Closing Arguments - Michigan
by GregGoBlue on Aug 26, 2010 8:40 AM CDT
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At Michigan all hearts are true/All loyal to the Maize n' Blue.
I. Case History/Opening Statement
Now, I'm no lawyer. But being a Michigan fan for the past two years, I certainly know the definition of cruel and unusual. In the Rich Rodriguez era, the Wolverines have had the two worst seasons in the history of this proud program, overall having gone a woeful (8-16) with a conference record of (3-13). And things don't appear to be getting much better: the defense, after finishing 85th in the nation in scoring last season, returns this season having lost its four most productive players in DE Brandon Graham, DE Stevie Brown, CB Donovan Warren, and now, with a season-ending injury, CB Troy Woolfolk. With Woolfolk's injury, along with a bizarre twist of defections and non-qualifiers, there is literally nobody with non-garbage game experience (and, some may argue, talent) to play CB for the Wolverines this season. Ranked towards the bottom of the Big Ten in almost every national preseason poll, nobody is expecting the Wolverines to do much this season.
Coach Rod, grumpy.
It's clearly do-or-die for Rodriguez as he enters his third season with the Wolverines, and we certainly don't have the momentum. After winning the first four with true freshman Tate Forcier at the helm, including a riveting late game comeback against the once-again overrated Fighting Irish, Michigan began a precipitous slide in which we lost every game (I don't include Delaware State here), including an embarrassing 30-13 shellacking by the Zooker, who's seat is the only one hotter than Rodriguez's entering this year. It wasn't a restful off-season either, with the first NCAA investigation in school history, a solid recruiting class that was overshadowed by a top flight recruit with a checked legal past (who, along with two other recruits, ultimately did not qualify), and, most recently, the crippling blows to our secondary. The Wolverines have their work cut out for them this season.
One word, however, describes my feelings toward this season for my beloved, beleaguered Wolverines: Intrigue.
In its third season, the Wolverines finally have the pieces in place to make this offense, you know, work. As history has shown, when Rich Rod doesn't have a QB that fits his system, he simply doesn't win. For exhibit A, see his entire career as head coach at Michigan. For the majority of last season, the Wolverines had about .75 of a quarterback available to run Rich Rodriguez's spread offensive system: pass-first QB Tate Forcier was playing with an injured shoulder sustained in game 3, and Denard Robinson received only two weeks of training prior to the season in how to be a QB. Did I mention both were true freshmen? Even with lack of experience (and bodies) at the most critical positions, an injury to key offensive lineman C David Molk, and an offense that is only in its second year, the Michigan Wolverines still managed to be 4th in the Big Ten in scoring offense with 29.5 points per game.
However, the Wolverines enter this season with not only experience, but depth (!!!) at QB, the most important position in Rich Rodriguez's offense. Last season, Rich Rod only put Denard Robinson in when he wanted to throw an interception. But with a full season and offseason of QB tutelage under his belt, Robinson has impressed in the spring and by all accounts has emerged as the starter over the incumbent Forcier. Having acquired the finer points in quarterbacking (like *handoffs*), Robinson is now minimally equipped to harness his raw athleticism, hopefully making him the dangerous big-play threat this offense has desperately been lacking. And after the early enrollment of the talented 5-star RR Prototype QB Devin Gardner this spring (who is impressing at camp, and deemed by many as too talented not to play this season), the Wolverines enter the season with 3 (!!!) viable QB's to run this offense. With a very experienced and deep offensive line that Rittenberg ranks them third in the Big Ten, and dangerous pint-sized players at every skill position, we may very well see the Rich Rodriguez offense fully unleashed this season.
Intrigue... This season should be interesting: this team has the ability to put up 35 points a game, but also to let in anywhere from 20 to 120. This ain't your daddy's Michigan football, friends. We are going to have to outscore opponents; but we have the tools to do so. And you can bet your bottom dollar that Rodriguez is going to pull out all the stops with his career on the line. The consensus is that this is Rich's last season at Michigan unless he finishes with a winning record. He must do this by winning the games he's supposed to win (like, oh I dunno, the '09 Illinois team, '08 Toledo, '08 Purdue, Michigan State both years), and some of the one's he's not. This is what makes college football special, friends. The tradition, the excitement, the pageantry, the rivalries, the intrigue. It's drama unfolding in front of us, the future of one of it's longstanding icons, Michigan football, hangs in the balance.
