Spring Game Reaction Thread

What I saw from Shane.  I'll be rooting hard for him to win the starting job at some point in the fall.  Our WRs are not very good right now.  

Morris looked the best of the two quarterbacks and he has the most potential out of any QB on the projected fall roster.  I'll be surprised (but not overly so) if he doesn't start against Utah.  The lack of big play WR could hurt Morris as much as anything, because it limits Morris's upside more than other QBs (e.g. Rudock) 

WR was terrible.  Our #1 (whoever that is) would be #3 or lower on at least half of the rosters in the B1G, including teams with much less recruiting power.  Ohio has 3-6 WRs that would blow the doors off anyone on the roster.  I've seen a lot of comments about Darboh being the only decent reciever.  Darboh struggles to get separation against first team div 1 DBs and I don't see that changing (although I hope I'm wrong).  I thought Canteen did ok, but its really hard to tell.  Cole is still raw, but man I hope he learns fast.  Norfleet, Canteen, and maybe Cole seem like the best athletes we have.  Chesson is very fast but doesn't seem to pull it all together.  How is Chesson better at blocking and worse at recieving (running routes, catching, etc.) than some of our TEs?  We need him or someone else to develop into a deep threat. 

Not as down on RB as many of the previous posters.  Thought the RBs did ok, given the blocking.

O-line.  I trust in Drevno.

Defense looked good, but its hard to tell because its Spring and because the offense is in such an overhaul.

At this point, I think WR limits our offense more than QB and I have less confidence in our reciever coaching than our QB coaching.  I trust Drevno to get the run blocking in order and our stable of big bruisers to pound it.  Harbaugh is going to get decent QB play out of someone.  Our TEs are good recievers who need to learn to block.  We need a true threat at WR to keep defenses honest, though.  Who's it going to be? 

I think our floor is Iowaesqe, which is a lot better than last year.  If we can get Shane and some of our WRs to reach their potential, this could be a really good offense.  Jedd Fisch, show us what you've got.

of the last 7 years!  What a beautiful maize and blue day it was. Just got home and it took longer to get out of town than it does sometimes in the fall. We really enjoyed the Spring Game this year.  It had more people and more energy than some of the real games last season ... even felt like a fall day. I don't know what the attendance was but it had to have exceeded 50K, even 60K. People were just happy and lovin' it.

As for the game, what I learned is I have to temper my expectations for what we'll do this season. There was some good, but I'd have to give the nod to the defense in this outing. Offense was a little sketchy and although Morris may be given the edge, I wasn't blown away by either QB or the WRs. It'll be interesting to see what unfolds when all the other QBs get into camp in August.

Not sure if anyone else felt it, but (pinch me!) it still seemed surreal to see Jimmy down on the field directing traffic.   He has a lot of work to do, but I could see we're in good hands now!

Wasn't at the game but watched it at home. 

Here is my 2 cents....

Dline was dominant for a few reasons. Going against a mixed matched oline was one and well the defensive tackles look to be the best group on the team. And I'd say it's not even close. 

Just goes to show recruiting stars is cute but don't mean a ton. Henry and Hurst were not big time recruits. And Glasgow we all know was a walk on. Those 3 looked very solid today.

Joe Bolden and Dez Morgan both made plays. Bolden looked a lot like Jake out there today. He was all over the place. Also looked like Royce Stone was around the football quite a bit. 

The thing I liked the most of the game was the competition in the secondary this fall should be relentless. We can all pencil in Lewis as a corner. But I'm not so sure the other positions are locked down by anyone. Wilson is a senior who has played a lot of football. But the emergence of Delano Hill this spring and depending on what they do with Peppers. The two safety spots could get interesting. Brandon Watson made a couple great plays. The pick was a play I've been waiting to see from a michigan corner in more than a few years. Nothing easy about it and he out muscled the receiver and took the ball away. Countess and Peppers were both physical in the run game. Didn't see much from Stribbling.

Not sure why we didn't see Taco or Mario but the sack Marshall had on Shayne was Frank Clark on Braxton Millerish. Just sweet. He still looks thin, but you can see in his upper body and arms he's working hard in the weight room. Maybe the X factor of the defense or maybe another year away? 

 

Now for the offense

Shayne looked okay I thought. Just missed on a couple deep balls. And the plays he connected on seemed like they were against Norfleet who was trying to cover much bigger and physical guys like Darboh and Dukes. I think he's your leader in the club house until Jake and Zach show up.

Alex looked like a freshman who is still suppose to be in high school. Lots of quick passes, not much down field. I still love his game and moxi but he needs time.

Speight hurt?

Other than the first run by Smith (which was exciting) and a nice run up the gut by Shallman. Didn't see much. But the dominance of the Dline and backers made it that way all day. Just wasn't much happening. Wasn't really surprised though. Still kinda bumming Green seems to be behind the depth chart and that Isaac wasn't ready to play. I still am excited about the potential of this.position and Shallman might give these guys a push. Liked.his vision even though there wasn't much room to go.

