Tag: game preview

Preview: Michigan vs. Minnesota

Rush Offense vs. Minnesota Rush Defense
The big news on Michigan’s side is a shakeup on the offensive line with the insertion of redshirt sophomore left guard Chris Bryant, the move of redshirt sophomore Graham Glasgow to center, and the benching of redshirt sophomore Jack Miller. Michigan has struggled to run the ball with the tailbacks this season. Starting running back Fitzgerald Toussaint has 79 carries for 319 yards (4.0 yards/carry) for 5 touchdowns, and the next most utilized tailback is freshman Derrick Green (13 carries, 60 yards, 1 touchdown). Where Michigan has made hay is on options and scrambles with quarterback Devin Gardner (49 carries, 301 yards, 5 touchdowns, 6.1 yards/carry). It will be interesting to see whether the mammoth Bryant can be effective at blocking zone stretches, because he’s more of a straight-ahead power blocker. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s run of patsy opponents have averaged just 3.9 yards/attempt on the ground, but sometimes that’s the way it goes against the likes of UNLV, New Mexico State, Western Illinois, San Jose State, and Iowa. The Gophers are small on the edges with redshirt sophomore end Theiren Cockran (6’6″, 238 lbs.) and junior end Michael Amaefula (6’2″, 244 lbs.). The real force to deal with is fifth year senior defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman (6’6″, 311 lbs.), a bona fide NFL prospect who boasts 20 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss thus far; he’s paired with redshirt junior Cameron Botticelli (6’5″, 290 lbs.). Junior strongside linebacker Damien Wilson (6’2″, 254 lbs.) leads the team in tackles with 33.
Advantage: Michigan

Pass Offense vs. Minnesota Pass Defense
Gardner is completing 57.4% of his passes for 801 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, which is a terrible touchdown-to-interception ratio. Fifth year senior Jeremy Gallon (22 catches, 328 yards, 4 touchdowns) had over half his yards and 3/4 of his touchdowns against Notre Dame, so the other opponents have done a good job of clamping down on Gardner’s favorite target. Redshirt freshman Jehu Chesson (3 catches, 57 yards, 1 touchdown) has been targeted more lately, sophomore tight end Devin Funchess (8 catches, 145 yards, 1 touchdown) has been fairly consistent, and senior slot receiver Drew Dileo (6 catches, 74 yards, 1 touchdown) is as dependable as anyone. Sophomore cornerback Eric Murray (6’0″, 194 lbs.) leads the team with 6 pass breakups, senior safety Brock Vereen (6’0″, 202 lbs.) has 3, and five players have 1 interception each. Cockran leads the team with 3 sacks, and three other guys have 1 each, so it’s not a dominant pass rush. However, Michigan’s reshuffling on the offensive line might prove to be problematic, especially given that Bryant is considered to be a more adept run blocker than pass blocker. Twist stunts have given Michigan’s offensive guards fits so far this year, and the Gophers would be remiss not to try, oh, 37 of them or so. Until Gardner can stop throwing so many picks . . .
Advantage: Minnesota

Rush Defense vs. Minnesota Rush Offense
From left tackle to right tackle, Minnesota goes redshirt junior Marek Lenkiewicz (6’5″, 289 lbs.), redshirt junior Zac Epping (6’2″, 321 lbs.), Jon Christenson (6’4″, 306 lbs.), redshirt junior Caleb Bak (6’3″, 302 lbs.), and redshirt sophomore Josh Campion (6’5″, 326 lbs.). Each of those guys started at least four games in 2012, although that rendition of the team averaged just 3.8 yards/carry. This year that number has jumped to 5.2, albeit against questionable competition. Carries have been split pretty evenly between sophomore Rodrick Williams (5’11”, 235 lbs.; 52 carries, 299 yards, 3 touchdowns) and junior David Cobb (5’11”, 225 lbs.; 61 carries, 352 yards, 5 touchdowns), who both average 5.8 yards/carry. The Gophers have a run offense based heavily on the option, and the quarterbacks have combined for 88 carries, 454 yards, and 8 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Michigan has allowed just 316 rushing yards so far on 3.1 yards/carry, and the next rushing touchdown will be their first allowed this year. Part of the reason for that lack of success on the ground is other teams’ ability to complete short passes, but Michigan also has yet to face a team with a mobile quarterback or an option-oriented offense. This will be Michigan’s first real test on the ground. The Wolverines should hold up fairly well, but this might be the week where they finally allow a score.
Advantage: Michigan

