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My Take: Michigan Game FWIW

  • Defensively, I think our game plan is sound. To the naked eye it will look very similar to that of the NW game. Dig a little deeper and I don't believe you will see the same thing. I think you will see more of a cover 1 look coming from either safety both of whom will be in the box to start. A lot more bracket coverage as opposed to straight man. And NO 2 GAPPING but instead 1 gap defense.

    Offensively, with Rex out I expect to see a few more wrinkles. Wouldn't be surprised to see some wildcat with Jamaal or possibly Braylon. I also expect to see a few more quick plays, getting the ball to Turner or Bell.

    Michigan will run Dennard a lot and then some more. He may not always have the ball in his hands but will be involved in the run game. I expect more zone read from them than any game they have played thus far.

    I think the defensive game plan is solid on paper. What it doesn't factor in is our abysmal DL play. You can have a great plan but you still need players' to execute it and we don't really have those. We back up that DL with very average LB play. put all of that together and I think it makes for a long day defensively. I predict Dennard will have his best passing game of the year simply because their ability to run on us will open up easy passing opportunities.

    on offense, we will get our yards, but I don't think we will be prolific. Not having Rex is a killer. Our OL is probably worse than our DL and this defense we are playing is very good. Taylor is not good recognizing pressure and is not good under pressure. This D will provide those obstacles. In addition, this isn't NW or Arky St. Our WR won't have the same separation meaning Taylor will have tighter windows to throw into.

    If both teams played there best game, Michigan wins. Now we know that won't happen so you have to look at game changing events. Turnovers, we are awful at creating and great at doing. We have to look at History. We have yet to control a solid running QB. Then you have to look at talent. We top them at WR, RB, and arguably in the secondary. Unfortunately games aren't won there but are won in the trenches and we are no where close to them talent wise on the OL, DL, or at LB

    It's a night game but Michigan will be playing its 4th night game in the last 12 months and we are probably the worst team they are playing or have played under the lights. They won't be intimidated.

    I just don't see how this goes well for us. Hope I am wrong

    Michigan - 37

    Nebraska - 20

    meyerkids

  • meyerkids said...

    Defensively, I think our game plan is sound. To the naked eye it will look very similar to that of the NW game. Dig a little deeper and I don't believe you will see the same thing. I think you will see more of a cover 1 look coming from either safety both of whom will be in the box to start. A lot more bracket coverage as opposed to straight man. And NO 2 GAPPING but instead 1 gap defense.

    Offensively, with Rex out I expect to see a few more wrinkles. Wouldn't be surprised to see some wildcat with Jamaal or possibly Braylon. I also expect to see a few more quick plays, getting the ball to Turner or Bell.

    Michigan will run Dennard a lot and then some more. He may not always have the ball in his hands but will be involved in the run game. I expect more zone read from them than any game they have played thus far.

    I think the defensive game plan is solid on paper. What it doesn't factor in is our abysmal DL play. You can have a great plan but you still need players' to execute it and we don't really have those. We back up that DL with very average LB play. put all of that together and I think it makes for a long day defensively. I predict Dennard will have his best passing game of the year simply because their ability to run on us will open up easy passing opportunities.

    on offense, we will get our yards, but I don't think we will be prolific. Not having Rex is a killer. Our OL is probably worse than our DL and this defense we are playing is very good. Taylor is not good recognizing pressure and is not good under pressure. This D will provide those obstacles. In addition, this isn't NW or Arky St. Our WR won't have the same separation meaning Taylor will have tighter windows to throw into.

    If both teams played there best game, Michigan wins. Now we know that won't happen so you have to look at game changing events. Turnovers, we are awful at creating and great at doing. We have to look at History. We have yet to control a solid running QB. Then you have to look at talent. We top them at WR, RB, and arguably in the secondary. Unfortunately games aren't won there but are won in the trenches and we are no where close to them talent wise on the OL, DL, or at LB

    It's a night game but Michigan will be playing its 4th night game in the last 12 months and we are probably the worst team they are playing or have played under the lights. They won't be intimidated.

    I just don't see how this goes well for us. Hope I am wrong

    Michigan - 37

    Nebraska - 20

    Always appreciate your contributions to the board, mk.