Will this be the season that we finally see a productive Rich Rodriguez offense? Can a team function without a secondary? Will the Wolverines rise again? Is this Rich Rodriguez's final season at U of M? Time shall tell, my friends.
II. Factual Summation, or Discovery, As Barristers Might Say.
A. Off-Tackle Empire Says:
Here's some of what we've written about the Wolverines in the offseason.
Evaluating the Mechanics of Big Ten QB's: Tate Forcier
Besmirched Reputation In Tow, Where Does Rich Rodriguez Go Now?
If History is Any Indication, Michigan May Be Back Shortly
Keeping The Enemy Close: Buckeye Thoughts On Wolverine Football
Michigan MVP Profile: C David Molk
Michigan Coaching Profile: Mike Barwis
What To Know About The Michigan QB Battle
Summation: Michigan in the Aughts
National Signing Day Evaluation
B. Rick Astley Says: I'm Never Gonna Give You Up
I'm sticking with you through thick and thin, Michigan. We're no strangers to love.
III. Emotional Plea
A. I Hate Michigan
And granted, there are many of you out there. But I think I can safely say that even the haters out there are tired of stomping us. I suppose it's no longer fun, but has become... sad. I cannot stand pity, I'd rather you hate us with the fires of a million suns than to feel sorry for us. You want Michigan to rise again, so that you can actually feel good about beating us. Right now it's like fighting Floyd Mayweather when he's in a coma. You win, but you don't feel good about it. Wouldn't you rather beat Floyd Mayweather when he's conscious? I know I would.
B. I Love Michigan
I know where you're coming from, friends. For the last two seasons, watching Michigan football was like making an appointment to get my heart ripped out; we knew it was coming on Saturday afternoon, but we had to watch because maybe, just maybe, they might eke out a win. So why do it to yourself again, if everybody is expecting the same? Because that's the beauty of college football, Michigan faithful: anything can happen. We must be there for the joy and the pain, because that's love, D-Bone. That's love.
IV. The Verdict
A. The Staff Calls The Games
Jonathan Franz:
7-5 (4-4) with loss to Notre Dame, Iowa, PSU, Wisconsin, OSU
Graham Filler:
7-5 (3-5) with loss to MSU, Iowa, PSU, Wisconsin, Ohio State
Bama Hawkeye:
8-4 (5-3) with loss to ND, PSU, Wisconsin, OSU
Paterno Ave:
7-5 (4-6) with loss to UConn, ND, Iowa, PSU, OSU
Hilary Lee: OSU, MSU, PSU, Wisconsin, Iowa
7-5 (3-5) with loss to
Ted Glover:
4-8 (2-6) with losses to Indiana, MSU, Iowa, Penn State, Wisconsin and OSU
Jerdogg1:
6-6 (3-5) with loss to ND, Iowa, PSU, Illinois, Wisconsin, OSU
GregGoBlue: o Iowa, PSU, Wisconsin, OSU, Purdue
7-5 (3-5) with loss t
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Mayweather in a coma?
I don’t know if that’s the best analogy……maybe more like Lennox Lewis stumbling drunk. Still dangerous due to sheer size and power (aka talent and tradition) but severely lacking in coordination and balance.
Beating Michigan NEVER gets old, and I never feel sorry for you.
by Spartan D on Aug 26, 2010 9:37 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Don't be silly
No one pities Michigan. And no one has gotten tired of stomping Michigan.
"Bama Hawkeye, you know, the Iowa blogger who actually uses reason and analysis." - Hawkeye State
Off Tackle Empire
by Bama Hawkeye on Aug 26, 2010 9:37 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
I will eat my hat if Michigan goes 5-3 in conference.
