Michigan
- Thread starter BabcockIC
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MidnightBlueSix
Well-Known Member
From what I hear, they plan on restricting Denard's runs. If you recall, he was at least momentarily knocked out of almost every conference game last year. I doubt any coach wants to see his QB on the bench getting checked out that often. I haven't seen their schedule, but I feel confident predicting a losing conference record for them. They should win 6, but I doubt they hit 8 or more. Even good teams have a hard time putting together wins with a new coach (see Florida last year).
PhoenixHawk
Well-Known Member
DR last year = Neb's TM this year as far as injuries go. You can't run guys that small that much and still expect them to play 32 quarters of B10 ball.
The Mich D will be better, but not that much better this year. They don't have the right players yet to play first rate B10 D. Spread teams always have to strip the best players from the D to make their O perform the way they want, so unless I see them switching players from O to D this year, I don't expect much from Michigan.
The Mich D will be better, but not that much better this year. They don't have the right players yet to play first rate B10 D. Spread teams always have to strip the best players from the D to make their O perform the way they want, so unless I see them switching players from O to D this year, I don't expect much from Michigan.
WinOneThisCentury
Well-Known Member
Don't kid yourselves guys, Hoke knows how to coach. Their offensive line is going to be very solid and with DR running the show, it adds a dimension to their game that Hoke will exploit.
The question is whether Hoke has the team defensively to compete physically with the better offenses in the B10. They will be better.
After watching closely what Hoke did at San Diego, they went from finesse to physical very, very quickly. He just got a step up in the talent pool at Michigan. This team may struggle a little early, but I expect them to take on his personality. They will be a tough out.
The question is whether Hoke has the team defensively to compete physically with the better offenses in the B10. They will be better.
After watching closely what Hoke did at San Diego, they went from finesse to physical very, very quickly. He just got a step up in the talent pool at Michigan. This team may struggle a little early, but I expect them to take on his personality. They will be a tough out.
BALDIES7980
Well-Known Member
Agreed, too much talent not to rack up at least 7 unless they lose D Rob. But it sounds like Hoke will be limiting the runs a little more to protect him.
homerHAWKeye777
Well-Known Member
Not only will being more "defensive-minded" reap rewards for the Wolverines ... but, Hoke also has a tremendous record of developing potent offenses too. His Os at BOTH Ball State and San Diego State were VERY proficient.
I think that Michigan will be decent this year ... but only get better in the coming years. I hate to say it ... but I think that Michigan will back sooner rather than later under Hoke.
I think that Michigan will be decent this year ... but only get better in the coming years. I hate to say it ... but I think that Michigan will back sooner rather than later under Hoke.
kicker22
Well-Known Member
Not questioning your prediction or your comment at all, but I'm confused. I keep hearing talk that Hoke will be "limiting the runs of D Rob a little more to protect him", but in a sense isn't that what makes him the QB he is? Correct me if I'm wrong, but you take away D Rob's legs and his ability to run the ball and in a sense you've cut off the head of the beast. His arm isn't exactly something feared by many.
BALDIES7980
Well-Known Member
Hoke will cut back his run total with the O line being better so he can keep D Rob healthy and teach him to be more efficient in the passing game. He will not be a Joe Montana but he doesn't need to be. The threat of his personal skills is the leverage Michigan needs.
Michael Jordan never won a title when he had to be the whole team. He needed help but the threat of what he could do is what helped free up his teammates to make them great together.
Mac50702
Well-Known Member
They will limit Designed runs, but he still will have the option to run if he cant find anything open. So basically he will be playing the same way he played last year. So watch out for Gardner.
DR will still runb the football. Don't kid yourselves. Everyone thinks this change is going to be the end of his running. I would be willing to bet he still get's 10-15 carries a game. Also, in DRs game his passing is often lost. He wasn't a terrible passer last year. He had a lot of turnovers but that was more due to decision making than his throwing capability. Is he a game changer as a drop back passer? No, certainly not but if you want to run safeties in the box all game, he will get you.
As for Stonum, he's suspended indefinitely following his second DUI. I also happen to think Hemingway will be a bigger factor anyway next year. RB is the big question. You could see a THomas Rawls (freshman) starting next year.
As for Stonum, he's suspended indefinitely following his second DUI. I also happen to think Hemingway will be a bigger factor anyway next year. RB is the big question. You could see a THomas Rawls (freshman) starting next year.
thejumper5
Well-Known Member
Florida didn't have a new coach last year. They have a new coach this year.
kicker22
Well-Known Member
Got ya. I just couldn't figure out exactly what they were looking to do with him. From what I gathered from things it sounded like they were trying to tame him down from a "game breaker" to a pocket passer and I just couldn't fathom that. I say let him stay in the pocket all the time and eliminate the run threat so that he's no longer the home run threat and becomes just another QB.
Mich has decided to move away from the dismal spread they tried to use. It might take him a year or two but they will be back playing good physical ball soon. That said I would think it would be hard to change gears like that in less than two to three years, they will have a season like we just had, win some good ones and drop some give me games. 6 or 7 wins.
