Who lines up to cover Avant?

[Irish Envy]

I think the key to the game will be if we can match up with Jason Avant well or not. If we can stump him, then controlling Hart should be much easier for Hoyte and company.

So who do we match up with him?

 

[Irish Legend]

Hopefully not Richardson!

 

[Irish Envy]

Hopefully not Richardson!

I'd hope not... I wonder if they will use a similiar scheme like what was used on Lee when the moved a safety over to essentially double cover him?

 

[LuckoftheIrish86]

Wooden on Breaston
and then Richardson and Tommy Z or Ndukwe(sp?) doubling Avant?

 

[Domer95]

I think the key to the game will be if we can match up with Jason Avant well or not. If we can stump him, then controlling Hart should be much easier for Hoyte and company.

So who do we match up with him?

Todd Lyght & Pat Terrell, with Shawn Wooden and Bobby Taylor shading over...

Probably will be a committee and if it does the job like Saturday, we won't be hearing too much of the 2nd best fight song

 

[TexasDomer]

I watched a little of the UM/NIU game over the weekend. A lot of the passes to Avant seemed to be timing routes. I wonder if there's not an opportunity to bump him to disrupt the timing. We'd have to double cover in case the corner couldn't stay with him after the bump.

I'm also concerned about Hart coming out of the backfield.

 

[Irish Envy]

I watched a little of the UM/NIU game over the weekend. A lot of the passes to Avant seemed to be timing routes. I wonder if there's not an opportunity to bump him to disrupt the timing. We'd have to double cover in case the corner couldn't stay with him after the bump.

I'm also concerned about Hart coming out of the backfield.

Yep. They seem to run a lot of the same routes that they had Braylon Edwards run last year, so I think it will be essential to bump and run. Hell, hold, bump, hold and run if necessary.

 

[adam0033]

I'm just as worried about Breaston in the kick game than Avant in the passing game. Should be a close game.

 

[VictorsValiant]

Michigan's RBs will detemine the outcome of the game

Michigan's RBs will detemine the outcome of the game

As you may have already noticed, I am a Michigan fan who just happened to stumble onto this website.

Know that everyone in Ann Arbor is concerned about this week's game. Notre Dame's performance last week was very impressive.

I must disagree with the above posts on the WRs. They will not determine the outcome of the game. Rather, the team who controls the ball on offense the longest will.

At the Mich/NIU game last week, everyone noticed how bad our defense was. Specifically, NIU, a MAC team, produced over 400 yards of offense. They consistently drove the ball down the field. Had they not made key mistakes, like the fumble in the 2nd quarter, the game would have been dangerously close. Their main RB had 17 rushes for 148 yards. NIU only punted the ball ONCE! These abhorrent numbers led to chants like "where's firejimherrmann.com?" and "Come on, they're not going to fumble the ball every time."

Michigan needs to keep their offense out on the field as long as possible, if only to prevent the defense from making mistakes. This will disrupt any rhythm ND's offense can produce, plus limit their opportunities to score. The only way this strategy can work is if a running game is established. Currently, aside from Hart, there are three legitimate running backs, Grady, Jackson and Martin. Expect at least 60 attempts from RBs. None of them will wear out because there is depth. Also, doubling up on Avant is a huge mistake. Breaston and Tabb are both long and fast receivers who will burn safeties and linebackers. Also, Massaquoi is dangerous when not covered seriously. Even if they have the option of throwing the ball all the time, Carr will not use it unless the running game is flat. The more time is burned off the clock, the more life Michigan sucks out of ND's heart. Alternatively, Weis will try to keep his offense on as long as possible, knowing the talent and depth of Michigan's offense. So, whoever controls the run will win the game.

 

[jiggafini19]

A productive, non negative post from a fan of a rival team? Wow, kudos to Victors.

I think ND's defense Saturday was designed to play at the offense as a whole, but more so Palko. That said, I think they are going to try and pressure Henne.

What gives me confidence is that the first two drives yielded points and were not very pretty at all. Things settled down after that.

Bottom line, the X and O factor is in ND's favor against just about everyone. The only teams that could pose a big problem are Michigan and USC. But if it comes down to Weis vs. Carr and this Michigan defense, I say ...GIVE ME ND STRAIGHT UP.