Jake Rudock appreciation thread
October 6th, 2015 at 2:41 PM ^
I think last year we learned the danger of thinking, "There's no way Shane is worse than this."
October 6th, 2015 at 3:22 PM ^
chance of being more greatly appreciated. This is the opposite of what Buckeye fans are doing with their quarterback situaiton. It kind of feels weird to keep on complaining about not appreciating our guy enough when the general feeling is that he hasn't had enough time to determine how good he can be with this offense.
The coach assured us in the preseason that the qb situation was up in the air when he got so many candidates for the position and then accepted a fifth-year transfer student to play the spot. Then he assured us publicly that he was the best guy by saying as much.
Now, we have had others confirm his opinion and actually the coach again sort of backhandedly reconfirmed his position on the matter by noting at his press conference that for certain positions like Oline and qb, fifth years are when you determine the effectiveness of those position players.
I'll take his word for it. I appreciate the fact that Rudock is leading Harbaugh's offense and doing so with both his approval and appreciation for what he accomplishes. And he like us, expects more. And so does Rudock. So more room for greater appreaciation or questioning that, I suppose.
October 6th, 2015 at 2:44 PM ^
As we've all seen, there's lots of nuance to this offense. Jake seems to have done a good job getting a handle on the details in only a few weeks of practice and games. If we are looking at this as a season where the whole team is still trying to master the offensive system, I think having Jake running them through the plays gets everybody "better" game reps.
Er, this take might be damning with faint praise.
October 6th, 2015 at 3:26 PM ^
this is the faint praise department thread.
October 6th, 2015 at 2:45 PM ^
Was in Athens for UGA-Bama in the rain, and DVR'd Michigan. Watched last night and was pleasantly suprised on Rudock's performance after reading Brian's references to "ghost Rudock" in the game summary. Made a lot of accurate throws on mid-range routes, consistently kept the chains moving, and used his legs when needed. I'm bullish on Jake.
October 6th, 2015 at 2:49 PM ^
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October 6th, 2015 at 2:56 PM ^
I also noticed that he takes a ton of 7 step dropbacks, especially after playaction. Not always, and I'm not sure if that's the way it's being coached up. I noticed a few times Saturday even in the Shotgun he'd drop back another 5 yards. Again, not sure if that's the way it's drawn up, but being 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage makes it difficult for a guy that isn't exceptional at the intermediate game to begin with.
October 6th, 2015 at 3:00 PM ^
That is not correct. The ugly stat that you are referring to is on deep balls, i.e. over 20 yards.
October 6th, 2015 at 3:23 PM ^
Read the Ozone Michigan Monday's the past few weeks. Rudock has been poor on anything over 7-8 yards. 1st half BYU was his one exception in the last 6 halves. Dude from Ozone sits and tracks every throw he has done. OSU and Maryland games were poor once you get out past the 5 yard zone.
The lack of long throws get the attention but the inability to connect in the 8-15 yard range is concerning. You see him throw behind guys and at their feet a lot.
October 6th, 2015 at 3:38 PM ^
this is like a movie critic trying to pinpoint areas of weak composition in a film as a way of convincing his readers that he is making a salient point about production values that while interesting doesn't sway your feeling about the product itself.
He's not being asked to make a lot of those throws and when he does, sometimes his guys don't catch the ball. I can recall balls that went over 8 yards to Darboh that were on the money and went for first downs.
I think more than anything he has to trust his eyes and instincts more when he's scanning progressions and making choices. Trust his eyes and qb instincts.
October 6th, 2015 at 2:47 PM ^
October 6th, 2015 at 2:47 PM ^
I just want a QB like Harbaugh had in Luck at Stanford. Could that be Peters?
October 6th, 2015 at 3:01 PM ^
That NFL people say is the most gifted QB in the last several years? Yeah so does every team in the NFL except maybe Green Bay and New England.
October 6th, 2015 at 3:05 PM ^
Exactly. Is that too much to ask?
