Mailbag Question:

Hello:

I would like to get a better handle on the adjustment period the defense is going through. Can you elaborate on the differences between Michigan's "bend but don't break" defense of the past and Shaffer's schemes? Specifically, the different type of players one needs over the other and the new demands or skills required by players in Shaffer's defense. And finally, where you guys see the defense currently being on the learning curve.

Thanks,

-- Q

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Thanks for the question. Michigan’s new style of defense is going to take athletes who can run and cover in the back seven, and defensive linemen who can penetrate and get up field.

Old Michigan front four was more about holding gaps and tying up offensive linemen.

Michigan’s old linebackers were about stopping the run; new Michigan linebackers need to be strong at the line of scrimmage, but also need to be strong in coverage. They also need to be able to play and tackle in space.

Cornerbacks will need to be able to get in wide receivers faces and still keep deep leverage.

Safeties need to be able to tackle in space and play deep half. Old Michigan safeties were as much about tackling as coverage.

So many people are saying we need to be patient for Coach Rod's offense, but want to defensive coaches fired? Does not make much sense here because without the one the other is not any better. Look at the PSU first half where the offense was moving the ball, controlling the time of possession and also not making fundamental mistakes the defense looked very good.

written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

The Grand Rapids Press: Article by Howie Beardsley

One quarter isn't good enough for Wolverines

by Howie Beardsley The Grand Rapids Press

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- The most asked question being tossed around the Beaver Stadium pressbox at the commencement of Saturday's Michigan-Penn State game was: Who are those guys impersonating football players in the maize and blue-colored uniforms?

Come to find out, it really was just an act on the part of the Wolverines.

Michigan made a failed attempt at being a worthy opponent against the No. 3 team in the country while continuing its freefall during a 46-17 loss.

Someday -- although it certainly appears it won't happen this season -- the Wolverines might figure out coach Rich Rodriguez's spread offense and will learn to put together four quarters of football and regain their status as one of game's best programs.

Right now, they're nowhere close. They have a 2-5 record, drawing closer to the school's first losing season since 1967, and while on the brink of being denied a bowl game bid for the first time in 33 seasons.

To read the rest of the article please visit: http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/football/index.ssf/2008/10/one_quarter_isnt_good_enough_f.html

Ann Arbor News: Article by John Heuser

Threet injures elbow again

by John Heuser The Ann Arbor News

Steven Threet started the game well for the University of Michigan football team, leading the Wolverines to 17 first-half points against No. 3 Penn State.

But in the third quarter, the Michigan quarterback re-injured his throwing elbow, and gave way to backup Nick Sheridan. For the second game in a row as an injury replacement, Sheridan was ineffective.

After completing eight of 16 passes for 65 yards and two interceptions against Toledo, Sheridan went 3-for-9 for 5 yards against the Nittany Lions in a 46-17 Penn State victory.

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said he considered sending freshman Justin Feagin into the game at quarterback, but decided against it, in part because of the difficult environment of Beaver Stadium. Feagin has yet to play this season.

"We were going to put him in there, we practiced him," Rodriguez said of Feagin. "We thought Steve was going OK. We thought Nick would be OK, too."

To read the rest of the article please visit: http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/football/index.ssf/2008/10/threet_injures_elbow_again_1.html

Michigan Daily: Article by Nate Sandals

Early lead evaporates, Michigan gets blown out at Penn State

Three-game losing streak longest since 1967

By Nate Sandals
Daily Sports Editor On October 18th, 2008

STATE COLLEGE — Late in the first half against No. 3 Penn State, Michigan looked as if it might have the moxie to pull off an upset.

But the Nittany Lions proved there is no replacement for talent and experience, coming back from 10 points behind late in the second quarter to win 46-17 in front of 110,117 fans at Beaver Stadium — the fourth largest crowd in stadium history.

The loss snapped a nine-game winning streak for Michigan over Penn State, dating back to 1997. It also extended the Wolverines losing streak to three games, the program’s longest slide since 1967.

It had to sting that much more for Michigan because everything was clicking early on.

Near the end of what had been, to that point, an outstanding first half for Michigan, the errors and inexperience of past weeks reappeared.

To read the rest of the article please visit: http://www.michigandaily.com/content/2008-10-17/early-lead-evaporates-michigan-gets-blownout-penn-state

Toledo Blade: Article by Joe Vardon

Penn State snaps UM streak cold

By JOE VARDON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Not this time. Not even close.

Michigan's string of nine straight wins over Penn State was stopped cold yesterday in a resounding defeat, 46-17.

The third-ranked Nittany Lions set up Saturday's key showdown with Ohio State by burying the Wolverines 32-0 in the second half. In UM's last three games - all losses - the Wolverines have been outscored 66-6 after halftime.

Not exactly the way it wants to be playing entering an upcoming date with rival Michigan State.

"We executed for a while, then we didn't. That's what happened," Wolverines coach Rich Rodriguez said of his team's latest meltdown.

UM (2-5, 1-2 Big Ten) held a 17-7 advantage when Penn State took over possession with 2:01 left in the second quarter. Nine plays and 74 yards later, Nittany Lions quarterback Daryll Clark threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Norwood with 23 seconds to go.

That was just the beginning.

To read the rest of the article please visit: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081019/SPORTS17/810190424

Toledo Blade: Article by Joe Vardon

Minor produces despite injury

By JOE VARDON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Brandon Minor was in the hospital around 4:30 p.m. last Saturday having his injured ribs examined.

About that time yesterday, he was making his first-career start as a Michigan running back.

Minor, a junior, was one of the lone bright spots in the Wolverines' 46-17 loss to Penn State. He carried a career-high 23 times for 117 yards and a career-best two touchdowns.

Starting in place of freshman Sam McGuffie, who was UM's primary ball carrier until yesterday, Minor eclipsed his previous game high in rushing yards this season on the Wolverines' first series. He carried six times for 42 yards, capping off the drive with a five-yard score.

Minor's previous best this year was a two-carry, 35-yard effort against Wisconsin.

To read the rest of the article please visit: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081019/SPORTS17/810190422

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