Fitz Toussaint, defense carry Michigan football team at Illinois, 31-14
Fitzgerald Toussaint, center, celebrates with teammates after his fourth-quarter touchdown run. Toussaint ran for a career-high 192 yards against Illinois.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Michigan football team was a mess near the red zone, coughed the ball up three times and saw Denard Robinson leave another game due to injury.
But thanks to a throwback performance by its defense, none of it mattered.
No. 22 Michigan limited Illinois to 37 rushing yards, collected a season-high four sacks and yielded just 214 yards of total offense Saturday on its way to a 31-14 victory at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill.
Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said it was a performance befitting of a true "Michigan defense," while coach Brady Hoke said the game served as redemption for a unit that's taken its share of lumps in recent years.
"That's all you heard about when I took the job here," Hoke said of Michigan's recent defensive struggles. "These kids worked hard and they've invested. That's the neat part.
"Defensively, for a lot of years, Michigan was known for Michigan's defense. And they want to represent that."
Michigan (8-2, 4-2 Big Ten) has its highest victory total since Lloyd Carr coached the Wolverines to a 9-4 mark in 2007.
The win also gives Hoke more Big Ten wins (four) in his first season than former coach Rich Rodriguez totaled in any of his three seasons.
Sophomore running back Fitzgerald Toussaint paced the mostly stagnant Michigan offense with a career-high 192 yards on 27 carries, as the Wolverines held a 362-214 advantage in total yards.
Michigan ran for 223 yards as a team against an Illinois defense that was allowing just 102.9 yards per game entering Saturday.
"Up front is where we executed well," Toussaint said. "They did a good job of opening up holes, and we were able to explode through them and do what we had to do."
Outside of Toussaint, though, Michigan's offensive attack was less than stellar.
Michigan dominated the first half, out-gaining Illinois 249-30, but due to a missed field goal, a fumble and a turnover on downs, the Wolverines had a narrow 14-0 lead at the break.
Michigan's first series of the second half wasn't much better, resulting in a quick three and out and an apparent right arm injury to Robinson.
Sophomore quarterback Devin Gardner entered the game on Michigan's next possession, and couldn't muster much, as the Wolverines were forced to punt.
But Illinois receiver Ryan Lankford fumbled the return, allowing Michigan fullback John McColgan to recover on the Illini 32. Six plays later, the Wolverines settled for a 27-yard field goal from Brendan Gibbons to make it a three-score game with 4:31 to go in the third.
At the time of the kick, Michigan was out-gaining Illinois 288-49.
The Illinois offense showed its first signs on life on the following possession, marching 75 yards in 11 plays before sophomore quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase scampered into the end zone from 13 yards out to make it 17-7.
Michigan appeared to be reeling early in the fourth with the Illini on the move again, but junior cornerback J.T. Floyd intercepted Scheelhaase, returning the ball 43 yards to the Illinois 22.
Three plays later, Gardner found Martavious Odoms in stride for a 27-yard scoring pass, giving the Wolverines control at 24-7 with 9:58 to go.
"That defensive group was bashed around and beat up a little bit (last season), and they have a spirit about them and a pride about them and they want to play well," Hoke said. "Everyone wants to play well, but they've really taken that to heart."
Illinois closed its scoring with an 18-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown from Jason Ford with 3:12 to play. Michigan answered, getting a 27-yard touchdown sprint from Toussaint with 2:24 left.
Robinson finished 6-for-10 with 92 yards and an interception. He ran 12 times for 30 yards, two touchdowns and a pair of fumbles. He did not return following his third-quarter injury.
Hoke said Robinson suffered an injury to his wrist, and could have returned to the game had Michigan needed him.
In the first half, Toussaint set Michigan up in scoring position with a 65-yard run on the game's second play before Robinson found the end zone from 9 yards out to make it 7-0 Wolverines early in the first.
Michigan squandered a chance five minutes later when Robinson fumbled just outside the red zone, but the Wolverines recovered on their next drive, marching 41 yards in seven plays before Robinson scored on a 2-yard keeper to make it 14-0 with 12:49 to go in the half.
The rest of the half for Michigan, though, would be a comedy of errors.
The Wolverines turned the ball over on downs inside the Illinois five, fumbled on the Illini 32 and missed a 38-yard field goal during the quarter's final 10 minutes.
