Michigan Football

[boilermaker]

No defense no dynasty. Rich Rod Must Go!

[Orestes]

Comment about the Michigan offense:

They scored 30 against Uconn, 28 against ND, and 42 against UMass.

Temple scored 30 on UConn.

MSU score 28 against ND in regulation.

UMass is UMass. In fact, OSU scoring 34 against a solid Ohio defense in the 1st half is much more impressive. I would think that every top 6-7 team in the Big Ten would hang 40+ on UMass.

Also, didn't Michigan punt a fairly large number of times against ND? I thought it was 10, but I may be wrong. ND isn't a good defense.

While I do think UM's offense is bound to be a pest. I don't see them simply outscoring the tougher teams on the schedule.

Though, as Dennis Miller says, "Then again, I could be wrong."

[Peake]

I think you are not taking into account that was Denards first road game as a QB (Notre Dame), and it is a rivalry game. Or the fact that Michigan on the year is 1-5 fg, or that UM has now had two TD called back. Against UMass Michigan left 13 pts on the field and 6 against UConn.

The biggest factors right now imo is red zone scoring is up---91%
Turnovers are down only two so far this season
3rd down conversion---50%

Those mean more to me then anything at this point.

[mab43bac]

You will never have a dynasty with dick rod there

[seofan_via_dublin]

I don't think realistic people are expecting a dynasty.
Most Michigan fans I know would almost be happy with a sub-8 win season just to get Dicky out of there.
They are excited that the Wolverines are looking good so far, but they have all expressed doubt in the teams
outlook. They all realize that the teams that they have played so far are not good tests for a team
that Michigan should be. Notice I said should!!!

My concern is this. If UM doesn't finish well enough to keep RR, then what does that leave the replacement.
The "dream coach" people are talking about is Harbaugh. I like him, and think that he could really bring Michigan back to
prominance, and bring a "ten year war" type atmosphere back to The Game!
Problem is, he will be left with 3 years worth of recruits for a system that he doesn't run.

Will the faithful be patient when he has to build a team that reflects his style?
How long will they wait?
Will being a true Michigan Man be good enough to afford him the time he needs to get the program back on track?

Of course all of this hinges on UM not doing well in the Big 10 this year and RR getting canned.
And, Harbaugh not deciding that UM will always be there when he's ready and trying his hand in the NFL first.

[Peake]

I honestly wouldn't mind RR still being here in the long run if he can get rid of some of his buddies on his staff. That is the real problem imo, he keeps his friends to close instead of bringing in a staff that he can win with.

I have yet to talk to a single Michigan fan talking dynasty after 8 wins in two years. I like what I see from the defense but at this point I need to see more from the defense and their needs to be a huge emphasis placed on defensive recruiting. I don't think RR and staff evaluate defensive talent very well. Notice that they sign a lot of athletes on the defensive side of the ball because imo they are not good at identifying actual talent that will fit their scheme.

In terms of Harbaugh, if he came in you better believe he would find a way to use Denard. He would inherit imo one of the better offensive lines Michigan has had in years, and a verteran set of skill position players.

I am rooting for RR though. I don't care if a monkey coached us as long as we were winning.

[seofan_via_dublin]

I am rooting for RR though. I don't care if a monkey coached us as long as we were winning.

How hard will you be rooting for RR when they are 7-5 after the Buckeyes game.

I know that they will have gotten back to a bowl with that, and could finish with 8 wins after the bowl game,
but is 7-5 a good enough jump.

Also, what are you seeing in the defense that is anything near good.
They have yet to play a team that is respectable, and their defense is horrible.
Granted it's better than at this point last year, but that's like comparing fat and ugly chicks.

[seofan_via_dublin]

As I've been going back and trying to watch film on Michigan this year,
I do notice one spot that makes me envious.

The Buckeyes are have better players than Michigan at just about every position on the field.
They have a better defensive everything.
They have better receivers, better tight ends, better running backs, better talent levels at O-Line, and the QB can be debated, but the Buckeyes have a better QB.

Notice I said better talent level at O-Line, this is where Michigan is getting to be impressive,
and it's the reason Robinson is looking so good.
I couldn't tell you what blocking assignments they are running, I couldn't tell you what the intricacies of the scheme are,
I couldn't tell you how well guys move their feet, or anything else about their O-Line system
What I can tell you though, is what I see once the ball is snapped, and that is a line hat works together and is blowing their defenders off the ball
on run plays, and giving Robinson time on pass plays.

Run blocking, it's one of the very few areas that the Buckeyes need to work on. It's an area that Michigan is doing very well.
Their guys not only come out of their stance with fire and hate, driving their opposition off the line, but they also look for the second level and a linebacker or safety to blow up as well.
This is what I want to see from the Buckeyes. It's not happening yet!!!

To me, it seems as though the Michigan guys have a good grasp of what system they run, but across the board they have what I think
makes a great O-Lineman. That is a blatant disregard for human life, and a desire to destroy what lines up across from them.
They have instinct.

