“When you run a quarterback 25 times, you’ve got to have toughness,” Kelly said after Saturday’s game. “I’ll let Coach figure out whether that’s the case for 10 games — Coach Rodriguez knows his team better than I do. But we hit him pretty hard today.”

The gripers, the whiners, and the scurrred fans of Michigan’s remaining opponents are confident that there is absolutely no freakin’ way this guy can make it through an entire season. That’s what you’re hearing right now – “…there’s no way this kid is going to make it through the Big Ten, no way! and he’s had to come out of both games with an injury!…”

What happens down the line remains to be seen, but I’m tired of hearing that THERE IS NO WAY HE CAN MAKE IT through an entire season. Good bajesus how about we let the season play out already. Through two games Denard has carried the ball 57 times. Has he been hit by 250+ pound defensive linemen 57 times? No. Has he been hit by physical linebackers 57 times? No. In fact, Denard is often times going to fast it’s nearly impossible for the defenders to even attempt to get a direct hit on him. I’ve taken a look at the awesome “Every snap..” videos from MGoVideo and broken down each of Denard’s runs into four different categories.

1. Defensive front 7 hits – or simply a hard hit where the impact of the blow is significant. So this could also come from a 2nd level type player if it’s a real shot.
2. 2nd level hits – where Denard has already gotten 5+ yards beyond the line of scrimmage and is generally running full speed
3. Fallen on / little contact / or a slide – Denard may not feel any impact from a defender at all, or just a small amount because he has gotten down before receiving a hit
4. No touch on him at all – where Denard jets it 87 yards into the end zone, goes out of bounds, etc.

Conclusions go below…
We know some thangs after two games. We know that Denard is the fastest player on the field. We know, if I’m using the same terms that the NBC color guy used during Saturday’s game, that Denard is a “quick-twitch athlete” (he pointed out that a few guys were good or had the edge because they were “quick-twitch guys” – dude needs to not do that again). After two games, it’s clear that for as many times Denard is going to either go down, dive before he gets tackled, or save his body – he is going to be flying towards a first down and take on significant contact.

1. Front 7 hits = 23 Avg. / game = 11.5
   A normal workload for a featured running back in most pro-style offenses. It’s fair to assume that your prototypical running back is going to get hit harder and more often than the elusive Denard.
2. 2nd level hits = 16 Avg. / game = 8
   More often than not, Denard is going too fast for a guy to get him good. However, times like below – are when Denard is going full-speed because it’s 2nd or 3rd and however long. In this case…Denard getting hit = me cringing.

3. Denard Slides or goes down easy because he’s Superman = 14 Avg. / game = 7
   On most of these runs Denard is going down before the contact can get to him as the defender intends. Typically, there’s less cringing from yours truly on these plays.
4. Not touched = 4 Avg. / game = 2
   Hmm. Let’s see what one of these plays looks like shall we?

Knockout Hits…sort of, not really though
Denard has left each of the first two games after a nice run up field. Both times he returns after one or two plays. He left the UConn game after converting on 3rd and 15 – for two plays. Let’s take a look see…

And now against Notre Dame – not sure what happens here – I thought Denard may have gotten the wind knocked out of him, but usually when that happens rolling around on the ground ensues.

To the game…

On Offense…

You are almost guaranteed to win a college football game when your offense does the following…

• 28 first downs
• 1 penalty
• 0 turnovers
• Nearly 37 minutes of possession
• 14-19 on 3rd down conversions
• 4-4 in the red zone, 3 touchdowns
• Drives of 14, 19, 11, and 15 plays

Do these things and you are winning that ball game every single time. The ability of Denard Robinson to throw the ball completely handcuffed UConn’s defensive unit, see every third down and 7+ that Denard converted on.