Scheelhaase finished 16-for-31 for 170 yards and an interception for Illinois (6-4, 2-4), who has now lost four straight.
The game was a sharp contrast from the matchup a season ago, where Michigan had to rely on a quick-strike offense to overcome a porous defensive effort in a 67-65 triple overtime win.
Hoke said he didn't bring that score up this week.
He didn't need to.
"It's great that the offense was able to lean on us for this game," Michigan senior defensive lineman Ryan Van Bergen said. "Last year versus Illinois, they couldn't.
"This means a lot to us."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Comments
Bludogg97
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 4:11 p.m.
Who cares about WCiMFH!!!!!! Bygones.. This team is learning how to win. Some of us were questioning the" Duece Pkg" DG getting early repsin games past,and Hoke &Coaches were maybe coaching ahead here,and giving DG some reps at game speed,in case of injury to DR... Then DG comes in,and doesn't get totally intimidated makes a few mistakes,but overall played pretty good for a 2 yr player. Now Hoke & Coaches have a pro-style, I form QB,and we will see how this turns out,but at least DG has some big time game playing experience. He has a B1G type body,and is elusive when running the ball. Greg Mattison gets my game ball and some of his play calling was fun to watch, with stunts etc. Thomas Gordon seemed like he was in on every play. Floyd's int was a back breaker,and TEAM Defense threw a shutout for 3 qtrs.!! With the 2012 recruits coming in (5 stud LB) and O-Linemen, Michigan Football is returning,and I am grinning ear to ear because of,and choose not to re-hash WCiMFH .. This is about Michigan Football not one person/coach.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 3:04 p.m.
For all of you so-called "fans" who are whining about the offense and wishing for the return of the WCIMFH, our offense scored 31 points in the cesspool that is Memorial Stadium against the 9th best team in the FBS in terms of total defense and the 12th best team in terms of scoring defense. <a href="http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2011&rpt=IA_teamtotdef&site=org&div=IA&dest=O" rel='nofollow'>http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2011&rpt=IA_teamtotdef&site=org&div=IA&dest=O</a> <a href="http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2011&rpt=IA_teamscordef&site=org&div=IA&dest=O" rel='nofollow'>http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2011&rpt=IA_teamscordef&site=org&div=IA&dest=O</a> Yes, we scored 31 points ON THE ROAD against one of the nation's best defensive teams. How terrible. So let's bring back the WCiMFH!!!!!! LOLOLOL Good Night and Good Luck
7718
Mon, Nov 14, 2011 : 2:09 a.m.
You gotta let it go Edward, move on. Forget about rr if you can't stand him. Try to look to the future and put the past behind you.
Howard the Duck
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 3:17 a.m.
This years team has reached its zenith. 8-5 is what it will be after a bowl game spanking.
Mick
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 4:44 a.m.
Sounds like you're just jealous maybe? So who do you root for Mr. Duck?
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 4:11 a.m.
Maybe. Or not. We'll see.
Terry Star21
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 3:33 a.m.
Quack, Quack.....
Terry Star21
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 2:27 a.m.
Just got back from the game, drove straight through....I don't know how good that defense looked on TV, but they were awesome to watch live. Even though illini had lost their last three, friends I'm telling you this defense is getting better each week ! It was very difficult to watch those three red zone (non-point) efforts at the end of the first half - but it is so great to have confidence in this defense - I love that feeling, reminisce of the old days. MgoBlueForTim............Defense does win games.....
Matt Patercsak
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 3:11 a.m.
haha i noticed that too! gotta love a bleeding defender. also, did you catch jake ryan's lopsided jersey exposing his neck roll a little bit? it was flashbacks of a golden era! and also a glimpse of what's to come here at Michigan
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 2:44 a.m.
@TS21 -- "but it is so great to have confidence in this defense" Amen, brother ... I find I am actually believing the defense capable of stopping on 3rd down. Last year? I didn't think them capable of stopping ... period. The defensive line looked like it got some penetration. Craig Roh is still on the missing person list, though ... Great TV shot of Jordan Kovacs on the sideline after some play ... cut open on the bridge of this nose ... look on his face like he wanted to go back and chew someone's leg off.