    I think your reasoning is sound.

    In the end it will come down to which team wants this more. The real intangible here is that Michigan seems to be dismissive of the Huskers. That can be their downfall, IF Nebraska can build momentum early and continue to improve during the flow of the game...and want it more, as that's what allowed them to win at NW. If the team and players like wanting it (the win) more than Michigan, they can win this game.

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    ...It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to. W. C. Fields

    Zonie87

  • Wildcat with Braylon is interesting.

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    @Gopher2son247

    Nosfera2son

  • You believe that Michigan is 17 points better than us if both teams play their best? So you believe that Michigan is that much better than NU?

    Kram

  • read the post again, I said that if both teams played their best Michigan would when

    I then said neither team would have that happen.

    I think we are 17 points behind at the end of the game because of our

    History
    turnovers
    and talent on both Lines

    meyerkids

  • Meyerkids. Thanks for your thoughts. Have to agree that don't really see how we can pull this out. Will be there cheering but also am realistic with what i expect. Maybe we can get some turnovers instead of giving them out and have a chance.

    AmesHusker

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    huskerrule

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    nustudent

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    klein12

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    meyerkids

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    klein12

  • meyerkids said...

    Defensively, I think our game plan is sound. To the naked eye it will look very similar to that of the NW game. Dig a little deeper and I don't believe you will see the same thing. I think you will see more of a cover 1 look coming from either safety both of whom will be in the box to start. A lot more bracket coverage as opposed to straight man. And NO 2 GAPPING but instead 1 gap defense.

    Offensively, with Rex out I expect to see a few more wrinkles. Wouldn't be surprised to see some wildcat with Jamaal or possibly Braylon. I also expect to see a few more quick plays, getting the ball to Turner or Bell.

    Michigan will run Dennard a lot and then some more. He may not always have the ball in his hands but will be involved in the run game. I expect more zone read from them than any game they have played thus far.

    I think the defensive game plan is solid on paper. What it doesn't factor in is our abysmal DL play. You can have a great plan but you still need players' to execute it and we don't really have those. We back up that DL with very average LB play. put all of that together and I think it makes for a long day defensively. I predict Dennard will have his best passing game of the year simply because their ability to run on us will open up easy passing opportunities.

    on offense, we will get our yards, but I don't think we will be prolific. Not having Rex is a killer. Our OL is probably worse than our DL and this defense we are playing is very good. Taylor is not good recognizing pressure and is not good under pressure. This D will provide those obstacles. In addition, this isn't NW or Arky St. Our WR won't have the same separation meaning Taylor will have tighter windows to throw into.

    If both teams played there best game, Michigan wins. Now we know that won't happen so you have to look at game changing events. Turnovers, we are awful at creating and great at doing. We have to look at History. We have yet to control a solid running QB. Then you have to look at talent. We top them at WR, RB, and arguably in the secondary. Unfortunately games aren't won there but are won in the trenches and we are no where close to them talent wise on the OL, DL, or at LB

    It's a night game but Michigan will be playing its 4th night game in the last 12 months and we are probably the worst team they are playing or have played under the lights. They won't be intimidated.

    I just don't see how this goes well for us. Hope I am wrong

    Michigan - 37

    Nebraska - 20

    I understand this may not be popular, but in all honesty, I don't see that a healthy Rex helps us that much either way. He hasn't had much of an impact this year in my opinion. I view his season similarly to Crick's last year. Lots of hype, but injuries prevented them from really having any impact. Rex has been able to do more than Crick did, but there is not much to talk about. In addition, Ameer has done what Rex would have, with the exception of fumbling.

    Otherwise, I agree and good to know there are others that accept the reality of this squad until they do something different.

    602Husker

  • 602Husker said...

    I understand this may not be popular, but in all honesty, I don't see that a healthy Rex helps us that much either way. He hasn't had much of an impact this year in my opinion. I view his season similarly to Crick's last year. Lots of hype, but injuries prevented them from really having any impact. Rex has been able to do more than Crick did, but there is not much to talk about. In addition, Ameer has done what Rex would have, with the exception of fumbling.

    Otherwise, I agree and good to know there are others that accept the reality of this squad until they do something different.

    I think when we had a healthy Rex he did quite alright.

