Things Might Be O'K

Jon Horwedel, Detroit News

The late afternoon game was not going as expected for Wolverine fans.  Wilton was getting hit by a defense that had one sack the entire year and the offense couldn't run or pass.  The play calling looked liked like it was from Bo's 3 yards and a cloud of dust playbook.  


What were we watching?  A loss to this up start Purdue program?


Then Wilton goes down on a apparent late hit and heads directly back to the locker room/medical facility not to be seen again.   It was John O'Korn's chance to be the Michigan QB and this time it wasn't on snowy field, it was in 90 degree weather for the Florida boy.    John took the reins of the offense and marched down the field by hitting the tight ends for a scoring drive that ended in a TD.   Maybe things were looking up?


We know the rest of the story.   Purdue then confuses the Michigan defense on basically the same play 3 times in a row and scores its only touchdown.  John throws a pick that turns into a field goal and then The Wizard Don Brown puts a complete stop to the Purdue offense the rest of the day.


Michigan scores 21 points in the second half and wins the battle in West Lafayette.  Michigan used better play calling and strong QB execution in the second half.   The defense barely gave up a yard as all the trick plays had run out.


 I think we all learned a few things about this team on Saturday.  

1. Michigan's offense line will not be dominating any team left on the schedule.   Michigan will have to pass to run. 
2. Michigan will need good QB play to score TD's on offense.
3. Don Brown deserves a raise

The first half to me was a throw away half, I hated the play calling and the trick plays by the Purdue offense.   I knew the trick plays wouldn't last but Michigan running into the line for two yard gains on first down was clearly frustrating to everyone except the play caller. 


The second half was Michigan Football and it was great to see the play calling open up and Michigan be aggressive on offense.  When Michigan is scoring touchdowns and letting the defense do it's thing, this team will be tough to beat.


Cheers

• John O'Korn who played well and in front of the Purdue OC who was the head coach that benched him at Houston.
• Don Brown and the Michigan Defense!
• Chris Evans for finding his stride and putting the game away
• Sean McKeon had 5 catches for 82 yards
• Zach Gentry for being a team player and scoring the first TD
• Chase Winovich had 3 sacks
• Devin "The Missile" Bush is everywhere!
• Brad Robbins averaged 40 yards per punt
• Watching the Purdue DC "Mr. Clean" vein pop out on his head.

Jeers

• First half play calling
• Offensive line in the first half
• Purdue's trick plays that worked
• Fox's Baseball game coverage
• Purdue's locker room not having AC is embarrassing
• Wilton's injury that was a late hit
• 2 turnovers on offense
• The illegal man downfield call on the Hammering Panda

Michigan is 4-0 and win is a win on the road.  You will take them pretty or ugly, just get out of there with a win.   I hope the Michigan offensive coaches now understand this team will not run over anyone and each defense will stack the box to stop the run and make the Michigan QB beat them. 


I think John O'Korn has made the case to be the starter, no matter what the injury status is for Wilton  (Jimmy said it was a soft tissue injury and didn't know how long he was going to be out).  Either way, Michigan has two weeks to prepare and rest for a difficult rest of the schedule.





from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/09/things-might-be-ok.html