4th Quarter: did Michigan figure out our offense?

[BradStevens]

One could say the whole second half. But the 4th Q was particularly bad on offense. Weird, because I felt like we could have had 24 in the 1st half if one or two plays go our way.

For those who might know the game better, or who have rewatched (I had to watch on my phone), was Michigan doing anything differently? Pressing our WRs more? Blitzing more often? Or was it just fatigue and talent showing through?

 

[Univee2]

One could say the whole second half. But the 4th Q was particularly bad on offense. Weird, because I felt like we could have had 24 in the 1st half if one or two plays go our way.

For those who might know the game better, or who have rewatched (I had to watch on my phone), was Michigan doing anything differently? Pressing our WRs more? Blitzing more often? Or was it just fatigue and talent showing through?

Good athletes on D, bringing their A game. Also had us well-scouted.

 

[OpenWheels]

I would say the third quarter was our worst offensive quarter of the year. Yeah I know we barely ran any plays, but that goal line first play interception was as bad as it gets. And we had it again and Rourke was so rattled he missed his throws again.

Then with him looking like a deer in the headlights I felt Michigan was 100% ears pinned back. It was a bad fourth, but the third set it up. They knew little was going deep, not enough time. They played behind and in front beautifully. But, the offense got it together just enough to win at the end.

Thank you defense and (mostly, ignoring one punt) special teams!

 

[BradStevens]

I would say the third quarter was our worst offensive quarter of the year. Yeah I know we barely ran any plays, but that goal line first play interception was as bad as it gets. And we had it again and Rourke was so rattled he missed his throws again.

Then with him looking like a deer in the headlights I felt Michigan was 100% ears pinned back. It was a bad fourth, but the third set it up. They knew little was going deep, not enough time. They played behind and in front beautifully. But, the offense got it together just enough to win at the end.

Thank you defense and (mostly, ignoring one punt) special teams!

So what do we do differently when OSU comes out doing exactly that?

 

[Harry Hondo]

Good athletes on D, bringing their A game. Also had us well-scouted.

I agree. I also think this was a bit of looking ahead to the prize. The biggest game in the program’s history is next. This offense didn’t look nearly as sharp, except when they reeled off those 17 early points. The bye is coming at great time to refocus and prepare.

 

[frikkenfrakken]

So what do we do differently when OSU comes out doing exactly that?

Block.

 

[MiamiWolv]

So what do we do differently when OSU comes out doing exactly that?

Michigan has a better front than OSU and generates more rush from the front 4.

If you don't believe me, watch the NFL draft next April.

OSU has a much better secondary so you will have more time but coverage will be stickier.

 

[bdhman]

Surratt’s two 4th quarter drops cost IU big points.

 

[hozo4ultimate]

One could say the whole second half. But the 4th Q was particularly bad on offense. Weird, because I felt like we could have had 24 in the 1st half if one or two plays go our way.

For those who might know the game better, or who have rewatched (I had to watch on my phone), was Michigan doing anything differently? Pressing our WRs more? Blitzing more often? Or was it just fatigue and talent showing through?

Catch the ball. There were a couple opportunities where a big catch turns the game. WR have been solid all season, not their best day today. 10-0.

 

[BradStevens]

Michigan has a better front than OSU and generates more rush from the front 4.

If you don't believe me, watch the NFL draft next April.

OSU has a much better secondary so you will have more time but coverage will be stickier.

That's fine. But IU's high-powered offense scored less than USC, Minnesota, Washington, and Illinois and their best DB was out with an injury. The offense was basically shut out in the 2nd half but for the great kick return that set them up for the FG.

Given that this happened after the half, it's reasonable to think they made schematic adjustments. I'm trying to figure out what those were.

 

[edub72]

A good gutty win. You can’t be perfect every game. We struggled offensively. OL struggled. No Price either

 

[Kelly_32]

That's fine. But IU's high-powered offense scored less than USC, Minnesota, Washington, and Illinois and their best DB was out with an injury. The offense was basically shut out in the 2nd half but for the great kick return that set them up for the FG.

Given that this happened after the half, it's reasonable to think they made schematic adjustments. I'm trying to figure out what those were.

Can’t really compare scores. Every game is different.

Maybe Michigan’s D has improved as the season has progressed.

 

[TominDallas]

One could say the whole second half. But the 4th Q was particularly bad on offense. Weird, because I felt like we could have had 24 in the 1st half if one or two plays go our way.

For those who might know the game better, or who have rewatched (I had to watch on my phone), was Michigan doing anything differently? Pressing our WRs more? Blitzing more often? Or was it just fatigue and talent showing through?

I would say we dropped balls, had a starting guard go out during the week, and just did not play that well.

Plus UM's defense is really good. Played us man-to-man in the 2nd half and shut us down. But not our best game, not even close.

