Maize n Brew - Michigan Football 2015: Week Nine vs. MinnesotaA Michigan Wolverine communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49241/mb-fv.png2015-11-04T12:08:09-06:00http://www.maizenbrew.com/rss/stream/93954152015-11-04T12:08:09-06:002015-11-04T12:08:09-06:00Film Focus: Michigan's Defense vs. Minnesota
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<figcaption>Patrick Barron-MGoBlog</figcaption>
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<p>This week's defensive Film Focus analyzes how Michigan executed not one but all three of its goal-line stand and discovers why Michigan's defense had its worst performance of the season.</p> <p>For a five-week stretch from Week 2 to Week 6, Michigan's defense was like Superman. Powerful. Extraordinary. Invincible. The Wolverines held the five opponents that they faced in that time to only 2.8 points and 150.2 yards per game and 2.63 yards per play, and three of them couldn't muster a single point. As a result, Michigan soared to the top spot in nearly every major defensive category, leaving little room for debate as to which program had the best defense. Heck, not even a 386-yard effort from Michigan State in Week 7 altered how most viewed Michigan's defense because the Spartans' best play was to have their future first-round quarterback throw jump balls to their future NFL wide receiver with Jourdan Lewis in his hip pocket.</p>
<p>However, even Superman can bleed, and Minnesota gashed Michigan's defense on Saturday. The Wolverines surrendered 26 offensive points, 461 yards, and 6.78 yards per play to the Gophers, which are all season worsts by a wide margin. Some of this can be attributed to fluke passes that should not have been completed -- I'll explain this below, though Michigan can't blame only luck -- but there's more to it than that. Michigan made many uncharacteristic mistakes, and the Gophers strung together a great gameplan that attacked vulnerable spots -- the middle of the field -- rather than Michigan's strengths.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, when Michigan's defense had its back against the wall, it didn't break. Minnesota took four trips into the red zone but departed with only nine points. And, when the Gophers opted to go for the win on the half-yard line on the final play of the contest, the Wolverines' defensive line -- the best in the nation -- stuffed the Gophers.</p>
<p>So what went right and what went wrong? My thoughts after re-watching the game:</p>
<h5>The Goal-Line Gladiators</h5>
<p>Much of the attention in the immediate aftermath of <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/10/31/9652332/2015-football-michigan-29-minnesota-26-defense-denies-gophers-goal-line-push-harbaugh-speight" target="_blank">Michigan's 29-26 win over Minnesota</a> was focused on <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/10/31/9652740/watch-michigan-stuffs-minnesota-on-the-goal-line-on-the-last-play-to" target="_blank">how the Wolverines formed a wall</a> and held Mitch Leidner's sneak well short of the goal line. However, that was not the first but the <i>third</i> time that Michigan had prevented Minnesota from scoring a touchdown inside the two-yard line.</p>
<p>The first two times, Minnesota called different plays from different formations, but how Minnesota blocked up front was very much the same. And that permitted Maurice Hurst, Jr. to blow up both of those goal-line plays. The first time was at the end of Minnesota's second drive of the game. Michigan had just been whistled for offsides on a third-down sack, so the Gophers received another crack at it -- this time on the two. Minnesota tries to run it to the right side, and it wants its two offensive guards to help the center clog the A gaps, where Ryan Glasgow and Willie Henry are stationed. However, this means that Minnesota's right tackle is forced to attempt a reach block on Hurst. Yeah, about that:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Hurst - Goal Line TFL - 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2tkWbhBHLgamV4PN5Deom2DGLzQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4229003/Hurst_-_Goal_Line_TFL_-_1.0.png">
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Hurst - Goal Line TFL - 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/15W_iJvlmF2Spy3frazSW5QMusM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4229023/Hurst_-_Goal_Line_TFL_-_2.0.png">
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<p>Hurst's explosive first step has been praised over and over, and you see why here.</p>
<p>Then, the second time was on the play prior to the final goal-line stand. Minnesota has wasted 12 seconds by shifting from a goal-line formation into an empty shotgun. When Leidner calls for the snap, he rolls to his right, hoping to shift the defense to his side of the field before tossing a pass back across the formation to his tight end. However, the Gophers have the same blocking assignments as before. The guards help the center clog the A gaps where Glasgow and Henry are stationed, while the right tackle tries to stop Hurst with a reach block. And, just like last time, Hurst is too fast for that to succeed:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Hurst - Goal Line Pressure - 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LocZi9JyOoDpQ7uk0rNtHfeofVU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4229053/Hurst_-_Goal_Line_Pressure_-_1.0.png">
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Hurst - Goal Line Pressure - 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZO8kC8bMU6L8zGtTjMX8nWEcUz0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4229057/Hurst_-_Goal_Line_Pressure_-_2.0.png">
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<p>Hurst's pressure forces Leidner to sail an inaccurate pass, bringing us to the final play.</p>
<p>As for the final play, when I watch quarterback sneaks, it can be very difficult to grade them. Both the offensive and defensive lines fire off the ball as hard as they can, and, because both teams often have as many as eight or nine players on the line, it turns into mass chaos. This is somewhat how I felt when I re-watched the final goal-line stand.</p>
<p>However, <a target="_blank" href="http://mgoblog.com/content/one-one-ryan-glasgow">MGoBlog's Adam Schnepp snagged an awesome interview with Glasgow</a>, asking him how Michigan approached that final play, and his answer was enlightening:</p>
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<p>"The way Minnesota likes to run QB sneaks is they like to run to a particular side, so Mo’s job was to stand up the guard who he likes to run behind. My job was to slant into the A gap and try to get in between the center and the guard. Willie’s job was slant into the other A gap and try and get between the center and the guard and just knock it back, create a wedge and push them back.</p>
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<p>After I read this, I went back and watched the final play, and that's what Michigan did:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Final Goal Line Stand - 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3kJ8KbxQAMN7eSDRPpRMslBI-XA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4229085/Final_Goal_Line_Stand_-_1.0.png">
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<p>As Glasgow explained, Hurst (circled above) fired off the snap with much lower leverage than Minnesota's left guard, whom Leidner tried to sneak behind. Glasgow and Henry executed their responsibilities to create the wedge, and, after Michigan halted Leidner's initial push, the rest of Michigan's defense hopped in to prevent any further momentum:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Final Goal Line Stand - 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BvTctbgaewi__Aw-wWvrM1FazwM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4229159/Final_Goal_Line_Stand_-_2.0.png">
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<p>Game over.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-video">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MICHIGAN'S GOAL LINE STAND WINS THE GAME VS. MINNESOTA <a href="https://t.co/UbQaoxhFMT">pic.twitter.com/UbQaoxhFMT</a></p>
— Drew Hallett (@DrewCHallett) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrewCHallett/status/660648467522437120">November 1, 2015</a>
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<p>Michigan had lots of problems on Saturday night -- and we're about to dive into those -- but, if there's one area where the defense excelled, it was when it had its back against the wall. Hurst's ability to shoot the gap and the defensive tackles' ability to create that wedge ended two chances that Minnesota had to score touchdowns deep in the red zone. Not many defensive lines could do that. But Michigan's is no ordinary defensive line.</p>
<h5>Knock Down the Damn Ball</h5>
<p>For the second straight week, a quarterback threw for over 300 yards and averaged more than eight yards per attempt against Michigan despite not completing at least half of his passes. This screams one thing: Michigan is surrendering long passes. And it's true. Connor Cook connected on passes that gained 74, 30 (TD), 28, 27, 27, and 25 yards, and Leidner completed passes that gained 52 (TD), 40, 39, 31, 23, and 22 yards. That's six 20-plus-yard catches allowed in each of the past two games after opponents recorded just six such receptions in Michigan's first six games. Michigan State's explosive passes are more understandable given that the Spartans have NFL talent at quarterback and in their receiving corps and completed most of these passes with jump balls. Minnesota? Well...</p>
<p>The Gophers were very fortunate to complete as many of their deep throws as they did. In fact, on three of the six that went for at least 20 yards, Michigan had perfect coverage.</p>
<p>The first on a 31-yarder to Brandon Lingen in double coverage, which led to a field goal:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Lingen - 31 Yarder" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KZenkjK7gfAS5p87V8ySn_o7ers=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4229455/Lingen_-_31_Yarder.0.png">
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<p>The second on a 52-yard touchdown to Rashad Still on a "back-shoulder" corner route:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Still - 52 Yarder - 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NPUJeI-Zr4qosz7Zu6kTwRTaKFk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4229467/Still_-_52_Yarder_-_1.0.png">
