A bit groggy this morning, but grateful ... almost every Southwest flight from Omaha was cancelled (thought this airline was supposed to be good?) and I was on hold for three hours from midnight to 3 a.m., from the press box to the 45-minute ride back to the hotel in Omaha, before finally saying, 'screw it' after my flight was cancelled.
I logged in to Southwest.com one last time and — miraculously — got the one flight out through Chicago at 11. I'll be back home right after the Lions cap their fifth straight loss, so I don't even have to watch a minute of it (bonus).
So ... some things I wanted to add to the Notes, Quotes & Observations but ran out of space (and energy) ...
First off, Hassan Haskins ...
Wow.
This is one of those 'they liked him on film' guys who turns out to be one of your most valuable players. He's not a burner, but he's going to win games for you with the things he does. In addition to some bone crushing blocks in pass pro (Skene and I will break those down in the film review), he's just one of those guys who moves the chains — not a burner, but always gets a few extra yards and is more athletic than given credit.
Been trying to think of who he reminds us of compared to past Michigan backs. B.J. Askew comes to mind. He was much more athletic than advertised, too, felt like a fullback playing tailback (and really was) ... oh, and he spent a handful of seasons in the NFL.
Haskins is something else. It's amazing that just a few weeks ago some were saying they wanted him to leave after this year (still a possibility) to get more carries for Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. Well, they don't win that game yesterday without him.
This ridiculous no-call on the first Nebraska touchdown (illegal formation, not enough men on the line) was a planned play, and head coach Scott Frost knew he got away with one. Go back to the TV copy and watch his reaction after Austin Allen scores — he's sheepish and looking for a flag. Harbaugh was irate, and he let the officials know it throughout the TV timeout (to numerous 'boos' from the Nebraska crowd. They boo everything. They're like MSU basketball fans that way. Weird. At the same time, unlike MSU, what an awesome and respectful fan base. They thanked Michigan fans for coming even after the loss, were so welcoming. This is a great road trip).
These are mistakes officials can't make. That's officiating 101, and it was ridiculous. So was the 'clapping' to simulate Michigan's snaps. It's bush league, it's blatant cheating ... and it's so Scott Frost. As our @sane1 noted, one of them came on a second down play inside the 10. That was calculated, too, but a desperate coach fighting for his job.
I don't know if he'll keep that job, but if he does, it should be interesting over the next five years that Nebraska is on the schedule. There's clearly no love lost between Carol's son (now 0-3 against Harbaugh) and the Michigan coach.
If you want to complain about the defense in the second half, feel free. They lost their composure, and they need to be better. At the same time, they made two huge stops down the stretch. Safety Brad Hawkins doesn't get his due. His strip sack and return saved the game — he also made the play to stop Martinez on fourth down on the Cornhuskers' first drive, one on which they picked up about a fifth of their yardage for the game (and most of it on two plays).
The pass to an uncovered running back for 43 yards on the first play (Rahim Johnson) was something they saw on film, obviously — a blown coverage, and scouted. That's the kind of thing we'd see from Mark Dantonio's MSU teams once a game, and he'd pull it out at the right time to change momentum, get back into a game, etc. That the 'Huskers got no points out of it was fortunate — also, thank Frost for going for it rather than taking the field goal on fourth and goal inside the five.
And the final series from the 50 — huge, aided by a misfiring Martinez. He can be so good and so bad, often on the same drive. He missed two throws that would have gotten the Cornhuskers closer to field goal range for at least a chance to tie.
So ... 29 points in the second half, but as our Doug Karsch said, you don't apologize for a win.
"Absolutely" one of the loudest sidelines (I've been on)," Michigan's man behind the bench said. "Crazy atmosphere.
"... Two weeks ago, the offense had a bad half. Defense this time. It happens. Seasons aren't straight lines, and this win is huge."
And he's right. There are about 12 undefeated teams that will show up in the top 25 this week. Alabama isn't one of them. Neither is Clemson, or Ohio State. Michigan is — ditto Iowa, Brady Hoke's San Diego State team, Michigan State. It's a crazy year, and as one of our buddies said, 'yesterday might have been the best college football Saturday I've ever watched.'
Penn State vs. Iowa came down to the wire; Oklahoma came back to beat Xavier Worthy and Texas (and yeah, we know — the kid is good. But he didn't want to be here, or he would have).
