Michigan's defense is really not good right now. They are next to last in the Big 10 in Scoring Defense (24 pts / game), Rushing Defense (169 yards / game), and Passing Defense (269 yards / game).
If our defense can get some stops and the team doesn't wear out, I feel like we can find ourselves in a shootout into the fourth quarter. Even if Schilz is out, I feel like our offense vs their defense can put us in a position to win late in the game.
Go Falcons!
Michigan's defense
Michigan's defense
MarkL has spoken.
You may all now return to your daily lives.
You may all now return to your daily lives.
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Flipper
- The Global Village Idiot
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Re: Michigan's defense
I've watched them quite a bit this year...Martin and Roh are really good DL, JT Floyd is a decent DB. The rest of that defense is dreadful. ...particularly the DB's and LB's
It's not the fall that hurts...it's when you hit the ground.
Re: Michigan's defense
While I agree that Michigan's D is a question mark, the key to the game will be turnovers. If Michigan hands us the ball 5 or 6 times like Marshall did we'll probably find a way to score some points. If not we're looking at a one sided loss. Everyone is waiting for Michigan to collapse this year, but it isn't going to happen. They aren't a 10-2 team, but they are an 8-4 team or maybe 9-3. They are coming out of their rebuilding, and will shortly be back to a top 10 team annually. Hopefully we stay healthy and can be ready for Buffalo.
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Flipper
- The Global Village Idiot
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- Location: Ida Twp, MI
Re: Michigan's defense
Stay healthy?...2/5 of the starting OL is on crutches and our starting QB is injured...I'm hoping we don't get more banged up. Michigan doesn't really play a hard hitting style of football, so I don't know that injuries will be a concern.
Michigan's rebuilt the offense very nicely...they're still a decent RB short from really being able to run RichRod's version of the spread.
That defense is a joke and will keep them from being a serious contender in the Big 10. They're going to have to win a ton of 38-35 type games this year. I think if they go 8-4 they should be turning cartwheels
Michigan's rebuilt the offense very nicely...they're still a decent RB short from really being able to run RichRod's version of the spread.
That defense is a joke and will keep them from being a serious contender in the Big 10. They're going to have to win a ton of 38-35 type games this year. I think if they go 8-4 they should be turning cartwheels
It's not the fall that hurts...it's when you hit the ground.
Re: Michigan's defense
Oh, how I've missed these boards . . .
Michigan is the team that I follow (the most) alongside BG. From where I sit, Geter is BG's best option this weekend. If Geter is able to run the ball consistently and put BG in managable 2nd and 3rd downs, Pankratz will have the opportunity to make things "interesting."
The BG fan in me is most concerned about the offensive line. As others have stated, 2 of 5 starter will not be present and a 3rd is a true freshmen playing in his second game and all of a sudden the talent level just went way up.
Despite what UM defense gave up to UMass last weekend, most UM fans can see a marked improvement over last year's dreadful unit. Van Bergen, Martin and Banks up front are solid and all veterans. Martin is easily the best of the three and has the ability to blow up BG's run game alone.
The linebackers have been more solid than expectations thus far. Jonas Mouton is a former HS safety and athletic at 240 lbs. Obi Ezeh is the new "Morgan F'n Trent" for UM fans. And if you are one, you completely understand. For those of you that go back to Urban's days with me, think Jelani Jordan. GREAT talent, mediocre at best results. He'll look all league one play and then PSU's TE is running a seem from 60 yards out to beat him by 20+ yards on the next. Craig Roh is quick off the edge. He will be the wildcard. He has provided pressure in the first three games, but only closed the deal a few times. Roh is due for a big day and in passing downs, becomes a down lineman.
