Michigan 31 AirForce 26--We're a work in progress

A victory is a victory.  So it's better than a loss.  But that doesn't mean I have to like it.

The defense was on it's heals all game.  Maybe still feeling shell shock from the Alabama game, maybe having to play Air Force's flying circus of a offense, but they were on their heals all game long.  Except for maybe the end of the first two AF drives that ended up being FG attempts, and the last AF offensive series where they stepped up and stopped to save the victory.

As a result we saw lots of arm tackles or late tackles all games.

Denard played a Denard type of game.  Lots of spectacular running.  Some good passing.  Some crummy passing also.  Erratic in other words.  I suppose if our defense had played better I wouldn't be complaining about the offense.  We did score 31 points.  But our offense, even when scoring, was on and off the field.  Only one real sustained drive.

I've come to a conclusion about Denard.  He's as exciting of a college football player as I have ever seen.  But I think having him at quarterback is hindering our progress as a football team.  Our offense is a hodge podge of plays to take advantage of Denard's unique talents, but it isn't truly a system.  Some times it's a spread and the blocking that comes from that, some times is a pro style with the blocking that goes with that.  We jump back and forth from styles, and the line and team don't get enough reps at each to be great at either.

This is best demonstrated by the lack of production from our running backs?  Do we have any?  And do we know how to block for them?

Our receivers are strong.  Love this new freshman Tight End Devin Fuchness.  Gardner is turning into good receivier.  But I wonder what a game would be like if they didn't have to wait on the ball so much, or adjust to the throws so much.  Denard is a better passer this year, but he will never be a really good one.  He really only works as a passer on pass run option passes.  Just doesn't have the accuracy.

My son summed it up on the way home from the bar.  "I felt like we were watching the RichRod Wolverines from two years ago.

Still,

It's Good, To Be, a Michigan Wolverine
Go Michigan ,  Beat the Minutemen
Hail to the Victors Valiant.