--
@scrappled
Slow States - Lacking SEC speed since, like, a month ago.
by Run Up The Score on Aug 26, 2010 9:44 AM CDT reply actions 4 recs
I hope you have a backup plan.
Because you are going to get awfully hungry.
"Never mistake motion for action." - Ernest Hemingway
I wish you were Carmen Miranda.
Less memorable than Sam Okey's Hawkeye career.
by Kyle McCann't on Aug 26, 2010 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Also, they better hope Denard Robinson's improved.
Because they’re going to have to work their asses off to outscore Indiana, Purdue, and Michigan State — and that’s without even considering OSU, PSU, Iowa, and Wisconsin, who actually have defenses.
(Hawkeye State, Kevin and myself hashed this out in a podcast last night. I’m fairly sure Michigan’s going 4-8 (2-6))
--
@scrappled
Slow States - Lacking SEC speed since, like, a month ago.
by Run Up The Score on Aug 26, 2010 9:48 AM CDT reply actions
This is why it is so easy to dislike UM fans...
winning the games he’s supposed to win (like, oh I dunno, the ’09 Illinois team, ’08 Toledo, ’08 Purdue, Michigan State both years),
Are you suggesting that there is never a season or occasion when MSU should beat UM?
Even as you are posting your worst seasons in four decades, you should still beat MSU, no matter that in 2008 MSU posted one of their best seasons in recent memory.
Typical.
by MSULaxer27 on Aug 26, 2010 10:01 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I don't know if I agree with beating you in 2008,
but we definitely should have beat you in 2009.
That is sooooo not funny - Maize N Brew Dave
In NCAA '11...
They are back to being ranked in the top 10 by the 2012 season, so there’s that.
Ever Grateful. Ever True.
Yeah right.
4-8 this year, 2-6 in conference. No turn around until RRod is gone…
by Casey Hunny on Aug 26, 2010 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
But I think I can safely say that even the haters out there are tired of stomping us.
I am going to disagree with this statement.
Reality has a little-known Northwestern bias
NU prez knows how to get PUMPED
by nuftw on Aug 26, 2010 10:22 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Agree with everyone here
As an Illini fan, we have enjoyed beating the hell out Michigan the past 2 years and look forward to doing it again this season. The only team that is getting tired of Michgan sucking is Ohio State. How are you suppose to boost your BCS standing on the last week of the season by beating a terrible Michigan team? Not gonna happen.
Feel Da Paign Sports Blog
http://feeldapaign.com/
UConn is currently a 3 point dog for the opener
My money is on UConn. Or it will be next weekend at the MGM sports book.
Close. It only counts in Horseshoes, hand grenades and Penn State football.
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 26, 2010 11:27 AM CDT reply actions
There are 2 games
I’m really looking forward to that first week. Other than Iowa of course.
UConn – Michigan
Boise – V Tech.
Go Huskies. Go Hokies.
And yeah, watching Michigan lose is awesome. I made popcorn for the second half of Illinois last year. What a great 30 minutes of football.
"If you need a rah-rah speech at halftime, you’re playing the wrong sport." - Pat Angerer
those are two i'm laying money on
not much, but some
also looking at Purdue/Notre Lame
Close. It only counts in Horseshoes, hand grenades and Penn State football.
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 26, 2010 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
The only thing more enjoyable than the last 30 minutes of that football game
was the last 30 seconds of this football game. Zook’s reaction was priceless.
Less memorable than Sam Okey's Hawkeye career.
by Kyle McCann't on Aug 26, 2010 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury
There is a glaring and conspicuous absence from the argument by counsel for Big M: defense. Counsel acknowledges that it’s an issue, but never addresses, never explains for you how they’ll work around it. Instead, counsel attempts to distract you with a sideshow of a three-headed quarterback mutation. Don’t be fooled!
Yeah, and for the record: no one is tired of beating up on Michigan. At least that’s what I understand, cause, you know, IU still can’t beat Michigan. /shakes fist, throws gum
by hoosierdaddynow on Aug 26, 2010 11:48 AM CDT reply actions
I believe the appropriate gloom and doom you seek is located in the first paragraph.
