3 Reasons the Green Bay Packers Exited the Playoffs Early

Stunned.

Lambeau Field went silent after the New York Giants knocked  off the No. 1 seed in the NFC and the defending Super Bowl champions.

The Green Bay Packers best season in franchise history ended Sunday on their own turf. The Packers, and their star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, were exposed and beaten by the New York Giants, and their star quarterback, Eli Manning.

Manning played elite, Rodgers did not in this game.

Eli Manning was dominant from start to finish, passing for 330 yards and three touchdowns. It was the Giants second win in Green Bay in four years. Both wins in the playoffs.

Rodgers said after the loss, “We got beat by a team that played better tonight. We play to win championships. You win a championship and you’re kind of at the top of the mountain, and you forget kind of how bad this feeling is. We had a championship caliber regular season and didn’t play well today.”

Here are three reasons the Green Bay Packers exited the playoffs early:

1. Lack of defense

The Green Bay Packers allowed 420 yards of total offense. Eli Manning passed for 325 yards and three touchdowns.

The Packers couldn’t get any pressure on Manning and couldn’t force him to make mistakes. Manning’s only mistake was a interception by Morgan Burnett that the Packers offense failed to capitalize on when John Kuhn fumbled.

Brad Jones recorded their only sack on Manning. The Packers only hit Manning seven times.

The Packers lack of pass coverage hurt them. They allowed a hail mary before halftime that put New York up ten instead of three. The Packers secondary should have knocked the ball down.

The Packers only knocked the ball down five times in the game.

Green Bay’s defense kept making stops on first and second down, but couldn’t get stops on third down, allowing New York to convert eight third downs out of sixteen.

There has to be changes on the Packers defense to contend for a title next season.

2. Turnovers

The Green Bay Packers forced one turnover. They had forced 38 in the regular season.

They also had four turnovers on offense that were literally giant killers. The turnovers definitely swung the momentum.

Aaron Rodgers had not fumbled all season, and John Kuhn fumbled for the first time in his career. Ryan Grant fumbled when the Packers made a huge stop on defense that gave the Giants the ball back in the Packers red zone.

On all three of the Packers fumbles, it appeared they were gaining momentum to score.

Rodgers also threw his seventh interception of the season.

The Packers thrived on forcing turnovers, not making turnovers, and Sunday, it all changed that hurt them.

3. Lack of offense

The Green Bay Packers offense didn’t play like the Green Bay Packers offense. They literally dropped the ball.

The wide receivers dropped seven passes, Aaron Rodgers didn’t look himself, and turnovers killed their momentum.

Rodgers looked a little rusty, as if he hadn’t played a meaningful game in three weeks.

The running game never really got going. (Rodgers was the Packers leading rusher with seven carries for 66 yards).

Rodgers had a decent game passing, but threw several balls that were off the mark. Rodgers went 26 for 46 for 264 yards and two touchdowns and one interception.

Rodgers missed a wide open Greg Jennings in first quarter that would of put the Packers up 7-3, but instead Green Bay settled for a field goal.

Another key pass Rodgers missed was when Jermichael Finley was wide open. Rodgers missed Finley, as he was just a little too far out in front for him to make catch.

Donald Driver was the Packers most consistent receiver catching all three targets passed his way. Driver led the team in yards with 45 yards.

It will be a sobering offseason for the Green Bay Packers; one that will leave a bitter taste in the Packers players and coaches mouths and hungry again for next season.

NFL Picks: 5 Underdogs Who Will Win Outright in Week 5

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Can you believe it is Week 5 already in the NFL?

Who thought teams like the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers would all have winning records at the quarter mark of the season?

The season has had many surprises: the Philadelphia Eagles and the Carolina Panthers being 1-3; the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons and the Oakland Raiders at 2-2 and the St. Louis Rams at 0-4.

The Houston Texans and New York Giants are playing under the radar at 3-1.

The Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts are just plain bad.

Lastly, we have the usual teams on top. The Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers are just good.

Here are five underdogs that will win outright in Week 5.

Arizona Cardinals At Minnesota Vikings

Both these teams have been major disappointments. Minnesota is favored despite a worse record, perhaps because they are at home.

Arizona is the better team, though. The Cardinals actually have a passing game: Kevin Kolb has 1,049 yards; Donovan McNabb has 680.

The Cardinals have better receivers; Larry Fitzgerald leads them with 361 yards receiving. The Vikings best receiver, Michael Jenkins, has 144—less than half Fitzgerald’s total.

The Cardinals’ run game has been increasingly better.  That happens to be the only positive of the Vikings offense.

Beanie Wells, now the feature back in Arizona, went over 100 yards last week and is giving the Cardinals a balanced attack.

Philadelphia Eagles At Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills beat the New England Patriots, so why not Philadelphia? Philadelphia has the line by three, but I say the Bills can squeak this one out.

It’s at Buffalo, so that plays to the Bills’ advantage. The Eagles secondary has been struggling, too. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been thriving in the air game, except for an off game last week in their loss to Cincinnati.

Buffalo has a balanced attack as well, as Fred Jackson is running the ball well (369 yards for the season). Stevie Johnson has given Fitzpatrick a solid deep threat.

The Bills defense is also much improved, especially their pass rush.

Cincinnati Bengals At Jacksonville Jaguars

The battle of rookie quarterbacks. Cincinnati is 2-2; Jacksonville is 1-3 and favored.

