Coach's Corner: Keys to winning big games

These are universal, and are true for any big game. There is nothing magical herein. Football is a simple game, a team game. So far Michigan has done most of these things better than their opponents.

Team Keys:

1) Win the battle at the line of scrimmage. Football games are and always will be won at the line of scrimmage. Protect your quarterback, and pressure your opponents, etc...

2) Eliminate or limit penalties, especially those before and after the whistle.

3) Win the turnover battle.

4) Play sound special teams.

5) Team that blocks and tackles best will have excellent shot at winning.

Defense:

1) Stop the run:

If you make teams one-dimensional they are easier to defend, in Michigan State 's case you eliminate the play action game and you are in great shape.

2) No big plays:

Make teams drive the entire field, you cannot give up easy scores and win many big games. Check how many big plays Ohio State has had in recent years in "The Game". If Michigan's defense can make Michigan State snap it again and again, same as with Indiana, and hold MSU to field goals instead of touchdowns. UM’s chances go way up.

3) Be fundamentally sound:

Crisp tackling, proper angles, maintain contain, keep everything in front and between the hashes. You guys know the list. Big things are nothing more than a bunch of small things done right.

4) Play outstanding on third down:

Defense has to get off the field when they get the chance.

Offense:

1) Control the tempo of the game:

This is why Indiana made a game of it last week. For much of the game they controlled the tempo. Slowed the game down, shortened it, kept Michigan 's offense on the sidelines. When Michigan sets the tempo our offense is outstanding. When Indiana or Notre Dame controlled the tempo, they were in control.

2) Get into a rhythm:

When Michigan is in a rhythm they are almost impossible to stop. You can almost feel it. When Michigan took the field on the last touchdown drive you knew they were going to score.

3) Be bold:

The team that attacks on offense, takes reasonable risks, usually wins.

4) Make big plays:

Driving the field multiple times against good teams is not easy. You must create short fields and long scores.

Special Teams:

1) Control field position:

Same regarding both offense and defense. Short fields are huge help for offense, long fields plus for defense. Nothing is as key to field position as special teams.

2) Make all your extra points:

These are taken for granted, but missing just one can change an entire game.

3) No big plays:

You cannot give up a blocked punt, etc... The numbers are scary, teams that block a punt cause such a momentum switch they win 92% of the time.

4) Make a big play -- See above.

Thanks for stopping by Go Blue Michigan Wolverine
If you have any questions please E-Mail

Written by CoachBt