Let's see more of this guy on offense . . . Roman Wilson. It's only on three total receptions, but this guy has 107 yards and 2 touchdowns. One touchdown was a 61-yard catch-and-run bubble screen against Colorado State, and the other was a 42-yard bomb against Hawaii. Good things happen when you run a 4.37 forty and have ball skills. He's already playing quite a bit, but the speed and big play ability are really enticing.
Hit the jump for more.
Let's see less of this guy on offense . . . Giovanni El-Hadi. This is twice in two games against cupcakes that El-Hadi has had to make an appearance as a backup. It would be nice to get everyone healthy. The first week it was Ryan Hayes and Karsen Barnhart getting banged up, forcing Trevor Keegan from LG to LT and El-Hadi in at LG. This week Hayes was back, but Keegan left temporarily and was replaced by El-Hadi. It would be nice to see everyone healthy together, but I guess I'd rather see backups play now and get/keep guys healthy for the Big Ten slate.
Let's see more of this guy on defense . . . Jaydon Hood. I'm not going to call for any backup linebackers to get on the field. The defense hasn't really been challenged. But I like what I saw on Saturday from Hood, who showed some good speed and physicality in the win. Altogether, he made 3 tackles and 1 pass breakup in the first extended time of his career.
Let's see less of this guy on defense . . . nobody. I'm pretty satisfied with the rotations and playing time so far.
Play of the game . . . J.J. McCarthy to Donovan Edwards. In the second quarter, Michigan lined up running back Donovan Edwards as an outside receiver, where he was followed by a linebacker in man coverage. That's the mismatch you want to see on offense, so Edwards ran a fade route. McCarthy went ahead and chucked it, and Edwards made a leaping 33-yard reception and came down on the 1-yard line. It was an impressive display from both McCarthy and Edwards and shows what a weapon Edwards can be in the passing game.
MVP of the game . . . J.J. McCarthy. This one is obvious. McCarthy finished 11/12 for 229 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. He also ran 1 time for 16 yards. The offense seemed to have a lot more juice with McCarthy behind center, and obviously, the fans have really embraced him. He has been, after all, the most popular man on the team: the backup quarterback.
I was looking for where someone said Roman Wilson is the best WR on the team. Can't find it. But yeah, it looks like the offense will be more explosive, and high scoring. That's great for the defense. They can go off on the other teams QB more.
ReplyDeleteI don't want it left unsaid, Cade McNamara is really, really valuable to the team. He would be gold coming off the bench if McCarthy gets injured. He'll be gone next year.
I'm liking junior colson so far ... but yeah, Hood is flashing
DeleteLet's see less of this guy...whoever decided this non-conference schedule was a good idea. I know COVID caused some schedule chaos but that wasn't just a Michigan problem. Find something that works so we aren't subjected to a month of tomato cans. How much more fun would it have been to play ND or UCLA.
ReplyDeletePlus now we've got people getting overheated about this team - no the DL is not anything like 2016, sorry if Hawaii gave you that idea, but no.
Let's see more of ... the entire 2nd team. Michigan should bench every returning starter on Saturday and let the kids grow up.
Big questions yet to be answered:
ReplyDelete(a) Will Michigan's receivers be able to get separation against better defenses?
(b) Against stronger defenses, will the OL provide time for McCarthy to operate?
(c) When pressured, will McCarthy try to force things?
(d) Is Michigan's run game strong enough to move the chains when needed?
A is a yes since we seen it before. Otherwise, ask again after Iowa
DeleteNo preview? Oh well, lousy OOC ... I'm gonna say good guys, 48-10
ReplyDelete