The Wolverine Den Blogs
Craig's 2011 Pre-Season Report
By Craig Koss
Updated August 29, 2011
2011 - This is Michigan: The Tradition Returns
KARMA: Michigan football is based on tradition - the winged helmet, The Victors, the Big House, the winningest program in college football. The echoes of Yost, Crisler, Schembechler and Carr were rendered dormant over the past three seasons but are now awakened by the hiring of a Michigan Man – Brady Hoke. There is renewed optimism and promise of championships in Ann Arbor. This is Michigan.OFFENSE: Will the offense be as good as 2010? Michigan put up the most points and most yards in school history. Denard Robinson set an NCAA record for most rushing yards by a quarterback and he also broke the Big Ten record for Total Offense. Denard returns but the spread-option is gone. In its place is a pro-style, power attack. There are eight other starters returning to the offensive side of the ball in 2011.
But with a change in scheme, a change in coaching, and a change in philosophy, can we expect the Michigan offense to be productive? The answer is absolutely yes. New offensive coordinator, Al Borges, has a proven record of success and will not try to force a “system” into the existing talent. Instead, the new offense will take advantage of the existing players and fully utilize those talents, while still promoting the new philosophy. That means that Denard will often be under center and will rush the ball on fewer occasions. The passing attack will feature less misdirection and pace but will focus on a pro-style west coast attack (short passes, timing patterns and quick reads). There will also be more of an emphasis on a power running game. Michigan is loaded at running back – Michael Shaw, Vincent Smith, Fitz Toussaint, Michael Cox, Stephen Hopkins and freshmen Thomas Rawls and Justice Hayes. Shaw looks to be the starter with Smith likely the 3rd down back. The receiving corps shows both youth and experience with Roy Roundtree, Junior Hemingway and Martavious Odoms. Freshman Jerald Robinson has also been turning heads in fall camp. Kevin Koger returns at tight end, a position that figures to be more emphasized under the new offense. On the line, the Wolverines return David Molk, Patrick Omameh, Taylor Lewan, and Mark Huyge. The right guard position is up for grabs with Ricky Barnum the leading candidate.
DEFENSE: Will the defense be as bad as 2010? Michigan allows the most points and most yards in school history. The 2010 defense ranked 95th (out of 120 teams in college football) in rushing defense, 112th in passing defense and 110th in total defense. Opponents scored at least 34 points against Michigan in 9 games. The Wolverines were also one of the worst teams in turnover margin recording -10 for the season.
But with a change in scheme, a change in coaching, and a change in philosophy, can the Michigan defense be productive. The answer is absolutely yes. New defensive coordinator, Greg Mattison, is a former coach at Michigan and comes here after winning a national championship at Florida and making the Baltimore Ravens one of the best defenses in the NFL. He has changed the scheme to a more traditional 4-3 and instilled a sense of toughness to the defense. Nine starters return from 2010 as well as a couple that missed some or all of the season due to injury. Each of the three levels of defense will be better. The defensive line returns potential All-American Mike Martin as the anchor. While primarily a nose guard, Martin will be moved around along the line and the edge to take advantage of his quickness and strength. One of the defensive tackles is likely to be Will Campbell. Big Will has entered the fall trimmer and faster and ready to live up to the 5-star potential he had upon arriving at Michigan. Nathan Brink and Quinton Washington will spell the starters in the trenches. The ends are Ryan Van Bergen and Craig Roh - each has shown flashes and will be counted on to contribute. Look for Jabreel Black to also contribute. The linebackers are Kenny Demens in the middle with Cameron Gordon and Mike Jones projected as the outside backers. RS-Fr Jake Ryan, Sr JB Fitzgerald and Sr Brandon Herron are also vying for playing time. The secondary was an area of great weakness in 2010 but could be a strength in 2011. Troy Woolfolk and JT Floyd return from injuries and are expected to lock down the corners. Courtney Avery learned on the job as a true freshman last year and will be better. Freshmen Greg Brown and Blake Countess are impressing in fall camp and will both see the field. Jordan Kovacs, a former walk-on, was 2nd in the Big Ten is tackles in 2010. The other safety position is a battle between Carvin Johnson, Thomas Gordon and Marvin Robinson.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Can the kicking game be better in 2011? While Will Hagerup solidified the punt game as a true freshman, Michigan made only 4 of 14 field goals. There are three kickers competing for the job including Freshman Matt Wile. Wile will handle kickoffs with his big leg but the field goal kicking is still in competition. Hagerup starts the season suspended for 4 games. There is hope that the kicking game will be better, but only because it doesn’t need much success to be “better”.
THE WOLVERINE DEN PREDICTION: The Wolverine Den staff is optimistic on the season. With eight home games and no Penn State or Wisconsin on the schedule, the season sets up nicely for the Wolverines. Tim predicts an 8-4 season while Steve and Craig are more confident. Craig says “If we can get past Notre Dame in the first ever night game at Michigan Stadium, we could be set up to be 7-1 heading to Iowa and Illinois. A split makes us 8-2 with home games against Nebraska and Ohio. And we will beat Ohio! A win at home over Nebraska will put the Wolverines in the Big Ten Championship game.” Steve predicts nine wins heading into the bowl game – someplace warm.
Stay tuned. The new era that returns the Michigan tradition begins. This is Michigan.