Tag: reaction

Behind enemy lines: Michigan vs. Colorado State

Some great insight here!

It’s just about gameday in Ann Arbor. Michigan finally opens up its season on Saturday with Colorado State. The two teams have played each other just one time, that being back in 1994 during the Holiday Bowl where the Wolverines came out on top 24-14.

The Rams had a bad season last year after they went 3-9. Steve Addazio was fired after just two seasons in Fort Collins.

The Rams hired their new head coach Jay Norvell away from a conference foe in Nevada. Between transfers and recruits, Colorado State has 59 new members to its roster from the 2021 season.

To get some better input on Colorado State and its new roster, we spoke with Jeremy Mauss with Mountain West Wire to get some insight on what Michigan fans can expect from a Norvell-led team on Saturday.

The game will take place at noon EDT and it will be aired nationally on ABC.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbzardvge799bm2 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[listicle id=62085]

Preview: What Colorado State brings to the table by personnel and scheme

This transfer-heavy team does have a lot of experience.

Colorado State is a team entering a new era with Steve Addazio having been fired and Jay Norvell being the new man in Fort Collins. Norvell comes aboard from inter-conference foe Nevada and brought a slew of players with him to the Rams.

On Saturday, when CSU travels to Michigan, we’ll get our first look at what Norvell brings to the table.

On offense, he deploys an air raid scheme, at least he did last year, though he can run a West Coast offense, the pistol, and spread. While he won’t have Carson Strong at his disposal, he did bring Clay Millen from Nevada as his quarterback of the future. Millen has zero starts to his name, however, and will be getting his first real taste of action (he played sparingly last year with two pass attempts and one run) in the biggest stadium in the country. His offensive coordinator is Matt Mumme, who was a quarterback at Kentucky and was the OC under Norvell at Nevada.

Norvell has an impressive cadre of receivers, with two starters having more receiving yards than anyone in Ann Arbor last year. There’s intermediate experience across the offense, including on the offensive line, but a lot of that side of the ball is new to the team.

The same could be said of the personnel on teh defensive side of the ball, which will be led by Freddie Banks. Banks oversaw the No. 6 scoring defense in the FCS last year overseeing Montana State. They were 18th in red zone defense a year ago. He has history with Norvell, having coached cornerbacks at Nevada in 2020. He is deploying a 4-2-5 defense in Fort Collins, which will see a heavy emphasis on a nickel back, who just happens to be one of CSU’s most prolific returning players.

For more on personnel, we’ve compiled their experience and stats below, with some help from The Coloradoan. Though CSU was not a good team last year and may take some time to jell, this is mostly an experienced group that likely won’t enter The Big House overwhelmed by the environment.

 

Eyabi Anoma to also figure into Michigan football special teams early on

Really can’t wait to see him in maize and blue on Saturday! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Jay Harbaugh pulls dual duty for Michigan football in that he oversees the safeties — he’s in his first year of doing so after being the tight ends coach the year before and running backs coach for several years before that — and special teams. Considering the importance of special teams, though it’s a somewhat unheralded one-third of the game, a lot of players make their mark there. But in Ann Arbor, a lot of elder statesmen insist on being involved there, too — which proves how seriously the Wolverines take that element of the game.

For Jay Harbaugh, he’ll get his first idea of how both his safeties — RJ Moten, Makari Paige, Rod Moore, and Caden Kolesar — look in Week 1, but also if the maize and blue can repeat as the country’s top special teams unit after a stellar 2021 campaign.

“You’re excited to see what certain young guys do, that’s a big thing. Also, some of the guys that are back, you want to see growth in their game. So it’s kind of everything you’re looking to see,” Harbaugh said. “OK, this new call or new technique, we want to see how that looks. You want to see young guys, hey, how do they look when it’s live action? Some of these older guys that have gotten bigger, faster, stronger, how do they look? So it’s probably tough to like nail one thing down. We’re salivating just for all of it because this is what we love to do.”

While he’s only been a Wolverine for a couple of weeks, fans have been excited to see what edge rusher Eyabi Anoma will do in the early going.

Anoma was highly recruited and picked Alabama over Michigan in the 2018 cycle. But after changing schools several times, he found himself in Ann Arbor about halfway through fall camp. Despite not having a lot of time on task, Anoma is expected to suit up and play in Week 1, especially since the learning curve to rushing the passer isn’t as steep as other positions. But Jay Harbaugh expects to use him on teams as well, noting that Anoma has been all-in on everything that he’s been tasked with thus far.

“Yeah, he’s definitely involved,” Harbuagh said. “He’s had an awesome attitude. And he’s kind of getting integrated into our system and the different techniques and rolls and stuff like that. So he’s a guy who we will look forward to to contribute, and hopefully in this game.”

Michigan kicks off the 2022 season on Saturday when it hosts Colorado State at noon EDT.