Not so confident about beating IU this year… barely did it last year…
and Chappell has QB sleeves
that’s a guaranteed 7 points right there.
Close. It only counts in Horseshoes, hand grenades and Penn State football.
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 26, 2010 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Moment of full disclosure
If we know anything at Indiana, it’s bad defenses. I have no idea of Michigan’s schedule this year, but it will be fascinating if they go into the OSU game with a 5-6 record, i.e., needing to win that one to get to .500. Really, though: if that’s the case, does RichRod keep his job if they are in that position, even if they do beat The Useless Nuts? As a UM fan, do you secretly cheer for them to lose, just to remove all doubt?
I can say this as an IU fan, too, now that we are (hopefully) emerging from the netherworlds of basketball. For the past 15 years or so, the buzz around the basketball program has been about everything but the product on the court. I hate that. I just want it to get back to where we are kicking ass and not worrying about whether this coach is past his prime, that coach is in over his head, or this other coach is cheating. I assume that you are in the same boat. That sucks.
by hoosierdaddynow on Aug 26, 2010 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions
You're hypothetical situation would not remove all doubt.
The magical cutoff point win-loss record for RichRod to keep his job is a myth pushed by the media because it makes for interesting discussion. I can tell you it doesn’t exist. The only way for us to enter the postseason with all doubt removed is to win and win convincingly. i.e. – show obvious improvement over 2009.
That is sooooo not funny - Maize N Brew Dave
So pushing Ohio State to OT and annihilating a ranked Iowa team MIGHT do it?
He has to win five games. He might win five right off the bat and close out the stretch with five tough losses. But he has to compete with OSU to keep his job. He can’t allow Fivecier’s heroism to get OSU a much-needed mark in the win column…
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
For all the crap we give Wil Wheaton, he can still tackle better than Asante Samuel...
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 27, 2010 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
sounds like a lot of "ifs"
When asked why he went for 5, Tate responded "..because I couldn't go for 6...".
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 27, 2010 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Michigan football 2010 could be a MetLife Commerical...
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
For all the crap we give Wil Wheaton, he can still tackle better than Asante Samuel...
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 27, 2010 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Of course he has to compete with OSU to keep his job,
but no one expects him to do it this year when the consensus for OSU is Big Ten Champs and a possible MNC.
I will repeat. There is simple win-loss criteria among the people that make these decisions at Michigan. It is part of the decision, but the only or necessarily the most important factor that will be considered.
That is sooooo not funny - Maize N Brew Dave
Man, I'm having trouble typing today.
That should read “There is no simple win-loss criteria.”
And I have no idea why I wrote “you’re” instead of “your” in my earlier post.
That is sooooo not funny - Maize N Brew Dave
I give up.
Also, should read “not the only…factor.”
Is it the weekend yet?
That is sooooo not funny - Maize N Brew Dave
It's Friday!
If only it was Halo Night…
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
For all the crap we give Wil Wheaton, he can still tackle better than Asante Samuel...
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 27, 2010 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions
I think neglecting to talk about U of M's D
falls under the old “If you don’t have anything nice to say, it’s better to say nothing at all”. Fortunately for us, this is the Internet, where the rule is more, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, you might as well say it in ALL CAPS”.
It doesn’t matter how good Michigan’s offense is if they can’t stop the other team from scoring at will.
by Batman42 on Aug 26, 2010 1:36 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I think it falls more under the rubric of
“if there’s nothing there to talk about, then there’s no point in mentioning it.” I’m quite convinced that Michigan isn’t even going to bother to field a defense this year, RichRod and GERG are just going to hope that the other team stumbles over themselves in shock.
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
if you have 2 qarterbacks, you don't have any quarterbacks
3… that has to be worse.
and i’m with you on the defense. let’s just say that the offense can put up some points. there’s no way the defense can stop anyone. 3-3-5 with the secondary as thin as it is is bad news.
Close. It only counts in Horseshoes, hand grenades and Penn State football.