Cincinnati is the better team, though. Dalton has had a better season and has more offensive weapons than Blaine Gabbert.

Dalton has 868 yards, where Gabbert has 367 on the season.

Both running games are about equal, but the Bengals can air it out more with the versatile A.J. Green, who has had a spectacular rookie season with 19 catches for 312 yards and two touchdowns on the year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers At San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are favored to win this game at home. They have a hot hand, but Tampa Bay is the better team.

San Francisco has the better defense, but Tampa Bay has the better offense and so far this season, offenses have trumped defenses.

Josh Freeman had a great Monday night game against Indianapolis and has 969 passing yards on the season. The Buccaneers win because they have the better quarterback.

Both teams’ receiving games are up and down; both have solid running games.

Oakland Raiders At Houston Texans

This may be bold, but the Oakland Raiders might win this game despite being on the road and underdogs.

Houston will miss Andre Johnson, so we could see the running game really flourish in this game.

Oakland has the better run game now. Darren McFadden is having a breakout 2011 season with 468 yards and three touchdowns on the year.

Oakland’s passing game isn’t all that bad, especially with rookie speedster Denarius Moore having a breakout 2011 season.

I’d say it comes down to who can run the ball better. If Arian Foster can be effective, he and Matt Schaub may pull it out against the Raiders.

Green Bay Packers: Winners and Losers at the Season’s Quarter Mark

The Green Bay Packers have been great to start the 2011 season.
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers are off to a 4-0 start and tied atop the NFC North division with the Detroit Lions. Here are the winners and losers for the Green Bay Packers at the season’s quarter mark:

The Packers have been great so far this season as it is has been hard not to be impressed with the undefeated start for the team.

However, there has been some hiccups for the team. Injuries, and perhaps the lack of offseason workouts, hurt the defense so they could get the right chemistry.

Winners: 

Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFLthis season.

Rodgers has a league-leading 73.1 completion percentage, 1,325 passing yards, a 12-2 touchdown-interception ratio and a 124.6 passer rating. Not to mention he averages 331 passing yards a game.

On Sunday he set a new NFL record, becoming the first quarterback to throw for 400 yards, pass for four touchdowns and rush for two more.

That’s incredible.

Rodgers has the playmaking mentality in him, along with his leadership and clutch performance.

Charles Woodson

Charles Woodson isn’t playing like he is 34 years old.

Yesterday, Woodson had an interception for a touchdown, along with four tackles and a pass defense.

This season, Woodson has played with an energy that won him the Defensive Player of the Year two years ago.

Woodson already has three interceptions, one touchdown, four pass defenses and 14 tackles on the year.

Green Bay Packers Wide Receivers

The Green Bay Packers wide receivers are about as good and young as any team in the NFL this season.

Just about everyone has caught passes from Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers hit nine in his first two games, seven two weeks ago and eight last Sunday.

Greg Jennings has been Rodgers go-to receiver. Jennings has 25 receptions for 366 yards and three touchdowns.

Jordy Nelson has caught 15 passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns.

James Jones has nine catches for 88 yards and a touchdown. Donald Drivers has eight grabs for 71 yards and a touchdown.

The youngster Randall Cobb has seven grabs for 148 yards and a touchdown.

Perhaps Rodgers biggest target, Jermichael Finley has 18 catches for 234 yards and three touchdowns. All of his touchdowns came against Chicago.

Green Bay Packers Rush Defense: 

The Green Bay Packers rush defense has been the most solid while the offense isn’t on the field.

They gave up their first 100-yard rushing game last week to theDenver Broncos, allowing 119 yards. In the previous three weeks, they gave up 81, 71 and 13 rushing yards.

On the season, they are giving up 77 yards per game on the ground and averaging 3.7 yards per rush to opposing running backs.

The Packers defense has also recorded seven sacks on the season.

Losers: 

Green Bay Packers Secondary: 

It was a bummer losing Nick Collins for the season due to a neck injury.

The Green Bay Packers secondary has been relatively weak this season, outside of Charles Woodson and Morgan Burnett.

They gave up 265 yards and 384 total yards yesterday. The defense had given up 403.3 yards in the first three games. The Packers rank 28th in the league in yards allowed.

Last year, the Packers gave up 320 yards in six of their first eight games of the season, they only allowed that once in their final eight games. (Green Bay Press Gazette).

Perhaps they start to defend the pass better as the season goes on.

To be honest, the Green Bay Packers linebackers haven’t been that bad. They are getting pressure and blitzing the quarterback, and are attacking the run, but perhaps they should help the secondary stop the pass in the future more.

This linebackers have combined for 4.5 sacks.

Desmond Bishop leads the team in tackles with 36 total tackles.

Clay Matthews is off to a slow start with 14 tackles and just one sack. Matthews has been solid in the pass rush, teams are just blocking him.

The Packers linebackers will only continue to get better. It just takes time.

Green Bay Packers Linebackers: 

To be honest, the Green Bay Packers linebackers haven’t been that bad. They are getting pressure and blitzing the quarterback, and are attacking the run, but perhaps they should help the secondary stop the pass in the future more.

This linebackers have combined for 4.5 sacks.

Desmond Bishop leads the team in tackles with 36 total tackles.

Clay Matthews is off to a slow start with 14 tackles and just one sack. Matthews has been solid in the pass rush, teams are just blocking him.

The Packers linebackers will only continue to get better. It just takes time.

