POWERSPREAD

Culture!

A wild game that looked bad for Michigan early and late, but like I’d been saying for anyone who was listening…no one’s beating this Culture this year. No matter how they have to get it done!

Now, truth be told, this wasn’t a well executed game by either team. Both Offenses and UM SpTeams were sloppy. Yes, versus two very good Defenses. But a lot of the mistakes were simply execution.

As I predicted in my Podcast Preview, Bama definitely letdown from their huge victory in the SEC Ch. My thoughts for Michigan is that they are a rhythm Offense that needs games. Big layoffs don’t work for this kind of team. But once again their great culture prevailed.

I know that Harbaugh said he believed in his guys, but it was easy to see that Harbaugh was worried late in the game. I’m curious to go through this game and see these big moments again. Starting with that first big non-interception on the sideline by Bama.

My other big interest is the DScheme by DC Jesse Minter. Wow! He’s a bright Coordinator on the rise, but I don’t remember seeing that much Pressure Mix from him in other big games this year. Can’t wait to break it down!

*For a quick review check out my CFP SF Rose Bowl Podcast

1st Half

DRIVE 1 – Michigan

First Play – Near Disaster!

Great Gameplan, Scheme, Playcall to start the game by OC Sherrone Moore. Horrible execution!

Delayed Roll, 7m PassPro, Flood to the Roll. Simple read for JJ. Corum blocked up the Nickel Blitz. The rub route vs m2m was wide open in the flat and JJ simply wouldn’t take it. What’s worse, he tried to throw the ball downfield instead of just throwing at the flat receiver’s feet. Fortunately for UM, Arnold had slightly stepped oob before making the play, negating the interception!

A short RPO pass + Incomplete vs strong m2m by Bama and UM feels lucky to punt the ball. Execution issues will persist throughout this game, but a strong aligned Culture gets the breaks and eventually the win!

DRIVE 1 – Alabama

SACK MCGREGOR VS LT PROCTOR! The left side of Bama’s Oline was my biggest conern heading into this game. It didn’t take long for UM to take advantage! A Nickel Blitz from Minter to start – same as Bama – but w/C3 instead of Man Coverage.

A receiver was breaking open in the hole over the LBs, but there was no time for Milroe. Proctor was too worried about the blitzer, even though he already had help with the TE chipping. McGregor blasted right past him!

Nothing wrong with the play call by Rees as it should have been a big completion over the middle. Just a big rookie mistake to start the game by Proctor!

A quick out vs Zone to bring up 3rd&Long. Then another blitz – this time using a devastating twist up front that UM has done all year. (See Vid at top of Post).

DEs Harrell and McGregor again blasted past the Ts forcing Milroe to scramble left. DE Stewart who was stunting from a stand up position in the A-Gap all the way to the wide side of the field was easily able to intercept Milroe for another sack!

This pressure on Milroe would continue through the rest of the Game.

DRIVE 2 – Michigan

FUMBLED PUNT BY MICHIGAN!!

Unbelievable. Morgan had a PR for a TD last game. Terrible execution to start this game by both sides!

DRIVE 2 – Alabama 7-0

BAMA POWER behind big OLine. Pistol RPO run vs light box gains 6. A Read Option (I think) that Milroe kept on a bad read. He is so elusive he cut back and picked up 3. Herbstreit thinks it wasn’t a read – just a straight QB Keep. Either way, 3rd&Inches. QB Sneak gets it – barely.

34 YD TD RUN MCCLELLAN!! – 8inBox w/C3 – GREAT BLOCKS! – ROBERTS ON LB – LATHAM TURNS OUT THE DE AND C MCLAUGHLIN HOLDS UP THE POWERFUL DT GRANT!

Ironically, another bad snap by McLaughlin on the play, but his blocking has been solid. McClellan coming off an injury made a nice juke on Sainristil and there was no one left! Can just see the Talent Edge of Bama on that one play. Even vs the best Defense in the country.

DRIVE 3 – Michigan 7-7

Sherrone Moore Variety – Motions/Shifts in and out of Spread Sets, setting up Timely Play Calls helps his players find a rhythm and drive down for the tying score! (see the vid above!)

