Game Recap: Northwestern

A tale of two halves to be sure.  I had tickets to a show so I didn't actually watch the game until about 2:00 am Sunday morning.  My wife had given me an inkling of what to expect by quoting to me the Michigan Football Facebook page post that said "Holy Shoelace!"  If not for that little nugget I would have been pretty concerned at halftime as Northwestern absolutely did what they wanted to in the first half.  The game more or less unfolded as I expected (and predicted if I do say so myself) but that makes it no less frustrating when things aren't going well.

Denard got back on track through the air for the most part [Nam Y. Huh, AP]

More of this please...

Converting 3rd down.  The Wolverines were 14-17 on third down.  Of the three that weren't converted, one of them was picked up on 4th down.  This is phenomenally good and the importance of converting third downs can't be overstated.  Obviously.

Jump balls.  This has been something the WRs have done an exceptional job of all year, particularly Junior Hemingway.  He had another one in this game and Roundtree added one as well.  Both were big pickups and set up TDs.  Normally, I would not be a big fan of throwing up 50-50 balls but Michigan's receivers seem to have a knack for going up and high pointing the ball despite their lack of elite size or leaping ability.  Unless I am forgetting one, I don't recall any jump balls this season that resulted in interceptions (as opposed to plainly overthrown balls).  Michigan State is making some noise saying that they hope Denard throws up some jump balls because they think they can pick them off.  I think it's something that has worked and you go to it until someone gives you a reason to stop.  Maybe the Spartans can give that reason, but I say put up or shut up.

Throwing to the TEs.  This is a weapon that is being underutilized.  Koger had two grabs for 36 yards and Watson broke through with a nine yard TD reception in the first quarter.  Those numbers are not going to blow anyone away but being effective with your TEs doesn't mean a ton of catches and yards.  Having a threat at the TE position forces the Safeties to stay in the middle of the field just a little bit longer. 

12.9 YPA.  That's a fantastic number.  Some of this is due to the jump balls, some of it is due to some YAC.  Good mixture. 

Halftime adjustments.  Whatever they are doing at halftime is outstanding.  The difference between the halves was night and day defensively. 

Demens, Roh, and the rest of the D came on strong in the second half [Huh]

...but I could do without this, at least until it's fixed.

Holy overthrow.  Those three picks were not even close.  As a matter of fact, they got worse as he threw them.  The last one wasn't even to anyone in particular that I could discern.  At this point of the season, this is discouraging.  One is understandable.  Three is very concerning.  It seems as though throwing the ball away is not even a consideration for Denard.  He sees pressure in his face and he just throws it up.  This could be a side effect of all the jump balls his receivers have won for him.  Any sort of repeat this Saturday will result in a loss.

3.6 YPC.  50 rushes for 179 yards.  Let me be more specific.  Denard:  25 for 117.  Not spectacular, but not bad either.  Everyone else:  25 for 62, including Fitz's whopping 1.8 YPC.  This does not bode well for defenses that are far superior to Northwestern's that remain on the schedule, like the one in EL we will all see this week.  Yes, NW was playing to stop the run.  Yes, some of those runs are late in the game when everyone in the stadium knows you are going to run the ball.  I don't care.  NW is not good enough to explain 3.6 YPC. 

Defending the Option.  This was sickening to watch in the first half.  I don't remember seeing it nearly as much if at all in the second half.  It was all too easy almost every time.  The only time it was played properly came at an opportune time, when Kovacs blew up the pitch man on 4th down.  This will be used against them again, especially when the 'Huskers come to town.  Needs work.

Long FGs.  I am in favor of not doing this.  Ever again.  SMH.

Five penalties for 65 yards.  That's 13 yards per penalty.  This will make any coach sick.

Denard getting hurt for the first time this year.  Stop it.  No.  Lalalalalalalalalala, if I do this long enough he can't get hurt, LALALALALALALALALALALALALALALALA...

Standouts

The Good - Offense:

TEs - Congrats to Watson on his first TD.
Gallon - Dude is turning into a solid player.
Hemingway - So good to see him playing healthy (knock on wood)
Denard (when not throwing crippling INTs)

The Not So Good - Offense:

Everyone involved in the non-Denard run game
Holy overthrow
Denard getting hurt - DON'T SCARE ME LIKE THAT!

The Good - Defense:

The second half.

The Not So Good - Defense:

The first half.

Player of the Game

It's tough not to give it to Denard when he had 454 yards and 4 TDs.  The three picks really bother me because those kind of head scratching throws shouldn't still be happening, but the fact of the matter is, Denard is a bad mofo and without him M is not 6-0.

Next Week

Little Brother, it's time to put you back in your place.  That was a nice little three year run you had, but Big Bro is back and it's time to set things straight.

Hoke will bring back the ugliest trophy around [Huh]