The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/246097
want to be able to run the football. We've talked about that since day one. We will improve that game." Nussmeier, who coordinated college offenses at Alabama, Washington and Fresno State, left no doubt that he understands his — and Michigan's — marching orders. "We need to run the football," he assured. "Just briefly looking at statistically where we're at, we've got to eliminate the sacks. We can't have lost-yardage plays. That's the No. 1 thing. We've got to eliminate that. "We can't have undisciplined pen- He summed up what he wants Michigan's offense to look like in three words: Tough. Physical. Explosive. He'll get no argument there from Hoke, Brandon or any of the throng inside Michigan Stadium on any given Saturday. They'll also be looking for a dash of consistency, and the ability to shine when November rolls around. While Nussmeier is putting players in the best possible positions, he cautioned that he understands his own isn't to be lightly regarded. "When you say 'Michigan,' it's syn- Head coach Brady Hoke on Nussmeier "We have a vision, we know what that is, and that's why Doug is here today. He's a guy with national championship experience, which is the highest goal that we all have." alties, pre-snap penalties. Any time you're trying to find consistency on offense, you've got to start from the basis of, 'We're not going to go backwards. We're not going to have lost-yardage runs. We're not going to take sacks. We're not going to have penalties.' "That's the first thing we'll start from. As long as the ball is moving forward and we're ending every series in a kick, we'll have a chance. That's where we want to start." It's all about creating opportunities, Nussmeier stressed. He's all about putting playmakers in the best possible position to make plays, controlling the tempo of the game on offense and creating competitive advantages. onymous with football," he assured. "I don't care if you go to a mall in California, Texas, Florida, you're going to see somebody wearing Michigan. When you get an opportunity to coach at a place like this and to be a part of this … and this isn't about me. This isn't about coaching. It's always about the players. "The type of people that come to Michigan, the quality of kids, what they've achieved not only on the field but look at the achievement off the field — it is a special, special place. There are not many of them. "To have the opportunity to come here and be a part of that was something, after we discussed it as a family, we felt was the right move for us." ❑