Any update on the Smith injury?

[dubbsco]

By far? I am not seeing it man. I have to rewatch his carries, but I am not seeing any of this big time vision, power, and speed that you guys are talking about. He just feels like a taller version of Derrick Green right now to me.

 

[wlvrnstlr4life]

Not to be blowing myself or anything, but I did tell everyone not to forget that we had Deveon Smith ever since he arrived on campus. Most here and other places were Derrick Green this and Derrick Green that and I didn't see it in his high school film. I always felt Smith had the better film and better style of running. Now he just needs to see where the hell he is going and not be so concerned with running everyone down that is trying to tackle him.

 

[TheVictors]

De'Veon is the sledgehammer
Issac is the most well-rounded in the long run
The Drake is the most explosive in terms of burst, but small
Houma on the Belly for 7yds
Kerridge on the FB Dive for 7yds


Green is the odd man out ...

 

[thewolverines24]

Green could trip over a quarter with the way he runs.

 

[dubbsco]

Well I just don't think Isaac has a big enough sample size to say all of these things about him. Remember how we all felt about Derrick Green last year after Appy State and Miami OH? There was a ton of chatter about how he's finally hit his talent and he's the guy of the future. I need to see more Issac before talking about all these traits he has. I've seen enough of Smith to know he's the starter that this team needs.

 

[Michlady]

I can see that sbout sample size

Hopefully we see more of others esoecially as smith might get hurt again

 

[wlvrnstlr4life]

Green could trip over a quarter with the way he runs.

LOL, he also dances in the hole which was annoying the hell out of me last Saturday.

 

[bphillips4gg]

Well I just don't think Isaac has a big enough sample size to say all of these things about him. Remember how we all felt about Derrick Green last year after Appy State and the Miami OH? There was a ton of chatter about how he's finally hit his talent and he's the guy of the future. I need to see more Issac before talking about all these traits he has. I've seen enough of Smith to know he's the starter that this team needs.

Well said. Any argument that starts out with "in 19 carries" isn't really set up for success. I'm not discounting your take, Monster, just saying that it's still such a small sample size that it's hard to say definitively that's the way it would be long term. I'm all for finding out this weekend, I wouldn't put Smith out there at all.

Plus, I know that second guessing is what we do as fans, but I'm inclined to give Harbaugh the benefit of the doubt until he gives us a reason not to. Maybe the physical style of Smith is what he wants out there to set that mindset for the rest of the team. Maybe he just likes the fact that Smith seems to have embraced the vision Jim has for the program. One thing is for damn sure, you can't deny the fact that he's been a sight for sore, blue eyes these past few weeks and he's definitely earned the respect of his teammates by playing harder than anyone else on the field.

 

[thewolverines24]

LOL, he also dances in the hole which was annoying the hell out of me last Saturday.

Yeah his vision is sub-par. Makes it even worse for ol' choppy steps.

 

[thewolverines24]

Well said. Any argument that starts out with "in 19 carries" isn't really set up for success.

FYI - I just used the 19 carries stat to show he has been solid in the carries he's received this year. He's a good option to have as a 2nd back.

 

[dubbsco]

If Smith is ready to go, play him. Doesn't matter the opponent, any road game in the B10 is a battle. If you get up enough then yeah, rest him.

 

[hungry]

Mike Hart did not have the speed to outrun opponents. Great back, but I remember him being caught from behind quite a few times. He was shifty and broke a lot of tackles, though.

When these running backs get it out of their head that they need to break 11 tackles every play, they will be better. I don't know who taught them to run like that. Maybe in high school, they were just talented enough to run over everyone that tried to tackle them. Making a guy miss is much better than breaking a tackle. It might take a while for a real RB coach to change this mindset.

 

[zyxt9]

Since they didn't play Kerridge vs BYU so that he could rest up his ankle, I doubt Smith gets many touches even if he does start. It's Maryland, and even though it is the start of the B1G season, it's still Maryland. Not starting Smith and letting the others have their time in the backfield is the better option. I'd much rather have Smith healthy for NW than to tweak his injury again vs Maryland.

So many decent RBs in the UM backfield, spread the wealth. Everything will be fine regardless of which RBs take the field, so let Smith rest.

There, I've shared my thoughts. That and $100 will get ya a cup of coffee (unless you go to a $tarbuck$)...because whomever is forced to listen to my thoughts deserves that $/hr rate, just ask my therapists! Unfortunately for all of you, you only read what I write. ;P

 

[rumseyhouse77]

The thing that concerns me right now is that teams are going to get the idea that to beat Michigan what you have to do is stop the run and force Michigan to win games on Rudock's arm. If a team can do that, then Michigan will be in trouble unless Harbaugh can come up with a winning game plan based on a short passing game. We need Smith and the other backs to be healthy, especially vs MSU and OSU, to avoid a decline in the running game. The other backs could use the work, so rest Smith this game and save him for NW, MSU, Minny, and OSU.

 

[MAIZEandBLUE09]

I hope those calling for Isaac to be the starter feel bad now. Smith is the starter for a reason and it's because Isacc is alright, but not great. And no one behind smith can pass block.

 

[TheVictors]

I think Isaac is better when catching the call out of the backfield rather than running between the tackles. Anyone on campus see if they catch Ty carrying a football to class every day this week ....

Green just doesn't have the burst or decision making

 

[Michlady]

I hope those calling for Isaac to be the starter feel bad now. Smith is the starter for a reason and it's because Isacc is alright, but not great. And no one behind smith can pass block.

oh i accept smith as #1 RB but I liked the way Ty ran (when not fumbling)

didn't say he should be number 1 - right now he dropped to #3

but I too am concerned about everyone trying to stop run game and relying on QB/WR combos (I felt CHesson should have had two catches that he didn't make - not necessarily Rudock fault)

 

[hungry]

It is very interesting to watch Johnson, though.

Remember he is coming off of a huge injury and is still getting back up to speed.

Has he hit his stride? Does he still have a ways to go until he is 100%?

 

[wlvrnstlr4life]

It is very interesting to watch Johnson, though.

Remember he is coming off of a huge injury and is still getting back up to speed.

Has he hit his stride? Does he still have a ways to go until he is 100%?

He is not 100%, yet. He has that initial burst, but he lacking his top end speed, leg strength, and his little jump cuts. That knee brace is preventing some of this.

 

[Michlady]

i don't think Drake is back to 100%
be brace, caution, etc. but nice to watch him