It worked. Athletes in space.
For the most part Shea looked confident and he played very well. There were still some head-scratching, drive-stopping offensive plays, but that could be related to the whole RPO thing.
I didn't see the whole game, but why not wait? The whole thing minus commercials is on Youtube now. Get it while it lasts.
Once again it was better than exciting.
Michigan should have won.
Again, I missed about half. But when Michigan was down 21-0 I said to myself, they have Penn State right where they want them. I really wanted to see it from then on.
My initial reaction is, I think everyone was so surprised it works that they didn't know how to win the game.
Why didn't Michigan win when they outplayed Penn State? Dropped passes. A turnover. Horrible first half calls. One play to Hamler.
The team should have its confidence back. Aside from the above, the team played great. They came out ready to play, then the road, home team, and White Out thing happened. It was bound to happen. It always happens.
For most of the game the crowd was silent.
Michigan played well. At the very least they showed a lot of progress. Beware Michigan State. Notre Dame at home is something to look forward to.
[INSERT NICO COLLINS PIC HERE]
No pic. Oh well. Even when Michigan is not that good---correction: growing---everyone is up for them. They make a great White Out opponent. Same goes for the also-rans in the non-conference schedule.
Shea Patterson looked good because he was confident, decisive, and in charge. It is evident that what is going on these days at QB requires important decisions. If Harbaugh is leaving the playcalling to Gattis they are both depending on the quarterback for on-field decisions too.
I believe the Big House is usually on display for recruiting visits. Harbaugh says they are getting more kids who fit the program despite the transfers. If you don't want to play in the big time, Michigan football is not for you.
For Michigan football they are all big games. You are going to be in the spotlight. Expectations and also criticism comes with the territory.
Finally, on that note, J'Marick Woods is transferring. Grad transfers are admired here because he did everything right and everything he could. On the field, I think he was a bit clunky and seemed to run around trying to get one huge hit a game. Daxton awaits. Mustapha Muhammad recently too; probably same, minus the graduating part.
Back to the Game
Penn State tried long passes many other times besides the Hamler effect and they just missed. Lavert Hill is good for at least one major penalty a game. The defense is aggressive and risky, and without dominant personnel usually holds up. But against very good teams and on the road they just do not hold up, or rather, they cannot do it all alone.
Donovan People-Jones has not yet found his stride and he too is good for at least one major mind mistake a game. Michigan played a lot of 4-wide sets. He, Collins, Black, and add in Ronnie Bell, are still very formidable. Same goes for Michigan on offense. In this game Shea threw with velocity and he is capable.
Haskins is a tough runner. Zach Charbonnet has been a godsend.
Perhaps Michigan has a chance against Notre Dame? Their defense is not great.
Finally, I was going to write 'It is good to be crummy because then you don't get Kirk Herbstriet, whathisname, and ESPN in prime time.' Could there be more product placements? Herbstriet has never been impartial covering Michigan and Ohio State. He began the game by bashing Shea Patterson. He is far, far more of a know-it-all than any other announcer. And no one gives half a rat's ass about his career in broadcasting. The other guy is a dull, shameless promoter. Between the two of them they will not shut up.
I love the 10AM games (here in Colorado) almost regardless of who plays. Those are the ones with the excited, fun, no name announcers.
Gawd. Herbstreit will be even worse next week against Notre Dame because now he knows Michigan. He knows everything. And he looks ridiculous in a suit. He is an Ohio State jock.
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