Tag: Minnesota

Michigan vs. Minnesota Awards

Jake Butt, Chris Bryant, and Fitzgerald Toussaint

Let’s see more of this guy on offense . . . Chris Bryant. Bryant stepped in at left guard and mostly did an admirable job. He did allow a sack and some occasional penetration, but he got some movement on the offensive line, showed an ability to pull, and helped Fitzgerald Toussaint average 4.6 yards/carry. Supposedly, the biggest thing keeping Bryant off the field has been his health, but if he can stay in one piece, I think Bryant at left guard and Graham Glasgow at center is the best combination.

Let’s see less of this guy on offense . . . nobody. I think the lineup against Minnesota puts the best eleven players on the field. Bryant got his shot at guard. Derrick Green got a fair amount of run with 10 carries. Jehu Chesson started at wide receiver ahead of Jeremy Jackson and Joe Reynolds, and he responded with 3 catches for 33 yards. Devin Funchess was used as a receiver without wasting time trying to turn him into a blocker.

Let’s see more of this guy on defense . . Richard Ash. Rumor is that backup nose tackle Ondre Pipkins is out for the year with a knee injury. So far this year, Pipkins and Quinton Washington were the only two rotation guys at nose tackle (aside from Jibreel Black in obvious passing situations). Ash has barely played throughout his career, but I don’t think he’s been completely terrible when given opportunities. Michigan might need to be more creative, and they might need to bump backup 3-tech Willie Henry down to the nose. But I would like to see Ash get a shot to fill Pipkins’s shoes before any position changes occur.

Let’s see less of this guy on defense . . . nobody. The defense is playing well, and I think playing Raymon Taylor and Courtney Avery at cornerback is the right choice. The coaches have toyed with Channing Stribling and Jourdan Lewis at times, but the trio of Taylor, Avery, and especially Blake Countess gives Michigan the best chance to win. Countess was beaten deep once on Saturday (although the ball was underthrown and incomplete) and outmuscled by tight end Maxx Williams for a short touchdown pass, but he also picked off a pass for a 72-yard touchdown. The starters are pretty much entrenched at every other spot.

Play of the game . . . Devin Gardner’s 46-yard bomb to Devin Funchess down the right sideline. The downfield passing game has been questionable this year, aside from the Notre Dame game and Jeremy Gallon. While I thought and still think that Chesson can be a downfield threat, it was nice to see Gardner hook up with his fleet-footed tight end. If Gardner can hit one or two of those deep throws each game, that should force teams to take a man out of the box, which would open up more room for Toussaint.

MVP of the game . . . Devin Funchess. Funchess had 7 catches for 151 yards and 1 touchdown, and this was the first game where his mismatch capabilities really showed for a full game. He dove, jumped, broke tackles, and outran people to average over 21 yards/catch. That’s the best performance by a Michigan tight end in over 40 years.

Michigan 42, Minnesota 13

Devin Funchess (image via Toledo Blade)

Devin Funchess is the next Braylon Edwards. Sophomore tight end Devin Funchess exploded for 7 catches, 151 yards, and 1 touchdown on Saturday. The coaching staff made the decision to split Funchess out wide for most of the game, rather than using him as a true tight end – which makes some sense because Funchess is a poor blocker. Maybe the coaching staff just decided that Funchess would be too big of a mismatch against Minnesota’s defensive backs. Regardless, it was a great performance that included diving catches, leaping catches, and go routes. It ranks as the 32nd-best receiving yardage performance in Michigan history, and it’s the most yardage for a tight end in over 40 years.

The offensive line switch kinda worked. Redshirt sophomore Chris Bryant was inserted at left guard, redshirt sophomore Graham Glasgow moved from left guard to center, and redshirt sophomore center Jack Miller was benched. That resulted in a decent rushing day for running back Fitzgerald Toussaint (13 carries, 78 yards, 2 touchdowns), although freshman backup Derrick Green (10 carries, 23 yards, 1 touchdown) couldn’t get much going. Michigan eschewed the zone stretch – presumably due to Bryant’s lack of lateral mobility – in favor of more of a gap blocking scheme. The biggest positive for Michigan was the elimination of so many negative yardage plays in the running game. Upon first viewing, I thought Bryant did a good job of pulling. He did struggle with pass protection occasionally (allowing a sack to defensive tackle Cameron Botticelli) and allowed penetration at least once that knocked off a pulling Michael Schofield. But overall, the pass protection and run blocking were better with these switches than they were against UConn and Akron.

