Some thoughts from a non-coach:
Last Saturday's defensive performance, especially the lack of help for the corners, was more damning because it came against a non-mobile QB. As much as we all know the defensive secondary needs help, will we really be able to drop an extra DB back there or play zone against a mobile QB like Penix? I believe that our best bet is to get penetration and force him into quick throws without repeatedly giving them 15 yards on PI penalties, and without allowing him to escape the rush and run free. Not sure if this is even possible, given our DT and LB situations at the moment. Barrett will absolutely be the key, as he will be counted on to flex based on what Penix is doing in and out of the pocket.
Ultimately, as many have said, we will simply need to score more points. We gave up 24 to Minny but pulled away with a diverse offensive game plan and execution where they could not get comfortable on defense. Should have done the same against MSU, but stubbornly ran off tackle on seemingly every 2nd down against a determined and probably underrated front seven, and dicked around on first and goal with the Wildcat offense. Our best chance is to employ the balanced attack we shredded Minny with, and that PSU shredded IU with. Having said that, as IU showed against PSU, dominating statistically is not going to be enough against IU if stupid in-game decisions are made at the coaching level....
In the end, Michigan is to IU what OSU has become to Michigan--for whatever reason, we are in their head, and they can seemingly never beat us even if they play well enough to do so. Now that they've "beaten" PSU, of course, they may have a different mindset at the end of the game if it's close; just have to hope it's not close and that we dominate them like we did last year.
Last Saturday's defensive performance, especially the lack of help for the corners, was more damning because it came against a non-mobile QB. As much as we all know the defensive secondary needs help, will we really be able to drop an extra DB back there or play zone against a mobile QB like Penix? I believe that our best bet is to get penetration and force him into quick throws without repeatedly giving them 15 yards on PI penalties, and without allowing him to escape the rush and run free. Not sure if this is even possible, given our DT and LB situations at the moment. Barrett will absolutely be the key, as he will be counted on to flex based on what Penix is doing in and out of the pocket.
Ultimately, as many have said, we will simply need to score more points. We gave up 24 to Minny but pulled away with a diverse offensive game plan and execution where they could not get comfortable on defense. Should have done the same against MSU, but stubbornly ran off tackle on seemingly every 2nd down against a determined and probably underrated front seven, and dicked around on first and goal with the Wildcat offense. Our best chance is to employ the balanced attack we shredded Minny with, and that PSU shredded IU with. Having said that, as IU showed against PSU, dominating statistically is not going to be enough against IU if stupid in-game decisions are made at the coaching level....
In the end, Michigan is to IU what OSU has become to Michigan--for whatever reason, we are in their head, and they can seemingly never beat us even if they play well enough to do so. Now that they've "beaten" PSU, of course, they may have a different mindset at the end of the game if it's close; just have to hope it's not close and that we dominate them like we did last year.
