Michigan 45, TCU 51 Post Game Thread

[maxreturn]

Ok...I've read through all the posts thus far and unless I missed something...no one has presented anything regarding how effective the UM defense has been in the red zone. UM is ranked 3rd in giving up the fewest rushing touchdowns in the RZ and #6 in passing touchdowns in the RZ. They are ranked #5 in scoring defense. Bend but don't break baby.

[Jeff Buchanan]

That's all true, max. But the big picture analytics miss how hard it is to translate overall RZ success to specific opponents. In general, sure, but TCU presents the kind of offense that is tough to stop where ever you are on the field. I can pull out analytics for Duggan that might fly in the face of the conclusion that it's nearly impossible for teams to score v. M in the RZ.

Not saying at all that TCU is going to crack the secret of M's RZ defensive efficiency. But Duggan brings a dimension, his legs, to the TCU offense that if you sit back and let TCU get easy first downs between the 20s, M risks giving up TDs and getting into a shootout - the kind of game Sonny Dykes wants to force Harbaugh into dealing with.

If I'm Harbaugh/Minter, I'm focusing on aggressively stopping TCU's run game, playing C1, press-man and forcing three and outs. That's not been Minter's MO. He likes to play C2 on standard downs and gives up a lot of real estate in the flats on first and second downs via a short passing game. You don't want Duggan in continuous 3rd and short situations thinking no big deal we'll get 'em in the RZ. I'd argue don't risk that. INstead, play a slightly higher risk defense between the 20s and see how that goes.

[lineygoblue]

Why should this game be any different than the other 13? If M keeps it close in the first half, the 2nd half is theirs. Just don't let TCU build up a 20+ point lead.

[THE_WIZARD_]

:::heavy eye roll:::

[WingsFan]

I see TCU gaining a lot of yards between the 20s, plus the first half could see 2 or more lead changes. Michigan should pull away like they always do in the 4th, and still be a close game.

[klondike]

TCU's qb is pretty good. The difference in this game will be how well he plays. Like the last quarter vs. KSU or will he throw some picks under Pressure.

[Jeff Buchanan]

You can bet this will by Dykes' goal - start fast and make M play catch-up. I'd ague the approach for M is to play tighter D than has been Minter's MO and force 3 and out's.

[Big J]

Max Dugan will be a problem for Michigan unless we can get more pressure on him. Max is basically Sean Clifford with better decision making skills. Decent arm with good accuracy that can run and is tough as hell. Anyone see that shot he took in the Big 12 game when he ran? He popped up like that's all you fucking got? If Coolridge Bernard Stroud IV would have taken that hit forget bringing out the cart. Bring a hearse instead.

[Big J]

I think some of that Corum speculation is wishful thinking. Fans are hoping there might be a window of opportunity for him to come back, but I don't think its realistic. If his procedure was as Jeff describes, with screws going into bone, he's NOT going to be anywhere near ready to play on December 31. And, I have a nagging feeling that he's done with Michigan anyway. He'll be working toward getting into the NFL. I doubt he'll be 100% for the combine, but it may not matter.

Sam Webb has spoke to his dad along with a few people close to Corum and they all said they dont see a way he could play in either game.

[lineygoblue]

I'm hoping this will spur Corum into returning for his senior year. I'm sure the NFL has noticed him, and some teams might take a lower round chance on him, but he can improve his draft status by coming back and having a great year. He was on his way to a first round pick until he was injured.

But then again, he may want to take whatever spot he can get in the NFL draft and not risk further injury in his CFB career.

[THE_WIZARD_]

I'm hoping it will encourage you to STFU...

[lineygoblue]

Ain't happening.

[THE_WIZARD_]

It was worth a shot...

[Cody_Russell]

I have the TCU vs K-State game on in the background… one thing that worries me is those deep ball/ back shoulder passes. Similar to what MSU has been successful at vs M in recent years. It’s definitely different if comparing TCU vs Purdue’s offense.

It just adds to the fact about why I see this game being competitive. Sticking with the M 27, TCU 24 win.

[iam416]

Idiotic