And Michigan found a way, despite being ridiculously banged up on offense. We told you before the game in ITF some guys were banged up. Neither guard practiced all week, and Harbaugh noted LG Trevor Keegan had a shoulder injury. He didn't specify RG Zak Zinter's, but it was serious enough to keep him out most of the game.
"Playing with your fourth and fifth guards and the running backs didn't get tackled for ONE TFL," Karsch noted. "So much toughness shown. Fall behind for the first time — respond. Throw first pick (editor's note — the Nebraska player was offsides on the play) — respond. Give up four long touchdown drives, respond twice."
And yes, Cade McNamara was the catalyst. No, he's not perfect, and nobody should have expected him to be. He's in his first year as a starter.
No, he doesn't have the biggest arm. Yes, he missed some throws.
At the same time, he was playing without his top two receivers, and not only did have have three or four more balls dropped (like last week), he's playing with a solid, not really good group of pass catchers. There's nobody making the 50-50 catch like a Braylon Edwards, Jason Avant, even Nico Collins on a consistent basis. Cornelius Johnson is okay, but often off balance (why they continue to throw low percentage fades to him and Daylen Baldwin is beyond us). Baldwin is solid, but drops too many. Mike Sainristil is hit and miss, though his 48-yard grab was spectacular.
We did love the speed tight end Luke Schoonmaker showed on his 24-yard reception, and it's nice to see Erick All catching the ball. They could be weapons with better routes designed for them, and the delays to them really worked well Saturday.
But as noted in a previous thread, McNamara reminds you of the solid Northwestern quarterbacks on their better teams. He was good enough to lead this team to 32 points in that environment despite having an easy TD dropped (Baldwin needs to make that play) and four other points taken off the board when his center stepped on his foot. That's a 40-spot in that environment if not for those two plays.
And that's crazy good.
As good as center Andrew Vastardis has been — well, he hasn't been near the goal line. We expect that will get fixed. He's been fantastic. And on first glance, it appeared Karsen Barnhart played extremely well at guard given the circumstances. It wouldn't surprise to see him battle with Keegan at left guard.
McNamara usually doesn't make the critical mistake, checks into the right plays, is a calming influence. He doesn't have the huge arm but can make the throws. For those calling for J.J. McCarthy — his day will come, and he's probably the kind of quarterback you'll need to beat elite teams. For winning now, though, McNamara is the guy, and he's 6-0. To say 'anyone could have done that' — bullshit.
He's a young guy and he'll continue to get better. He's got a lower ceiling, but he's got guts. Some of the criticism here seems to be over the top personal, and it's ridiculous.
A few things we didn't like —
Going for two late in the third quarter, and the play they tried to score with. Just - why? Made no sense, and could have bitten them in the butt. They needed a clutch kick from Jake Moody from 38 yards to seal it instead of being up at that point as a result.
And that 38-yarder ... what a kick, but again, should have been from 30 or so. They put McCarthy in there to run wide to the hash, and everyone in the stadium knew he wasn't going to throw. He should have handed off, but again ... he's a frosh, too. He'll learn. To say he'd have made all the throws McNamara missed is ridiculous, and there's a reason McNamara is playing in front of him (for now).
He shouldn't have been put in that position.
We love that they are getting him some experience, though, because again, with the lack of separation the receivers get, that ball's going to have to get there in a hurry sometimes. McCarthy's the guy with the NFL arm who might squeeze it in there against better defensive backs who close quickly.
The linebackers struggled in coverage with some of the wheel routes, the way they did against Saquon Barkley at Penn State years ago. Thats something D.C. Mike Macdonald is going to have to fix.
And how frustrating must it be to be Aidan Hutchinson, to get held on just about every play and have nothing to show for it. He is fun to watch, regardless.
Bottom line ... this team has guts, and if you can't appreciate that, it's unfortunate. This is one of those TEAMS that is better than the sum of its parts because the prima donnas have been replaced by guys who want to win so badly HERE that they're battling through injuries, pain, etc. for their teammates, fighting for those extra yards when they could go down without a fight, etc., and never give up.
They always feel like they're going to find a way, and so far, they have. The floor is now 9-3 (at least it had better be), and those three big ones — at MSU, at PSU, OSU — are going to be the deciding factors between a good and great year.