Receivers didn't have a great day. Dukes is a physical specimen but looked to have a tough time with Shaynes fastballs. Did catch the lone td though. Darboh is the most.polished receiver and had a couple nice catches down field. But once again was being covered by Norfleet. Was excited to see Cole but didn't see a lot of him other than a short catch later in the game. Chesson was quiet other than the few times he threw the ball on trick plays. I kinda like Dever. And wouldn't be surprised if he catches some passes in the fall. They need to find a playmaker. Whether it's Darboh, Canteen or even Mo Ways. Someone needs to step up here.

Thank god for Jake Butt. Didn't have a lot of.chances but I'm.not.too worried about him. He is your next all big 10 TE. Wanted to see Bunting stretch the field with his ability and size but can only remember 1 target that was missed. 

The Oline was out played by the Dline the whole day other than the first play. But no one should have been surprised. Mason Cole is a stud. Glasgow if and when he comes back needs to keep his priorities in check. They will need him. Although the talent and depth is so much better then last year. Probably still a year away from Jim and Tim will want it. I do like Tulley though and think he is your starting right tackle in Utah.

 

 

 

I think people are going to be disappointed in Hokes supposedly great recruiting classes. Definitely seems that way with the wide receivers at least. My god.

Anyone notice our D-line out there? Glasgow and Henry looked like beasts today. Also Bolden and Morgan looked great. Our crew of DBs is deep and talented. Get Taco and Mario back and this D is loaded and ready to dominate this year.

Any thoughts why we did not see Speight?

How in the world is anyone drawing any type of conclusion from the scrimmage today?  It was a couple of units on offense that probably never practice together struggling to execute against defenses that are always way ahead at this time of year because they get to react to what's in front of them.  Add to that that the offense is completely new while the defense is essentially the same.  

It was an opportunity to get individuals on film and put the qb's in a game speed situation and that's about it.  

I know Norfleet didn't look great at CB today but I will say a defensive backfield of him and Jabrill together was full of energy and excitement.... At least during warm ups lol loved seeing them dance together in between reps

Didn't see any injuries so it was all good. Reps reps reps

My reaction...Thank God for Jake Rudock

I read too much negativity regarding our WRs.  The timing was not great but it will certainly improve with the fall practices.  The protection will be better because the best 5 linemen will be playing OL and that will improve the passing game.  Running game was poor but again the OL was a patch work.  

Receivers ran a lot of timing patterns and were open on some of them. This tells me that with more practice some of those incompletes will be completed.  Overall, I was pleased and if Morris can improve his timing with WRs, or if one of two incoming QBs can elevate the QB play, we will be in good shape.   I say 8-9 wins.

What was the attendance for the game today? Looked like a lot of people o tv. Good to see.

I would like to say that this was the 1st time I've ever used BTN2Go & it worked flawlessly.
Downloaded the app over wifi, typed in my Direct tv account info & was watching the game within a couple minutes.
No drops, lags or anything that was an obvious problem.
iPhone 6, all apps & software up to date.
Will use again.

I enjoyed Commissioner Harbaugh. I liked that he brought in Gary Moeller and Lloyd Carr to be honorary captains.  

- QB looks iffy. Morris made some good throws, and he was just slightly off on a few long ones. Malzone made a few decent throws, but didn't throw deep much. I'm expecting Rudock to take the job in the fall.

- Offensive line struggled. Few holes opened up. I guess that's to be expected when you have a new offense, and an experienced, deep defense.  

- Defensive backfield is as good as advertised. Peppers was fast and hit hard. He was always around the ball. Countess and Lewis looked good too. 

- On the flip side, the wide receivers dropped some easy ones and weren't able to create much separation. To their credit, they are going against one of the best defensive backfield's in the league.  

Running Backs- Shallman impressed me the most. Isaac and Green didn't do much, but Smith had a few nice runs. Whitfield is definitely the smallest guy I have ever seen in a Michigan uniform, but he hit the hole hard and went fast. I hope the coaches give him the ball more, despite his size. 

Defensive Line/ LBs- This was the most impressive performance in my mind. We may have a shutdown defense this year. The D-Line was able to get pressure on the QB and clog holes. Marshall had a couple nice plays. Bolden looks like he might be able to fill the shoes of JMFR.  

I think we can expect the offense to struggle early on, until they can develop a running game. Utah will be a struggle if we can't protect the QB. 

 

I didn't get a chance to watch the game. Does anyone know where I can see it on replay?

Also, I'm not sure why, but I find the fact that many people are all doom and gloom to be strangely comforting.

I wonder if we saw the overweight Green today.  He seemed much better at 220 last year than when he ballooned with his freshman 15. Isaac has also put on weight.  Weight gain isn't always the best thing for certain players.

