so much for that
Brandon Smith Likely To Transfer
Filed under:
This has been the hot rumor the past couple days and TomVH has confirmed that redshirt freshman safety/LB Brandon Smith has received transfer papers and is looking to move on. Hurray.
Smith was a top-100 "athlete" in the hybrid Rodriguez/Carr class who technically committed after the transition had been announced but, like JT Floyd, was a Carr recruit all the way who was just stringing out his commitment for reasons unknown. So this could be a "Carr guy" moving on to a place he'd rather be. In any case it's the departure of one of the most highly rated players in a class entering its third year at a position, be it linebacker or safety, of desperate need.
Smith didn't seem to be working out, as he was too big and slow for safety and spent his game as a quasi—linebacker starter on skates, but there's zero upside here. He could have put on 20-30 pounds easily—his "frame" was a reason he was rated so highly—and eventually turned into a contributor at linebacker. At the very least he would have been a relatively veteran body on a defense that needs every last potential contributor. BONUS: Michigan can't even add anyone to replace him because of a mysterious but apparently real oversigning change that prevents Big Ten teams from backdating players who enroll early*. DOUBLE BONUS: Before the season I took a look at Michigan's APR and concluded that sanctions resulting from transfers were unlikely, but the attrition has continued at a pace that makes me nervous.
*(Which will definitely help the struggling conference compete nationally.)
December 6th, 2009 at 3:45 PM | 
That oversigning rule really
That oversigning rule really
December 6th, 2009 at 3:48 PM |
Kittens?
Kittens?
Anyone got some kittens? They might be good right about now.
December 6th, 2009 at 7:48 PM |
.
.
December 6th, 2009 at 11:58 PM |
Excuse me
Excuse me
but you seem to have a problem with the term "vaguely".
Frustrated to near-insanity, despondent, and starving within inches of sustenance is a 99% EXACT metaphor for Michigan's football program at the moment.
One could achieve 100% metaphorical accuracy, but that would entail a Taser shot to the genitals.
Love & Hate are horns on the same goat.
December 7th, 2009 at 3:21 AM |
To that I would add
To that I would add
Frustrated to near-insanity, despondent, and starving within inches of sustenance...
...set back by a temporary condition which, painful as it may be at the moment, ensures long-term strength and stability.
Still, as I sit here looking at the food just beyond my reach, I can't help but think...
I'm starving.
December 7th, 2009 at 1:54 PM |
I think that's a great metaphor
I think that's a great metaphor
especially if it works as it did with my cat. (As an aside, and not related to the metaphor, I believe that the kitten in the picture realized that it was possible to make a mess under the guise of trying to eat, and suddenly found that more entertaining than actually eating.)
At first, she saw the e-collar as evil. It sucked to wear and interfered at all times, regardless of its necessity. (She couldn't very well heal if she were pulling at her stitches.)
Later, she figured out that what was tightened by man could be loosened by cat. It was not unusual for me to come home and find either one or two paws through the e-collar. If she'd been a touch thinner, she might well have got all the way out of it herself.
Eventually, she was healthy again. The collar was removed, and she's been running around like a terror ever since. (Little sister cat stands up to her pretty well, though, so we can stop the metaphor right there, especially since little sister cat doesn't go outside and knock random neighbor cats senseless.)
December 6th, 2009 at 3:51 PM |
i'm disappointed. Smith is
i'm disappointed. Smith is
i'm disappointed. Smith is an excellent athlete and could have helped us.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:20 PM |
define
define
excellent athlete
December 6th, 2009 at 10:11 PM |
apparently,
apparently,
he is an excellent athlete but in football at Michigan...not so much
If the haters don't hate you then you're doing something wrong. - David Cone
December 7th, 2009 at 1:09 AM |
I will
I will
say that it is sad that he couldn't crack the two deep of the 2009 defense, but he was one of our best kick cover guys who certainly appeared more athletic than say Leach or Kovacs. I wish he would stay, but as long as he doesnt goto MSU or OSU, good luck to you sir.
December 6th, 2009 at 3:54 PM |
This has been a rough start
This has been a rough start
December 6th, 2009 at 3:57 PM |
I don't get the new rule.
I don't get the new rule.
I don't see the logic of the new rule. The practice of enrolling early would appear to be academically good for students and give freshman a better opportunity to play. I guess it increases the possibility of students being in college for 5 1/2 years but that didn't seem to hurt Van Wilder.