But you can't have either if you don't beat little brother, so they'd better find a way.
Onward.
I logged in to Southwest.com one last time and — miraculously — got the one flight out through Chicago at 11. I'll be back home right after the Lions cap their fifth straight loss, so I don't even have to watch a minute of it (bonus).
So ... some things I wanted to add to the Notes, Quotes & Observations but ran out of space (and energy) ...
First off, Hassan Haskins ...
Wow.
This is one of those 'they liked him on film' guys who turns out to be one of your most valuable players. He's not a burner, but he's going to win games for you with the things he does. In addition to some bone crushing blocks in pass pro (Skene and I will break those down in the film review), he's just one of those guys who moves the chains — not a burner, but always gets a few extra yards and is more athletic than given credit.
Been trying to think of who he reminds us of compared to past Michigan backs. B.J. Askew comes to mind. He was much more athletic than advertised, too, felt like a fullback playing tailback (and really was) ... oh, and he spent a handful of seasons in the NFL.
Haskins is something else. It's amazing that just a few weeks ago some were saying they wanted him to leave after this year (still a possibility) to get more carries for Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. Well, they don't win that game yesterday without him.
This ridiculous no-call on the first Nebraska touchdown (illegal formation, not enough men on the line) was a planned play, and head coach Scott Frost knew he got away with one. Go back to the TV copy and watch his reaction after Austin Allen scores — he's sheepish and looking for a flag. Harbaugh was irate, and he let the officials know it throughout the TV timeout (to numerous 'boos' from the Nebraska crowd. They boo everything. They're like MSU basketball fans that way. Weird. At the same time, unlike MSU, what an awesome and respectful fan base. They thanked Michigan fans for coming even after the loss, were so welcoming. This is a great road trip).
These are mistakes officials can't make. That's officiating 101, and it was ridiculous. So was the 'clapping' to simulate Michigan's snaps. It's bush league, it's blatant cheating ... and it's so Scott Frost. As our @sane1 noted, one of them came on a second down play inside the 10. That was calculated, too, but a desperate coach fighting for his job.
I don't know if he'll keep that job, but if he does, it should be interesting over the next five years that Nebraska is on the schedule. There's clearly no love lost between Carol's son (now 0-3 against Harbaugh) and the Michigan coach.
If you want to complain about the defense in the second half, feel free. They lost their composure, and they need to be better. At the same time, they made two huge stops down the stretch. Safety Brad Hawkins doesn't get his due. His strip sack and return saved the game — he also made the play to stop Martinez on fourth down on the Cornhuskers' first drive, one on which they picked up about a fifth of their yardage for the game (and most of it on two plays).
The pass to an uncovered running back for 43 yards on the first play (Rahim Johnson) was something they saw on film, obviously — a blown coverage, and scouted. That's the kind of thing we'd see from Mark Dantonio's MSU teams once a game, and he'd pull it out at the right time to change momentum, get back into a game, etc. That the 'Huskers got no points out of it was fortunate — also, thank Frost for going for it rather than taking the field goal on fourth and goal inside the five.
And the final series from the 50 — huge, aided by a misfiring Martinez. He can be so good and so bad, often on the same drive. He missed two throws that would have gotten the Cornhuskers closer to field goal range for at least a chance to tie.
So ... 29 points in the second half, but as our Doug Karsch said, you don't apologize for a win.
"Absolutely" one of the loudest sidelines (I've been on)," Michigan's man behind the bench said. "Crazy atmosphere.
"... Two weeks ago, the offense had a bad half. Defense this time. It happens. Seasons aren't straight lines, and this win is huge."
And he's right. There are about 12 undefeated teams that will show up in the top 25 this week. Alabama isn't one of them. Neither is Clemson, or Ohio State. Michigan is — ditto Iowa, Brady Hoke's San Diego State team, Michigan State. It's a crazy year, and as one of our buddies said, 'yesterday might have been the best college football Saturday I've ever watched.'
Penn State vs. Iowa came down to the wire; Oklahoma came back to beat Xavier Worthy and Texas (and yeah, we know — the kid is good. But he didn't want to be here, or he would have).
