Michigan slowly starting to show that, after 2 late-season swoons, this one's for real
Michigan defensive end Ryan Van Bergen and the Wolverines are pumped up, 5-0 and ranked No. 19 in the nation.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Is the Michigan football team the boy who cried wolf?
The Wolverines are 5-0 after bludgeoning Minnesota 58-0 in their Big Ten opener Saturday. They're ranked No. 19 in the country and picking up steam.
And yet, there's an element of skepticism about what Michigan's unbeaten streak really means after it started 5-0 last year and 4-0 in 2009, then finished those seasons a combined 2-12 against FBS teams.
It's just hard to believe 5-0 means 5-0 around here anymore. There is, with reason, a reluctance to accept this team is a contender despite its impeccable start.
It's still too early to deem the Wolverines are back among the Big Ten's elite, but there is this: They're getting incrementally closer each and every week.
Several players and coaches were asked this week what their 4-0 start meant, and if it felt different from the past two years, when they were consumed in late-season turmoil.
Michigan defensive end Craig Roh on avoiding a second-half slump in the season: "The emphasis that all the coaches have on finishing — even in like the second half of the season," he said. "We’re going to have that at the forefront of our mind as we go more into Big Ten play. We will be improving every game."
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
"The emphasis that all the coaches have on finishing — even in like the second half of the season," he said. "We’re going to have that at the forefront of our mind as we go more into Big Ten play.
"We will be improving every game."
It's a constant process with a team as devoid of playmakers as Michigan is, especially on defense. That's why coach Brady Hoke always sounds displeased, even after a 58-0 win.
"It's about us trying to go out and play better football every time we take the field, whether it's tomorrow when we practice or on game day," Hoke said shortly after his team had put the finishing touches on its best Big Ten game in years. "Believe me, we had a lot of mistakes in there from a personnel standpoint.
"We take a daggone penalty, and that's my fault. And we didn't have a guy out there on a punt team. You can't do that and win championships, and that's my fault."
Already, those incremental, game-by-game improvements have molded a new Michigan. A case example is the Big Ten opener.
The Wolverines struggled to beat lowly Indiana each of the past two years to initiate league play. They won both, but by a combined 10 points.
This year, Michigan faced lowly Minnesota, and beat it 58-0. The Wolverines hardly sniffed a shutout under Rich Rodriguez, even against slouches.
The nonleague is telling, too. Michigan beat FCS-member UMass by just five points and allowed 21 points to Bowling Green last year. Indiana scored 35.
This Wolverines team has allowed 10 points in three weeks and is thumping the teams it should, something that seemed to escape them previously, even during those fast starts the past two years.
And they're showing progress each week, especially on defense.
The Wolverines allowed 100-yard receiving days to Jordan White in the opener against Western Michigan and Michael Floyd the following week against Notre Dame. They have allowed an average of 128.6 total passing yards per game since.
After all that, though, the most promising improvement has been the play of quarterback Denard Robinson.
He's the runner everyone expected him to be, but he's struggled significantly in the passing game. It hasn't hurt Michigan yet, but eventually will down the road as teams creep extra pressure into the box to spy on Robinson.
Against Minnesota, he showed his first signs of life since the fourth quarter of the Notre Dame game. He completed his first 11 passes and finished 15-of-19 for 169 yards and two touchdowns.
That development — and its continuation — is integral to Michigan's chances of warding off the Big Ten swoons that have plagued it.
Can Michigan win without a passing game?
"I don't think so," Hoke said. "I think when you become too one-dimensional, people are creative. We're going to play a lot of good coaches, and some teams with very good personnel, and when good coaches get good personnel and they game plan and scheme, that can be a problem."
The first big test will be next week, when Michigan travels to Northwestern for its first road game of the year. The matchup begins a stretch of four away games in five weeks, including one at Michigan State.
"I'm kind of interested to see what we're made of (on the road)" Hoke said. "Our mentality, our mental toughness, see how if we're business-like in the work we have to do."
