Michigan Football: The Perils of Shifting to the Pro-Set Offense
Been there, done that.
Three years ago, Michigan brought in a new football coach who planned on installing an entirely new offense.
This spring, Michigan is going down a similar road, as first-year coach Brady Hoke junks the read-option attack for the more traditional pro-set.
While we know the disappointments and failures of three years ago, the transition this time around might be a little smoother.
The main difference is that the previous offense was directed by an inexperienced quarterback who didn’t have the necessary skills to be the offense’s focal point.
When Michigan holds it’s spring game April 16, the offense will be led by a first team All-American.
Some think that Denard Robinson is also ill-suited to run a pro-style attack.
They believe the bulk of his accolades came from his uncanny ability to run the football.
They fear he’s not a prototype drop-back passer, who can throw at the last second, knowing he’s about to be hit.
The naysayers should have considered the following three items.
One, Robinson completed 182 passes in 291 attempts last season for 2,570 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Sure, the first-year starter threw 11 interceptions, but a veteran he wasn’t.
Two, many see Robinson as a shotgun type quarterback, one who receives the snap some six yards behind the center. They say he’ll have trouble receiving the ball “under center.”
That could possibly be true, but Robinson actually ran an offense similar to what’s in store here, when he was in high school. (You can see some convincing video later in the slide show).
Three, Michigan boasts an experienced offensive line, one that should keep Robinson relatively safe in the pocket.
And this is not to forget the stable of fine receivers Robinson will have at his disposal.
Of course, there are no guarantees. It’s a known fact Robinson’s numbers fell off as the Big Ten season progressed.
Let’s take a look at 10 keys to the offense’s continued success. Or why another offensive scheme might fail.
Offensive Line
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The offensive line has but two assignments: lead a smash-mouth, downhill rushing attack, while also protecting Denard Robinson in the drop-back passing attack.
While Devin Gardner will undoubtedly become a fine quarterback, Michigan rolls with Robinson’s throwing arm and his incredibly fast feet.
Two seniors, two juniors and a sophomore comprise the offensive line that should start the season in September.
Providing he’s shaken off the injury bug, David Molk will anchor the line, which will also feature Taylor Lewan, Ricky Barnum, Patrick Omameh and Mark Huyge. There’s decent depth, too.
Taylor Lewan
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Just a quick footnote on the highly talented sophomore.
It’s been said that Lewan’s eagerness to excel has caused a few false starts and even a couple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
Saying that Lewan must have Robinson’s back is an understatement.
Lewan already has the ability to be the next Jake Long. Let’s hope a year of experience will allow the big guy to concentrate on football, and nothing but football.
The Fullback
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Of course, the new offense calls for a bone-crushing rushing attack. It all calls for a lead-blocking fullback.
Last season, Michigan had neither. This season, Stephen Hopkins might have to be both.
And don’t forget he’ll be also called upon to pass-block, and catch an occasional pass out of the backfield.
Michigan will no longer be without a third-and-two option.
Not to worry, Stephen.
Michigan has a plethora of running backs to share the load. Michael Cox, Vincent Smith, Michael Shaw, Fitz Toussaint, Justice Hayes and Thomas Rawls will battle for playing time.
Joe Kerridge and John McColgan will chip in at fullback.
The Transition
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Al Borges has been an offensive coordinator for nearly 25 years at places like Oregon, UCLA and Auburn.
One thing he’s learned is that you maximize players skills, no matter the offensive scheme.
And when it comes to Denard, you let him run. I'm sure we’ll see sprint-outs, bootlegs and quarterback draws.
“You don’t coach him like you coach other kids I’ve coached. Borges said. “You have to give him a chance to do what he does.”
Utilizing the Tight End
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Look for Michigan to get tight end Kevin Koger more receptions this season. The 6’4”, 255 lb. senior caught only 14 passes last year, but scored twice and totaled 199 yards.
While he won’t necessarily be the first option, Koger should find space on tight end delays, and when Robinson is flushed out of the pocket.
Several excellent tight ends have worn the Michigan uniform. Jim Mandich, Paul Seal, and Jerame Tuman to name just a few.
Look for Michigan to also run sets with two tight ends at the same time.
Brady Hoke
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Before Hoke was officially introduced to the media, his number one job was to make sure Denard Robinson didn’t leave Michigan.
Keeping Denard was an early victory for Hoke,
Right away, Hoke knew he’d have to design his offense with Robinson in mind.
"We've had great conversations," Hoke said. "I'm so impressed with him as a kid and his humility and his vision and his love for Michigan. So that's been real positive. It's just fun being around him.”
Flashback to Deerfield Beach
7 of 10One of the major keys to Denard’s potential success is his previous participation in a similar offense.
Robinson (see video) was very comfortable playing high school ball at Deerfield Beach, so there’s no reason to believe the transition will be that difficult.
The Deerfield offense featured a variety of sprint-outs, roll-outs and play action passes. Nothing like utilizing his quickness to avoid the pass rush.
You’ll also note that he did a good job planting before throwing.
When Robinson jumps into this offense in the fall, he'll have to find throwing lanes around the tall college linemen.
But if Drew Brees can do it, Shoelace can.
The Ball, at Times, Will Move at a Snail's Pace
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Instead of drives lasting two minutes, they might last seven or eight. They might not result in a touchdown, but only in a field goal-attempt.
The tough part is that the offense must learn patience. The best part is the defense won’t be on the field.
As everyone knows, its tougher for the opponent to score when Michigan’s defense is off the field.
Ball Handling Skills
9 of 10After things settle down, it would be nice to see a bit of deception in the offensive backfield.
To do that, Robinson must become a magician, forcing the defense to actually guess who has the football.
Counters, traps, draws and even a reverse or two could give a running back the upper hand.
Just imagine Shoelace getting to the second level before half the team knows he has the ball.
When it comes to deception, the two craftiest quarterbacks who come to mind are OSU’s Rex Kern and Michigan’s Dennis Franklin.
When All Else Fails...
10 of 10So Denard is beginning to look like he can handle the challenge.
His footwork on three, five and seven step drops will improve. He’ll carry out his fakes. He’ll go through his progressions. He’ll throw the deep out on his correct foot.
He’ll even throw screen passes with the touch of a feather.
But when all else fails, he’ll tuck the ball away, and run, Shoelace, run.
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