The Maryland GIFs feature big Blake Corum runs, big moods from fans, a big man making an improbable play, a big special teams blunder, literally Big Bird and more.
The Breakdown
When Maryland gifted Michigan a goal-to-go situation three seconds into the game, the coaches instantly capitalized with a run-pass option that’s probably in the playbook because Josh Gattis cribbed it from Joe Moorhead.
This is yet another variation on split zone, which I covered in detail after the Hawaii game. As usual, the departure from the base play is designed to give the linebackers and safeties difficult split-second decisions that’ll be wrong if the quarterback makes the correct reads.
Here’s an overview. Nothing is too complicated, though it probably doesn’t feel that way to the defense. Ronnie Bell uses orbit motion pre-snap to create a mesh point with J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum. This could be an end-around, an inside zone or a keeper to the outside — even before we get to the passing options:
McCarthy gets information on Maryland’s defense before the snap. When Bell goes into motion, the cornerback doesn’t follow him across the formation, which tells him the Terps are playing zone coverage — Cover 2, in all likelihood, based on the pre-snap look:
As the offensive line opens up a gap, Maryland’s entire defense plays for the run. Everyone on the play side fires towards the line of scrimmage, including the safety who’s responsible for defending the end zone on that side of the field:
The far-side corner is in deep trouble. Unless the unblocked defensive end makes an incredible recovery after shuffling inside to play the inside handoff, the CB is 1-on-2 against Bredeson — who’s a threat to block or go into a route — and McCarthy, who could run around the edge or pull up to pass.
The corner, in fact, is pointing to McCarthy to note this trouble. Unfortunately, this may have drawn too much attention from the safety, who’s flat-footed and still looking into the backfield as Schoonmaker cruises past him:
This is an easy touchdown and I’m not sure it’s the only way Michigan could’ve scored on this play:
In motion:
And a useful replay:
While there were some playcalling hiccups on Saturday, I continue to be impressed by the offense that Jim Harbaugh, Sherrone Moore and Matt Weiss are putting together. This was a beautiful way to exploit a Maryland defense keyed up to make an early statement against the run.
Big Bird Sings “The Victors”
This was a great game for crowd shots. Here’s all we need to know about how the only C.J. Stokes carry went:
J.J. McCarthy misses a deep shot:
I may have looped this one backwards for effect. I won’t apologize:
On most Saturdays, this would easily be the best costume-related moment:
However!
Bless you, Leon Franklin.
The Top Five
5. PHYSICS SHOULDN’T ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN
4. THE BLAKE BOUNCE, PART ONE
3. THE CENTERFIELDER AND HIS TURNOVER BUFFS
This? This is a good turnover bit:
2. THE BLAKE BOUNCE, PART TWO
FRAMES OF THE GAME: FACEDOINK