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    @Gopher2son247

    Nosfera2son

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    Husker SF

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    Big Red Phoenix

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    @Gopher2son247

    Nosfera2son

  • meyerkids said...

    Defensively, I think our game plan is sound. To the naked eye it will look very similar to that of the NW game. Dig a little deeper and I don't believe you will see the same thing. I think you will see more of a cover 1 look coming from either safety both of whom will be in the box to start. A lot more bracket coverage as opposed to straight man. And NO 2 GAPPING but instead 1 gap defense.

    Offensively, with Rex out I expect to see a few more wrinkles. Wouldn't be surprised to see some wildcat with Jamaal or possibly Braylon. I also expect to see a few more quick plays, getting the ball to Turner or Bell.

    Michigan will run Dennard a lot and then some more. He may not always have the ball in his hands but will be involved in the run game. I expect more zone read from them than any game they have played thus far.

    I think the defensive game plan is solid on paper. What it doesn't factor in is our abysmal DL play. You can have a great plan but you still need players' to execute it and we don't really have those. We back up that DL with very average LB play. put all of that together and I think it makes for a long day defensively. I predict Dennard will have his best passing game of the year simply because their ability to run on us will open up easy passing opportunities.

    on offense, we will get our yards, but I don't think we will be prolific. Not having Rex is a killer. Our OL is probably worse than our DL and this defense we are playing is very good. Taylor is not good recognizing pressure and is not good under pressure. This D will provide those obstacles. In addition, this isn't NW or Arky St. Our WR won't have the same separation meaning Taylor will have tighter windows to throw into.

    If both teams played there best game, Michigan wins. Now we know that won't happen so you have to look at game changing events. Turnovers, we are awful at creating and great at doing. We have to look at History. We have yet to control a solid running QB. Then you have to look at talent. We top them at WR, RB, and arguably in the secondary. Unfortunately games aren't won there but are won in the trenches and we are no where close to them talent wise on the OL, DL, or at LB

    It's a night game but Michigan will be playing its 4th night game in the last 12 months and we are probably the worst team they are playing or have played under the lights. They won't be intimidated.

    I just don't see how this goes well for us. Hope I am wrong

    Michigan - 37

    Nebraska - 20

    Meyerkids - thanks for your thoughts. I always appreciate your insight. However, I hope you are wrong. Im sure a part of you hopes you're wrong too. Hopefully we can put it together and Michigan stumbles. Thanks again

    roseyloper

  • A whole lot of me hopes I'm wrong

    meyerkids

  • Nosfera2son said...

    I think when we had a healthy Rex he did quite alright.

    He did, I guess what I am saying is that collectively, I think we could have gotten similar production from the other backs cause he hasn't been what he was the previous years.

    I don't dislike Rex, he is awesome, the injuries have just not allowed him to be himself

    602Husker

  • This will be a game where Taylor will have to carry us if we are to win.

    I was curious as to how Taylor would respond after the blowout loss to the Buckeyes where he was considered by most to be a major factor in the loss.

    When a person is criticized as much as Taylor is, most will perform less well. I fully expected him to have a poor game against Northwestern. Taylor not only played better against Northwestern, he carried the team in spite of its ineptness. I think he emerged from the game as the clear leader of the offense, and he has the confidence of his teammates and the coaching staff. Most importantly he is truly confident in himself and his abilities.

    Taylor has emerged as a true dual threat QB. Last season I thought he was hampered by his injuries and did not run the ball well. His passing was very inconsistent. With the start of the B1G season there has been a noticeable uptick in his aggressiveness/effectiveness in running the ball. His hard work on his passing set up and mechanics , along with his return to health, have made him an effective passer this season. He is particularly good on vertical routes, which he throws with great velocity and accuracy.

    We will clearly have to outscore Michigan (and every other team on our schedule) to beat them. Our front 7 on D lacks talent. So Taylor has to play extremely well for us to win the game.

    I believe that he will pick up where he left off in the Northwestern game. The emergence of Bell, Enunwa and Turner (has come on the last two games) gives him an array of receivers who can make plays from anywhere on the field. I would see him throwing to Bell on deep vertical routes, Turner on shorter vertical routes where he can use his agility to create YAC and Enunwa over the middle. He will avoid the horizontal routes where he is not as effective.