Aaron Rodgers: Why He’s the Best Quarterback in the NFL

 Aaron Rodgers has been elite this season.

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers to another victory and had another monster day Sunday.

Rodgers has continued to show that he is an elite quarterback with his decision-making, playmaking and the leadership he has shown the Packers.

Here are five reasons why Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the NFL right now:

No. 1: His Accuracy

Aaron Rodgers is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the entire NFL. Rodgers has a 73.1 percent completion percentage through the first four games of the season.

That is the best in the entire NFL.

Rodgers doesn’t just throw to one or two guys. Sunday, Rodgers hit eight different receivers. He hit nine in each of the first two games and seven in Week 3.

No. 2: His Playmaking ability

Aaron Rodgers can make big plays out of nothing. A prime example is when the Green Bay Packers trailed Denver 3-0 late in the first quarter.

Rodgers nailed a 50-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson that shifted the momentum. The Packers did not look back.

Look at these stats: Rodgers became the first NFL player ever to surpass 400 passing yards (408 total) while throwing four passing touchdowns and rushing for two more.

Don’t count out these stats either: he completed 76 percent of his passes, had a 134.5 passer rating and averaged a whopping 10.7 passing yards per completion.

Rodgers also gets things done when the Packers need them most. Rodgers and the Packers were 9-of-13 on third down and 5-of-6 in the red zone. That is efficiency at its finest.

On the season, Rodgers has 1,325 passing yards, a 12-2 touchdown-interception ratio and a 124.6 passer rating. He averages 331 passing yards a game.

That is an elite quarterback and the reason why Green Bay is tied atop the NFC North with the Detroit Lions.

No. 3: His Rushing Ability

Aaron Rodgers isn’t just a passer. Rodgers can run the ball, too. He showed that yesterday, with his two rushing touchdowns and nine carries for 36 yards.

But it’s not just about touchdowns. Rodgers can get it done when no receivers are open. His scrambling ability and mobility are partly why the Packers are 4-0.

When Rodgers can move outside the pocket, and avoid defenders, he has more time to find and hit his receivers for big plays.

In the last two years, Rodgers has rushed for over 300 yards. This year he has 53 yards and two touchdowns.

Rodgers will certainly need that mobility when the Packers play the Detroit Lions.

No. 4: His Clutch Performance

There may not be a more clutch quarterback than Aaron Rodgers right now in the NFL.

Rodgers is 32-20 in his career as the Packers quarterback in the regular season and 4-1 in the playoffs.

Rodgers and Green Bay have won their past ten games.

This season, Rodgers has showed why he can be clutch.

Against New Orleans in the season opener, Rodgers propelled Green Bay off to an early start, and they never gave up the lead.

Against Carolina, Green Bay was down 13-7 at halftime. They outscored the Panthers 24-10 in the second half.

Against Chicago in Week 3, Green Bay never trailed, but the Bears nearly came back. Rodgers put the team on his back and helped run out the clock late in the game.

Then, this last week against Denver, Rodgers shifted the momentum when the Packers trailed 3-0 late in the first quarter with his 50-yard touchdown pass. The Packers didn’t look back, but then when Denver pulled to within 21-17 late in the second quarter, Rodgers led another touchdown drive. In the second half, he put the game out of reach.

No. 5: He is Scary Good

Aaron Rodgers possesses a confidence in his arm that is why the Green Bay Packers are 4-0. Rodgers is cool and calm when he steps into the huddle and under center.

Rodgers wants to win and is driven to compete at the highest level every game.

He zips passes into his receivers, avoids sacks, thrives under pressure and is an accurate passer.

His decision-making and leadership are what the Packers need. Rodgers is not outspoken. He shows up to work and gets the job done.

Rodgers certainly isn’t going anywhere and will be in green and gold for a long time.

Green Bay Packers: 5 Things to Watch Sunday vs. CarolinaGreen Bay Packers: 5 Things to Watch Sunday vs. Carolina

The Green Bay Packers are 1-0 heading into the 0-1 Carolina Panthers, and there is high expectations in Green Bay, and hope in Carolina.

Here are five things to watch for in the matchup between the Packers and the Panthers:

The Panthers got a strong, 422 yard outing for Cam Newton, and a strong performance from Steve Smith. However, they lost Jon Beason for the season due to a torn Achilles tendon.

Meanwhile, the Packers offense clicked on all cylinders in their 42-34 rout of theSaints. The defense gave up a lot of points, and certainly will have people’s eyes on them to see if they can be dominant again like last year when they helped Aaron Rodgers win the Super Bowl.

1. Aaron Rodgers 

 The Green Bay Packers offense looked awfully good last Thursday night, especially Aaron Rodgers.  Rodgers threw three touchdowns in the first quarter that gave the Packers a 21-7 lead. The Packers wouldn’t trail in the game. Rodgers finished the game 27 for 35 for 312 yards, three touchdowns, and a 132.1 passer rating.

Rodgers hit nine different receivers. Could this be another special season for the Packers signal caller?

The key for Rodgers is to start fast and never look back again this week.

2. Which running back shines the most? 

In Week one against the Saint, James Starks outperformed Ryan Grant, who started the game. Starks had 12 carries for 57 yards, and a touchdown. Grant had nine carries for 40 yards.

Starks looked like he got bigger and stronger, and was the beast at running back for the Packers.

You can’t forget about John Kuhn, either. Kuhn completes the Packers three-headed running game.

