Michigan Post Game: ND

Photo courtesy of Daniel Mears / The Detroit News

Rivalry games are were legends are born.  Last year we were a little pre-mature to give that label to Tate Forcier.  On Saturday, it's hard not start to put that label on Denard Robinson.  He put up an unbelievable performance against a Notre Dame defense that was playing pretty well all day.  His passes were sharp, and his running ability and speed is just unbelievable.  As I was watching the game, I kept thinking Florida wanted him as a cornerback and not a QB.  Thank you Urban Meyer, Thank you! 

What I was most impressed by Denard was his ability to protect the ball.  He did have one fumble that was recovered by Michigan but his decision making during the passing game was outstanding.  That pass to Roundtree on the final drive was perfect.   It's hard to believe that this was just his second game starting at QB.  502 yards is legendary.  Any win in South Bend is a good win.

Cheers:

• Denard Robinson of course.
• Michigan's offense line.
• Michigan's corners Floyd and Rogers didn't allow Michael Floyd to beat them.
• I thought Jonus Mouton played very physical all day.
• Roy Roundtree coming back from injury and having a good day.
• Brian Kelly's decision to go for a touchdown at the end of the half.  Those 3 points he took off the board were the difference in kicking a winning field goal on the last drive or losing the game.

Jeers:

• Penalties were drive killers all day.  I thought Cullen Christian's on the last drive was going to cost Michigan the game.  I think Michigan's puts up at least 14 more points without the penalties.
• Cam Gordon:  I have to cut the young man some slack since he is a redshirt freshman starting at a new position but you can't let those WR's/TE's behind you.  He is a big hitter but needs to wrap up on tackles.
• The final drive was ridiculous.  For ND to even have a shot at winning was poor defense. 
• I'm not sold on the 3-5-3 defense right now, mostly when it comes to pressuring the QB.  Michigan can't get pressure on any QB with just 3 guys rushing.  Michigan had 3 inexperienced QB's playing for ND and most of the time they had a ton of time to make decisions.  If Michigan puts more pressure on these guys they would have made more mistakes or taken a few sacks.  Keep the 3-5-3 but have a 4th defender rush the QB on passing downs.  Michigan has to protect it's young secondary with a pass rush.

BHB Prediction:  Was a Michigan win at 28-21 (final was 28-24) and be worried if Dayne Crist becomes Joe Montana.  He didn't but when he went out, Joe's son Nate Montana came in.  Weird. 

As we all know, this was a great win for the Wolverines and get them off to an 2-0 start for the second year in a row.  Michigan comes home for two games against UMass and Bowling Green.  In these games, I would like to see Devin (if he is not going to redshirt) and Tate get some snaps at QB.  Everybody and their brother are concerned what happens to Michigan if Denard goes down.  Those backups need some game experience this year and Denard needs a break from getting hit 28 or 29 times a game.

This was a good/great win but Michigan still has plenty of things to work on before Big Ten play.
Anyway you slice it Michigan is playing better football and Rich Rod's vision is starting to take shape in Ann Arbor. 

Go Blue!