Post-Game: Vanilla

Michigan got the job done on Saturday but there were some issues and it seemed Michigan wasn't running the entire offense.  Vanilla was the term that came to mind as I was watching the first half.  I thought the Wolverine offense came out flat and the defense overpowered the weak Colorado State squad. 

Let's jump right to the cheers and jeers:

Cheers:

• Took care of business and won easily 
• Defense looked very good 
• Strong pass rush 
• JJ was electric when he got in 
• Both RB's are still very good 
• 2 defensive turnovers - with 1 score 
• TE's looked good 
• Roman Wilson broke the game open 
• Loved seeing the true freshman and transfers making plays 
• Special Teams are still special
• 1 penalty, 1 sack, 1 score 

Jeers:

• Cade was not sharp, if he is not accurate, he is going to lose this QB battle.  Seems he wasn't seeing the field well. 
• WR's were not involved enough 
• WR's had some drops 
• Having trouble scoring TD's in the redzone seems to be back 
• Sleepy start on offense 
• Our 5-star CB gave up the only score of the game 
• Pass protection was not great 

I thought Michigan played much better in the 2nd half than the sleepy first half.   I'm concerned about Cade; this was the first time I've ever seen him nervous and not very sharp at all.  I know you don't want to show much of the offense but that was a very basic package all game.  The WR's have to be more involved.  I also really enjoyed RG3 in the booth. 

Michigan will need to try to get up for 2 worse teams in the next two weeks.  

Other topics:

• Iowa wins by scoring 7 points with 2 safeties.  Iowa always seems to be embarassing week 1. 
• Georgia is still really good.  Their TE's are scary. 
• Does UNC play defense?

Colorado State Preview

Cam the Ram YouTube

Time: Noon 

Location: Big House

Weather: 83 Sunny

TV: ABC (Mark Jones & RG3)

Line: Michigan -30.5

The Rock Band Journy released a song in July of 1981 called "Who's crying now".  The first part of the lyrics go as follows:

It's been a mystery 

And still they try to see

Why something good can hurt so bad

There isn't much mystery with Michigan Football this year.  The offense and special teams are stacked with playmakers and All Americans.   Michigan not only has 1 good QB, they have 2.   There are some questions marks at DE and LB after loses to the NFL but Michigan just plucked a former 5 star out of the portal weeks ago.  Michigan has all the signs of a very good football team that should be able to compete at the highest levels. 

Colorado State is just the opposite with 59 new players and a completely new coaching staff.  Jay Norvell came over from Nevada and brought in some of his former players and pulled guys out of the portal to run his Air Raid Offense.  Clay Millen was the back-up QB at Nevada last year as a true freshman and transferred to CSU with Norvell.  He is a red-shirt freshman now and will make his first start in the Big House.  Norvell also brought with him 2 WR's from Nevada in Horton and Stovall.  So the offense might not have as many growing pains as we thought, they are just running the Norvell's system at Nevada.

Dear Jimmy, 

It's been about 9 months since my last letter.  I thought about stopping these but let's face it, they worked last year.   You have your best team that you've had at Michigan.   You have depth, talent, and speed.  It seems speed is something that has been lacking in Ann Arbor for many years and this team has it.   You've done a nice job in the portal and this team is primed to be contender again for another Big Ten Championship.    Managing the expectations might be a bit of a problem, but I assume you continue to let this team know that they haven't accomplished anything yet.   That starts on Saturday at noon.

You know I like stories and I will remind you of the last time a Michigan team entered the season within the top 10 and came away with a crushing loss.  I know you weren't the Michigan coach and that was another time, but the lesson is still valid.  Never underestimate your opponent and always be ready to play.   CSU is a mystery wrapped in a riddle with a high-powered offense.  You have no idea what to expect and the new defense personnel will be tested and tested often.  I expect to see a ton of Will Johnson on the field against the Air Raid.   You will also need to pressure the daylights out of the freshman QB. 

You have a great punter but I don't expect to see him at any point during the game.  Score TD's, rush the passer, and defend the pass and you'll be in good shape.  Play Michigan Football and make sure the team is prepared physically and mentally to win.  If you do those things, you will have the outcome you want.   Go Blue and welcome back to the Big House as Big Ten Champions.   

Michigan 51 CSU 17

Michigan Monday: Game Week

I love the sound of "Game Week" it just rolls off the tongue! We have been waiting all year to see Michigan Football again and Saturday at noon, we will watch the Maize and Blue in the Big House.   To be honest, I don't love the dual starters thing that Harbaugh announced but I understand it.   Jimmy is in a tough position and is trying to make both guys happy.  In the long run, one will not be.   This is the time of year to experiment and try new things, so from that point of view, I get it.  

An early look at Colorado State:

2021 Record: 3-9 

Best Win: Toledo

Trend: Lost 6 in a row 

Line: Michigan -27.5 Over/Under 58

TV: ABC

This was not a good team last season, but with the transfer portal, a team can turn itself around in one short off season.  Case-in-point, Nebraska's lost on Saturday.  Last season, Nebraska beat Northwestern 56-7.   Michigan has a very good team, but they can't overlook CSU.   We remember the last time Michigan was in the top 10 to start a season and had an easy game in the Big House. 

• During the NW-Nebraska game there were technology issues in the stadium, so they decided to give away free beer! 

• Nebraska up 11 in the 3rd and decided to call an onside kick that was unsuccessful and never scored again.  Another 1 score loss on Scott Frost.  I do have to admit Mark Whipple's offense did look better, the defense did not.  

• Sounds like Sainristil will be starting in the defensive backfield with Turner and Green.  My guess is Nickel.  True freshman Mason Graham is starting on the defensive line (that is quite the honor and a hat tip to him and the power of enrolling early)