• Motion out of Empty Set for Power Counter to Trips Side.
• Simple Quick Pitch Corum away from the Action for a big gain w/ Bama defenders going the wrong way!
• Roll Flood to the Wide Side that JJ stares down and gets deflected w/ 2 open receivers!
• Quick RPO Pop Pass – nice play Downs!
• Empty Set QB Power Sweep to Boundary w/ RB Crackback!
• 4th&Inches Bama on their Heels – easy power up middle w/Corum.
• Motion Morgan open on deep post w/ S Downs matched up, but JJ pulls off the deep route too quick, scrambles then hits RB Mullings on scramble drill!
• Fake Quick Pitch, Jet Sweep Morgan!
• Condensed Bunch congests the middle – Bama LBs lose their Match and RB+WR both wide open – Corum catch for a Touchdown!

DRIVE 3 – Alabama

Now DC Minter’s turn. Run Blitz w/ NB Sainristil. LB Blitz w/ C1 Match Coverage he hasn’t shown screws up Milroe. 3rd&long – 4m Rush C3 w/ a Stunt by Graham (like the Vid I showed in my preview post) – Milroe saw grass, but it closed quickly w/ the S Moore dropping down into the short zone. Milroe had a shot, but started his slide too soon…inexperienced QB mistake.

DRIVE 4 – Michigan

More good stuff by Moore!

• Heavy Pin & Pull Power run.
• Empty set quick pass for 1st Dn.
• Shift to 2RB, Orbit Motion by Slot Receiver, Fake RPO Power Sweep Edwards w/ pulling Guard!
• More power for 1st, but a bad penalty on TE Bredeson jumping on a guy he already knocked to the ground! More bad mistakes by Michigan!
• QB Draw w/ Bama dropping 8.
• 3rd&Long Bama Blitz – Quick-In Morgan almost gets the first!

So once again, Moore has a good Gameplan and is making the right calls as expected, but Michigan shoots themselves in the foot with a bad penalty.

DRIVE 4 – Alabama

MORE BLITZING BY MINTER! The 2 Speedy LBs I talk a lot about. First Barrett then Colson. The first was completely mis-diagnosed by C McLaughlin and G Booker – again the left side. QB Draw on 3rd & forever.

DRIVE 5 – Michigan

Moore at it again. 4 Eligibles to the wide side w/Orji at QB. Motion the RB over – 5 to the Wide Side! QB draw for 4. With Orji in everyone expects a QB run, but with these extreme sets & motions, the D can’t bank on it. Bama D is on the heels, because of Moore’s Variety.

Now an 8man Pass Pro! Classic Sid Gillman, who loved mixing Pass Protection. DeBoer does this a lot as well. Bama on a Blitz and CJohnson was open on an out route, but JJ didn’t follow through and the pass sailed high!

Now, 7m PassPro Roll Right JJ – great m2m by Bama. Even the youngster Amos, who’s been coming on late in the year. But once again – UM is screwing up, led by JJ. Thankfully their two Coordinators are calling a heckuva game so far!

DRIVE 5 – Alabama

TWO MORE RUN BLITZES BY MINTER! LBs+DBs are coming. Sainristil was shaken up on the first run so they blitz his backup McBurrows on the second run!! Incredible.

3rd&9 Bama OC Rees calls a QB Draw expecting another blitz or at least a stunt and Minter backs off! Nada – all eyes on Milroe – easy stop!

Exactly what I saw live. Minter is making mincemeat of Rees in the Gameplan/PlayCalls!

DRIVE 6 – Michigan 13-7

MORE MOORE! Just writing about it doesn’t do it justice. So here’s another vid!

Two power runs out of a Shift from a wide to tight Bunch, then a TE Motion to the Trips. A conservative power call, then an Orbit Motion fake quick pitch to the motion, pop pass over the middle to Loveland! Both LBs are losing their minds and their balance! (see vid)

Right on cue – the first trick play of the game. What looks like a conservative Power Pitch to the right boundary ends up being a throwback to the field to JJ who hits a wide open crosser deep to Roman Wilson! Terrible throwback by Edwards, but due to the great play design, timing of the call and JJ’s athleticism, the Wolverines make it work!