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Still - 52 Yarder - 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WxHcUNeq9jvjbUVSrZxUQ4o9eOI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4229469/Still_-_52_Yarder_-_2.0.png">
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<p>The third on a 39-yarder to Lingen that flew through Dymonte Thomas' hands:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Lingen - 39 Yarder" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ssmTIrYcEizmHFn_Cj558cwJhiI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4229471/Lingen_-_39_Yarder.0.png">
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<p>The third one led to another field goal. So that's 13 of Minnesota's 26 points.</p>
<p>It's also 122 of Leidner's 317 passing yards. Forget whether Michigan intercepts any of those. If all three just are knocked down for incomplete passes, here's Leidner's stat line through the air: 13-of-33 (39.4 pct.) for 195 yards (5.9 YPA) and no touchdowns. Of course, the caveat is that, if one of these three passes fell incomplete, it would have changed how the remainder of the game would have been played, so it's unreasonable to deduct completions from one's stat line. Nonetheless, the purpose is to show that Leidner's stat line was more of a product of fluke and luck than actual passing skill.</p>
<p>However, some of the blame must land on Michigan's defensive backs. These weren't the only times that Leidner threw inaccurate passes or made poor decisions by throwing into double coverage. There were many others, and Michigan knocked those throws down:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Wilson - PBU" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PAOz54YD1m_1H35vubZUjhvW_6Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4229597/Wilson_-_PBU.0.png">
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Wilson - Near INT" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bF08eD4Pof12EPfoum8Cm7QLmcM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4229601/Wilson_-_Near_INT.0.png">
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Near INT" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZBW3mi10SoHXC1vOvnWfLEEXhDI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4229609/Peppers_-_Near_INT.0.png">
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<p>Of course, you can see a similar problem even in the latter two of these plays: Michigan is in perfect coverage but doesn't finish the play. In the second photo, Jarrod Wilson had a chance for an interception in the end zone but couldn't corral it as he fought for it with Drew Wolitarsky. In the third photo, Jabrill Peppers jumped a screen and should have taken this back for a touchdown, which would have been a monumental score given that Michigan trailed in the second half and Jake Rudock had just exited with what would be a game-ending injury. It's important to have excellent coverage because it puts a player in position to make a play. But, if he doesn't finish that play, it doesn't matter too much.</p>
<p>The good news is that Michigan wasn't burned on the two plays just discussed. But, on the three plays first shown in this section, it absolutely did. On the 31-yarder to Lingen, both Jourdan Lewis and Peppers are right there. Peppers has trailed Lingen down the seam, and Lewis, who was in zone coverage, comes over the top from the left side to bracket the tight end. This pass has no business being completed. However, Peppers never once looks back for the ball. Instead, he puts both hands in the air and runs right past Lingen. And Lewis seems to be see the ball dropping down from the sky but doesn't even try to knock it down. He just stands and allows the ball to drop in Lingen's lap.</p>
<p>On the 52-yarder to Still, Jeremy Clark has employed perfect trail technique on Still's corner route. Clark undercuts the route, and, if Leidner throws this pass to where it's designed to be on the outside, Clark intercepts it. However, Clark is beaten to the inside because Leidner fires the first ever back-shoulder corner route. Nonetheless, Clark needs to turn his head around and locate the ball quicker. I think that Clark turned his head but didn't see the ball until it was behind him and too late. I wonder how much playing at night and under the lights affected Clark's -- and Michigan's -- ability to see the football.</p>
<p>And, on the 39-yarder to Lingen, well, Thomas has to intercept that. No ifs, ands, or buts.</p>
<p>Michigan made other mistakes when it defended the pass -- Channing Stribling biting on a double move on the final drive when only a touchdown beats Michigan stands out the most -- but, otherwise, there isn't much about which to be concerned. It is rare to see Michigan's secondary burned by an excellent route, and, for the most part, the defense has had great coverage. But that isn't enough. Now Michigan needs to finish the play.</p>
<h5>Desmond Morgan's Disastrous Day</h5>
<p>I've often praised Desmond Morgan for being a solid, instinctual, hard-hitting linebacker, and one game doesn't change that. But, man, Morgan had a disastrous performance against Minnesota. Not only did the Gophers pick on him through the air, he made some very uncharacteristic decisions that resulted in humongous gains. Morgan made some nice contributions here and there, but, because the poor plays were so poor, he finished with the worst grade that I've given any Michigan defender this year. It was that bad.</p>
<p>Where do I even begin?</p>
<p>I guess I'll start with the one that was most surprising to me. One of Morgan's strengths is his ability to read the cues in front of him and react without hesitation. However, there's a difference between reading and reacting and only reacting. In this game, it felt like Morgan was reacting more than he was reading, which is unusual for him. I think this because there were many times when Morgan just shot out of a cannon after the snap and plowed into a gap at the line without regard as to whether it was the right one. Maybe this was part of Michigan's gameplan, though I don't think that these were designed blitzes, but the problem was that Morgan often took himself out of position.</p>
<p>And Minnesota capitalized. Look at this play in the second quarter. It's 1st & 10 on Minnesota's 24-yard line, and the Gophers have called a run for Rodney Smith. Minnesota has creased Willie Henry and pulled its left guard into the gap, but there is only one blocker for two Michigan linebackers: Ben Gedeon and Morgan. This should be simple. Gedeon should engage with the lineman while Morgan storms into the hole and stones Smith for no gain. Even the offensive lineman is looking at Gedeon for his block:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Morgan - Wrong Gap - 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DPUsZsoBaXVlVarYsrzrNeXny5Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4230051/Morgan_-_Wrong_Gap_-_1.0.png">
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<p>But that's not what happens. Instead, Morgan sprints towards the pulling lineman and blasts him backwards at the same time Gedeon gets there. That's great and all except for the part where Smith now has a tunnel into which he can run without being touched:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Morgan - Wrong Gap - 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rQUaRR6OD6WMiVvyhk1ASqF7sOI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4230061/Morgan_-_Wrong_Gap_-_2.0.png">
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<p>Smith scampers for a 24-yard gain:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Morgan - Wrong Gap - 3" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H8mXtBV8o-rPw2EyhHmijp8oiEE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4230069/Morgan_-_Wrong_Gap_-_3.0.png">
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<p>That's a freshman mistake, not one committed by someone with 39 starts under his belt.</p>
<p>I wonder if this aggression and how it led to defensive lapses caused him to hesitate on a 3rd & 17 on Minnesota's final drive. The Gophers called a slip screen to Smith, and, when Smith caught it, his back was turned towards Morgan, who had a clear shot at him:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Morgan - Screen - 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MWd-G0o0hvQqD83sUb87Hb-im6o=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4230217/Morgan_-_Screen_-_1.0.png">
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<p>But, rather than take a direct path at Smith and crush him the backfield, Morgan takes a few steps to the outside as if he is trying to contain the screen. Not only does this allow Smith to turn inside after the catch, Morgan has set himself up to be picked off:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Morgan - Screen - 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eiQ4oFe6NaEwm8nDIUrCsP4JM8M=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4230233/Morgan_-_Screen_-_2.0.png">
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<p>Smith slithers through the blocks, and Morgan can't shed his fast enough:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Morgan - Screen - 3" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CwYWljySDXCtVrs08kzC0Xyw8Rg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4230241/Morgan_-_Screen_-_3.0.png">
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<p>It's 1st & 10 at the Minnesota 35-yard line rather than 4th & 17 or even longer.</p>
<p>Another mistake that surprised me was how far down to the line of scrimmage Morgan would come before trying to extend out laterally to cover someone or run down a ball-carrier. If there has been one knock on Morgan in his career, it's that he is not the most athletically gifted player and lacks the lateral agility and speed that are necessary to be a superb linebacker. Morgan usually does a good job to compensate for this by being smart with his footwork and the angles he takes. Morgan can't afford to take one misstep.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, it happened twice. One time didn't punish Michigan because, after Leidner pulled the ball on a third-down zone read and headed for the sideline, Jeremy Clark was able to shove him out of bounds before Leidner could cross the first-down marker. However, the other time it happened ended with a 40-yard gain for the Gophers.</p>