Grant will probably start again this week, but there’s no question that there is running back controversy in Green Bay. However, it is better to have three solid running backs then no running game.

3. Stop Cam Newton

Cam Newton had 422 yards and three touchdowns last week. Two in the air, and the other on the ground.

Did anyone see that coming from the young, emerging star? Perhaps no one but Panther fans, or maybe not even them.

The key is to get pressure on Newton, who was sacked four times last week againstArizona. It will up to Ryan Pickett and B.J. Raji, and the linebackers pass rush they bring. I am sure Dom Capers will bring plenty of it during the course of the game.

4. Will Tramon Williams play?

Tramon Williams bruised his shoulder last week against the Saints, and did not practice on Wednesday or Friday.

Williams is a big time playmaker in the secondary and is key to the Packers pass defense.

If Williams cannot go, Sam Shields will likely start, and that wouldn’t be bad either.

5. Can Clay Matthews get back into beast mode?

After a monstrous rookie and 2010 seasons, Clay Matthews had a rather quiet game. Matthews did have four tackles, and hit the quarterback twice in the game.

The Saints didn’t let Matthews get to Brees. Let’s hope Matthew can get to Newton a few times on Sunday.

Michigan Football: 5 Things Wolverines Must Do to Avoid Letdown

 Michigan is coming off a thrilling win over Notre Dame Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

The Michigan Wolverines are coming off a thrilling, game-for-the-ages win against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Denard Robinson brought the Wolverines back from a 24-7 deficit to start the fourth quarter and had fans in Michigan Stadium singing “Victors” in between cheers of “Go Blue” at the top of their lungs.

Next week, the Wolverines play another home game at the Big House against the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Here are five things the Wolverines must do to avoid a letdown against the Eagles.

No. 1: Don’t Forget to Play Defense

The Michigan defense gave up 513 total yards to Notre Dame. This week, the Wolverines are playing against an FBS and in-state team in the Eastern Michigan Eagles.

The Eagles are averaging 419 offensive yards a game. Granted, it’s been against Alabama State and Howard, but it is still impressive.

Greg Mattison and Brady Hoke have to get their defense ready to play explosively and hold the Eagles to a low score.

The Wolverines key should be shutting down the Eagles running game as they run far more than they pass the ball.

• The Eagles running game has averaged 331 yards over the last two games. Plus they are averaging 7.4 yards a carry.
• Meanwhile, their passing game is averaging a meager 88 yards a game.

Start off strong and finish the same way should be the defense’s motto going into next Saturday.

No. 2: Let Denard Do His Thing

The Michigan offense was so much more dynamic when it revolved around Denard Robinson. Yes, Al Borges needs to get everyone involved, but let Robinson call the shots.

• Michigan had 90 yards in the first half and 362 in the second half. It scored seven points through three quarters, then four touchdowns in the fourth. Robinson had 290 second-half passing yards, which means he “amassed” 38 passing yards in the first half.
• Robinson touched the ball on all five touchdowns; one rushing on a fumble and four were passing touchdowns.
• Michigan’s scoring drives in the fourth quarter encompassed 261 yards compared to its lone 45-yard drive in the first half.
• The Wolverines finished the game with 452 total offensive yards. Robinson contributed to half of that alone in the fourth quarter. Amazing.
• Eastern Michigan is giving up 212 offensive yards a game, and that’s not against BCS teams. The Eagles also held their opponent to -13 yards last week.

Robinson and the running game are better than Alabama State, but will have to avoid their defense rush and be faster and more powerful.

Michigan should be able to put up plenty of points in this game. Score early and often should be the Wolverines’ offensive motto for Saturday’s game.

No. 3: Michigan Needs to Keep Winning to Go into Big Ten Schedule Confident

Michigan faces two more teams (Eastern Michigan and San Diego State) before starting its Big Ten schedule.

The Wolverines could be 4-0 heading into October 1st when they host Minnesota to start the Big Ten.

It certainly helps that the Wolverines continue to be at home for their non-conference schedule. Then, it gets tricky. Minnesota is at home, then they travel to Northwestern, and Michigan State. Then, Purdue at home, and travel to Iowa and Illinois. The Wolverines close out the season at home against Nebraska and Ohio State.

While Eastern Michigan and San Diego State (Brady Hoke’s former school) aren’t the perennial names like many of the Big Ten schools are, they shouldn’t be overlooked.

As you know from the previous slides, Eastern Michigan is tough against the run and has a good running game. San Diego State will be looking to beat its former coach. Hoke will be extra motivated as well. The Aztecs also have a very good passing game.

Michigan needs to go strong heading into the Big Ten, and a ranking going into its Big Ten schedule would be nice as well.

No. 4: The Wide Receivers Have to Keep Supporting Denard Robinson

Michigan’s wide receivers have really stepped up, as they did against Notre Dame. They gave Denard Robinson a security blanket, and confidence in his arm. Not to mention they also took some of the pressure off Robinson so he doesn’t have to run and get beat up.

Robinson hit seven different receivers last week, and none were bigger than the catches the receivers made in the fourth quarter.

Eastern Michigan’s strength is its rush defense, so Robinson should practice throwing the pigskin around.

He definitely could be in for a good day if he does.

No. 5: Brady Hoke and Al Borges Must Keep Trusting Denard Robinson

Last week, Brady Hoke and Al Borges got renewed trust that Denard Robinson can lead the Wolverines late in games when they need scores.