 

[zeke4ahs]

A good gutty win. You can’t be perfect every game. We struggled offensively. OL struggled. No Price either

Do we know anything about Price?

 

[CG Paul]

Not necessarily. IU had a starting OL out, already thin there, and lack of depth and talent showed as the game wore on.

Probably contributed to everything that the offense was trying to do.

 

[frikkenfrakken]

That's fine. But IU's high-powered offense scored less than USC, Minnesota, Washington, and Illinois and their best DB was out with an injury. The offense was basically shut out in the 2nd half but for the great kick return that set them up for the FG.

Given that this happened after the half, it's reasonable to think they made schematic adjustments. I'm trying to figure out what those were.

Their DB's were sticking to the receivers on the RPO, relying on their front to stop the run, which they largely did. When had designed throws to beat man coverage, Rourke didn't have time to find them. Even on the TD pass, Rourke got blasted as he threw.

The rule is if you can't block the play, you shouldn't run the play. We ran too many plays we couldn't block.

Michigan also won time of possession, keeping their D fresh.

Fortunately, Michigan's QB isn't good, so 20 points was enough to win.

 

[TomEric4756]

One could say the whole second half. But the 4th Q was particularly bad on offense. Weird, because I felt like we could have had 24 in the 1st half if one or two plays go our way.

For those who might know the game better, or who have rewatched (I had to watch on my phone), was Michigan doing anything differently? Pressing our WRs more? Blitzing more often? Or was it just fatigue and talent showing through?

MI played well. IU had a couple drops. It was more IU was not precise enough. Offense came through with the FG and 1st down to close out the game. MI played keep away in the 2nd half, but couldn’t break through for TDs. IU’s drop in execution made it a BiG rock fight. For me, prevailing in this kind of game has a value too.

 

[Mark Milton]

That's fine. But IU's high-powered offense scored less than USC, Minnesota, Washington, and Illinois and their best DB was out with an injury. The offense was basically shut out in the 2nd half but for the great kick return that set them up for the FG.

Given that this happened after the half, it's reasonable to think they made schematic adjustments. I'm trying to figure out what those were.

Pass protection was geared to help Stephens, our back up LG in place of Evans. Except for a few plays, we also ran away from Stephens side. Asking a backup who has barely played all season to block two NFL 1-2 round DT is a tall task. Michigan overloaded the side opposite Stephens in the second half which means Wedig didn't have help. A couple of occassions Rourke or Katic (not sure which one called out the protections), left Lawton alone with a DE--not a winning formula. Ellison's injury hurt too because he is a great blocker in pass pro. Price going out was a killer because he is by far our best slot receiver. Michigan played pressure heavy man and created havoc. Basically, Martindale (Michigan's DC), let his defense loose. By playing man, they take away our RPO game, which is a huge part of the offense. Rourke is not super mobile, so you can get away with playing a ton of man if you can pressure the QB--can't do that against some of the other teams. We have a good starting OL for sure, but we do have a serious depth issue--through no fault of the current staff.

This game looks a lot different if Sarrat catches those two balls and the phantom offensive pass interference call doesn't happen.

 

[sellsoap]

The interception was a head scratcher. Didn't understand that play call there. And Surratt's two drops highly unusual. We struggled on O in the second half, yet still won. Good experience for us, especially as we head to Columbus next week.

 

[td75]

I'm just THRILLED that we have a bye week coming up. I think this team will really benefit from an off week. That Michigan game was very, very physical that saw them knock several of our guys out of the game!!

I told my wife last night that even when Michigan is bad, they're good. I thought the second half proved that to be true. They still trot out NFL talent all over the field.

We've got two weeks until the biggest game in Indiana history!! Buckle up!

 

[Walt542]

Pass protection was geared to help Stephens, our back up LG in place of Evans. Except for a few plays, we also ran away from Stephens side. Asking a backup who has barely played all season to block two NFL 1-2 round DT is a tall task. Michigan overloaded the side opposite Stephens in the second half which means Wedig didn't have help. A couple of occassions Rourke or Katic (not sure which one called out the protections), left Lawton alone with a DE--not a winning formula. Ellison's injury hurt too because he is a great blocker in pass pro. Price going out was a killer because he is by far our best slot receiver. Michigan played pressure heavy man and created havoc. Basically, Martindale (Michigan's DC), let his defense loose. By playing man, they take away our RPO game, which is a huge part of the offense. Rourke is not super mobile, so you can get away with playing a ton of man if you can pressure the QB--can't do that against some of the other teams. We have a good starting OL for sure, but we do have a serious depth issue--through no fault of the current staff.

This game looks a lot different if Sarrat catches those two balls and the phantom offensive pass interference call doesn't happen.