<p>On Minnesota's second play of the third quarter, the Gophers called a wheel route for Shannon Brooks. Michigan was in man coverage, and it was Morgan's responsibility to stick with Brooks. This is a matchup nightmare for Michigan because Brooks is much faster. Therefore, it is imperative that Morgan take the proper angle out to the sideline to cut off Brooks' wheel route. However, Morgan took one step too far towards the line before breaking out on Brooks. Morgan couldn't keep pace, and this was the result:</p>
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Morgan - Wheel - 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Mly7Xzq7esr6zhNNwCLY7Q4BDP0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4230269/Morgan_-_Wheel_-_1.0.png">
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<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Morgan - Wheel - 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fvydcJWxX7vDYxdgEq-bYHdko_8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4230273/Morgan_-_Wheel_-_2.0.png">
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<p>Morgan had performed very well this season until last weekend, so, at this point, it's only an aberration. But it's more concerning because it wasn't just one bad mistakes. There were numerous ones of great severity and different variety. My guess is that Morgan will bounce back fine against Rutgers this weekend. But it's something to keep an eye on.</p>
<h5>James Ross III Replaced Royce Jenkins-Stone at BUCK</h5>
<p>James Ross III received his first extensive action as Michigan's hybrid BUCK against Minnesota, and I'm not sure as to why. It wasn't because Jenkins-Stone was injured. Ross started the game at BUCK, and Jenkins-Stone did earn some playing time, though not much. Jenkins-Stone relieved Ross at BUCK on occasion when Michigan was in its nickel and was inserted at weak-side defensive end when Michigan would shift Ross back to the SAM in a 4-3. Maybe it was because Ross has been the odd man out in the linebacker crew with how much Michigan has been in nickel, but that's not a compelling reason to make a switch, particularly because Jenkins-Stone had manned the BUCK spot well.</p>
<p>However, Ross did fine at BUCK and came out with a positive grade. There were some plays where his lack of size hurt Michigan against the run. One such play was in the second quarter when Shannon Brooks ran up the middle into a pile of bodies at the line. If Ross could stand strong and hold the edge, Brooks would be brought down for no gain. But Brandon Lingen -- a tight end, not an offensive lineman -- tossed Ross aside like a rag doll, and Brooks was able to bounce to the outside and escape for an 11-yard gain. According to the official roster, Jenkins-Stone weighs only eight more pounds than Ross, but Jenkins-Stone has a much bigger frame. He likely would have shut that play down.</p>
<p>It'll be interesting to see who starts at the BUCK against Rutgers this weekend. Jenkins-Stone was listed as the No. 1 BUCK on the depth chart that was released at Monday's press conference, and Jenkins-Stone should be the better option there in the future. Maybe Ross played because Michigan trusted him more against Minnesota's zone reads.</p>
<p>I guess we'll learn on Saturday.</p>
https://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/11/4/9668196/2015-michigan-football-film-focus-defense-vs-minnesota-goal-line-stand-final-play-desmond-morganDrew Hallett2015-11-03T14:15:56-06:002015-11-03T14:15:56-06:00Film Focus: Michigan's Offense vs. Minnesota
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<figcaption>Patrick Barron-MGoBlog</figcaption>
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<p>This week's Film Focus includes a film breakdown of how Michigan used Jabrill Peppers on offense vs. Minnesota and highlights the struggles of Michigan's quarterbacks and offensive line.</p> <p>Michigan's offense scored 29 points in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/10/31/9652332/2015-football-michigan-29-minnesota-26-defense-denies-gophers-goal-line-push-harbaugh-speight">its three-point win over Minnesota</a>, but it was a dissatisfactory performance. The Wolverines totaled only 296 yards and averaged only 4.85 yards per play, which was the third time that they failed to exceed five yards per play. The previous two times: 4.93 at Utah and 3.97 vs. Michigan State. Both losses. However, Michigan pulled out the win because it capitalized on its scoring chances. Thanks to some excellent starting field position on three series, Michigan mustered four trips into the red zone, and all four ended with a celebration in the end zone. If Michigan hadn't finished those drives, it would be a very somber week.</p>
<p>Though Michigan is relieved instead, there still is much about which to worry. At this level of output, Michigan's offense should be able to make Rutgers and Indiana's defenses -- the two worst defenses in the Big Ten by a wide margin -- look as incompetent as the ACC officials on the final play of Miami-Duke this past weekend, but that won't get it done against top-20 defenses in Penn State and Ohio State in Michigan's final two games.</p>
<p>So, after re-watching the game film, here are my thoughts on Michigan's offense:</p>
<h5>Jabrill Peppers: Michigan's Swiss Army Knife</h5>
<p>During the bye week, I made <a target="_blank" href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/10/23/9584226/2015-michigan-football-ten-predictions-for-the-rest-of-the-season?_ga=1.242386438.540750104.1370235757">10 predictions about Michigan football for the rest of the season</a>, one of which was that Jabrill Peppers would not play another snap on offense until The Game. My theory was that Michigan would not need him on offense to beat its next four opponents. However, it took only one half for that prediction to go up in flames, and it's a good thing that it did because, without Peppers' offensive contribution against Minnesota, the Wolverines may not have left Minneapolis with their sixth win.</p>
<p>I didn't track the number of snaps that Peppers played on offense, but, in addition to his role as Michigan's corner, nickel, and strong safety on defense and kickoff and punt returner on special teams, he lined up at quarterback, H-back, and split-end receiver against Minnesota. Thus, Peppers had one of the funkier stat lines to date. On offense, he ran the ball three times for 19 yards and a touchdown, was credited with a fourth run when he was "sacked" because he ran out of bounds three yards behind the line of scrimmage as he looked downfield to throw, assisted on Jehu Chesson's 22-yard reverse, and drew a pass interference call the one and only time he was targeted down the field.</p>
<p>So I decided to break down all of these plays to understand Peppers' offensive impact.</p>
<p><b>Play No. 1: 2nd & 8 on MICH 27 (7:04, 2Q)</b></p>
<p>Michigan is in a four-wide Ace formation with twin receivers to each side, and A.J. Williams is in a two-point stance adjacent to Mason Cole. Minnesota is in its nickel formation with its nickel shaded inside of Jake Butt, who is in the slot to the near side. Prior to the snap, Jabrill Peppers, who is the far flanker, motions behind the formation:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - End Around - 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Gr8r1VCV7Prfl0YCpWDmKTgQayE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4225007/Peppers_-_End_Around_-_1.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Jake Rudock takes the snap and hands it off to Peppers running behind him. It's an end around. Williams down-blocks on the defensive end, Cole pulls to the outside as a lead blocker while Ben Braden seals off the defensive tackle trying to shoot into the backfield through the gap that Cole just vacated, and Butt and Chesson head to the second level:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - End Around - 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kUlHQuI6QEXFYo2zMhlTCxUBdkI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4225013/Peppers_-_End_Around_-_2.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Cole leads the way for Peppers and eyes that Graham Glasgow wasn't able to get to the second level fast enough to pick off one of Minnesota's linebackers. That linebacker takes a poor angle and tries to shoot inside of Cole to get to Peppers, but Peppers likely could outrun him to the outside. Nonetheless, Cole wants Peppers to have room to make his cut upfield, so Cole slows down and pushes the linebacker down to the turf. Butt has initiated his block with the nickel, and Chesson is about to do the same with the corner. The only man unaccounted for is Minnesota's safety, who is attempting to figure out which side of Butt's block Peppers will go. Glasgow tries to sprint down to wall him off:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - End Around - 3" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/COI53nTnXEXKmrvcVI7hLWRIYhE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4225087/Peppers_-_End_Around_-_3.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Butt pushes his man to the outside, and Peppers realizes that there won't be enough real estate for him to head in that direction and break upfield. Therefore, Peppers cuts inside. Minnesota's safety is there to make a play, but what Peppers wants to do is to lead the safety into the running Glasgow. If Peppers can do that, there'll be lots of yards to be had:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - End Around - 4" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SZYeC91VLsneBioMg6S3t9GAcfc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4225107/Peppers_-_End_Around_-_4.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>But Peppers is running too fast and doesn't have enough control of his speed to make the necessary cut to set up the block. Instead, Peppers tries run to inside of the safety before Glasgow can get there but is brought down by his shoelaces. He falls forward for nine:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - End Around - 5" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zTS787WplWr-jhrU3mRLZN6YbFI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4225133/Peppers_-_End_Around_-_5.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Peppers also may not have waited for Glasgow's block because the defensive tackle that Kyle Kalis failed to cut down to the ground at the beginning of the play had hurried back across the field to constrict that opening. So waiting for Glasgow may not have mattered.</p>