Pass Defense vs. Minnesota Pass Offense
Minnesota typically starts four capable pass catchers. Fifth year senior Derrick Engel (6’2″, 187 lbs.), redshirt junior Isaac Fruechte (6’3″, 204 lbs.), and sophomore K.J. Maye (5’10”, 197 lbs.) are the receivers, while junior Drew Goodger (6’5″, 265 lbs.) starts at tight end. Luckily, they mostly lack big-play potential. That quartet has combined for just 26 catches, 331 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Sophomore starting quarterback Philip Nelson (6’2″, 215 lbs.) has completed just 50.8% of his passes for 2 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, while redshirt freshman backup Mitch Leidner (6’4″, 233 lbs.) is 12/20 for 178 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 0 picks. The Wolverines have forced opponents into throwing 6 interceptions, including 3 by redshirt sophomore cornerback Blake Countess. The safeties have been solid in not allowing deep passes, but the non-Countess cornerbacks have been beaten over the top repeatedly. The team’s 9 sacks put them on pace for 27 on the year, which would improve on last year’s total by 5. No one player has proven himself as a great pass rusher, but Michigan is hurrying the quarterback with a variety of players. In particular, outside linebacker Brennen Beyer, defensive tackle Jibreel Black, and defensive end Frank Clark have put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Michigan isn’t great against the pass, but luckily, Minnesota isn’t great at throwing it, either.
Advantage: Michigan

Roster Notes

• Freshman running back Berkley Edwards is the younger brother of former Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards and the son of former Michigan running back Stan Edwards
• Edwards (from Chelsea) and redshirt sophomore linebacker Dominic Schultz (Port Huron) are the only Michigan natives on the roster
• Redshirt sophomore offensive linemen Kyle and Luke McAvoy are twins and the younger brothers of former Michigan offensive guard Tim McAvoy
• Redshirt freshman OT Jonah Pirsig is the only Minnesota player to have held a scholarship offer from Michigan.
• H-backs/tight ends coach Rob Reeves attended Saline High School and played quarterback at Saginaw Valley State University.

Preview: Michigan vs. Akron

Rush Offense vs. Akron Rush Defense
Michigan running backs managed just 71 yards on 24 carries against Notre Dame last week, which wasn’t very impressive. But Notre Dame has a very good defensive line, so that was somewhat expected. The majority of Michigan’s rushing yards came from quarterback Devin Gardner, who had 82 yards altogether. Starting running back Fitzgerald Toussaint looks like his quickness and cutting ability have returned, and his vision was a little better from week one to week two. Primary backup Derrick Green had just 1 carry for 1 yard last week, although he led the team with 58 yards on the ground against Central Michigan in the opener. Up front the starters will likely remain the same for Michigan, although guards Graham Glasgow and Kyle Kalis struggled last week. Meanwhile, Akron allowed 187 yards on 40 non-quarterback carries against FCS team James Madison, which averages out to about 4.7 yards/carry. Defensive ends Nordly Capi and C.J. James are both 6’3″, 250 lbs. and defensive tackles Nico Caponi and Cody Grice average 280 lbs. The linebackers are similarly undersized (compared to the Big Ten) at an average of 6’0″, 221 lbs. If Michigan can’t run the ball against the Zips, the Wolverines are in trouble down the road.
Advantage: Michigan

Pass Offense vs. Akron Pass Defense
Quarterback Gardner and wideout Jeremy Gallon put on a clinic against Notre Dame last week, the latter going for 8 catches, 184 yards, and 3 touchdowns. While there are no other outstanding receivers for Michigan, Gardner can spread the ball out to Toussaint, tight end Devin Funchess, slot receivers Drew Dileo and Dennis Norfleet, and wideouts Jeremy Jackson, Joe Reynolds, and Jehu Chesson. Offensive coordinator Al Borges likes to use play action and bootlegs to suck up linebackers, open up the middle of the field, and run slow-developing routes. In week one, Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles completed 18/24 passes for 314 yards and 3 touchdowns; JMU also went for 310 yards and 3 touchdowns, although they threw one pick. In the defensive backfield, the Zips start seniors at Rover and both cornerback positions, while the free safety is 5’9″, 187 lb. junior Johnny Robinson; they combined for zero interceptions in 2012, and just one this year from rover Anthony Holmes. If Michigan isn’t satisfied with just running on the Zips, Gardner should be able to find plenty of holes in the defense.
Advantage: Michigan