    We will have to score in the forties to win the game, so there is almost no margin for error in Taylor's game. I think he can do it. He is gaining confidence and he is a terrific playmaker. He will put the team on his shoulders and carry them to victory.

    ElCaminoHusker

  • Al Borges, Michigan's OC, has recognized what Denard Robinson truly is and always will be...a running QB. The failed experiment vs Bama and ND will be no more. They will run him and then run him some more.

    A few things:

    1. IF Michigan doesn't start out well, they're in for a long night. That's when the passing starts (Borges can't help himself) and that's when UM really gets itself into trouble, especially on the road..

    2. In the last 2 years, you can't name a good team UM has beaten on the road. Both losses last year (2-2 away in conference play) were on the road (MSU/Iowa) and UM had the easiest schedule in the league, avoiding both Wisconsin & Penn State. They have yet to show they can get it done under Hoke on the road, including this season. That may be Saturday, but it hasn't proven easy for the Wolvies.

    3. Denard Robinson has yet to account for a touchdown, either rushing or passing, in the 4th quarter of a game this entire year. Hope that situation needs to come up Sat.

    On the flip-side...

    1. Nebraska ranks 110th in turnover margin, nationally. Those numbers improve dramatically at home, but look at the Wisconsin game for proof that it can definitely happen. Other teams have made a living off of UM turnovers when Denard is away from home....we don't need to help them out, obviously. I'm not holding my breath.

    2. Special Teams will prove to be big in this game. Denard Robinson has been receiving kicks for UM lately, so that should be interesting with our "horrible" coverage.

    3. Burkhead being out is not good. His presence, leadership and intangibles are important in big time games like these. Tough break to lose him, although I'm excited to not only see Ameer but Braylon Heard is going to get a chance to shine more in this one, I think.

    This one comes down to the trenches (big shocker I know!) and Taylor has to have time to make plays. Michigan's exotic blitzes & alignments are designed very well to bring heat on 3rd downs. They've improved a lot in this regard over the season. They're playing with their hair on fire on 3rd downs, so let's hope our young RB's can pass protect, because they're going to need to do that me thinks...and on defense, our DE's have to actually contain the QB, or else we're toast. If they play PHYSICAL football on the line and feed off the crowd like they did the Wisconsin game...Nebraska wins. If not, this one will snowball in the opposite direction.

    Either Nebraska wins by a small margin or UM wins in a blowout. That's my prediction.

    Nebraska's home game record at night speaks for itself.

    Nebraska 24 Michigan 20

    HuskerJunkie

  • HuskerJunkie said...

    Al Borges, Michigan's OC, has recognized what Denard Robinson truly is and always will be...a running QB. The failed experiment vs Bama and ND will be no more. They will run him and then run him some more.

    A few things:

    1. IF Michigan doesn't start out well, they're in for a long night. That's when the passing starts (Borges can't help himself) and that's when UM really gets itself into trouble, especially on the road..

    2. In the last 2 years, you can't name a good team UM has beaten on the road. Both losses last year (2-2 away in conference play) were on the road (MSU/Iowa) and UM had the easiest schedule in the league, avoiding both Wisconsin & Penn State. They have yet to show they can get it done under Hoke on the road, including this season. That may be Saturday, but it hasn't proven easy for the Wolvies.

    3. Denard Robinson has yet to account for a touchdown, either rushing or passing, in the 4th quarter of a game this entire year. Hope that situation needs to come up Sat.

    On the flip-side...

    1. Nebraska ranks 110th in turnover margin, nationally. Those numbers improve dramatically at home, but look at the Wisconsin game for proof that it can definitely happen. Other teams have made a living off of UM turnovers when Denard is away from home....we don't need to help them out, obviously. I'm not holding my breath.

    2. Special Teams will prove to be big in this game. Denard Robinson has been receiving kicks for UM lately, so that should be interesting with our "horrible" coverage.

    3. Burkhead being out is not good. His presence, leadership and intangibles are important in big time games like these. Tough break to lose him, although I'm excited to not only see Ameer but Braylon Heard is going to get a chance to shine more in this one, I think.

