Michigan 59, Maryland 18 -- Enjoying the Last Win of the Season Postgame Thread

[Hannibal]

Mike Hart is far and away the best RB coach that we have had since before Fred Jackson. Hell this is the first time since about 1994 that we have had multiple really good running backs on the team at the same time. Keep him around as long as possible.

[Hannibal]

Maryland can't cover receivers but they make up for it by not tackling.

[Mike]

It’s really fun playing the Washington Generals.

[Hannibal]

Harbaugh with a retarded challenge.

"Gee I wonder why Harbaugh is 4-13 in rivalry and bowl games"

[Hannibal]

You know it's a blowout when the white wide receivers and running backs get in the game.

[Hannibal]

How was the spread for this game only 16? Even I knew we'd cover that.

[maxreturn]

How was the spread for this game only 16? Even I knew we'd cover that.

You have more confidence than me. I guess that makes me the most skeptical fan on this forum.

[klondike]

How was the spread for this game only 16? Even I knew we'd cover that.

Why was the Sparty/Osu game only 19. Maybe Vegas thought they would be looking ahead.

[Mike]

Harbaugh with a retarded challenge.

"Gee I wonder why Harbaugh is 4-13 in rivalry and bowl games"

I wish his record was that good.

[Hannibal]

Why was the Sparty/Osu game only 19. Maybe Vegas thought they would be looking ahead.

Could be. I don't know. I'm more surprised by the OSU slaughter of Sparty than our beatdown of Maryland. In particular, I expected MSU to put a few TDs on the board in the game.

[Tslisher]

Well, I was wrong about this game. Not about the outcome, but surprised that we didn't grind it out with the running game and instead put it into the air for a tune up before ohio. Color me wrong, I'm very surprised that the coaches kept the passing game alive and well through the entire game. That was obviously the way to win this one, but I didn't think they would do it. Hats off, now find a way to beat ohio next week!

[Jeff Buchanan]

Some Sunday morning after thoughts .........

The offense v. Maryland was the best it's looked for as long as I can remember (caveat Maryland D, #97, 423ypg). Execution was at a high level and I thought the play calling was also better than I've seen it during the Gattis tenure. There's not much worth dissecting on offense when it scores some 45 points with the D/ST directly/indirectly contributing to the rest.

The D is worth looking at because there is data here that will impact the game next Saturday

Maryland may have been down some key players but it wouldn't have made much difference with Taulia having one of his down days. He was 19/33, 178, 5.4ypa, 1 INT, 1TD and a QBR of 45.2. That the Terps run a flat out, pass first, up-tempo, spread offense and Taulia performing like that predicts a Maryland loss with a large share of the contribution to it by a confused and inaccurate QB. M's defense contributed to that as well.

I can't help but think that Taulia scrambling as much as he did (and then only putting up 30y with a long of 17 with his legs is a a sign of both good pressure and good contain of a dual threat QB by the scheme MacDonald deployed - looked like 3-3-5 and 4-2-5 Nickle predominated and worked as expected (awaiting UFR).

A defense like that is going to give up some run plays so, I'm reluctant to get on board with criticizing M's DTs. The back end (hard to see on TV) was probably Cover-2 where M tends to play one of the Ss closer to the LOS. See Taulia stats to assess how good it was or just go with ....it was very good.

Maryland ranks #50 in total offense with an average of 425ypg. M's D held them to well under that at 356 (noteworthy only 178 passing for a pass heavy offense and 3/14 on 3rd down). Objectively, I'd give M's defense a B+/A-. There were some missed tackles at the LOS and 2nd level that turned a couple of what should have been 2y gains into 8+ but that's nit picking. It won't be next week.

What does this mean?

That the offense looked beyond competent is a plus - I don't get posters that hammer McNamara. Seems to me he's fulfilling his role at a pretty high level (QBR 85.1). I also thought putting McCarthy in when he did come in was timely and much better us of him than previously. If I was going to level criticism of the offense it's the kind I pointed out in the game thread that Hargaugh's approach to the CFB offense is stale, antiquated, His staff has developed WRs that can make big plays and QBs that can throw to them. I saw more of that in this game than I've seen under JH. He'll need more of that next week. M cannot slow-play CRD or turtle with a lead.

Maryland's offense is similar to OSU's in 2021. It's pass heavy like the Terps but has a very different type of QB. My take is that OSU is going to get it's share of big plays and I'm pretty sure Day will have his offense come out firing like he did v. MSU, attacking M's secondary. What OSU has that Maryland didn't is a NFL level OL that has gotten way better as the season progressed. Interested to hear talent's take on where the OSU OL is, it will be critical if OSU is to win. If Stroud has time to sit pack and let his receiver's routes develop, it will be a long day for M. OTH, M has to harass Stroud. If they can do that, M will be in it. I think that's the key to the game.

My hot take on Sunday is this: Because OSU is a big play offense, whoever wins the battle to keep Stroud clean or not, wins the game. More as the week goes on

[Hannibal]

It was a fun beat-up. Donovan Edwards was great. The pick six was great. The throwback kick return was great.

Defense was pretty bad for long stretches of the game and got bailed out by Maryland's mistakes which, to be fair, they have made against everyone this year so it's not like we got lucky. Still -- there's no way that OSU will make that many against us.

I really like our OL. They deserve more credit than they get for facilitating such a good running game without much help from the playcalling and modern concepts like running the QB.

[lineygoblue]

The future is bright for M's offense. No matter who the QB is going forward, they have a band of young WR's that run great routes, and make fantastic catches. Donovan Edwards showed that he's ready to step up after Haskins leaves. And, Corum will be back as well. They'll have to replace some OL's, but they've been playing a 6-7 man rotation, so even though they may not return "starters", they'll be returning guys who have a lot of playing experience. And there's a solid group of TE's.

I almost fell out of my chair when I saw the throwback on the kickoff. I don't remember Michigan EVER doing that. Maybe someone can refresh my memory if they have.

I want to say this before Saturday's game, when I'm likely to be very depressed. I think Harbaugh has done a much better job this year, than in years past. I still think he holds back the talent on this team when he should unleash it and let the opponent scramble around trying to defend it. But, McDonald has overall been a very good hire, and Sherrone Moore has done a fine job with that OL group. They are the most improved unit on the entire team in 2021. I wish we could have Hutch back for another 2-3 years. He's been fun to watch, but I don't think the cupboard will be empty. There will be others who will step up.

Lets get past Saturday, and find a way to enjoy the Bowl season. M should have a good placement somewhere. Not likely Florida, thank goodness. Also, lets hope that a bunch of people don't opt out of the bowl game. Let's get that whole roster to the bowl game.

[Hannibal]

Would we theoretically get back everyone next year other than Vastardis?