, he is my favorite MSU player, just beating out Blair White, the most perplexing Wr ever. Is he fast? Is he good in space? Does he have grit? The only time I've seen him is breaking long ones at CMU, but he's a white kid named Blair White! I hear from one guy he's explosive, another that he's a possession Wr, and I'm not sure if the first one is a state slappy, or if the second one can't believe anyone named blair could ever be "explosive"

If I've had one thing that I've been harping on as I yell at the TV during games, it's been to throw to the TE. I said it right before Koger made his tough grab in the second half last weekend. The coaching staff went to Oklahoma and talked to Stoops about how to use the TE in the spread for a reason. Koger is a premiere receiving TE IME and I think could abuse the MSU LBs and Safeties if utilized this weekend.

After seeing you title Tom I can't get that stupid ESPN Keyshawn Johnson promo for "Key Match Up" out of my head right now...

I would love to see the tight ends get a lot of work in the passing game. Martell, though, needs to keep his hands on the friggin ball. I love that play action/counter pass to Koger/Grady that they've been running. that's a good one particularly because if it's open, it provides the QB the option to run as well as pass.

It's basically a waggle, and the TE is ALWAYS open on a waggle.

RR went to oklahome to visit their coaches and work on fitting the TE into his spread schemes. we haven't seen that much of that yet. i wonder whether RR is waiting to break that out against higher quality opponents. if it rains as predicted, the TEs will play a greater role because the passing game will shorten.

So, I need to be shaking my keychain when Koger's on the field then?

Webb has had stone hands this year. Keep Koger in if you're even thinking about passing to a TE. Bt the Key matchup will be if their blue jackets go with the maze socks.

I didn't realize how fast Koger was until he caught a pass in space (off the waggle, I think) against Indiana. I was really impressed with his speed, and he does seem to get himself open a lot. Great hands too.