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 26, 2010 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
But their QB doesnt tie his shoezzzzzz
Veclro for Heisman no doubt
More frequently than an alcoholic diabetic, Ohio State pisses excellence, week in and week out
or Velcro if you speak English
More frequently than an alcoholic diabetic, Ohio State pisses excellence, week in and week out
Velcro doesn't
so he couldn’t tell.
(thanks for using Velcro)
Close. It only counts in Horseshoes, hand grenades and Penn State football.
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 26, 2010 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
How about Denard Armpunt?
He can really throw a melon of a pass downfield… It’s just too bad the Wolverines don’t have Kenyon Martin out there to catch it.
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
"Ah gravity, thou art a heartless b*tch." --Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 26, 2010 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Nope Velcro
I own the arm punting meme now, totally ruins it for PSU fans.
It’s like if they were to run with the depends/poopy meme it would prob die.
Close. It only counts in Horseshoes, hand grenades and Penn State football.
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 26, 2010 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions
The Wolverines are going winless in your dynasty mode, aren't they?
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
"Ah gravity, thou art a heartless b*tch." --Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 26, 2010 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions
"You got 2, you really got none"
Or you have a coach who is too stubborn to adjust to the reality on the field when one clearly surpasses the other. (Dantonio for the first month of last year, I am looking in your direction.)
Just reminds me of when Coop insisted Joe Germaine split time with Stan Jackson
Germaine led the nation in passing efficiency after Jackson departed. Seems like he was/is the better option. As a result, I’ve never been a fan of the 2+ QB system.
UM and PSU are both in trouble if they can’t pick one guy and stick with him. PSU made the first move by naming 3 guys the number 1 QB earlier today, and UM won’t announce until gameday, and even then I guess we’ll Velcro, Taint and what’s his face all play at some point.
When asked why he went for 5, Tate responded "..because I couldn't go for 6...".
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 29, 2010 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Spurrier worked that system to perfection.
With Wuerffel and Doug Johnson.
2008 OSU was going down that route before Todd Boeckman threw his starting QB gig to Buckeye Tight End Rey Maualuga and ended the Buckeye national title hopes before they could start…
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
For all the crap we give Wil Wheaton, he can still tackle better than Asante Samuel...
Manning drops back to pass, Comedic.Sans and Wilfork come flying in and SACK him for a loss of twelve on 3rd and goal!
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 29, 2010 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions
True that..
Visit Inside The Shoe
The Buckeye blog for every fan!
by Ian_InsideTheShoe on Aug 29, 2010 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
The examples of it working are few an far between
That’s really my point.
RIP Todd Boeckman’s deep ball shelling of PSU in “Happy” Valley.
When asked why he went for 5, Tate responded "..because I couldn't go for 6...".
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 29, 2010 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Todd Boeckman has been iffy/terrible since 2007 Wisconsin
And his meltdowns cost the Buckeyes three games.
I found an old, old Lindy’s PreSeason Magazine (the kind that had a staggering number of middling SEC teams in the top 25) that had Todd Boeckman as the Top QB in the Big Ten. I thought BS when I first read it, and I’m laughing uncontrollably now.
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
For all the crap we give Wil Wheaton, he can still tackle better than Asante Samuel...
Manning drops back to pass, Comedic.Sans and Wilfork come flying in and SACK him for a loss of twelve on 3rd and goal!
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 29, 2010 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Hahaha
I still remember when some though he should be in consideration for the Heisman after PSU. I loved the win, but he wasn’t that good.
Visit Inside The Shoe
The Buckeye blog for every fan!
by Ian_InsideTheShoe on Aug 29, 2010 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions
met him at a party once over the summer when campus is a ghost town
awkward guy to say the least
When asked why he went for 5, Tate responded "..because I couldn't go for 6...".
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 29, 2010 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions
"interresting" avatar/icon/whatever
Close. It only counts in Horseshoes, hand grenades and Penn State football.
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 26, 2010 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Eh...I'm wondering if the banhammer is being swung back as we speak.
