September 6th, 2009
Western Michigan Stream of Thoughts
Later today I will be posting a drive-by-drive game analysis for both the offense and the defense. First, here are some thoughts and observations gained from yesterday’s smackdown.
- Michigan looked crisp and like they were on a mission. The crowd was louder than usual. Once a lead was solidified – the student section began a RICH ROD-RI-GUEZ chant. I know it was supposed to be a decent Western Michigan team – and perhaps they will be – but Michigan played like a team possessed and a team that was very prepared.
- Michigan definitely passed the “eye” test. They looked fast, very fast, especially on defense.
- The offense executed. Forcier and Robinson made plays that we, as fans, wouldn’t have dreamed of seeing out of who Michigan had behind center on the field last year. Forcier plays within himself and is very talented. He is quick, very accurate, and seems to play with a maturity level that is beyond his years.
- This may have been Junior Hemingway’s coming out party – he looked very solid getting in the endzone twice. Carlos Brown was solid as well – although expected Brown to break a long run – maybe he is saving that for Notre Dame!
- Kelvin Grady reminds me so much of Steve Breaston – taking long strides and is very fast at the same time. He looked fast and a lot like Breaston on an end-around play that went for about 10 yards. He also had a nice catch on a ball thrown high and fast from Denard Robinson.
- Denard Robinson, holy shit, this guy can absolutely fly and he appears to be the type of guy that will slip out of a tackle or bounce off of a would be tackler to get those legs churnin’ again. In time I look for Denard to be a little more patient on some of those QB draw plays.
- The cornerbacks, Warren and Cissoko blanketed Western Michigan’s receivers and looked very good on their open field tackles. Safety play was solid as well.
- Greg Matthews looks to be a sure-handed punt returner – he understands and apparently has the ability to catch the damn ball! Matthews actually showed some ability to get up field after the catch as well – with a 15 yard return early in the first half.
- Tight end, Kevin Koger, looks as though he will be a key piece of the offense going forward. With a few catches, a TD from Forcier, and a ridiculous one-handed catch I expect Michigan to get a lot of production out of both Koger and beast Martell Webb.
- The defensive line put steady pressure on Hiller throughout most of the afternoon – and a couple of the young guys recorded sacks. Mike Martin had the only solo sack of the day – Ryan Van Bergen and Craig Roh added a sack.
- Michigan wins the turnover battle – with Sheridan’s interception being Michigan’s only turnover. That being said, it’s apparent that Foricer’s and Robinson’s play will buy them sole ownership of the QB role going into next week against Notre Dame.
- The defensive unit as a whole played well – getting several blue jerseys around the ball on every play. Overall speed seems to be better than a year ago. Stevie Brown played a solid game and seems to be a leader out there on D. Obi Ezeh played very well and was in Hiller’s face and making some good open field tackles.
- I advise all to stay away from the Detroit Free Press website – but I can’t help but read how they are now trying to cover their own ass with this story.
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