[lawrence-related id=62046,62040,62039]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbzardvge799bm2 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Expect more linebacker blitzing from Michigan football in 2022

This linebacking corps is going to surprise people. #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Without Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo out on the edges, chances are Michigan football will look to get pressure on the passer from other vantages. That means enhanced responsibility for the linebacking corps.

New defensive coordinator Jesse Minter comes from the same mold as Mike Macdonald, as both worked under Wink Martindale in the Baltimore Ravens organization. The defense is predicated on frequently disguising the pressure, which the Wolverines did a year ago, though you generally had an idea of who was bringing it. Without the aforementioned tandem, expect a lot of different personnel packages with different players bringing the heat, instead of being as heavily reliant on the edge rushers.

For linebackers coach George Helow, he says bring it on, because he feels like his group can handle the challenge.

“When we hit a blitz, we’re going to hit it with speed and intensity and go. Jesse (Minter) calls it,” Helow said. “Other than that, I feel like we got guys that are trained and ready to roll. I know we lost some guys but there there are guys that were behind those guys last year that we lost it did really well, too. So just excited to go out there and watch these guys get an opportunity to play, go compete.”

One player who will be asked to do a lot more this season is Junior Colson, the second-year player out of Brentwood, Tennessee via Haiti. Colson got his first taste of college football a year ago, and he was honored for his play as a freshman All-American.

Helow anticipates that he’ll be a factor in the pass rush from the inside linebacker position, and he’s confident that he’ll show out at the position in general.

“He’s a big, powerful dude that can run so, if he’s hitting the pressure he’s going,” Helow said. “He’s good, he’s comfortable with all the closing of the front rules and setting the front. And every day I feel like he’s continuing to get better and more confident. The more reps he gets in practice and in games will allow him to get better at it, but really feel good about Junior.”

For Colson, Helow really likes what he’s seen, and not just on the field.

He’s witnessed a different level of studiousness, as well as leadership. And he’s a guy who learns quickly and is able to implement the coaching once he understands the concepts.

“He’s had an awesome camp and just like his energy,” Helow said. “He’s a big guy, big-chested dude, he takes really good notes. He takes stuff from the classroom and applies it onto the practice field all throughout fall camp. He knows what’s going on. Just really excited for Junior and looking forward to really see what he can do this year.”

[lawrence-related id=62060,62056,62054]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbzardvge799bm2 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

C.J. Gardner-Johnson says goodbye to Saints fans, introduces himself to Philly

C.J. Gardner-Johnson says goodbye to Saints fans after Eagles trade, introduces himself to Philly’s faithful:

It’s never easy to say goodbye, especially to a player as talented and entertaining as C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The former New Orleans Saints defensive back was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles this week and took time on Twitter to address the situation, releasing a statement that bid farewell to the Saints fans who spent three years cheering him on — and introducing himself to the Eagles faithful who will get to know him in the weeks and months ahead.

Gardner-Johnson said that playing pro football was “the opportunity of a lifetime,” and expressed his appreciation for the Who Dat Nation that supported him and the Saints organization that put him in position to make a name for himself. He also shared some words to his former teammates in New Orleans and the bonds they built together.

Seeing Gardner-Johnson in a different uniform will be unsettling, especially when the Saints visit Philadelphia in Week 17 late this season. If we’ve learned anything about Gardner-Johnson throughout his Saints career, it’s a safe bet to say he’ll have that date circled on his calendar.

[pickup_prop id=”27244″]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyahgz6p2j3xp7 player_id=none image=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[listicle id=115198]

Five things to know about the Mercer Bears

Here are things five things to know about Mercer before Saturday’s game.

The start of Auburn’s 2022 college football season is nearly upon us. The Tigers will open the season with the Mercer Bears, an FCS opponent.

While they are an FCS opponent the Bears can not be taken lightly, especially on offense. They played against Morehead State last week and cruised to a 63-13 win. This was in large part to their explosive offense which thrives on creating chunk plays and quick strikes.

This should provide a solid test for Auburn’s defense, giving them a chance to start the season with an opponent they are more talented than but is still dangerous.

Here are five things you should know about Mercer ahead of Saturday’s game in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Sooner Nation call to action: Time to make ‘The Palace on the Prairie’ a nightmare

With renewed energy in Norman and a move to the SEC on the horizon, Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium needs to become a nightmare for opponents.

The OU Spring Game was a fun time. Baker Mayfield’s Heisman statue was revealed. Some recruits saw Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium filled with Sooners Nation, and the fan base gained some much-needed closure from the Lincoln Riley departure.

During his halftime speech, Brent Venables said a lot of things. However, during that speech, he challenged Sooners fans: Make this stadium a nightmare for opposing teams.

After the massive success that was the “Pack the Palace” campaign, it was the logical next step. Let’s be honest here, Sooners home games aren’t nearly as electric as they need to be for an SEC school.

