Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs

Well let pat start us out here:

Michigan's WRs are a good unit that does not have any one explosive play maker.  That aside, they have made plays this year.  JR Hemingway is the best of the bunch and he's got great size and leaping ability.  If he's one on one with a DB, Denard is liable to put one up there and let him go win a jump-ball.  This is a good, deep unit.  Jeremy Gallon has made a big move to become really the most targeted of all the wideouts.  Kevin Koger is a solid TE who provides another option in the passing game.   I know Tbone loves MSU's wide receivers, and BJ Cunningham is very good, but I think Michigan's personnel matches up very well here.  I've heard about how good Jamar Adams (ed note, pat informed me this was an honest mistake, but we need some locker room material) and the Spartans secondary is playing so it will be interesting to see how this match-up plays out.  This has been a positive unit for Michigan this season and should continue that on Saturday.  If any of these guys make a spectacular play it is only icing for Michigan's offense, they aren't relied upon to carry the O (whereas I think Cunningham might be). 


(Now it is time for Tbone)
The MSU WRs are the best in the B1G  and Cunningham is one of the top three in the B1G alone.  There is not a lot to say about him other than he has hands like pillows, and has a knack for finding the ball.  Cousins and Cunningham have worked well together and obviously have a strong link and trust in one another.  In spite of Nichol not having a great year, he hasnt been passed to a whole lot.  When he has been, he has caught it, currently, Nichol is averaging about 15 yards per catch.  He is more up the middle because of his big size.  Do not expect to see Nichol streaking down the sideline. He is our strongest WR and when you have arms that make ladies swoon, does it matter? 

Martin had not done a lot both as a WR and as a KR.  I do not expect a lot out of him, out side of a kick returner.  His hands are medicore but he does have good speed,  It would be nice if he broke one of those screen passes for like 40 yards.  Bennie Fowler should be back for this game.  Dont expect a lot out of him but he is the wide receiver of the future.  Tony Lippet has also looked good in spot action.  Not a lot to say about those two based on limited action.  Tony has played both WR and DB,  he seems to have DB hands.... but that could be an inexperience thing.  Look for the MSU receivers to pick up yards on slants and quick passes and then open it up deep against the MI secondary.  I do not have a lot of faith in them as a defensive unit mostly due to the large amount of blitzing (the blitzing is something I do fear however).  A final WR note is Dion Sims.  If we can get him involved in the pass game more, he can do mucho damage against UM.  Sims is a tight end with a massive body and incredible athleticism.  I have loved Sims since the start, it would be nice if we used him more.

(from walk on to best player on the defense)

(Here comes Pat with the UM secondary)

Michigan's secondary is their most improved unit this season.  (Linebackers are a close 2nd).  If you don't love Jordan Kovacs you hate America.  At the other spots, there is actually good old-fashioned competition resulting in better play.  The corners have played well, not spectacular, but actually go 4 deep.  Thomas Gordon has been the major pleasant surprise.  He won the job over penciled in starter Carvin Johnson (Johnson still gets playing time) and has simply made plays.  He has forced fumbles and made interceptions.  It may be an aberration but Gordon's play so far this season would make him Michigan's best safety in three seasons.  That's not saying a ton but it certainly is encouraging.  This unit isn't going to blanket you and shut down an offense if the QB can sit in the pocket.  They also are much less likely to give up the gashing plays that crushed them in recent seasons.  Cousins will likely be given some short to intermediate things and Michigan will hope he makes a mistake when pressure gets home.  Michigan's secondary has somehow turned into something of a strength but that notion will certainly be tested this weekend.  MSU will move the ball and get yards but their ability to finish drives will be something to watch for as Michigan's defense has been opportunistic in creating turnovers and getting stops on 4th down


(Finally, Tbone with the MSU secondary)
I love our secondary.  I think is very good, the LBs help but we will get to them later in the day.  I don't know who Jamar Adams is, but Johnny Adams is our top DB.  Look for pat to remember his name.  Johnny has had some silly late hit penalties, I hope hes over that.  Darqueze Dennard,   is the other DB, hes a little larger than Johnny and has shown good ability to track the ball.  Isiah Lewis and Trentonn Robinson are the safeties.  Robinson is a senior and a captain.  He plays good D, is a vocal leader and I expect him to have a good game.  Lewis is a second year player who was highly recruited.   This has been his first year starting.  He is a big hitter but has shown at times to blow some assignments. I expect the db's to lock up on JR hemming way and try to push him to the outside.  Hemmingway is a good receiver averaging over 20 yards per catch.   If we can slow him down, I think that will go a long way to stopping UM's aerial attack.   Along with that, Johnny Adams has blitzed at times and he has good explosiveness, this could come in handy to keep Robinson off his game.  

(whats my name?)