UM Defense - next 2 weeks will tell a lot

I just can't wait to see me some M Rob.

I actually don't think the next two weeks will tell us much of anything.

I think we will really learn what this defense is in that stretch against MSU, Iowa, and Penn State.

as an opportunity for the D to get some confidence, stick to there assignments, and for God's sake, not to get injured.

if we get lit up by UMass and BGSU that's telling.  As in telling me "Remove all potential projectiles from the living room and buy more tequila" kind of telling.  Shutting down a MAC and a D-II school don't mean a lot when Crist had some good drives against us and we blew some coverages vs UConn (luckily the UConn QB was off and his WRs had the dropsies).  

I think the next two games are vital for everyone not named Denard Robinson.  (Also, the Offensive Line is playing tremendous football.)  RBs need to find their rhythm, they're way better than anyone is giving them credit for.  Not to pull a Fred Jackson, but this is a very solid RB crew that's just itching to break out. (That sounds weird, but roll with it.)

Reps for Cam Gordon & Co. are very important.  As well as their defensive backups.

It would certainly be very telling if the UM defense cannot stop UMass or Bowling Green. But stopping a I-AA team and a mid-major would not mean that the Wolverines can do it in the Big Ten.

If we completely shut these guys down, I don't think it means much either way in terms of what we'll do against B10 teams, unless our defensive starters play only a few series and RR goes the rest of the way with the backups and third-stringers. However, if our starters give up lots of points, long completions, and can't get off the field on third downs, that would be an ominous sign. Given that we've actually done pretty well on third downs against both UConn and ND, I'd be surprised if we have problems. I think our first real test is going to be Indiana. They came very close to beating both us and Iowa last year, and with Chappell and Willis back, IU is more dangerous than many believe. I think the Hoosiers are going to upset one heavily-favored conference team this year.

In my mind, the next two weeks should provide valuable experience to an inexperienced secondary. 

Hopefully the guys in the 2nd and 3rd positions on the depth chart will also get some much needed reps prior to the start of conference play.

I'm expecting to see improvements from this secondary as they get more experience - particularly from Cam Gordon.  Since this is his first year at the position, I think it's realistic to think he will continue to improve as the season progresses.

I think the OP has a bit more of a point here than is being acknowledge.  Remember how last year our D was, as Brian put it, opposition indifferent?  I.e. we basically performed the same against everyone, with EMU, Indiana, and Purdue all breaking 20 points against us.  Sad to say, but even just not being opposition indifferent will be a step forward for our unit.  If we can hold both of these teams to under 20 points, that will be an advance from last year.

This portion of the schedule is crucial to getting our banged up players some rest.  The young guys like MRob and Jibreel will get some snaps.  This is where we can build some much needed depth.  If we don't see some sacks and alot of 3 and outs then there is legitimate concern.  These two weeks will tell us what our defense can and can't do.  Hope to see some new bodies and progress with our starters.  Coach em' up!

We know what we have on D. We are very young, thin in secondary. Good D line. Average LB's. We are overall average at best. What's to be learned by playing weak opponent?.We will learn if  D is good enough to win with.  TAKEAWAYS.  Let's hope for more of them.  We are gonna give up plenty of yards but if we can continue to get takeawys, we can keep teams out of the 30's. 

I think the OP is right on.

If we allow 20+ points to these teams, we'll know to brace ourselves for a rough go in the Big Ten.  If we hold them both to single digits, I think that's a really positive sign.  I don't care if they're Div. II or MAC, it would be telling and comforting to know we can lock it down against inferior competition.  

10 points against a veteran UConn team.

24 points against a Notre Dame, on the road, who had Floyd and Rudolph in addition to a collection of solid to very good running backs.

Last year at this point the defense was giving up 20.5 ppg.

This year the number is 17.5 ppg.

I am beyond sick and tired of the gnashing of teeth about this defense. Remember when Floyd and Rogers at CB were going to be the end of the Michigan team period. How is that holding up folks - they look GOOD.

As long as they give up 1 point less than the opposition who gives a flying toss what it looks like?

The next 2 weeks are most important just for getting our guys more reps.  We have so much inexperience on both sides of the ball, every rep out there is important for the team.  

1) The RBs can get some more carries and more people can get involved, just so that we can see if we've got any gamebreakers back there not named Denard.

2) Our secondary's experience is so limited, so getting Rogers, Floyd, Cam, and the backups some reps, even against inferior competition, is going to certainly be useful.  And, it will also be telling in some respects, but I agree that shutting Umass and Bowling Green will not tell us a whole lot.  If we get shredded while playing our first stringers and games stay closer than they should, it's problematic.  

3) Getting QBs not named Denard some snaps would be nice too.  Maybe it's been overhyped but I'd like to keep Denard fresh and healthy going into the conference season, so does 15 carries max each of these next two games sound like a good number to you guys?

Let's just get the defense to continue to make some winning plays and stops each week. They don't have to be shut down, just do enough within the context and flow of a game to give our offense a chance to win the game.

I would emphasize here that it is really important for UM to get pressure of the QB as well as reduce the number of blown coverages.

Really?  I've never heard anyone say such insightful things about our D this year.  Thank you for your vast wisdom and insight.

/snarky response that is oh so fun

I definitely think we'll play better in all these upcoming games against those conference teams.   Three reasons:

1. We are more experienced in this defense with this coordinator.

2. We are playing better athletes.

3. Our line is bigger and stronger AND the strength of the defense.

I am done worrying about it because these factors are bigger than anything that happened last year.  If anything, what happened last year is one of our biggest strengths.

I wouldn't quite say that no one's run the ball on us.  UConn and ND didn't have much success between the tackles, but they did gash us some on the outside.  (It was nice that Kelly channeled his inner Charlie Weis and abandoned the run in the fourth quarter.)  On the plus side, we've avoided giving up any long runs.

The next two weeks will show us a little bit about our defense but we will know much more once we get into the Big Ten schedule.