Sean T.

Sat, Jul 31, 2010 : 7:34 a.m.

I really hope you're wrong JAXON! Everyone states that it will be used very little but believe they may be wrong because 3-3-5 defense was developed out of a 3-4 which is Greg Robinson's forte'. This is the only plus of this scheme and may be the only reason for any success. I guess we'll have to wait and see!

Jaxon5

Fri, Jul 30, 2010 : 8:04 p.m.

335 = the number of yards gained each half by Michigan's opponents. This season will be too much Caper (MSU), too much Willis (IN), too much Pryor (OSU), too much LeShoure (Il), too much Bolden (PU), too much Robinson (IA), too much Royster (PSU), and too much Clay (WI).

Sean T.

Fri, Jul 30, 2010 : 4:58 p.m.

If it was going to be used sparingly like the nickle defense then they wouldn't have had made it public that they were going to use more than last year. And RR's history of using this scheme makes it apparent that it will be used a lot. Hey, if it works, great. I just worry about our conference foes that can pound the ball and the fact that this formation isn't very good against power running teams. Yelmonian, my brother is a spartan fan and he always lamented over the 4-2-5 scheme. A Bandit is a LB/DB, so in other words a "tweener". (confused) Ah, I miss the days when John L. Smith paced the spartan sidelines! (LOL)

Terry Star21

Fri, Jul 30, 2010 : 1:03 p.m.

Forever27 and Benny...very good explanation of 3-3-5. I think for many fans it is confusing at times...it is not for every play, but it is very good at most and as Forever says, Michigan can quickly adapt to the formation that comes up to the line. Agreed much so, we have not had the players to really make it successful, but each year we are getting them and improving - got to believe this year it all falls together.....GO BLUE!!!!

81wolverine

Fri, Jul 30, 2010 : 12:52 p.m.

He's not got overwhelming size, but hopefully once he gets on the Barwis program, he'll be fine. The main thing we need are players with a great attitude, are smart, and have at least some athletic ability. It sounds like he really wanted to come here, which is a big plus. Welcome to the Michigan family Kellen!

Alan

Fri, Jul 30, 2010 : 11:23 a.m.

From everything I've read I don't think we are going to see a traditional 3-3-5. I think having the same DC two years in a row is going to make a noticeable difference in this years D. Even with the loss of BG and DW this year the D should be much better than last year. If a few of them stand out by crushing people on a regular basis than that will be even better!

Yelmonian

Fri, Jul 30, 2010 : 10:04 a.m.

Sean T.... You used the term "bandit". Uugghhhh.... RR is beginning to sound more and more like JLS at MSU. He had the spread... and "bandit". Didn't work so well for MSU. That team could score... just couldn't defend squat.

Rick

Fri, Jul 30, 2010 : 6:43 a.m.

Oh........and about KJ...good pick-up....was ranked i think 6-7 LB in Texas......

Sean T.

Fri, Jul 30, 2010 : 4:19 a.m.

I know the 3-3-5 pretty well fellas, but it has only fared well in weaker conferences. It is a defensive scheme that fits smaller, spread offenses such as many schemes in the WAC,MWC,MAC and half of the Big East. I personally feel that our conference front-runners and rivals all like to pound the ball and they are very good at it. I've never heard of 3-3-5 based team stop a good pro-style offense late in the season. To my knowledge, Tulsa and Rice had the best defenses in this scheme but they also played in finesse, pass-first conferences that are unique to smaller players. This scheme is based on speed and it has some creative things that you can do with it but it historically, is very poor against the run. Bringing the Bandit up may make a difference when we get our personnel together. I think Clarklaker has the right idea. I believe that there's a poster that may have a comprehension issue and believes his king is being attacked. But no one has said anything negative about the recruit (nor RR) and is actually thought of as a good pickup. As usual, the man-crush continues for some of you folks!

PortageLkBlu

Fri, Jul 30, 2010 : 12:51 a.m.

So, what does this really mean to all you complainers we are getting worse players, I guess so according to you complainers. Well, there is no doubt about it, RR needs to get rid of any kids of any quality becuase you complainers have decided their fate. Ya, the Wolverines are just no good even if RR gets good players, Duh!

Benny Casino

Thu, Jul 29, 2010 : 9:37 p.m.

I agree with Forever27, the scheme is important but it's not the reason the UM defense is porous. It's the players and unfortunately there's not as much depth and talent on the defensive side of the ball as there should be. The 3-3-5 scheme allows for the defense to match up with multiple sets. With the variety of offensive looks, you need a defense that can provide just as many options. http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/Individual_Team_blogs/Michigan_Blog.html

Forever27

Thu, Jul 29, 2010 : 9:10 p.m.

@Sean and clark, the point of running a 3-3-5 is to be able to adapt to the different looks the defenses will face. They can bring up a linebacker as a d-lineman, or drop one back as another DB depending on what formation the offense brings. The key is to find the players that are stong/fast/versatile enough to be play makers in differing situations. Michigan doesn't have the players just yet, but adding people like Kellen Jones is definitely a step in the right direction.

NoBowl4Blue

Thu, Jul 29, 2010 : 8:56 p.m.

Good get

clarklaker

Thu, Jul 29, 2010 : 7:35 p.m.

I hope the3-3-5 is only used in the proper situation and they go to 4-3 front. good recruit. go blue.

Sean T.

Thu, Jul 29, 2010 : 7:32 p.m.

Sweet! I wish we dropped that 3-3-5 defense so we can line up some big dogs in front of these linebackers. It would help them get to the ball easier.