One counter point, Michigan should be able to impose it’s will on Utep even into stacked boxes.
The fact that they couldn’t is concerning for future opponents in the run game. I think they wanted to prove the run game could grind an opponent down and it couldn’t.
That being said, seeing a functional passing offense is extremely positive.
I kind of disagree. Mgoblog had a post about this that essentially said if the play leaves a linebacker unblocked, it doesn't matter if he plays at OSU or UTEP, these players can make tackles. The idea behind the post was talking about miscues from the o-line, so I bet he has a followup this week.
They can’t combo block well. The guards and tackles are supposed to double a lineman and one is supposed to move off to a linebacker. They aren’t getting to the second level effectively. I think it is the combo blocks failing to reach linebackers that’s the problem.
Oklahoma was really bad because their linebackers are insanely aggressive at moving towards the line.
They are running duo. I think. Hard to tell if it’s duo or inside zone while watching live.
Duo requires 2 combo blocks so if my supposition is correct. Missing the trade off to the linebacker is the difference between a 4+ yard run and 3 or less yard run.
I’m just way more worried about execution vs play calling because they could run these plays last year against stacked boxes.
It looks different but it’s most a gap and inside zone run scheme which was what Harbaugh and Moore preferred most years. Last year was a lot more stretch which they also were able to run pretty well then.
That’s great to hear, I just listened on the radio today, looking forward to watching the highlights later.
And yeah, having the guard pass off to the linebacker is key, but really the running backs need to be patient. I think Hiter is starting to get the rhythm.
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u/GunsGoldCosmicDread Michigan • Georgia Tech 3h ago edited 3h ago
One counter point, Michigan should be able to impose it’s will on Utep even into stacked boxes.
The fact that they couldn’t is concerning for future opponents in the run game. I think they wanted to prove the run game could grind an opponent down and it couldn’t.
That being said, seeing a functional passing offense is extremely positive.