<p><b>Play No. 2: 2nd & 3 on MICH 32 (3:39, 2Q)</b></p>
<p>Michigan is an offset I-formation with one receiver to the near side, but it's not your typical alignment because Peppers is the "fullback." Rather than be positioned just three yards behind Braden like Joe Kerridge or Sione Houma would, Peppers is four yards behind the line and outside of Cole. Minnesota counters the heavy package with a 4-3:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Wheel - 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kCheywRn73doqcPKQqjrfq3knB0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4225359/Peppers_-_Wheel_-_1.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Rudock drops back to pass, and Amara Darboh runs a seam route with the purpose to draw Minnesota's defenders to the inside. Peppers heads to the outside before he begins to move upfield. He's running a wheel route, and that's where Rudock is looking. Minnesota's middle linebacker notices this and starts to take an angle towards the near sidelines to cover Peppers and cut off his route. Also, Minnesota's defensive end uses an outside-inside move on Cole in an attempt to split Cole and Braden and pressure Rudock:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - MInnesota - Peppers - Wheel - 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TAhn8LAuibRuJYl1vRIwxs6hXGk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4225395/Peppers_-_Wheel_-_2.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Cole is able to recover, but Rudock senses the pressure and throws off of his back foot:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Wheel - 3" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mbilyfcyrl_Q62PgjlEsCn2Y1yA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4225409/Peppers_-_Wheel_-_3.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Rudock chucks it up, and, as you can see, Peppers has a one-on-one matchup with Minnesota's middle linebacker down the sideline. Also, the linebacker has taken a shallow angle to cut off Peppers. The linebacker likely isn't fast enough to stick with Peppers, so a ball over the top should see Peppers run underneath it and speed away:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Wheel - 4" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rmngrBhYBA49M_eBSfQB6SkY9ak=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4225453/Peppers_-_Wheel_-_4.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>However, Rudock underthrows Peppers by a good 15-20 yards. Rather than throw it over the top where Peppers should be able to haul it in and sprint towards the end zone, Rudock puts the ball in a place that forces Peppers to stop and come back to the ball. This also allows the linebacker to make a play on the ball, though he runs into Peppers first:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Wheel - 5" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PUzcffyZ7w_fxYLbRGQxJPVyi3w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4225475/Peppers_-_Wheel_-_5.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>The linebacker knocks Peppers over and intercepts Rudock's pass:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Wheel - 6" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/59z_4DauIkIfEpJDNoRhi0wUqpY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4225481/Peppers_-_Wheel_-_6.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>However, the interception is negated by a 15-yard pass interference penalty.</p>
<p><b>Play No. 3: 3rd & 4 on MICH 45 (13:17, 3Q)</b></p>
<p>Michigan is in a three-wide Ace formation with Peppers in the slot on the near side. Minnesota is in its nickel and has a Cover 1 man defense behind it. Why? When Peppers begins to motion across the formation, the nickel runs across the formation with him:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Reverse - 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xyJVtbnLF7SQyQ6jaBoLGJHW7zU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226121/Peppers_-_Reverse_-_1.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Rudock takes the snap and tosses it quickly to Peppers sprinting behind him. With Derrick Green running ahead of Peppers from the tailback position, it looks like Green will block for Peppers for what will be another end around. The defense sees this, too, as its strong safety, two linebackers, and nickel all flow to the far side. However, this is not an end around because Chesson begins to run behind the play in the other direction:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Reverse - 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1h1reicveE0MfKNd5SX7qGqis9o=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226133/Peppers_-_Reverse_-_2.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Peppers catches the toss from Rudock and quickly pitches it back to Chesson. Reverse! Minnesota's defense has run itself out of position, and Chesson has two blocks that can clear a path for him. The first is Cole, who will begin to block the linebacker that has lost containment, and the second is Rudock, about whom the defense forgot after he tossed it:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Reverse - 3" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MDzYdVikreunHoVmritQjeU8P_Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226139/Peppers_-_Reverse_-_3.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Thanks to the threat of Peppers, Chesson has acres of open grass in front of him:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Reverse - 4" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XOu75kRgb3bEZ-WPkSQNW9M0zx4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226149/Peppers_-_Reverse_-_4.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Rudock takes out one defender, while Cole tries to maintain his block on the linebacker:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Reverse - 5" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8FgwbdlVpnhBLjyngUgUg-wfV34=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226151/Peppers_-_Reverse_-_5.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>But Cole cannot. Though Darboh had buried his corner down the field and even out of bounds, that Cole lost his block likely was insignificant because Minnesota's safety was coming over to shut down the play. Of course, Chesson may have had more room to juke him and head to the end zone. Who knows? But what I do know is that, because of the defense's fear of Peppers and the design of this reverse, Chesson ran 22 yards untouched:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Reverse - 6" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8lzzqZUKzTmONAmPV9TcvPryq_c=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226153/Peppers_-_Reverse_-_6.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p><b>Play No. 4: 1st & Goal on MINN 6 (11:29, 3Q)</b></p>
<p>Michigan comes out in the Wildcat with two receivers to the far side and Peppers as the quarterback. Here we go! I'm usually not a fan of the Wildcat, but, when a team has an athlete like Peppers, might as well give it a shot. Minnesota counters with its 4-3 defense:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - TD - 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aWygHbjKB3Xf09tVGBW1NuzHiks=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226249/Peppers_-_TD_-_1.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Peppers calls for the snap, and Michigan runs a crack-back sweep to the near side. Williams attempts a down block on the defensive end, Braden tries a reach block on the nearside defensive tackle, Kalis fails to cut down the other defensive tackle, and Erik Magnuson chops down a linebacker in the second level. This is done to allow Cole and Glasgow to pull and clear a path for Peppers, while Chesson and Butt wall off the edge:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - TD - 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vz-XDEsPUa0AXjdtM2E6vT94Of0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226403/Peppers_-_TD_-_2.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>But there is some miscommunication. Butt and Chesson both block the same safety, allowing Minnesota's corner to come back and fill the lane where Peppers is running. The corner still could have been blocked if Glasgow continued to pull around Cole, but Glasgow and Cole block the same defender. This means Peppers must make a man miss:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - TD - 3" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bEqVKn_nTQI1m_1FxzymJLh63zQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226423/Peppers_-_TD_-_3.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>However, Peppers has a better idea. Rather than make the 199-pound Minnesota corner miss, Peppers lowers his shoulder and boulders right through him with immense power:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - TD - 4" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EZIQe6m2bLrm262E6GBU443MGgY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226427/Peppers_-_TD_-_4.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Peppers carries the corner three yards before he crosses goal line for a touchdown:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - TD - 5" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yPM3GBcYDdmOk9QFPnj2VtLy4iM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226429/Peppers_-_TD_-_5.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>You can watch the touchdown and Pepper use his truck stick in full speed here:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-video">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jabrill Peppets scores his first career touchdown. <a href="https://t.co/WpzUC1nAdP">pic.twitter.com/WpzUC1nAdP</a></p>
— Drew Hallett (@DrewCHallett) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrewCHallett/status/660626094349946880">November 1, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p><b>Play No. 5: 1st & 10 on MICH 25 (11:43, 4Q)</b></p>