I

Pass protection was geared to help Stephens, our back up LG in place of Evans. Except for a few plays, we also ran away from Stephens side. Asking a backup who has barely played all season to block two NFL 1-2 round DT is a tall task. Michigan overloaded the side opposite Stephens in the second half which means Wedig didn't have help. A couple of occassions Rourke or Katic (not sure which one called out the protections), left Lawton alone with a DE--not a winning formula. Ellison's injury hurt too because he is a great blocker in pass pro. Price going out was a killer because he is by far our best slot receiver. Michigan played pressure heavy man and created havoc. Basically, Martindale (Michigan's DC), let his defense loose. By playing man, they take away our RPO game, which is a huge part of the offense. Rourke is not super mobile, so you can get away with playing a ton of man if you can pressure the QB--can't do that against some of the other teams. We have a good starting OL for sure, but we do have a serious depth issue--through no fault of the current staff.

This game looks a lot different if Sarrat catches those two balls and the phantom offensive pass interference call doesn't happen.

I agree the 2 pass drops were huge. Those are the plays that keep drives going and can completely change the tenor of a game. Also, I noticed that UM linebackers were doing some delayed blitzes. They would wait until the back looked and then took off out of the backfield before they came in. IU will staighten that up.

 

[ekk]

Pass protection was geared to help Stephens, our back up LG in place of Evans. Except for a few plays, we also ran away from Stephens side. Asking a backup who has barely played all season to block two NFL 1-2 round DT is a tall task. Michigan overloaded the side opposite Stephens in the second half which means Wedig didn't have help. A couple of occassions Rourke or Katic (not sure which one called out the protections), left Lawton alone with a DE--not a winning formula. Ellison's injury hurt too because he is a great blocker in pass pro. Price going out was a killer because he is by far our best slot receiver. Michigan played pressure heavy man and created havoc. Basically, Martindale (Michigan's DC), let his defense loose. By playing man, they take away our RPO game, which is a huge part of the offense. Rourke is not super mobile, so you can get away with playing a ton of man if you can pressure the QB--can't do that against some of the other teams. We have a good starting OL for sure, but we do have a serious depth issue--through no fault of the current staff.

This game looks a lot different if Sarrat catches those two balls and the phantom offensive pass interference call doesn't happen.

Spot on! 👍

 

[BradStevens]

Their DB's were sticking to the receivers on the RPO, relying on their front to stop the run, which they largely did. When had designed throws to beat man coverage, Rourke didn't have time to find them. Even on the TD pass, Rourke got blasted as he threw.

The rule is if you can't block the play, you shouldn't run the play. We ran too many plays we couldn't block.

Michigan also won time of possession, keeping their D fresh.

Fortunately, Michigan's QB isn't good, so 20 points was enough to win.

So go away from RPOs? What do we go to? There was a game earlier in the year where we kept our RB in to block more, to stave off a good pass rush. Maybe do that? Keep the TE in, too, and only run routes for 3 WR?

 

[Courtsensetwo]

All of the above but kudos to UM for their best defensive performance eod the season.

 

[TomEric4756]

All of the above but kudos to UM for their best defensive performance eod the season.

Yes, it really was one of their best.

 

[TomEric4756]

So go away from RPOs? What do we go to? There was a game earlier in the year where we kept our RB in to block more, to stave off a good pass rush. Maybe do that? Keep the TE in, too, and only run routes for 3 WR?

Work on man beaters more … we need to perfect those routes where we pick up offense PIs. … perhaps run a few more slants. And, when the D runs a delayed blitz when the back releases, the back is a natural hot route.

 

[BradStevens]

Pass protection was geared to help Stephens, our back up LG in place of Evans. Except for a few plays, we also ran away from Stephens side. Asking a backup who has barely played all season to block two NFL 1-2 round DT is a tall task. Michigan overloaded the side opposite Stephens in the second half which means Wedig didn't have help. A couple of occassions Rourke or Katic (not sure which one called out the protections), left Lawton alone with a DE--not a winning formula. Ellison's injury hurt too because he is a great blocker in pass pro. Price going out was a killer because he is by far our best slot receiver. Michigan played pressure heavy man and created havoc. Basically, Martindale (Michigan's DC), let his defense loose. By playing man, they take away our RPO game, which is a huge part of the offense. Rourke is not super mobile, so you can get away with playing a ton of man if you can pressure the QB--can't do that against some of the other teams. We have a good starting OL for sure, but we do have a serious depth issue--through no fault of the current staff.

This game looks a lot different if Sarrat catches those two balls and the phantom offensive pass interference call doesn't happen.

Thanks. That's the kind of thing I was looking for re overload on the opp side of Stephens. I was wondering if they figured out something in our protection schemes and took advantage of it.

So if this is a Stephens problem, that doesn't bode well for OSU. Going to need to figure some stuff out there.

 

[Mark Milton]

Thanks. That's the kind of thing I was looking for re overload on the opp side of Stephens. I was wondering if they figured out something in our protection schemes and took advantage of it.

