UP Wolverine
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Well, it goes without saying that week 7 didn't quite go as planned for the Michigan or Minnesota football programs.
Currently, coach Kill is receiving criticism from ESPN "pundits" while the Michigan faithful are eating their own. Undoubtedly, this week proved to be a major road-block for two teams that were seemingly trending upward.
Both teams teams benefit from a "bye" in week 8 before facing each other on Halloween night*. While I will admit that I haven't watched much Minnesota football this season, I do know that Coach Kill will have the team ready to face the Wolverines. After all, the Golden Gophers embarrassed the Wolverines in the Big House last season, which was the final straw on Brady Hoke's back. Michigan's roster for this 2015 season remains relatively unchanged from the 2014 debacle. However, this year a new man is in charge, and he has Michigan playing a little above expectations. While the Wolverines are coming into TCF with a 5-2 (2-1), Michigan's 2 losses are to #4 Utah and #7 Michigan State. While Harbaugh is not claiming any moral victories, Michigan played both teams competitively, and in the case of Michigan State, the game came down to a special teams blunder in the last 10 seconds of game.
However, while Michigan has been playing at a seemingly high level, Utah and Michigan State have shown just how to expose this Wolverine offense. In both games, Utah and Michigan State put 7-8 guys in the box to stop Deveon Smith and Michigan's Power-run game. While this leaves a lot of one-on-one match-ups on the outside, Ruddock has not shown the ability to take advantage of said match-ups so far.
I'll make no bones about it, Jake Ruddock is not a great quarterback. His inability to connect on a deep pass so far has been alarming and has led to Michigan leaving easy points on the field. In week one, Ruddock missed 2 wide-open receivers down the field that would have resulted in 14 points for the Wolverines and yesterday he missed Chesson on one of the later drives in the second half that would have resulted in 7 points as well. While most of the fan base is still holding out hope that he gets his deep passing game under control, we're going into week 8 and I think it's time to put those expectations aside.
Here are my way too early "Keys to victory" for Michigan.
MICHIGAN
As I get time this week to view some Minnesota games/highlights I will post my "Minnesota keys to victory" as well. If you have any questions about the Michigan team or anything Michigan football related I will do my best to give you honest answers/opinions. I will preface this discussion with the fact that I am just a nobody. A Michigan fan who watches WAY TOO MUCH football for his own good.
Here is the Michigan v Michigan State game in its entirety
Mgovideo.com is an awesome source for anything Michigan football related. There you can find full games, highlight videos, game analysis, coach/player interviews and even a really neat show called "Inside Michigan Football." Check it out if you have some time and want to do your own "scouting" for the Michigan game.
*What is the weather like on a typical Minneapolis, MN Halloween night? Girlfriend and I are making the trip to the game and want to make sure we pack appropriately. I assume it will be similar to what it is here in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. (as I sit here looking out the window watching the 2" of snow we got Friday night start to melt..)
Enjoy your week, everybody.
UP Wolverine
Currently, coach Kill is receiving criticism from ESPN "pundits" while the Michigan faithful are eating their own. Undoubtedly, this week proved to be a major road-block for two teams that were seemingly trending upward.
Both teams teams benefit from a "bye" in week 8 before facing each other on Halloween night*. While I will admit that I haven't watched much Minnesota football this season, I do know that Coach Kill will have the team ready to face the Wolverines. After all, the Golden Gophers embarrassed the Wolverines in the Big House last season, which was the final straw on Brady Hoke's back. Michigan's roster for this 2015 season remains relatively unchanged from the 2014 debacle. However, this year a new man is in charge, and he has Michigan playing a little above expectations. While the Wolverines are coming into TCF with a 5-2 (2-1), Michigan's 2 losses are to #4 Utah and #7 Michigan State. While Harbaugh is not claiming any moral victories, Michigan played both teams competitively, and in the case of Michigan State, the game came down to a special teams blunder in the last 10 seconds of game.
However, while Michigan has been playing at a seemingly high level, Utah and Michigan State have shown just how to expose this Wolverine offense. In both games, Utah and Michigan State put 7-8 guys in the box to stop Deveon Smith and Michigan's Power-run game. While this leaves a lot of one-on-one match-ups on the outside, Ruddock has not shown the ability to take advantage of said match-ups so far.
I'll make no bones about it, Jake Ruddock is not a great quarterback. His inability to connect on a deep pass so far has been alarming and has led to Michigan leaving easy points on the field. In week one, Ruddock missed 2 wide-open receivers down the field that would have resulted in 14 points for the Wolverines and yesterday he missed Chesson on one of the later drives in the second half that would have resulted in 7 points as well. While most of the fan base is still holding out hope that he gets his deep passing game under control, we're going into week 8 and I think it's time to put those expectations aside.
Here are my way too early "Keys to victory" for Michigan.
MICHIGAN
- Get the run game going! - Ruddock has not shown the ability to take-over a game with his arm. If Michigan struggles in the run game, it could be a long night for the Wolverines.
- Utilize the depth at the Tight-End position - A major bright spot for this Michigan offense has been the depth and skill of the Michigan tight-ends. Look for Butt, Buntin, and Williams to have good games in the short to intermediate passing game.
- Special Teams - While it was Michigan's Special Teams that ultimately cost them the game against Michigan State yesterday, overall, they have been a major contributor to Michigan's success this season. Blake is perhaps the best Michigan punter since Zoltan Mesko and his ability to flip the field is unmatched. He had an 80 yard punt early in the Michigan State game.
As I get time this week to view some Minnesota games/highlights I will post my "Minnesota keys to victory" as well. If you have any questions about the Michigan team or anything Michigan football related I will do my best to give you honest answers/opinions. I will preface this discussion with the fact that I am just a nobody. A Michigan fan who watches WAY TOO MUCH football for his own good.
Here is the Michigan v Michigan State game in its entirety
Mgovideo.com is an awesome source for anything Michigan football related. There you can find full games, highlight videos, game analysis, coach/player interviews and even a really neat show called "Inside Michigan Football." Check it out if you have some time and want to do your own "scouting" for the Michigan game.
*What is the weather like on a typical Minneapolis, MN Halloween night? Girlfriend and I are making the trip to the game and want to make sure we pack appropriately. I assume it will be similar to what it is here in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. (as I sit here looking out the window watching the 2" of snow we got Friday night start to melt..)
Enjoy your week, everybody.
UP Wolverine