Matt Patercsak
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 2:26 a.m.
watching Jake Ryan blow up Scheelhaase on an option play today, and seeing big sticks from Desmond Morgan, I think we can stop Nebraska's option attack. but boy...did frank clark ever bite on that read option... he did it against Purdue as well. glad to see us score out of the I formation today, and our defense was straight up old school. JT Floyd redeemed himself, he is our week spot on D, he opens his hips sometimes at the wrong time and is caught on his heels. crossing routes are concerning as well. but overall, I'm very happy to win. 8 wins!!!! 8! in a first year! ps, great game OSU :0 Go Blue!
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:50 a.m.
Hey ... how about Gardner's 4th quarter 3rd and 15 pass to Martavious Odoms for the TD? Nice poise -- stood tall ... stood tall ... stepped up in the pocket ... put the ball into the numbers. I think that shows some of the potential of Gardner. Given enough time so he doesn't feel rushed, I think the kid can be pretty darn good. That was a nice play ... a very nice play.
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 4:13 a.m.
Shane Morris didn't fare well today against Cass Tech. But he's only a high school junior. He's got plenty of growin' up to do. I think with coaching and more reps there's some nice upside potential with Gardner. That one TD pass today really made me sit up and note some nice poise. I was very impressed with the whole play.
Terry Star21
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 3:37 a.m.
Hey Matt - I find myself believing (or wanting to) on Shane, my mind wants to believe he could be another Chad Henne...he's much smaller now, but he's what 16, 17 at most - let's believe he'll get MUCH BIGGER, STRONGER & FASTER !
Matt Patercsak
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 3:13 a.m.
yeah that was nice ...he'll make a fine backup to true freshman Shane Morris!
Terry Star21
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 2:31 a.m.
Don, I loved that play - huge ! We need to find a way to boost his confidence - much more of those plays !
azwolverine
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:57 a.m.
I agree. That play came at a critical time in the game and helped put it away.
ted
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:39 a.m.
Hey AZWOLVERINE..... so if I dont like this offfensive scheme, I must want RR ?
Matt Patercsak
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 3:13 a.m.
this scheme is not permanent
Terrin Bell
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 2:09 a.m.
Hoke wouldn't be doing Denard any favors, or Michigan, by playing the same style of Offense as used under RR. RR's use of Denard placed him in constant jeopardy as Denard was the whole offense. If Denard ever wants to play Pro, which Michigan for a while was very good at putting out Pro Quarterbacks, Denard has to be able to throw the ball. If you can't throw, the option isn't very effective.
azwolverine
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:53 a.m.
You seem more interested in scheme than results. UM won 31-14 to improve to 8-2. That is far better than they ever did with the 'read option.' Whether it's RR you want or not, the team is currently FAR BETTER than they've been in the previous 3 years. That is cause for celebration for most of us...why not you? Wins are far more exciting, imo, than any scheme could possibly be.
arborani
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:52 a.m.
Thou hast said it.
azwolverine
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:29 a.m.
ted, If you truly are a Michigan fan, which you don't seem to be, you are awful grumpy about a 31-14 blowout on the road to bring our record up to 8-2 (4-2) heading into what sets up to be a very fun finish for the first time in four years! Smile, man! UM is actually winning again!!!
TIC
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:28 a.m.
Blather all you want, Ted. 31 points on the road and a stifling D against who they were playing this week (not who they may or may not play some time in the future) is what counts. 8-2!
Bryan
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:20 a.m.
@ Ted "Michigan does not run the same read option that they did last year ! Borges needs to go. The defense is getting really good . That is great. But why do we have to regress on offense. I formation is predictable and boring. Who would bother tuning into watching a boring and predictable offense." You mean the same boring and predictable offense ( the pro-style, I formation) that is the base offensive formation for every NFL team, LSU, Alabama, Boise State, Stanford, Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Iowa (who beat UM last week). The problem is not that the I-formation is boring and predictable. On the contrary, The I-formation can be very effective and high scoring (see Stanford). The difference is that every team listed above has a highly efficient and effective passing attack - a passing attack that UM lacks. In short, the problem is not with the I-formation, but with UM's quarterback play. UM does not have a credible passing attack. It does not matter if UM runs the Spread-Read-Option or the I-Formation, without the threat of a passing attack teams can stack the box against UM. Denard is a good passer against lower quality teams (see 2010 and first six games of 2011). But against better Big Ten competition, Denard struggles. Until UM has a credible passing game, UM will struggle offensively. Once UM has more pro-style QB (see Shane Morris) then we will see what Al Borges is really capable of. Remember, Al Borges was the Offensive Coordinator at Auburn in 2003 when Auburn went 13-0. So with the right talent (namely a quarterback who can pass) UM's offensive will become very dominant. On a more positive note, the UM defense played outstanding. And with the way UM's defense is playing UM will have a chance to win their remaining two games.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 4:31 a.m.