<p>Michigan is in the Wildcat with Peppers at quarterback behind a tight Emory and Henry formation -- you can see that Michigan's tackles are not lined up directly adjacent to the guards. Minnesota is in its 4-3 with its defensive ends aligned over Michigan's tackles:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Sweep - 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f6tm270U3h0EF50dzvFba8gwJXE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226623/Peppers_-_Sweep_-_1.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Peppers calls for the snap and runs a sweep to his right. Michigan wants to double the strongside defensive tackle and end before two blockers rumble into the second level to pick off Minnesota's linebackers. However, the defensive tackle withstands the double from Glasgow and Kalis, and Tom Strobel, moonlighting as a tight end on this play, forgets his assignment and doesn't move off his block. The result is that neither linebacker is picked off in the second level. This means that Chesson, who is Peppers' lead blocker, will have to take down one of those linebackers while Houma kicks out the corner. But there still will be another linebacker that will have a clean shot at Peppers:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Sweep - 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/89DKPUmuCGZmQCOgC1w3TtOqsnA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226661/Peppers_-_Sweep_-_2.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Peppers tries to extend the play out towards the sidelines as Chesson cuts down the first linebacker that has roamed over. Peppers realizes that the blocking hasn't developed well in front of him, so he cuts sharply inside of Chesson's cut block and bulls ahead:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Sweep - 3" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nPVHlowzYS5gS5ju_SHoGvEJKg4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226673/Peppers_-_Sweep_-_3.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Peppers' quick decision and agility help him slither forward for a four-yard gain:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Sweep - 4" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qU4E0me0YbhfJXtGThUm86mKKDg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226675/Peppers_-_Sweep_-_4.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p><b>Play No. 6: 2nd & 7 on MINN 9 (5:34, 4Q)</b></p>
<p>Michigan is in the Wildcat with Peppers at quarterback and two receivers to the far side. Minnesota is in its 4-3 defense. Hoping to trick the Minnesota defense into committing to the run, the Wolverines have given Peppers a pass-run option when he rolls out to his right. If it works, Butt or Drake Johnson will run open routes on that side of the field:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Sack - 1" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q50YEjks0aoqPdrP3A24XgUsRF0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226739/Peppers_-_Sack_-_1.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>When Peppers takes the snap, Butt, who's the left tackle and an eligible receiver on this unbalanced line, breaks into his corner route. At the same time, Kalis begins to pull to the right to be a pass blocker in front of the rolling Peppers. The problem is that Minnesota's defensive ends have been aggressive all night and shooting upfield. This is no different. The end instantly gets in Peppers' face, and, because Kalis is out of position, he interferes with Johnson, who is attempting to run a route into the flat. The timing of this play has been disrupted, and all Peppers can worry about is evading Minnesota's defensive end:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Sack - 2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qA0mQGfoHJYIFo9PHiyh71oW5Vg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226781/Peppers_-_Sack_-_2.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Peppers runs around the end and pulls the ball up to look for an open target to whom he can throw. However, the unbalanced line didn't deceive Minnesota, so Butt is doubled in the end zone. Plus, Peppers can't find a comfortable window to get the ball to Johnson:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Sack - 3" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sq8Ya6NzMjLDuedDf_k2sZshGE8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226795/Peppers_-_Sack_-_3.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>So Peppers tucks the ball and heads for the sidelines, where he runs out of bounds three yards behind the line of scrimmage. This is considered a sack for Minnesota's defense:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FF - Minnesota - Peppers - Sack - 4" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YszCh-3Rm4qCUT-1tsXCIABqk5g=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4226799/Peppers_-_Sack_-_4.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Though I wish that Peppers had thrown the ball away before he stepped out of bounds to avoid losing three yards for the ensuing third-down play, I was pleased that he had the discipline not to force a pass that wasn't there. When a team calls a pass to be thrown by a non-quarterback, you often see that player chuck a pass towards a covered receiver because he is so giddy to throw the ball. That leads to mistakes and, in many cases, interceptions. Not that any team wants to throw an interception, but Michigan could not afford to toss one here because it would be Michigan's last legit chance to take the lead with a backup quarterback. Peppers gave Michigan another shot, and you know the rest.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
<p>So what's the takeaway? <span>Peppers has become Michigan's Swiss Army Knife. Not only is Michigan using Peppers on defense and special teams, but Peppers is playing multiple positions on offense, too. Though there were only six plays in which Peppers was directly involved, that's still a ton being put on his plate. </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/11/2/9659618/rudock-limited-in-practice-but-no-signs-of-concussion">Jim Harbaugh praised Peppers during his Monday presser</a><span>, saying that the redshirt freshman has a special level of determination, talent, intelligence, and instincts. There's no question about that. Handling this much responsibility would be difficult for most seniors. For a redshirt freshman to do it is absolutely astounding. And it takes more than physical gifts to do it.</span></p>
<p>However, Peppers' physical gifts can't be discounted, and there were two common themes in how Michigan tried to use them on offense. Peppers may not be the fastest man on the team, but he's the best athlete. Not only is he fast, his ability to burst in and out of cuts and barrel over opponents with brute strength is remarkable. Michigan knows this, and opponents fear this. Just think back to the Michigan State game when Mark Dantonio called back-to-back timeouts to prepare for Peppers' presence on offense.</p>
<p>That's why the first common theme was that Michigan used lots of misdirection when Peppers was involved in the offense. The hope was that the Gophers would overreact to what Peppers was doing and allow another option to become available. Michigan tried it twice. It worked the first time as Chesson wasn't touched during his 22-yard gallop on the reverse, but it didn't work the second time when Peppers looked to pass on the final drive. I expect Harbaugh and the offensive staff will find new ways to use misdirection.</p>
<p>The second common theme was that all of Peppers' offensive touches involved plays that were outside the pocket. There were two sweeps, an end around, a wheel route, a reverse, and a roll-out pass. Not once did Peppers remain the pocket or run between the tackles. There are two reasons for this. One is that Peppers is at his best when he is able to make defenders miss in space. The other is that Michigan likely doesn't want Peppers to get to beat up by defensive linemen. However, I will be curious to see if this changes in the coming weeks. It seems like Michigan plans to use Peppers on offense more in the coming weeks, and Michigan will need to find new ways to use him to exploit defenses.</p>
<p>And I can say this with no hesitation: it will be fun to watch.</p>
<h5>The Weekly Update on Jake Rudock (and Wilton Speight)</h5>
<p>I wrote so much about Jabrill Peppers that I will keep these next two sections brief.</p>
<p>Jake Rudock had another up-and-down game (61.9 cmp%, 6.7 YPA, TD, INT) that mostly was down after his first possession. Rudock looked solid on his first few throws. There were two in particular where, with pressure bearing down on him, he fired two strikes in perfect locations to Jake Butt on an out and Amara Darboh on a slant. It seemed like Michigan was going to get Good Jake on Saturday. However, that idea evaporated soon thereafter when he ended that promising opening possession with a bad interception. On that play, Rudock twice had Butt open on a crossing route but missed him both times. The first miss was understandable as a Minnesota stunt put some pressure on him and forced him to bail from the pocket. The second miss wasn't, though, because, rather than lob a pass in front of Butt in open grass behind three defenders, Rudock tried to shovel pass through them to De'Veon Smith. The shovel pass was tipped in the air and easily intercepted. And, after that play, Rudock's awareness seemed to deteriorate on key plays.</p>
<p>However, Michigan fans caught a quick glimpse of what life is like without Rudock. Yes, Wilton Speight stepped up to guide Michigan to its game-winning touchdown. Though Chesson was open only because one of Minnesota's safeties was in the wrong area, Speight still threw a missile where only Chesson could grab it. Nonetheless, we just can't disregard how Speight was on other plays when he looked like a freshman. The first time he dropped back, which was on third down, he fled from a clean pocket when he had Joe Kerridge underneath and Butt to the sideline for first downs. But Speight hesitated and didn't throw to them, so Michigan punted. Also, on the final drive -- 1st & 10 on the 12 -- Michigan was in a four-wide shotgun and ran a zone read. The problem, though, was that Minnesota had stacked the box, meaning that, even with the right read, the play had no chance. Rudock would have recognized this and thrown the quick flanker screen, which would have been a walk-in touchdown. Speight didn't, and Michigan gained three yards.</p>
