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Snapshots: SMU “Mesh” Concept vs. Texas State

One of the best matchups of the weekend was the SMU Mustangs vs. the Texas State Bobcats. Even though Texas State has some of the most atrocious uniforms in the country, they both have interesting spread offenses.

I mainly watched to get a feel for Texas State head coach Jake Spavital, who’s a young up-and-comer in his second year as a head man (formerly OC and/or QB coach at places like Cal, Texas A&M, and West Virginia). He was matched up against SMU and head coach Sonny Dykes, his former boss.

I actually came away from the game wanting to break down a pretty simple play, because I didn’t see a ton of “innovation” or new looks this weekend like I did last week with Austin Peay (LINK).

Hit the jump for the rest of the play.

Ex-Wolverine Players: 2020 Pre-Season

Please use the Amazon links here at the site to support the blog (LINK):

I always like to keep up with former Michigan players, commits, and coaches. As we go into this crazy 2020 season (or not), here’s a look at where things stand for every Michigan player who has transferred elsewhere. If you want a recap of how their 2019 seasons went, check out this post (LINK).

LB Jordan Anthony: Anthony entered the transfer portal and graduated from Michigan over the summer, but it does not appear that he has picked a landing spot yet.

WR Tarik Black (Texas): In his first season after leaving Ann Arbor, Black is projected to be a backup Z receiver for the Longhorns.

S Brian Cole II: Cole, who was drafted in the 7th round out of Mississippi State, was recently waived by the Vikings.

WR Kekoa Crawford (Cal): Crawford was expected to be a starting receiver for Cal this year, but the Pac-12 canceled/postponed its season.

Hit the jump for more.

Recruit Tracker: 2021 QB J.J. McCarthy

October 10, 2020: McCarthy and Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy beat Duncanville (TX) Duncanville by a score of 41-14. McCarthy completed 19/28 passes for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns (61, 16, and 14 yards). IMG is 5-0.

October 3, 2020: McCarthy and Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy beat Chester (VA) Life Christian by a score of 52-8. McCarthy completed 13/18 passes for 254 yards and 2 touchdowns (77- and 68-yarders), plus 1 rushing touchdown. IMG is now 4-0.

September 25, 2020: McCarthy and Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy beat Brentwood (TN) Ravenwood by a score of 45-14.

September 17, 2020: McCarthy and Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy beat Orlando (FL) Edgwater by a score of 48-7.

September 4, 2020: McCarthy and Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy beat Venice (FL) Venice by a score of 49-13. McCarthy was the star of the game, completing 23/37 passes for 333 yards and 5 touchdowns. IMG is now 1-0.

Below are some highlights from the game:

All-Time Leaders: Longest Punt Returns

Last time I posted the longest punt returns in Michigan history (LINK). Today we’ll look at the longest punt returns for the program.

Michigan Running Backs Compared to the Rest of the Big Ten

Maybe I’m biased after growing up in the heyday of the running back. When I was a kid, I remember playing video games with superstar running backs like Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, and Bo Jackson. I also grew up at a time when the Michigan running back was a stud, with guys like Tony Boles, Tyrone Wheatley, and Tim Biakabatuka.

So I can be a harsh critic of running backs, and I am. Numerous times over the years, I have criticized either Michigan’s depth chart – I wanted backups to play more – or even the overall talent at the position. That has engendered endless back-and-forth arguments in the comments, which you have probably seen if you ventured down below any post that mentions the word “running back.”

This post may inflame that discussion, but I truly believe this little study illuminates my issue with running backs. It was suggested by a poster that all-conference honors could point to a flaw in my position, which is:

Running back has been a weakness at Michigan since Hart graduated.

Hit the jump for more.