12 - The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 Tackling for 'M' needs to improve GRADES Continued from Page 10 OFFENSIVE LINE: The linemen have done what is asked of them. The Michigan style of play that wears down opposing defensive lines over the course of a game has worked well, evident by Chris Perry's seven and 11-yard runs late in the Utah game. They have given Navarre decent protection, although that can improve. They are getting better than average push in the trenches. "I think we are playing really well," junior Tony Pape said. "We are running the ball well, but we need to protect John (Navarre) a little better. We have allowed too many hurries, and I think we need to give him more time back there." A- DEFENSIVE LINE: The run? Whatarun? The line has held, and is getting to opposing quarterbacks with satisfactory frequency (17 sacks in the four games). Opponents are rushing just 81.8 yards per game and 2.5 yards per carry. A- LINEBACKERS: "I think we need to be more con- sistent as a group," senior captain Victor Hobson said. "We have the talent to do it and we have the experience. We just need to come out and be more consistent." Every team has been able to pick apart Michi- gan's zone pass defense and march down the field, and the linebackers are a big part of that. Further, the entirety of the Michigan defense has had a tough time making tackles, and the linebackers are going to be the first to incur the wrath of the coaching staff if the trend continues. B- DEFENSIVE BACKS: Marlin Jackson has emerged as the preeminent cover corner in the Big Ten, and is among the best in the country. Quarterbacks are not only avoiding his side of the field, but readily admitting as much (Utah quarterback Lance Rice said their game plan was altered because of Jack- son's presence). That being said, the team has allowed more than 230 yards per game in the air, and the defensive backs, like the linebackers, are having a difficult time tackling. Jackson gets an A-plus. The defensive backs as a unit are not yet that good. B Gators look to bounce back in SEC Nebraska hits the road against ranked opponent in No. 19 Iowa State By Asim Modi For The Daily Unlike Texas (which does not believe in playing a real game until the middle of October), there are a num- ber of ranked teams playing in some interesting contests this weekend. KENTUCKY AT No. 7 FLORIDA, 3:30 P.M., CBS: After emerging victorious from the Slip-N-Slide that was Ney- land Stadium last Saturday, Florida now faces a Kentucky squad that sports a perfect 4-0 record. The Wild- ACROSS THE cats defeated Mid- dle Tennessee State NATON handily and go into Gainesville looking to break their 15- game losing streak against the Gators. Rex Grossman got his Heisman cam- paign back on track by completing 20- of-34 passes for 324 yards with three touchdowns, en route to a stunning road victory against the Volunteers. But credit for the win should go to the defense for their limiting of Tennessee to just 99 rushing yards after giving up an average of more than 200 yards on the ground in their previous contests. This improve- ment will have to continue if Florida hopes to stop the high-powered Ken- tucky offense. In previous years, the defense could just concentrate on the massive target that is Wildcat quarterback Jared Lorenzen, but now Kentucky boasts a balanced attack that features the SEC's second leading rusher Artose Pinner. Even though the Kentucky defense is giving up nearly 15 points a game fewer than last year, it will find it dif- ficult to stop a Gator offense that has players like Grossman, Earnest Gra- ham, and Taylor Jacobs. Florida 45, Kentucky 17 No. 20 NEBRASKA AT No. 19 IOWA STATE, 3:30 P.M.: This is Nebraska's first game since its humiliating 40-7 drubbing against Penn State and it faces an Iowa State squad that is led by one of the nation's most exciting players, Seneca Wallace. The Corn- huskers have questions on both sides of the ball, but the defense has to be. particularly worried. In their last three games against ranked opponents, the Huskers have given up 139 points. The offense, meanwhile, has also struggled under new quarterback Jam- mal Lord. He has passed for just 328 yards in four games and many of his 423 rushing yards came during the end of the Penn State game, when the out- come was not in doubt. Last year's conference rushing leader, Dahrran Diedrick, has been unable to break 100 yards in a game so far this year. On the other hand, Wallace ranks sixth in the nation in pass efficiency and his ability to improvise nearly led to an upset against Florida State in the Cyclones' season opener. , Iowa State 35, Nebraska 30 No. 16 WASHINGTON STATE AT CALI- FORNIA, 5:00 P.M.: This is a matchup between teams that have come back to Earth in recent weeks. California jumped out to a 3-0 start after destroy- ing Michigan State, but lost a squeaker to Air Force last weekend. The Cougars lost the highly antici- pated Rose Bowl preview to Ohio State two weeks ago, but they may have lost even more after quarterback Jason Gesser left last week's win over Montana Sate with a broken rib. His status for Saturday's game is unclear, as is the condition of his backup Matt Kegel, who suffered a bruised knee last week. Washington State is still a leading contender for the Pac-10 title despite the unimpressive showing against the Buckeyes. Gesser passed all over the Golden Bears last year and even with a flak jacket, he should be able to match his previous success if he plays. New California coach Jeff Tedford has gotten a lot from his limited talent, but his team will be overmatched against the Cougars. Washington State 38, California 20 No. 23 OREGON STATE AT No. 18 USC, 6:30 P.M.: After proving the writers of Sports Illustrated wrong last year, Oregon State has opened the year 4-0 and is going after its best start in 63 years. The Beavers have run all over weak nonconference opponents behind quar- terback Derek Anderson who has already thrown 15 touchdowns and ranks second in the nation in passing efficiency. The defense has allowed just 49 points in four games. Of course, it is easy to compile these stats against lightweights likes Temple and Eastern Kentucky. The Trojans started out the season with impressive wins over Auburn and Colorado, but lost a heartbreaker to Kansas State 27-20 last weekend. Chronic underachiever Carson Palmer has played well so far this year and is showing some of the ability that made him such a highly touted recruit. Ore- gon State's lack of big game experi- ence this year will hurt them against the Trojans. The game should be a shootout, but the Trojans should be able to win this conference opener. USC 34, Oregon State 27 0 the michigan daily CFaSSElmSrms ii(.: Real Life Living Services is accepting applications for Direct Support Staff working with people with disabilities. Great for people with experience OT, PT, ST, Psych, Social Work, Nursing, Human Services! $ BEST JOB ON CAMPUS $ Michig m Telefund apply onlin @ www.telef n J.umich.edu $8.00 - $9.00/hour Applicants must be 18 years of age, possess a valid unrestricted drivers license and have a H.S. diploma/GED. (734) 222-6076 EOE needed for 2 or 3 afternoons, 2-6 p.m. starting this fall. What's the key to finding the perfect job? 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