<p>Maybe Speight will improve now that he has those first-game, non-garbage time jitters out of the way. But I think it was evidence that Rudock is the best option at quarterback for this team, even if he does show his flaws each game. Jim Harbaugh said that Rudock will practice this week with a torso injury. Let's hope because Michigan needs him back.</p>
<h5>Michigan's Interior OL Was Mauled by Minnesota's DTs</h5>
<p>It was ugly. Michigan couldn't run the ball inside against Minnesota because the interior line had its worst performance. Kyle Kalis had the worst grade that I have given any Michigan offensive lineman this season, and Graham Glasgow, who has been Michigan's best lineman, had by far his worst game in quite some time. The Gophers' strategy was clear. The defensive ends were very aggressive, blazing up the field on almost every down and leaving gaps behind them. Michigan's tackles would escort those ends out of the way, but Michigan needed its interior linemen to keep those lanes open. However, they could not do that, whether their blocks were shed, they couldn't use doubles to push defensive tackles backwards, or they couldn't reach linebackers at the second level in time. With the offensive line unable to block Minnesota's instinctual front, Michigan's slower backs -- De'Veon Smith (9 car., 15 yards) and Derrick Green (3 car., 4 yards) -- had no room. This is why Michigan switched to the shiftier Drake Johnson (10 car., 55 yards).</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Tomorrow, I'll provide a film breakdown of Michigan's defense against Minnesota.</p>
https://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/11/3/9662490/2015-michigan-football-film-focus-offense-vs-minnesota-jabrill-peppers-jake-rudock-wilton-speightDrew Hallett2015-11-02T13:39:28-06:002015-11-02T13:39:28-06:00Rudock Limited in Practice, but No Signs of Concussion
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<figcaption>Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>During Monday’s press conference, Harbaugh confirmed that Rudock is improving and would be back in practice that day, albeit limited.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After getting trapped between two Minnesota defenders in the third quarter, Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock was hit in the head and his helmet was knocked off. From that moment onward, it was apparent that Rudock wouldn’t be finishing the game.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During Monday’s press conference, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed that Rudock is improving and would be back in practice that day, albeit limited.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"He got treatment," Harbaugh said. "We’ll see today. He’s going to go out and participate in practice. We’ll see how much he can do. He’ll probably be sore; he’ll probably be limited.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"They did (rule out a concussion). A concussion was never something that was mentioned."</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Harbaugh mentioned that there’s no magic formula that determines whether a player can be limited in practice yet still be ready for the game, but he does have to ensure that the player is Michigan’s best option for a chance to win and that the player won’t injure himself further.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Following the hit, backup quarterback Wilton Speight quickly warmed up on the sideline and jumped in to help the Wolverines reclaim the Little Brown Jug, defeating Minnesota 29-26.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Junior Shane Morris warmed up alongside Speight, leaving some fans wondering if Morris would burn his potential redshirt season.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Back from the beginning of the season, there was a decision to be made with Shane’s input that we’re going to go in the direction of trying to get the redshirt if possible," Harbaugh said. "Wilton has improved, and (there’s) not much more to elaborate on than that."</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Though Speight was able to come in and go 3-for-6 for 29 yards and a touchdown, the game came down to the wire.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"In a football game, it never comes down to one play," Harbaugh said. "The goal-line stand at the end was really set up by a lot of plays in the game. If you go back, the play before, James Ross does a great job of staying on his man … or we don’t get to that goal-line stand."</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Harbaugh also mentioned that without safety Jabrill Peppers, Michigan wouldn’t have gotten to that point. Peppers made appearances on offense, defense and special teams.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"(Peppers has) a special level of determination, special level of talent, special level of instinct and intelligence," Harbaugh said. "Look at all of the roles he played. He lined up at running back, he lined up at receiver, he lined up at quarterback, he lines up as nickel on defense, he lines up on corner, he lines up on safety, kick return, punt return. He’s carrying a lot of water right now."</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Added tight end Jake Butt: "Jabrill is a freak athlete. He can throw, run, catch, all of that."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>NOTES</b>: H-back Henry Poggi didn't play against Minnesota because he was out with a bout of pneumonia. Running back Ty Isaac was out due to an "internal matter." When pressed about Isaac again, <span>Harbaugh said "We'll keep you posted. It's none of your business."</span></p>
https://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/11/2/9659618/rudock-limited-in-practice-but-no-signs-of-concussionKelly Hall2015-11-02T11:32:03-06:002015-11-02T11:32:03-06:00Freep Column: U-M Gets the Ugly Win it Wouldn't Have in Previous Years<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2015/11/02/maize-n-brew-michigan-wolverines-football/75027744/">Freep Column: U-M Gets the Ugly Win it Wouldn't Have in Previous&nbsp;Years</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>In this week's column for the Detroit Free Press, I discuss Michigan's win over Minnesota and why games like that prove the program is maturing.</p></p></div>
https://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/11/2/9658946/freep-column-u-m-gets-the-ugly-win-it-wouldnt-have-in-previous-yearsAnthony Broome2015-11-02T10:23:02-06:002015-11-02T10:23:02-06:00Jabrill Peppers Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week
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<figcaption>Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Peppers flexed his muscles in all three phases of the game en route to a win against Minnesota.</p> <p>Michigan Football defensive back Jabrill Peppers has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, according to a release from the conference on Monday.</p>
<p>This is the second time Peppers has won FOTW this season.</p>
<p>Peppers made an impact in all three phases of the game on Saturday night as he continues to show his value to the Wolverines whenever he is out there in any capacity.</p>
<p>He had a 43-yard kickoff return and 40-yard yard punt return, as well as scoring his first career touchdown on offense from four-yards out in the Wildcat formation. Peppers continues to get looks on offense and finished the game with four rushes for 16 yards.</p>
<p>He also added three tackles and two pass breakups in the game, as well.</p>
<p>Peppers has backed up all of the hype surrounding him after missing most of last season due to injury. The scary part for his opponents is that he keeps getting better, so we will see what direction he goes from here.</p>
https://www.maizenbrew.com/football/2015/11/2/9658328/michigan-footballs-jabrill-peppers-named-big-tens-freshman-of-the-weekAnthony Broome2015-11-02T07:55:14-06:002015-11-02T07:55:14-06:00What We Learned: Minnesota Week
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<figcaption>Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Michigan played its worst game of the season, but found a way to win. It was a win in the record books, but it brought up a new set of questions. Is the effort we saw Saturday going to be the new norm? Did the once-impenetrable defense get exploited? Is there a quarterback controversy in Ann Arbor now? Before we all start panicking, let us tackle these subjects with a level head.</p> <p><b>WHAT WE LEARNED: ABOUT MICHIGAN</b></p>
<p><b>Michigan reversed an important trend from the last 6 years. </b>From 2009 to 2014, Michigan went <i>28-7 in games played BEFORE MSU, and 13-18 in games played AFTER the MSU game</i>. Basically, they went on a 6 year stretch where they switched from DIRECTV to cable after playing MSU every year. There could be many reasons for this. Some reasons include Dantonio posting the blueprint for how to beat Michigan, mobile QBs getting battered and bruised, and just bad coaching in general. But one thing that this long term trend certainly shows: MSU was breaking Michigan's spirits, and Michigan was letting the losses affect them later on in the season.</p>
<p>Yesterday was one game, but Michigan showed that they are a new team with a new attitude. Michigan had every chance to quit and let the game become a blowout when Rudock went down, but they hung around, in a spot that the RichRod and Hoke Wolverines would have folded like a house of cards. They hung around just long enough to win. And while luck could be attributed to the way they won, the win was earned with hard work.</p>
<p>This is a new Michigan team, and they have taken on the no-quit personality of their head coach.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Harbaugh says he hoped his team learned to never give up.</p>
— Max Cohen (@MaxACohen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaxACohen/status/660656096831516672">November 1, 2015</a>
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<p><b>Let's talk about Michigan's QB situation. </b>So Wilton Speight came in and got the game winning drive, after Rudock struggled and got a couple turnovers. Now Michigan has a controversy, right?!? Well...as Lee Corso would say, not so fast my friend. Wilton Speight *DID* go 3-3 on the game winning drive, and threw a pretty sweet touchdown pass to Jehu Chesson. But this was due largely to masterful play-calling by Michigan.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A great TE is a young QB's best friend.</p>