And Michigan found a way, despite being ridiculously banged up on offense. We told you before the game in ITF some guys were banged up. Neither guard practiced all week, and Harbaugh noted LG Trevor Keegan had a shoulder injury. He didn't specify RG Zak Zinter's, but it was serious enough to keep him out most of the game.
"Playing with your fourth and fifth guards and the running backs didn't get tackled for ONE TFL," Karsch noted. "So much toughness shown. Fall behind for the first time — respond. Throw first pick (editor's note — the Nebraska player was offsides on the play) — respond. Give up four long touchdown drives, respond twice."
And yes, Cade McNamara was the catalyst. No, he's not perfect, and nobody should have expected him to be. He's in his first year as a starter.
No, he doesn't have the biggest arm. Yes, he missed some throws.
At the same time, he was playing without his top two receivers, and not only did have have three or four more balls dropped (like last week), he's playing with a solid, not really good group of pass catchers. There's nobody making the 50-50 catch like a Braylon Edwards, Jason Avant, even Nico Collins on a consistent basis. Cornelius Johnson is okay, but often off balance (why they continue to throw low percentage fades to him and Daylen Baldwin is beyond us). Baldwin is solid, but drops too many. Mike Sainristil is hit and miss, though his 48-yard grab was spectacular.
We did love the speed tight end Luke Schoonmaker showed on his 24-yard reception, and it's nice to see Erick All catching the ball. They could be weapons with better routes designed for them, and the delays to them really worked well Saturday.
But as noted in a previous thread, McNamara reminds you of the solid Northwestern quarterbacks on their better teams. He was good enough to lead this team to 32 points in that environment despite having an easy TD dropped (Baldwin needs to make that play) and four other points taken off the board when his center stepped on his foot. That's a 40-spot in that environment if not for those two plays.
And that's crazy good.
As good as center Andrew Vastardis has been — well, he hasn't been near the goal line. We expect that will get fixed. He's been fantastic. And on first glance, it appeared Karsen Barnhart played extremely well at guard given the circumstances. It wouldn't surprise to see him battle with Keegan at left guard.
McNamara usually doesn't make the critical mistake, checks into the right plays, is a calming influence. He doesn't have the huge arm but can make the throws. For those calling for J.J. McCarthy — his day will come, and he's probably the kind of quarterback you'll need to beat elite teams. For winning now, though, McNamara is the guy, and he's 6-0. To say 'anyone could have done that' — bullshit.
He's a young guy and he'll continue to get better. He's got a lower ceiling, but he's got guts. Some of the criticism here seems to be over the top personal, and it's ridiculous.
A few things we didn't like —
Going for two late in the third quarter, and the play they tried to score with. Just - why? Made no sense, and could have bitten them in the butt. They needed a clutch kick from Jake Moody from 38 yards to seal it instead of being up at that point as a result.
And that 38-yarder ... what a kick, but again, should have been from 30 or so. They put McCarthy in there to run wide to the hash, and everyone in the stadium knew he wasn't going to throw. He should have handed off, but again ... he's a frosh, too. He'll learn. To say he'd have made all the throws McNamara missed is ridiculous, and there's a reason McNamara is playing in front of him (for now).
He shouldn't have been put in that position.
We love that they are getting him some experience, though, because again, with the lack of separation the receivers get, that ball's going to have to get there in a hurry sometimes. McCarthy's the guy with the NFL arm who might squeeze it in there against better defensive backs who close quickly.
The linebackers struggled in coverage with some of the wheel routes, the way they did against Saquon Barkley at Penn State years ago. Thats something D.C. Mike Macdonald is going to have to fix.
And how frustrating must it be to be Aidan Hutchinson, to get held on just about every play and have nothing to show for it. He is fun to watch, regardless.
Bottom line ... this team has guts, and if you can't appreciate that, it's unfortunate. This is one of those TEAMS that is better than the sum of its parts because the prima donnas have been replaced by guys who want to win so badly HERE that they're battling through injuries, pain, etc. for their teammates, fighting for those extra yards when they could go down without a fight, etc., and never give up.
They always feel like they're going to find a way, and so far, they have. The floor is now 9-3 (at least it had better be), and those three big ones — at MSU, at PSU, OSU — are going to be the deciding factors between a good and great year.
But you can't have either if you don't beat little brother, so they'd better find a way.
Onward.
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