Time Flies When You're Having Fun

So we are one game away from reaching the mid-point of the college football season. My, where has it gone already? Before you know it we'll be hearing ESPN's bowl jingle,'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year'.

Let's take quick look at the Minny game before moving on to more important matters.

Henne and the offense dominated in this match-up no matter what the doubters suggest. Michigan rolled up over 500 yards of offense, including 234 on the ground. Henne was, once again, lethal with his deep attack while hooking up with Arrington (2) and Mannigham for TD's. The downside of the offense and probably the reason for all the post game fuss were 3 key plays:

1. Henne missing a streaking Mannigham for an apparent TD
2. Henne misses a wide-open Massey on an out inside the 15
3. Failed Red Zone conversion inside the 5 yard line

The above could've produced another 13 to 21 points, not too mention securing the necessary breathing room required by Michigan faithful needed for a stamp of approval win.

Theatrics aside, the Michigan offense appears to be blossoming each week with new foliage, as roles are expanded and new weapons are found. This week, insert Adrian Arrington.

With two targets to catch Henne's missiles, coupled with the headache Hart presents to opposing defenses, the offense could become a well-oiled machine by years end.

Defensively, the Wolverines did their job. An obvious point of concern was the loss of Morgan Trent and his coverage abilities along with his sure tackling against the run. He should be back for the MSU game, which will allow English to get back into attack mode by trusting his corners one on one.

For the first time this season, the defense looked uninspired at times and failed to register a sack. It's sure nice to see a lackluster defense only give up 323 yards of offense and limit one of the most potent rushing attacks in the Nation to one half of their normal output. The inability to abuse Capito was mainly due to his quick drops. The lack of lost yardage on sacks as well as not forcing a turnover did not bode well in terms of highlight video additions. However, I was surprised to see that Michigan held Minny to 7 plays of no gain or negative yardage, which all came against run (24 attempts).

For the year, the attacking Michigan defense has compiled the following:

1. 17 sacks
2. 35 plays of no gain or negative yardage (17% of oppositions offensive plays)
3. 11 forced turnovers (2 on special teams)

They also give up a mere 36.4 yards per game on the ground.

Updated 2006 Red Zone Efficiency:

Offense

1. 4 trips vs. Minny resulting in 2 TD's - 14 of a possible 28 points
2. For the season, 21 trips resulting in 11 TD's and 6 FG's and 94 of a possible 147 points - 63.9%

Defense

1. 1 trip vs. Minny resulting in a turnover of downs
2. For the season, an amazing 7 trips for 3 TD's and 2 FG's - 55.1% point scored efficiency.

Quick Slants

I was wrong about OSU and Iowa. I really believed Iowa had the horses to make a run this year. OSU man handled them at home in front of a National audience; therefore, I am off the Iowa bandwagon and realize without a major John L. Smith type breakdown, the Bucks are going into 11/18 undefeated. I projected 3 Big Ten losses for them and I'll take my lumps for my poor prognosis.

On that note, it is hard for me not to believe that the stars are beginning to align for the biggest regular season college football showdown that we've seen in quite some time. With each passing week it is easier for me to convince myself that both Michigan and Ohio State will be 11-0 leading up to the season finale. The Penn State game is still my biggest fear because at some point, the law of averages suggest Michigan may walk out of that game with a loss. However, the more I see Michigan's defense stiffen and the offense gel, I am optimistic of the Big Blue's chances of leaving leave Beaver Stadium with 7 game winning streak at hand.

We've also reached October 1st, which means I can start ranking teams on what they've accomplished rather than preseason hype. Here is my Top 10:

1. Ohio State - No doubt about it
2. Auburn - Like Irons a lot, although the 'D' was exposed against S. Carolina
3. Michigan - The train is rolling on both sides of the ball
4. Florida - Speed, speed, speed and some nice weapons to go along with that speed
5. USC - Enough talent to come out of the Pac 10 unscathed
6. LSU - Defense is the real deal, but offense is limited
7. West Virginia - 2005 carryover ranking. Show me something or I'll drop you like a hot iron
8. Texas - We will find out this weekend against OU if Texas is Top 10 legit
9. Louisville - Will get to prove Top 10 legitimacy in a few weeks vs. WV
10. Notre Dame - Should be Oklahoma's spot, but Oregon cheated

On we roll to hate, I mean State weak. The emotions always get high during this match-up and should provide decent Saturday late afternoon entertainment....at least for one half.

Michigan rolls into Happy Valley......

DP