— LG (@LGhail) <a href="https://twitter.com/LGhail/status/660641102395932672">November 1, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>After Speight looked like a deer in the headlights his first few drives, Michigan made some great adjustments. First, they simplified the offense for him and got his confidence up by giving him a couple easy throws to tight ends, first Butt, and then Hill. These completions help Speight's confidence tremendously, and got Minnesota to stop thinking about Michigan's deeper targets. When Michigan went for the touchdown pass, Minnesota's pass defense was a few steps behind, and that was all Wilton needed to hit his target, Jehu Chesson, for the go-ahead touchdown.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What Wilton Speight saw on his game-winning TD throw. Great protection from the offensive line. Two open options: <a href="https://t.co/vxBQlcnwuR">pic.twitter.com/vxBQlcnwuR</a></p>
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByAZuniga/status/660881948567474176">November 1, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>However, this was a unique package designed to get Wilton Speight the game winning touchdown on a short field. This was in a game that Minnesota didn't gameplan for Speight, and probably didn't spend much time scouting him. This is not sustainable for the rest of the season. Rudock, despite his many issues, is the guy. He gives Michigan the best chance to win. While he sometimes takes too long to get the ball out, Speight held the ball forever before releasing several times. That just can't happen.</p>
<p><b>Michigan's defense took a step back, but that doesn't have to be permanent. </b>Minnesota had a good gameplan to attack the Michigan defense. They attacked the intermediate middle/deep middle on the pass, particularly picking on Desmond Morgan and Dymonte Thomas. Michigan's pass defense surrendered too many of these passes over the middle. Also, the run defense did not look like it did the first half of the season. They surrendered 4.1 yards per carry, way over the season average, which is now 2.4. The concern is that these struggles are now on film for future teams to see. However it is nice to have a coordinator like DJ Durkin who can patch these things up. Should we panic? Maybe, but probably not.</p>
<p>Minnesota was coming off a bye and they had extra time to prepare for Michigan's defense. Minnesota has shown the propensity to play well in big games with time to prepare, as evidenced by their close 23-17 loss to TCU in their season opener. As Desmond helps point out, MInnesota had an extra gear that humans normally cannot achieve, playing under heavy emotion in response to the Jerry Kill situation.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great effort tonight by a very inspired Minnesota team. Wishing the best for Jerry Kill. Good road win for <a href="https://twitter.com/umichfootball">@umichfootball</a>.</p>
— Desmond Howard (@DesmondHoward) <a href="https://twitter.com/DesmondHoward/status/660663838585565184">November 1, 2015</a>
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<p>However, Michigan still needs to patch these leaks. One could say they already started to do so. The 4th quarter was chock-full of offensive 3 and outs for Michigan, and the defense just kept getting stops to keep Michigan in the game. And the goal-line stand was a great play to lift the spirits of Michigan's defense, heading into the 4 November games on tap. A home game against Rutgers is just what the doctor ordered, for the defense to regain their swagger.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>MSU and OSU bloggers and writers have no quit in them when it comes to Michigan. </b>A mini-controversy surfaced on the internet a day after the game, as this image of the final play was fed from bloggers to the MSU and OSU fans.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">While we're talking officiating, is this not offsides? <a href="https://t.co/ADVpvyc2lM">pic.twitter.com/ADVpvyc2lM</a></p>
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisVannini/status/660661483014000640">November 1, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A cleaner look at Michigan's neutral zone issue on last night's final play. How does the head linesman miss this? <a href="https://t.co/OhoT7wgnoy">pic.twitter.com/OhoT7wgnoy</a></p>
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) <a href="https://twitter.com/11W/status/660803918486618112">November 1, 2015</a>
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<p>Pictures can be deceiving. They do not tell the whole story. For instance, look where ESPN's black line is (true line of scrimmage), and look where the center has the ball (well past it). It is common for the center to move the ball up a bit in order to give himself a cleaner snap of the ball. It happens just about every single football play.</p>
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<p>Some people might say "oh, well the black line could be inaccurate". Okay that's great and all, but the line judge is directly centered over it in his stance. It's legit. Doesn't look so offsides from that view, does it? Camera angles can be deceiving in photography. It can be used to alter people's height, appearance, and weight. But enough about my online dating history and back to the topic at hand. A picture can tell a thousand words, but no, half of Michigan's defensive line was not offsides.</p>
<p>The funny thing about this is who brought it up. Did Minnesota players bring it up? No. Did Minnesota coaches bring it up? No. Did Minnesota media bring it up? No. Did Minnesota's influential tweeters bring it up? No. Well who did then?</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Best part of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeutralZoneGate?src=hash">#NeutralZoneGate</a> is that it wasn't even started by Minnesota. Just Ohio State and MSU fans/blogs.</p>
— Spine of Steel (@nezzy21) <a href="https://twitter.com/nezzy21/status/660893481037135872">November 1, 2015</a>
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<p>It was conjured up by two fanbases who always have Michigan on their mind. To be fair, boredom must have set in, as MSU and OSU were both on bye. Plus they did have an extra hour to think of creative new ways to try to cut down Michigan, as daylight savings time ended. Let me be the first to say that I often use those teams as part of my tweets and writing, so I don't want to be labeled as a hypocrite. However, it's hard not to when they consistently provide such good material.</p>
<p><b>WHAT WE LEARNED: ABOUT THE BIG TEN</b></p>
<p><b>Nebraska was Michigan's main hope to beat MSU, but that's not happening.</b> I mean, I would like it to happen, but I don't think any team that gives up 55 points to lowly Purdue has a snowball's chance in Arizona of stopping Connor Cook. MSU could save travel costs by leaving their punter at home for that game, as he may not be needed at all. Finally a lucky break for MSU, a team that needs one as badly as this sentence needs a sarcasm font.</p>
<p><b>Iowa is rolling, but their schedule is a joke. </b>Imagine playing a Big Ten season where you already have a one game lead plus the tiebreaker over the only team capable of competing with you (Wisconsin) in your division. You also avoid playing Michigan, MSU, and OSU. Iowa's road to Indianapolis at this point has less resistance than (insert any Big 12 team here)'s defense. So while they should enjoy their Top 10 ranking and best season in quite some time, it's hard to imagine a circumstance that doesn't involve the eventual East Division champion clobbering them in the title game.</p>
<p><b>TWEETS OF THE WEEK</b></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">S/O to <a href="https://twitter.com/ColinCowherd">@ColinCowherd</a> for supporting the Wolverines. We appreciate you representing the Maize & Blue. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FriendsAgain?src=hash">#FriendsAgain</a> <a href="https://t.co/ywjMivi3qh">pic.twitter.com/ywjMivi3qh</a></p>
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachJim4UM/status/660219412360884224">October 30, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"But Coach, I was just following the title of your book…" <a href="https://t.co/YDn52xz9xa">pic.twitter.com/YDn52xz9xa</a></p>
— Solus (@wolverinebutter) <a href="https://twitter.com/wolverinebutter/status/660450088649666560">October 31, 2015</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ok, I'm new to this. Michigan was very lucky to win this game. When do we start pretending like we dominated? Can any MSU fans help me out?</p>
— Scott Bell (@sbell021) <a href="https://twitter.com/sbell021/status/660652635700097026">November 1, 2015</a>
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https://www.maizenbrew.com/football/2015/11/2/9654548/what-we-learned-minnesota-weekLGhail2015-11-01T09:45:09-06:002015-11-01T09:45:09-06:00Takeaways from Michigan's Win Over Minnesota
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<figcaption>Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Survive and get a road win was the recipe for success on Saturday.</p> <p>It was stressful. It was infuriating at times. It was Halloween and it was downright scary.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/10/31/9652332/2015-football-michigan-29-minnesota-26-defense-denies-gophers-goal-line-push-harbaugh-speight">But it was a win</a>.</p>
<p>Michigan (6-2, 3-1 B1G) was able to hold off Minnesota's (4-4, 1-3 B1G) last second charge -- literally -- <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/10/31/9652740/watch-michigan-stuffs-minnesota-on-the-goal-line-on-the-last-play-to">and stuff the Gophers on the goalline</a> to secure a wild win and bring the Little Brown Jug back to Ann Arbor.</p>
<p>Let's get to the takeaways:</p>
<h5>Riding the Emotional Storm</h5>
<p>The Gophers came out and played hard in honor of retired head coach Jerry Kill, as many expected them to do. They were an inspired team on Saturday evening and even seemed as if they had a bit of magic on their side as well. Nearly tipped or intercepted passes were being completed on Michigan's defense, which is one of the best in college football.</p>
<p>Michigan looked flustered after a fast start to the game, but they were able to keep their emotions in check and ride out the adversity. Jake Rudock left the game after taking a big hit on what absolutely should have been a targeting call. Facing a deficit and having to play the rest of the game with Wilton Speight at quarterback was the nail in the coffin.</p>