You see what I did there? Yeeeaaaaaahhhh.
i just want to say this..
titty
When asked why he went for 5, Tate responded "..because I couldn't go for 6...".
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 27, 2010 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
i'm not sure it's real but, yeah... ummm
what hkobb7 said…
When asked why he went for 5, Tate responded "..because I couldn't go for 6...".
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 27, 2010 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Awesome
Since this is the internet, you’re probably flirting with a 45 year-old dude. NTTAWWT
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
ha
When asked why he went for 5, Tate responded "..because I couldn't go for 6...".
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 28, 2010 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
There is no way Michigan's offensive line is better than anyone else's
If anything, I thought they were the weakest in the conference after the collapse against MSU. While they didn’t give up a sack at Iowa (I’m very disappointed, Clayborn), the Michigan OL gave up 5 sacks to Penn State, 3 sacks to a lackluster Illini D, 4 sacks to Purdue, 2 sacks to Wisconsin, and… is this a misprint? One sack to Ohio State (Denard Robinson)
Something’s just wrong if neither Clayborn nor Heyward was able to touch Tate Forcier.
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
"Ah gravity, thou art a heartless b*tch." --Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 26, 2010 1:10 PM CDT reply actions
Forcier gave up a fumble in the end zone to Cam
defensive touchdown > sack
Close. It only counts in Horseshoes, hand grenades and Penn State football.
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 26, 2010 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh, owned.
That’s one thing that didn’t make the box-score I checked. A strip sack in the endzone? Are we sure KOK wasn’t calling plays for the Wolverines and Iowa faced Minnesota without an offensive coordinator?
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
"Ah gravity, thou art a heartless b*tch." --Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 26, 2010 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
it's not unpossible, that's for sure.
Close. It only counts in Horseshoes, hand grenades and Penn State football.
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 26, 2010 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions
and he was too busy throwing picks to be sacked.
why did tate go for 5? because he couldn’t go for 6.
Close. It only counts in Horseshoes, hand grenades and Penn State football.
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 26, 2010 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
If you want a detailed history of Michigan’s offensive line woes from last year, you can check out my article on Michigan MVP C David Molk.
But here’s a brief synopsis: Molk, the keystone to our offensive line went down in game 3, we had no other centers, so Schilling (guard) moved over to play center, and the results were… disastrous.
This season, the offensive line is one of the most deep and talented in the Big Ten. The only satisfyingly deep and talented position group on our team, basically.
what about bad quaterbacks? pretty deep there.
When asked why he went for 5, Tate responded "..because I couldn't go for 6...".
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 26, 2010 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
What I'm hearing is that Michigan's offense might be ranked a 90 on NCAA 11
but the defense will likely come in the very low 70s.
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
"Ah gravity, thou art a heartless b*tch." --Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 26, 2010 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, it never works out well when you lose a starter
and then you take another starter and move them out of position. Either pro or college.
"Whoever said that the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons."
You can get extremely lucky
and change an LB to DE and get amazing results. But the OL-Apocalypse that killed 08 Wisconsin (Kemp and All American Urbik going down within a game of each other) proved that you can never have too much OL depth.
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
"Ah gravity, thou art a heartless b*tch." --Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 26, 2010 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions
The most frustrating thing about Michigan
this year for me is that I had to pick them to go 7-5. I don’t know that this is a bowl eligible team with that defense on the field, but I couldn’t necessarily find other losses in their schedule.
Arrrrrghh…. why must you make my job so much harder Blue? Why?
Off Tackle Empire - Ruling on the Big Ten since 2008.
Just add the losses
it’s quite simple. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong if you look at it the right way…
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
"Ah gravity, thou art a heartless b*tch." --Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 26, 2010 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
My own prediction:
Michigan loses to UConn
Michigan holds off Notre Dame in a shootout, both teams combine for over 80 points
Michigan pounds Massachusetts
Bowling Green: you never know what this team will do in a given season. Total tossup.
