Sep 7 | Michigan

[Damion704]

No one should be surprised. I mean, what did people expect him to say?

 

[SoDakDomer]

Here's Gardner vs Ohio State, who I think is a fair comparison regarding quality of defenses and Gardner.

I see a young QB who is looking to pass instead of run, but can extend plays and pick up short yardage 3rd downs with his feet. He had trouble getting rid of the ball before blitzes at times, and he made some errors reading coverages. He has a big arm and is a threat with the vertical passing game, and can throw strongly in all the seams.

While everybody is talking about his running ability (Vince Young he is not) I think the key to the game is whether we can confuse him with coverages and get to him with blitzes.

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I saw alot of play action.

 

[DillonHall]

Here's Gardner vs Ohio State, who I think is a fair comparison regarding quality of defenses and Gardner.

I see a young QB who is looking to pass instead of run, but can extend plays and pick up short yardage 3rd downs with his feet. He had trouble getting rid of the ball before blitzes at times, and he made some errors reading coverages. He has a big arm and is a threat with the vertical passing game, and can throw strongly in all the seams.

While everybody is talking about his running ability (Vince Young he is not) I think the key to the game is whether we can confuse him with coverages and get to him with blitzes.

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I'm not sure how fair it is to compare the Gardner from 2012 to the current version. He was a WR for a large chunk of last season. Since then, he's had 15 bowl practices (and a pretty good bowl game performance against a good SEC defense), spring practice, and fall camp.

But I agree that you can see his physical abilities in this tape. We'll see how far his decision-making has progressed.

 

[ACamp1900]

Is there too much emphasis on here about Gardner really being a DT QB? Last season he rushed for a little over two YPC. Not very much of a threat it would appear. Now, I think he can make some plays here or there with his feet but the question is will he in this game? And why do people think he will magically turn into that type of QB when his past has shown he is more comfortable throwing the ball? Yes, he had 7 YPC against CMU but their defense is probably the weakest UM will play so I would simply discount that average.

Tommy is getting his first real dose of Notre Dame Neuroticism… and on Saturday he may well find out why such a thing exists… lol

 

[T Town Tommy]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>This happened. MT <a href="https://twitter.com/BillBeckTruth">@BillBeckTruth</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Michigan&src=hash">#Michigan</a> HC Brady Hoke just told <a href="https://twitter.com/dpshow">@dpshow</a> that he believes Johnny Manziel would play behind Devin Gardner.</p>— Rachel Terlep (@eTruth_Irish) <a href="https://twitter.com/eTruth_Irish/statuses/375996245891747840">September 6, 2013</a></blockquote>
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As he wiped away the glaze on his chin from his fourth donut of the morning....

 

[T Town Tommy]

Tommy is getting his first real dose of Notre Dame Neuroticism… and on Saturday he may well find out why such a thing exists… lol

As Al Davis used to say... "Just win baby."

 

[Patulski]

I'm not sure how fair it is to compare the Gardner from 2012 to the current version. He was a WR for a large chunk of last season. Since then, he's had .

But I agree that you can see his physical abilities in this tape. We'll see how far his decision-making has progressed.

Is this more fair? He made these mistakes last week after "15 bowl practices (and a pretty good bowl game performance against a good SEC defense), spring practice, and fall camp".

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Every game is a new opportunity. We'll see how he does.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Michigan Wolverines 2013 preview - Football Study Hall

He basically concluded that ND is the more talented squad across the spectrum, but he picked UM to win due to Gardner alone. I really don't think the kid has earned that kind of respect yet.

The men in the trenches for Notre Dame are more talented than the Michigan men, but the ferocity of the Wolverines and personality imbued by their coach on both sides of the ball could very well lead to a physical draw.

Huh?

 

[Ironman8]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Tuitt vs Lewan is this week's premier matchup...here are my top 5 CFB matchups to watch: <a href="http://t.co/8xZd2OAVHt">http://t.co/8xZd2OAVHt</a></p>— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoveTheSticks/statuses/376011998028644352">September 6, 2013</a></blockquote>
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[Emcee77]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Tuitt vs Lewan is this week's premier matchup...here are my top 5 CFB matchups to watch: <a href="http://t.co/8xZd2OAVHt">http://t.co/8xZd2OAVHt</a></p>— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoveTheSticks/statuses/376011998028644352">September 6, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Ugh, I'm already sick of the newsmedia talking about this. I just don't see how these two guys can be the critical matchup in this game. Lewan is one guy, and an OL can only be effective as a unit. Even if Lewan and Tuitt stalemate all day long, every other UM lineman has to be equally effective, or Lewan's effort is all for naught, because Nix, Day, Shembo, Jaylon, et al. will be in the backfield. It makes no sense to talk about Tuitt and Lewan without talking about the other DL/OL, uinless you are an NFL draft analyst only interested in the personnel matchup ...
... which Daniel Jeremiah basically is ... lol. I guess I don't know why I'm so mad about this.