Two conservative runs bring up 3rd&10.

A shallow cross to rarely used speedster Tyler Morris that completely burns the aggressive Match Coverage of Bama. The deep dig over top confuses S Key, who can’t get to Morris quick enough, leaving a LB 1on1 for a 38 Yd TD Pass!

MISSED XPT!

Another bad snap – this time its UM – Long Snapper Wagner – and a non-existent hold…again, a lot of bad execution since the first snap of this game for UM!?

DRIVE 6 – Alabama 10-13

BIG STUFF ON THE KO – HIBNER & ROLDER! Bama starts on their 16!

MINTER ACTUALLY BACKS OFF INTO A CONSERVATIVE ZONE FOR THIS LATE DRIVE.

Big Rollout Strike on the Sideline – Milroe to Bond for 29! Talented backup S Sabb a tad late on the coverage. Veteran RMoore immediately reenters the game. Quick out Burton + McClellan Run for another First Down.

False Start McLaughlin – yet another mistake in this game. Big heave towards endzone for Law, but great Single High Safety play by Moore!

Finally a 5m rush with C1 m2m behind it. No spy, so easy scramble up the gut for Milroe and one more First! Back to Zone and easy underneath to TE Niblack. Tunnel Screen Bond vs Zone Match – great play Colson once again!

Another Tricky Scheme & Play Call by Minter!

3rd&3-a little NB Zone Blitz (4 rush) and the OLine completely misdiagnosed again! Is this the fault of the C?? RT Latham was left w/ blitzing Sainristil & LE DMoore – they both got by and crushed Milroe. His primary was open but he hesitated pulling the trigger vs a tricky C2 look with 1 S rolling down & CB Will Johnson as one of the deep safeties.

FG Perfect by Reichard.

HALFTIME – Michigan 13 Alabama 10

The Execution issues were as bad as it looked live. There were also more good plays on Offense than I originally realized.

Moore again had a heckuva Gameplan. I did recognize Minter’s great Gameplan & PlayCalling, but it was even better than I thought. A lot of heavy boxes and run blitzes to go w/ the pressure in the pass game.

Bama may have let down some from the SEC Ch game, but overall it was more a case of simply getting out-schemed on both sides of the ball. Kudos to Harbaugh & his staff. The inexperience on Bama’s side compared to UM didn’t help either.

Of course, there were going to be Halftime Adjustments by Saban. I’m very curious to see what these adjustments were exactly and whether it was scheme, execution or something more that lead to Bama blowing the game late.

2nd Half

DRIVE 1 – Alabama

ANOTHER BIG COVERAGE HIT – THIS TIME GERMAN GREEN! Both times Zeke Barry was downfield aggressively causing the KR to make a quick decision. Michigan not only showing depth on Defense w/ talented LBs & DBs, but their Energy is fantastic on these KOs compared to Bama. EXPERIENCE IS BIG IN THESE GAMES!

2RB look w/ talented true freshmen Miller & Haynes – little RPO Pop Pass to Miller. Another RPO, this time a run with Haynes for the 1st. UM backs off again w/C6 and Milroe, with 7man Pass Pro and only 3 in the pattern, had no where to go. Another nice call by Minter!

Bama Tempo Power

Nice Draw to Haynes on a 2nd&Long vs another Zone Scheme by UM goes for 11! Bama goes Tempo w/ 12 Personnel – a Play Action Tunnel Screen to Bond, followed by a Power Draw that McClellan bounces outside for another first!

MORE BAD SNAPS!

INCREDIBLE! And the C McLaughlin had the audacity to yell at Milroe!!? THEN ANOTHER! Though this one hit Milroe’s hands – he needs to catch that! UM brought pressure on that one, so even if Milroe caught it, that would have been a tough play.

Nice Adjustments by OC Tommy Rees w/ the Tempo Power RPO Scheme, but this continuing issue with the snaps has totally shut down this drive.

BAFFLING – Saban going off on McLaughlin on the sideline, but then tries to be positive, saying “Lets Go!”. As we know now, McLaughlin ends up being pushed out to the transfer portal after this game.