I dunno, Don. Given what the TV guys were saying today about how poorly coached the D was last year--poor positioning, etc.... --it's not hard to believe that Denard was poorly coached by the incompetents who are now gone. But, at the end of the day, I have no idea what the root cause is. What I know is that in his first series against WMU when he was a freshman he flubbed the snap from center and turned that into a TD. And he is still flubbing snaps in his third season. That's not RichRod and its not Borges. Good Night and Good Luck
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 4:16 a.m.
@ERMG -- Denard's passing inconsistency is ... frustrating. What's your current operating theory ... just old habits die hard? Or there's simply a limit to what he's capable of and he's approaching that limit? Or something else?
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 3:55 a.m.
@Bryan: Absolutely right. Numerous times today Illinois put 8 men in the box and had a safety creeping up at the snap of the ball. And for every time Denard does it right (I recall in particular a sprint-out to the left where he got his body around, set his feet, and threw a bullet), there are at least two times when he throws off his back foot. Good Night and Good Luck
ted
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:14 a.m.
@michfantex....what exactly in your statement disproves anything I said ? Nothing.
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:43 a.m.
See that little link labeled "reply?" Try it ... it puts posts like this in the proper context under the post you're referring to.
BlueGator
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:03 a.m.
The improvement on defense so far this year is simply amazing. Hoke really hit a home run bringing Mattison in. Kudos also for having the conviction to play true freshman Blake Countess so extensively. If they have a year-end team award for "rookie of the year," it has to go to Countess in my opinion. GO BLUE!!!
ted
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:02 a.m.
Hey DONAZ....the theory you have about the spread option athletes have to have far superior talent is the exact opposite of what college football coaches say. When you spread the field it gives even the most talented players a more difficult task of catching their opponent, because they are in open space
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:42 a.m.
@azwolverine -- "Where did all that open space go?" If you're a defensive coordinator facing the Michigan teams under Rodriguez all you had to worry about was Robinson. Keep him contained and the fearsome "read option spread" becomes not-so-fearsome. Michigan's offense was in many ways more potent with Tate Forcier in there during 2009. Don't forget he played injured the last half of that season. Had he been healthy and received some decent coaching he could have been a pretty darn good QB. But again ... RR drooled over the prospect of Pat White Redux so he cast his lot with Robinson. It worked. Early on. Then it didn't.
azwolverine
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:22 a.m.
Then why didn't it work agains OSU, MSU, Miss St, etc? Where did all that open space go?
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:22 a.m.
To compete at the national level against "the greats" you do. Your average athletes with some speed cast into a spread option don't necessarily equalize against superior competing talent. Ask Oregon how they fared against LSU earlier this year. Ask West Virginia how they fared against the same LSU.
ted
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:57 a.m.
@ just for the record........"I'll take a 10 win season every year for the rest of my life rather than the mess we've been through the last few years. More "happy" than "sad".. that's my theory." EXACTLY people like you never achieve anything worthwhile in life, cause you dont take chances and are CONTENT WITH MEDIOCRATY. Fans like yourself are the reason MICHIGAN will never be up there with the greats. Not even in the top ten of great college football teams in the last 13 years.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 3 a.m.
10 wins = mediocrity? The WCiMFH was half-way through his third season before he achieved that TOTAL in his career here. Go watch your boy on CBS GN&GL
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:20 a.m.
There's a very tempting target for ridicule in upper case in your post. With spell checkers in all browsers, there's really not much reason for it. I'll let the moderators of this board determine whether your casting personal attacks at others is a violation of board rules. I've seen less purged from this board.
azwolverine
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:20 a.m.