DBs . . . You're guess is as good as mine. Would-have-been Senior Captain Troy Woolfolk fractured his lower leg and dislocated his ankle two weeks before UConn. He'll come back next year as a veteran on a medical redshirt. In his stead is JT Floyd who has nice size at 6-2 but has Freddie Barnes 40 speed. Difference is Freddie rarely if ever got caught from behind. Michigan will mix coverages in the 3--3-5 and actually play a 3 deep zone with man under. Rich Rod on the UM boards has asked to play more press coverage and with BG not having any true burners, you may see more of this over the weekend. James Rogers opposite Floyd is servicable at best, their backups are true freshmen. Bandit and Spur safeties have played well for the most part while Deep safety Cameron Gordon is a converted wide out learning on the job and testing the patience of the UM fanbase.
Most on the UM Scout Board expect UM to put up big numbers, but BG fight back for a half. I don't think we're looking at a UMass game again personally, because the defense in particular has been challenged to take more responsibility and UM's offense, Shoelace, in particular is obviously in high gear. I can see a 45-17 or 48-21 game something like that.
Michigan is the team that I follow (the most) alongside BG. From where I sit, Geter is BG's best option this weekend. If Geter is able to run the ball consistently and put BG in managable 2nd and 3rd downs, Pankratz will have the opportunity to make things "interesting."
The BG fan in me is most concerned about the offensive line. As others have stated, 2 of 5 starter will not be present and a 3rd is a true freshmen playing in his second game and all of a sudden the talent level just went way up.
Despite what UM defense gave up to UMass last weekend, most UM fans can see a marked improvement over last year's dreadful unit. Van Bergen, Martin and Banks up front are solid and all veterans. Martin is easily the best of the three and has the ability to blow up BG's run game alone.
The linebackers have been more solid than expectations thus far. Jonas Mouton is a former HS safety and athletic at 240 lbs. Obi Ezeh is the new "Morgan F'n Trent" for UM fans. And if you are one, you completely understand. For those of you that go back to Urban's days with me, think Jelani Jordan. GREAT talent, mediocre at best results. He'll look all league one play and then PSU's TE is running a seem from 60 yards out to beat him by 20+ yards on the next. Craig Roh is quick off the edge. He will be the wildcard. He has provided pressure in the first three games, but only closed the deal a few times. Roh is due for a big day and in passing downs, becomes a down lineman.
DBs . . . You're guess is as good as mine. Would-have-been Senior Captain Troy Woolfolk fractured his lower leg and dislocated his ankle two weeks before UConn. He'll come back next year as a veteran on a medical redshirt. In his stead is JT Floyd who has nice size at 6-2 but has Freddie Barnes 40 speed. Difference is Freddie rarely if ever got caught from behind. Michigan will mix coverages in the 3--3-5 and actually play a 3 deep zone with man under. Rich Rod on the UM boards has asked to play more press coverage and with BG not having any true burners, you may see more of this over the weekend. James Rogers opposite Floyd is servicable at best, their backups are true freshmen. Bandit and Spur safeties have played well for the most part while Deep safety Cameron Gordon is a converted wide out learning on the job and testing the patience of the UM fanbase.
Most on the UM Scout Board expect UM to put up big numbers, but BG fight back for a half. I don't think we're looking at a UMass game again personally, because the defense in particular has been challenged to take more responsibility and UM's offense, Shoelace, in particular is obviously in high gear. I can see a 45-17 or 48-21 game something like that.
Re: Michigan's defense
Say anything you want about Michigan's defense. When a Big10 school or any 1A school for that matter, gives up 37 points at home to a 1AA school, you have major holes all over the field. Being embarrassed or getting yelled at all week is not going to help.
It's not like they gave up 217 rushing yards and 439 total yards or anything....
It's not like they gave up 217 rushing yards and 439 total yards or anything....
Re: Michigan's defense
Falcon137,
Sure, absolutely we can talk talent, strategy or whatever you like concerning the UM defense. My question is how much of the UMass game did you actually warch? Yes, its true that UM was down 17-7 but rallied for a 21-17 halftime lead. In fact after 3 quarters the game was 35-17. Cameron Gordon intercepted a pass in UMass's red zone early in the 4Q and then fiumbled on the return improving UMass' field position 10 yards prior to the play. With that interception! UM effectively kills any momentum and more or less runs out the clock possibly adding on another touchdown for a 42-17 victory and their defense is a non-issue.
