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5 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Markusr2007 11 months ago
Interesting post.
"The long and short of this year's Michigan offense—it will be terrible."
I'm glad there are a lot of people writing off Michigan this year to be 5-7-0.
Michigan is not forfeiting the 2008 season and starting all over again in 2010.
"Terrible"?
Man, I agree that Michigan football is going struggle this fall, but there is little that leads me to believe that Michigan's 2008 offense is going to be under .500 as you suggest. Struggle and fail? Definitely. Lose seven games? No. Here's why:
First of all, I really do agree that Michigan will have problems - perhaps major problems - offensively at the beginning of the year at quarterback and offensive line. But your article suggests that entire Michigan offense will implode into useless quark particles by the 1st quarter of the Utah game. To suggest that unless Michigan has a Terrelle Pryor, Woodrow Dantzler, Rasheed Wallace or Pat White at QB, RR's offense will fail miserably is disingenuos. RR can adjust the spread option offense to suit the strengths of the QB and entire team. Examples are Shaun King at Tulane, who was NOT a good runner (had average speed and quickness, and consider by some to be overweight) but King destroyed passing efficiency records under RR. In other words, it's not Pat White or bust.
Secondly, Steven Threet is about as wrong for Rodriguez' spread option offense as Zak Kustok or Brett Basanez were wrong for Northwestern's spread offense under former Wildcat HC Randy Walker. Threet has the same size, speed and probably better arm strength than either Kustok or Basanez had. Both Kustok and Basanez were quick enough to get into space and do damage rushing the ball.
That's what will be asked of Threet, but not on every play. Has Threet run spread option offense in his sleep since he was 8 years old like Missouri QB Chase Daniels? No. But he's not a disaster waiting to happen either.
Third, Threet was a 4-star recruit, offered by many top college programs (Wisconsin, Illinois, Stanford, GaTech, Miami OH, NC State, Indiana) and ranked 13th nationally as a QB. Because Threet is experienced, do we just hand him 100 demerits for his team contribution? Come on! For what it's worth Northwestern lead the Big Ten in rushing, total offense and third down conversions during Walker's reign with the spread option offense with no Pat White at QB. If coaches like Zook, Hoeppner and Bielema wanted Threet to run their offenses, then he's not a "waste of space".
On the offensive line, yes Michigan lacks "seasoned" experience. But 4 of the 5 projected started did see game experience last fall. All are upperclassmen. So to suggest that Michigan OL is already worse than St. Mary's junior varsity football squad is putting 100% weight on 12-game experience and throwing out potential, talent and practice/system experience.
LT Cory Zirbel, Sr (four star, 20th-ranked)
LG Tim McAvoy, Sr (four star, 14th-ranked)
C David Moosman, Sr (four star, 17th-ranked)
RG Steve Schilling, Jr (five star, 3rd-ranked)
RT Mark Ortmann, Sr (three star, 45th-ranked)
Now call up Charlie Weis right now and ask him whether he'd trade the above UM offensive line for his current offensive line? Then ask Jimmy Clausen, who was sacked 56 times last fall, the same question. I think you'd be surprised by the answer.
Trust me, Michigan's OL is as talented as it has ever been. Combine that with the new S&C of Mike Barwish, a no huddle offense, and the OL will improve more quickly than expected, and probably will negate some of the inexperience factor considerably by the time Michigan faces Big Ten play.
It won't be perfect, but it's hardly the end of days for Michigan football.
If you wanted to dig a little deeper, you could have found the REALLY scary and bad news facing Michigan football this fall: The depth chart at QB and OL. Now that's where Michigan is REALLY INEXPERIENCED. I would agree with your prediction of 5-7-0 if Michigan experiences an injury to Threet at QB and/or more than 2 injuries on the starting OL.
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Chilihead chili 11 months ago
Sounds to me like everyone is a little nervous of the Wolverines. Everyone wants to talk down about them. The Wolverines are the true wild card this season. Nobody can call it as not a snap has yet been taken. Be afraid OSU, be very afraid
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L.J. Burgess 11 months ago
Well, you made the Detroit Free Press with this one. Congrats.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080711/SPORTS06/80711095/1054
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John MacLean 11 months ago
cfb360, you write as if you possess some expertise. In my profession, before one could qualify as an expert, he or she had to show education, experience or training sufficient to be recognized as such. Would you share yours, please.
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WINGVERINE 11 months ago
John, What is your Profession ?(really don't care) Marks is saying it like it is, everything I read was correct other than the Barwis spelling. Your colors are showing cfb! Great Reply Marksr2007....GO BLUE!!!
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