So I put this all together before the game.
Go O's! Beat the X's. EGD's four plays articles are a treat whenever they appear. He'll take two of our base offensive plays and two of the opponents, then show how what people have to do matches up against what the defensive players have to do. A sample:
26 Counter F:
Assignments:
LT Mason Cole: Down block WDE Jason Fanaika
LG Ben Braden: Execute long trap block to kick-out “Stud” LB Uaea Masina
C Graham Glasgow: Down block DT Filipo Mokofisi
RG Kyle Kalis: Down block NT Lowell Lotulelei
RT Erik Magnuson: Block SDE Hunter Dimmck (away from 6-hole)
TE Jake Butt: With RT Erick Magnuson, double-team SDE Hunter Dimick; move to second level and block WLB Jared Norris
FB Joe Kerridge: Lead tailback through 6-hole, block first red jersey (presumably MLB Jason Whittingham)
RB – Deveon Smith: Take counter-step toward backside (to influence linebackers), then take handoff on playside; run through 6-hole, read and cut off of FB Joe Kerridge’s block
Advantage: Utah
[Jump for a lot more content to get you through the next few hours]
The other great X's and O's-er from the diaries is Space Coyote, who delved into the whole "Willie Henry is playing Taco's spot?" thing, and why an under 5-tech taking on TE/OT doubles is a lot more Henry than you might think. I made the point to Brian recently that Heininger ended up playing a lot of 5-tech when they were using RVB and Martin as slant/stunt merchants. Big and immobile against a spread to run team can do wonders against frontside runs, and when you've got eight in the box the pass pressure and edge protection can come from Ross or Peppers.
Replacing Receptions
That is not the money chart; it is just a tribute. Milksteak took a look at % of receptions returning, and from there you can maybe eyeball some predictive things. What I noticed was the good years had another guy—Avant, Gallon, etc.—step up after a leading receiver left. Mister Darboh to the stage.
Wallpapers:
Etc. WD does what seems like it will be a regular wrap of non-revenue sports. U had me at Ufer! For new readers. Brandon's Lasting Lessons event in Chicago was similar to the Ann Arbor one, except smaller and Section 1 didn't ask the first question. The_Knowledge. Once I have time to read it I will probably mention Best & Worst of the offseason again. Ditto John Navarre re-eval and a numerical B1G preview (sorry it's been a week) and some advanced analysis of 2014 Big Ten teams.
Best of the Board
SOMEBODY HAD TO
Smoothitron did the job we've been waiting for someone to: He created new cover art to reflect the official MGoBlog nomenclature for Bacon's book Endzone (which book you must read by Tuesday). Actually he made two covers because hashtag-branding:
hashtag-hashtagging things hashtag-WOW!zers.
MICHIGAN STADIUM AT HER BEST
What an idea for a thread:
She's pretty alone or in a group, from above, from below, outside, inside, under a blanket or while sunning.
ETC. Saving this for a roundtable. Name 707oxford's new blowup doll (name does not have to include the word "ferret"). Football Eve was a smash; we'll try to get a bigger place next year. Bcoop713 may make us a new liveblog system. Board surveyed on this year's expectations. List of days when M sports will overlap this year.
Your Moment of Zen:
like you haven't lost your voice already.