Indiana and Michigan have another high schoring affair coming down to the last possession, another tossup
Michigan State takes down Michigan as time expires
Michigan upends Iowa in a controversial OT in which KOK decides to play for the tie instead of the win; the move fails with a blocked PAT.
Michigan can’t hold up against Penn State and JoePa wins three in a row over the Wolverines for the first time in…how long? Exactly.
It’s tough to imagine, but Illinois takes its second straight win in Michigan Stadium and third overall. I can’t even guess at what the box score will look like.
Purdue smashes Michigan en route to a third consecutive victory over the Boilermakers; impossible just a decade ago…
Wisconsin hands Michigan its worst ever loss at home (considering how not a single Wisconsin win over Michigan in Michigan Stadium has been by double digits. Gulp.) and almost manages 300 rushing yards, and then…
Ohio State eclipses its point totals from the past two games against the Wolverines and hands Michigan its Worst. Loss. Ever. Delaney sees there’s no point in putting these two teams in seperate divisions or moving the weekend they play on.
In this scenario, Michigan goes 2-1 in nonconference, with a total toss-up at the end deciding whether they’re 3-1 or 2-2. A toss-up to start of conference play could leave Michigan at 4-1, 3-2, or 2-3. And afterwards, the Wolverines manage a single win (their annual home upset). Michigan in this scenario goes 1-6 in conference play, with their wild card game against Indiana deciding how they start out.
So, 3-7, with two games that conceivably could go either way. Not good, but toss in an upset over a top ten Iowa team (if they don’t lose to Iowa State, which HAS happened) and RR could be geared for life.
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
"Ah gravity, thou art a heartless b*tch." --Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 26, 2010 1:58 PM CDT reply actions
I think I've seen that Iowa-Michigan game somewhere before
I don’t know where Notre Dame will come out, but I think there’s enough talent (and an actual coach now, too!) there that, despite a lack of a foreseeable defense, the Irish will come out on top of UM. Also, if Iowa loses to Michigan (especially like that), I shall, sir, snowblow my driveway in shorts and my boots. And yes, sir, I live in Iowa. Shall we make it a wager?
You see what I did there? Yeeeaaaaaahhhh.
Quick!
When was the last time Iowa won in Michigan Stadium?
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
"Ah gravity, thou art a heartless b*tch." --Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 26, 2010 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions
The fabled 2002 Iowa squad did it.
But the overall trend for Iowa in Ann Arbor is horrible. Worse than awful. Horrific.
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
"Ah gravity, thou art a heartless b*tch." --Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 26, 2010 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Shit, reality hurts.
And so does Michigan’s record over the past two years. Oh, and so does burning the American flag.
You see what I did there? Yeeeaaaaaahhhh.
A blind, deaf, dumb kid...
who just got a box full of cancer for Christmas could look good against Michigan’s secondary.
Spring and fall practice are meaningless when it comes to evalating the play of UM’s QBs.
It doesn’t matter how many football games the SEC wins. We will always look down on you.
Murphy's Law of Spring Practice
Any area in which you appear to have a surprising amount of talent is really indicative of a spectacular lack of talent at the opposing position.
Unless you're lining up under center or otherwise cashing a paycheck from the university
use of “we” or “our” or “us” should be strictly prohibited.
And UM goes 5-7 this year. And it’s definitely fun to kick the blind, deaf, dumb kid while he’s down … but only if he’s wearing a damned winged helmet.
Man looks in the abyss, there's nothing staring back at him. At that moment, man finds his character. And that is what keeps him out of the abyss. -- Lou Mannheim, Wall Street
Michigan HAS a football team?
More frequently than an alcoholic diabetic, Ohio State pisses excellence, week in and week out
by BuckeyeSki on Aug 26, 2010 5:08 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
i read about it in an encyclopedia
back when they still printed those things. think it was under F for Fail
When asked why he went for 5, Tate responded "..because I couldn't go for 6...".
http://www.insidetheshoe.com/
by SouthBayBuckeye on Aug 26, 2010 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
5-7
Losses to all of ND, MSU and OSU for the second time during the RR era.
