So what? 09.11.2009

Some thoughts on Michigan.

I don’t have much to say this week other than to report on some thoughts on the Nevada game, as well as a few comments about our hated Michigan Wolverines.

Against Nevada, what we saw of the running game wasn’t too bad. I actually believe the spoiler for the Notre Dame running attack was Michael Floyd making that part of the game unnecessary. His success after the catch was sensational! It was second only to his forcing the catch from his defender! Great job, Mr. Floyd.

In addition, I saw misdirection plays, a little trickery, two-back sets (meaning the use of the FB, not two tailbacks), and multiple ball carriers, all of whom succeeded in their effort including going for it on fourth down.

Defensively, the team did perform well. Of course, they shut-out the returning top Nevada offense. They kept the passing game to out routes that sometimes weren’t very accurate. When they tried the middle, they found Kyle McCarthy. However, ND’s defense gave up too many ground yards up the middle. This can be corrected, however.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, the ND vs. Michigan games always seem to never go as anyone expects. Usually the games are low scoring (when both teams are competitive at least) and what happened last week isn’t all that relevant. But I like ND’s chances tomorrow.

Michigan did not score points in the second half. How is that possible, at home against Western Michigan? Tate Forcier is a freshman quarterback. He played well last week, but didn’t throw the ball very much. This UM team is run dependent, so far and I don’t expect that to change in a week’s time. I think he and Corwin Brown will keep the secondary as a four unit and plug seven up front. Why not? Ian Williams and Ethan Johnson need to have a big game. Based on last week, spread or no spread, when UM runs, they need to exploit the middle of ND’s line.

In passing situations, I expect John Tenuta will be blitzing around the end as often as possible. Michigan will need to have an effective passing game to win this week. However, between the two of them, I don’t think UM will bring enough to the table to beat ND even at home.

Rest the souls of those who died in the violent attack against our nation eight years ago today.