Game Review: Air Force

Final Score - Air Force: 25 Michigan: 31

First of all, it felt very nice to pick up the first win of the season and for Brady Hoke to remain perfect at home, dating back to last season. A lot of people will say that a win against Air Force is really nothing and that this can't mean the Wolverines are back on track. But here is an interesting fact about the Falcons: they have averaged 387 rushing yards through the first two weeks. And yes, that is good for first in the nation.

The Falcons were a very legitimate team to open up the home schedule with. In fact, a lot of people were pointing at this game as the most underrated on Michigan's schedule because of the fact that they played Alabama one week earlier. It took a mighty effort and a near-record breaking performance from Denard Robinson, but the Wolverines pulled off the win and got the weight off their chest.

Michigan

The most encouraging sign I saw on Saturday was Denard looked like he found his rhythym again. As I stated in my Preview and Prediction for Air Force, it was vitally important that Michigan established some sort of a running game, either through Fitz Toussaint or Denard Robinson. Obviously, Toussaint did not have the game most were expecting after coming off of a suspension, but it was more than made up for by Robinson.

On the second play of Michigan's first drive, Denard did what Denard does: run fast. Almost 80 yards to be exact. When that happens, you can safely bet Robinson will be making noise for the rest of the game. And that he did.

On the first play of the second half, Denard ran the ball 58 yards for another touchdown. He looked comfortable and sharp in the running game all afternoon. Another encouraging sign from Robinson was that he did not look at all beaten up from the week before. That was a concern of mine heading into Week 2, but he quickly dismissed any doubt in my mind that he was 100%. At least, he played as though he was at 100%.

Something that maybe deserves a little bit more attention than we initially thought in the off season is the defensive line. They are very undersized and have simply been run all over through the first two weeks. Now, they were going up against two of the best running teams in the nation, but it was pure domination up front. That could prove costly when it comes time to play teams like Ohio State and Wisconsin, who make their money on the ground.

Another concern I'm starting to take notice of is that, in general, the defense is not tackling the way they were a year ago. It is very sloppy. I see a lot of players trying to arm tackle and not wrap up the ball-carrier. Although the team pursuit on the ball has been okay, being able to tackle in the open field is very important to the success of the Michigan defense.

Air Force
The number one objective for Air Force against Michigan was to make Denard pass the ball because of the lack of success he against Alabama through the air. If you take away Robinson's two, long touchdown runs, he remained a key part of the running game, but there wasn't anything else very explosive. For the most part, Air Force kept the damage to a minimum.

However, Denard proved that he could in fact drop back and pass. The Falcons secondary did not look all that sharp against the talented Michigan receivers. In fact, it was a Tight End who led the Wolverines in receiving yards this week -- Devin Funchess. Funchess had 104 yards and got his first career touchdown reception.

At first, I was really considering making the Falcon's number one priority to be running the ball. But I decided, either way, that would happen. Air Force has a triple option attack that gives coaches nightmares. Statistically, they are the best in the nation at putting the ball on the ground. Not much changed against the Wolverines. The difference was the Michigan defense was able to come up with some timely stops throughout the game.

Lesson Of The Game

Michigan is undersized up front, especially on defense, and they need to find a way to make up for the lack of size before Big Ten teams start exploiting the weakness.

There really isn't a true way to make up for size up front other than making the opposing offense not feel completely comfortable running the ball. And the only way to do that is to send in extra pressure throughout the game and keep the offense guessing.

Obviously, that would mean sacrificing coverage at certain times, but it's the run defense that needs the most help right now.

Tyler's Prediction Record: 2-0

Notes: Fitzgerald Toussaint only had 7 yards on 6 carries in his first game of the season. Devin Funchess led the Wolverines in receiving yards and recorded his first career TD reception.

Week 2 Notes With Updates On Tweeting MSU Players And Blake Countess

We are officially headed into Week 2 of the college football season. We have an idea on some teams, and others we're still wondering about. Here's a few things to keep in perspective:

1. Fitzgerald Toussaint and Frank Clark are back. I don't want the importance of this action to be overlooked. There were many Michigan fans who cried out when Fitz was suspended initially, and even more when Brady announced that he would be also suspended for the Alabama game. Now, did he make the right call? Absolutely. Even with the presence and skill of having Fitz on the field would not have changed the outcome of the game. If he had played one of two things might have happened. We might have had better field position of a couple of series, but still no points from it. Two, he might have been injured. Fitz comes into the Air Force game with a set of fresh legs, ready to take on their defense.