So far, so good.
Next week will be the litmus test.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
Tru2Blu76
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 4:53 p.m.
Who can forget Nov. 6 last year: Michigan 67, Illinois 65?! That right there shows where the Wolverines were late season last year: under that guy who's gone now. (TGWGN). Just guessing: there won't be a repeat of that huge scoring, no defense play from the "Team 132" Wolverines. :-) @Kyle Meinke: good analysis, Kyle. You've hit the nail on the head: Michigan IS a different (better) team this year than it was the last three seasons. We've got to wait and see how (as Coach Hoke says) they do on the road against the next two teams. MSU beating OSU just makes the Michigan - MSU game that much more of a test. MSU will have their Hate Michigan Face on full-bore. If by chance Michigan puts in a dominant show, then the rest of the schedule is within their grasp. Granting: that's a Big IF right now.
missionbrazil
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 4:04 p.m.
"This guy can flat out coach" The only stat that I can think of that the last guy beat Coach Hoke in is the number of "deer in the headlights" looks during a game. I love BH's demeanor during the game, and also love the fact that if there is a problem during the game HE takes responsibility for it (like the delay of game penalty yesterday). There are going to be alot of surprises in the B1G this year, and we are certainly one of the best surprises. I won't be surprised if we end up beating MSU, Nebraska, and that school in Ohio. It may not happen, but I won't be surprised if it does.
Howard the Duck
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 2:37 p.m.
I've seen this movie before.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 3:06 p.m.
Not if you were paying attention, you haven't. Good Night and Good Luck
luvdady
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 1:45 p.m.
we will see at the end of the season. we dont have tate to get us out of jams anymore.
Blu n Tpa
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 12:24 p.m.
I'm just logging on to the coverage for the UM vs UMn game so let me catch up. (Both my kids had baseball/softball GAMES yesterday and I didn't get to see the Michigan game until late. Hope that wont be held against me.) The first thing I noticed is that the "most popular" reads like the "who's who" of this site. DAZ, Ghost, and Mick, stalwarts all for Michigan and Michigan football. Then you hbM and 1st, both adding comments after midnight, and you have the pulse of how true Michigan fans feel about this team and these coaches. There are those who don't feel Michigan has been tested yet, and besides ND, the Wolverines haven't had to play a balanced team. Part of that is correct and part is the disbelief that coaching makes that much difference for getting the defense ready to perform at a high level every down, half, and game until the clocks read 00.00. Anything else, and I suspect your name and your missed step will be noted, so that the coaches can help that player be better the next time. And that's why this team continues to show signs of improving. As far as this year's start compared to the last two, who cares? That nightmare is over. The three year train wreck's damage has be cleared. I'm looking forward to more wins, and a few losses, and to watching these Wolverines continued growth and success. Coach Hoke and staff have turned the corner for the everybody to see. Keep it going and remember, TiM Go Blue!
johnnya2
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 11:56 a.m.
I think the team is far better than last year, but I don't think this game can be anything other than, "doing what you are supposed to do". Minnesota is not a very good football team. To top is off they were playing their back up true freshman QB. I am sure the kid will be a nice player someday, but nobody was going to compare him to Barkley, Tebow or Pryor in being a top level talent as a freshman. I think we have a chance to win or lose every game the rest of the season (although Purdue should be a gimme). This upcoming game against Northwestern will show a lot especially on the defensive side of the ball if Persa is playing. There are several areas I see VAST improvements from last season: 1. Red zone scoring- essentially we have been perfect. A kneel down in the waning seconds of the game was the only time all season we have not scored 2. Special teams- one missed PAT and one missed FG for the season. That was a typical game last year. The only special teams area where we have not improved seems to be kick off coverage. I hold my breath after each one. Of course, the advantage is, if you kick off a lot, it means you have scored a lot. 3. Turnovers- We are forcing turnovers and not committing a lot. 4. Coaching- Hoke and his staff seem calm no matter what is happening. With the previous regime you noticed a paniced look if something bad ever happened. Coach Hoke and Mattison especially seem to be under control and using the bad events as teachable moments. 5. Conditioning- This team seems to be in better shape as the game progresses and physically better as the season wears on. I was never a fan of the last strength and conditioning coach and his philosophy. I think he actually wore down the players.