All of a sudden UMass scores on that possession and its 35-24. Michigan scores again and UMass scores twice more and missed a 2pt conversion along the way. However, despite the ESPN bottom line and national headlines that didn't watch the game either, UM was never in danger of being "upset" or needed a goal line stand to perserve the win.
I realize that UConn went on to get waxed by Temple but the same UM defense held them to 10 points and ND to 24 albeit without Crist for a quarter and a half.
So I ask, could BGz's defense put up similar numbers against the same competiton? Because the gave up 30, 33 and 28 to what most would consider a lighter schedule than UConn, @ND and UMass who was ranked in the top 10 of 1-AA or whatever its called at the time.
Sure, absolutely we can talk talent, strategy or whatever you like concerning the UM defense. My question is how much of the UMass game did you actually warch? Yes, its true that UM was down 17-7 but rallied for a 21-17 halftime lead. In fact after 3 quarters the game was 35-17. Cameron Gordon intercepted a pass in UMass's red zone early in the 4Q and then fiumbled on the return improving UMass' field position 10 yards prior to the play. With that interception! UM effectively kills any momentum and more or less runs out the clock possibly adding on another touchdown for a 42-17 victory and their defense is a non-issue.
All of a sudden UMass scores on that possession and its 35-24. Michigan scores again and UMass scores twice more and missed a 2pt conversion along the way. However, despite the ESPN bottom line and national headlines that didn't watch the game either, UM was never in danger of being "upset" or needed a goal line stand to perserve the win.
I realize that UConn went on to get waxed by Temple but the same UM defense held them to 10 points and ND to 24 albeit without Crist for a quarter and a half.
So I ask, could BGz's defense put up similar numbers against the same competiton? Because the gave up 30, 33 and 28 to what most would consider a lighter schedule than UConn, @ND and UMass who was ranked in the top 10 of 1-AA or whatever its called at the time.
Re: Michigan's defense
You like Michigan too. We get it.
Re: Michigan's defense
So if Michigan would have gotten more stops and UMass scored less Michigan would have won by more? I get it now.OptionQB wrote:Falcon137,
Sure, absolutely we can talk talent, strategy or whatever you like concerning the UM defense. My question is how much of the UMass game did you actually warch? Yes, its true that UM was down 17-7 but rallied for a 21-17 halftime lead. In fact after 3 quarters the game was 35-17. Cameron Gordon intercepted a pass in UMass's red zone early in the 4Q and then fiumbled on the return improving UMass' field position 10 yards prior to the play. With that interception! UM effectively kills any momentum and more or less runs out the clock possibly adding on another touchdown for a 42-17 victory and their defense is a non-issue.
All of a sudden UMass scores on that possession and its 35-24. Michigan scores again and UMass scores twice more and missed a 2pt conversion along the way. However, despite the ESPN bottom line and national headlines that didn't watch the game either, UM was never in danger of being "upset" or needed a goal line stand to perserve the win.
I realize that UConn went on to get waxed by Temple but the same UM defense held them to 10 points and ND to 24 albeit without Crist for a quarter and a half.
So I ask, could BGz's defense put up similar numbers against the same competiton? Because the gave up 30, 33 and 28 to what most would consider a lighter schedule than UConn, @ND and UMass who was ranked in the top 10 of 1-AA or whatever its called at the time.
Hail the Victors! Beating up on teams from 1AA and one's with losing records!
Re: Michigan's defense
Kdog,
Very little to do with who I like, but rather more to do with arguments that miss the point of my OP. I hope both teams represent their schools very well.
I graduated (twice) from BG and will always root for them, but I follow UM on a week to week basis since BG's limited exposure outside of Ohio prevents me from doing more.
