Michigan defense impresses Rich Rodriguez with first-half performance
The biggest revelation in Michigan’s 31-7 season-opening win over Western Michigan Saturday - beyond the play of true freshmen quarterbacks Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson - was the Wolverines’ defense. After allowing the most points in school history last year, Michigan came a fourth-quarter touchdown pass away from pitching its first shutout since 2007.
“I thought the first half was just, they were phenomenal,” Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said. “I don’t know what Western had in the first half total offense, but our defense had a bunch of three and outs. We were getting pressure on the ball, tackled well. Second half, not so much.” Despite starting fifth-year senior Tim Hiller at quarterback, Western Michigan had just 79 yards of total offense in the first half. The Broncos ran three or fewer plays on six of their first seven drives, and didn’t take an offensive snap in Michigan territory until the final three minutes of the second quarter. “It felt good to get off the field, three-and-out,” defensive end Brandon Graham said. “That was the goal, just fly to the ball, get as many three-and-outs as we can, get the offense back the ball so they can run up the score.” After finishing last in the Big Ten in turnover margin last year, Michigan forced three turnovers Saturday and committed one.
"That was one of our biggest points of emphasis and probably the biggest key to us in this season is eliminating the turnovers and negative-yard plays," Rodriguez said. Injury update Sophomore cornerback Boubacar Cissoko left Saturday’s game late in the first half clutching his right leg. He gave up two straight completions along Michigan’s sideline, then limped off the field. Rodriguez said Cissoko “had a shoulder or a nerve problem,” and Cissoko said he’ll be able to play next week against Notre Dame. Running back Brandon Minor went through warm-ups Saturday, but did not play because of the high ankle sprain that limited him through most of fall camp. Minor is expected to play next weekend, too. Fullback Mark Moundros left the game in the first quarter after getting injured covering a kick Surprise starter Forcier wasn’t the only true freshman to start for Michigan Saturday. His classmate, Craig Roh, won the starting job at quick end and played most of the game ahead of Brandon Herron. Roh said he learned he was going to start on Friday. “I was thinking about it the whole night, the whole day, really nervous about it,” Roh said. “That was one of my goals this year to start every game this year. Just achieving one of my goals, it’s an accomplishment for me, but I’m going to keep setting more and more goals.” Roh had his first career half-sack when he combined with Ryan Van Bergen to drop Hiller for a 9-yard loss late in the first half. The sack helped knock Western Michigan out of makeable field-goal range. John Potter missed a 44-yard kick on the next play. Dave Birkett covers the University of Michigan football team for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at davidbirkett@annarbor.com
Comments
UMthicknthin
Sun, Sep 6, 2009 : 12:03 p.m.
The D was very impressive yesterday, if they can stay healthy, they should be able to get at least 8 wins. To Sheridan's credit, he did rush that TD in, unfortunately the right guard was called for holding, and he showed that his passing is still scary. His best role is on the sideline. Just for continuity, RR should stick with Tate and DRob. Tate placed that over the shoulder pass on a string, just a thing of beauty. Let's get ready for a victory over the Irish, Go Blue!
forreal
Sun, Sep 6, 2009 : 11:53 a.m.
With all the distractions this week by that Free Press writer/RRhater Rosenberg, Michigan stepped it up and put down a good-2-decent WMU team, Hiller's a gamer but didn't show it, probably b/c of that Michigan D.. which was quite impressive. Honestly I don't know who or what I was more impressed with that D or Tate (poise)... & btw DRob is no slouch either, is he fast or what?? Next week should be interesting against an improved ND team. Rich Rod has them looking the part as true Michigan players. The way that defense dominated that 1st half reminded me of those past defenses, kudos to D-Coor for that performance. Now, let ND lose again to another Michigan freshman!!!!
azwolverine
Sun, Sep 6, 2009 : 11:47 a.m.
Speaking of the D, I think Greg Robinson needs to be commended on the turnaround the defense made yesterday. They were fundamentally sound, bringing ball carriers down when they made contact, stopping receivers for no yards after the catch, swarming to the ball, and getting to the QB. Very well done. That looked like a Michigan defense out there.
Jon
Sun, Sep 6, 2009 : 10:30 a.m.
I think Michigan should forget about messing with "Nicole Sheridan" at QB, everytime she is in, something "bad" happens, like an INT! She reeks, only use her if Tate or Shoelaces is winded, you savvy? Also, BLITZ more! next week I want defensive coach Robinson, to send the house against Clausen on every snap, this kid will crack with Brandon Ezah in his grill.
azwolverine
Sun, Sep 6, 2009 : 9:15 a.m.
Not only did Michigan look like a new team out there, the rest of the Big Ten's supposed heavyweights didn't look good (outside PSU). Illinois got thumped and Iowa struggled big time. With that, the potential is certainly there for Michigan to have a far better season than almost anyone predicted.
kerch65
Sun, Sep 6, 2009 : 8:06 a.m.
I was very impressed with the qb play of both freshman that Robinson is awesome the guys going to cive opposing coaches fits Tate is cool under fire Sheridan shouldnt touch the balland we need to work on 2cnd half points and special teams play on returns wth all that said I hope they destroy ND next week but still concerned abot that game GO BLUE
tater
Sun, Sep 6, 2009 : 7:03 a.m.
I'm going to stick with my prediction of nine wins with the bowl being a tossup, but it is great to suddenly see the predictions go from six to ten after one game.
bigblue
Sun, Sep 6, 2009 : 4:37 a.m.
if things go right next week against the irish we will be undefeated when we play sparty. i watched all the BIG 10 games that were televised in my area { new orleans. SEC fans are so arrogant i was forced to root for the suckeyes in the 2 BCS games} and iowa and osu looked like they are very beatable. i know it is still early but it might be time to rethink were MICHIGAN stands in the big 10 pecking order. ive said many times on this site i think MICHIGAN could win 10 games this year and be a top level BIG 10 team and today BIGBLUE proved me right. i can't wait until the osu game. navy killed them with the option. i bet RICHROD will be licking his chops when he see's the tape from that game. i predict at least 10 wins and at least a share of the big 10 title. GO BLUE!