I just don't see the PURPOSE of the new rule.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:54 PM |
from here
from here
it looks like part of the purpose is to punish those who allow excess attrition. that seems like good policy.
...the Canadians make up for it with their emotion and classic ice-dancing skill.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:15 PM |
Ridiculous
Ridiculous
I'm ok with anybody transfering, but this is becoming a little much. The Big Ten rule is complete bull crap, and we should be able to sign more guys. It's just dumb that we can't sign enough guys to bring our team numbers up to par with other programs. It's not an excuse as to stopping us from winning, but we could miss out on some guys considering us that we can fit easily just because of a dumb rule.
I can only continue to reference the fact that I live in an onion factory.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:17 PM |
This new rule...
This new rule...
It seems like this will cause more problems than solve. Teams may have to be like the Alabama's of the world and tell kids they are losing their spot if a more coveted recruit comes along. A team cannot hold open multiple schollies waiting for the big fish to commit as this could leave a couple open in the end. I can see how the Big 10 is trying to set a new standard but it will cause integrity to be lost in other places I think. Look at Smith transfering, for example. This could cause a team to refocus its recruiting to fill a new need. Lets say they find a good linebacker recruit that they need and want to replace Smith but don't have an open scholarship to use there. They may need to let some one go in order to fix this hole in the roster. This is putting the Big 10 at a huge disadvantage and it could cause rebuilding teams to take extra years to build up a quality depth chart. I vote nay for the new rule.
When you reach the end of your rope tie a knot and hold on...
December 7th, 2009 at 1:21 AM |
Is this true?
Is this true?
"Teams may have to be like the Alabama's of the world and tell kids they are losing their spot if a more coveted recruit comes along."
What are the specific rules related to this in recruiting? Can 'Bama and others really do this? Is this new, or has it always been this way? Is there a website I can visit to learn up?
It does suck that this kid is transferring. And it sort of double-secret-probation sucks that he's a defensive player. It even triple-dog-dare sucks that he's a good athlete. However, what are the normal numbers of kids who transfer from programs? It seems to me like a few kids transferring is pretty normal.
On the plus side, now I won't have those "What the HELL is Brandon Minor doing on special teams!!" moments anymore. Of course, Minor is a senior, so that wasn't going to happen anyway, but, you know what I mean.
"If you shoot me, you're liable to lose a lot of those humanitarian awards."
December 7th, 2009 at 2:36 AM |
While I don't know all the rules...
While I don't know all the rules...
Alabama has been finger waved at by many fans for bringing in larger than normal recruiting numbers in Saban's first couple years there. In 2008 they brought in 32 kids, 2009 they signed 27 but so far have only 22 this year. Bringing in 32 kids in Saban's first official class was what brought about such scrutiny as he would have to cut kids from the team to fit his new found studs. I was just speculating that this might become more the "norm" if the Big 10 is working on a different set of rules than the other power conferences.
BTW - you can look to rivals for sources here.
When you reach the end of your rope tie a knot and hold on...
December 7th, 2009 at 2:56 PM |
I believe the SEC has a similar rule
I believe the SEC has a similar rule
At least in terms of how many you can have in a class. I'll try to find a link. The article I saw said the SEC and the Big Ten were the only two conferences doing it.
Hmm -- the Big Ten and the SEC -- the two BCS conferences in which Nick Saban has been a head coach -- maybe we should just call this the Saban rule?
Don't know if the can't-back-date-Spring-arrivals rule is Big Ten only. It sounds like an NCAA rule to me.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:22 PM |
No
No
He was one of the better special teams players with great potential. I have been waiting to see what he can do. Apparently it won't be in a Michigan uniform. Fuck a duck. Good luck Brandon.
Sent From My Commodore 64
December 6th, 2009 at 4:38 PM |
Decimated Defense Needs an Update
Decimated Defense Needs an Update
Make that
56.25%.
When I suggested that Michigan's defense was decimated to the point that it would likely be ineffectual for years, I wasn't even counting on FURTHER decimation.
You can try to chalk this up to transition attrition, I guess, but when does the bleeding stop? It's been two years! Haven't these guys figured out by now what kind of program this is going to be under RR?
That's why I don't believe this is a Carr guy gone sour on the new era. I think this is a whole new kind of attrition, one that we've probably been lucky to avoid up to this point. I think this is the "we can't win before my eligibility runs out" type of attrition. You know, the kind Michigan State gets all the time from erstwhile sophomores after two close losses to Michigan and post-Michigan late-season nosedives which characterize the typical year in East Lansing?