My feelings about Hoke had been tempered since the end of last season.  I wonder how many years it will take to make up for his recruiting misses and player development.

I share everyone's angst about the O-line, but the line, as much or more than any other group of players, need to work together.  The draft format didin't allow for that.

Lastly, we are still closer to the end of last season than we are to next season.  A lot will happen physically between now and then.

Scattered Thoughts:

• Great turnout by the fans/former athletes. Interviewing Drew Hensen?!?! Anyone who gets him back on campus and more a part of this program is truly a force.
• LOVED the draft & game idea
• General thought: Remember that the athletes were drafted, not "A vs B". This created a more "fair" competition and game like atmosphere. It also made it hard to really tell what this team will look like this season. I will be interested to see if there is a UFR to give us a better clue
• Defense: looked great for both teams. What that also means, is put all the studs together... watch out! Very exciting. Best safety play in over a decade. Solid performance by the d-line. Aggressive. Solid tackling. Loved it
• Offense: I am cautiously opptomistic. Neither Oline today made a dent, but members of each Oline looked good. Put those members together as one oline and I think we will have something. Loved the play calling, even for vanilla. Ran inside. Ran outside. Screen pass outside. RB released after picking up his blocking responsibilities to create a safety valve. FB runs.
• QB: I think Shane will be more then capable of running this offense by Fall, if he wins the spot. Put Butt, Norfleet, Darboh, and Chessum out at the same time... and there are enought playmakers to make people respect the pass and make things happen.
• Downer: All the drops. Dudes: Catch - The - Ball. It is what you are going to college to do. 

Overall, cautiously optomistic. Loved the event and can't wait for this to be a yearly event.

The defense has a chance to be great. Offense is usually always behind the defense this early in the season, so you can't make a ton of assumptions. I do think we're very lucky to have Rudock, O'Korn, Gentry, and Peters. I thought the overall QB play was below average, it will get better as the season approaches / moves along. At this point we have a long way to go still, but that is the best thing about Harbaugh, the guy will improve every aspect of the team before we see them @utah. A big ten analyst said during the telecast he sees 7-8 wins for this team. I think getting Rudock, and getting better as the season goes along makes 8-9 wins as more likely.

Everybody but the receivers looked good.  Running game made you want to yawn.  That defense is going to be tough!

Fun to watch.

My reaction to the reaction thread? Assholes, Debbie Downers, and people who hallucinate out in force. But that's par for the course.

Winovich needs to go back to LB immediately. He should have caught that nice ball by Malzone on the first drive, didn't come close. Looking forward to Khalid Hill's return in the Fall Is Blake Bars a seviceable OL'man? Have to watch on DVR, but it looked like maybe.

#1 Observation from today.....Funchess is sorely missed.  He would have benefitted greatly from the high number of deep passes. 

Others:

I was actually impressed with Norfleet.  The kid was switched to the toughest position on the field and was in position to make numerous plays but was simply too damn short.

This WR core will not scare too many DBs this year.  Hopefully Cole blossoms because Darboh/Chesson is not intimidating.

Defense will be very good this year and, if we get some pressure on the QB, could be great.

Shane can fling the ball effortlessly and, what I noticed, is that it seemed that he found his rhythm and touch as the game went on.  Malzone demonstrated an impressive pocket presence; however, those far hash throws are a bit too much for him.  Kid is three months removed from high school though.

DBs are legit and we have four, count them, four legit players at S.  Once Lyons arrives we go four deep there as well.

Our TEs will have a chance to help carry the offense.  Butt is All-B1G; however, we need two more options.

Oline will be much improved once they gel. 

RBs: Incomplete until we see what Issac brings.

LBs: we can go five deep here.  Next year.....not so much.

DEs: If Poggi and Marshall can step up and contribute....we might be okay here.

Dline:  Strength of the defense.

 

With the addition of Rudock.....I'm sitting at 9 wins.  Best case scenario is the Shane nails down the starting position and we have a seasoned 5th year Senior as our backup.  Redshirts for Malzone and Gentry.

Last thought:  I miss football.

I didn't get to watch the game, but from all the comments on here, there will be a lot work done before Utah.  We might not be world beaters this year, but I fully expect Jim to squeeze 110% out of what he has to work with.  We're not a total dumpster fire.  We have some disappointing/questionalbe areas, but so do most of the teams (outside of Top 15).  I'm excited to see what happens this fall, but I'm not expecting miracles either.  

I like hearing the team seem well prepared that's one huge step in the right direction.  I also wouldn't put it past Jim to throw the spring by putting bad line combos together, purposely putting matchups in the favor of "ugly".  Utah is a tough open, and they have literally no tape on us with player/coaches changes. No need to show anything, but damn WR.... we don't need a #1 - we need the #1 in the recruiting cycle.

I was really looking forward to getting a look at Ty today. Any word on him?