It was, without question (IMO, anyway) the worst loss of the Harbaugh era. A home game vs a significantly less talented opponent that was similarly inexperienced. The UM defense is fully baked, but what's the future of the offense? This game has definitely shaken my faith that Harbaugh has UM on a path to national title contention. To be clear, I'm not advocating a coaching change, just acknowledging that my steadfast belief in Harbaugh was significantly dented when he got pantsed by Dantonio last night. Looking forward, We have:
....A couple of young QBs who might elevate play there significantly. Jake R had a top flight second half in his year, and he couldn't overcome the OL play vs better defenses. Will the young guys play at higher level than Jake next year?
....Another poor OL that loses Cole and Kugler next year. I'd say that LT has no clear replacement tho Ruiz might solidify C . Bushel-Beatty came off the bench and looked as bad as Ulizio, Runyan is an inside guy, and Newsome is a longshot. Everyone else will be a freshman (true or RS), which suggests that RT is not going to be great next year, either. Overall, it's been so long that it's hard to even imagine a good OL in Ann Arbor.
....Skill positions that should all improve with experience, but Harbaugh has always been identified with a downhill rushing game and I just don't see that on the horizon. Will he succeed without a reliable running game? Can he create a reliable running game with the OL he's going to have in 2017 and 2018?
So, last year's team averaged 50ish points against lesser opponents before struggling vs top defenses. This year's team is struggling vs lesser opponents. Still winning four out of five, but struggling in every case. Is this year an anomaly. Was last year a base or a ceiling? If the former, when does Harbaugh build on it, and how?
The guy's got a great resume, and I can't think of anyone available that I'd prefer in his job - so I'm absolutely not suggesting that Harbaugh be replaced. Now, I'm just wondering if he's really going to bring a top flight offense to Michigan in the foreseeable future.
....A couple of young QBs who might elevate play there significantly. Jake R had a top flight second half in his year, and he couldn't overcome the OL play vs better defenses. Will the young guys play at higher level than Jake next year?
....Another poor OL that loses Cole and Kugler next year. I'd say that LT has no clear replacement tho Ruiz might solidify C . Bushel-Beatty came off the bench and looked as bad as Ulizio, Runyan is an inside guy, and Newsome is a longshot. Everyone else will be a freshman (true or RS), which suggests that RT is not going to be great next year, either. Overall, it's been so long that it's hard to even imagine a good OL in Ann Arbor.
....Skill positions that should all improve with experience, but Harbaugh has always been identified with a downhill rushing game and I just don't see that on the horizon. Will he succeed without a reliable running game? Can he create a reliable running game with the OL he's going to have in 2017 and 2018?
So, last year's team averaged 50ish points against lesser opponents before struggling vs top defenses. This year's team is struggling vs lesser opponents. Still winning four out of five, but struggling in every case. Is this year an anomaly. Was last year a base or a ceiling? If the former, when does Harbaugh build on it, and how?
The guy's got a great resume, and I can't think of anyone available that I'd prefer in his job - so I'm absolutely not suggesting that Harbaugh be replaced. Now, I'm just wondering if he's really going to bring a top flight offense to Michigan in the foreseeable future.
Last edited:
