It was like déjà vu. Every time I looked up at the TV screen, Juice Williams was either casting a frozen rope 40 yards downfield or faking a handoff and busting up the gut for 15. It was a sight us Michigan fans had seen way too many times—an athletic quarterback who could both run and throw absolutely shredding us to pieces.
Isaiah “Juice” Williams was only the latest to do so.
The Fighting Illini’s star quarterback set the record for all-purpose yards by an opposing player in Michigan Stadium last Saturday (431 yards: 310 passing with two TDs and 121 rushing with two TDs), and with his ridiculous stat line came a chilling reminder to all of the maize and blue faithful.
Coach Carr might be gone, but this team is far from ready to face the dual-threat quarterback.
Williams’ performance revived memories of two quarterbacks in particular. The first was Texas’ Vince Young in the 2005 Rose Bowl, which the Longhorns won 38-37. Young threw a touchdown pass and ran for three more.
Second, of course (sorry to bring this up Michigan fans), was Ohio State’s Troy Smith and his three-year dominance of the Wolverines.
Saturday’s game left this writer perplexed. I was sure that this new Michigan team would be much more effective in containing a mobile quarterback than it had been in the past, the reason being Mike Barwis, the new strength and conditioning coach at Michigan. He had news reporters who had seen the Wolverines practice raving about the new team speed.
It was evident as well in this year's victory over Wisconsin. It was clear in the fourth quarter that Wisconsin was out-conditioned, and the Wolverine front seven flew to the ball the entire game.
I had been so sure that this year Juice Williams would not run all over us.
But I was wrong.
Saturday’s game showed me that nothing has changed.
However, as I was brooding the loss, a thought came into my head. I remembered the scores of our losses to OSU during the Troy Smith era.
2004: 37-21 Buckeyes
2005: 25-21 Buckeyes
2006: 42-39 Buckeyes
I then realized something. Aside from the 2004 game (which we led 14-7 at one point), every high profile game against a mobile quarterback was decided by four points or less. We could have won those games if our offense had been more effective.
I then thought about the significance of the improved team speed and conditioning and came to this conclusion: It didn’t mean squat.
Today’s game has evolved quite a bit from the past. The fact of the matter is, with the offensive geniuses' schemes of today, coupled with quarterbacks who can beat defenses through the air as well as on the ground, there is simply NO WAY TO STOP THOSE KINDS OF OFFENSES.
Just look at the USC-Ohio State game from this year. Every time Todd Boeckman was under center, the Trojans pinned their ears back and came after him, dominating the game. Every time Terrelle Pryor took the snap, the men of Troy weren’t nearly as quick to move downfield.
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about 1 month ago
Great article.
I'd just like to point out you can stop the spread, but its pretty complex and USC didn't gameplan for Pryor being the starter.
And look at Michigan's 09' recruiting class (signed):
QB- Shavodrick Beaver [Dual Threat]
QB- Tate Forcier - [Dual Threat]
RB- Vincent Smith (5"8, 165 lbs)
RB- Jeremy Gallon (5"9, 175 lbs)
RB- Fitzgerald Toussaint (5"10, 185 lbs)
RB- Tetric Jones (5"10, 194 lbs)
WR- Bryce McNeal (6"2, 180 lbs)
WR- Dewayne Peace (6"0, 175 lbs)
Theoretically we can use most of those players on the field at once. Snap!!
from about 1 month ago
you are absolutely right, you can stop the spread, but it takes one hell of a week of practice and it's almost impossible to stymie it. thanks for the response, and of the commits we have so far, I have been following all of them since march and fitzgerald toussaint might have the most impressive highlight vidoe I have seen yet. AND we stole him from OSU's backyard. GO BLUE!
from about 1 month ago
Yeah right.... Go Bucks
about 1 month ago
Excellent article Mun. I agree with a most of what you said. It is good to hear the Michigan fans are going to give Rich Rod some time to install his offense. I think Michigan in the years to come will be the team to beat in the Big 10.
from about 1 month ago
The team to beat again!
from about 1 month ago
thanks for reading D and jeff. GO BLUE!!
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