This is purely speculation, but I think the Buckeyes O-Line know that they need to get better, but spend way to much time
in the film room working on schematics and disecting what they need to do. They get to the line knowing the plan, and when the ball is snapped they
still concentrate on execution of the plan over everything else...they think too much!

When the Michigan O-Line gets to the line, they know which way the ball is going, they know their assignments. The difference is, once the ball is snapped, they shut their brains down and just hit people. They go where they know to go, and blow the guy up that's in their way.

This is what I like about Michigan football right now, and it's really the only true bright spot that I see on their team.

[Just_A_Fan]

As of right now michigan is winning the game they should win, they play bowling green this week, then @ Indiana, then they play MSU. Which that is their first true test of the season, they should be coming into that game 5-0, and playing your in state rival for the Paul Bunyan trophy is a nice place to be at to be come 1st time bowl eligible under RR.

[Peake]

I have a hard time trying to defend Notre Dame, but I feel they are a solid football team. The most offensive talent we will see all year comes from Notre Dame. They are very solid up the middle, as solid as we will see. Ethan Johnson should be a 1st-2nd round pick and their NG Ian Williams is imo the best DT Michigan will see all season. The sophomore LB Te'o is also a very good LB. If they can get their secondary fixed, they are a very soild defense. Imo, Michigan State has a great opportunity to win 9-10 games this season. They have the best LB in the country, and very solid dline, and a very good running game. I wouldn't say we haven't played a soild team, I don't think that is accurate. No matter what this is a rivalry game, and a lot better Michigan teams have went to South Bend and lost to Notre Dame teams they never should have. So just geting out of there was good enough for me. Don't forget Floyd should have had 5 td's on us last season, and I was very happy with how well we contained him this season.

I have a real problem with people saying MSU will be our first true test, yet they should have lost to Notre Dame. What is the logic?

The Michigan offensive line is about to get even better this week. Taylor Lewan will be making his first start today, and he greaded out very well last game when given several series. He is a Jake Long clone. He straight up mauls people. If you get to watch him v UMass, he is #77 (same as Long), kid was 15 yards down the field putting people on their ace. I would put him up against Adams anyday. He is a lot meaner no doubt about that and every bit the athlete (kid ran a 4.89 at the night of champions), though he is a little light still at 290ish.

From guard to guard I feel Michigan is as good as any in the country. Schilling, Molk, and Omaheh are as good as they come imo. Three NFL players right there. I agree 100% with you that the offensive line is very good and only getting better and deeper. When it comes to scheme I would argue that Michigan's OL is as good as OSU's.

I think you are under playing how well our WR's block downfield. I have been very happy with Stonum and Odoms this season. They will knock your head off in the secondary. They have really grasped this blocking sheme. They have also been very good catching the football. Denard is completing 70% of his passes which to me means people are catching it.

The TE's for Michigan are far better then OSU's. Koger is a future 1st-2nd round pick and Martell Webb will get a shot as well. He has been an excellent blocker for UM so far this season. Problem is those guys don't see anough ball thrown their way. Michigan has more talent at this one position then any other on the team. Imo Koger, Webb, and Moore will all play in the NFL.

I told you about the D. Go back and read my opening statement. I don't know what to say about them. Like I've been saying, I think Rich needs to find someone who can evaluate defensive talent rather then bring in a bunch of athletes who have no real position. Get rid of some of his buddies.

If we go 7-5 and beat MSU, ND, and say PSU, I will be ok with that. It is all about who you beat, and I have a very difficult time thinking he goes 0-3 v MSU, PSU, or OSU and keeps his job. He imo will have to beat 2 of the three. I think if he beats MSU or PSU, Iowa, or Wisconsin he will keep his job. JMHO.

[Peake]

When I look at our 2 deep and think which players would actually be on OSU's 2 deep (defense), I can only name 3. Mike Martin would start for any team in the country, but then there is a huge drop off, I think Mouton and Wolfolk would at least be in the two deep. That's it. We lack talent on D and we lack people who will knock your head off.

[boilermaker]

The Wolverines cant even stop Bowling Green!


RICH ROD MUST GO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bigtimehitter]

MIchigan is doing fine, whole different team without Denard though, that dude is scary good. If Michigan had just an average Defense, I don't feel there isn't anyone in the country they couldnt beat, and as long as Denard was taking the snaps.

[Peake]

boilermaker, shut up!

Michigan got caught on a screen because they sent 7. They held BG to -6 yards on the ground in the first quarter. End of the first quarter it was Michigan 193 rushing yards and BG -6. I am more upset with the two touchdowns left out there (Devins back to back td's that one was wide open and freaking Hemmingway dropped it and Grady had it called back).

Denard is fine, after the game RR said he was fine and they were going to take him out after that series anyways. Said he landed weird and got a bruise on the shin and knocked the air out of himself.