Not even competitive 3 of those years.
john williams
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:54 a.m.
Michigan won ugly on the road... in my book thats a good sign there's room for improvement but no need to complain...2 more wins and Brady Hoke Will have laid the bricks for a successful tenure #GOBLUE
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:38 a.m.
@azwolverine -- agree ... cornerstone laid. Losing the final two games would yield a mildly disappointing 8-4 record. But very good things in place -- improved defense, rejuvinated field goal kicker, Wile the kickoff guy is now putting it into the endzone pretty consistently, the offense has more than one dimension. And lets not overlook a very good 2012 recruiting class on deck. And let's not overlook the value of fundamentals soaking deep into the DNA of the team. When key fundamentals are firmly rooted, then more sophisticated coaching can take place. After Rodriguez's tenure the current coaching staff faced a team utterly lacking in too many of the basics. Hoke and staff have said again and again that their focus is really, really, REALLY fundamental ... and without saying so the reason was because the prior regime left the team so bereft of those key fundamentals.
azwolverine
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:19 a.m.
He's already laid those bricks, imo. 2 more wins would make a good season great, though. That's for sure.
tim
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:54 a.m.
A win is a win --- great job! The score could have been 45-47 to 14 but I'll take the win. Game ball goes to Floyd.
tim
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:55 a.m.
I ment 45- 48 without a missed field goal.
burton163
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:51 a.m.
The improvement on the defensive side of the ball is pretty damn impressive, given that this is basically the same batch of players that made up one of UM's worst defenses of all time, statistically. It is also encouraging knowing that most of the team will be back for another year, and that Hoke has true freshman contributing on defense. Nice win to get to 8-2, with the two remaining games at home looking winnable as well. Nebraska will be tough...but I'll lay money that we beat the tar out of the reeling and inexplicably feeble Buckeyes. If this team gets to 10-2 Hoke is a lock for B1G coach of the year.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 2:58 a.m.
@Don, Yeah, that was an a VERY interesting conversation. It explained a lot, except for those who did not want to hear. I really like the way this defense is shaping up--it is getting better every game. Good Night and Good Luck
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:16 a.m.
The commentators for the game talked about that. Specifically, they mentioned they did the Mississippi State bowl game last year. They spoke of how Michigan's defense last year didn't seem to know where to line up or how to cover. They spoke of how Michigan this year executes those fundamentals SO much better ... and they gave credit to Mattison and his staff. So the raw talent was there ... but the coaching staff last year didn't know how to shape the clay. This year's coaching staff does. And the results show.
ted
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:50 a.m.
@just for the record. What does does tell that to lsu prove ? ITS a fact. OfFense is just as important. Again though why do you have to give up offensivly to gain on defense. you dont.
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:29 a.m.
No SEC team focuses exclusively on offense. None. Not a one. Even Florida during their Tebow-fueled (and spread scheme) years had a GREAT defense that sent a boatload of players to the NFL. Alabama and LSU are consistently defensive oriented teams with offenses that are very good but not "for the ages" great. The one outlier is Auburn last year ... average defense and one DARN lucky offense led by a once-in-a-generation talent like Newton. But don't forget ... the poster child darling of the spread option (Oregon) couldn't score against a very average Auburn offense. And at the end of the game it came down to ... wait for it ... DEFENSE.
ted
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:46 a.m.
@just for the record. You will take a good defense any day of the week ? Why should there be a choice ? you dont have to give up your offense to have a good defense ?
Mick
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 4:03 a.m.
Isn't Theo short for Theodore, who could also use the name Ted? Go Blue!!!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 2:51 a.m.
@Ted (aka Theo?) There's a very simple answer to that silly question. If your opponent never scores a point, you will never lose a game. Championships start with defense. Good Night and Good Luck
azwolverine
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:14 a.m.
RR gave up a good defense to have a mediocre offense (see 8 pt avg against ohio). Why don't you ask him your question?
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:08 a.m.
No, but neither do you have to give up a good defense to have a read option spread offense ... though Rich Rodriguez seemed to think so.
JustfortheRecord
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:51 a.m.
I remember hearing an interview with Ray Lewis where he was dreaming of the perfect combination of a great defense and a great offense. It must not be that easy!