October 6th, 2015 at 3:02 PM ^
Gentry
October 6th, 2015 at 2:50 PM ^
while he hasn't matched preseason expectations as far ball security, he has led us to victory. At this point i feel like a 4-1 record and being ranked trumps mediocre qb play. for us to keep winning will require him to step it up though. i'm more worried about us being able ot run the ball against some of our future opponents.
October 6th, 2015 at 2:50 PM ^
QB is more thant throwing the ball around. Jake comes to the line and decides what play would work best. That's what a game manager does. Chesson's jet sweeps were probably really Jake's call, of the two or three plays they had when they went to the line. Same with the screen to Drake. Yes, he doesn't always make the throw, but when he does throw it is at the right time.
I think that is what Butch means. He makes the right choices not just in whom to throw to, but whether to call a pass or run.
October 6th, 2015 at 7:26 PM ^
You think he gets to call his own plays? I'd believe Andrew Luck was given that green light but an average QB starting in a brand new system? No.
October 6th, 2015 at 2:53 PM ^
I appreciate Rudock. That said I'd appreciate him a whole lot more if he cut down on turnovers.
October 6th, 2015 at 2:55 PM ^
October 6th, 2015 at 6:09 PM ^
our QB prevents us from being a serious playoff contender blows my mind. I can't believe we're thinking that way in year one of a new system when most teams in year one are hoping for bowl bids or 8 wins. And yet, here we are thinking we're that good (and I agree with you). Good God Harbaugh is a great coach.
October 6th, 2015 at 2:57 PM ^
More like Mehpreciation thread, amiright?
In all seriousness though, he's been ok, not as good as I expected but has done some things well. And with our defense, that has been enough.
He's working with Harbaugh though, I expect him to improve throughout the season.
October 6th, 2015 at 2:57 PM ^
Honestly...I think he will continue to improve. The coaches know how to scheme/maximize his potential.
What a difference in coaching this year. I like Brady Hoke and all but he just isn't a head coach. More of a coordinator type coach.
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October 6th, 2015 at 2:58 PM ^
October 6th, 2015 at 3:00 PM ^
we stand overall. Now that we've reached the main part of the B10 schedule, it's time for Rudock to up his game. That means less picks and more completions. Versus Maryland he only hit half his passes. If he can accomplish this, plus the O-line getting more consistent, Michigan can go very far this year.
October 6th, 2015 at 3:02 PM ^
October 6th, 2015 at 3:03 PM ^
October 6th, 2015 at 3:04 PM ^
Those who still can't help but take shots at Rudock even in this thread. Insufferable. None of you have zip, zero, nada ability to understand the position other than UFR's and Jake is serving the role the team desparately needed for this season. The team is winning.
Rudock is an asset. Is he flawless? No. Is he the best thing for this team, this season as decided upon by Harbaugh? Yes.
October 6th, 2015 at 3:07 PM ^
Current QB ratings
Rudock 59 out of 127
That is 3rd best in Big Ten - so I am happy.
Elsewhere:
http://espn.go.com/ncf/qbr/_/page/2
October 6th, 2015 at 3:24 PM ^
October 6th, 2015 at 5:15 PM ^
59th out of 127 is 46th percentile. Not sure what your definition of middle of the road is :) that's pretty middle of the road.
The B10 Qb stats support the fact its an awful conf for QBs. We have 2 guys in the top 50 in the nation. 50th would be 40%h percentile.
As I state in many threads, this is why many Big 10 defenses look really good on paper. Not many QBs to challenge them. This year you expected OSU's to be better for sure - even he has had a rough year.
October 6th, 2015 at 5:51 PM ^
October 7th, 2015 at 11:41 AM ^
34) Sudfeld IU
38) Armstrong NEB
...which moves Rudock down to #5 in the B1G.
Even then, I have no doubt that he's the best QB we have this season. With the ongoing "coaching up" he's getting, I have to believe he'll get better as the season goes on. With two of the B1G unbeatens coming into Ann Arbor this Saturday and next, though, some quick improvement sure would be nice. Wins over Northwestern (their defense appears to be for real) and MSU (sure to be tough, though their defense hasn't been all that impressive) would make him even more appreciated!