Really good Punt Coverage Bama! UM starts at their 13!

DRIVE 1 – Michigan

Bama Adjustment – Heavy Box vs two runs by Mich brings up 3rd&Long. 4Man Zone Blitz – JJ scrambles right and sneaks one into Cornelius Johnson on the sideline. Great toe drag that was first called incomplete. 1st Down!

Another Heavy Box run for little gain. In comes Orji w/ a fake QB Run Pass to RB on a Sideline Go Route, but Bama dropped into a 1Match Offset to the Trips side. The Vet CB Arnold maintained his discipline. Orgi had to throw it away.

Another nice call on D by Steele – showing 5ManRush but dropping out 2 for a Bracket on the RB/QB with a 2Match Coverage on the back end. Even w/ 3 rushers, Bama gets pressure once again off the edge and JJ throws behind Morris on the quick crosser. Had he hit him in stride it was an easy 1st Down.

The real surprise for me in this game so far is the extended use of the little used true sophomore Morris. Michigan has a lot of depth on both sides of the ball and their not afraid to use ALL the Team. CULTURE!

Overall this was a conservative series coming out of the Half. I don’t know if that’s on Moore, Harbaugh or both..? Good adjustments by Bama as expected.

Good Punt Doman – No Return – Bama 20.

DRIVE 2 – Alabama

Two more Power RPO runs McClellan. UM starting to creep up in the box. 3rd&4…

Minter Adjustment to the Rees Adjustments!

Swing Pass to RB Jam Miller, but GREAT CALL MINTER! After all the Blitzing, he drops off the DE Stewart into coverage. He ends up right in the path of Miller! That Swing Pass would have been a big play vs the blitzes UM had been using in the 1st Half.

Big Punt by Burnip and another gaffe by PR Morgan. He called for a Fair Catch near the sideline then inexplicably let it roll down to UM’s own 11 yard line!

DRIVE 2 – Michigan

UM gets back to the Spread Pass Scheme – the way they started the game. A tricky 5m blitz by Bama w/ tough m2m behind it! JJ pre-decided his throw, missing a little used but highly recruited true freshman, Karmelo English, breaking wide open on an In Route. JJ still struggles w/ his reads.

Bama then stuffed Edwards with a run blitz. 3rd&Long Blitz Pressure again, JJ got rid of it quick, but Morgan on a slant didn’t turn around quick enough and the ball went thru his hands!

Weak Punt Doman OOB at Bama 45 yd line. Field Position Swing!

DRIVE 3 – Alabama 17-13

The Bama RPO Power has now opened up the PS Power.

Finally a nice keep by Milroe on the Read Option. UM forgot about Milroe’s legs. On the next play they overplayed Milroe, who made the right read – a give to Haynes, who bounced for another big run and a First Down.

Off the Power – Play action Deep Shot – 7Man Pass Pro – vs CB Zone Blitz! The Deep Dig Under was Wide Open vs Cover3, but Milroe never had a chance to look downfield. Another talented Defensive Backup, NT Goode, obliterated LG Booker and was all over the QB. Milroe pulled a Houdini and escaped for a 10 yd gain!

Power run for a short gain with UM now in the box. Good call for a Quick Pass to Bond underneath another Zone Blitz from the Nickel. The Drive continues.

First RTO (RunTripleOption) with Milroe keeping and racing towards the sideline. Great play by CB Wallace fending off the Burton block!

False Start Booker to start the 4th Qtr. Again with the mistakes.

POWER SPREAD!

2nd&15 INVERTED READ OPTION W/ AN UNBALANCED LINE RIGHT – Law Motions to a Split Backfield –MILROE EXPLODES STRIAGHT UP THE GUT FOR 17 YDS.

TEMPO Pistol – Formation to the Boundary – Unbalanced Right Again – Twins Right – INSIDE ZONE POWER MCCLELLAN BOUNCES OUT RIGHT – 4 YDS – TOUCHDOWN!!

DRIVE 3 – Michigan

Bama Fired Up Now!

PS Draw Sweep off the Reverse Motion Screen look, but Turner and the rest of Bama has run eyes and Safeties crashing hard for the run.

UM lines up w/ 13 Personnel (3TEs) for a Play Action Deep Shot, but Bama’s line crushes JJ as he’s about to throw. Eboigbe smashes past Bredeson to make the hit. Keenan had C Nugent on his heels as well.

3rd&10. CROWD IN A FRENZY! 4ManRush just crushes as Turner flies right past LT Henderson and Eboigbe is in again on a Stunt. JJ scrambling for his life flips an outlet to Edwards who drops it.

Another weak punt by UM. Hits a Bama player, but PR Downs makes a good recovery! Bama 33.

DRIVE 4 – Alabama

Another RPO Pop to WR Prentice for a quick First Down!

The RPOs leading to ROs in the 2nd Half have changed the complexion of this Game!

BAMA MILROE FUMBLE!! – TEAM! CULTURE!!

Right on Cue – RTO Keep to the Outside by Milroe, who eludes Sainristil on a blitz, but can’t get past S Quinten Johnson who knocks the ball loose, recovered by Wallace!!

ANOTHER TALENTED BACKUP WHO CLEANS UP THE BLITZ BY HIS TEAMMATE! One slows down Milroe and the other finishes!

Milroe had Miller outside for a quick throw or pitch if he wanted, but Sainristil’s blitz had him under pressure immediately and he Johnson got up so quick that he couldn’t gather himself enough to make a good move or decision. He almost lost the ball on his juke move, before Johnson completely dislodged it!

*I actually was texting during this time in the game saying that it’s Michigan’s Year or it’s not? If it’s the Culture I think it is, they will find a way to Win… then bam! … FBLE RECOVERED MICH! Crazy…

DRIVE 4 – Michigan

NOW THE MICH CROWD IN A FRENZY! Wilson in Motion – Quick flair vs 3Match – Kool Aid way too slow to match on Wilson – FIRST DOWN!

BAMA SEEMS STUNNED! FINALLY TEMPO BY UM! Quick Bubble Screen to CJohnson – good play by the Freshman Caleb Downs!

FLEA FLICKER WITH TMORRIS SNEAKING OUT DEEP DOWN THE MIDDLE WIDE OPEN! BIG BLITZ BY LAWSON SCREWS UP THE PITCH BACK BY CORUM! JJ falls on the ball!

3RD&17 – Quick Tunnel Screen Morgan. Bama D strong now. 4MRush Pressue w/2Match behind it. Arnold, Downs, Malachi Moore all over the Screen!

MISSED FG!!

INCREDIBLE! – Another bad snap – a little high – good hold, but LT Persi was knocked on his ass and there was pressure on K Turner who over swung and hooked it left! Turner’s been great all year!!?

TURNER, MALACHI & KOOL-AID ALL BLASTED THRU FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE KICKER!

The Mistakes Michigan overcame against a dynasty type program is near unbelievable!

DRIVE 5 – Alabama 20-13

Another strong RPO run McClellan, followed by a fake RPO bounce outside behind a heavy set. He breaks the tackle of S Moore and goes for 17!

Bama in Michigan Territory w/ 9m left!

UM Energy seems a bit down for the first time this game, but they are able to hold Burton to a short gain on a Quick Screen.

Orbit Motion Law from a Split Backfield – Fake Screen to Law – QB Power to the boundary – big block pulling G Booker to spring Milroe, but GREAT PLAY STEWART TO HOLD HIM TO 4!

3RD&2 – PS POWER SWEEP RIGHT MILLER FOR 1ST DOWN!! Great call by Rees as UM was protecting deep & inside power. C3 w/ Nickel Blitz + Eyes on Milroe, who carried out the fake rollout left after the handoff. Burton, Law & McLaughlin all whiffed on blocks, but Miller still was able hit the edge hard and cut it up for a big gain as defenders were completely out-leveraged by the scheme.

Bama trying to go Tempo had too many Men in Formation! Another Mistake! 1st&15.

MICHIGAN = TEAM!