JustfortheRecord
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:50 a.m.
ok. I will admit I agree with that. I just think that the ol' offense didn't work against really good defenses. And the man who coached it failed in the biggest game of his life because his QB had a thumb injury. There has to be more. Not saying I know the answers though. But, 31 points is a lot!
MRunner73
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:44 a.m.
One minor correction; Rich Rod won 6 Big 10 games in three years. Brady is now 4 and 2. This was a very good road win. I give the Michigan defense a lot of kudos. The worst is over because Michigan plays much better at home. Denard plays much better at home. It will be a good week ahead. GO BLUE!!!
ted
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.
The old saying Defense wins championships has been proven to be false. Offense is just as important. 50/ 50. You better be able to consistantly score high cause your defense isn't going to be there every game. No matter how good they are.
azwolverine
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:12 a.m.
Or tater...
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:07 a.m.
I'm beginning to think you really are Theo ... I'd put defense at 60 / 40 to offense. I don't think I'm along in that general weighting.
JustfortheRecord
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:46 a.m.
By the way. 31 points should be enough to win a game!
JustfortheRecord
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:45 a.m.
Tell that to LSU.
Tru2Blu76
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.
Eight wins - YES!! 31-14: tells us the Illinois's defense was overrated, since the Wolverines's offense wasn't that hot. Good to see something substantial happening with (other than Denard) running game. What's really satisfying is that Michigan's defense really looks "traditional" - meaning darned good! That's the Michigan tradition we've all been waiting for. I don't know that means much when it comes to the next two weeks. I'm not getting my hopes up other than to wish for another 1969 style finish like Bo had in his first year. Let's hope history repeats itself for Head Coach Brady Hoke.
ted
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:38 a.m.
The offense Borges is going to be using the next couple of years is not going to score much on good defenses. Michigan is going to consistantly beat the less talented teams, but will never beat the greats. Thats why HOke set the bar low (Big Ten Championship is the goal )' Because its going to be 9 and 3 ,10 and 2 seasons with no realistic chance for competing for the National championships.
MRunner73
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:23 a.m.
Maybe, in a few years, Brady Hoke can achieve what Jim Tressel did by winning Big 10 champsionships AND Going to BCS Bowl games. The difference is Michigan won't have to cheat like Sweather Vest. Denard will graduate, Devin will be a senior and we'll have Shane Morris at QB waiting in the wings, two years from now. In light of what has happened at OSU and now Penn State, I'll take an honest and clean program over those that will do anything to win. Having that 12 and 0 season again would be great but not at all costs. Sometimes I think this NCAA BCS football has gotten too big for it's own good. I hope the Michigan football meets your expectations some day.
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:12 a.m.
Some cannot help but traffic in "what ifs." Those who yearn for RR can't deal with the brutal *facts* of his tenure ... his record, his abysmal defense, his failure to play consistent offense against good defenses. So all they have left is pointing to a hypothetical future where RR won "crystal." Except there's absolutely *nothing* to suggest he ever would have approached that.
azwolverine
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:09 a.m.
Ted...how many national championships did your dream coach win? He had a shot at WVU with his best team ever but, unfortunately his 'read option' could only put up 9 points on a mediocre Pitt team and got beat. Further, if you can't win the Big Ten title, you have no shot at the NC. If you weren't aware, 8-16 in the B10 wasn't going to get anyone near a NC. And with that defense and skitter bug players, they would have never gotten better and Brandon did the only thing he could do by moving on... with someone better.
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:05 a.m.
I think they will become very competitive in the Big 10 in the next two years. If by beating the "greats" you mean the best the SEC can offer ... maybe not. But that's not because of the offensive scheme. That's because of the imbalance of elite talent ... where it comes from (down south) and where it tends to stay (down south). Imagine Rodriguez was still at Michigan. Imagine you're a 5-star RB or 5-star DT or 5-star freak-of-nature DB. Why would you choose to go up north where late season games tend to be cold, rainy and sloppy when you can stay south and go to LSU, 'Bama, Florida or a half dozen other teams where late season games are generally mild and fair, and the attention good teams gets borders on idolatry? Yes, Michigan's 2012 recruiting class is top 5 and good for Hoke and staff. Glad they're looking to go with Michigan. But the incoming talent is not the cream of the cream. Those go to the likes of LSU, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Texas and to some degree South Carolina. USC mops up the west coast elites.
garrisondyer
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:45 a.m.
