It is the first week that I have at least some desire to recap this past weekend’s game. Michigan traveled to Evanston to take on a Northwestern team that had lost 5 straight games. It was a difficult game to predict. On paper, Michigan would be double digit point favorites. However, after watching the two prior weeks, Michigan would be an underdog. The result was a combination of both.
The Wolverines started the game with the ball and effectively drove the ball down the field. The play calling was more creative than recent weeks as Michigan was able to showcase their athletes. Jeremy Gallon, Devin Funchess, Devin Gardner, Derrick Green, and DeVeon Smith all touched the ball. First downs were picked up with ease, and very quickly the Wolverines had a first and goal. Then the once unstoppable red zone team fell back into predictable habits. Michigan was held to a field goal, and then went into a shell until the end of regulation. It is amazing that this team can show flashes of creativity and execution, and just as quickly be stuck in quicksand of their own doing. I do think Al Borges is a smart guy that can be creative at times, but he has shown an unwillingness to adjust in game and struggles to put his players in the best position to succeed. The Wolverines have the talent to show flashes of brilliance, but these flashes have been so few and far between that Michigan is unlikely to win either of their remaining games. On a positive note, the running back position received a jump start with Green, Smith, and Hayes. Even though Toussaint was injured, it was clear that he cannot pass block. At this point in the season, when the Wolverines have very little to play for, it is important to get the youngsters some playing time. Derrick Green is running with more power, and continues to show impressive footwork. DeVeon Smith has never struggled running hard, but his field vision has improved. Justice Hayes came in for passing situations and showed a large improvement over the past 2 weeks. It will be interesting to see how much Fitz plays the rest of the season.
On the other side of the ball, the maize and blue defense continues to outplay the individual talent. The offensive ineptitude has overshadowed how much the defense has improved throughout the season. I considered this unit to be good but nowhere near elite, but after their performance these last three weeks I now think they are the second best unit in the conference. No they don’t have elite playmakers, but they are a very good B1G defense. The Wolverines shut down the Wildcat attack on Saturday, and defended the option better than the week prior. Coach Mattison appears to trust his secondary more each week, which has allowed him to bring different blitzes. Michigan blitzed the most it has all season, and the pressure affected many throws. Northwestern didn’t score a touchdown until overtime, and the Wolverines didn’t force a turnover in regulation. That qualifies as a dominant performance.
Top Performers:
James Ross
Cam Gordon
Frank Clark
Thomas Gordon
Derrick Green
Areas of Concern:
Offensive Line
Offensive play calling
Michigan stopped the 2 game losing streak with a very ugly win. At this point it is clear this Wolverine team just isn’t as good as I once expected, so any win should be enjoyed. The remaining two weeks of the season will provide stiffer tests than Northwestern (and probably Nebraska). While the defense will continue to improve, and could even keep Michigan in both games, it is doubtful that the offense will be able to attack the opponent’s weaknesses.
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