RPO pop pass to Burton, who’s man came on a blitz. Good read, right? Except the talented Keon Sabb came flying down as a blitz replacement and absolutely crushed Burton. Another talented Michigan backup injecting life into this Team when they most need it!

2nd&14 and another RTO pop pass that the UM LBs Barrett/Colson crush! Rees is starting to get too predictable.

3rd&9 Michigan brings it! 6mPressure w/ C3 behind it. Great push by this UM front! Outlet was open, but Milroe was slow to read, then tried to escape up the middle. McGregor beat the LT again, while NT Grant made an amazing spin move on the C. Together they combined for a Milroe Sandwich. Saban frustrated.

FANTASTIC 52 YD FG BY REICHARD! Drew it inside the right upright w/ plenty of length! Reichard an advantage on SpTeams for Bama.

DRIVE 5 – Michigan 20-20

Two straight Misdirection Sweeps Left to the Boundary. Odd calls w/ under 5m left and struggling to move the ball in the 2nd Half. Bama felt it was odd as well. Twice they were slow to read and LT Henderson sealed the edge. 3td&2 w/3:30 left.

GAME BAMA! – Not so fast…

Orji in as a WR lined up wide in twins right. Fly sweep motion back to JJ, who fakes the pop pass and rolls right. It’s a cool design, but Bama jumped all over it w/ their Match Coverage. JJ tried to find his TE, but had his pass deflected and almost picked off.

McCarthy had the option to run for the 1st, but unbelievably athletic Eboigbe cut the edge! Then Barner was breaking open on a crosser past S Key, but a great jump by Lawson for a tip drill to his fellow LB Campbell. It landed just out of reach…

4th&2! – Own 33 – 3m Lft – THIS IS IT!

No Timeout. 4s lft on playclock. Tight Bunch rt. A mesh concept w/ a deep route by the outside player leaving Blake Corum all alone in the flat for a HUGE GAIN! THE WOLVERINES STAY ALIVE!

The Mesh w/ the RB sneaking out to the flat behind the Bunch is a classic Man Beater dialed up by Moore. In this case, a Match Beater.

ONE MISSED ASSIGNMENT is all it takes. Nickel Malachi & Safety Downs both took Loveland on an Over Route. My guess is that Malachi Moore had Corum. Moore has had a great year and game, but bad time for a big mistake.

A silly Blocking in the Back Penalty by Wilson brings the ball back to Midfield.

CONTINUED GREAT PLAY CALLING BY MOORE

Empty Set, Corum motions back for a Read Option QB Counter w/ a pulling LG/LT. Michigan hasn’t run anything like this all game! Great blocks by Keagan & Henderson – Loveland on the CB – JJ explodes for 16 yds!! Bama gets away with a late hit oob on JJ by Arnold.

Mich goes back to a tight bunch rt. Motions a WR to the wide side and the 2 WRs on that side run deep routes w/ Wilson running a dig underneath from the other side. Another Match Beater w/ Malachi Moore again being the culprit. LB Lawson also gets his hand on the ball again, but this time the ball gets to Wilson who makes a leaping catch and run for 29 yds to the Bama 5!

After a power run into a heavy box, Moore calls for a Split Zone RPO with Wilson sneaking out into the flat wide open as LB Campbell loses his assignment with his eyes focused for another inside power run! 4 Yd TD Pass to Wilson w/ 2 huge catches in a row!

DRIVE 6 – Alabama

MINTER DOES IT AGAIN!

Great Switch to M2M then back to Zone Blitz!

Suddenly Minter changes it up – 5mBlitz w/ 1Man behind it. Three plays in a row after not playing much m2m all game. Bama gets one first down, but ends up 3rd&10 after 2 Incs. Michigan now drops into a C3 w/ both LBs blitzing. Surprised Milroe goes underneath to his outlet. Big hit by CB Wallace forces a Punt.

Another big Punt by Burnip and a dangerous fumble by the new returner Shaw! He ends up recovering inside his 1! I think he was back there for his hands!!??

DRIVE 6 – Michigan

Michigan runs out the clock to get to Overtime.

Overtime

TWO BIG RUNS CORUM – TOUCHDOWN!