Here we are at week 11 and the good, bad, ugly and possible fix.
We are winning game in decisive fashion. One can say our schedule has been kind but you still have to go out there and play and not overlook anything in 2024. Parity is high and one hiccup and it's a tight game or upset loss.
That's the good. We are winning convincingly. We should be and we are. GOOD!
The great..
Our running game is GREAT! We have a stable of tail backs and all four could be starting somewhere else. If you include Riley in on this he makes the rushing attack really tough to stop.
Impossible if you will. Our numbers would be even higher if we weren't intentionally trying to jumpstart Riley with the passing.
Great #2
Our defense. I said it two years ago and ECHO it again...Al Golden needs a raise! He should be the highest paid coach on the staff. Even more than Freeman. (Yes I known that wouldn't happen) Saying again the defense plays ferocious. They play addictively inspired. Someone wants to make the next play. Interception, sack, pass batted, big hit...
It's fun to watch defense again.
The ugly..
I am trying not to be so harsh but....
the passing game or lack of.
I see a lot of last year's Michigan team with this group with the exception of the passing game.
Michigan won the title last year so that's good, right?
Let's compare.
Good running game? check
Good defense? check
Playing phyisical? check
Good passing? Here is the problem.
Michigan was effective at passing. They were a run first team and had success doing that but when moments came up they needed a big throw McCarthy did that very well.
RL hasn't been in that situation since the NIU game. The only team to this point that made us one dimensional.
When Michigan needed a big throw and catch they got it.
Going forward when we are in a position of needing a big pass completion I have no confidence we can make that happen.
Help could be on the way....
Players have memories and sometimes even in the middle of a season things just click between two players.
To this point the defense really focuses on Faison. He is the lone big play threat. The opponent knows this. Think back when they didn't know the kid that plays lacrosse...ignoring him and he made them
pay the price. Teams no longer ignore Faison.
Jayden Harrison, hello sir...
If Harrison and RL can get some chemistry, better late then never, this could be the one thing that increases our chances of a very successful season.
When the defense has to now focus on Harrison and let's not forget Faison...add in Evans as well...Someone is going to wide open. The adventure of getting them the ball will still be a concern because no matter what RL is not an accurate passer...but separation between defender and receiver goes a long way for a QB in making that throw.
Two more weeks and we shall see but here's to something clicking with RL and another big play threat...something our beloved has been missing for FAR TOO LONG! ! !
We are winning game in decisive fashion. One can say our schedule has been kind but you still have to go out there and play and not overlook anything in 2024. Parity is high and one hiccup and it's a tight game or upset loss.
That's the good. We are winning convincingly. We should be and we are. GOOD!
The great..
Our running game is GREAT! We have a stable of tail backs and all four could be starting somewhere else. If you include Riley in on this he makes the rushing attack really tough to stop.
Impossible if you will. Our numbers would be even higher if we weren't intentionally trying to jumpstart Riley with the passing.
Great #2
Our defense. I said it two years ago and ECHO it again...Al Golden needs a raise! He should be the highest paid coach on the staff. Even more than Freeman. (Yes I known that wouldn't happen) Saying again the defense plays ferocious. They play addictively inspired. Someone wants to make the next play. Interception, sack, pass batted, big hit...
It's fun to watch defense again.
The ugly..
I am trying not to be so harsh but....
the passing game or lack of.
I see a lot of last year's Michigan team with this group with the exception of the passing game.
Michigan won the title last year so that's good, right?
Let's compare.
Good running game? check
Good defense? check
Playing phyisical? check
Good passing? Here is the problem.
Michigan was effective at passing. They were a run first team and had success doing that but when moments came up they needed a big throw McCarthy did that very well.
RL hasn't been in that situation since the NIU game. The only team to this point that made us one dimensional.
When Michigan needed a big throw and catch they got it.
Going forward when we are in a position of needing a big pass completion I have no confidence we can make that happen.
Help could be on the way....
Players have memories and sometimes even in the middle of a season things just click between two players.
To this point the defense really focuses on Faison. He is the lone big play threat. The opponent knows this. Think back when they didn't know the kid that plays lacrosse...ignoring him and he made them
pay the price. Teams no longer ignore Faison.
Jayden Harrison, hello sir...
If Harrison and RL can get some chemistry, better late then never, this could be the one thing that increases our chances of a very successful season.
When the defense has to now focus on Harrison and let's not forget Faison...add in Evans as well...Someone is going to wide open. The adventure of getting them the ball will still be a concern because no matter what RL is not an accurate passer...but separation between defender and receiver goes a long way for a QB in making that throw.
Two more weeks and we shall see but here's to something clicking with RL and another big play threat...something our beloved has been missing for FAR TOO LONG! ! !
