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| Devin Gardner |
Defensive Player of the Midseason: Blake Countess, CB. Receivers have beaten Countess a couple times over the top, but unfortunately for them, the quarterback hasn't been able to hit them. Regardless, Countess is bouncing between cornerback and slot corner fairly well, coming in fifth in total tackles (27) with 2 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, and 3 more pass breakups; one of those picks was returned 72 yards for a touchdown against Minnesota.
MVP of the Midseason: Taylor Lewan, OT. Aside from being an outstanding pass blocker, Lewan has been a stellar run blocker as well. Of course, it doesn't show in the rushing statistics. But Michigan tries to run off left tackle or flip Lewan to the right side if they want to go right. The guy is tough and works hard, and I think his mentality helps the team almost as much as his physical skills.
Rookie of the Midseason: Jake Butt, TE.No freshmen are making a huge impact at this point, but tight end Jake Butt is quietly having a solid debut season with 7 receptions for 67 yards and some solid blocking. He has shown some nice body control in catching some low passes, but he probably has a couple jump ball-type passes he would like to have another chance to catch.
Coach of the Midseason: Mark Smith, linebackers coach. The linebackers might be the strongest unit on the team. Weakside linebacker James Ross leads the team with 50 tackles and has 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. Middle linebacker Desmond Morgan is second on the team with 47 tackles, adding 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 2 pass breakups. Morgan turned in a spectacular one-handed interception and 29-yard return against UConn. Meanwhile, converted defensive end Brennen Beyer (18 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks) has been splitting time with Cam Gordon (15 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks) at SAM linebacker while Jake Ryan (5 tackles, 1 tackle for loss) has been returning from his ACL tear. The SAM trio has combined for 31 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, which are some pretty good numbers for the position.
Disappointing Player of the Midseason: Devin Gardner, QB. The hype for Gardner was off the charts in the off-season, with coaches, analysts, and players talking about how good he was going to be. At times Gardner has looked excellent (against Notre Dame, second half against Penn State, flashes in every game), but overall, the numbers and ball security have been unimpressive. With 10 interceptions and numerous fumbles after just six games, he's been extremely frustrating to watch if you're a Michigan fan.
Disappointing Coach of the Midseason: Al Borges, offensive coordinator. Borges, who doubles as the quarterbacks coach, has lacked creativity in his play calling recently. The Penn State game was extremely vanilla except for some odd unbalanced formations that included using poor blocking tight end A.J. Williams as a left tackle and generally running to the strength in some very obvious formations and situations. Borges has struggled to make his quarterback comfortable, and that has resulted in turnover after turnover. Overall, the team is averaging just 4.2 yards/carry, even though the most consistent rusher (Gardner) averages 5.5 yards/pop. Michigan's scoring average is good enough for #11 in the country, but the sky would be the limit if they had a consistent running threat aside from Gardner.
Game of the Midseason: Penn State. Michigan is yet to have a completely dominating performance where both the offense and the defense clicked. I refuse to choose the 59-9 win against Central Michigan, since both the starting running back and starting quarterback for the Chippewas were injured early in the game. The Penn State game was exciting for lots of wrong reasons (overtimes, missed field goals, blocked field goals, interceptions, big plays, etc.), but it was nonetheless exciting. Michigan lost 43-40 in four overtimes, unfortunately.
Play of the Midseason: Desmond Morgan's interception against UConn. Quite possibly the most exciting play of the year was Desmond Morgan's one-handed pick against the Connecticut Huskies. He got depth to get underneath a post route, leaped up, and pulled the ball down with his right hand. A 29-yard return ensued in which he showed some nice vision, if not some decent speed for a MIKE linebacker.
Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteIn perfect testament to the roller coster that has been the 2013 season, Devin Gardner wins the Offensive Player of the Midseason and Disappointing Player of the Midseason which might also have been dubbed, offensive player of the midseason.
I can think of a couple guys around here who likely hold a different opinion on that Disappointing Coach thing.
Hahahaha. Yeah I'd say D. Funk is the most disappointing coach of our staff. In any case thunder's posts are entertaining and insightful as usual. I'd also go with Frank Clark's fumble recovery and return as the most exciting play as well. Ah I am glad the team has 2 weeks to practice and scheme on beating Michigan State, but the bye week always saddens me. Anyway, GO BLUE
DeleteInterceptions seem way up this season compared to last. Is that a result of better athletes out there or better coaching? Can't be a result of more QB pressure.
ReplyDeleteIt probably can be a result of more QB pressure. I think I read where Michigan had 9 sacks at this point last year, and this year we have 16. Plus we basically traded Jordan Kovacs (not much of a coverage guy) for Jarrod Wilson (not great but a little more athletic) and then JT Floyd (0 picks) for Blake Countess (4 picks already).
