A "less than carolinaeasy-ish" Game Review

Saturday was the first 2009 game I was able to watch in person.  Here are some thoughts I had:

After the effectiveness of UM's first drive, I worried that PSU might be susceptible to a no-huddle offense.  Effectiveness of scripted plays aside, it was clear we weren't getting the defensive calls/personnel into the game in time.  Maybe UM came out with formations we hadn't planned for...perhaps we'll have to wait until someone else goes no-huddle.

The screens to Moye worked so well because UM was loading 8 and 9 guys into the box.  They didn't line up with a safety deep until Quarless burned them--and even then, it was only temporary and several plays later they were back loading the box.  I suspect this is why their corners played off.  The nice thing is, those short throws seemed to help DC17 into a rhythm and neutralize whatever pressure UM was getting.

Running at UM wasn't really working (probably due to the 8/9 man fronts), but Royster was a cutback machine.  I think it's safe to say he hasn't lost his vision.  Also, I wonder if the cutbacks were effective due to UM over-pursuing on defense.  Downfield blocking was excellent, and coupled with arm tackles aplenty (thanks, GERG!), we were able to break some longer runs.  Several plays were one man from going the distance.

DC17 was really efficient, not only on the screens but also on the mid-range outs and comebacks.  His decisions were solid, save a few select passes (forcing into triple-coverage deep on Powell, throwing across the field to nobody instead of out-of-bounds, etc.)

Forcier looked terribly uncomfortable as the PSU D-line was able to contain him in the pocket.  He had trouble completing any passes (even screens).  I worry to think what may have happened if he'd completed some more passes and gotten some momentum/confidence...

Denard Robinson is an abysmall passer.  That pick he threw...you could see it coming all the way.  ALL the receivers on that side of the field were blanketed, but he threw it anyway.  A nearby UM fan chimed in that he has more INT's than completions on the year (not true: fact check says 10 completions and 4 pics...still awful on 21 attempts).

UM didn't seem to know what to do when Royster motioned out wide.  The first time, Suhey ripped off nearly 20 yards.  The second time, Royster turned a quick slant into a big gain due to the mismatch...not sure if they had a LB or safety covering him, but it didn't work.

PSU special teams continue to cause concern.  Punt blocking was poor all day, and it was only a matter of time before we had one blocked.

Truly, hats off to the coaches both offensively and defensively.  It seemed like we really exploited all their weaknesses.  Also, the D was impressive in maintaining their assignments and not overrunning the play.  I wonder if RichRod's read option will ever be effective against a talented, disciplined PSU defense...which we usually have.

This game could've been a lot closer if UM hadn't shot themselves in the foot with turnovers and terrible throws.  On the other hand, we may have been able to run up the score had Joe not gone into ball control mode halfway through the 3rd quarter.  I don't remember many PSU passes after that.

Also, this was my first trip to Michigan Stadium for a game, so here are some things I noticed:

The seats are teh suck, specifically the amount of space allotted for your butt.  I'm not exactly a big guy, and neither were the others in my row...there's just not enough space.  It's a noticeable difference from Beaver Stadium, and it feels like a slap in the face that The Big House can claim more seats.  On the other hand, this meant our seats in row 89 still weren't too bad...unlike sitting in one of the N_U sections you don't feel like you're a mile from the game.

We were behind the North endzone, which is near the UM student section.  After every 3rd down PSU didn't convert, the UM students shout a coordinated "You suck!"  This continues even into the 4th quarter, even when UM is losing 10-35.  Classy.  By contrast, I could CLEARLY hear "WE ARE...PENN STATE" chants from the opposite end of the stadium (nearby UM fans commented positively about how loud the visiting PSU fans were).

Nearby UM fans in my area were largely friendly, and fairly knowledgeable about their team (your results may vary).  Actual quotes from said fans:

"I don't know why we hired Rodriguez, and I'd be happy to see him go.  I wish we still had Carr."

"The refs are terrible.  They're going to give Penn State this game."

"I predicted 6 wins this year and I'll be surprised if we get there."

"COME ON, TACKLE LIKE THEY DO!!"