 

[wizards8507]

Ugh, I'm already sick of the newsmedia talking about this. I just don't see how these two guys can be the critical matchup in this game. Lewan is one guy, and an OL can only be effective as a unit. Even if Lewan and Tuitt stalemate all day long, every other UM lineman has to be equally effective, or Lewan's effort is all for naught, because Nix, Day, Shembo, Jaylon, et al. will be in the backfield. It makes no sense to talk about Tuitt and Lewan without talking about the other DL/OL.

It's just the way these things go. "Dwight Freeney versus Matt Light" was the critical matchup of a whole bunch of Colts-Patriots games in the past decade. I don't see why this is much different.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Ugh, I'm already sick of the newsmedia talking about this. I just don't see how these two guys can be the critical matchup in this game. Lewan is one guy, and an OL can only be effective as a unit. Even if Lewan and Tuitt stalemate all day long, every other UM lineman has to be equally effective, or Lewan's effort is all for naught, because Nix, Day, Shembo, Jaylon, et al. will be in the backfield. It makes no sense to talk about Tuitt and Lewan without talking about the other DL/OL, uinless you are an NFL draft analyst only interested in the personnel matchup.

You left out the biggest part...Tuitt will primarily be going against the RT not Lewan!

 

[Luckylucci]

Didn't know where to put this but a great read.

Y! SPORTS

 

[Ironman8]

You left out the biggest part...Tuitt will primarily be going against the RT not Lewan!

This was addressed earlier in the thread. In the game film from last year it certainly looked like Tuitt had the most 1-on-1 reps v. Lewan, and Shembo, KLM and Day seeing some as well, depending on boundary / field alignment.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

This was addressed earlier in the thread. In the game film from last year it certainly looked like Tuitt had the most 1-on-1 reps v. Lewan, and Shembo, KLM and Day seeing some as well, depending on boundary / field alignment.

Interesting...My bad.

Anyway I think Michigan needs to be worried about their interior Oline the most. I understand they are all talented kids, but they will be going up against the best NT in the nation and a top 10 draft pick in their second ever start.

 

[Kak7304]

Ugh, I'm already sick of the newsmedia talking about this. I just don't see how these two guys can be the critical matchup in this game. Lewan is one guy, and an OL can only be effective as a unit. Even if Lewan and Tuitt stalemate all day long, every other UM lineman has to be equally effective, or Lewan's effort is all for naught, because Nix, Day, Shembo, Jaylon, et al. will be in the backfield. It makes no sense to talk about Tuitt and Lewan without talking about the other DL/OL, uinless you are an NFL draft analyst only interested in the personnel matchup.

I think they mean "premier matchup" in the context of a match-up of the biggest stars not the most important matchup for the outcome of the game. I'd say Tuitt vs. Lewan definitely qualifies for the former.

 

[Cackalacky]

Ugh, I'm already sick of the newsmedia talking about this. I just don't see how these two guys can be the critical matchup in this game. Lewan is one guy, and an OL can only be effective as a unit. Even if Lewan and Tuitt stalemate all day long, every other UM lineman has to be equally effective, or Lewan's effort is all for naught, because Nix, Day, Shembo, Jaylon, et al. will be in the backfield. It makes no sense to talk about Tuitt and Lewan without talking about the other DL/OL, uinless you are an NFL draft analyst only interested in the personnel matchup ...
... which Daniel Jeremiah basically is ... lol. I guess I don't know why I'm so mad about this.

 

[Ironman8]

Interesting...My bad.

Anyway I think Michigan needs to be worried about their interior Oline the most. I understand they are all talented kids, but they will be going up against the best NT in the nation and a top 10 draft pick in their second ever start.

For sure. I think if and when we blitz it will be up the middle with Tuitt and Shembo maintaining the integrity of the pocket to not allow Gardner to escape. That's how I'd draw it up.

 

[Emcee77]

I think they mean "premier matchup" in the context of a match-up of the biggest stars not the most important matchup for the outcome of the game. I'd say Tuitt vs. Lewan definitely qualifies for the former.

Of course you are right. I started writing that post before I even looked at who tweeted the tweet IM8 posted. I think my point is still valid as applied to some of the talking heads, but not really as applied to an NFL.com guy.

LOL.

 

[TomHaverford]

Tommy, I think this is why (for me anyway). He can still extend plays (though not like Denard). Plus scUM fans like to think he is Vince Youngish. I don't see that, but I do see someone who can get the yards if needed.

Denard could effectively extend passing plays? That's news to me. Gardner is 1,000,000 times better at scrambling and extending pass plays than Denard ever was. Gardner is more dangerous and harder to defend because of this. Denard was one of the most one dimensional QB's that has ever played the game. For all of his athletic gifts as a runner, he was one of the worst scrambling QB's that I have ever seen. Denard didn't know how to keep his eyes downfield to keep safeties from coming off WR's and coming up to stop him from running. He hardly ever scrambled, and when he did decide to tuck and run it was almost always too late. He also ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS sat and sat and sat in the backfield and tried to make something happen with his arm almost as if to prove he could be a passer instead of just taking off and living to fight another down.

