The story of course is Bryce Underwood (or Larry Ellison) but I'll put that side of things on the back burner for a moment. He is better than I expected or have probably ever seen. He is a strong and accurate passer with above average decision-making. As a result, the passing game is a huge improvement over last year.
Witness Jayden Davis, a higly-rated recruit, who when last seen looked like a deer in headlights. His running was (is?) ineffective and indecisive and he could not (cannot?) pass at all. He looks confused.
Underwood is not that player, person, and or professional football player. But the receivers are still not great.
Hausmann and Barham--I'm fine with the targeting call--are much bigger and seemingly faster, or at least more comfortable with the defensive scheme. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has the defense still playing as well as the roster allows; it is not a team of high NFL draftees. The most dominant characteristic (good but mostly bad) is nastiness.
Chip Lindsey appears competent if not experienced--the offense with Underwood is totally rejuvenated. Even with, again, a lack of real stalwarts on the OL, Michigan has two rugged, experienced, and top-echelon running backs.
The placekicking is elite.
I was distracted in writing this by trying to figure out New Mexico Lobo football. Mendenhall, Bob Davie, Rocky Long, and even Brady Hoke come into the conversation. They looked motivated and competitive. There is no reason to imagine that they have the resources and budget that Michigan does.
Michigan with only six home games could be a bit of an equalizer. The Big Ten schedules in terms of rivalries and top teams is a joke. Michigan will certainly have a wining record and bowl.
The bigger picture still involves two things: players as professionals is here and the prevailing logic says you have to compete. I am grateful the Big Ten has Fox and CBS and NBC contracts because things have really changed. Right now, the way it looks is that if Underwood is injured or has mental breakdowns the team is doomed. Davis Warren even if healthy is a disaster and I'm doubtful Mikey Keene can do what Underwood can.
I'll say this for Sherrone Moore, at least he is low key. The second is, he is still a leftover from the culture and embarrassments of recent times who has benefited from the money cannon and a couple of unlikely wins last year. We'll all be reminded when he is suspended again.
Underwood is definitely mobile. But we haven't seen him run yet.
Improvement over really bad cannot dominate the overall outlook.
Michigan Football 1-10 Enthusiasm Score
3.5/10
No comments:
Post a Comment