Three Michigan football questions with Mark Snyder
Michigan coach Brady Hoke talks about win over Minnesota: Michigan coach Brady Hoke talks about the Wolverines' 42-13 win over Minnesota on Saturday in Ann Arbor. Video by Mark Snyder/DFP
The University of Michigan football team takes the field before the game against Minnesota Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Michigan defeated Minnesota 42 -13.
Free Press sports writer Mark Snyder tackles the tough issues after U-M crushed Minnesota:
WHY WAS THE OFFENSE SO MUCH BETTER?
They held onto the ball, specifically quarterback Devin Gardner. His 10 turnovers this season, including eight interceptions, cost Michigan possessions. By not committing a turnover for the first time in his 10 starts, the offense could breathe. He threw when necessary and was efficient, hitting 13 of 17 pass for 235 yards and made a star out of tight end Devin Funchess, who caught 151 of them and a touchdown. Having Funchess and Jeremy Gallon as weapons will help. U-M also allowed the tailbacks to handle the ball, keeping heat off Gardner.
DID THE OFFENSIVE LINE SWITCH MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
At center, it certainly did. Having Graham Glasgow at center helped keep the rush off Gardner and allowed him to play more calm. First-time starter Chris Bryant was hit and miss at left guard but showed moments of his power.
IS MICHIGAN BACK TO BEING RESPECTED?
They should be. For the past three weeks, the Wolverines were shunned for their close wins over Akron and Connecticut. While Minnesota might not be much better, the Wolverines proved they can put away a lower-level team, play efficiently on offense and remain with a vibrant defense. There are certainly holes, but this game showed progress.
WHY WAS THE OFFENSE SO MUCH BETTER?
They held onto the ball, specifically quarterback Devin Gardner. His 10 turnovers this season, including eight interceptions, cost Michigan possessions. By not committing a turnover for the first time in his 10 starts, the offense could breathe. He threw when necessary and was efficient, hitting 13 of 17 pass for 235 yards and made a star out of tight end Devin Funchess, who caught 151 of them and a touchdown. Having Funchess and Jeremy Gallon as weapons will help. U-M also allowed the tailbacks to handle the ball, keeping heat off Gardner.
DID THE OFFENSIVE LINE SWITCH MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
At center, it certainly did. Having Graham Glasgow at center helped keep the rush off Gardner and allowed him to play more calm. First-time starter Chris Bryant was hit and miss at left guard but showed moments of his power.
IS MICHIGAN BACK TO BEING RESPECTED?
They should be. For the past three weeks, the Wolverines were shunned for their close wins over Akron and Connecticut. While Minnesota might not be much better, the Wolverines proved they can put away a lower-level team, play efficiently on offense and remain with a vibrant defense. There are certainly holes, but this game showed progress.
