Michigan Football 2009 Hindsight is 20/20

When you look back at the Michigan Football team this year, you reflect on the fact that one more win would have gotten the Wolverine seniors a bowl game. The games against Illinois and Purdue were just poor loses. Here are four things, I believe the Michigan coaches would have done differently if they had a "mulligan" in the 2009 season.

1. Roy Roundtree: After the Spring Game, it seemed Tate Forcier and Roy Roundtree had a special connection after hooking up for a number of big plays. When the season started I expected to see a lot of Roy in the offensive game plan. Michigan started Kelvin Grady instead at slot and we really didn't see Roy until mid-to-late in the Big Ten season. Roy showed to be the best WR on the field for the Wolverines and had a number of impressive outings. Roy should have gotten more playing time in September and October.
2. Defensive Backs: Michigan should have had a better plan for the defensive backfield. I know they wanted to redshirt Justin Turner since he got to camp a week late, but having him on the field would have given the defense much better depth. When Boubacar got thrown off the team, the defensive backfield depth went to very light to non existent with only walk ons filling important roles. The Michigan defense needed a better plan B, and I think Justin Turner was the only option.
3. Change the Strategy for Away Games: There is something wrong with Michigan and away games. Michigan had some very winnable road games this year. They could have/should have won games against Michigan State, Iowa, and Illinois on the road. Michigan left town each time with a loss. Michigan has one road win in the Rich Rod era and that was for the little brown jug (Minnesota) in 2008. RR needs to mix up the travel schedule, the week of practice, something to give the team confidence on road trips.
4. A Big Run Stopper: Big Will Campbell played some in 2009 and did not redshirt. I think he should have been used more of a run stopper on 1st and 2nd downs. I know Will still needs to work on technique but his frame would have caused problems for offensive linemen trying to move him. You see this strategy in the NFL. They put a big guy in the middle of the defensive line to cause traffic and allow the others to make the tackle.

I know the Wolverines had more than four problems, but if they could have addressed just some of the above issues, they would find themselves playing in a bowl game this year. I hope Greg Robinson and Rich Rod can work during the offseason to get the most out of their players on both sides of the ball. They need to find a way to win eight to nine games in 2010.

On Wednesday, I will address Big Ten expansion. See you then.