But just how soon will fans see them on the field?

Fans often talk about how they can predict the plays as they happen, and grumble about how good the team would be if they would just be a little more creative and aggressive.

But would Michigan really consider changing things up, especially with Lloyd Carr still in town?

Read on to find out the reasons why I think a few changes might be in the works, whether it be for this season or next:

1. The Zone-Blocking Scheme:

Carr realized the benefits of mixing things up when he and his staff installed a successful take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers' and Denver Broncos' running attacks last year, implementing a zone-blocking scheme and watching Mike Hart rack up the yards because of it.

This could tempt the usually conservative Carr to make a few more changes with the offense given the vast array of talents he has at his disposal.

2. The Future at QB has Arrived:

Ryan Mallett is a once-in-a-generation talent who has unfortunately been a bit overshadowed by the Jimmy Clausen hype eminating from South Bend, Indiana, and Carr and his coaches know it.

The 6'6 gunslinger would benefit from being able to sit back in the shotgun and look over the defense, and with his incredible arm, the added distance for throws wouldn't bother him much at all. He's also more mobile than he's given credit for.

3. Bo Said it Would be Okay!:

Flash back to an interview from last year, when the now-deceased Michigan legend said on camera that he would run the shotgun spread offense if he were still coaching.

Those words carry a lot of weight, especially with Carr, one of Bo's disciples and most trusted friends.

4. The Antonio Bass Experiment:

The Wolverines had shotgun spread packages installed and ready to go for 2006 to take advantage of the multi-talented young QB/WR hybird Bass, but he unfortunately tore his ACL and probably won't be back for another year if he even plays again.

This is another clue that UM is willing to embrace the new style of offense.

And who knows, Bass could even come back again and play an Antwaan Randle El-type of role.

5. Wide Receivers Galore:

UM is absolutely stacked at wide receiver for now and in the future, which raises the question: Where are they going to play all of these guys and take advantage of their immense talents?

Juniors include All Big Ten-caliber players Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington. Manningham may go pro, of course, but you never know.

Sophomores include potential breakout star Greg Mathews and solid prospect LaTerryal Savoy.

Incoming freshmen are highly-touted Toney Clemons and Martell Webb.

UM also just signed 4-star Daryl Stonum and is going after Detroit 4-star Fred Smith as well as elite TE/WR star Jonathan Baldwin, who prefers to play WR. 4-star tight end recruit Brandon Moore is also quick and talented enough to flex out wide.

6. Carr's Influence and Potential Departure:

Lloyd Carr might be riding off into the sunset soon, and he has young, enthusiastic assistants like Ron English and Scott Loeffler (a renowned QB coach who may take over the offense soon) who may be poised to take over the program when Carr leaves. If either of them gets promoted, they would definitely consider adding some spread elements.

7. Tressel has Shown them the Way:

Ohio State still runs a lot of basic pro-style formations, but they have also done an excellent job of throwing in spread formations to keep teams off-guard, especially against Michigan. Jim Tressel has made it painfully clear to Carr that it can be beneficial to mix things up on the fly.

The Bottom Line:

UM wasn't afraid to change things up last year on both sides of the ball, and that resulted in their best season since 2000. Perhaps Carr finally has gotten the memo, and working in some spread offense seems like the best way to add punch to an offense that doesn't always live up to its potential.

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Lloyds Apple said:

	Michigan taking notes on OSU's spread offense....nice. If I were a Michigan fan, I'd be more worried about the defense.
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July 27, 2007
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ItOffishul said:

the front seven is going to be very good. trust me. Brandon Graham is LaMarr Woodley 2.0, Tim Jamison has experience and is finally healthy and will break out, Terrance Taylor is a middle-clogger with some athleticism, and Shawn Crable while dumb sometimes (see the Troy Smith hit) is an excellent weapon on the blitz. Morgan Trent at CB worries me, but our safeties are better this year led by Stevie Brown, a future star. Wait til I get to my preview/countdown...

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July 27, 2007
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Lloyds Apple said:

	Perhaps you missed my review of Michigan: http://deathrattlesports.com/a...ogram.html
	report abuse vote down vote up

July 28, 2007
Votes: +0

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