Falcon137,
Again, what? Beating up on I-AA with losing records? They were ranked in the top 10 and had beaten the preseason #3 earlier in the year. They are 2-1 now. Thanks for checking your facts before making baseless claims.
No one ever made the comment that UM's defense is anything more than average. They have some special talent (Martin, Roh) and a bunch of guys who have failed to live up to expectations since. The point of my post was the defense is more respectable than what you make them out to be and that is evidenced by their games thus far less a bad fourth quarter against UMass. I feel BG is outmanned athletically with 2 backup OL. Sorry that doesn't make sense playing against a top 20 team in the US.
Very little to do with who I like, but rather more to do with arguments that miss the point of my OP. I hope both teams represent their schools very well.
I graduated (twice) from BG and will always root for them, but I follow UM on a week to week basis since BG's limited exposure outside of Ohio prevents me from doing more.
Falcon137,
Again, what? Beating up on I-AA with losing records? They were ranked in the top 10 and had beaten the preseason #3 earlier in the year. They are 2-1 now. Thanks for checking your facts before making baseless claims.
No one ever made the comment that UM's defense is anything more than average. They have some special talent (Martin, Roh) and a bunch of guys who have failed to live up to expectations since. The point of my post was the defense is more respectable than what you make them out to be and that is evidenced by their games thus far less a bad fourth quarter against UMass. I feel BG is outmanned athletically with 2 backup OL. Sorry that doesn't make sense playing against a top 20 team in the US.
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Falconfreak90
- Rubber City Falcon
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Re: Michigan's defense
Troy, Tulsa and Marshall is still a pretty solid sked. Troy lost by 3 @OK State and 1 @UAB. OK State laid a 65-28 beating on Tulsa. Tulsa is a hail mary away from beating East Carolina. Marshall probably should have beaten WVU. UConn isn't that great but in fairness, Temple is pretty good these days. ND? Like I read somewhere else...right now, ND is Purdue with a bigger budget. Troy, Tulsa and Marshall vs UConn, ND and UMass? I don't see a whole lot of difference. I think UM's sked is tougher but not by much.
But, even though the Wolverines aren't their usual selves, it is still UM and a (IMO) middle to upper echelon Big Whatever They Count To These Days conference team. BG will have to severely minimize mistakes, tackle extremely well and hang tough to win. With a back up QB in Pankratz and 2 OL starters missing, that makes it more difficult. However, this is a winnable game and the team has played HARD every game so far. What we lack in experience we make up for with heart and effort.
BEAT UM!!!
But, even though the Wolverines aren't their usual selves, it is still UM and a (IMO) middle to upper echelon Big Whatever They Count To These Days conference team. BG will have to severely minimize mistakes, tackle extremely well and hang tough to win. With a back up QB in Pankratz and 2 OL starters missing, that makes it more difficult. However, this is a winnable game and the team has played HARD every game so far. What we lack in experience we make up for with heart and effort.
BEAT UM!!!
Michael W.
BGSU-12 TIME MAC CHAMPION
FALCON FOOTBALL ROCKS!
BGSU-12 TIME MAC CHAMPION
FALCON FOOTBALL ROCKS!
Re: Michigan's defense
No, I know Umass is a high quality 1AA team, they opened with a nice win over William and Mary. I guess the question is can they carry that into Stony Brooke with Richmond on the horizon.OptionQB wrote:
Falcon137,
Again, what? Beating up on I-AA with losing records? They were ranked in the top 10 and had beaten the preseason #3 earlier in the year. They are 2-1 now. Thanks for checking your facts before making baseless claims.
No one ever made the comment that UM's defense is anything more than average. They have some special talent (Martin, Roh) and a bunch of guys who have failed to live up to expectations since. The point of my post was the defense is more respectable than what you make them out to be and that is evidenced by their games thus far less a bad fourth quarter against UMass. I feel BG is outmanned athletically with 2 backup OL. Sorry that doesn't make sense playing against a top 20 team in the US.
As far as teams with losing records (I guess you missed the and) Notre Dame (1-2) and UConn (1-2), both with losing records.