Rush Defense vs. Akron Rush Offense
The offensive line for Akron has decent size with senior left tackle Jarrod Pughsley (6’5″, 313 lbs.), Florida State transfer left guard Henry Orelus (6’2″, 297 lbs.), center Travis Switzer (6’2″, 296 lbs.), right guard Dylan Brumbaugh (6’5″, 310 lbs.), and Pitt transfer right tackle Zenel Demhasaj (6’6″, 331 lbs.). Starting running back Jawon Chisholm (6’1″, 206 lbs.) averaged 5.3 yards/carry last year when he went for 953 yards and 5 touchdowns; this year, however, he has just 22 carries for 97 yards, including a 55-yarder. If you do the math, that’s 21 carries for 42 yards, aside from the lone long run. Backup running back D.J. Jones (5’8″, 191 lbs.) is the little, quick bugger who comes in and has 7 carries for 62 yards on the year. Michigan has allowed just 162 yards rushing in two games, although that takes into account a few sacks of Central Michigan’s quarterbacks in week one. The Fighting Irish had success running up the middle out of the pistol last week, but Akron’s offensive line is smaller and less powerful. The Zips like to work from shotgun and the pistol almost exclusively, but I expect the defensive linemen to have big days in stopping the run. For some reason, I think this will be Keith Heitzman’s breakout game.
Advantage: Michigan

Pass Defense vs. Akron Pass Offense
Sophomore Kyle Pohl (6’3″, 213 lbs.) is Akron’s starting quarterback and has actually put up okay numbers. So far on the year, Pohl is 30/43 passing (70%) for 241 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Freshman slot receiver Fransohn Bickley (5’6″, 138 lbs., not a typo) leads the team with 6 receptions, totaling 61 yards. He’s followed by an array of average receivers with 3-5 catches each. There are a couple tall guys (Andrew Pratt and Jerrod Dillard are 6’5″), but generally, it’s an unimposing crew. Meanwhile, the offensive line allowed 4 sacks to JMU last week. The Wolverines have an improving pass rush with 5 sacks so far (led by SAM linebackers Cam Gordon and Brennen Beyer with 2 each), and cornerback Blake Countess made 2 interceptions last week against the Fighting Irish. Michigan has a habit of playing back a little bit to prevent the big play, and they are capable of allowing short completions; Central Michigan tried that tactic to stay on schedule, but their quarterbacks were a notch below Akron’s. I expect Akron to try to hit some short passes and then try a couple deep throws, altogether resulting in a couple more picks for Michigan’s secondary.
Advantage: Michigan

Roster Notes

• Former Ohio State Buckeye (and Michigan offeree) Se’von Pittman is now a redshirt freshman on the Zips’ roster.
• Former Ohio State Buckeye signee Jamel Turner is a redshirt sophomore linebacker for the Zips.
• Players from the state of Michigan include WR Jerrod Dillard (Adrian), RB Bryan Green (Farmington), and DT Keontae Hollis (Pontiac).
• Former Florida State and NFL cornerback Terrell Buckley is Akron’s cornerbacks coach. Buckley had a big game against Michigan in the Elvis Grbac years, taking back a pick 40 yards for a touchdown when #1 FSU beat #3 Michigan.
• Akron’s Assistant Director of Football Operations, Mark Ouimet, previously held a job in Michigan’s operations department.
• Akron’s Head Coach of Strength and Conditioning for Football, Dan Webb, worked as an intern and assistant strength and conditioning coach at Michigan from 2008-10 under Mike Barwis.

Preview: Michigan vs. Central Michigan

Rush Offense vs. Central Michigan Rush Defense
Michigan is breaking in three new interior linemen, but they return the two tackles, one of whom is an All-American in Taylor Lewan. Former 1,000-yard rusher Fitzgerald Toussaint returns from a broken ankle. The Chippewas have good size at defensive tackle, but their ends are light and the team was 93rd in rushing defense last year. I think Michigan is going to test out Graham Glasgow, Jack Miller, and Kyle Kalis in the middle, but if they need important yards, it will come on the edges behind the mammoth tackles. I would expect to see some outside zone plays that allow Lewan and Schofield to drive block those 250-ish pound ends off the ball.
Advantage: Michigan

Pass Offense vs. Central Michigan Pass Defense
The Chippewas were 100th in the nation in sacks in 2012, and the leading sack artist is gone. It will be interesting to see how the interior offensive line holds up against the pass rush, which is the toughest thing for a young offensive line. Even with the youngsters in the middle, CMU shouldn’t be able to present much of an obstacle. In the defensive backfield of the 4-2-5 defense, every Chippewa is over 6’0″. Cornerback Jason Wilson and safety Avery Cunningham each had two picks last year, but they may struggle to keep up with the 5’8″ and speedy Jeremy Gallon. Furthermore, both starting linebackers 6’0″ and only one safety is 6’1″, so there’s nobody to match height with tight end Devin Funchess. If the linemen keep Devin Gardner clean, he should be able to pick them apart through the air.
Advantage: Michigan