October 6th, 2015 at 3:08 PM ^
October 6th, 2015 at 3:08 PM ^
That screen to Drake on the TD was executed perfectly, the all-out blitz was right in Jake's face, but he dumped it off with a nice touch and then got smashed. Plus he showed good pocket presence the way he stepped up to avoid the blitz and hit Darboh over the middle.
And the Denard-esque cutback scramble was hilarious!
Gives one hope. Not a world beater, but a helluva lot more in control than our other QB backups, that's for sure. The kid reminds me of John Wangler, which would be fantastic if he can get to that utilitarian level. God help us if he gets hurt.
October 6th, 2015 at 6:13 PM ^
in the face of oncoming blitzers and delivered the pass and took the hit a number of times. Kid has heart and is giving everything he has. I appreciate that in a player and you're right. God help us if he gets hurt...
October 6th, 2015 at 3:16 PM ^
October 6th, 2015 at 3:28 PM ^
some good opponents lie ahead in Northwestern and MSU, and there is a collective sense of knowing by frequenters of mgoblog that Jake's INTs and fumbles are going to cost Michigan a game or two, or three, this year.
It's fear. I get that. Really I do.
But personally I'm pleased with Rudock. Harbaugh is too.
First, even with Rudock's INTs, fumbles, zeroing in on receivers, and poor overthrows, Michigan is still achieving enough offensively to beat the teams that it should (in most cases decisively so) and has been very competitive with those that are more experienced/talented than they are right now (Utah).
Second, have some faith in the kid. Yes, the INTs and fumbles will continue, but eventually Rudock is going to connect on some deep bombs and laser cat throws in the next two games. You know that's going to happen too. I mean, he didn't leave all that skill and ability in a padocked suitcase in a parked car at the Cedar Rapids airport.
October 6th, 2015 at 4:00 PM ^
While Jake's physical execution of ball slinging has left something to be desired, I am curious about his ability to read a defense and call plays / make adjustments at the line. That has been important, and I don't know how much has been him and how much has come from the sideline.
October 6th, 2015 at 4:00 PM ^
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October 6th, 2015 at 3:41 PM ^
October 6th, 2015 at 3:42 PM ^
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October 6th, 2015 at 3:45 PM ^
I appreciate him coming here and giving his best. That doesn't mean he's real good.
October 6th, 2015 at 3:47 PM ^
I am 100% in Rudock's corner. Honestly, I'm annoyed with all the posters who are whining and complaining about Rudock. Remember the timeline:
- Harbaugh becomes coach in Dec.
- He inherits 3 QB's, none of whom he recruited.
- Harbaugh gets offers out, brings on true Freshmen Gentry, transfer O'Korn.
- Harbaugh goes through Spring Ball, assesses QB situation with Drevno, Fisch.
- Only at this point does Harbaugh aggressively pursue Rudock. Why? Because Harbaugh ALREADY KNEW IN MARCH that Michigan was in deep trouble. Rudock was the best rent-a-QB for 2015 on the market. And Harbaugh got him.
Yeah, there was an open competition in August. But look at what happened: Rudock emerged as the clear starter. Brian predicted this. The scrimmage open to Freshmen predicted this. And it was so. For those who are complaining, are you saying that Harbaugh is deficient in analyzing the situation? Are you saying that Harbaugh isn't telling the truth, and Morris really should be playing? Are you saying that we should be playing a true Freshman? (When Harbaugh said THIS VERY WEEK that QB's usually benefit from a redshirt)?!
Since the season began,
- Harbaugh has consistently said Rudock had won the competition, and it wasn't even close.
- The receivers have praised Rudock.
- The rest of the team has praised Rudock. In particular, I have heard in interviews that Rudock excels in assessing the defense, and making adjustments at the LOS.
The big knock on Rudock is that he doesn't complete nearly enough passes downfield, more than 10 yards downfield. Obviously, that needs to improve. But yeah, I'm putting that partially on the receivers, partially on timing, partially on the whole team coming together. Remember, Rudock is playing THIS YEAR. Next year, we will either have O'Korn, or Morris, or Peters. And there's also Speight, Malzone, Gentry, and Viramontes.