1st Down
Mon, Oct 3, 2011 : 12:55 a.m.
Great point on the former s&c coach who was all about hype and promoting himself...and less about actually producing a well-conditioned team....hmm sounds like that entire past regime actually... and you are right...we are not wearing down late in games any longer and are bigger as well.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 3:05 p.m.
Agree on every point. As are you, I remain very concerned about the kick coverage. Watching UW-Neb last night, N's return man might be its most important weapon against us. GN&GL
XTR
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 11:41 a.m.
Denard Robinson run left, center and right alone will not win in the Big Ten! This has to be a team effort, the utilization of many offensive weapons that will win in the Big Ten. This offensive packages featuring many players, formations and plays were long overdue. This should have been practiced in the pre season. Denard ALONE cannot and will not win in the Big Ten like last year. Michigan will only win if they play as a team.
1st Down
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 5:47 a.m.
A big part of what we are seeing with the Defense...is that they now believe and trust in the coaching that they are getting. If you have ever played football....you may have had good coaches and not so good ones..I know from experience that when you get proper coaching, and you start to play with those techniques... suddenly you start making plays and the light-bulbs go off and you realize why you have been coached like you have... Im seeing that a ton with our D Backs and D Line especially....watching Roh, Van Bergan, Black and now WC make some plays and show enthusiasm....they are all starting to get it.
uminks
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 4:18 a.m.
The defense is improving in every category. The DLINE was a bit slow to develop since I had thought that was the strength of the defense. The secondary has taken major steps. There is talent on the defense and finally they're getting good coaching. Plus many players have at least one to two season under their belts which helps over having all freshmen out there. If DROP can get his screen and out passing game going, this will open up the run game. '09 and '10 we struggled against a so/so IN team now we are beating the weak teams like MI of old. I know we will win at least on game but overall the B1G looks like a weaker conference this season and we don't play WI, so we have a shot at any team. My guess is that we will go 4-3 in conference, may be even 5-2.
heartbreakM
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 4:17 a.m.
Hard to know what to make of a win over bottom feeder Minnesota but I loved the intensity and execution. The lines continue to improve fundamentally and this team seems to be improving each game. That Is the hallmark of coaching and of players who allow themselves to buy into a program. Love the direction and love the improvement.
Mick
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 3:30 a.m.
Great post Ghost, and 1st Down, thank you sir you are exactly right, I've been saying for a couple weeks now that every game is winnable. There is no reason not to think we couldn't, it's a matter of getting it done on the field. Every week we get told the next week is the real litmus test. We gave up 37 points last year to UMass, we've given up a total of 51 in 5 games this year with 31 of those to ND, you bet your sweet you know what this is different. I kept trying to tell everyone from the time Hoke was hired what I noticed out here in San Diego, he can flat out coach, he's calm and cool and in control on the sideline, he doesn't berate players but talks to them firmly when need be, is confident enough in himself to hire a stellar staff and delegate, and oh......he can recruit doggone good too! I went over to MGOBLOG and I stirred the pot calling out the WCIMFH while I was lauding Hoke and I'm getting called names and being accused of being stupid, I guess my 135 IQ is not good enough to recognize things according to the immature set over there. Anyway, I see us moving up quite a bit in the polls this week because of the way we won and so many teams in front of us losing. I like our chances next week too. We look darn good folks, believe it
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 12:52 p.m.
Thanks, Mick. MGoBlog is little more than a colections of fetishists who, for reasons only they can know, continue to support the WCiMFH. GN&GL
Chad Williams
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 3:21 a.m.
