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.
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Much appreciated. I’m no longer a Harbaugh-defender. This team looks sloppy, poorly prepared, and the playcalling is right back to 2017, but this time with talent available
How is BVS getting carries? How is he getting on the field? Nothing wrong with letting a RSFr sit & develop (he probably won’t), but Harbaugh just HAS TO play a fullback. Fumbled on his only carry, and blew his chance as a blocker. Shea’s turnovers should result in being sat for a possession, but why? It’s not like Dylan is allowed to pass the dang ball
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agree. Very frustrating. Same here on Harbaugh, I realize we are a “good ” team. Made progress from when he got here. But something is off. Second half was worst coached game I have seen in awhile. He is hard to defend right now. Normally I would think two weeks to prepare would be helpful. I do not feel hopeful right now. He is gonna have to cover up for his DT’s against wisconsin. Good luck
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I’m not a fan of BVS getting carries, either, but…Michigan doesn’t have many options. With Evans kicked out and Wilson injured, the choices are Charbonnet, Turner, Haskins, VanSumeren, and walk-ons. Turner busted a pass protection, and Haskins busted one last week, along with the fact that he was so unimpressive at running back that they put him at linebacker for a while.
The only two TRUE running backs (guys who were recruited to play RB and have only played RB) on the roster are Charbonnet and Turner. Haskins (LB), VanSumeren (FB), Mason (LB/DT), Wilson (S), etc. have all played other positions at Michigan.
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Turner had three carries. Never threw it to him in the flats
I think they could afford to give BVS carry to Turner
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Michigan lost Higdon, Evans, Samuels, and Walker within the last year or so. Then they lose Wilson and Turner to injury this year.
And STILL RB looks strong. What other position would ever have this kind of attrition and come out looking so good?
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Does it? We just ran ZC into a brick wall, 33 times. That’s not sustainable
I think RB is one unlucky event from disaster
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LOL. We lost those guys and replaced them with a 5-star running back, who was virtually the only one to touch the ball in Saturday. That’s why it looks so good.
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I would prefer to see a rotation and more depth but that’s not the point. Look at all those guys lost – what other position could handle that body count and not be a disaster? None.
“We got a 5-star” hasn’t been a solution at Michigan.
We got a well prepared kid with a great head on his shoulders continues to be important.
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LOL. It’s semantics. Part of the reason Charbonnet was a 5-star is because he’s such a well rounded back.
Running back is kind of a disaster. The only reliable player is a true freshman. How sustainable is that? Charbonnet can’t handle being the only guy to take crunch-time snaps all season, being the runner AND pass protector AND option in the passing game.
Cornerback lost a bunch of players and (so far) isn’t a disaster. They lost Long, Watson, Sims, and St-Juste, along with Keith Washington a couple years ago, who is now playing significant snaps at WVU.
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If Wilson and Turner are out for the year I agree.
They aren’t and Michigan won a game by leaning on it’s OL and RB despite tons of talent at QB and WR.
That’s no disaster.
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CB is 2 positions. 3 if you count nickel. RB is 1. If Thomas and Gray went down (the equivalent of Wilson and Turner) you’d see struggles at the position – not the team leaning in as much as possible on the position.
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The great irony is that Michigan finally has a mauling OL at least in theory and they change schemes.
I think having a goaline package with DM at QB under center, Mason at FB, Collins out wide and both TEs seems like it would be easy enough to install. You don’t need 20 plays off this.
If you have time to work on 2 QB offense you have time to put in a different look for goalline plays and build on the success we had with Khalid Hill and Ben Mason running it.
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McCaffrey could be quite good in a redzone package. His legs are useful here and his lack of arm strength isn’t a factor. If this staff wants to get him more involved, a situational role makes a lot more sense than the goofy rotation and 2QB formations they’ve tried so far.
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