Michigan had a somewhat lackluster defensive performance. Michigan didn’t play poorly on defense, but they couldn’t tee off on the Gophers, either. The only sack came from Cameron Gordon late in the game when he scared quarterback Mitch Leidner into running out of bounds, and similarly, the only interception came late in the game when Minnesota needed to pass the ball; Blake Countess promptly returned the pick 72 yards for a touchdown. Minnesota totaled 41 carries for 136 yards, a 3.3 yards/carry average. Leidner finished 14/21 for 145 yards and 1 touchdown. It was a little frustrating watching Michigan be unable to make big plays until late, but it’s tough to complain about a 3.3 yard average and 13 points. Michigan just doesn’t have that dominant defense quite yet.

Devin Gardner played pretty well. The broadcasters were complaining about Gardner’s poor accuracy, but I thought Gardner did a good job of protecting the football and making good decisions in the passing game. He did have a couple throws that were a little inaccurate, but what college quarterback doesn’t have a couple of those throughout a game? He finished 13-for-17 for 235 yards and 1 touchdown, and he took just one sack on which Bryant was beaten pretty cleanly. I understand the idea of an inaccurate completion (such as that post to Jeremy Gallon that caused the receiver to stop and come back), but the bottom line is that it was a completed downfield throw.

Michigan neutralized Minnesota’s best defenders. I expected Minnesota defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman (3 tackles, 1 tackle for loss) and safety Brock Vereen (2 tackles) to have bigger days, but both were relatively quiet.

I hate that Michigan flips its defensive line. This has been going on since Greg Mattison arrived at Michigan, but on some calls, the defensive line will flip if the offense changes strength with tight end trades, motions, etc. It always amazes me that other teams are too inept to capitalize. Minnesota had a great opportunity to capitalize on such a play in short yardage, but they failed to snap the ball in time and eventually called a timeout.

What does this mean for Penn State? I’m interested to see Michigan play Penn State for the first time in a couple years. The Nittany Lions just suffered a big loss to Indiana, but Indiana is an improving team. Perhaps Penn State was just looking ahead to the Wolverines. Either way, Bryant and Michigan’s new-look running game eased in against the Gophers, but now they’ll have a stiffer test in Happy Valley. I also want to see how the Wolverines do against Bill O’Brien’s offense and quarterback Christian Hackenberg. I like O’Brien and respect his coaching abilities, but I would be glad to see a decisive win for the Wolverines.

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.

Highlights: Michigan 35, Minnesota 13

Michigan vs. Minnesota Awards

Keith Heitzman (image via Bleacher Report)

Let’s see more of this guy on offense . . . Devin Gardner at quarterback.  Of course, I hope that Denard Robinson returns soon from his elbow injury, but Gardner put on a better performance than we likely would have seen from redshirt freshman Russell Bellomy.  Gardner was 12/18 for 234 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception, and he also ran for 1 touchdown.  He needs to be prepared to play quarterback every week.

Let’s see less of this guy on offense . . . I should say Ricky Barnum or Elliott Mealer, but there doesn’t appear to be anyone better waiting in the wings.  Both of those guys are weaknesses on the front line.

Let’s see more of this guy on defense . . . Keith Heitzman.  Heitzman is already playing a fair amount to give Craig Roh a rest at strongside end, but I continue to be impressed with him.  He’ll have competition for the starting spot next year (from Chris Wormley, perhaps Jibreel Black, etc.), but at worst Heitzman is a solid backup worthy of rotation snaps.

Let’s see less of this guy on defense . . . nobody.  Michigan’s defense is still playing well and only allowed 275 yards to the Gophers.  There are still issues (not enough pass rush, too many pass interference penalties, pass coverage in general), but the guys on the field are the best we have.

Play of the game . . . Devin Gardner’s scramble before finding a wide open Drew Dileo for a 45-yard touchdown pass.  For whatever reason, we rarely see Denard Robinson make this same type of play.  When Robinson pulls the ball down, he’s typically looking to run and not to pass.  This type of play has also caused trouble for Gardner in the past, because he’s taken big sacks.  But in this case, it worked and it was spectacular.

MVP of the game . . . Devin Gardner.  Minnesota actually had a chance in this game, and they were probably licking their chops a little bit when they found out that Denard Robinson wasn’t starting the game.  But Gardner had a stellar game at quarterback for a guy who had been playing wide receiver the entire year. This gives me some hope for the future of the quarterback position in 2013.