Re: Michigan's defense
Cool, sorry to be a dick about it because you have always posted good stuff around here. Still until they prove it I don't see Michigan as much better of team than they were last year. I do think they will beat us but I am far from thinking it is a certainty.OptionQB wrote:Kdog,
Very little to do with who I like, but rather more to do with arguments that miss the point of my OP. I hope both teams represent their schools very well.
I graduated (twice) from BG and will always root for them, but I follow UM on a week to week basis since BG's limited exposure outside of Ohio prevents me from doing more.
I don't see Michigan being a top ten team with Richrod. He is trying to run that program like it is WVU and they play in the Big East. Fail. That's just my opinion.
Re: Michigan's defense
Freak,
I miss you man! I am 98% on board with your post. We are working out a date to get back for a game this season and I'll be sure to look you guys up!
KDog,
Appreciate it man. You have a lot of good ideas too. I don't see UM as elite yet, I think their schedule is going to allow them a very reasonable chance to get to 9-3 or 8-4 and yes, I firmly believe barring a major meltdown Coach Rod is back.
Falcon137,
At this point, you and I are just on different wave lengths and I can respect that. I just feel that you are grossly underestimating the undeniable match-up problems facing BG this weekend. That said, the difference between this year's UM and last year's model is that this year UM is one year closer to the players Coach Rod needs. For evidence, the OL is dramatically improved and reasonably athletic. The LT spot is somewhat unsettled due to a redshirt freshman coming on as much as it has to do with a redshirt junior playing out of position. But the MAJOR difference is while the gamebreaking RB is still a year away, UM does have a player that can score from ANYWHERE at ANYTIME with Shoelace Robinson. The WR's are underrated but very solid as well and thus far Shoelace has made MOST of the proper reads.
What will ultimately determine Coach Rod's success will not be how tied he is to the 3-3-5 but how successful they are in bringing in elite athletes to play in it. 8-4 or 9-3 gets them plenty of athletes to scheme with if official visits are any indication.
I miss you man! I am 98% on board with your post. We are working out a date to get back for a game this season and I'll be sure to look you guys up!
KDog,
Appreciate it man. You have a lot of good ideas too. I don't see UM as elite yet, I think their schedule is going to allow them a very reasonable chance to get to 9-3 or 8-4 and yes, I firmly believe barring a major meltdown Coach Rod is back.
Falcon137,
At this point, you and I are just on different wave lengths and I can respect that. I just feel that you are grossly underestimating the undeniable match-up problems facing BG this weekend. That said, the difference between this year's UM and last year's model is that this year UM is one year closer to the players Coach Rod needs. For evidence, the OL is dramatically improved and reasonably athletic. The LT spot is somewhat unsettled due to a redshirt freshman coming on as much as it has to do with a redshirt junior playing out of position. But the MAJOR difference is while the gamebreaking RB is still a year away, UM does have a player that can score from ANYWHERE at ANYTIME with Shoelace Robinson. The WR's are underrated but very solid as well and thus far Shoelace has made MOST of the proper reads.
What will ultimately determine Coach Rod's success will not be how tied he is to the 3-3-5 but how successful they are in bringing in elite athletes to play in it. 8-4 or 9-3 gets them plenty of athletes to scheme with if official visits are any indication.
Re: Michigan's defense
OptionQB wrote:Freak,
I miss you man! I am 98% on board with your post. We are working out a date to get back for a game this season and I'll be sure to look you guys up!
I hope to see you guys make it up! It's been awhile!
As to this weekend's game I think we may be able to move the ball on UM, but their defense isn't as bad as some make it out to be. The only complete game I've watched of there's this year is the ND game, but there is still some talent on their defense. It's definitely going to be the best defense we've faced thus far, and may be the best we face all year.
Still, I think we'll be able to move the ball some on them. In order to win we're going to have to play a perfect game, bottle up Robinson, and win the turnover battle in a big way. It can be done, but I'm not expecting a BG win.
