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In the studio for FOX Sports, Charles Woodson and Urban Meyer each have different approaches when it comes to Michigan football.
One was a former Wolverines legend, the other the same for Ohio State, but as a head coach. And both were emphatic in their praise for the maize and blue after a 44-10 win over rival MSU.
For Woodson, who made his first appearance in the studio after the Wolverines got decimated in Madison, he got to sing the accolades for his alma mater after the thorough domination at The Big House. He saw a team that was collected and emphasized its talents throughout.
“I thought this was a great win for Michigan,” Woodson said. “In this game, you’ve gotta withstand the first blow from the other team. Michigan State went down there and scored a touchdown early in the game, made it 7-0. But Michigan was the better football team. As long as they don’t get rattled, don’t make mistakes, don’t turn the ball over from an offensive standpoint, we were gonna win this game.
“And there was nothing better for me to see than that late, second quarter drive, that 98 yard drive, touchdown drive that they had where you seen everything you needed to see out of Michigan. Especially out of Shea Patterson. He controlled the offense, he continued to make big throws on third down, scrambles on third down and move that ball down the field. And then, once they scored the ball, Michigan State got the ball back, the defense came in and did their job and held those guys.
“They played complementary football today. Offense helped the defense, the defense the offense and great win for Michigan.”
Meyer also looked at it as a team hitting its stride, but he brought up a point he made before the season.
With new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis leading the charge, Meyer indicated (correctly) that it would take some time for the Michigan offense to jell. After early struggles, when many Wolverines fans got off the bandwagon, the former OSU head coach’s comments proved prescient, as ‘speed in space’ became very apparent on Saturday.
But, in his mind, it’s because the coaching staff adapted to the players, not necessarily because the new scheme caught fire in the locker room.
“We made a comment earlier in the year: whenever you make a complete transitional change on offense from a pro-style to a spread, it takes a long time,” Meyer said. “But you watch, they’re not necessarily a spread offense anymore. I think they’re very accustomed to their personnel. This is a combination of spread and pro-style. They’re executing very well, but this is not the spread offense they were trying to do earlier. Doing a little two tight ends, underneath center. It’s a combination of pro and spread right now.”
Watch the entire interview below:
"Michigan was the better team today."@CharlesWoodson and @CoachUrbanMeyer break down @UMichFootball's dominant win over Michigan State. pic.twitter.com/cviHWNsRMS
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2019
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