Let’s see more of this guy on offense . . . Jon Runyan, Jr. Ryan Hayes had an excellent debut against Middle Tennessee State last week, and this week he fell back to Earth. He was (from what I could tell) responsible for two sacks, both of which resulted in fumbles by Shea Patterson. I think he will be a good player in the long run, but he’s not ready yet.
“The Week 2 Eckrich Team of the Week powered by PFF saw some impressive performances and, of course, the strength of opponent also factored into the overall selections as did the PFF player grades.” – @PFF_Camhttps://t.co/5aZCCYnIEKpic.twitter.com/hQGhs3Kwr5
This is a quick-hitter because I’m a busy dude, but this is one area where Michigan is struggling. What is their identity in short yardage?
When any 5-man run scheme is involved, you’re outnumbered in the run game up front. Michigan can block 5 with the line and read another with the QB, but bringing a 7th guy into the box makes Michigan vulnerable to the SAM linebacker here bending off the edge unblocked. Unless Shea Patterson throws the ball quickly to the X receiver or gets it out to the trips side with a bubble or key screen, Michigan is going to struggle mightily to run the ball in this type of set against an aggressive defense.
A couple simple fixes with formations:
Sorry I don’t have time to explain more thoroughly. There are other things you can do (obviously), but I happened to have my play design software pulled up and threw these together.
Phew. I saw people mentioning the 2007 Appalachian State game on Twitter. However, I couldn’t stop thinking about the 2013 game against Akron. As the game went along, I felt like Michigan was going to pull it out with a goal line stand or just an outstanding play by the defense. Not because they’re great, but because they’re better than Army. In that 2013 Akron game, Jarrod Wilson ended the game with an interception. In the 2019 Army version, it was Kwity Paye with a sack and a fumble.