Another ugly Saturday – Michigan gets pushed around in Madison. One loss away from a second consecutive bowl-less season, and one win away from what would be a season-salvaging, bowl-qualifying win against Ohio State. The mood surrounding this Michigan program will take a 180 if Michigan can pull an upset at home next week. The likelihood of it happening? Well, slim at best, but hey it’s been done before.

The defense again was absolutely terrible. I have finally accepted that Michigan simply doesn’t have the talent on that side of the ball to compete for an entire game. There are ok moments, but against Wisconsin they were pushed around and the lack of depth seems to wear them down by the midway point of the 3rd quarter. I saw guys like Stevie Brown unable to get off a block for about 12 yards. The talent just ain’t there, and it will be critical for guys like Justin Turner, Brandon Smith, and other RR recruits to step it up next year.

The offense showed more improvement, has success. Tate, for the second week in a row, played very well and put points on the board when he had opportunities. Roy Roundtree again impressed and it looks like he will continue to be a force in this offense for a few years. It’s tough, as Rich Rod mentioned in the post game presser, when you only get three second half possessions you can’t get into any kind of offensive rhythm. Tate completed 20 out of 26 passes and was accurate for most of the day – with the exception of the deep ball to Greg Matthews that would have been a touchdown.

Looking ahead to Ohio State. I said two weeks ago before Michigan took one in the nuts to Purdue, that Ohio State will be coming into the season finale emotionally drained. Two weeks of huge match ups – one at Penn State, then at home against Iowa to get the Rose Bowl berth with an overtime win, will take a lot out of the emotional tank for a team. That being said, Ohio State will naturally lack some focus and intensity because they know they are heading to Pasadena on January 1st. Michigan will have to play a near perfect game and get a couple turnovers. If Michigan wins, Tate will have to be a hero and play beyond his years. More on the OSU game later in the week. Stay Tuned.

Don’t Panic. With fans nearing the ledge, now is a good time to use perspective and see more of the big picture. This team is so very young, new defensive coordinator, no defensive depth, etc. The things that RR and the fans that actually back him have been saying before this season even started. The future is bright, the improved offensive production is a fantastic sign. A simply mediocre defense would have put three more games in the win column this season. Don’t Panic.

Improvements in Year 2. Here are a few improvements from year 1 to year 2 under Rich Rod:

• Points/game
• Yards/game
• Passing yards/game
• QB Passer Rating
• QB completion percentage
• Unforced turnover margin
• Punt and kick return yardage
• Net punting yardage
• Field goals scored and field goal percentage
• Wins

So improvements are being made on the offensive side of the ball and on special teams. Now, if that damn defense could improve next year. Again, don’t panic.

Related Posts:

• 2009, and Looking Ahead to 2010
• Ok, Moving on to Purdue…
• “Great Move by Forcier! Touchdown MICHIGAN!”
• Monday Presser Notes – RR
• People – Just Accept Reality