Thoughts on the QB Depth Chart
I don’t doubt that Denard can continue to play extremely well. I also still believe that, based on the comments from Tate Forcier’s father, that Rodriguez wasn’t done disciplining Tate. There’s no way Devin Gardner has passed up Tate on the depth chart. Michigan is going to be in games where Denard’s legs for one reason or another, can’t convert over 50% of third downs. Coach Rod knows that Denard’s 29 carries is probably too many – and the scare when Denard went down at the end of the 3rd quarter is what happens when you have a guy like Denard. Denard’s fearlessness is fantastic, but it may get him injured at some point. Bottom line, it’s my presumption that Tate’s influencers around him are echoing these same things and letting him know that he is going to be critical to this team’s success at some point this season.

Denard Robinson…
Because the Denard media binge and love-fest is already outta control – briefly…Denard has learned to read the defense and do what the coaches are teaching. In turn, defense exhibit A could not contain him and he effortlessly converted 2nd and long, 3rd and long and got 7+ yards time after time on first down. I’d be willing to bet that Denard is the only QB in the country accelerating through defenders as he does in the clip below. Now that he’s proven he can throw effectively, tiny running lanes are all Denard needs to convert.

Mike Shaw…
I thought Mike Shaw had a great game carrying the ball, despite any lacking in the box score. He seems stronger this year and he ran with authority on Saturday. More than once, he easily could have been tackled behind the line of scrimmage, but busted a move and managed to churn out something positive…like the below… On the touchdown, Mike showed that he can run with authority and hit the hole going full speed while keeping his balance. He showed that he’s going to be an asset out as a receiver out of the backfield as well. Was impressed with this guy on Saturday.

Vincent Smith…
I dig what Vincent Smith brings to the table. He’s a grinder and much more often than not he is pushing the defender back for an extra yard or three. He’s short, but powerful, and it can’t be easy for opposing defenders to find him as he is patiently picking his way through the zone blocking in front of him. On his first touchdown, Vincent got lost in the shuffle, was patient and broke a tackle to get in to the end zone.

The Offensive Line…
Ton of credit to these guys. They opened up holes for Shaw, Smith and Denard all day long. Definitely a scare when Molk went down, but he looked more tired than anything. He came back in almost immediately, much like Denard after he went down with an apparent injury in the 3rd quarter. If these guys can stay healthy, Michigan’s offense should continue to have lots of success on the ground and through the air all season long.

Receivers / Slots…
Give these guys a lot of credit as well. While most of the yards came on the ground, they converted when given the opportunity. Not all games will play out like this one – the passing game will be more prevalent as the season gets under way. Finally, Terrance Robinson got into the action on a beautiful bubble screen fake from Denard that forced the safety out of position – opening up the entire middle of the field. I thought Grady did okay with his opportunities, but I think he needs to show more if he wants to keep getting as many touches. Odoms and Stonum were both solid and these two guys look to be the most consistent, well-rounded of the bunch.

On Defense…

Defense came out and played well – holding UConn to 10 points was not expected by anyone. The consensus was a thirty something to thirty something ball game. Some stats worthy of noting…

• UConn completion rate held to 47%
• Forced 1 turnover
• UConn 4 – 15 on 3rd down conversions
• 1 blocked kick
• 10 POINTS

Obviously, only allowing 10 points is key. Forcing a turnover in the red zone and blocking a field goal – both extremely critical in Michigan’s general comfort level that grew as the game pushed on in the 3rd and 4th quarters. All in all, based on what happened last season, I don’t envision this defense getting full of themselves at any point this season. The degree of last season’s defensive collapse was so severe that there’s no way it escapes the minds of the coaches or returning players.

J.T. Floyd & James Rogers
Both these guys had solid games – and I was pleasantly surprised by the play of James Rogers. He was extremely active and seems to be a ball hawk. Makes me wonder where he’s been his whole career. J.T. was solid as well, especially in run D support and he may have had the biggest play of the entire day…below my friends…

Linebackers…
Obi Ezeh and James Mouton both lead the team in tackles with 9 and 8 respectively. Mouton laid the wood on some UConn guys on a few plays. Craig Roh lead the team with 2 tackles for loss. Based on the eye test, I would have to say that both Roh and Mouton outplayed Ezeh. I noticed Obi was out of position or seemed to over-pursue on a few plays. Overall speed was good and they were out to hit someone. Moundros looked good out there and definitely looks the part.