Robinson showed that he can air it out and not always just tuck it and run with it. Robinson also showed great mobility in the pocket and a willingness to hand the ball off to running backs Vincent Smith, Fitzgerald Toussaint and Michael Shaw.

It will be key to maintain Robinson’s confidence as I say this again: The heart of the Big Ten schedule is approaching, and it is tough.

Notre Dame vs. Michigan: 5 Reasons Denard Robinson Can Light Up Big Ten

Denard Robinson led Michigan to a win over Notre Dame and threw two touchdowns in final 72 seconds.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Denard Robinson led the Michigan Wolverines back to an improbable win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Saturday night.

Michigan was down 24-7 going into the fourth quarter, and one would’ve thought Notre Dame would have this game won. They didn’t and Michigan came back to win thanks to its leader and starting quarterback Robinson.

Here are five reasons Denard Robinson can light up the Big Ten after leading the Wolverines to a big win over Notre Dame:

1. Denard Robinson’s Arm Has Improved.

Denard Robinson looked confident down the stretch throwing in Saturday’s win over Notre Dame. He did throw three interceptions, but it didn’t stop him from going deep again.

Robinson saw the field and hit his receivers for big gains. He saw his receivers open and took shots at his receivers even when they were covered. Robinson stepped back, moved to his sides and threw to the open guy.

Robinson also did a great job in the pocket when it mattered most.

On his touchdown throw to Vincent Smith, Robinson took the ball, went to his right, went back to his left and hit Smith on screen for a touchdown that put Michigan up 28-24 with a 1:12.

Next, he found Jeremy Gallon wide open and then hit him on the money with 23 seconds for a big gain that brought Michigan all the way down to the Notre Dame 16.

Lastly, Roy Roundtree made a big play as he caught a pass over the Notre Dame defender for the game winning touchdown. Robinson found Roundtree in a crowded pocket but used his mobility to connect to him.

Michigan has receivers who can make big plays. Roundtree and Gallon just gave Robinson trust in his arm.

Would Robinson have done that last year? Perhaps he would have taken off and ran with it last year.

Robinson showed patience in the pocket, and didn’t force throws late in the game. His level of poise was high in the pocket in the fourth quarter. When he went out there down 31-28 with 30 seconds left, he looked ready and confident.

Finally, Robinson showed that he can run the hurry up offense effectively.

2. Denard Robinson’s Mobility in the Pocket.

Denard Robinson’s mobility helped him find the open receiver and make his throws that won the game against Notre Dame.Last year, we first noticed Robinson’s mobility when he would run. This year we have noticed it a lot more in the pocket.

Yes, Robinson rushed for 108 yards, but it was ability to stay in the pocket and pass that made the difference. Robinson had his seventh game with at least 100 yards passing and rushing.

In the fourth quarter we saw Robinson able to make plays with his arm thanks to his legs.

Robinson is becoming much more comfortable with throwing and handing off to the running backs. Robinson is ready on every play.

Early in the fourth quarter, he showed just how ready he was when tailback Stephen Hopkins fumbled on the goal line. Robinson then picked it up and ran it in the endzone on the left side for a touchdown.

Later in the quarter when Michigan most needed a play, Robinson didn’t scramble, but stayed in the pocket moving around until he found the open guy or a receiver to throw to.

Just think about it. Robinson could of taken off, but instead, he waited and saw Jeremy Gallon open. Patience. There it is again.

Every week Robinson becomes better.

This game certainly will boost Robinson’s confidence as he will able to trust his arm. His legs will help him give time to find a receiver.

3. Brady Hoke has Renewed Trust in Denard Robinson

With Denard Robinson’s ability to lead the Wolverines to the win against Notre Dame on Saturday, it will give renewed trust for Brady Hoke and Al Borges that the ball is safe in Robinson’s hands late in games.

I thought the game was over with thirty seconds left, and that Robinson might try and just tuck it and run. I am sure it went through the heads of Hoke and Borges head, too, but they didn’t signal for the kicker. They sent Robinson on the field to win the game.

Robinson did not disappoint.

Robinson totally changed that by his ability to spread the ball down field.

Michigan could have just kicked the field goal to tie the game with eight seconds. Hoke’s willingness to let Robinson try for the touchdown is a huge boost for his confidence.

With the heart of the Big Ten schedule approaching, confidence and faith in his starting quarterback to get the job done is just what Hoke needs. Robinson also showed leadership in hurrying the Wolverines up to the line of scrimmage and putting the team on his back.

4. Denard Robinson’s Confidence gets a Boost

Denard Robinson’s confidence has got to be at an all-time high right now. Coming off a big win over rival Notre Dame, and in Michigan’s first ever night game, Robinson has to be thinking that he has the support of coaches, teammates and his fans.

Robinson also has to feel encouraged knowing Hoke trusts him with the ball in his hands late in games.

Robinson’s ability to keep throwing after throwing two interceptions in the first half, and one in the fourth quarter gave him renewed confidence in his arm as well. He could have just decided, “I don’t trust my arm.” Instead, he found his receivers.

His receivers’ ability to catch his passes has to give him the confidence to keep throwing to them as well. Robinson can pass short, to the middle of the field or the side, and know that his receivers will be there.

Roundtree, Hemingway, Gallon and Koger all have got to have an encouragement that Robinson can lead lead this team and get the ball into their hands.

Robinson will know now that he can lead the team victory no matter how much time is on the clock.

