With that initial thought of maybe I missed something, I painstakingly re-watched the game on Sunday morning. I also looked at the box score to see if the stats showed the defense played well. Lets talk about the box first and what stood out to me.
Army's offense is designed for 3-4 yards a play, first downs, long drives, and time of possession.
Army had the ball for 31:35 in time of possession
Army gained 200 yards on the ground
Army averaged 3.7 yards per play
Army had 15 first downs
Outside the first down number, I think those are winning stats for the Army's offense.
Now the re-watch. Paye played much better then I first thought and Uche was pretty much everywhere. I still don't understand why you don't have two DT's in against the Army offensive line? As I expected, there was very few negative offensive plays for Army. I also didn't realize that Ross was out with an injury.
So did the defense win the game for the Wolverines? Yes.
Did the defense have a good game? If I had to give them a grade it would be a B-. I don't believe they were as prepared as advertised and that Don Brown's formations were questionable at best. If Army doesn't try a pass play, they probably win the game.
We know the issues with the offense. With that said, why do you run option plays when having the QB keep the ball is not an option? Doesn't make a ton of sense. If Shea was not able to throw or run, shouldn't Dylan be in there?
Monday's Hot Take: Under Jimmy, Michigan has had a number of embarrassing losses. Ohio State multiple times, the Penn State road game, and the loss to a pretty poor South Carolina team in the Outback are top of mind. You can make the argument that OSU is better and had more talent, nobody was beating Penn State in that White Out night game, and bowl games are just scrimmages.
I believe Saturday's game was the worst coaching game in Harbaugh's history as Michigan head coach. He coached like a fan in the stands, then the man being paid millions to win football games.
Why do I say that? you ask.
- Team was not properly prepared on either side of the ball.
- If Shea is hurt or can't run the offense the way its designed, he shouldn't be playing.
- Not kicking the field goal in the 4th quarter when the game is tied, is an awful decision for many reasons. 1) You know Michigan won't posses the ball much in the 4th 2) Michigan's offense is struggling 3) The play calls are just Charbonnet right and left 4) It gives your team the lead for the first time all day!
- The late 4th quarter 4th down stop was also questionable. My feeling at the time was to go for it, but he really should have punted. You can't give a team that gains yardage at 4 yards a clip a short field to win the game.
Myself and the rest of the Michigan fan base has been nervous about the Army game since the Peach scrimmage ended. We had reports that Don Brown has been preparing for them all winter and summer. I don't remember who scheduled this game in the AD's office. I'm pretty sure it was prior to Warde, either way it was a huge mistake. Playing this game does nothing to help Michigan for the rest of the season and almost cost them $1.5M and a loss. Everyone in Schembechler Hall is to blame for this one and Michigan won the game. If Michigan beats Wisconsin, nobody will remember this game. (right now that seems like a tall order)
- The game cost Michigan 3 spots in the AP Poll, they are now #10.
- I didn't realize Wisconsin also has a bye next weekend.
- Pep and the Giants Defense had a terrible first game against Dallas last night.
- Devin Funchess broke his collarbone during his first game for the Colts.
- The GOAT will now have AB to throw to. The rich get richer.
- Devin Bush looked good in his first game but the Steelers ran into the GOAT.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2019/09/michigan-monday-did-defense-really-play.html
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