"Denard Robinson, after struggling against best defenses, key to Michigan"

[Chechem]

Click here for link

Brady Hoke was thinking about this game when he took the Michigan job 19 months ago. Safety Jordan Kovacs was watching film for this one in physics class -- last winter.

Linebacker Kenny Demens said Ohio State wasn't Public Enemy No. 1 this summer, as is typically the case. It wasn't Michigan State, nor even Notre Dame.

082712_SPT_UMPresser_MRM_06.JPGMelanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.comDenard Robinson is electric, but has struggled against the best defenses. Alabama's defense ranked No. 1 last year. Can he break through?

"Alabama," Demens said. "It was all Alabama."

After months of anticipation, it finally is upon us: No. 8 Michigan flies to Dallas today, and Saturday will become the first challenger to face reigning national champion Alabama (8 p.m., ABC).

Good discussion of what's in DR's head.  He's worried.

[Catch Prothro]

The blueprint to stopping Robinson appears to be take away the run and let him try to beat you through the air. Alabama likely will mimic that approach.



Robinson knows it, too, and says he's confident the passing game has developed enough that he can make defenses pay. The key, he says, is whether he'll have the time to do it.



"We got some great receivers, and I'm looking forward to throwing them the ball, but it all starts up front with the offensive line," he said. "If we get good time with the offensive line blocking, and I have enough time to make plays, I know receivers are going to make plays."



The Wolverines' offensive line, though, was recast this offseason after they lost David Molk, the best center in the country, and Mark Huyge. They shuffled guys around, landing on a lineup that features new starters at left guard (Elliott Mealer), center (Ricky Barnum) and right tackle (Michael Schofield).
 

I like how that sounds.

[SUPERCOACH]

I don't like the fact that they have been sitting around thinking about this 1 game for almost a year, or even longer in some cases.

[SUPERCOACH]

The blueprint to stopping Robinson appears to be take away the run and let him try to beat you through the air. Alabama likely will mimic that approach.



Robinson knows it, too, and says he's confident the passing game has developed enough that he can make defenses pay. The key, he says, is whether he'll have the time to do it.



"We got some great receivers, and I'm looking forward to throwing them the ball, but it all starts up front with the offensive line," he said. "If we get good time with the offensive line blocking, and I have enough time to make plays, I know receivers are going to make plays."



The Wolverines' offensive line, though, was recast this offseason after they lost David Molk, the best center in the country, and Mark Huyge. They shuffled guys around, landing on a lineup that features new starters at left guard (Elliott Mealer), center (Ricky Barnum) and right tackle (Michael Schofield).
 

I like how that sounds.

Me too.  Jesse can bench press a couple of those guys.

[SUPERCOACH]

You know, if Jesse can knock that center back a step as soon as the ball is snapped Denard may not even make it out from under center on a lot of the plays.

[crtuneman]

I can't wait for Robinson to float a pass to our secondary like he did all last year. The only way Robinson can beat us is with his legs. If he completes a pass Saturday night it will be by accident. He is a RB who has been asked to play QB, and he can no more read a defense than I can read Chinese. As long as we keep contain on the DL, he will not be a threat.

[ALTideUp]

I can't wait for Robinson to float a pass to our secondary like he did all last year. The only way Robinson can beat us is with his legs. If he completes a pass Saturday night it will be by accident. He is a RB who has been asked to play QB, and he can no more read a defense than I can read Chinese. As long as we keep contain on the DL, he will not be a threat.

Good post. Shae shae.

[Guest]

Username:
Password:
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever

Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

There aren't any users online.

Loading Tweet...