5. Denard Robinson’s Decision Making

Denard Robinson’s decision making was great in the fourth quarter, minus his interception. Robinson didn’t fall into the trap of tucking and running with it every single play.

Sometimes that is alright. Not all the time though.

Instead, Robinson let plays develop. He moved around and saw the whole field.

Robinson let his receivers pick him up. His offensive line also did a great job in protecting him, and giving him time to find that open receiver.

Robinson has also learned to give the ball to his running backs. Vincent Smith, Michael Shaw and Fitzgerald Toussaint have done a solid job picking up yardage for the Wolverines.

Robinson needs games like these and it will only make his decision making stronger for when the Big Ten schedule gets tough.

Michigan vs. Notre Dame: 4 Reasons to Watch the Big House Open Under the Lights

Michigan and Notre Dame will face for the off for the 39th time. Michigan leads the series 22-15-1.

This will be the first time the game will held under the lights at Michigan Stadium since it opened in 1927.

Here are five reasons to watch the Michigan Wolverines play in the Big House open under the lights against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish:

No. 1: It’s History!

First, it is under the lights! This has never happened in Michigan history.

College Gameday will even be there to cover the game, and it’s the first primetime matchup between these teams since 1990.

Watching the Maize and Blue come out of the tunnel and hit the banner will be a sight to see when Brady Hoke leads the Wolverines onto the field to face the Fighting Irish led by Brian Kelly.

Finaly, you won’t want to miss Michigan and Notre Dame as they are going back and wearing throwback uniforms.

Michigan players will have their numbers on their winged helmets, and Notre Dame will wear a large shamrock both for the first time since the 1960′s.

No. 2: It’s a Rivalry!

 Michigan and Notre Dame are two of the most prestigious college football programs in college football history.

Even when they are not good, people watch these teams.

It is the winningest college football program (Michigan), going up against their rival, the third winningest program in college football (Notre Dame). The schools are also one and two respectively in winning percentage as well.

The teams first played in 1887. Michigan won the first eight games, before the Irish finally won in 1909. Then the teams did play again until 1942, where Michigan beat the No. 1 ranked Irish at the time. The teams did not play again until 1978 after that.

These two teams always play up until the last second, and last  year was no different as Denard Robinson struck a Heisman pose after running for 258 yards, two touchdowns, and passing for 244 yards, and a touchdown.

No. 3: Michigan Has a Chance to Make Notre Dame 0-2

After Notre Dame lost 23-20 to South Florida, the Fighting Irish fell out of the rankings and need a win to avoid starting the season 0-2.

Michigan won last week in cruising fashion over Western Michigan, 34-10, in only three quarters after play was suspended due to weather.

Michigan hopes to knock its rivals to 0-2 and boost itself into the Top 25.

The Wolverines looked good last week. They came out slow, then fought back and the tipped pass by Jake Ryan and subsequent interception by Brandon Herron for a touchdown was a huge momentum swing for the team.

On what to work on, Brady Hoke said, “Number one, I’ll start on the kicking game. Our kickoff coverage was not even close to where we need to have it. I thought kicking the ball itself, we got one PAT blocked, and we need to be stouter in the middle. I think (Brendan) Gibbons did a nice job, and I think Matt Wile did a nice job on the punts and the kickoffs. But I think defensively, we’ve got some things we need to shore up. We need to shore up where we are on the support when they want to run the ball outside and some things inside. We’ve got to be able to get pressure if we’ve got a three- or four-man rush too.”

Hoke thought Denard Robinson was in control and said that it was huge that he did not turn the ball over at all.

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090311aam.html

No. 4: The Stakes are high.

The stakes are high for both teams.

If Notre Dame loses, its BCS hopes are more than likely crushed. If Michigan loses, it’s one less quality win that might boost its confidence and rankings. Plus, it could then go on a winning streak going into a tough Big Ten.

The Irish are switching quarterbacks from Dayne Crist to Tommy Rees after Crist was injured against USF last week.

I have to wonder: If the Irish let B.J. Daniels throw for 128 yards and touchdown, and rush for 37 yards, how they will handle Denard Robinson?

For the Wolverines, the key will be playing defense. Greg Mattison and Brady Hoke had the defense improved, except on that first drive where they let Western Michigan’s Alex Carder go 8 for 8.

Jordan Kovacs had 10 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and a pass breakup, Jake Ryan tipped a pass for Brandon Herron’s interception, and then Herron’s fumble return gave the Wolverines momentum to stop Western Michigan.

However, the Irish are bit better on offense. Rees comes in for quarterback, and Michael Floyd will present a big receiving target for the Wolverines to deal with.

Denard Robinson, Fitzgerald Toussaint, Michael Shaw and Vincent Smith rushed for 190 yards and three touchdowns. That was only for three quarters, so it makes you wonder how many they can rush for in a full game.

Robinson threw for another 98 yards.

That is Michigan football. Pounding the ball, and playing hard-nosed defense.

 

 

College Football Predictions 2011: 7 Potential Upsets in Week 1

 A win over Boise St. in Week 1 would be huge for Mark Richt and the Georgia Bulldogs. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

It’s hard to believe summer is already over, but college football is back!

The college football madness begins Saturday night with Oregon and LSU squaring off in Dallas and then on Saturday night at Atlanta when Boise State plays Georgia.

Week 1 of college football starts this Saturday, and here are seven potential upsets that could happen.