That's not to say Michigan is certainly doomed to be a second-tier team for another three seasons. It doesn't need to be certain -- you just need a large enough minority to start believing it.
I don't find it that hard to imagine that this kind of thinking has gained traction among some players, especially from guys recruited with the understanding that coming to Michigan was almost a guaranteed Rose Bowl once in your career.
Normally I take the players' side in these things -- it's their lives, so what's that against my football team? I root for him on Saturdays, and maybe contribute some $$$ toward the program that pays his tuition (which is something he could get elsewhere); big whup.
But a few things I still can find insulting.
The timing of this one is what really grates me -- a lot more than previous defections.
This isn't a guy opting out of a dangerous mission before we march; it's a guy abandoning his post when we're in a shallow ditch and under fire.
Even if leaving is best for Brandon Smith, leaving now, when things are at their worst, is a much bigger betrayal to his fans, his coach, and teammates (in that order).
We're in a fucking foxhole, here. You don't just walk away.
(Blogger alias: "Misopogon") This team is under construction. We thank you for your patience.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:04 PM |
I understand
I understand
I understand your point but this isn't war it's college football. These kids really don't owe their fans, teammates, or coaches shit. If they want to move on it is ultimately their decision and what is the point of being miserable. If a player expects to win at a certain school and the school is not winning, well hell, you only have fours years so you go somewhere else. Loyality is a bunch of bull in the world of sports. This could be the best decision he ever made, or the worst, who the hell knows. To chalk it up as inconsiderate or a betrayal is misplacing anger.
Sent From My Commodore 64
December 6th, 2009 at 5:52 PM |
"Loyalty is a bunch of bull"
"Loyalty is a bunch of bull"
You could compare the successes of Chauncey Billups and Allen Iverson to test the validity of that statement
Loyalty is what makes a team. Otherwise it's just an accumulation of talent. B Smith isn't a loyal teammate so, to that end, I say "So long, kid. Don't let the door hit ya."
My practical side is more like "WTF arrrrrrgggggodamnit!"
Bah humbug
December 6th, 2009 at 5:22 PM |
I agree
I agree
with everything you said until you started blaming Bradon Smith. It is his decision; he is not getting paid. He signed up to goto the Rose Bowl, and right now, its looking like he might goto the Pizza Pizza Bowl...eventually.
December 6th, 2009 at 7:03 PM |
Miso, I think the bigger point is why defense is leaving
Miso, I think the bigger point is why defense is leaving
Offense, I can understand. This is a very different system from what Carr ran. However, even last year, the D was not "that" different. You still had all the same pieces, just a different scheme. This year, the scheme used a few positions somewhat differently, but hey, so does USC who gets defensive 5* studs to play in that system where it piles those guys into the NFL.
This requires some serious introspection here since none of the arguments really hold beyond RR simply being different from Carr. I would start looking pretty hard at my position coaches and if there is/is not confidence from the players that they will get better. Can't beat the conditioning correct? Depth chart should look pretty good. Tradition, facilities, check. I don't know man, for me, this one has put the flashing red light on.
December 7th, 2009 at 9:01 AM |
That's what I was thinking
That's what I was thinking
That is exactly what came to my mind while reading this. I am thinking this may be down to the position coach and the players lack of confidence in the coach making him the player he needs to be to make the league (I lack that same confidence in our position coaches).
RR needs to get over this "loyalty" he is showing some of these position coaches and get someone in here that knows how to develop talent. If all of them are back next year I will start to question things a bit more.
December 6th, 2009 at 11:32 PM |
Love that analogy.
Love that analogy.
Love that analogy.
"It's the only place to get the inside story on Wolverine football, so blee bluhh tahh!" - Bo
December 7th, 2009 at 12:11 AM |
We're in a fucking foxhole, here. You don't just walk away.
We're in a fucking foxhole, here. You don't just walk away.
Damn.
That should be the new motto on the MGoBlog Banner.
M'Dog
December 6th, 2009 at 4:36 PM |
DP
DP
My dong just can't take many more punches...
Well, the world needs ditch diggers, too.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:51 PM |
I'm sorry people but he
I'm sorry people but he
I'm sorry people but he sucked. He might have gotten better, but is not a long term solution for anything. He isn't better than Mouton or Leach next year. And if one of the younger guys isn't better in 2 years we got serious issues.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:15 PM |
Ah, the classic "He wasn't
Ah, the classic "He wasn't
Ah, the classic "He wasn't very good/we didn't need him anyway!" reaction after a transfer...
