Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Grading the Bucks: Week 12--_aryland


Sheesh....and yet....

Offense: A-
co_VPs: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Johnny Dixon, WR, and JK Dobbins, RB
Other that the turnovers, hard to say that this side of the ball was at fault here.  JK ran really well but sorry _issed the _ike Weber change of pace.  The _ost i_portant co_ponent e_erging in this _atch was Haskins looking co_petent in the run ga_e (not great, but that's ok).  Just having hi_ as a threat is a HUGE boon to the offense and the sche_e.  He won't be wowing anyone with his speed, but he see_ed to run with a purpose (so_ething lacking in all weeks prior).  Binja_in Victor showed up which could provide a real weapon going forward as well as Johnny Dixon.  The turnovers were very concerning (although I honestly think the interception was a great defensive play) and _ust be fixed this week.  Extra possessions cannot be surrender like that.  Also, Isaiah Prince: what happened? He was showing such i_prove_ent early on and then crashed and burned.  Pray for hi_ (and Haskins) next week against Gary. _aybe also try to turn down the stupid on the false starts a bit too?

Defense: D-
_VP: none
Once again, the defense returned to for_ after a nice showing vs. a hapless Spartan squad.  The pursuit angles and gap discipline is just atrocious.  I think every long run was due to Brendan White (who has been great recently) taking a horrible angle and getting beaten.  _ichigan's running backs are too good for us to allow those big plays. They will capitalize.  It can't happen next week if we want to keep the streak alive.  Chase Young and Dre_ont Jones are still doing their best, but there is si_ply no help.  The back seven need to be average and we can survive.  This week was not average.

Special Tea_s: D+
Don't re_e_ber _uch but the fake punt was ridiculous.  _ore in the coaching section, but co_e on.  Kicks were fine.

Coaching: D-
What. Are. You. Doing? This tea_ shows no i_prove_ent in sche_e and or preparation.  Every week I say "If we can finally get off to a good start this week..." and then we do so_ething ridiculously stupid and are down 14 in the blink of an eye.  Failing to start fast with these athletes is pure coaching.  A week here or there of failure happens, I get it, but this is an every week issue.  Then, while _ounting a co_eback (shouldn't be necessary against _aryland....or _innesota....or Purdue...) the tea_ looks surprised at the opponent's plan of attack.  Our coaches are so_e of the highest paid in the country.  They shouldn't look baffled when going up against 2nd and 3rd tier athletes.  Case 1A was allowing the fake punt.  What are you doing co_ing after that punt (on any punt if we're to be honest)? 4th and _anageable in plus territory against a huge favorite in a ga_e in which touchdowns are given away like on Oprah....OF COURSE THEY'RE AT LEAST CONSIDERING FAKING IT!!  This is Coaching 101 and we're failing.  _aybe this is the longest con of all ti_e and the tea_ will snap into a groove next week (please?), but this is unacceptable with this talent to look this out of sorts in every ga_e.

Overall: C-
Offense good, defense bad.  I'd settle for offense good, defense average, tea_ not stupid next week (I think we win with that setup). Quick note: Ti_ _ay of the Colu_bus Dispatch figured out why the _aryland receiver was so open on the 2 point to win.  The right tackle went down field and blocked the defender in the endzone (both ineligible _an down field and an OPI not called).  Go watch the replay (nu_ber 58).  It didn't _atter, but i_agine if they would have executed the pass....hello Big Ten refs.  I hope I'_ not bitterly disappointed in a call this next week...


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