N0. 1: #19 Georgia vs. #5 Boise State

Mark Richt may be on the biggest hot seat of any college football coach. Richt has gone 6-7, 8-5 and 10-3 the last three seasons after going 11-2 and winning the SEC East and Sugar Bowl.

Richt has a quarterback that has a year of starting under his belt now. Aaron Murray threw for 3,049 yards and threw 24 touchdowns to eight interceptions. However, Murray lost top receiver A.J. Green to the NFL.

Wide receiver Tavarres King will be Murray’s go to guy, after catching passes 27 times for 504 yards last year. Marlon Brown and Rantavious Wooten will be receivers to keep an eye on as well.

Georgia’s offensive line will have to protect Murray from the Boise State defensive line.

One thing that Georgia does well is in the kick return game. Cornerback Brandon Boykin returns and returned four kickoffs last year. Boise State will want to key on him and kick it to the end zone, kick it short or to the other side to avoid Boykin returning a touchdown.

On defense for Georgia, they lose linebacker Akeem Dent, and Christian Robinson will replace him. Robinson had 46 tackles and six for a loss a season ago.

For Boise State, they want to redeem themselves after losing to Georgia 48-13 on national television.

Offensively speaking, Kellen Moore returns after a big 2010 season. Moore passed for 3,845 yards and threw 35 touchdowns to six interceptions. Moore was sacked six times last year.

Moore will have experience at left guard as Nate Potter is back.

Losing receivers Titus Young and Austin Pettis are huge for Moore, but there is good crop of receivers coming in. Sophomore Geraldo Hiwat will be playmaker for the Broncos.

The Broncos secondary is full of studs and will look to make Murray’s night miserable passing.

If Murray can stay upright, it could be a long night for the Broncos.

No. 2: #14 TCU vs Baylor

TCU has a big hole to fill left by quarterback Andy Dalton. Their first game isn’t all that easy either. The game is at Baylor.

Casey Pachall will get that task to fill in for Dalton at quarterback.

The TCU defense will carry the team this season. Linebacker Tank Carder will be the anchor rushing the opponent’s passer.

Linebacker Tanner Brock will help Carder rattle Griffin and the running game. Defensive lineman Stansly Maponga and Braylon Broughton will be forces as well.

Last year, Baylor was embarrassed 45-10 by TCU, and that might provide motivation itself for the Bears.

Robert Griffin III returns at quarterback for the Bears is fun to watch as he can make plays with legs and arms. Kendall Wright will be Griffin’s top receiver.

The biggest question for Baylor will be replacing left tackle Danny Watkins and rusher Jay Finley. Cyril Richardson is to start Watkins. Jared Sulubi and Terrance Ganaway figure to both get carries.

Baylor could pull the upset if Griffin can pull a few fast ones on this TCU defense.

No. 3: #16 Notre Dame vs. South Florida

In head coach Brian Kelly’s second season, Notre Dame has high expectations. Dayne Crist leads the team at quarterback, and wide receiver Michael Floyd returns to catch passes.

However, it is the Fighting Irish defense that all eyes will be on, where they return nine starters.

South Florida is in head coach Skip Holtz’s second season, and junior quarterback B.J. Daniels has high expectations. Daniels has sixth-year receiver A.J. Love back, who didn’t play last season but had a solid 2009 season with 26 catches for 489 yards and four touchdowns.

The South Florida defense is there best, where they return six starters and all of their secondary. The Bulls’ defense was 17th in the country last year.

The Bulls’ could pull the upset if their defense gets Crist to makes mistakes.

No. 4: #3 Oregon vs. #4 LSU

This is the game of the week, and it gets tougher since LSU is going to be without quarterback Jordan Jefferson.

So who has the edge? For now, it has to be Oregon. Chip Kelly’s high powered offense returns Darron Thomas and LaMichael James.

LSU will go with quarterback Jarrett Lee, who will have receiver Reuben Randle to air it out to.

It will be the LSU defense that will carry the team anyway. Their defensive line is big and strong and can knock around about anybody. It will be interesting to see what they do the Oregon offensive line and how it affects Oregon’s Thomas throws and his ability to spread the field.

Jarrett Lee is the difference maker. Les Miles will have this LSU Tigers team ready to go, and if the defensive line can make Thomas feel out of his zone, the Tigers might be in luck to pull the upset.

No.5: East Carolina vs #12 South Carolina

The South Carolina Gamecocks have a feared offense in 2011 with Stephen Garcia at quarterback who has dynamic receiver Alshon Jeffery to throw. Then at running back is home run threat Marcus Lattimore.

For East Carolina, they play ranked opponents tough. Just look at last year when they knocked off Virginia Tech and West Virginia and ruined their BCS hopes. The Pirates could do the same to the Gamecocks.

Last year, the Pirates averaged 37 points a game and 318 passing yards. They must score a lot to have any chance of knocking off the Gamecocks.

The Pirates switch to the 3-4 defensive scheme also will be at test against the Gamecocks.

If the Pirates defense can pressure Garcia into making mistakes, this team could pull off another Virginia Tech type upset, like back in 2008 to start the season.

No. 6: #13 Virginia Tech vs. Appalachian State

Virginia Tech doesn’t want to fall victim to Appalachian State to start the season, like when the Mountaineers defeated Michigan a few years ago. The Hokies also don’t want to start the season 0-2 like last year when they lost to Boise State and James Madison.

The big task for the Hokies will be to stop the Mountaineers offense and quarterback DeAndre Presley. The Mountaineers were 10th overall in the FCS in total offense (430 yards a game), and seventh in scoring offense (34 points a game).