Air Force Players To Watch

Coming into Week 2, Michigan has a matchup against Air Force. As we saw in game 1 against Alabama, the Michigan defense can be run on. TJ Yeldon alone hurt Michigan with just 11 carries. Granted, that was Alabama, and not Air Force, but if the Michigan defense continues to miss tackles, the whole team will be in for a long game. Here's 3 players to watch out for, and contain:

1. Cody Getz--Air Force is becoming well known for their rushing prowess, and last week Getz proved to be no different. He carried the ball 17 times for over 200 yards and three scores. There were other players that contributed to a team total of 484 yards rushing, and Getz had almost half of that. I wouldn't be surprised if Getz reached at least 150 yards, and his teammate Connor Dietz is just as lethal. Michigan will need a big contribution from the interior line (that's you Will Campbell) to slow them down, but with the tackling jobs I saw against Alabama, I'm not counting on it.

Preview And Prediction: Air Force

Michigan won't be playing on quite the same stage as last week. There weren't weeks of anticipation for the "Air Force game." College GameDay isn't setting up outside of the Big House ready to break this one down for us. You get the point. However, for the Falcons of Air Force, they don't get too many opportunities to step on a big stage like Michigan Stadium. It's a chance they are looking forward to seizing.

This is a game Brady Hoke and the coaching staff have really been looking forward to because of the tradition both programs bring to the program and the respect the nation has for Air Force. While the Falcons aren't known to be a football power house, this will not be an easy rebound game for the Wolverines.

Here are Michigan's keys to the game:

Michigan
The Wolverines are desperately looking to bounce back after a Week 1 embarrassment against Alabama last Saturday, and their chance is finally here. However, they head into this game short-handed, despite getting Fitzgerald Toussaint and Frank Clark back from suspension. Blake Countess suffered an ACL tear that has ended his season.

Previewing Non-Conference: Air Force

One of the more interesting games on the schedule for Michigan this year is Air Force.  Not just because it will be Michigan's season opener, but also because it's the first time Michigan has played a service academy in years and Air Force brings in a team with varying expectations.  Coach Troy Calhoun has built a respectable program at Air Force, but with key offseason losses, there are some serious questions about whether he can field a team good enough to continue its recent program success.

For Air Force, things always start with their blistering run offense.  The team amassed over 4000 yards on the ground last season and had three rushers that had at least 500 yards, including leading rush Asher Clark with 1110 yards.  Despite this, there are still some concerns for Air Force's offensive potential.  The Falcons will be returning Mike DeWitt (2nd leading rusher), Wes Cobb (4th leading rusher), and Conner Dietz (5th leading rusher), but are losing two of their top three rushers in Asher Clark and Tim Jefferson, Jr.

The Top 3 Trap Games For Michigan Football In 2012

Michigan's 2012 schedule fixes to be one of the most difficult in Michigan football history.  Michigan gets to play 10 teams that made bowls last season, 2 rivalry games on the road, and 7 games away from Ann Arbor.  I recently compiled a list of the 5 toughest games for Michigan next season.  The list was filled with quality teams both on the road and at home, but what many have forgotten are the remaining 7 teams on the schedule.  Do they have a chance to beat Michigan?  Well, we're going to be breaking down the most likely trap games for 2012.

Trap games are just a term used to describe games that are likely wins on the schedule, but could easily be a loss if the team overlooks the opponents.  Michigan has several games with the "trap" element in 2012.  It actually took me a good bit of time to narrow the list down to just three teams.  Obviously, the games that I listed as the toughest for Michigan were immediately excluded, but with games against Air Force, Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue, and Iowa, there are many games that could be traps for Michigan.  Most assume that Michigan will be favored in at least 8 of its games so there is definitely a chance for at least an upset or two.  Let's check out the list.

Hot Topics: Should Michigan Have A Yearly Night Game?

Each week we have two of our writers break down a "hot topic" among the Michigan fanbase and express their personal opinion .  Topics cover everything from rivalry games to apparel.  Writers have their own opinion and if you agree or disagree you are welcome to comment below or contact them via Twitter.

Representing Those Against Michigan Hosting A Yearly Night Game

1) It should be a rivalry game only phenomenon.  The atmosphere was electric because it was a rivalry game between two old and storied rivals.  Would a non-Big Ten opponent that we don’t have a history
with really be worth the night game atmosphere and anticipation?  I know everyone wants to tailgate all day for a crazier game but I just don’t think a MAC team or some unfamiliar foe is worth the pageantry of a night game at the Big House.

