Michigan 29, MSU 7, Post Game Discussion

[Hannibal]

OSU tested a completely different dimension of the MSU defense versus what Michigan will test, unless Harbaugh lets McCarthy chuck the ball all over the yard, which could happen. But it seems unlikely. MSU was a favorable matchup for OSU I suppose. I'm not sure if that's true for us.

[Jeff Buchanan]

OSU tested a completely different dimension of the MSU defense versus what Michigan will test, unless Harbaugh lets McCarthy chuck the ball all over the yard, which could happen. But it seems unlikely. MSU was a favorable matchup for OSU I suppose. I'm not sure if that's true for us.

Correct.

For reasons that are not completely clear, Harbaugh is limiting what McCarthy can do in the passing game. Play calls on first down have tended to break tendencies but remain predictable on 3rd and long. Either down, the targeted players are running underneath routes or sideline routes. We're not seeing throws to the middle, intermediate zone. TE's being targeted in the last two games have been rare. There have been deep throws but maybe only 2 or 3 during the entire game. We are rarely seeing these to cement momentum, for example, after a turnover or 3 and out with the ball being placed outside of M 45.

Stroud, OTH, has the skill set to see open receivers and throw accurately to them at any place on the field. The osu offensive brain trust plays very aggressively with scoring a lot of points a priority over ball control on long, time consuming drives. It's as close to an air-raid offense with a blend of power running I've seen. CRD has displayed that approach on offense for good reason: stroud and a room full of likely 1st round receivers. That's not, at all, how Harbaugh plays football. It's been said, Harbaugh has reinvented tressel-ball or that, M's approach to the game of football almost exactly matches JH's best teams both at SDSU and Stanford or his offensive and defensive philosophies reflect almost exactly what the Ravens do.

The only problem I have with what M seems to be showing as game strategies is that it narrows the score differential to the point where variance can deliver a lead or a win to a competent opponent if said opponent's offense cannot be consistently subdued by M's defense. Clearly, Harbaugh is counting on his defense and ST's to keep the opponent out of the endzone while M scores on long time consuming drives, shortening the game and delivering score separation...... tressel ball on steroids. That's a fundamentally different approach to game strategy than CRD appears to be employing.

[THE_WIZARD_]

....

[iam416]

IMO, Ohio State and CRD are way closer to a "balanced" attack than "air raid." Especially if they have both backs healthy. For that matter, it'll be nice if JSN plays again. I think 14 Ohio State players have scored TDs this year. JSN is not one of them. Cash your big payout ticket if you bet that one.

[lineygoblue]

Just go back and look at any M game thread...it's comical...

That's just not true.

For the most part, B1G officiating is decent, and maybe even better than most other conferences. ACC crews are an absolute joke. SEC crews all are born with a giant stick up their butts. Pac 12 crews act like they're on dope.

There are a couple crews in the B1G who are known for heavy flagging, and they also have a hard-on for Michigan. They flag at every opportunity. Officiating errors that have cost Michigan games are well documented by the conference. Its not whining when documentation exists.

FWIW, I don't want M to receive friendly officiating. All I ask is for even handed. If you're going to micro-officiate Michigan, then do the same to the opponent. If you're going to "let them play" then let both teams play. Basic. Fairness.

I don't think that's asking too much, but apparently some here do.

[lineygoblue]

Also gotta love Rich Eisen!

He's had some great ones lately.

If Michigan beats MSU, its liable to be a classic.

[THE_WIZARD_]

fuckin' refs

[THE_WIZARD_]

Trust me liney...the WWCAW is alive and well...

[iam416]

All Liney and M fans want is for the refs to be fair toward M. For once. That’s all. Lol.

[froot loops]

What did the WWCAW stand for?

[THE_WIZARD_]

World Wide Conspiracy Against Wolverines

[Hannibal]

All Liney and M fans want is for the refs to be fair toward M. For once. That’s all. Lol.

I don't want the refs to be fair. I want them to royally fuck over the opposition and hand us a few games.

[THE_WIZARD_]

...errrr the Anti-HARBAUGH!!!!!!!ites in Seinfeld Speak...

[Hannibal]

James Yoder is reporting that Cade will be available for this game.

[iam416]

Originally it was WWAWC. Worldwide Anti-Wolverine Conspiracy. Actually, originally it was WWAVC — substituting Val for Wolverine. Big Orange Junky, in particular, never saw a Val game where they weren’t screwed over.

So, the shoe definitely fits.