The Mountaineers defense was torrid last year allowing 347 yards a game and 23 points per game.

The Hokies should have no trouble scoring points.

This could be a high scoring affair if the Hokies forget to play defense. Otherwise, it could be a blow out.

If the Mountaineers can spread the ball with their offense, they could take the Hokies down to the wire.

No. 7: #21 Missouri vs. Miami (OH.)

Missouri lost quarterback Blaine Gabbert, and James Franklin will fill that void in 2011.

The inexperience of Franklin and an inexperienced secondary are the holes for the Tigers. Safety Kenji Jackson is the only returning member of the secondary.

For Miami (OH), they went from losing 10 games to winning 10 games last year.

To beat Missouri, the RedHawks will have to score points and take advantage of a weak Missouri secondary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michigan Wolverines Football: 7 Players Who Are Key to 2011 Season

The Michigan Wolverines start the Brady Hoke Era on Saturday at the Big House against Western Michigan. Here seven players who are keys for the Wolverines to be successful in 2011:

No. 1: Denard Robinson, QB

Denard Robinson is the key to Michigan’s offense in 2011.

The two biggest questions for the 2011 season for the Michigan Wolverines are can Robinson adapt to Brady Hoke and Al Borges’ new system, and if Robinson can stay healthy a full season?

First, Robinson had a great season in 2010. Robinson passed for 2,570 yards, completed 62.5% of his passes, and threw 18 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. On the ground, Robinson ran for 1,702 yards, scored 14 touchdowns, and averaged 6.6 rushing yards per attempt.

Second, this offseason Robinson has had to adapt to Hoke and Borges’ new system. That system is a West Coast offense where Robinson will have to take more snaps under center now. It will also want Robinson to hand the ball off more to help lighten the load off Robinson.

Robinson will have to learn not to always tuck and run with the ball, but to be patient. Plays will develop if given time. There will times to tuck and run with it.

Michigan will want Robinson to start and finish this season.

Third, the biggest and most important factor for Michigan to be successful is keep Robinson healthy.

Robinson did not even finish at least 10 games last year. Imagine what he could do if didn’t get injured last year and finished games.

No. 2: Ryan Van Bergen, DT

Ryan Van Bergen is a senior leader for the Wolverines on the defensive line this season and listed number one on the depth chart heading into Saturday.

The senior had 30 tackles last year, and four sacks.

Van Bergen has been steady on the defensive line making 26 career starts on the line, and playing in 37 games. Van Bergen has 90 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, nine sacks, one fumble recovery and six pass breakups during his career as a Wolverine.

Brady Hoke and Greg Mattison are definitely ready to make this team a defensive team again.

Michigan drops its 3-3-5 scheme, and Mattison brings in the 4-3 scheme. Van Bergen will play tackle this season in the scheme.

Van Bergen also got up to 288 pounds this offseason to help beef up the line.

Mattison doesn’t want the Wolverines to give up any more big plays, and Van Bergen will help anchor a defensive line that has to attack quarterback and shut down opponent’s running games, which the Big Ten has a lot of good running backs.

No. 3: Mike Martin, DT

Mike Martin is number one on the depth chart in the 3-4 scheme in the middle for the Wolverines, and also a team captain in 2011. Martin will be called upon to be a defensive leader for Hoke and Mattison.

In the offseason, Martin beefed up to 304 pounds to get stronger and better.

While at Michigan, Martin has racked up 108 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in his career. Last year, Martin had 36 sacks and 1.5 sacks.

No. 4: Craig Roh, DE

In his career at Michigan, Roh has racked up 80 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles and four pass breakups during his career. Roh had 42 total tackles, a half of a sack, and two forced fumbles last year.

This offseason Roh added 18 pounds and is up to 269 now. Roh will be the defensive end in Mattison’s 3-4 scheme.

In the new 3-4 scheme, Roh will be looked upon to be a physical presence and helping stop the big plays from ever happening.

No. 5: Troy Woolfolk, CB

Troy Woolfolk was going to the one of the steady, solid upperclassman last year, but then got injured. Now, Woolfolk is back and ready to hit again.

In 2009, Woolfolk had 46 tackles. Now, Woolfolk is back and starting on the left side come Saturday when the season kicks off.

Woolfolk got disappointed with being injured last season, but worked harder to get healthy again, and now is the starter. Woolfolk will be relied upon heavily by Mattison to help anchor the secondary that gave up way too many big plays.

No. 6: Roy Roundtree, WR

Roy Roundtree was the Wolverines leading receiver last season after hauling in 72 catches for 936 yards and seven touchdowns.

With Darryl Stonum out now, Roundtree will be counted on even more. Offensive coordinator Al Borges needs that go to receiver to step up and run good routes and block down field as well.

Roundtree will definitely be called upon to do that.

Roundtree will be the starter opposite Junior Hemingway. Both are fast, and can open down field.

Like the defensive lineman, Gordon put on weight and muscle as well. Gordon is up to 222 pounds. Gordon will look to be an athletic linebacker who can play off the edge with a fire.

Last year, Gordon accumulated 77 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, three interceptions, four PBUs, two fumble recoveries, one blocked kick and a defensive touchdown.

Gordon played safety and linebacker last year, but will start the year as a linebacker come Saturday.

This was a huge improvement as Gordon, as he switched from wide receiver to defense in the spring of 2010.