2) It does come with a heavy price tag for the University with respect to health and public safety  oncerns.  The Big House is one of the only football stadiums in the country situated in a heavily
residential area and the ALL DAY inconvenience to the local Ann Arborites (who are not all football fans) in addition to the added police and safety personnel cost is just not going to be worth it some
years.  I can speak to this because I live a block from the Big House and I know how big a burden a night game can be.

3) Michigan has never had night games before.  The tradition at the Big House is to have a 12, 1 pm, or 3:30 kick and it has been that way forever.  You don’t just go about changing things up for the sake of the fact that “everyone else is doing it.”  Yeah, they have yearly night games at Michigan State and Wisconsin because that’s how those schools get their exposure.  Michigan doesn’t need to have night games unless it’s a top 25, College Gameday worthy matchup and that just isn’t going to happen every year so I don’t think it should be expected by the fans and I certainly don’t think it should be scheduled years in advance.  If it happens, it will happen and be special.  Don’t make it regular practice of the word “special” won’t be something that will apply anymore.

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Thomas Beindit - Representing Those For Michigan Hosting A Yearly Night Game

1) First off, I think we all remember the night game from last season.  If you were fortunate enough to attend the game, or were just in town, then you know how exciting the game was for fans.  Not only is it something different for fans and players to get excited about, but there is also more time to build the suspense.  While the majority of Michigan's home season games start at noon, this would likely give fans and players over 8 hours to tailgate and discuss the excitement of the game (along with allowing the college students time to wake up).  Fans often seem fired up for traditional games, but ask any fanbase around the country.  Even if the opponent is a little weaker, which is not something I'm supporting, the excitement increases at night.  It's a primetime match-up.  That's a lot more exciting than being just another noon game among the many every Saturday.

2) Along with excitement, a night game virtually guarantees increased coverage for the program, team, and campus.  Since less night games happen on a weekly basis than traditional day games, the odds of landing a premier spot on a major challenge during primetime increase significantly.  Sure, Michigan gets great coverage now, but night games almost always get more coverage than a day game.  I can't remember how many times last season I'd be watching a football game and see ads for the night game on later.  Along with that, fans and media personnel will likely stay in Ann Arbor longer, since many simply drive up on gameday and leave afterward.  With 8 extra hours, there's going to be a lot of people that stay around, spend money, and check out the campus, which can be invaluable over time.

3) Finally, there's the purely economic perspective.  Selling tickets isn't too difficult for Michigan, but it's always something to be kept in mind.  Dave Brandon commented and said last year's night game was probably the most coveted ticket in Michigan Stadium history.  Think about that.  Not only did the demand come near the games with Notre Dame, Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio, but it even topped those.  There have been some pretty huge games in the past, but this literally was the biggest (set NCAA attendance record).  Remember, we're talking about a game between two unranked opponents.  How does a game between two unranked teams get that much ticket demand?  Play it at night, plain and simple.

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Final Points

Those Against A Night Game - The only thing that I think is key to reinforce here, in response to Toms points, is that this is Michigan (fergodsakes)! The ticket was coveted but I think tickets are coveted for all Michigan games and I wonder how a night game against Air Force would really sell relative to a regular ND or MSU night game. It seems like the rivalry and the night game were the keys to the hype, the atmosphere, and it being so special. I'd hope that we can keep a night game reserved for a
primetime ABC worthy matchup, not just something that would be on TV because its at night. Michigan gets all the publicity in the world and when its a night game (and the RIGHT night game) it goes next-level amazing as only a rare, truly Michigan experience can. Keep it special... do it when its needed, not just because the calendar dictates.

Thomas - He brings up many valid points, but there are a few problems in his argument.  First, assuming the rivalry aspect is what made the night game great is invalid.  The rivalry aspect certainly helped coverage, but it didn't make the Under the Lights what it became.  Playing at night is what increased the demand.  More people watched Under the Lights than the Michigan - Ohio game.  If the attendance and excitement was all about the rivalry aspect, fans should have flocked to the Ohio game instead.  Second, I think that cost is far outweighed by the positives.  I can recall walking into several restaurants that were so packed I could hardly find a seat.  I don't think these groups would be opposed to a longer tailgate.  Along with this, there didn't seem to be any significant increase in arrests as a result of the longer tailgate.  Sure, it costs a bit more for security, but the gains are completely worth it.  Finally, I realize the noon games are tradition at Michigan, but what makes a tradition?  You have to take part in the tradition.  Noon games weren't tradition before we played them and they're still going to exist (Big Ten bans November night games).  Night games could easily become a Michigan tradition if we allow them.


Photo Credit: Thomas Beindit