I wouldn't read too much into this game either way. For the first time in three years if you were really watching, RR coached this game like Tress. After the firs two series you saw young players start coming in everywhere. Black roatated at DE, Avery, Talbolt, Marvin Robinson, and Cullen all rotated in the secondary, Demens roatated in at LB. I will have to go back and watch the film but imo Avery and Demens would probably grade out pretty high in this one.

On offense Taylor Lewan made his first career start at LT. Kid is going to be fantastic. He is a Jake Long clone. He wants to kill you when you line up in front off him. I thought he made an outstanding play down the field when Shaw was able to stay on his feet on a run about 6 yards down the field and he was stumbling a little and Lewan just shoved him another 5 yards. Kid is going to be a player.

This offensive line is as solid as they come, the only weakness is RT. It is just a matter of time before Michael Scholfield takes over and this line gets a lot better. From a scheme standpoint at this point in the year, they are just about as good as I have seen.

I said in my opening post that Fitz Toussant was going to be the starter if he hadn't tweaked his knee in the beginning of the season. He carried it twice for 60 yards and a td today. If he is able to get healthy sooner then later, he is going to give defenses a lot of trouble.

WR's are very solid blocking down the field, just about as good as you can ask for. Gallon coming on today only adds another weapon. If you throw in the slots there is only one team in the conference with better wr's top to bottom, and I have a hard time saying it is by much.

Last thing, Denard is very very very good. You saw that today. Is he better then Pryor, I think they are two different players. Pryor is Vince Young, and Denard is Mike Vick. In comparing their game and observing what each coach asks them to do, it is very difficult for me to say Denard is not better based on the fact he is asked to do a lot more then Pryor. If Pryor is better at this point, I am having a very difficult time figuring out at this point what he does that makes him better. Honest opinion because I think Pryor is pretty special, but what he does that makes him better then Denard I am having a real difficult time coming up with. BTW, how scary is the depth at the QB position for Michigan. Both Tate and Devin layed pretty well today for UM. Tate was perfect throwing and Devin had two touchdowns lost (Dropped and called back). Devin when he runs is stil not grasping the concept get up field and take 7 rather then try and bounce it outside. He gained 6 yards by cutting it up then tried to boucne it out to get to the edge and lost 5 trying to do it. He is going to be a good one. Reminds we of Pryor a lot, just not as fast.

This game didn't tell me a lot either way really besides we have to get our TE's the ball more. I don't think we threw to them once.

[mister b]

Outside the injury to Denard, this is the type of game UM needed. A chance to look at a lot of players at game speed and see who can do what. Forcier filled in nicely and it was good to give Denard the rest.

This is can be an offensive machine at UM and it hit on all 8 cylinders today. Defense still needs work because right now, the game plan is to simply score and hope the defense gives up 1 less than what the offense can get. Defensive side of the ball needs some of the athletes that the O side is being stockpiled with.

I still say the first true litmus test is MSU.

[Peake]

I agree---disagree.

I think next week will tell us more about Michigan before they play MSU. I agree though it will tell us more imo about if RR keeps his job or not. It will be very difficult to keep your job lossing to your instate rival 3 times in a row.

I was very happy with the rush defense. They gave up all of 32 yards on the ground, and again I go back to how the game was coached, after UM went up 14-0 you saw 4 true freshmen come into the game. I think you are going to see less and less of Obi Ezeh and more and more of Kenny Demens.

[boilermaker]

I will not shut up untill Michigan gets rid of the worst coach in the history of UM football.

[1987chieftains]

you never know boilermaker. they said the same thing about fitz and bo.

[91Buckeye]

I don't normally get on the college threads too much but saw this one and have to comment on the Michigan D. The issue that I have with the D is they don't really have an identity. You start off with Shafer who is a big 4-3 guy who gets into it with rich rod about scheme and philosophy so he is gone, then you replace him with Robinson who is another 4-3 guy who confuses the D last year with terminology differences trying to adjust to a part time 3-3-5. This year he changes his terminology to rich rods preference and I just dont think he has adapted well. If RR wants to run the 3-3-5 go get a guy that has proven success with it, or let Robinson do his own thing. I think our personnel is better suited to a 4-3 anyway.

[Peake]

I agree with the first part, but not so much with the second part. Robinson ran a hybrid defense while he was a DC in the NFL. He also ran a hybrid 4-3 with Syracuse.

I disagee that Michigan at the moment has the personnel to run a 4-3. The depth is the biggest issue as of right now if UM were to run a 4-3. Michigan has 3 DT who are on the depth chart and 4 DE's. You can't run a 4-3 without having guys who can sub in and out, and with only 3 DT's that is not going to happen. Michigan at the moment can't afford to have two deep S either. They actually tried some last year and they got killed deep. BTW, if Michigan does shift out of the 3-3-5, they go right into a 4-3 (Martin goes to DT from NG and Van Bergan bumps down to DT while Patterson and Roh take over at DE). Michigan has some huge holes right now on defense and they feel the best way to cover them is to play a lot of zone and confuse the offense.