Jim Harbaugh likes to say that every game is a championship game. That certainly applies to the Wolverines against Air Force, coming off a lackluster effort versus Cincinnati.
It might apply even more to Michigan’s starting quarterback, who has a pair of interceptions and a pair of fumbles on his resume through two games. Not all of them were wholly his fault, but redshirt junior Wilton Speight was involved.
After the game, Speight talked about issues on the offense that are “easily fixed.” On Monday, his head coach insisted Speight is the starting QB, and the Wolverines are moving on.
Coaches back their players, especially their starting quarterback, to the hilt. That only makes sense. Speight won the job for a reason, and brings strong experience to the spot, especially when it comes to Big Ten play.
That said, coaches’ patience isn’t unlimited. That’s why it behooves Speight to perform well early on Saturday against the Falcons. Harbaugh pulled him from the lineup during a first-half struggle against Florida, and won’t hesitate to do so again, if need be.
Speight’s footwork and mechanics are points of emphasis, and him resorting to old habits remains a concern. There are questions about his weight transfer on throws, keeping the ball tight and throwing from the proper posture, so as not to short-arm throws or over-compensate for lapses in mechanics, causing the football to sail on him.
Speight is certainly working hard to correct the issues, and others with him. Michigan players backed him fully in public on Monday. And most still agree he’s the best the Wolverines have at the spot right now, the one who gives them the greatest chance to win.
But Harbaugh and his coaches are bottom-line, results-oriented mentors. There’s a standard they’re seeking, and the timetable for meeting it isn’t unlimited, especially for a veteran.
All eyes would have been on Speight on Saturday anyway, because that’s the life of a Michigan quarterback. But the scrutiny has ramped up, and not just from those who pay to get in The Big House.
Michigan’s offense has to be better than it was against Cincinnati. The triple option Air Force presents can become the great equalizer, difficult to defend. It can magnify mistakes and help eat up the clock, which is why the Wolverines are stressing discipline and assignment football.
They’re also looking to cause some problems for Air Force with their own offense. That needs to start behind center, whoever takes the snaps.
It might apply even more to Michigan’s starting quarterback, who has a pair of interceptions and a pair of fumbles on his resume through two games. Not all of them were wholly his fault, but redshirt junior Wilton Speight was involved.
After the game, Speight talked about issues on the offense that are “easily fixed.” On Monday, his head coach insisted Speight is the starting QB, and the Wolverines are moving on.
Coaches back their players, especially their starting quarterback, to the hilt. That only makes sense. Speight won the job for a reason, and brings strong experience to the spot, especially when it comes to Big Ten play.
That said, coaches’ patience isn’t unlimited. That’s why it behooves Speight to perform well early on Saturday against the Falcons. Harbaugh pulled him from the lineup during a first-half struggle against Florida, and won’t hesitate to do so again, if need be.
Speight’s footwork and mechanics are points of emphasis, and him resorting to old habits remains a concern. There are questions about his weight transfer on throws, keeping the ball tight and throwing from the proper posture, so as not to short-arm throws or over-compensate for lapses in mechanics, causing the football to sail on him.
Speight is certainly working hard to correct the issues, and others with him. Michigan players backed him fully in public on Monday. And most still agree he’s the best the Wolverines have at the spot right now, the one who gives them the greatest chance to win.
But Harbaugh and his coaches are bottom-line, results-oriented mentors. There’s a standard they’re seeking, and the timetable for meeting it isn’t unlimited, especially for a veteran.
All eyes would have been on Speight on Saturday anyway, because that’s the life of a Michigan quarterback. But the scrutiny has ramped up, and not just from those who pay to get in The Big House.
Michigan’s offense has to be better than it was against Cincinnati. The triple option Air Force presents can become the great equalizer, difficult to defend. It can magnify mistakes and help eat up the clock, which is why the Wolverines are stressing discipline and assignment football.
They’re also looking to cause some problems for Air Force with their own offense. That needs to start behind center, whoever takes the snaps.