On Special Teams…

Michigan only punted one time for 51 yards – not bad for young Will Hagerup. The kicking game had some issues – it was to be expected in light of the youth and also the swirling winds. Gibbons missed from 43 yards out and made from 24. Gibbons also missed an extra point – and it sounds like Drew Dileo had some issues getting the ball down as the holder. A must fix before heading to South Bend this week. Kick coverages weren’t bad.

Some extra… Andy Staples CNNSI, Forcier – don’t be foolish stay at Michigan, Denard love @ Dr. Saturday, UConn happy it’s over.

Below are some notes from Rich Rod’s Sunday morning presser:

• As some have speculated, Freshman RB Austin White is no longer on the team anymore. He was one of the guys that didn’t have his wings.

Coach Rodriguez

• The defense didn’t tackle well and Mike Martin has been the most consistent defensive player during camp.
• Vincent Smith is going full bore and he was generally happy with QB play yesterday.
• If RR chooses to use multiple quarterbacks, it’ll be “more by feel” than anything scripted. He will limit snaps of the quarterbacks more by mid-week.
• A smaller scrimmage on Wednesday RR will hope to have the projected two-deep and travel roster settled.
• On Troy Woolfolk – Hasn’t had surgery yet and it’s certainly a very, very tough injury.
• RR on the defense – “It’s not a true 3-3-5.” Criag Roh is now closer to 240-245 and was 225 or so last year.
• Freshman RB Stephen Hopkins will likely play and not redshirt out of the need for a big back in the lineup. More on the backs, RR says it’s going to be running back by committee. Says it’s hard to get them all in the mix and get them reps – but they all will see some time against UCONN.
• On the scrimmage – it was good, liked the QB’s, receivers but mentions some turnover problems.
• RR says Brandon Graham is a once in a lifetime kind of player. Not one guy can replace him on the team.
• Jibreel Black, freshman DE, will definitely play.
• RR on Ezeh – “he’s responded to the challenge.”
• RR says the team’s attitude is one of it’s biggest strengths.
• RR asked once again about the pressure of succeeding this season and says it’s the same every year, but there’s an obvious sense of urgency because of the last two years.
• On kicking – much more comfortable than a few weeks ago and Hagerup is a real talent at Punter.
• Marvin Robinson, Cullen Christian, Courtney Avery, Terrence Talbott, Carvin Johnson, and Ray Vinopal all have a chance to play this year.
• Most guys have their best season as seniors – if that is the case this year then RR feels Michigan will be ok on defense.

Notes from Other Coaches

• Dews on Woolfolk – “we can’t sit around and feel sorry for ourselves because nobody else will”.
• Fred Jackson had great things to say about Stephen Hopkins, “very good football player” “great feet” can play FB or TB. Goes on to say “before he’s done here, he’ll be another Chris Perry. But I don’t know if Chris was ever 230lbs”
• Greg Robinson has high praises for Jonas Mouton and his progress.
• Coach Rod Smith – Forcier was probably most suited, coached, worked before coming to Michigan. More mechanic work for Denard, Gardner.
• Coach Rod Smith – Didn’t bring Devin Gardner here to redshirt — to compete for the (QB) job and the biggest thing he is pushing with Denard is his decision-making.
• Coach Rod Smith – Doesn’t want QB’s looking over their shoulders, but wants them to feel the heat. Says it doesn’t matter if one guy, two guys or three get the job done. Doesn’t think you need to have only one QB for team chemistry. Gardner may be the most athletic of the three QB’s.

Slight Scrimmage Video
Countdown to Kickoff’s video today covers yesterday’s scrimmage. You catch some glimpses but the field-level camera angle never lets you see too much.

she does what she wants

EDIT: Figured I’d add this to the top of the page – you’ll enjoy this link of the now known Melanie Collins.

Holy damn man it’s been one hell of a wild second week for Michigan fans and players at fall camp. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a message board meltdown quite like the couple that have so damningly went down this week. First, it’s the rumor and story that Troy Woolfolk is very hurt and went straight from the practice field to the hospital to be treated for a leg injury. FARFIGNOOTIN!! Or, something like that. But, damn that is one guy that Michigan probably couldn’t afford to lose. It’s not the end of the world, or end of the season as most message board frequenters seemed to place it. But, in the end it just leaves you shaking your head. Damn.

Perspective Be Good Man!
So, what’s done is done and it appears as though Michigan is not going to be taking the field with any player of proven caliber in the secondary. This could (umm, will) be a big problem on the field, but for what it’s worth, it’s probably a good idea to take what little positive you can out of the situation. Troy is one of those guys that will step his game up in times of adversity. He’ll be a great teammate and more like a coach on the sideline, at practice and in the locker room. You have to feel for the guy – apparently he was in the greatest shape of his career and was amped up to embark on a great senior season. Luckily for Michigan and for Troy, he didn’t redshirt his freshman year. So he will be able to snag a medical redshirt – assuming he is out for the entire season – and come back strong next year.

Message boards definitely got out of control upon word of Troy’s injury. It’s actually quite hilarious, but man you have to maintain some type of perspective to some degree. Troy is one guy – and one guy doesn’t make or break your team. While his absence will no doubt be felt, rest assured this 2010 team is one that nobody has ever seen take the field before. Michigan will field an offense that may be stronger than any other Michigan offense in a decade – with maybe the 2006 offense being an exception – Henne, Hart, Manningham, Long, etc. So yeah it sucks, and if you frequent MGoBlog, it apparently warranted a relentless amount of dong punches and crys of WHHYYYY?!?! to the Angry Hating Gods of Michigan Football. Nevertheless, my expectations for the 2010 Michigan football season do not change because Troy Woolfolk will have to sit out with his leg injury.

Little side note – I don’t believe they’ve announced what type of surgery or rehabilitation Troy will have to undergo to get back to full speed. It could be out there – but all indications from the Michigan twitterers and mgobloggers of the world is that of nothing so far.

Message Board Meltdown – Take II
So, and it’s well documented by now, smokin’ hot Melanie Collins tweeted the following at approximately 7 or 8ET lastnight.

Very reliable source telling me Tate Forcier requested a transfer from #Michigan this AM. NOT yet confirmed, will update as I know more.

I’m driving as I see the post over at Mgoblog about Tate possibly transferring. Let’s just say that it probably wasn’t too safe to be driving around me at that time – I was apparently more interested in the rumor than I was with preserving my own life. Fortunately, it wasn’t too long after that where Mike Forcier indirectly told the world that the rumor had no merit to it and he wouldn’t endorse the idea of Tate transferring.

The Days of Old.
I have to admit that, while I’ve always been a huge Michigan fan, I’m much more in tune and into the daily media binge while the team is at camp and preparing for the season. I think it’s that way for all fans – as great blogs have only been around for a handful of years. I can remember hearing about Drew Henson’s broken foot on ESPN. Or, in 2004 when Chad Henne and Mike Hart were two guys nobody really even knew about before the season got underway. I must say, I do enjoy seeing the press conferences with Coach Rodriguez and the players – and the snippets of practice that we get from the Countdown to Kickoff videos – but let’s face it – it’s stressful as hell! The days of old were when you found out your two-deep depth chart the week of the game and went to identify who was who during the pregame warm ups of the home opener no longer exist. Nowadays, more notably in 2009 and 2010, NO NEWS IS DAMN WELCOMED IF YOU ASK ME!

Smoke at the Peak of your Buzz.
You know, when you are finishing up your tailgate and/or heading towards the stadium – because the smoking ban goes into effect this year and you can no longer smoke anywhere in the stadium. WSJ Article.

CNNSI Article on Michigan football.

Oh yea. I had to post this picture of Ohio State’s J.B. Shugarts. Man, dude needs to grow some facial hair or something – might be giving people the wrong impression with that look!

Check out an interview today with UConn’s coach Randy Edsell on Colin Cowherd’s radio show. They talk a little about the opener at the Big House.

Big House. Here’s a great pic of the stadium taken from username MgoMatt at MGoBlog.