DeleteIt absolutely is because of QB pressure. Many times I saw Gardner running for his life as soon as the ball snapped due to the swiss cheese O-line. Even McCarron would rack up interceptions under such circumstances.
DeleteGood points on the Mark Smith thing, but doesn't Roy Manning coach the SAMs?
ReplyDeleteI think these are mostly on point, but I’d flip the awards for Lewan and Gardner.
ReplyDeletePeople get on DG for the turnovers, but should appreciate the circumstances. Any QB is challenged with poor OL play and no consistent run game to help him. In my eyes, what Gardner has done has been amazing. With Morris playing in his place, we’re probably sitting at 2-5. You can win with a bad OL or a bad QB, but not both.
I can not fathom how anyone would be disappointed with what Gardner has done. The turnovers have not been good, but he is asked to carry the offense and has mostly been spectacular. I don’t think there is a QB in the nation who would have done better under the circumstances. Perhaps someone like Bridgewater or Winston, but those guys are in more stable situations so it's hard to say.
Lewan has been an excellent player, but the bottom-line is that the OL is a unit that has not been good.
Gallon deserves runner-up for consistent excellence.
I think Butt’s impact has been enormous, if for no other reason than it has enabled Funchess to be better utilized as a WR. There’s been a domino effect as a result, freeing up Gallon for his monster day as the defense focused on Funchess.
The most disappointing player, to me, is Kyle Kalis. I was skeptical of the hype train but didn’t think he’d lose his job. A converted tackle, undersized walk-on, and now a true freshman are being given starting OG jobs while he’s been relegated to a backup role. Ouch.
Cam Gordon gets it on defense for not elevating his game to impact-player level.
‘Over-hyped’ award: mostly freshman: Thomas, Green, Smith, Charlton but also Clark, Miller, Kalis, Braden, Hollowell.
‘Under-hyped’: Gallon (again), Glasgow (who was pretty hyped), Butt, Paskorz, Magnuson, Henry, Black, Beyer, Lewis and Stribling.
Agree with the LB coach deserving some praise. Ross may not yet be the playmaker fans are expecting, but he has still been solid. I think Morgan is underrated and Beyer has looked decent for a guy playing out of position. They have had to deal with young DT's getting pushed around a bit and DE's getting reached in front of them. Overall, these guys look like a well-coached group.
ReplyDeleteThe DB coach also deserves some credit for settling Wilson in and developing good tacklers. For the first 4-5 games, I thought this was the best tackling DB group in a long time.
Wilson is certainly coming along, but other guys in the secondary have been shaky in so many occasions. I am a bit disappointed with the group.
DeleteThe author of the article is reaching for his criticism of Al Borges. It's Al's fault. Follow the logic. Look at the Penn State game. Ok. Is the author talking about the 1st half which had 2 int's where at least 1 of them was in the shotgun or 'T' formation. Wasn't UM down at halftime and if I recall correctly moved the ball relatively well in the 2nd half. Hoke (Headcoach) makes the decision to play for the percentages and somehow it's Al's fault?
ReplyDeleteIt's always the same thing with some fans. Team loses..blame the OC or DC. It's standard operating procedure. The author not any other fan can take any play out of context and say 'It didn't work' rather than look at the players and the game situation and a qb who hasn't particulary well on the road.
It's so disappointing to see this routine. I can't bet you dollars to donuts that when UM loses the next game it will all be Al's fault.
The problem is not one game for me with Borges. It is that he consistently is not able to (1) adjust well mid-game to what defenses are showing, even stating that he "doesn't like to get into a chess match", (2) fails to get easy yards and take pressure off his QB and get his playmakers the ball by throwing WR and RB screens that used to be a staple of the UM Pro Style offense, and (3) doesn't equip his offense with the ability to adjust at the line.
DeleteI understand your concern, but nobody's perfect and he also showed me some great game plan and adjustment in certain games. The game vs. South Carolina was very well-planned, and I also really liked the 2011 Neb game. Not much the OC can do if your O-line isn't working. I am very skeptical about Funk and want him gone, but with Borges I think we gotta give him a little more time. 10+ wins are expected in 2014 and 2015, and he better deliver them. There will be no excuse at that point with the depth chart and "their recruits" filling up the team.
DeleteImagine how improved this team will be next year. On offense and defense this team is returning 16 starters, and we'll get to see year 2 and a half of Devin Gardner, who I assume will be very good. We'll also see a Taco Charlton ready to be apart of Michigan's D-line rotation, our running back for the next three years at a better level (Derrick Green), and a Blake Countess who will be improved as well. Also think about the recruits we're adding. This team is getting a very good depth chart, and I think that next year is the year that Michigan is officially back, and really is talented.
ReplyDeleteThunder, what do you think of Da'shawn Hand? Almost every analyst is saying that Hand is going to Michigan. How big of an impact do you think he'll have if he commits? Is Hand one of the best prospects you've seen in the modern recruiting era?
