Three Mysteries About Rich Rodriguez’s 5-0 Michigan Wolverines

Before we examine a few puzzling items about our beloved maize and blue, here are some quick thoughts about The Team.

1.  Wow!!  What an incredibly fun, wild, and successful start to the season.  Thanks to the Denard Robinson fueled offense, this is only the second time since the turn of the century that the Wolverines have started the season 5-0.

2. Since Michigan’s schedule is about to get a lot nastier, the Wolverines will benefit from having played a slate of decent teams through the first five weeks.  Michigan’s first five opponents have compiled a respectable 13-6 record when not facing the maize and blue.

3.  Indiana marks the first time since the season-opener that the Wolverines caused only one turnover. Since the defense continues to yield significant yardage, it is imperative that this unit forces multiple turnovers per game.  When the defense causes at least two turnovers and reasonably controls the running game, Michigan will probably win every time.

4.  Speaking of the run-defense, other than goal-line and short-yardage, Michigan is frequently bringing as little as six guys into the box.  Greg Banks, Ryan Van Bergen, and anchor Mike Martin need to continue their rugged ways if the 3-3-5 will be able to contain the run as competition intensifies.

5.  The Wolverines also frequently rely on a three man rush on passing downs.  With Michigan dropping up to eight guys into coverage, the zone is starting to tighten up. I know that may sound nutty after the Indiana game, but I stand behind it.

More often than not, Michigan played solid coverage against the highly advanced IU passing attack.  Chappell and his receivers completed a wide array of tough passes.  Former Florida State quarterback Danny Kannell called the game and noted, "You just see Michigan's defense a little bit tighter.  There's guys that are covered a little bit more and the pursuit to the ball is faster."

Few Big Ten teams have passing weapons as dangerous as Indiana.  With Michigan dropping eight into coverage, most quarterbacks will throw more than just one interception per game.

6.  Cam Gordon played his best game to date with a monster 15 tackle day.  Throw in one tackle for a loss, add a key goal-line interception, and you have heck of a day.  Hats off to the freshman.  Cam is developing into a nice center fielder… with a seriously nasty disposition. Hopefully Gordon will follow up with another strong performance against Michigan State.

OK, On to three things that are mystifying to me about the season so far…

1. Why Does the Offense Sometimes Snooze When Michigan Has a Second-Half Lead?

Denard before his 2nd 200/200 yard game. Wow. -Detnews.com

Against Notre Dame, after three first half touchdowns, Michigan failed to register points until after Notre Dame regained the lead at the very end of the game. Then, in the second half of the Indiana game, after Vincent Smith popped free on his 56 yard touchdown scamper, Michigan had a seven point lead.  The Michigan defense held Indiana off the scoreboard on three straight Hoosier possessions.

You would think Michigan’s offense would have slammed the door shut with a long time-sucking drive or another gonzo big play.  Instead, the total production on the three drives after Smith’s touchdown was a measly 10 plays, 28 yards, and 4:57 seconds off the game clock.  Then, after the Hoosiers finally scored, Michigan suddenly flew down the field again in about a minute and won the game. 

When the defense successfully gets off the field nursing a one or two score lead, the offense simply must play better.  While they have done a great job protecting the football, it will likely cost the Wolverines at some point this season if the offense does not do more to also protect the lead.  Imagine if ND had slowly driven down and scored.  

In order to become a truly great offense, this high flying group needs to also play excellent situational football.  At best, this offense will put their cleats on opponents’ throats with a couple of signature big play moments.  At a minimum, the vicious Wolverines’ O-Line and running game must be able to churn out some yardage and eat up some clock.  We do, after all, have a stable of talented running backs not named Denard Robinson....

All of this talk about the ground game leads us to our next mystery…

2. Why Are We Not Seeing More of Mike Cox?

Mike Cox has size and speed. What's keeping him off the field? -detnews.com

While I have been clamoring since the pre-season for more Marvin Robinson, this week, I am pleading my case to see running back Mike Cox.  Cox is checks in at a ripped 6’0” and 211 pounds, but runs the forty in under four and a half seconds.  He also has shown a penchant for busting 20 - 30 yard touchdown runs into the corner of the endzone.

I recently read an article that stated Cox continues to make questionable decisions.  I for one, have no idea what these “decisions” are.  Is he a soft blocker?  Does he have poor vision and make the wrong reads?   Attitude problem? 

Cox has played well in the few moments that his number has been called (5.3 ypc average).  With starting running back Mike Shaw unavailable against the Hoosiers, it seemed like a great opportunity to see what Cox can do with meaningful playing time.  However, he didn't register a single carry.  Clearly there is a wide gap in the confidence that coaches have displayed between the starters and Cox.

Cox looks like a back who can break tackles at the end of games to help Michigan run out the clock in the fourth quarter.  It remains to be seen if he can earn any meaningful playing time.    

3. Why Is Craig Roh Struggling to Make Major Impact Plays?

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Craig Roh #88 of the Michigan Wolverines celebragtes a sack against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Michigan Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won 45-17. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty

Roh continues to hustle like crazy, but is still a step behind where he wants to be.  Roh’s hybrid position is supposed to deliver big impact plays, but he has zero tackles for a loss, zero fumbles caused or recovered, and zero interceptions for the season.  Despite playing in a dynamic position, Roh only has one more tackle than lane cloggers Greg Banks and Mike Martin.

After re-watching the Indiana game, I see Roh starting to get a better feel for dropping back into zone coverage.  With his length and athleticism, hopefully he can surprise some QB’s with a couple of interceptions on deep drop-backs.  Roh has repeatedly talked about loving to sack the quarterback, so maybe getting that first sack will shake the "Death Roh" loose.

If Roh can start making big plays, it will help this defense tremendously. 

What Do You Think?

Great Shot of Cam Gordon's Interception -detnews.com

So, as we all wait for the huge in-state showdown on Saturday, what are your thoughts? How can the offense avoid the second half lulls?  Why do you think Mike Cox hasn't earned more PT?  Will Craig Roh soon start making game-changing plays?

BEAT STATE!!

GB2SL!