The Michigan defense continues to struggle, allowing big plays and big days
Michigan State running back Le'Veon Bell outruns Michigan's Cameron Gordon to the end zone for a 41-yard touchdown run in the second quarter Saturday. The Spartans rushed for 249 yards and had 536 total yards in a 34-17 win.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
Main Street was packed, cars honking, red tail lights glowing in the late-afternoon sun as maize-clad fans walked dejectedly down side streets behind Michigan Stadium.
Four minutes remained in Michigan State’s 34-17 thrashing of Michigan on Saturday afternoon and Michigan fans had seen enough.
Who could blame them? For six weeks, they have seen the same thing out of Michigan's maligned and often misaligned defense.
A team comes to Ann Arbor or Michigan goes on the road and the opposing offense looks like last year’s New Orleans Saints. Smooth. Efficient. Punishing.
So it makes sense that Michigan State did what Notre Dame and Massachusetts and Indiana had done before - shred the Wolverines for at least 400 yards of total offense.
Notre Dame had 535 yards. UMass had 439 and a week ago, Indiana - the same Hoosiers who were stifled all day by Ohio State on Saturday - tore up Michigan for 568 yards.
This week, Michigan State’s balanced offense resulted in 536 total offensive yards with 287 yards passing and 249 yards rushing.
It begs the obvious, easy question halfway through this 2010 season. Has Michigan improved on defense or have it stagnated?
“That’s kind of an unfair question to say,” said Michigan defensive backs coach Tony Gibson said. “Our kids come to practice and they are trying to get better. We don’t go out there and say stay the same. Our kids are trying to fight and trying to get through it every week. We’re seeing good offenses.
“Michigan State, I thought they were a good football team. They were able to run the ball and set us up with play action. We committed some people to the run and they got us.”
Michigan often had eight players within a few yards of the line of scrimmage to try and contain Michigan State’s run offense. The Spartans gained 249 yards on the ground anyway.
At least Gibson talked. Few others did.
For the third straight week, Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Robinson chose not to speak to the media - although this time at least he said “we’ll see” when asked if he’d talk this coming week. Defensive line coach Bruce Tall declined an interview request, as did cornerback J.T. Floyd and defensive lineman Greg Banks. Linebacker Obi Ezeh saw the media waiting outside the Junge Champions Center, turned around and walked back inside.
The Wolverines couldn’t use exhaustion as an excuse - Michigan’s defense was on the field for a more-normal 68 plays than the 98 it endured against Indiana.
“We are improving,” Michigan sophomore linebacker Craig Roh said. “We’re on the fringe of having a great game. We had some third-and-long situations today. We get to third down and the two runs they broke in the first half, those were the only really big plays that they had.
“We’re close. But we’re still growing.”
Michigan gave up four plays Saturday of 40-plus yards, including a 41-yard pass from Cousins to receiver Mark Dell to give Michigan State a 24-10 lead in the third quarter that helped break the game open.
They allowed them in the air - Cousins to Dell and a flea-flicker for 44 yards - and on the ground - Edwin Baker had a 61-yard touchdown run and Le’Veon Bell had a 41-yard scoring scamper.
“It seemed like we would have guys close to being in position to make plays,” Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said. “We just couldn’t close the gap from a speed standpoint to get there and make the play.”
Big plays are often created - although Rodriguez didn’t see any in these cases - by poor tackling. The Wolverines, who have struggled with tackling for the past two seasons, had double-digit missed tackles again Saturday.
It is something that seems correctable. Roh said Michigan works on tackling in practice.
“We have a couple periods a week of tackling practice,” Roh said. “Taking the correct angles and everything.
“We just need to work on it more.”
Michigan’s defense is improving in one area. The Wolverines’ defensive line put more pressure on Cousins this week than they have against other opponents. But if Mike Martin, Ryan Van Bergen, Jibreel Black or Roh didn’t get to Cousins, the rest of Michigan’s defense struggled.
Time, though, is running out for Michigan to make marked improvement.
“We have to figure it out,” Van Bergen said. “We will figure it out.”
Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2558, by e-mail at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com or follow along on Twitter @mikerothstein
Comments
cutty240
Sun, Oct 10, 2010 : 9:11 p.m.
