Michigan's Monday Musings

Brandon Minor Adds a Different Dimension to the Run Game

Brandon Minor's absence has definitely contributed to Michigan's offensive problems. Michigan is first in the Big Ten in scoring and rushing offense, however a truly healthy Minor against Penn State and Illinois would have helped the offensive output. There is something about Minor's combination of size, power, and speed—along with his downhill running style—that adds dimension to the spread attack.

The game of football is about multiple dimensions; if you have just speed and no power it's easier for good defenses to attack you straight ahead and just play assignment football. If your offense lacks speed, they can't play with the elite defenses.

The offensive style I saw saturday can score on any defense given time for the quarterback to develop. The question is, who is the next Brandon Minor at Michigan, and can he stay healthy? If so, the offense is going to be very, very good.

Roy Roundtree Is Definitely the Future of Michigan at Wide Receiver

Michigan has a lot of talented young receivers; Junior Hemingway, Darryl Stonum, Martavious Odoms, and Kevin Koger, among others. However, Roy Roundtree has really stepped up the last two weeks and proven that he is the real deal.

Braylon Edwards, Mario Manningham, David Terrell, et cetera—Michigan has a long line of go-to receivers and Roundtree looks like the next in line. Granted, he is still young, however he is extremely versatile and is an excellent downfield threat.

Rich Rod Needs a Dash of Lloyd Carr's Conservative Nature

They say hindsight is 20/20, but if Coach Rod had a little more conservatism, then Michigan would be bowl eligible.

Example one: when Michigan turned the ball over on their opening drive of the second half. Purdue scored a touchdown off of a pitch option that didn't need to be called.

The game wasn't put away yet and the pitch that was fumbled turned the tide.

Example two: the 4th-and-10 with four-and-a-half minutes left in the game. Michigan should have kicked the field goal and lived to fight another drive. I understand the idea that Michigan's defense was struggling, but they made the stand and it wasn't the first time. If they kick that field goal, they win.

Tate Forcier Has Been Injured Worse than We Thought

The injury to Tate Forcier's shoulder has been downplayed, possibly by Forcier himself. His arm looked as strong as it did in the first few weeks of the season.

It doesn't hurt to have guys stepping up at receiver. Enter Roy Roundtree.

With the addition of Devin Gardner next year and the wealth of young receivers on the roster, Michigan's passing game will very dangerous within two years.