Wednesday practice update: Tate Forcier getting better, coaches alter David Moosman's snapping
Tate Forcier's sore throwing shoulder is healing fine and he should start Saturday when 22nd-ranked Michigan visits rival Michigan State, Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said Wednesday.
Forcier was limited in practice Monday and Tuesday, but Rodriguez said Forcier would practice without conditions Wednesday. Practice was closed to the media.
"I fully expect him to be ready to go and do everything" on Saturday, Rodriguez said.
Forcier injured his shoulder in the fourth quarter of last week's come-from-behind win over Indiana. He left briefly on the Wolverines' game-winning touchdown drive, but returned to throw the go-ahead scoring pass to Martavious Odoms.
He was not made available to the media this week.
Safety Mike Williams will play against MSU after missing the Indiana game with a sprained ankle, Rodriguez said.
Corner blitz Rodriguez said he still hasn't decided if Boubacar Cissoko or J.T. Floyd will start at right cornerback opposite Donovan Warren.
Cissoko, a sophomore, has started the first four games, but was benched late in the first quarter last week after allowing several big pass plays. Floyd, a redshirt freshman, played well in Cissoko's absence, making four tackles.
Michigan State leads the Big Ten in passing offense at 320.8 yards per game.
"It may be a game-time decision," Rodriguez said of who starts. "It really depends on the next couple days."
Rodriguez said true freshman J.T. Turner still could find his way into the playing group, too. Turner, the second-highest-ranked prospect in Michigan's 2009 recruiting class according to Rivals.com, has not played this year.
Snap judgment Coaches worked with de-facto center David Moosman on his snapping technique this week, altering how he stands over the ball.
Moosman moved from guard to center last week in place of the injured David Molk, and had several errant snaps. Molk is expected to miss another month with a broken foot.
"David’s very, very conscientious, almost to a fault," Rodriguez said. "He’ll get it fixed."
Prying eyes Michigan won't have a full walk-through Friday when it arrives in East Lansing for its first road game of the season, but Rodriguez said he'll take his players to the stadium so they can see where they'll warm up, where their bench is and what the grass playing surface feels like.
"We may go and walk around the stadium, but you’re not going to do anything because even though the stadium might be empty there might be somebody peeking through a window," Rodriguez said. "They can see the locker rooms and maybe do the little Hoosiers thing that it is 100 yards and 53-and-some wide."
Comments
Txmaizenblue
Thu, Oct 1, 2009 : 6:37 p.m.
I'd like to see Koger get more involved with the offense this week
sadSam
Thu, Oct 1, 2009 : 12:25 p.m.
Greg Robinson will have the defense ready for their biggest test of this early Big 10 season. They have stepped up in key situations during all four of the wins. Sure our defense has given up those big plays, but they have an opportunity and the ability to make this a statement game at Spartan Stadium. LET"S GO MEEEECHIGAN!
A2D2
Thu, Oct 1, 2009 : 11:23 a.m.
Our corners are suspect, and on the Big 10 netwrok last night, one talking head said (with a straight face, no seriously, with a straight face!!)that K. Cousins from MSU is the best QB in the Big 10.. What does all that mean? Probably that Cousins will throw 3 picks, go 12-27 for 123 yards, and Blue wins 34-10.. But hey, I could be wrong......
blue
Thu, Oct 1, 2009 : 8:58 a.m.
I believe it's Justin Turner, not J.T.
NC Wolverine 20
Wed, Sep 30, 2009 : 7:52 p.m.
The good news is that MSU's secondary is (also) suspect. Should be an exciting shootout. I'd give the edge to Tate/Denard over Kirk/Keith if it comes to which offense can out score the other.
wersch213
Wed, Sep 30, 2009 : 6:40 p.m.
It is good to hear that Forcier is healing and should be able to play effectively. He does need to make better decisions about protecting himself. If the defense can allow the offense to jump out to an early lead then Denard should be able to protect the lead and possible add a touchdown or two. This team has risen to the occasion and I have no doubts that this will be the most complete game they play so far this year. There should be a nice contingent of UM fans and that always helps. Michigan has more leadership and poise in the crucial moments of the games this season. I believe that UM will take the day 42 - 23. * If they can't jump out to an ealry 10 - 14 point lead then it could get exciting at the end, but I still give the edge to UM...GO BLUE