Michigan did as expected on Saturday blowing out UMass 63-13. As usual there were some things to like and some definite room for improvement. I still think this game was much needed for Team 133, it basically was an extra practice against an uncommon opponent. Both sides of the ball were able to work on some weaknesses, and it was nice as a fan to know the outcome was never in doubt.
Like I said on Friday, we likely would not gain any positive knowledge about this team from a game against UMass. I still think the question marks are there. I was hoping that the defensive line would be able to dominate an inferior opponent, but they continue to struggle with any penetration. Outside of Frank Clark, this unit continues to look average at best. It appears that Desmond Morgan will remain in the starting lineup when he returns from a head injury, but both freshmen will get a lot of playing time. The secondary struggles in run protection, but we still don’t know how good they will be in pass coverage against a decent team. The defense is still struggling to force any turnovers. I think this starts up front. If the defensive line cannot get pressure, the likelihood of a turnover to happen greatly decreases.
On the offensive side of the ball, I am still discouraged by the push up front by the offensive line. It seems like they are still struggling in run blocking, but are looking very good in pass protection. Fitz looked more like himself on Saturday, but he did not have many running lanes to exploit. Denard seems to lose focus a few times a game, and during these times it is when we see the horribly thrown ball usually resulting an in interception. When Denard is not under pressure and can concentrate on his mechanics, he looks extremely difficult to defend. Denard got into a rhythm during Saturday’s game, but then becomes lackadaisical and makes a few bad decisions. It will be interesting to see how he responds against a better, more aggressive defense this week at Notre Dame.
I was encouraged by a few individuals on defense. Specifically, Frank Clark, Joe Bolden, and Mario Ojemudia. Clark seems to have picked up where he was at the end of last season, and is quickly shaping into one of the best pass rushers in the B1G. It also looks like he will lead the team in pass breakups, which is unheard of from a defensive lineman. Joe Bolden and James Ross are fun to watch. We know what Kenny Demens and Desmond Morgan are at linebackers (above average B1G LBs), but the two freshman behind them have the potential to be anchors of one of the best linebacker units in the country moving forward after this season. Folks, these guys are good. They are extremely good athletes, they play fast, and hit hard. The problem right now is that they are freshman. They are still learning the defensive system and have a tendency to give up big plays. They are high risk, high reward type guys, which might be the direction this defense needs against tough offenses. Super Mario got more playing time on Saturday than he did the first two games. He already has the makings of a very good defensive end. It looks like Michigan will continue to use him as a pass rush specialist, but he will need to add 25 pounds to be an every down guy. I have been impressed with his ability to read an offensive play. There were multiple times that big number 53 was making a tackle 7+ yards down the field. He reminds me of Frank Clark last season, but he seems to be further along in the technique and football IQ than Clark was at this point last year.
Looking ahead, Michigan faces its 2nd major test in the first month as they head to South Bend to take on the Irish. This game should be a little more fun to watch than the Debacle in Dallas. Notre Dame will be favored in this game after they went into East Lansing and pummeled the Spartans.
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