So if this is a Stephens problem, that doesn't bode well for OSU. Going to need to figure some stuff out there.

Offensive line is very hard to play. He will be better in game 2. If you can play against Michigan, you can play against anybody. I wasn’t passing judgment on helping out Stephens- that’s just what happens when you get a new guy and who hasn’t played. It is the nature of the beast. I’m assuming that there is a little drop off between Evans and him though. This staff will figure it out. They have done as much the entire season.

 

[Baller23Boogie]

Thanks. That's the kind of thing I was looking for re overload on the opp side of Stephens. I was wondering if they figured out something in our protection schemes and took advantage of it.

So if this is a Stephens problem, that doesn't bode well for OSU. Going to need to figure some stuff out there.

I believe they said Evans got hurt on Thursday (could be wrong on that) so it wasn't as if Stephens had a lot of time with the first team offense.

He's been mainly used as an extra blocker before yesterday.

The bye week couldn't have come at a better time. He'll be more acclimated with the rest of the lines tendencies.

 

[vesuvius13]

That's fine. But IU's high-powered offense scored less than USC, Minnesota, Washington, and Illinois and their best DB was out with an injury. The offense was basically shut out in the 2nd half but for the great kick return that set them up for the FG.

Given that this happened after the half, it's reasonable to think they made schematic adjustments. I'm trying to figure out what those were.

I think the hard hitting by the defense, especially #6, got into the minds of some of our players. Michigan defense also stepped up because they were behind with little chance their offense could win the game.

 

[BradStevens]

I think the hard hitting by the defense, especially #6, got into the minds of some of our players. Michigan defense also stepped up because they were behind with little chance their offense could win the game.

They hit very hard and very clean. Those were great hits.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

They hit very hard and very clean. Those were great hits.

From the stands it appeared they were head hunting a bit bit replay showed otherwise.

 

[secondasky]

One could say the whole second half. But the 4th Q was particularly bad on offense. Weird, because I felt like we could have had 24 in the 1st half if one or two plays go our way.

For those who might know the game better, or who have rewatched (I had to watch on my phone), was Michigan doing anything differently? Pressing our WRs more? Blitzing more often? Or was it just fatigue and talent showing through?

Michigan had more depth on their DL vs what IU has on the OL. They were bringing in more fresh people and wore IU down.

 

[TominDallas]

They hit very hard and very clean. Those were great hits.

You know the OSU coaches will tell their defense to hit our offense hard and that we might slow down. The IU coaches will have to prepare our folks for that.

 

[IUNCAAChamps2012]

You know the OSU coaches will tell their defense to hit our offense hard and that we might slow down. The IU coaches will have to prepare our folks for that.

The offense looked like Walt bell yesterday for a bit. Need to get the ball out when the teams pin their ears back. We kept running 15 yard routes and rourke got pressure before they got anywhere close to open.

 

[edub72]

I thought IU should have run some misdirection and tried to get Michigan out of position. Remember, Nebraska had a chance to beat Ohio State. Sometimes you just don’t play well

 

[Radio Zero]

I'm just THRILLED that we have a bye week coming up. I think this team will really benefit from an off week. That Michigan game was very, very physical that saw them knock several of our guys out of the game!!

Don and Buck mentioned repeatedly on the radio that the defense was just really worn down.

 

[kraft cheese+macaroni]

Pass protection was geared to help Stephens, our back up LG in place of Evans. Except for a few plays, we also ran away from Stephens side. Asking a backup who has barely played all season to block two NFL 1-2 round DT is a tall task. Michigan overloaded the side opposite Stephens in the second half which means Wedig didn't have help. A couple of occassions Rourke or Katic (not sure which one called out the protections), left Lawton alone with a DE--not a winning formula. Ellison's injury hurt too because he is a great blocker in pass pro. Price going out was a killer because he is by far our best slot receiver. Michigan played pressure heavy man and created havoc. Basically, Martindale (Michigan's DC), let his defense loose. By playing man, they take away our RPO game, which is a huge part of the offense. Rourke is not super mobile, so you can get away with playing a ton of man if you can pressure the QB--can't do that against some of the other teams. We have a good starting OL for sure, but we do have a serious depth issue--through no fault of the current staff.

This game looks a lot different if Sarrat catches those two balls and the phantom offensive pass interference call doesn't happen.

 

[td75]

Stephens is a mauler/run blocker, just not sure he's much in pass protection??

 

[Mark Milton]

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I was pretty careful about watching the film in the a.m. on Fubo and seeing how the runs were designed. I would suggest that Taylor's play charting isn't quite accurate. Don't have to believe me, you can review the film. Inside Zone plays are going to have an area to shoot for in the play side B gap with a cut back. The outside zone that ran out of the pistol is running from the interior line and looking at the outside shoulder of the DE as to whether to cut back or not. I stand by what I said.