    This one comes down to the trenches (big shocker I know!) and Taylor has to have time to make plays. Michigan's exotic blitzes & alignments are designed very well to bring heat on 3rd downs. They've improved a lot in this regard over the season. They're playing with their hair on fire on 3rd downs, so let's hope our young RB's can pass protect, because they're going to need to do that me thinks...and on defense, our DE's have to actually contain the QB, or else we're toast. If they play PHYSICAL football on the line and feed off the crowd like they did the Wisconsin game...Nebraska wins. If not, this one will snowball in the opposite direction.

    Either Nebraska wins by a small margin or UM wins in a blowout. That's my prediction.

    Nebraska's home game record at night speaks for itself.

    Nebraska 24 Michigan 20

    good stuff here. you know a lot about UM. looks like you have been watching some Michigan games. The only thing you got wrong is denard on special teams. he has only done it once this year; he was on KR one time against michigan state. One week later and we are still trying to figure out why hoke put him out there. I don't know if hoke will do it again. stupid move if he does.

    when the running game doesn't work, borges does quit on the running game and go to the pass; but last week against state, the run was not working and he continued to run all game; so I think borges finally figured it out that he needs to keep running him. I doubt we go back to the pass game for the rest of the season. It took borges a year and a half to figure this out.

    I'm pumped for this game. I'm not making any predictions. all I'm going to say is, to the Nebraska fans that are predicting NU to put up over 35 pts, that's not happening, trust me. I say 25 pts is the limit. for NU to win, they have to hold michigan to under 25. If UM scores in the 30's it's over. UM's defense is no joke. people are disrespecting and underrating UM's defense.

    Should be a great game. It's been 100 years since Michigan played in Nebraska. can't wait. 11 hours to go.

    Wolverines89

  • meyerkids said...

    A whole lot of me hopes I'm wrong

    lol

    Thanks for your contributions mk.

    signature image signature image signature image

    Blitz

  • meyerkids said...

    Defensively, I think our game plan is sound. To the naked eye it will look very similar to that of the NW game. Dig a little deeper and I don't believe you will see the same thing. I think you will see more of a cover 1 look coming from either safety both of whom will be in the box to start. A lot more bracket coverage as opposed to straight man. And NO 2 GAPPING but instead 1 gap defense.

    Offensively, with Rex out I expect to see a few more wrinkles. Wouldn't be surprised to see some wildcat with Jamaal or possibly Braylon. I also expect to see a few more quick plays, getting the ball to Turner or Bell.

    Michigan will run Dennard a lot and then some more. He may not always have the ball in his hands but will be involved in the run game. I expect more zone read from them than any game they have played thus far.

    I think the defensive game plan is solid on paper. What it doesn't factor in is our abysmal DL play. You can have a great plan but you still need players' to execute it and we don't really have those. We back up that DL with very average LB play. put all of that together and I think it makes for a long day defensively. I predict Dennard will have his best passing game of the year simply because their ability to run on us will open up easy passing opportunities.

    on offense, we will get our yards, but I don't think we will be prolific. Not having Rex is a killer. Our OL is probably worse than our DL and this defense we are playing is very good. Taylor is not good recognizing pressure and is not good under pressure. This D will provide those obstacles. In addition, this isn't NW or Arky St. Our WR won't have the same separation meaning Taylor will have tighter windows to throw into.

    If both teams played there best game, Michigan wins. Now we know that won't happen so you have to look at game changing events. Turnovers, we are awful at creating and great at doing. We have to look at History. We have yet to control a solid running QB. Then you have to look at talent. We top them at WR, RB, and arguably in the secondary. Unfortunately games aren't won there but are won in the trenches and we are no where close to them talent wise on the OL, DL, or at LB

    It's a night game but Michigan will be playing its 4th night game in the last 12 months and we are probably the worst team they are playing or have played under the lights. They won't be intimidated.

    I just don't see how this goes well for us. Hope I am wrong

    Michigan - 37

    Nebraska - 20

    I would rate that as a pretty thorough analysis.

    That said, if we win the turnover battle, we will win the game, and if we lose the turnover battle, we'll lose the game as well.

    Everything else washes.

    This post was edited by TheUnknownFan on 10/27/2012 at 8:49 AM

    TheUnknownFan