I think the next 7 games will tell it all. Having to play this way week in and week out. There isnt a game except purdue where michigan can slouch. Last week and this week they set the tempo by scoring early. Look for more of that as this defense plays better with the offense clicking. All that being said this was minnesota and they are terrible. This should only be thought of as a win and not what's to come for the season. Better coaching and personnel on the way. The difference between last year and this year will be beating good teams. The appetizer is all gone hope the is enough room for the main entrees.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 3:03 p.m.
Agree exactly, Don! For the last three years I watched a team get worse as the season went on and one that all but quit on the WCiMFH late in the 2009 and 2010 seasons. There could be no greater example of the difference between the two coaching staffs. GN&GL
DonAZ
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 3:39 a.m.
"The difference between last year and this year will be beating good teams" Yes, or at least not folding up like a cheap card table. Man ... I am coming to *despise* the former regime. By comparison, they (he) truly was the worst coach of all time. ALL time.
1st Down
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 2:49 a.m.
Nebraska is getting ROLLED in Madison right now... with every game on our schedule going forward WINNABLE...we could be facing undefeated Wisky in the BT Championship game folks.
morris23
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 6:06 a.m.
Yes this is a better team, and they played really well today, but it would get rolled by 3 or 4 touchdowns by Wisconsin, even 8 weeks from now. Let's enjoy each week at a time.
DonAZ
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 3:36 a.m.
Agree ... let's actually win the games to get into the championship before we speak of it. Northwestern -- winnable, but not a gimme. Michigan State -- also winnable, but their D is going to be a serious first test. Iowa -- watch out Illinois -- showing signs of winning tough games Nebraska -- Wisconsin is *that* good; Nebraska is not that bad. Ohio State -- let's see what they look like with their key players back.
Larry Weisenthal
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 3:30 a.m.
Let's play Sparty first; then maybe talk about Wisky.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 2:21 a.m.
This IS a better 5-0 1) As a team they are getting better every week, especially on the defensive side of the ball. 2) The team makes in-game adjustments offensively and defensively to respond to what the other team is doing. 3) We can kick a field goal (or, in this case, three of 'em) Can't wait to see what else is in the diamond formation with Denard and Devin. You just know that Borges was showing a few cards today to give other defenses more to think about, yet not showing any of the really good stuff he has up his sleave. For a large part of the 2nd half I kept my eye on Hoke--to see what he was doing on the sideline. Some on field coaching--sure, but he was leaving most of that to his Asst. coaches. But he was constanly writing things on his clipboard--I'm sure he was taking notes about the "coachable moments" for every player on the field, from the obvious ones we armchair QBs saw to the subtle ones most of us missed. This guy can flat out coach. This is Michigan, for God's sake! Good Night and Good Luck
jcj
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.
ERMG Could not agree more. I think the thing that will make the most difference down the road is point number 3. Now we can kick a field goal ( or 3)!
DonAZ
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 3:37 a.m.
"This guy can flat out coach" Amen. These kids will eat fire and razor blades for this guy. Did you see him post-game today? Not the cursory pat on the back for Jerry Kill or the other players -- long moments of conversation, big bear hugs ... this guy is the real deal and the players are all-in for the guy.
DonAZ
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 1:45 a.m.
I have far more confidence in this year's coaching staff and team than I did last year. I am pretty certain Hoke and staff are making sure there's no complacency settling in on that team. The theme seems to be ever-upward in terms of improvement. No resting on laurels after this game. There'll be some serious tests this year. 12-0? Won't happen. I don't think Michigan has the horsepower to handle Nebraska or Wisconsin. They don't play Wisconsin, but they do play Nebraska. I think Iowa will prove a test. OSU might ... depending on how they respond to MSU loss today. Still ... I am pleased with the way Hoke is managing this team and this year. Many, many things to be pleased with.