Rush Defense vs. Central Michigan Rush Offense
This is perhaps the most favorable category for CMU, which has one fifth year senior, one true senior, and two redshirt juniors on the line with a redshirt sophomore center. They also have a senior tailback in Zurlon Tipton (6’0″, 221 lbs.) who netted 1,497 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. That included a respectable 27 carries for 134 yards against BCS opponents Michigan State and Iowa. Michigan returns large nose tackle Quinton Washington and some quality inside linebackers, along with some more depth on the defensive line than in recent years. The Wolverines finished 51st in rush defense last season, but playing elite rushing teams like Alabama and Air Force dragged down that ranking. Even if it’s a warm day, Michigan should be able to rotate in some quality linemen to attempt to stop the running game. Tipton will get his fair share of yards, but CMU won’t be able to commit to the running game if they’re playing from behind the entire time.
Advantage: Michigan

Pass Defense vs. Central Michigan Pass Offense
Redshirt junior quarterback Kody Kater (6’3″, 220 lbs.) is 2/4 for 12 yards in his career. Junior wide receiver Titus Davis (6’2″, 190 lbs.) led the team last season with 43 catches for 860 yards and 8 touchdowns and returns this year. Opposite him is junior possession receiver Courtney Williams (6’1″, 212 lbs.), who finished with 24 catches for 260 yards and 2 scores. Michigan’s pass rush is reputed to be better this season, but even if it doesn’t take a significant step forward, the cornerbacks are solid and so is strong safety Thomas Gordon. The Chippewas’ best bet is to stretch the field and try to test sophomore free safety Jarrod Wilson, but that will also require holding up against defensive end Frank Clark and the aggressive blitzing of defensive coordinator Greg Mattison. Mattison probably won’t want to show his hand to future opponents if the defensive line can get there rushing three or four, but he’ll do what it takes to try to win comfortably.

Roster Notes

• Wide receivers coach Mose Rison is the cousin of former Michigan State and NFL wide receiver Andre Rison.
• Cornerbacks coach Archie Collins is famous around the Michigan recruiting blogosphere for formerly working at Southeastern High School in Detroit and allegedly steering kids toward Michigan State.
• If you follow recruiting in the state of Michigan at all, Central Michigan’s roster is chock full of names that should be familiar to you. 
• The Chippewas have a quality control guy named Jason Assmann.

Mini Preview: Alabama vs. Notre Dame

This is just a mini-preview of the national championship game, since I don’t really have a dog in the fight.  However, Michigan is in the unique position of having played both national championship contenders during the regular season; the Wolverines lost to Alabama by a score of 41-14 and followed that up three weeks later with a 13-6 loss to Notre Dame.

Roster notes

• Michigan recruited DT Chris Bonds, S Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix, LB Trey DePriest, CB John Fulton, RB Dee Hart, CB Cyrus Jones, OL Ryan Kelly, OL Arie Kouandjio, OL Cyrus Kouandjio, LB Dillon Lee, CB Dee Milliner, LB Tana Patrick, RB Blake Sims, CB Geno Smith, DE Dalvin Tomlinson, and CB Jabriel Washington
• RB Dee Hart was once committed to Michigan prior to the firing of Rich Rodriguez
• Head coach Nick Saban and TE/ST coach Bobby Williams both used to be head coaches at Michigan State

Roster Notes

• Michigan recruited K Kyle Brindza, WR Chris Brown, WR DaVaris Daniels, DT Sheldon Day, LB Dan Fox, QB Everett Golson, OT Mark Harrell, DE Jarron Jones, QB Gunner Kiel, OT Christian Lombard, OT Zack Martin, WR Davonte Neal, DT Louis Nix III, S Elijah Shumate, OG Chris Watt, TE Alex Welch, RB Cierre Wood, and CB Lo Wood.