Es gibt keine Freude wie Schadenfreude
Nice write up Greg
Michigan is the one team I just can’t get a handle on. Their defense is supposed to be bad, but how many times have you seen when superstar player gors down everyone else steps their game up and plays inspired football? They could be awful, and if they are, I don’t know that your offense can keep up. Yes, you have pint-sized talent, as you said, but most Big 10 defenses have as much talent, and it’s bigger. I’m not convinced they’ll be that horrid, though.
On offense, I believe the addage about if you have two QB’s you don’t have any, like someone mentioned above. But I also remember that OSU was able to do well in 1997 with Stanley Jackson and Joe Germaine. They won the Rose Bowl, beating ASU and uber-QB Jake Plummer. So to say it can’t be successful isn’t true, but I don’t think either Forcier or Robinson is the guy. I just don’t think either is big enough to withstand the pounding they’ll take from Big 10 defenses.
I look at their schedule, and I can talk myself in to 8-4 as easily as I can talk myself in to 4-8.
Oh, and no, I don’t feel sad when OSU beats you, and I don’t pity you. I’m still not over the Jon Cooper era. ;)
Just for the record, I have you guys going 4-8 (2-6) with losses to Indiana, MSU, Iowa, Penn State, Wisconsin, and OSU. But give me 10 minutes, and I can see 8-4 (4-4) and count Indiana and MSU as wins (along with UConn and ND non-conference), or maybe even an upset of one of the big 4.
Would you guys just get rid of RRod and get back to being Michigan? Thank you.
"Whoever said that the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons."
Ah yes
Thanks Ted. Yes, it will be interesting to see how our QB’s hold up. I don’t think we’ll have two; I think we’ll have one. And that one is Denard Robinson with Tate backing him up. Do I want the ball in Denard’s hands every play now that he knows how to be a functional QB? Yes I do.
And apologies, neither Graham nor I could locate your predictions, Ted. I’ll add ’em in right now.
Hmm, I thought I sent them out
But these Interwebs and electronic mail that they make us use vex me…
"Whoever said that the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons."
To illuminate the scoring statistics, I'd like to put out there for the jury....
While UM did score 29.5 points per game last year(and allowed 27.5 ppg defensively), if you look at those numbers against teams in 1-A, those change to 26.5 ppg scored and 29.5 ppg allowed.
Furthermore, if you look at only Big Ten games, those numbers become even worse, at 22.1 ppg scored and 33.3 ppg allowed.
"I think so, Brain, but how are we going to get the bacon flavoring into the pencils?"
Wow, nice stat Mike
Quite a difference when you factor in ‘like’ competition.
"Whoever said that the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons."
And factoring in the 10 points scored against Ohio State...
Of course, that game might have been closer than it was had Michigan fell on the Forcier Fivecier fumble in the endzone instead of OSU (2 points instead of 7). Of course, the Buckeyes punched their ticket to Pasadena thanks to the heroism of Tate Fivecier.
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
"Ah gravity, thou art a heartless b*tch." --Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 26, 2010 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Much in the same way the coaching of Jon Cooper
lead to a pretty good decade in the 90’s for Michigan.
"Whoever said that the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons."
Don't forget
a pretty good decade for Wisconsin, with 3 Rose Bowl wins.
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
"Ah gravity, thou art a heartless b*tch." --Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 26, 2010 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, very true
Coop could’ve been Big Ten coach of the year for about half a dozen Big Ten programs in the 1990’s.
Too bad none of them were for the team he was actually, you know, the head coach of.
"Whoever said that the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons."
by Ted Glover on Aug 26, 2010 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd.
John Cooper, Coach of the Year for the Michigan Wolverines.
Wait a second…
My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.
"What's your formula for the corner?" -Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
"Ah gravity, thou art a heartless b*tch." --Doctor Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 26, 2010 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions
No arguement here...
More frequently than an alcoholic diabetic, Ohio State pisses excellence, week in and week out
i am a michigan fan,
and i predict 2-3 wins. umass, bg, and possibly indiana, illinois, or purdue
The Proud. The Few. The Detroit Lions Fans.
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