Pryor’s ability to get to the outside had essentially neutralized the speed of a defense loaded with future NFL first round picks. Had Pryor played the whole game, I think the final score would have been different. Not to say that I think the Buckeyes would have won, just that USC’s defense would not have been nearly as dominant as it was.
Now, I am sure some of you reading this right now are thinking, "What about the 2007 BCS title game? You used Troy Smith as an example of a mobile quarterback, yet the Gators put a 27-point beatdown on 'the' Ohio State."
True, but think about the scheme used. Jim Tressel does not employ a spread offense, which utilizes a ton of options and quarterback keepers.
That is the difference.
Remember what I said? “It is the offensive geniuses' schemes of today COUPLED with quarterbacks who can beat defense through the air and on the ground...”
See? When the offensive play being run can instantaneously change based on a defense's reaction (i.e. the spread), it causes the defense to freeze and wait until the offense has shown its hand before it can react. When you have a quarterback that can run a 4.5 forty, by the time the offense has made its move, it is oftentimes simply too late.
The way I see it, there are only two ways to beat a team like Illinois:
1) They beat themselves with mistakes.
2) You outscore them.
Look at the two losses the Illini suffered this year. They lost in a shootout to Missouri (they got outscored) and a shootout to Penn State (they got outscored and shot themselves in the foot with turnovers).
Coincidentally, Nittany Lions dual-threat quarterback Daryll Clark gave the Illini fits with two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown. He had 50 yards on the ground on 11 carries.
Now look at Michigan’s only win in recent memory against a team with a dual-threat QB: the 2008 Capitol One Bowl. The Wolverines beat a Florida Gators team led by Heisman winner Tim Tebow by outscoring them 41-35.
Let us not also forget Ohio State’s only regular season loss last year. You guessed it, against Illinois IN the Horseshoe. I will let you take one guess at who blew up for the Fighting Illini.
So while the new team speed of Michigan proved to not be the answer, have faith Wolverines fans—I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
One main reason our offense is not doing what Rich Rodriguez had West Virginia doing a year ago is because we simply do not have the personnel to run it. While Steven Threet is proving to be a capable leader on the field as well as an effective passer, the dude just can’t accelerate very quickly.
There have been numerous plays this year in which Threet could’ve cleared a hole and run for 15 yards if he could run a 4.6 instead of a 5.0.
Plus, you have to consider the mind-boggling number of mistakes the Wolverines have made. They are averaging something like four lost fumbles a game (probably more, I just can’t bring myself to go look it up).
This is a result of the new system and the incredible amount of pressure it puts on the thought process and decision-making abilities of every offensive player.
You can expect to see these kinds of mistakes for at least the rest of this year until the team gets comfortable with the very complicated spread Rodriguez runs.
Don’t worry, maize and blue faithful.
Once this team learns and understands how to run the spread...
Once this team internalizes the timing needed to run these plays...
Once Shavodrick Beaver and all of those high profile wideout recruits get to Ann Arbor...
Watch out, Buckeyes—we are coming.
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3 months ago
Great article.
I'd just like to point out you can stop the spread, but its pretty complex and USC didn't gameplan for Pryor being the starter.
And look at Michigan's 09' recruiting class (signed):
QB- Shavodrick Beaver [Dual Threat]
QB- Tate Forcier - [Dual Threat]
RB- Vincent Smith (5"8, 165 lbs)
RB- Jeremy Gallon (5"9, 175 lbs)
RB- Fitzgerald Toussaint (5"10, 185 lbs)
RB- Tetric Jones (5"10, 194 lbs)
WR- Bryce McNeal (6"2, 180 lbs)
WR- Dewayne Peace (6"0, 175 lbs)
Theoretically we can use most of those players on the field at once. Snap!!
from 3 months ago
you are absolutely right, you can stop the spread, but it takes one hell of a week of practice and it's almost impossible to stymie it. thanks for the response, and of the commits we have so far, I have been following all of them since march and fitzgerald toussaint might have the most impressive highlight vidoe I have seen yet. AND we stole him from OSU's backyard. GO BLUE!
from 2 months ago
Yeah right.... Go Bucks
3 months ago
Excellent article Mun. I agree with a most of what you said. It is good to hear the Michigan fans are going to give Rich Rod some time to install his offense. I think Michigan in the years to come will be the team to beat in the Big 10.
from 3 months ago
The team to beat again!
from 2 months ago
thanks for reading D and jeff. GO BLUE!!
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