You and I do not agree, ted.
JustfortheRecord
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:44 a.m.
I'll take a 10 win season every year for the rest of my life rather than the mess we've been through the last few years. More "happy" than "sad".. that's my theory.
ted
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:32 a.m.
Michigan does not run the same read option that they did last year ! Borges needs to go. The defense is getting really good . That is great. But why do we have to regress on offense. I formation is predictable and boring. Who would bother tuning into watching a boring and predictable offense.
zimmats
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:27 a.m.
the offense hasn't been as consistent as i'd like, as they are still adjusting to Borges' scheme and vice versa, but i think the guy has done fairly well utilizing the pieces that are here. RR in his 1st season was a complete mess - BH and AB are doing a nice job with the adjustment and this team feels legit for the first time in years. go blue.
MichFanTex
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:05 a.m.
In case you've missed it, Ted, Michigan has won as many games in 10 games this season as it did over the course of 24 games in its first two seasons of the RR era. UM has also now won more games with the bumbling of Al Borges and Brady Hoke in their first season at Michigan than did Calvin Magee and Rich Rod did in their third and final season. And they have done it havning played three fewer games.
azwolverine
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 1:03 a.m.
Who cares about the read option? Toussaint ran wild, the defense shut the Illini down, and we not only won by two touchdowns more than last year, we did it on the ROAD! If it's exciting for you to watch Michigan lose by 10+ points (usually 20+) every game to finish the year, then the excitement may be done for you as a fan. However, the rest of us will move on with Hoke, Borges, and the rest of the new staff that is not only remaining competitive throughout October and November, but STILL WINNING! Enjoy watching whichever new team 'excites' you...just hope they don't play Michigan because the odds are growing greater that Michigan will beat them.
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:56 a.m.
The read option REQUIRES at a minimum (a) a mobile quarterback, (b) a quarterback that is a credible passing threat as well as running threat, and (c) at least one supporting back so the "option" part can be more than just the QB. Denard is certainly (a) when he's healthy. He's only marginally (b). And Michigan doesn't really have a good supporting read-option back (c). Touissant is proving to be a pretty good north-south back that can muscle through seams. But I'm not struck by any particular skill at running to the edge and suddenly turning upfield. So the "just run last year's offense" meme rings hollow. As others point out, it didn't work particularly well last year against good teams. It's a fine offensive scheme IF you've got the right personnel. And the "right" personnel can't be just "above average" ... they have to be extraordinary. Pat White, Steve Slaton, Noel Devine extraordinary. Denard Robinson is only a fraction of what Pat White was ... White was every bit as elusive (maybe more), and could pass the ball. Is "ted" short for "Theodore," which is long for "Theo?"
JustfortheRecord
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:41 a.m.
Can you please explain when the previous offense was EVER good against a good team? I'll take an amazing defense any day of the week. Did you see LSU vs Alabama. Would you fire those offensive coordinators? Also, did you see how well someone else did against Pittsburgh when they scored 9 points instead of 14 on their way to a possible national championship game?
MRunner73
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:38 a.m.
In case you missed it, Michigan scored 31 points, on the ROAD! Raod wins are never easy, bad things happen quite often. More breaking news: Michigan will not run the same offense as last year. Want more? That offense was stymied last year against the better teams in the Big 10 last season.
southernblu
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:30 a.m.
Factoring in the failure to score 2 or 3 times in the red zone, we probably should have put up 40+ points. HOWEVER, the defense was quite stout and the offense didn't turn the ball over in Illinois territory. All things considered, this was a good win, and even better a ROAD win. This is certainly a different Michigan team than the last three years. If the team can maintain its focus for the next two games, a 10-2 regular season is a very high possibility. And IF that happens, Brady Hoke deserves to be named Big Ten coach of the year.
DonAZ
Sun, Nov 13, 2011 : 12:49 a.m.
+1 ... agree. Hoke goes 10-2 and I don't see anyone competing for Big 10 coach of the year. Do they have a Coordinator of the Year? Because that honor CLEARLY goes to Greg Mattison. He has done a job this year that is nothing short of marvelous.