It's called depth. You need it. Every player who leaves this program leaves a gap somewhere.
December 6th, 2009 at 11:17 PM |
no
no
I'm not saying it's great he left. Simply saying everyone who is freaking out should calm down. I highly doubt this will severely damage the team going forward. This is nothing near as bad as Warren leaving early.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:56 PM |
When he wasn't filling in for
When he wasn't filling in for
When he wasn't filling in for guys who just weren't handling things defensively he was busy beasting on special teams. That alone is enough to make me miss him. He was always one of the guys getting the crew fired up before and after the nice special teams plays made.
December 6th, 2009 at 6:09 PM |
Special Teams
Special Teams
He was a special teams demon. This kid had a ton of amazing hits on kickoff coverage. Also, when he was finally put in the game, he made a couple of important tackles filling in for Stevie Brown.
In many ways the new LB/S spot was ideally built for him.
Alex: Backup QB is the best position in sports. In fact I get drunk all the time, I don't have to show up to class, and it's just like being a real QB but without all the pain.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:57 PM |
Also...
No, you suck.
Also...
No, you suck.
Also...
No, you suck.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:59 PM |
The rule change in the Big 10
The rule change in the Big 10
The rule change in the Big 10 was unwarranted. I understand that it was probably in response to Alabama kicking players off the team. I don't agree with this, and I don't want anyone in the Big 10 doing this.
But was it so likely to happen in the Big 10 that they had to put in a rule? Can you honestly see Fitzgerald, Ferentz, or any big ten coach doing this to their student-athletes? I can't, and until it actually DID happen, all it does is hurt programs who are trying to rebuild.
This seems like an experimental rule gone bad, kind of like the whole "Big 10 can suspend players for ANY non-football actions during a game" rule. Nice in theory, but horrible in practice.
December 6th, 2009 at 8:25 PM |
nice troll bro
nice troll bro
nice troll bro
if you read the thread hardly anyone is doing what you suggest
December 6th, 2009 at 5:29 PM |
It's Not Coincidence Anymore
It's Not Coincidence Anymore
Something's rotten in Ann Arbor.
The attrition is ridiculous. Either it's all the recruits/players faults or this staff just needs bushmen and hottentots out of the shadows of the coal mines of West Virginia to train.
This staff has shown ZERO capability to work with any of the talent they inherited (to the point where our fan base insists there WAS no talent in order to keep justifying this circus), the talent they've brought in, and the class of 2008, which was highly ranked but is shrinking by the day.
Folks, ya'll can keep rationalizing this stuff away--but this movie has nothing in store but a bad ending.
I do not like math
December 6th, 2009 at 5:54 PM |
i upbanged you
i upbanged you
but i dont think its going to stop the mass negbang youll get for questioning our almighty savior coming to rescue us from the hellish regime of lloyd carr.
December 6th, 2009 at 6:05 PM |
How dumb are you?
How dumb are you?
Players like Mallet, Manningham, and Arrington left the second RRod was hired and didn't give him a chance. They saw his WV offense and felt it wouldn't fit their style. They didn't let him change the offense before they left.
Then you have the Carr guys like Smith who were not recruited by RRod. It makes sense some will leave. They wanted to play for Carr and he's not here. Some guys don't fit the new system (like B. Smith) just don't fit the new system. In the old and slow Big 10 he could have been a safety. He, like Stevie Brown, no longer fit in a Big 10 secondary. I would have liked to see Smith playing the LB/S hybrid but he decided to leave.
Finally, you have some guys like Boren who's nickname starts with a D ends with an e with OUCH in the middle.
What talent did Lloyd leave RRod? On defense he left him 1 good DE and 1 good CB. Guess what... both are going to be first round picks this year. What talent has RRod wasted?
For the most part (minus getting kicked out because you deal drugs), every player has left on their own free will. How is that the coaches fault? Should they hold them hostage and not release them? Should they lie to the kid and say your guaranteed to start next year? Kids transferring can be due to a number of causes and jumping on RRod and blaming him points to your agenda. People like you, who attack RRod through off the field activities (like transfers, bull shit practice hours, etc.) are a bunch of scum and I really, really would like you to and your band of bitches and go root for the Spartans. Please go.
