"Spread 'em: Offense can't play catch up forever"

Dave DenHerder

Double Down

It was a not uncommon scene at the Big House on Saturday. "A familiar setting," as ESPN's Chris Fowler put it. Ann Arbor in late September - a chill in the air, but enough sun to burn one side of your face.

Wisconsin was in town. The Badgers were ranked in the top 25 and all ready to prove themselves against Michigan.

ABC was in the booth again, Dollar Dogs were grilling on Hoover St. again and Michigan cheerleaders almost had us convinced they'd forgotten the "N" again.

The red-clad Bucky faithful screamed and stomped and watched their team lose. Again. But things Saturday were typical on a deeper level.

On Michigan's first possesion: Thomas for six, Thomas for three, Thomas for three, Thomas for four, Thomas for one, fumble.

In fairness, the fumble was a bad call (typical). And in fairness, Lloyd Carr needed to establish the run - which he did. Thomas had a solid 65 yards late in the first half.

The only problem? Michigan had no points.

So the Wolverines began to play catchup, and the 2-minute squad went to work.

Michigan eeked in a field goal before the half to tie the score at 3-3.

Which gives rise to the great debate in Ann Arbor these days: Is time-of-possesion the best defense against a spotty defense?

Carr has chosen his side. With Eric Wilson and Jake Frysinger benched, and Michigan's secondary still in question, the coach strives to possess the ball as long as possible. Even with two turnovers, Michigan won the possesion battle in the first half by almost two minutes.

But because Michigan burns so much clock, the 2-minute offense Carr has relied on all season (and last - see: Orange Bowl) to save him, hasn't even had two minutes to work with.

In the first half last week, it was the 1:46 drill. Saturday, it was the 69-second drill. Both resulted in field goal attempts.

In the second half, Michigan's strategy doesn't change unless it has to. Saturday was no different. Michigan won the third-quarter possession battle, holding the ball for 8:33. But the Wolverines only managed three points.

So, when Bollinger put seven points on the board early in the fourth, Michigan was playing catchup again.

With time for Michigan's counterattack now at a premium, the playbook finally began to open up. Luckily for Michigan, David Terrell won what looked like a playground game of "500" in the endzone, and put the Wolverines on top.

So it was a typical Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor.

But is that necessarily the best thing for the Wolverines?

Michigan has proven that possessing the ball can double as a defense. The "just enough to pull it out" philosophy seems just as valid as any other. After all, a win is a win is a win.

But playing catchup in every game - living by the sword - can, and has, resulted in disaster. I am haunted by the words of Steve Hutchinson, deep in the Rose Bowl tunnels two weeks ago, as I wiped the 110-degree sweat from my brow.

"We've done it so many times before," he said. "I really thought we were going to come back and win. It was kind of sad."

Keep in mind the Wolverines came within several feet - wide left - of a tie game and possible overtime Saturday.

The spread offense in West Laffayette next Saturday will not forgive a low point total on Michigan's behalf.

So the Wolverines are left with an option as they travel to Ross-Aide Stadium.

Thomas' success on the draw last week at Illinois proves that establishing the pass can be just as effective as establishing the run. Michigan could put more faith in Drew Henson, be more creative on the offensive end and put points up early.

Or, the Wolverines could do what the Wolverines have done. Run the ball, run the clock, and rally. And pray for rain.

- David DenHerder can be reached at dden@umich.edu.