Greg Robinson is done.That was a terrible hire from the start.I told Dave Birkett that when Rich made the hire last year from the start,he couldn't fire him last year,because that would be 3 DC'S in 3 years.I saw 2 plays on the highlights,where a Michigan player didn't even touch the ball carrier.Whats up with that.Just need to regroup,but the bloom my be off the rose.See what happens this week.Good luck
15crown00
Sun, Oct 10, 2010 : 11:51 a.m.
this whole YELLOW and BLUE outfit as well as their ARROGANT fans are pathetic. they talk the talk when they win but when they get WHIPPED they are nowhere to be found. Rich Rod is a JOKE.A disgrace to all of those that came before him.
scotty
Sun, Oct 10, 2010 : 10:35 a.m.
The comments from Tony Gibson are useless. " unfair question?" Improving? missed tackles, clearly missed coverages. At least admit that you have serious issues, the Michigan fans are not morons, we see what we see, it is what it is, poor defense, poor tackling and poor coaching. Ok there are numerous freshman...we know that but obviously something is missing. The defense is cleary not improving, the same mistakes are happening. There are some fairly potent offenses coming to A squared soon. Please do not BS the fans that the defense is improving. When you can hold any of the 3 incoming teams to under 350 yds offence then we may believe you. But in the meantime....do not tell us the D is improving. It insults our intelligence. We know the difference.
lawrencelaundry
Sun, Oct 10, 2010 : 9:04 a.m.
Grear coaches coach up their players period. Just look at alabama, they returned 2 starters this yr and they still are dominant. Yes, they lost yesterday, but big deal.
Richard
Sun, Oct 10, 2010 : 7:31 a.m.
Ijust hope this is not the start of a repeat from last year. Remember 5-1, then 5-2,5-3, and so on to 5-7. I have said right along, I am not a coach, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know the Wolverine Defense STINKS except for Jordan Kovacs. If Michigan is to rebound,they better put the DEFENSE behind closed doors this week until Iowa and make them watch film after film showing them how stupid they look. There is no reason for them to be acting like junior high players. Again, is it the Defense Coordinator's fault, yes to some degree. It is not Rich Rodgriguez's fault, so come on Defense give Denard some help. If you want to go to a post season game, show the faithful fans that you are for real then get out and play like college players. I could have cried when I saw that score, then the replays. Oh my! Maybe Michigan should leave the Big Ten and join the Mid American or Big East.
lawrencelaundry
Sun, Oct 10, 2010 : 7:21 a.m.
Grear coaches coach up their players period. Just look at alabama, they returned 2 starters this yr and they still are dominant. Yes, they lost yesterday, but big deal.
DickRod
Sun, Oct 10, 2010 : 5:45 a.m.
Quote from Rich Rodriguez: the cockroaches are still around, we have just turned on the light! Does this means that all UofM fans are cockroaches? RR forever baby!!!!
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Oct 10, 2010 : 2:37 a.m.
Wanted to post Michigan's rankings in the 120-school FBS after six weeks... OFFENSE Points Scored - 37.3 (14th) Rushes - 47.3 (16th) Rushing Yards - 297.3 (6th) Yards per Carry - 6.81 (2nd) Pass Completions - 17.3 (71st - tie) Pass Attempts - 24.7 (96th) Completion Percentage - 70.3 (6th) Passing Yards - 236.3 (46th) Yards per Catch - 13.63 (21st) Yards per Pass Attempt - 9.58 (8th) Total Yards - 533.7 (3rd) Yards per Play - 7.81 (2nd) Turnover Margin - +1 (49th - tie) DEFENSE (sorry guys) Points Allowed - 26.8 (75th) Rushes - 35.7 (53rd - tie) Rushing Yards - 146.3 (55th) Yards per Carry - 4.10 (60th) Pass Completions - 24.0 (114th) Pass Attempts - 38.7 (113th) Completion Percentage - 62.1 (90th) Passing Yards - 304.3 (119th) - Tulsa dropped to 120th Yards per Catch - 12.68 (87th) Yards per Pass Attempt - 7.87 (99th) Total Yards - 450.7 (112th) Yards per Play - 6.06 (97th) Strength of Schedule 85th so far 14th in games remaining 46th overall
XTR
Sun, Oct 10, 2010 : 2:06 a.m.
Rich Rod was outcoached too at the offense. When they boxed up Denard who cannot run and was being intercepted, Rod never had a plan B. His high octane offense sputtered. The defense allowing 30 plus points does not matter that much if his offense scored 40 plus. It's been 3 years losing to MSU and probably to OSU with Rod's style and players. UM is going downhill.
lawrencelaundry
Sun, Oct 10, 2010 : 1:51 a.m.
