Pretty good practice, not a great one though. But enough to get better and gain confidence.
When was the last time a Michigan Defense prevented an opponent from scoring a TD. Long time. Good to see.
The Goal line stand was great in the first quarter.
Mostly good tackling. Great play calling by Greg Mattison to keep the pressure up. He has to call a good game for this defense to work. We have good players and a few great ones, Martin, Ryan, Kovacs. But not enough speed overall and not at linebacker. Next year. And we are learning the defense. It will only get better.
I'm disappointed in the offensive effort. How can one be disappointed in 31 unanswered points? Because we are still too one dimension, named Denard Robinson. What a talent. Have to go with him. But have to have other runners to relieve his load. Vincent Smith might just be that running back, with 118 yds. But all running backs combined, 168 yds, did not out gain Denard, with 198. I know, most of his yards are big gains. But we need more from the backs. And our receivers seemed to have butter on their hands. Denard delivered many catch-able balls that we dropped. Gallon played well though.
Seems like the mistake we made in the first half, was trying to set up Denard with the pro-style running plays. Didn't work. Maybe we need to set up the pro-style running game and passing game with Denard running first. Once he gets some momentum going, the whole defense keys on him, opening up the run for Smith and Toussaint and lots of passing opportunities. That's what happened in the second half. Let's start the first half this way next time.
San Diego State next. Hoke's old team. He knows them, and they know him. And they are good. 2-0 and beating WSU as I write this. Good test next week.
It's good, to be, a Michigan Wolverine.
Go Michigan, Beat the Aztecs.
Another thing I liked about this game was that it looks like they actually make adjustments at halftime. I don't remember one last year!
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