But isn’t it the offensive coordinator’s job to maximize the potential of his offense? If it is, someone should tell Al Borges. Borges’ play calling has been by far the most frustrating aspect of this Michigan team all season (as well as last year). What Michigan needed from today’s game-plan was a balanced attack, that could neutralize the Spartan’s pass rush with some quick passing and a downhill running game. Instead, Borges called long passing plays that his offensive line simply was incapable of blocking for and predictable hesitation run plays out of the shotgun that fooled no one and forced Fitzgerald Toussaint to run, at a keyed up defensive front, without any momentum when he got the ball. Borges’ plays don’t fool any defenses and aren’ very effective to start with. As you could easily predict, the passing plays didn’t work, and Michigan rushed for the fewest yards in the history of the program: -48. Borges is an astoundingly inept coach, who seems either completely unaware of what his offense really is or is too stubborn to adapt to it. Either way, he shouldn’t be at Michigan next year.
Also, if Brady Hoke is going to go without a headset during games, disconnecting himself from in-game play calling, then he is responsible for Borges choices. Hoke must recognize his offensive coordinator’s maddening game-plan and play calling and do something about it.
Michigan’s offense hasn’t been quite right all year, and has been covered up partly because they have won and demolished some awful defenses. But after the awful play calling in the overtimes against Penn State two weeks ago and now today’s debacle, Borges’ ineptitude is very obvious and has made Michigan’s offense an absolute joke.