This isn’t an indictment on the OU fan base as a whole or on social media. Sooners fans have assembled an amazing group of fans that are a pleasure to interact with daily. The Oklahoma fa base is one of the best in the country. However, it just doesn’t translate on Saturdays.

Look at an Alabama home game. Look at Georgia. LSU’s home environment is one of the best in the country. Look at Texas A&M. Aggies fans rock Kyle Field during games against Northwestern State. Oklahoma fans need to start showing the same passion for their team.

There was more hostility directed at Spencer Rattler than at any visiting team in the 2021 season. 2019 and 2020 weren’t much better. The student section routinely empties after halftime. It’s not a good look.

There was a feeling of complacency that hung over the football program and the fan base in the last few years of Lincoln Riley’s tenure. There were a few outside factors, but it felt as if the program lost sight of what the goal is.

The Sooners aren’t here to win Big 12 championships; they’re here to win national championships. The Venables hire showed athletic director Joe Castiglione knew the Sooners needed a jolt of energy as much as a culture change if they wanted to get back to competing on the national stage.

We will know by the end of the UTEP game if Venables’ charisma was enough to give this fan base the kick in the pants it needed. Make the palace a nightmare again, Sooners fans. Let’s show the SEC that we’re more than ready for it.

[listicle id=70226]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz7cqqgxy50qwt player_id=none image=https://soonerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

Dooley’s Dozen: 12 things you need to know about the Utah Utes

Here are a dozen things Pat Dooley thinks you should know about Florida’s season-opening opponent.

When Scott Stricklin started an aggressive effort to upgrade Florida’s football schedules, he certainly had no idea that he would end up with the game everybody is mesmerized by this Saturday.

He was probably thinking more about the return trip to the mountains and had no idea Florida would be breaking in a new coach against the No. 7 team in the country.

But that is where Utah is in the preseason and there are certainly those who believe the Pac-12 champs of last year and favorites for this season are a College Football Playoff contender.

Gator fans are hoping the humidity and the Swamp will be a major factor in the game. “Get there early,” Billy Napier said this week.

But let’s face the facts. Florida has the home field, but Utah has the better roster.

It’s going to be interesting. Dooley’s Dozen starts a weekly feature today as we give you the 12 things you need to know about Utah.

Expert Predictions: Can the Gators open up the Napier era with a win?

Here’s how the Gators Wire staff and alumni sees things going down on Saturday.

The start of Florida football’s 2022 campaign is just a couple of days away as the Gators get set to host the Utah Utes this Saturday. The excitement is running high with new head coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] making his debut in front of a sold-out crowd on what should be a hot and humid night in the Swamp.

The Orange and Blue face a formidable opponent in their Pac-12 counterparts, who come into the game ranked in the top 10 by both major polls carrying some lofty expectations of their own. Winners of their conference last year, the Beehive State boys return with a packed roster that includes former Gator [autotag]Mohamoud Diabate[/autotag], who headed out west via the transfer portal during the offseason.

With all of that in mind, the Gators Wire roundtable assembled to give their respective takes on the first game of the Napier era along with a composite result comprising of each person’s predictions. Take a look below at what the six of us had to say for the first game day of 2022.

5 things Aggie fans should know heading into Saturday’s matchup vs. Sam Houston State

5 things Aggie fans should know heading into Saturday’s matchup vs. Sam Houston State

Head coach Jimbo Fisher and the Texas A&M Aggies are set to kick off their 2022 college football season this Saturday, set to host the Sam Houston State Bearkats at 11:AM Central in what is set to be a packed Kyle Field and an always raucous environment.

With Sam Houston State kicking off its season this weekend as well, the Bearkats come into 2022 dripping with the potential to repeat their appearance in the FCS quarterfinals and beyond, as it’s their last season at the FCS level as the rising program is scheduled to enter the FBS ranks before the start of the 2023 season. To provide some background, the Sam Houston State football program has seen great success since entering the FCS ranks after the 1985 season, making three national championship game appearances, and capturing the title against South Dakota State at the end of the 2020 campaign.

The Bearkats have also seen over 37 former players participate in the NFL, while 19 have been drafted in their history, with some notable players including quarterback Rhett Bomar, defensive back Keith Davis, quarterback Josh McCown, and the recent 2022 5th round draft pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Zyon McCollum.

This season, the men in bright orange are led by longtime head coach K.C. Keeler, who is set to start Georgia Tech transfer, Jordan Yates at quarterback, along with 9 FBS level players from the transfer portal, including former 5-Star safety B.J. Foster, and 2018 recruiting class member, wide receiver Al’vonte Woodard.

For the Aggies, Haynes King is back in the saddle as the starting quarterback, the wide receiver and tight end rotation is stacked with a mixture of experienced/young talent, while the defense is set to unveil what they have learned from the new defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin this fall, which is sure to to turn some heads right off the bat.

Now, before kickoff, here are 5 observations leading into Saturday’s afternoon tilt with Sam Houston State.