Coaches Corner: Twelve Questions / Keys to 2009 Season
In our opinion, this Michigan team could end up anywhere from 4-8 to 9-3 this season.
What are the things that will make the difference? This is 100% based on spring practices and scrimmages. We are not rehashing what went wrong in 2008. That season is gone and done, new year / new season, new challenges.
These are in no particular order, just random thoughts from us and in our opinion.
1) Will Michigan hang on to the football? This is the entire team, running backs, split ends, slot receivers, return men and even the quarterback. Hell can the defense stop dropping the DAMN thing and get some turnovers! Forcier has to catch the ball cleanly. Michigan cannot give up multiple downs and yardage because the starting quarterback drops the DAMN BALL. It happened several times in spring practices and Coach Rod let him know about it.
2) Who will step up and provide a pass rush so opponents cannot completely focus on B. Graham? As good as Graham is, if the opposing offenses can focus on him, they can neutralize him. But in theory that should free up some else to be a threat. If some one does, it will take pressure off rest of defense. If no one does, offense might have to score a ton of points.
3) Who plays right tackle? Does the staff go with Huyge who outplayed Omameh in the spring, or do they go with Omameh, the best athlete with the most upside? Or do they play Omameh at his natural left tackle and move Ortmann over to right tackle? This offensive line has to be better than just good for this team to be 9-3, so who plays right tackle, and how the offensive line shakes out, is going to make a world of difference.
4) Who plays spinner / quick / hybrid defensive end / outside linebacker? This position should be the star of the defense. Problem is none of the players who performed at this position this spring showed star potential. Watson looked best when Michigan spins down, but Herron is best at outside linebacker, although not good. How about Roh? In our opinion, counting on an undersized true freshmen who has never even practiced against a major college team is dicey at best. Especially when he has no experience in coverage. Also might lack the size and strength this year as well.
5) Who starts at safety next to Woolfolk? Some will probably think we have lost our minds, and you are probably right, but Woolfolk is close to irreplaceable in our opinion at this time. He was the only safety this spring with speed and athletic ability to cover the deep two-thirds that is necessary when Michigan plays cover 2. Only safety who could rotate over and be effective playing deep one-third in zone coverage. Nobody else was even close. Question is, does Michigan go with more consistent M. Williams, or with the higher ceiling in Vlad. Going with Vlad, could be example of short term pain, growing pains, but long term benefits.
6) Does Michigan use, or maybe better, how does Michigan use Webb and Koger? In our opinion these are Michigan's second and third best skilled athletes on offense. Michigan has to find a way to get them involved. There were some positive signs this spring, now they must follow through. These two will be match-up nightmares for any defense without Taylor Mays playing safety.
7) Will Moundros be the threat he was this spring? Second best surprise, good surprise, in our opinion again, was the improvement by Moundros at fullback. He caught passes, continued to block well, and even scored on a quick trap. A completely different player in our opinion. If Moundros can continue this, and take advantage of teams that focus on Minor and Forcier, what boost that will provide. He does not have to be a star, although that would be nice, he just has to keep defenses honest. And punish them when they don't.
Part 2 -- the rest of the list
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Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine
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