Well, I'm not thunder but let me jump in the discussion. I think the team will be pretty good, at least a lot better than this year's team. Gardner (who I am hoping to have returned, but college athletes have done dumber things) will be in his 5th year, many young players (as you mentioned, someone like Charlton) will have another year under their belts, and so on. Green has the potential to be a lot better than Fitz, and the O-line will be better even with the loss of the two seniors with 2012 and 2013 recruits maturing.
DeleteWith that said, I think the 2015 season could be the special season. Morris and Speight will be junior and sophomore (read serviceable), and the vaunted 2012 and 2013 recruits will have matured into serviceable players and the team depth chart will have little issues. And yes we will also have Peppers, Hand, etc.
I think D. Hand is pretty much a lock for us, although stranger things have happened. I am even more excited for Peppers. I know it is premature, but his athletic abilities are really something.
Regarding next year: I'm not sure we'll be better offensively. Lewan, Schofield, Gallon and Toussaint will be BADLY missed. Gardner will keep working magic, but the OL will be worse. Green is not as good as Toussaint, that is obvious. He needs more from the OL and likely won't get it. The TEs should be the biggest improvement area, but I thought that this year too.
DeleteAlso, Gardner could still turn pro, no matter how many Michigan fans don't think he's done enough to prove it.
The defense should take a step up and approach dominance if Pipkins can get healthy and replace Q. Not sure where Taco will fit in, especially if Hand and/or McDowell sign on. Someone's going to have to move to SDE, but everyone is back there too...
The unfortunate thing about 2014 is that the schedule is rather road-heavy with @MSU, @ND, and @OSU in the same year.
Lewan, Schofield, Gallon, and Toussaint will def be missed, but I think the 2012 and 2013 recruits can fill in for them with another year in the system. Remember, Gallon in his 2nd and 3rd year was an average player. Gardner in 2011 made so many mistakes. Lewan also did not become the dominant player that he is until in his 3rd and 4th year. What I am saying is that most first and second year players just aren't going to be that good despite the obvious potential. I see the team taking a step forward with the 2012 and 2013 recruits mature into their roles in the team.
DeleteWhile it is true that future NFL players like Lewan, Gardner, Toussaint, and Gallon are not their fully realized selves as 2nd year players, it is also true that most players are not NFL players. So, certainly SOME of the '12 and '13 recruits will step up with big improvements in 2014. I can see that for guys like Kalis, Bosch, Butt and Chesson. However, we need 5 OLmen to go from bad or unplayable (or in Glasgow's case 'not bad') to good. That ain't happening all at once. All we can hope for is averting disaster and having Gardner keep working his magic.
DeleteIn general, depth + talent + experience usually goes well, but Michigan will still be too far on the inexperience curve to have a good OL and that will hold guys like Smith and Green back. That said we have a group of guys who should be serviceable. Kalis, Bosch, Glasgow, Magnuson have all shown they have some ability and therefore we should have 3-4 decent starters out of that group. A couple RS Freshman should step up to be playable, but it'll be similar to this year's learning-as-we-go circumstances...without a top 10 NFL pick like Lewan that is.
Yeah we will have to see. Some of what you're saying is why I am pegging 2015 as the real special year -- 2015 is the year when 2012 and 2013 recruits will have matured into their full form, while some issues that we are seeing now may linger into 2014. There ought to be no excuses by 2015. Hoke better be delivering 10+ win seasons on a constant basis.
DeleteI don't think Hand is one of the best prospects in the modern recruiting era. I do think that Michigan leads for him, and he will probably commit here in the end. And I do think he's a good player. But one of the best? Nah. He's not a physical freak like Jadeveon Clowney and some other guys who have come out. He should be very good but without eye-popping numbers.
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ReplyDeleteSo I take it you didn't get my earlier post? Aww shucks. The synopsis was how well I think the team will be next year, returing 16 offensive and defensive players. And I wanted to ask you Thunder, what do stands out to you about the c/o 2013 OL recruits? I really like them, especially Daivd Dawson, LTT, and Chris Fox. And how good do you think Da'shawn Hand will be, and assuming he commits to U of M, do you think he'll start next year? And is he one of the best recruits you've seen in the modern recruiting era?
ReplyDeleteI think the team will be pretty good in 2014. We don't lose a lot defensively, and the offensive line might not be great (absent Taylor Lewan) but it should return some experienced interior guys as well as a couple guys who have played extensively but bump out to tackle (like Erik Magnuson).
DeleteI really like Chris Fox and Kyle Bosch. I'm not so high on Dawson and I'm iffy on Tuley-Tillman.
I do think it's possible that Hand could start next year because Keith Heitzman isn't lighting the world on fire, but Hand will probably be more of a rotation guy. He won't be able to dominate guys physically like he did in high school.