Preview: Michigan vs. Iowa

Rush Offense vs. Iowa Rush Defense
Michigan’s rushing offense has dropped off as Denard Robinson has missed the last 2.5 games due to injury; now the Wolverines are #35 in rushing with 194 yards/game after rushing 32 times for 133 yards against Northwestern last week.  Running back Fitzgerald Toussaint has had two of his most productive games the last couple weeks with 70 and 92 yards, respectively, along with a 28-yard TD reception against the Wildcats.  Iowa, meanwhile, has the #60 rushing defense and gives up 155 yards/game.  Last week the Hawkeyes gave up 211 yards on 44 carries to Purdue.  Defensive end Joe Gaglione (9) and linebacker James Morris (7) lead the team in tackles for loss; linebacker Anthony Hitchens is a tackling machine with 114 total. (By comparison, Michigan’s leading tackler is Desmond Morgan with 69.)  Michigan seems to be improving slightly at running the ball, but Iowa always seems to defend the run well; I also don’t expect Robinson to play on Saturday, so that’s a huge negative for Michigan’s hopes of running the ball.
Advantage: Iowa


Pass Offense vs. Iowa Pass Defense
The Wolverines have improved at passing the ball over the last couple weeks, as backup quarterback Devin Gardner has thrown for 234 and 286 yards, respectively.  Wide receiver Roy Roundtree, in particular, has stepped it up with 7 receptions for 203 yards.  Even so, Michigan is just tied for #98 nationally with 189 yards/game through the air.  Iowa stands at #50 and gives up 226 yards/game and is #59 in pass efficiency defense, so they’re perfectly mediocre.  They have just 11 sacks to rank #111 nationally, with the leading sacker being Gaglione.  The Hawkeyes have 9 interceptions, none of which have come from their supposed best cornerback, Micah Hyde.  Typically, they play a Cover Two defense, so Gardner’s ability to throw corner routes and hit short timing passes will be critical, but Iowa is a scary team to play for an inexperienced quarterback.
Advantage: Iowa


Rush Defense vs. Iowa Rush Offense
The Wolverines are #59 in rush defense, but they hold up fairly well against straight-ahead, power running teams like Iowa.  Teams that give Michigan trouble are option teams like Air Force and Northwestern, but Iowa doesn’t have the athleticism at quarterback or overall speed to give the Wolverines issues on the edge. Leading rusher Mark Weisman has missed the past two games, and Damon Bullock has run 48 times for just 144 yards (3.0 yards/carry) against Indiana and Purdue in those weeks.  Overall, Iowa is #98 in the country with just 124 yards/game rushing.  Iowa typically has a road grader or two on the offensive line, but that position group is weak and injured this season.  Weakside linebacker Desmond Morgan and middle linebacker Kenny Demens have been making more plays since defensive tackles Quinton Washington and Will Campbell have stepped up their games.
Advantage: Michigan


Pass Defense vs. Iowa Pass Offense
Michigan has the #1 pass defense in the country and the #21 pass efficiency defense in the country, so they do well numbers-wise, though they haven’t played many good passing attacks.  Meanwhile, Iowa throws for 198 yards/game, good enough for #94 in the nation.  Receivers Keenan Davis and Kevonte Martin-Manley have eerily similar numbers (46 receptions, 560 yards for the former; 47 receptions, 545 yards for the latter), but they have combined for just three touchdowns.  Tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz has 31 receptions but only averages about 9.0 yards/catch.  Michigan really struggles to get to the quarterback and ranks #100 in the country with just 1.3 sacks/game.  Leading sacker Craig Roh has 4 total sacks, and linebacker Jake Ryan has 3.5 takedowns.  The Wolverines don’t have any great coverage defensive backs, but they play fairly well together and the linebackers do a solid job in coverage.  Michigan is vulnerable deep, but they’ve been lucky because their opponents haven’t been able to hit those deep passes.
Advantage: Michigan


Roster Notes

• Michigan recruited DT Darian Cooper, OT Andrew Donnal, DT Faith Ekakitie, RB Greg Garmon, TE Ray Hamilton, OL Jaleel Johnson, OG Jordan Walsh, and QB John Wienke
• Wienke was at one time committed to play for Michigan
• Other players from Michigan include Canton (MI) Canton CB Kevin Buford, Utica (MI) Stevenson OG Carl Davis, Troy (MI) Athens TE Jake Duzey, Detroit (MI) Cass Tech S Ruben Lile, Birmingham (MI) Brother Rice WR Kevonte Martin-Manley, Detroit (MI) Cass Tech LB Laron Taylor
• LB Jim Poggi is the brother of 2013 commit Henry Poggi
• Wide receivers coach Erik Campbell is a former player and coach at Michigan

Predictions

• Gardner starts but has his worst game as a passer
• James Vandenberg hits a couple of those deep passes that those other teams’ quarterbacks have been missing
• The whole stadium blubbers uncontrollably when Denard walks off the field for the last time
• Michigan 21, Iowa 14

A Look Back . . . 

• Here’s a recap of last year’s 24-16 loss
• Here are last year’s awards