<p>Until it wasn't.</p>
<p>After missing on his first three passes, Speight and the Wolverines put a nice drive together that started in Minnesota territory where they eventually took the lead. Speight's touchdown throw was an excellent one and the two point conversion was just as good.</p>
<p>The Michigan defense was still leaky on that final drive and even surrendered what would have been the go-ahead touchdown for Minnesota, until it was called back at the one-yard line.</p>
<p>Rather than playing for the field goal, the Gophers elected to go for the win and the touchdown and the Wolverines were having none of it. DJ Durkin sniffed out the QB sneak and Leidner was unable to break the plane of the goal line.</p>
<p>Minnesota interim head coach Tracy Claeys is getting a lot of grief for not playing for the tie, but he made the right decision. It was a nonstop wave of emotions and they had come that far, so why not ride it out? If you can't score from one-yard out, you don't deserve to win. It's as simple as that.</p>
<p>In year's past, when the wheels fell off for Michigan they'd do so in a big way. It looked as if it may have been heading that direction about halfway through the third quarter, but they regrouped and gutted through that game and earned a victory. Hats off to Jim Harbaugh and company for how mentally tough this team has become and not melting down two weeks after the loss to Michigan State.</p>
<h5>Don't Panic About the Defense</h5>
<p>Michigan's defense has been downright suffocating all season long, so a 461 yard outburst in one game for now looks to be the exception to the rule. Add in the fact it was a road game in a unique and emotional environment and it is not all that hard to see what happened.</p>
<p>They didn't play well, but Minnesota also had the football gods on their side with some fortunate chunk plays. Give all the credit to the Gophers for playing their hearts out and executing offensively. Michigan gave up a ton of yards, but did a nice job preventing them from finishing off drives and settling for field goals.</p>
<p>In every season, whether it's of the undefeated or 6-6 variety, there's always a game that you escape with a victory despite having a ton go against you. For now, I'm chalking this one up as that for the Wolverines.</p>
<h5>Quarterback Picture Painted Clearer</h5>
<p>We've dealt with a ton of hypotheticals this season on what would happen should Rudock go down to injury, which is the only scenario where he'd not be on the field.</p>
<p>We saw that play out on Saturday when Rudock missed most of the second half due to injury. It was Speight, not Shane Morris who came off the bench in relief and it's much more than just not wanting to burn a redshirt.</p>
<p>Morris just isn't good enough. Harbaugh confirmed after the game Speight is the number-two quarterback.</p>
<p>We have seen Michigan burn redshirts for Karan Higdon, Tyree Kinnel and Grant Newsome because the staff wants its best possible players on the field at all times. If Morris was one of them, he'd have come in to the game.</p>
<p>We can close the book on that the rest of this season.</p>
<h5>Jabrill Peppers is Michigan's MVP</h5>
<p>Jourdan Lewis has been Michigan's best player all season, but nobody is as valuable as Jabrill Peppers is. Not only has he been great in the secondary, but his play on special teams in the return game has been outstanding. The Wolverines have been efficient offensively because they are starting drives in favorable spots and a lot of that credit goes to Peppers flipping the field.</p>
<p>We are starting to see him get involved in the offense, too. P<a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/10/31/9652552/watch-jabrill-peppers-scores-his-first-career-touchdown-vs-minnesota">eppers scored his first career touchdown out of the wildcat</a> in the win on Saturday. You want to keep him as fresh as possible, but he is simply too good of an athlete to not look for every opportunity to put the ball in his hands. Michigan should continue to incorporate Peppers whenever they can.</p>
https://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/11/1/9653668/takeaways-from-michigans-little-brown-jug-victory-over-minnesotaAnthony Broome2015-10-31T22:28:50-05:002015-10-31T22:28:50-05:00Michigan 29, Minnesota 26: Formed a Dang Wall
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<p>Despite Jake Rudock leaving with an injury and Minnesota having the ball on the one-yard line on the final play, Michigan held firm and escaped with a 29-26 win over the Gophers.</p> <p>One game after Michigan lost on the final play, the Wolverines won on the final play.</p>
<p>With two seconds left, Minnesota trailed No. 15 Michigan, 29-26, and had the ball on the Wolverines' one-yard line. Rather than kick the chip-shot field goal and send the game to overtime, Minnesota interim coach Tracy Claeys opted to be aggressive and go for the win. The Gophers called a QB sneak for Mitch Leidner, and <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/10/31/9652740/watch-michigan-stuffs-minnesota-on-the-goal-line-on-the-last-play-to" target="_blank">Michigan formed a wall</a>.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MICHIGAN'S GOAL LINE STAND WINS THE GAME VS. MINNESOTA <a href="https://t.co/UbQaoxhFMT">pic.twitter.com/UbQaoxhFMT</a></p>
— Drew Hallett (@DrewCHallett) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrewCHallett/status/660648467522437120">November 1, 2015</a>
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<p>Michigan's defensive line, which has been one of the nation's best units, stuffed Leidner well short of the goal line, and the Wolverines ran off the field at TCF Bank Stadium in celebration with a dramatic 29-26 win over a stunned Minnesota on Halloween night.</p>
<p>It didn't look like it would end that way, though, for the Wolverines. With less than 30 seconds left, Minnesota's Drew Wolitarsky burned Michigan cornerback Channing Stribling on a double move and hauled in Leidner's underthrown pass right near the goal line. The officials originally ruled it a touchdown, but, upon a review, it was indisputable that Wolitarsky's knee hit the turf with the ball just short of the end zone.</p>
<p>With 18 seconds left, which would begin to run once the ball was set at the one-yard line, and one timeout left, it seemed obvious that the Gophers would snap the ball immediately and try to bury their way across the goal line. However, Minnesota didn't do that and began to motion into a different formation with Leidner moving back into the shotgun. With just seven seconds left, Leidner received the snap and rolled to his right before trying to throw the ball back across to his receiver on the left side. However, the ball sailed incomplete, leaving the Gophers with just two ticks left and a decision.</p>
<p>Minnesota went for it all, and Michigan's defensive line took it for themselves.</p>
<p>The Wolverines were fortunate to walk out with their sixth win of the season. They started strong, using two 40-plus-yard special-teams returns by Jabrill Peppers to set up a one-yard touchdown run for Joe Kerridge and a 13-yard strike from Jake Rudock to Jehu Chesson on a slant through traffic to grab hold of a 14-3 lead early in the second quarter. However, Michigan began to fall apart thereafter due to some poor decisions by Rudock and some fortunate passes down the field by Leidner that somehow weren't intercepted or batted down by Michigan's secondary. And one of those passes ended with a 52-yard touchdown for the Gophers. Thus, Minnesota took a 16-14 edge into halftime.</p>
<p>Michigan and Minnesota then traded touchdowns in the third quarter. The Wolverines regained the lead when, on the six-yard line, Peppers took the snap in the Wildcat, ran left on a crackback sweep, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/10/31/9652552/watch-jabrill-peppers-scores-his-first-career-touchdown-vs-minnesota">bulldozed a Gophers defender that weighed at least 50 pounds more than him for an extra three yards a touchdown</a>. However, Minnesota responded later in the quarter when Delano Hill got caught peeking into the backfield on a zone read, and Leidner pulled the ball and broke to the outside. Hill realized his mistake but slipped when he tried to recover. The Wolverines couldn't recover, and Leidner was able to speed 24 yards into the end zone. Minnesota had a 23-21 lead.</p>
<p>There was still lots of time for Michigan to retake the lead, but all hope looked lost when Rudock scrambled and took a wicked shot to the head as he went to the ground. Rudock exited the game and didn't return. Rather than insert Shane Morris, whom Jim Harbaugh has insisted would be the backup if Rudock was to be injured, Harbaugh went with redshirt freshman Wilton Speight, who had never completed a pass in his college career.</p>
<p>Speight got off to a shaky start, missing on his first three passes, which allowed the Gophers to tack on another field goal to extend their lead to 26-21. However, with some excellent starting field position at the Minnesota 40-yard line with 8:36 left in the game, Speight completed passes to Jake Butt and Khalid Hill to put Michigan at the 12-yard line. Then, facing a 3rd & 10, Speight dropped back to pass and threw a strike to Chesson on a slant for a touchdown. Michigan went for two to earn a field-goal cushion, and Speight stepped up again, figuratively and literally. Speight felt pressure and moved up in the pocket before lobbing a pass to Amara Darboh, who caught it at its highest point.</p>
<p>Michigan 29, Minnesota 26. 4:57 left. And Michigan finished it off on the final play.</p>
<p>It wasn't the prettiest win for Michigan. The offense gained only 296 yards and averaged only 4.9 yards per play, while the Minnesota was able to gash the Wolverines' defense for big plays both on the ground and in the air, averaging 6.8 yards per play -- easily the worst performance by Michigan's defense. But you take any win you can get on the road.</p>
<p>And Michigan will take this one to improve to 6-2 and keep its Big Ten East hopes alive.</p>
<p>Oh, and the Little Brown Jug gets to return to its rightful home: Ann Arbor.</p>
https://www.maizenbrew.com/2015/10/31/9652332/2015-football-michigan-29-minnesota-26-defense-denies-gophers-goal-line-push-harbaugh-speightDrew Hallett