I agree. The coaching decisions all around are terrible. 6 min left, let's punt the ball ya moron. I have never seen a coach with all timeouts just give up like that. How many wins would we have if denard played for someone else. Two. And big Will, had he.played.from the beginning of the yr he'd be wipped into shape by now and mike martin wouldn't see as many double teams. Mike martin and drob the best players on the team. The entire defensive coaching staff exspecially GERG AND GIBSON need to pack up. We'll be lucky to see 2 more wins giving up 500+ yrds a game to anyone. Yes, Denard threw 3 picks but sometimes u can't rely on him to win every game. Halftime adjustments would have told me to.let Denard do what he does best, and that's run the ball more and throw short passes. But our coaching staff does not know how to do that. Unbelievable. These coaches can't coach up anyone. How do these little schoolslike umass and app state tcu etc do so well. The secret is being coached up to perform better than your talent level. great coaches. LikeSaban and Meter win championship s in their 3rd yr go blue
3 And Out
Sun, Oct 10, 2010 : 12:38 a.m.
Gibson is a joke...total lackey and RR suck up Ive been saying that for 3 years in case anyones been paying attention...I played safety DI... and to watch this abomination of a "d back" coach try to do his job has been excruciating...and now to read his CYA drivel when asked to a legitimate question by Michael Rothstein? gimme a break... go south with Rich Rod to whatever little school you end up at Gibby.
heartbreakM
Sat, Oct 9, 2010 : 11:34 p.m.
Gibson's quotes are in the mold of RR. No wonder RR is so loyal. What's unfair about asking if there is improvement? How about saying, we are not doing a good enough job coaching them and we have to continue to do better. What is so difficult at UM that does not exist at ALL other programs in Division I football? We have bottomed out, and faced UConn, ND, Mass, IU, Bowling Green--all bottom half teams in BCS, and we are dead last?? Do we really have the worst players? That's not what the recruiting gurus say. What is the common denominator here in the last 3 years? Oh yeah, coaching. Gibson: "We are seeing good offenses". Well, IU threw for 100 yards today and scored 10 points vs. OSU. Hmmmm. UMass is FCS and should not even be on the schedule. Bowling Green? Huh? Pathetic!!
newe82
Sat, Oct 9, 2010 : 10:36 p.m.
Wow this team is bad. The 5-0 start was all smoke and mirrors. To watch UM give up like they did is just sad. I think this years defense is worse than the previous two years. How was UM favored in this game? MSU was clearly the better team in all three phases of the game. Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio State are automatic losses. OSU and Iowa are going to put a big time beat down on this team. Illinois and Purdue will most likely eek out wins, so that leaves Penn State on the road. Cross your fingers for 6-6 and RR is shown the door at the end of the year. End this nightmare or it will continue for as long as this guy is at UM. Pathetic!!!!
Yelmonian
Sat, Oct 9, 2010 : 9:58 p.m.
Barns Lowly team? You are very gracious in losing....
Sean T.
Sat, Oct 9, 2010 : 9:36 p.m.
Big Will Campbell played after Martin left the game and he looked very sluggish. Maybe he's not in shape or something.
3 And Out
Sat, Oct 9, 2010 : 9:19 p.m.
good point what is up with Big Will? cant they coach him up or does he just not work hard? Hankins is already on the field at OSU...geeze sooner or later you wonder...its sad seeing Greg Banks getting pushed around in there all the time and Martin may be injured now....gonna need Big Will
Yelmonian
Sat, Oct 9, 2010 : 9:07 p.m.
Did RR say he couldn't close the gap speed wise? Isn't that the entire reason he's at UM... because he likes speed. And aren't the Spartans supposed to be an antiquated lumbering slow squad.... at least according to posters like tater? RR sure is good at excuses.
Howard the Duck
Sat, Oct 9, 2010 : 9:01 p.m.
This is so cool!
Jaxon5
Sat, Oct 9, 2010 : 8:46 p.m.
I thought it was a fair question to ask Gibson, Mike. Is the defense getting better in his mind or not? Those were good quotes from some players who believe they are close to having a good game. That is somewhat encouraging. The discouraging thing is we are halfway through the season, and there is limited time left to "figure it out". MSU has figured it out and will go on to have a great season. Michigan... not sure at all. This season is starting to look ominously like the last one.
3 And Out
Sat, Oct 9, 2010 : 8:44 p.m.
Its really sad when the key people in our program run and hide and refuse to talk when under pressure....then again what can they say? 3 worst defenses in 131 years of Michigan football...all under Rich Rodriguez, a coach who only cares about his pet finesse offensive side of the ball.