What Did We Learn? - Michigan

The first quarter killed us. Had the opportunity and just didn't snatch it. 2nd and 3 from the 7 and we got 2 yards in 3 plays. Next drive out we miss a field goal. Next drive out we throw an interception. After that point Michigan is up 10-0. Obviously the game plays out differently if we score on the first drive, but I really think that would have made a big difference. Had we been the 10-0 leader after 1 I think we end up alot happier about this game. Ultimately I think it comes down to line play. The other thing, which Mav had mentioned a few times is we completely abandoned the run game. I get it wasn't working at all, but just going away from it all together is never a great idea unless you are just passing and scoring at will which we weren't. Alot of improvement to be made, but I still have hope this team can turn in a really good season. We need to pile up wins against the lesser teams of the conference(which we may be one) though and that starts against MSU.
 
Perhaps I am just getting used to losing big games, but I walked away from yesterday's game feeling more encouraged than discouraged. Here is why:

1. Despite getting down 10-0 early, the team fought back and made it a game. Past teams would have crumbled.
2. Despite 1 missed field goal, special teams did not give up any big returns and our punting game was solid all around.
3. We scored more points against Michigan than Oklahoma or any other team this year and we left points on the board by not kicking a field goal on our first drive and missing the other field goal.
4. Michigan's 56 yard field goal was the difference in the game and you have to tip your cap to a college player making such long field goals.
5. Despite constant pressure, we have a QB who still made plays and kept the team in the game.

I honestly think Michigan is a much better team than many realize, and had we played them in week 2 and Oklahoma played them in week 4, I think we end up with the W and Oklahoma might have the loss. I think this Michigan team will compete for the BIG title and can take down OSU at home.
 
KCgodd002 said:
I learned it is time to accept what I have thought is true for a while. Nebraska football will never be at the top of college football again. In reality it will always be mid league in the big ten. Nebraska does not have both the name and money of Ohio st, Michigan, Oregon, USC. Then throw in Washington,Iowa,UCLA as well. The top 3-4 teams will always be there. They get the elite kids. We are then getting kids that are somewhat talented and paying them a bunch of money but they are not hungry. They really don’t care in the end about winning and representing a university and fan base that lives for them. Then there are the indianas, Illinois, and Wisconsin. They get that kid that is hungry and want the glory for their school. They want to play their hearts out therefore those schools are in a better place than Nebraska.
In the end will we ever experience the high glory we did 40 years ago. NO! But is that ok YES once we accept that we have a team that we love and need to support and be like most other school’s fan base in the country Celebrating the wins and moving on from the loses.
Click to expand...
Ugggg, are we back to this now?

The "Hungry" kids that "just want it"...that is one step away from "diamonds in the rough"
 
The game wasn't actually as close as the final score suggested. The hail mary made the game closer than it probably should have been. Nevertheless, Rhule tends to bring better luck with this kind of stuff, so we'll take it.

The scouting report was clear: they were most likely going to steamroll us in the run, and that's what happened.

We ran 72 plays, they ran 54.

We needed to get a stop on defense late in the 4th but we couldn't tackle, couldn't take good angles, and all in all just had a pretty low level of intensity on defense much of the game.

We look like a team that could win 9 games if we had any semblance of a run defense. There is so much to tighten up on defense before Aidan Chiles comes in to town.
 
runningblind said:
Nothing is ever apples to apples. In this case Cignetti was a college coach when he took the Indiana job, and basically brought half his current team with him. This year he improved at QB with a very good one in Mendoza.

Rhule on the other hand was unemployed after a failed NFL experiement and had to start with the roster in place.

TBD on Rhule long term and against ranked teams, but comparing things straight up is a fools errand IMO.
Click to expand...
My post was meant more of an explanation as to his success. Dude's record speaks to his ability and SIGNIFICANT HC experience. He brought some of his JMU guys last year (only 13 w/7 being starters), but he was a winner there and at every stop. So, yea, experience vs experience....results vs results....That was my point. No surprise he is doing well. He did well at all of his stops.

Bringing 12 of his staff/support probably helped as well and was more of a catalysts for success as Rhule did have to cobble a staff together. His original choice for OC didn't pan out and left us w/Satt for 1.5 years and Doogie Howser as WR coach for 1 year. So I will agree from a staff position, not apples to apples as Cig brought what was working and had worked very well. Rhule scrambled with who he knew that was available.
 
HuskerNation1 said:
I actually think Indiana is a better example as their coach made them immediately successful in year 1 and has them rolling in year 2 as well. I look for their coach to be promoted to a blue blood by next year. If Alabama struggles this year they may give Deboer the boot, but Clemson would be another program to look out for.
Click to expand...
or Florida
 
We’re a below average front 7 unit in the big ten (we knew this going into season that front of the defense was a big question mark)

We’re a below average blocking unit in the big ten. This is the surprising part- all offseason we heard the hype around experienced, depth and potential. It’s too bad we’re stuck with the OL coach we have for obvious reasons- it’s blatantly clear that in year 5 or whatever he’s on now we’re never fielding an above average o line and it will continue to sink this team

Horrendous combo to have in the big ten
 
Undone said:
The game wasn't actually as close as the final score suggested. The hail mary made the game closer than it probably should have been.
Click to expand...

Not sure about that. We left 10 points on the field.

Regarding the hail mary, was it a bit lucky we caught it? Sure. But we took advantage of Michigan being dumb/complacent. All they had to do was call a TO and force us to punt. It was good coaching on our end to recognize the opportunity and call a TO with a couple seconds left in the half.

Undone said:
We needed to get a stop on defense late in the 4th but we couldn't tackle
Click to expand...

This was maddening. Had them at 3rd & 5, 3rd & 9, and 3rd & 10. In each of those plays we had a chance to make a stop and we didn't.
 
Decked said:
Also can we can the stupid Matt Rhule podcast and him going on other ones now? Coach the damn team.
Click to expand...
Grampa Simpson Grandpa GIF by MOODMAN
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top