Mailbag question: Defense gave up some long runs

Mailbag question: Defense gave up some long runs

Michigan gave up some long runs by Eastern Michigan 's quarterback. You would think that by practicing against the likes of Forcier and Robinson, Michigan 's defense would be especially prepared for this. Instead, they were often caught off-guard by this spread staple. What do you guys think?

Qresti

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Thanks for the question.

We do agree that playing against our offensive scheme would/should help in this regard. Remember Michigan 's defense, the past fifteen years or so and with several different defensive coordinators, has struggled against a mobile quarterback that can run the ball.

The biggest issue in our opinion has been a lack of positional discipline.

UM’s defensive ends and outside linebackers were over-pursuing and giving up outside leverage. This is something that can be corrected, but needs to be done soon since other teams will watch the films and easily identify this weakness and try to exploit it when playing Michigan.

Remember, Tim Jamison was a player that over-pursued and lost contain his freshman year and also his senior year. Some players through coaching correct their mistakes and follow their reads do what they are supposed to do and be where they are supposed to be, while others will never learn.

We believe this deficiency can be corrected by getting better personnel along with more speed on defense. Defensive recruiting needs pick up, primarily getting more aggressive and successful in going after the elite talent in the country. Michigan has many things going for them right now, such as showing recruits that the team is making sound progress, the facilities are top-notch and elite talented kids can come in and play right away.

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Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine