Decent article on B. Minor

[mgoblue1]

He says there are less "mopers" on the team now.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=4145566

[tpilews]

That's an exciting article to read. Minor could have a breakout year, and in all likelyhood will, if he can stay healthy. September can't get here soon enough.

[mgoblue1]

That's an exciting article to read. Minor could have a breakout year, and in all likelyhood will, if he can stay healthy. September can't get here soon enough.

I agree. This guy runs hard every time he touches the ball. I can see him leading the big ten if he stays healthy.

[Wolvrin704]

Here's hoping he stays healthy and continues the tradition of great UM running backs.

[rickyleach]

b minor is the best running back in the big10, our running game should do really well and allow tate or d robinson the time they need to get it going at qb

[BBA1994]

I don't think the running game is going to depend so much on which back is playing as it will on the offensive line play. Last year they were young, inexperienced and had no depth. Will one year make the difference? I think it will help tremendously along with a QB that can actually pose as a threat on the 'read option' play to keep the DE from constantly crashing down.

[tpilews]

I don't think the running game is going to depend so much on which back is playing as it will on the offensive line play. Last year they were young, inexperienced and had no depth. Will one year make the difference? I think it will help tremendously along with a QB that can actually pose as a threat on the 'read option' play to keep the DE from constantly crashing down.

And is an actual threat to throw the ball downfield.

[mgoblue1]

Even though we did have inept quarterbacks last year, for this offense, it appeared that the quarterback never got the call to keep the ball enough to set up the run. I realize that threet wasn't the fastest but if the qb never keeps, how is that supposed to fake the D and set up the run. He could fallen forward for 3 yards at least.

[tpilews]

Even though we did have inept quarterbacks last year, for this offense, it appeared that the quarterback never got the call to keep the ball enough to set up the run. I realize that threet wasn't the fastest but if the qb never keeps, how is that supposed to fake the D and set up the run. He could fallen forward for 3 yards at least.

That's very true. If you go back and look at the entire season, some of the best drives UM had was when the QB ran the ball a bit. PSU, pretty much the entire first half is a great example of that. Also, when the QB was fairly successful throwing the ball, that opened up the running game. Wisci -second half. Minnesota game. Even PSU game - first half.

[amazinblue]

If you go back and look at the entire season, some of the best drives UM had was when the QB ran the ball a bit. PSU, pretty much the entire first half is a great example of that. Also, when the QB was fairly successful throwing the ball, that opened up the running game. Wisci -second half. Minnesota game. Even PSU game - first half.

I think the key is that the QB must be multi-dimensional - decent throwing and decent running. The QB doesn't need to set the world on fire - but, he has to be someone the D respects to do either - throw or pass.

The observations of "when things worked" last season are, IMO, on the mark. We have to demonstrate that we can throw the ball in order to force D's to "uncrowd" the box. Tate, or whoever the QB is, can hit quick slants, or toss it deep - the specific pass doesn't matter - he just needs to connect. I would love to see a few series early in the season when Michigan just throws quick routes - three or four in a row - has the D on their heels, and then starts running the ball through holes that a more experienced O line is able to open up.

I don't know what's going to happen, but I do have a sense of anticipation for this season that I haven't felt in a long time.

[RADRACING]

I hope everything comes together this year!

[deltguy2]

I think the key is that the QB must be multi-dimensional - decent throwing and decent running. The QB doesn't need to set the world on fire - but, he has to be someone the D respects to do either - throw or pass.

The observations of "when things worked" last season are, IMO, on the mark. We have to demonstrate that we can throw the ball in order to force D's to "uncrowd" the box. Tate, or whoever the QB is, can hit quick slants, or toss it deep - the specific pass doesn't matter - he just needs to connect. I would love to see a few series early in the season when Michigan just throws quick routes - three or four in a row - has the D on their heels, and then starts running the ball through holes that a more experienced O line is able to open up.

I don't know what's going to happen, but I do have a sense of anticipation for this season that I haven't felt in a long time.

Amen to that...I was excited for the start of last season just because there were so many unknowns...but after seeing the spread option last year, we all know that with the right people, its going to be very exciting to watch. Now, if only our D can make a few stops...