Gardner makes bad reads often and that's what has lead to almost all of his interceptions, but he definitely has more accuracy and more talent as a passer. He can push the ball down the field, some of the throws he makes on outs to the sidelines...that takes a big arm. He routinely makes throws in games that Denard Robinson could never dream of making, he's got much more arm talent. His size is also a big advantage, he's 6-4, 215 pounds, Denard was 5-10.5, 195. Literally the only thing Denard had on Devin was 4.4 speed.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Didn't know where to put this but a great read.

Y! SPORTS

Awesome read. Thanks for the link.

Some highlights:

What Belichick saw was a system of sound principles but one that fell short in allowing players to use those principles to react to what they were seeing in the moments before a snap. Notre Dame's teaching was a bit regimented.

"And that, to me, says everything you need to know about Bill Belichick," Kelly said. "It's not just about scheme, it's about understanding the concept of the game and making those adjustments as the game unfolds.

"With the players, we were a little bit, 'This is your job. Do your job.' Instead of, 'You can do your job.' "

Some of it was pretty direct. It was the middle of March, deep in the offseason, with the staff sitting around hanging on every word and replayed splice of action.

"He would watch a play and say, 'Why didn't your players adjust to that? Why didn't you let your player make that adjustment? He was in a four technique, an inside shade of the tackle, and you knew it was a boot down and you knew they were going to break contain, why didn't you let a four go to a five?'

"I thought it was a great observation. Because, that's the game. When you're really good at it, your quarterback is going to make that check at the line of scrimmage, or your linebacker is making that check."

There was more, of course. Lots more. This was a complete diagnosis for the program, and one Kelly still shakes his head at being fortunate enough to go through.

 

[T Town Tommy]

And who was Belichick's former pupil? Like BB or not, the guy knows his football.

 

[TomHaverford]

And who was Belichick's former pupil? Like BB or not, the guy knows his football.

who was Bill Belicheck before Tom Brady? A guy that was fired by the Cleveland Browns and who was 5-11 in his first year in New England.

For all of Belicheck's "defensive genius", he hasn't had a real defense in New England since about 2004. That defense sucks and has sucked for a while now.

 

[T Town Tommy]

who was Bill Belicheck before Tom Brady? A guy that was fired by the Cleveland Browns and who was 5-11 in his first year in New England.

For all of Belicheck's "defensive genius", he hasn't had a real defense in New England since about 2004. That defense sucks and has sucked for a while now.

We have a winner.

 

[PANDFAN]

And who was Belichick's former pupil? Like BB or not, the guy knows his football.

in the article it said that Diaco was a pupil of al grohl who worked w/ belichick..who was a pupil of parcells.

 

[Ironman8]

who was Bill Belicheck before Tom Brady? A guy that was fired by the Cleveland Browns and who was 5-11 in his first year in New England.

For all of Belicheck's "defensive genius", he hasn't had a real defense in New England since about 2004. That defense sucks and has sucked for a while now.

His defenses were pretty good with the New York Giants

 

[NDWorld247]

who was Bill Belicheck before Tom Brady? A guy that was fired by the Cleveland Browns and who was 5-11 in his first year in New England.

For all of Belicheck's "defensive genius", he hasn't had a real defense in New England since about 2004. That defense sucks and has sucked for a while now.

Watch your mouth.

 

[T Town Tommy]

in the article it said that Diaco was a pupil of al grohl who worked w/ belichick..who was a pupil of parcells.

That's who I was referencing... Diaco. Who was you thinking I was referring to?

 

[RuntheBall]

Does anyone else think Gardner has a rather long throwing motion. He seems to have to bring the ball back before he goes forward with it. (I am a poor-wannable-scout, so that is why I am asking)

 

[aubeirish]

Denard could effectively extend passing plays? That's news to me. Gardner is 1,000,000 times better at scrambling and extending pass plays than Denard ever was. Gardner is more dangerous and harder to defend because of this. Denard was one of the most one dimensional QB's that has ever played the game. For all of his athletic gifts as a runner, he was one of the worst scrambling QB's that I have ever seen. Denard didn't know how to keep his eyes downfield to keep safeties from coming off WR's and coming up to stop him from running. He hardly ever scrambled, and when he did decide to tuck and run it was almost always too late. He also ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS sat and sat and sat in the backfield and tried to make something happen with his arm almost as if to prove he could be a passer instead of just taking off and living to fight another down.

Gardner makes bad reads often and that's what has lead to almost all of his interceptions, but he definitely has more accuracy and more talent as a passer. He can push the ball down the field, some of the throws he makes on outs to the sidelines...that takes a big arm. He routinely makes throws in games that Denard Robinson could never dream of making, he's got much more arm talent. His size is also a big advantage, he's 6-4, 215 pounds, Denard was 5-10.5, 195. Literally the only thing Denard had on Devin was 4.4 speed.

He was so dang hard to tackle though.