Not many people saw that coming especially with all the reports of distraction of Carr's last game, R-Rod being new coach, bad practices back in Ann Arbor, kids looking at their options, coaches interviewing for other jobs, etc.Right off the bat people had to be thinking "oh my" not a great way to start the game out when Minor stepped out of bounds on the kick off on the seven yard line. Then the offense came out and looked like no Michigan offense we saw this year. That was the offense we thought would happen from the start of the season.
Then the defense came out and played very well. Had several bad matches up problems early, but really came together and found a way to control Tebow.
Yesterday is perfect example why controlling Line of scrimmage is so important. Despite four turnovers, committing eight penalties for 64 yards, and giving Florida too many short fields Michigan was able to win the game. Protecting Henne and pressuring Tebow allowed Michigan to out gain Florida 529 yards to 399 yards.
Offense:
Michigan featured a balanced attack. Rushing for almost 200 yards and passing for over 300. Florida's Passing game was held to under 200 yards. Michigan's 3rd down conversion has an outstanding ten out of 15, Florida only two for 11 and this allowed Michigan to run 20 more offensive plays than Florida. Still the biggest factor was Michigan's ability to protect Henne. This was particularly true in the 2nd half.
In the 1st half Michigan had some trouble handling Florida DE Harvey, he recorded one sack and forced a fumble, but after that Michigan kept Henne safe and gave him time to throw. Props go to Michigan Offensive line, but also have to be given to Mike Hart who excellent at blitz pick up and Carson Butler who also did nice job in max protection.
Michigan came out in a different scheme. Going almost exclusively with a multiple WR's set. This was not a true spread, but a pro style multiple WR set that included a TE and no slot. Change seemed to catch Florida by surprise and worked to perfection early. Florida adjusted as good teams will, but Michigan's execution trumped Florida's change. Henne and Hart working behind Michigan's best blocking effort of the year was able to continuously pick up key yardage and move the chains. This kept Florida's offense on the sidelines and stopped them from getting into a rhythm.
Defense:
Michigan's defensive fronts gave Florida's Offensive line fits all day. Yes, Florida gained 250 yards rushing, but they controlled Tebow's rushing and that was a big difference. They also were able to punish, hit, and harass Tebow most times he handled the ball. Key here was Michigan's ability to generate pass rush with just their front four for the most part. Tim Jamison played his best game in Michigan jersey, and both Brandon Graham and Shawn Crable were able to help from other side. This pressure set up Michigan's blitz game.
Florida was never able to handle what Michigan did blitzing. Jamar Adams, Obi Ezeh, and Shawn Crable were getting pressure, hits, and forcing Tebow to hurry passes. Even when they did not get hits they forced him to throw off balance or make bad passes and decisions. Michigan only recorded one sack, but the pressure was just as key as the sack. Florida was able to generate enough offense to stay in the game because Harvin was fantastic. He mounted almost 250 yards of total offense, about 60% of Florida's total offense. He abused Michigan's OLBers and safeties in space numerous times.
Another area of strength for Michigan has the corner play, and yes pressure helped, but Morgan, Warren, and Harrison played quite possibly their best games in Michigan uniforms. Morgan catching Harvin from behind might of been biggest play of the game. His hustle saved Michigan six points, and Florida was unable to score after Morgan Trent play. A huge swing.
Special Teams:
This might of been most overlooked key to Michigan's victory, and just maybe the most surprising. I have to admit before this game Florida's special teams scared me to death. At the beginning my fears seemed well founded. Florida special teams were able to give Florida offense short fields, my biggest worry, but to Michigan's credit they rallied strongly. Michigan blocked a FG, recovered a pooch kick off, and held Florida and dangerous return man James to around 100 yards in returns. Michigan also was 2-2 in field goals, while Florida went 0-2. There is your six points, the final score difference. This really punctuates the importance of this aspect of the game and explains why they are called special teams!
Got any questions regarding this or any other comments please e-mail: erocwolverine@gmail.com and myself and CoachBt will answer your questions. Thanks.
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