Colorado State Thoughts

Coach’s great post and points on the CSU game is outstanding. As good of a postgame post as I can remember. Superb Coach. Since I recovered from the harm of listening to Mahler, up to Ann Arbor we sent. Morning was comfortable and then, boom, the solar energy took a big hike. A good seat, close enough to watch the groups warm up. Used the binocs on individual players during the game, missed several of coach’s big points, must rewatch to grab his main points. But-

1) I put the binocs on Mason Graham quite a bit, coach noted lateral movement and Graham seems to have quite a bit. His initial lateral movement caused problems and he looked like a guy who loves football, played with a hunger.

2) I am not sure if the “completion” is getting to Cade, but the first throw he made went into the ground. that is usually a result of holding the ball too long so that the front point rotates downward. As if to compensate, the second ball flew high. Both were easy throws. Then he hit a simple bubble pass and Wilson did the rest. Roman is a little bigger than he looks on TV and just as fast- which leads into another point, one that will not bring total agreement.

3) That point is UM must use such high level talent as Roman more than one or two times a game. It is nice to spread out catches, but if you have a cannon, shoot it, don’t put it in a museum to gawk at. UM can do both, hurt a team on the ground or in the air, the challenge is to swallow philosophy and maximize what is available. What is available is plenty. UM of course did not show much in the somewhat WC style, but next week, UM can run up as big numbers as wished and show that the passing game must be honored: read- if you crowd the line or put eight in the box, you may pay.

4) On one throw to the boundary, Cade turned it loose, like a guy bringing a 98 mph fastball. it may have been his best shot of the day. He threw another decent shot to Ronnie Bell and Ronnie peaked. If Ronnie was successful on the peak, it wold have been a long one.

5)See what coach thinks, but it did look to me that McCarthy’s eyes are easy to read. This is common with a guy who is not the starter, and for some starters.

6) Game ball goes to the defense, very few obvious errors. I did not like how they got beat to the edge a few times, but coach explained that as alignment, as I understand what was stated. When a ball is yours and rolling around, don’t get cute. There are tons of potential return guys on the roster, don’t squirrel your spot away. The deep ball is the first option of the air raid. The CSU qb went after Johnson a couple of times and threw a perfect pass to a typical fast air raid receiver. The pass and catch were right there. This had to fry Johnson, which may be good.

7) This offense will miss the big banger, Haskins. Coach mentions that Edwards seems to be at least a semi-banger. UM will have plenty of 3rd and 3’s against big lines- gotta figure out the best options. The offense is based on methodical executions sprinkled with the occasional big play that just happens to hit, like Wilson’s bubble. McCarthy would make the offense more dynamic but less methodical-rationale, His practice history of mistakes and unsure history of a high enough passing percentage (accuracy). He clearly is a superior athlete with a superior arm. Sooner or later, better turn him loose. Cade is not chopped liver, he has busted his *** for this year over the last couple of seasons. Coach mentioned it will cause more problems for a defense to defend McCarthy. No doubt. McCarthy threw one beautiful out yesterday, zip, zip, zip. Gotta do that every time and not get the route jumped.

8) I certainly would be interested in coach further explaining point 29.

9) The preparation was indeed excellent. The d-line looks like they know what is going on and a little deeper than initially suspected a few months ago. The two freshman takes, Graham and Grant, showed at the very least promise. Mazi looked like a guy who can play with the big boys.

10) What a luxury to have Moody and Robbins. But credit needs to go to the long snapper and holder, consistency is created by hard work, not by chance. Robbins hit two balls yesterday that were near picture perfect. He really hits the ball in a great spiral and his height is next level stuff.

11) This game was against a group of guys just getting off the ground, so few will be giddy. But what was seen of the depth has to be positive.

Thanks Coach!!!