Sunday, September 4, 2005

David Guralnick / The Detroit News Tailback Michael Hart evades a tackle attempt by Jason Hutton of Northern Illinois in the second quarter.

Burning Questions

You can't say much in U-M's defense

By John Niyo / The Detroit News

Offending teams Which team impressed you more over the weekend? The Lions' offense MSU's offense U-M's offense Get results and comments Related links  NCAA football scores and stats Big Ten Talk Big Ten Weblog U-M schedule U-M roster U-M stats Big Ten schedule Big Ten standings Big Ten stats AP Top-25 poll USA Today / ESPN Top-25 poll Game photo galleries U-M 33, N. Illinois 17 Comment on this story Send this story to a friend Get Home Delivery

ANN ARBOR -- Burning questions after Michigan's 33-17 victory over Northern Illinois in the season opener at Michigan Stadium.

Q: So what did we learn about the Wolverines?

A: Nothing we didn't already know. And that's the good news and the bad for Michigan fans.

Q: OK, how about the good news first?

A: It's only one game, but the offense -- led by a relaxed, confident Chad Henne -- looks as good as advertised.

The receiving corps will be fine, with Jason Avant proving he's ready to be the go-to guy now that Braylon Edwards has moved on to the NFL. And Michael Hart looks to be in great shape. Just ask Jason Hutton, the 240-pound linebacker whom Hart flattened on the way to the end zone late in the first quarter. Hart's backup, freshman Kevin Grady, also had an impressive debut.

Q: And the bad news?

 

A: Well, it didn't take long for the fans to start grumbling Saturday. Northern Illinois encountered little resistance on its first possession, a 16-play, 86-yard drive that ate up nearly seven minutes. It only got worse on the second series when Huskies tailback Garrett Wolfe took a handoff on second-and-6, gained the corner and raced 76 yards down the Michigan sideline for a touchdown.

Q: Whose fault was that?

 

A: Well, let's just say free safety Ryan Mundy might want to take a bathroom break right before that play starts during tonight's film session. Mundy, who struggled as much as anyone against the run late last season, and cornerback Grant Mason got caught inside and failed to contain Wolfe on the play.

Q: Fine, but it's clearly not just one or two players that are to blame, is it?

A: No, it's a group effort, to be sure. Yes, the defense forced some turnovers Saturday. (Northern Illinois lost only one fumble all last season, by the way.) And, yes, Michigan's front four put some pressure on the quarterback.

But Wolfe's long touchdown run was déjÀ vu all over again for Michigan fans. Last season, the Wolverines gave up seven touchdowns of 60 yards or more, including five in their final four games.

On Saturday, it was more than just the big play, too. Northern Illinois piled up 411 yards of total offense, including 211 on the ground. That was rather appalling.

Q: Says who?

 

A: Well, Bo Schembechler, for one. The old coach joined the ABC broadcast for a quick interview during the second half of Saturday's game and was typically blunt in his assessment of the defense.

"When I see that defense, it really worries me," Schembechler said. "First of all, I'm not sure that we have enough speed in there right now, particularly in the secondary. Secondly, our tackling is atrocious. That's not typical Michigan defense."

Q: Was that it?

 

A: Not quite. Schembechler also offered sage advice to those who have labeled the Wolverines national-championship contenders.

"You can't win this conference unless you play great defense," Schembechler said. "So don't start talking about the Rose Bowl until you do."

Hey, Bo knows.

Burning questions You can reach John Niyo at john.niyo@detnews.com.