Michigan Monday: Wolverines Ask for Help from Dr. Fix It

The Michigan Wolverines had a much-needed bye last weekend where the Wolverines had time to focus internally to fix a few things on both sides of the ball.

Michigan has three winnable games in a row, and they need to win all three before they face Wisconsin and Ohio State back to back.  Don't get me wrong, those winnable games are also loseable for these young Wolverines, so this week was about getting re-focused and getting ready for the home stretch.   

When something in your house breaks, you can either fix it yourself or call a handyman, aka Dr. Fix It.  Since I'm allergic to fixing things, I usually call a Dr. Fix It.  Since the young Wolverines need some work, I called Dr. Fix It for some help.  Here is what he said:

Michigan Defense

Protect the Young Secondary

In the off week, I hope Michigan found a way to protect the young CBs.  There are a few ways to do that, including zone coverages and putting pressure on the QB.  Did Greg Robinson find something this week?  Let's hope so.  My vote would be to pressure the QB.

Where Is My Ball Hawk? 

Every good defense has a ball hawk.  Michigan doesn't seem to have one.  Sure, you can make a case for Kovacs, but Michigan really needs another.  There are rumors floating around that true freshman Vinopal might start at safety this week and Cam Gordon could move to the Carvin Johnson/Thomas Gordon-hybrid role.  I don't know if that is the answer, but I'm willing to take that risk at this point.

Stop the Run!

Coming into the season, the Michigan defense was expected to be poor against the pass but decent against the run.  Well, they haven't been good at stopping either.  The way the running backs are getting through the defensive line and linebackers is much too easy.  I expect that Kenny Demens has replaced Obi Ezeh permanently at middle linebacker, but having Cam Gordon closer to the line of scrimmage could also be a positive in the run game.

Get Some Turnovers! 

Through the first five games, Michigan was getting fumbles and interceptions.  In their two losses, Michigan was giving those things to their opponents and not getting any back.   Denard and Tate will throw some picks, but the Michigan defense needs to create some of their own.

Healing Powers

Let's hope Mike Martin is 100 percent after the bye week. 

This is a key two weeks of practice for the defense.  They need time to work out the issues.  On a side note, Michigan really needs a sixth win so they can have the extra bowl game practices.  Having those two weeks are so important to a young team.  Let's hope Greg Robinson mixed up some "mad formulas" these past two weeks for the defense.

Offense

Protect the Ball! 

Michigan is not good enough on defense to give their opponents extra possessions.  Picks and fumbles have to stop if Michigan is going to win ball games.

Two-Headed QB? 

Denard is the starter but is also a bit banged up.  I expect that Tate will see some more time in the second half of the season.  I'm not calling for a QB controversy; I'm just saying if Denard struggles with his health, we will see more of Tate.

A Running Back Needs to Step Up

Michigan needs another threat on the ground outside of Denard.  I expect that Shaw is the guy, but if he can't go due to injury, someone needs to step up and get some yards from that position.

Penalties

They are killing drives and need to stop.  Play disciplined football!

Healing Powers

Let's hope Denard's shoulder is a 100 percent and that David Molk is ready to come back.  Those are probably the two most important guys on offense. 

The offense is still explosive but can't play from behind to be effective.  Michigan needs to take advantage of all the possibilities to score since the defense will be giving up a lot of points.  Protect the ball and do your thing and they will be fine.  

I can't tell you how important the next three weeks are for the Michigan program.  I hope the Michigan coaches were able to figure a few things out during the break.

More News and Notes

Karlos Williams the seventh-ranked safety in the country who committed to Florida State has now become a "soft" commit and has USC and Michigan in his top three.

VA WR Quinta Funderburk who visited Ann Arbor for the Iowa game has committed to Arkansas.

RR will have his weekly press conference today at 12:15.  Look for questions on Big Will on offense, Ray Vinopal at safety, Kenny Demens at LB, Penn State's QB situation and Denard's shoulder.