Those of you who aren't happy, what do you propose? Are you suggesting that someone else play QB this year? Are you suggesting that the playcalling is bad, and we should be scoring 40 or 50 or more points every game?
My son-in-law is from Wisconsin, and obviously loves Green Bay. We have debated the skills of Aaron Rogers and Tom Brady. I'll concede that Rogers may have better arm strength, and be a better scrambler. But you know what? I think Brady JUST WINS GAMES. Brady doesn't overwhelm you with his passing. But his short passes all over the field shred defenses. I'll take that kind of "game manager" any day of the week.
I'm ranting, but to sum up:
- I trust Harbaugh, and Harbaugh says Rudock gives us the best chance to win.
- As each week goes by, more and more wrinkles are added to the playbook, both runs, sweeps, pitches, screens, and passes downfield. All these plays, as they succeed, will open up things downfield.
- Regarding passes downfield, as each week goes by, Rudock has more and more reps with Darboh and Chesson and Butt and Harris and Bunting and Hill and Ways and Canteen. I'd bet all the debbie downers out there lemon eating or something else that Rudock is not doing to regress, he's going to improve, and Michigan will reap the benefits.
"Rudock just wins games." And I'm ecstatic at that. Definitely appreciate Rudock!!
October 6th, 2015 at 4:07 PM ^
Rudock sucks, not that he shuldn't be the starter. I'm not saying put in Shane, I'm simply saying Rudock sucks. That's all.
I'm sure Harbaugh knows better and trust his decision, so I'm not questioning it.
Just because Rudock is our starter and our best bet at QB (as of now anyway), doesn't mean that he doesn't suck.
October 6th, 2015 at 4:29 PM ^
I can live with what you say. I happen to think that Rudock is a good, not a great QB. And that he by far gives us the best chance to win. And that we're going to see a lot of improvement over the course of the season. But we don't know yet: that's why you play the games: to see whether or not this assertion is true. We'll know a lot more in the next two games.
Honest question: because you think Rudock sucks, do you think we will lose vs. NW or MSU? (let's set OSU aside for now).
October 6th, 2015 at 7:20 PM ^
If he didn't have so many turnovers to date I would agree with you @StephenRKass......but he has too many turnovers to be considered even good.
Not only does he throw picks, he also fumbles .....
October 6th, 2015 at 5:10 PM ^
that Harbaugh was aggressively recruiting Rudock. Is this speculation or factual?
How bad can Morris be? By all acounts he has a great arm, good feet and is football savvy. Wasn't he a 5 star when he came out of high school? Where did he go wrong?
October 6th, 2015 at 6:09 PM ^
Too lazy to dig for it in the archives, but I do remember that Harbaugh was the one who pulled the trigger on saying Rudock was welcome, and would have an offer. If harbaugh didn't want Rudock, he would have made that abundantly clear.
October 6th, 2015 at 5:22 PM ^
Rudock is an upgrade from what else would be available. I think most agree. That is on Hoke not Harbaugh. And the players themselves.
But it doesnt mean he was what he thought he would be here. I think that is what we were most disappointed in. I expected a guy who checked down a lot after trying to scan for long balls - instead he is a guy who does the 1st read only and tends to force it (much like Gardner in that regard). And more turnover prone.
If you remember this entire summer was spent on people bashing Iowa for shackling Rudock and not allowing him to flourish. Once he got here all those talents would be on display that Iowa OCs was destroying. Well now we see why he was shackled.
By the way you stated he was the best "rent a QB" available - disagree - Golson is doing very well at FSU. I actually was hoping Harbaugh would take a run at Golson because he reminded me of a poor man's Kaepernick.
7 TD 0 INT 63% completion rate, 7.4 ypa. He was turnover prone at ND and somehow they have fixed that at FSU.
http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/stats/_/id/515409/everett-go…
Again he is the best we have. That is due to Hoke. I just wish he was more of Iowa 2014 Rudock as this defense could be special and you marry that to Iowa 2014 Rudock and you might have 2013 MSU.