From my perspective, it’s not one thing, it’s not two things – it’s actually probably five to 10 different things. But that quadruple overtime loss (first time for Michigan playing that many extended periods) up at Penn State – OMG, that was just head scratching, mind boggling, ass kicking, frustrating – call it what you will.
So, for the “to do list” for the Michigan coaching staff prepping for these remaining regular season six challenges – and trust me, they will all be “challenging,” – there is just so much (I don’t even know where to begin) to be remedied ASAP. Because even winning at home against Indiana – let alone at Michigan State, home with the Huskers, at Northwestern and Iowa, and the A2 curtain closer with the Bucks – these are all problematic games, to put it mildly. All are lose-able, but most winnable. So here are just two “issues” that gnaw at me the most from my distant/un-savvy vantage point:
· Michigan needs to establish some acceptable level of tailback running game – 24 carries for 24 yards mustered on Saturday evening from Fitz Toussaint just doesn’t cut it. When you need 3rd and 4 conversion, dang – what I would yearn for a Tyrone Wheatley or Tshimanga Biakabutuka -- just to bust out six to eight yards and move the pile on their own without blocking to ultimately move the sticks. And not only is that lacking from FT – but No. 28 has to also suddenly become a better blocking back for QB Devin Gardner. Just like Anthony Thomas was so masterful for Tom Brady. Especially when the offensive line is struggling to protect Gardner
· And Michigan has to take better advantage of the incredible ability of Devin Funchess. In my opinion, this kid from Farmington Hills Harrison is a nice blend between Braylon Edwards and Adrian Arrington. And that calls for throwing to No. 87 on first down, not just on a predictable third and 12. And if you start throwing to Funchess more and make the defense have to worry about him more – watch how that can greatly benefit Jeremy Gallon and his opportunities. I mean, what do you got to lose? You can’t play “power football” when you don’t have the tools in the backfield. So why not just throw the ball more?
What Will Always A-Maize-Me (or at least get my attention)
Tom Brady! With the stadium half empty, this two time NFL MVP throws a picture-perfect 17-yard pass to rookie free agent Kenbrell Thompkins with 5 seconds on the clock, knocking New Orleans from the unbeaten ranks. Same story – just a different Sunday, for Tom Brady.
How sweet the words were from the Monday Noon Brady Hoke Presser: “Taylor Lewan will be fine.” Here No. 77 comes back for his senior year despite a first round NFL pick assurance the previous spring -- and to have him deal with a long term injury – well, let’s just say that would have SUCKED!
The Oregon Ducks! You know what – if Oregon is that team that can knock Nick Saban off from leading Bama to another National Championship – then I am all about the Ducks. That 45-24 triumph over Washington up on Seattle – very-very impressive. #RealDeal
So, for the “to do list” for the Michigan coaching staff prepping for these remaining regular season six challenges – and trust me, they will all be “challenging,” – there is just so much (I don’t even know where to begin) to be remedied ASAP. Because even winning at home against Indiana – let alone at Michigan State, home with the Huskers, at Northwestern and Iowa, and the A2 curtain closer with the Bucks – these are all problematic games, to put it mildly. All are lose-able, but most winnable. So here are just two “issues” that gnaw at me the most from my distant/un-savvy vantage point:
· Michigan needs to establish some acceptable level of tailback running game – 24 carries for 24 yards mustered on Saturday evening from Fitz Toussaint just doesn’t cut it. When you need 3rd and 4 conversion, dang – what I would yearn for a Tyrone Wheatley or Tshimanga Biakabutuka -- just to bust out six to eight yards and move the pile on their own without blocking to ultimately move the sticks. And not only is that lacking from FT – but No. 28 has to also suddenly become a better blocking back for QB Devin Gardner. Just like Anthony Thomas was so masterful for Tom Brady. Especially when the offensive line is struggling to protect Gardner
· And Michigan has to take better advantage of the incredible ability of Devin Funchess. In my opinion, this kid from Farmington Hills Harrison is a nice blend between Braylon Edwards and Adrian Arrington. And that calls for throwing to No. 87 on first down, not just on a predictable third and 12. And if you start throwing to Funchess more and make the defense have to worry about him more – watch how that can greatly benefit Jeremy Gallon and his opportunities. I mean, what do you got to lose? You can’t play “power football” when you don’t have the tools in the backfield. So why not just throw the ball more?
What Will Always A-Maize-Me (or at least get my attention)
Tom Brady! With the stadium half empty, this two time NFL MVP throws a picture-perfect 17-yard pass to rookie free agent Kenbrell Thompkins with 5 seconds on the clock, knocking New Orleans from the unbeaten ranks. Same story – just a different Sunday, for Tom Brady.
How sweet the words were from the Monday Noon Brady Hoke Presser: “Taylor Lewan will be fine.” Here No. 77 comes back for his senior year despite a first round NFL pick assurance the previous spring -- and to have him deal with a long term injury – well, let’s just say that would have SUCKED!
The Oregon Ducks! You know what – if Oregon is that team that can knock Nick Saban off from leading Bama to another National Championship – then I am all about the Ducks. That 45-24 triumph over Washington up on Seattle – very-very impressive. #RealDeal
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