The NCAA counting players that go pro early or pre-graduation against the teams is incredibly dumb. I think the NCAA should encourage graduation and transfers to other schools shouldn't hurt the first school because the kids can still graduate. The SEC makes everything easier for their teams to succeed. The Big 10 has this incorrect image that they are above the SEC/ACC/Big 12 because they don't abuse the players. It's the NCAA. Lets just admit that the athletes are here only because they have to be and move on. The student-athlete no longer exists. These moronic rules (early enrollment and practice hours) are a thin guise by the Big 10 to cover up that they don't give a shit about football players. All they want is maximum profit before they can go pro.
Alex: Backup QB is the best position in sports. In fact I get drunk all the time, I don't have to show up to class, and it's just like being a real QB but without all the pain.
December 6th, 2009 at 6:54 PM |
kman
kman
you and everyone else who think you're entitled to call out people's fandoms can shut the f- up. honestly, its about time scum like you "and your band of bitches" go root for the spartans.
no where in this post has the OP said "i hate this team. rawww." godamnit. people like you and bouje drop these strawman arguments where, by golly, if you criticize richrod you MUST be a horrendous bandwagon fan.
i for one have supported this team from day one (even at a high financial cost to my already poor pockets) and still will. its time that assholes like you get off your high horse; you're not a better fan because you're too blind to see some of the shit thats been going on.
December 6th, 2009 at 8:41 PM |
I don't disagree with most of
I don't disagree with most of
I agree with most of your post, though you come off as a douche for calling people bad fans for criticizing RR -- BUT, I have a hard time believing that Donovan Warren will be a first round pick.
December 7th, 2009 at 5:58 AM |
Haden then Warren
Haden then Warren
2-4 corners go in the first round. Berry is a safety so he doesn't count. Can you name two better corners in the country then Warren? Haden of Florida is one and .....
Warren is the second best corner. He has size and speed. He can come up and make a tackle and he can pick off a ball. The kid is going between picks 15 and 31. If he wasn't going round 1 he'd be coming back to Michigan.
Just to show you here is a blog that has him going 12th (and it's the very first entry in google for mock draft 2010) http://walterfootball.com/draft2010.php
I will bet you $100 bucks he goes first round if he enters. Too many teams need CBs like Detroit, St. Louis, Tennessee, Buffalo, KC, San Fran, Atlanta, Houston, New York (Jets), Dallas, and Baltimore. No way do 2 CB's not get picked from those 11 teams. Please don't argue with me on the NFL draft. My roommate works for the NFL network on draft coverage and agrees with me that Warren is the 2nd CB coming off the board this spring.
Alex: Backup QB is the best position in sports. In fact I get drunk all the time, I don't have to show up to class, and it's just like being a real QB but without all the pain.
December 7th, 2009 at 9:19 AM |
lolz
lolz
"Please don't argue with me on the NFL draft. My roommate works for the NFL network on draft coverage and agrees with me that Warren is the 2nd CB coming off the board this spring. "
The thing about the NFL is there is things like free agency and trades. When a team has a need, it isn't like in college where they have to recruit, they can simply sign a free agent or make a trade to get it.
To say that Warren will go first round is a joke, I don't care who your friend is or who he works for. Maybe he is the second best corner (I highly doubt that he is though), but to get picked in the first round you need to be one of the 32 best players in the nation, and he is not.
You say he will go first round because many need corners, but they aren't going to take a third round corner in the first round just because they need one. To think they would is beyond absurd. Also, there will be a number of underclassmen entering the draft that will further decrease his stock.
And please....don't argue with me, I am a Doctor and I know what I am talking about. (sarcasm for those without meters)
December 7th, 2009 at 11:50 AM |
That's the problem with Detroit
That's the problem with Detroit
That's the problem with Detroit. They draft players because of their necessities, not value. He may be the 2nd best corner but he is not 1st round value.
Just think about this. B. Graham is considered in the 20-30 range in this draft class and I see him way better that D. Warren. Now that's value.
December 7th, 2009 at 2:12 PM |
If you were your roommate
If you were your roommate
I still wouldn't believe you. If you can identify an analyst who correctly predicted even the first round last year, please post it here because I can't think of one. I'm willing to bet it wasn't your roommate.
Working for the NFL network lifts nobody above reproach when it comes to draft speculation, least of all the employee's roommate. While a professional opinion (do we even know this guy gets paid for his opinion?) supporting your position might be probative, it does not warrant the "you can't argue with me" schtick.
December 6th, 2009 at 10:42 PM |
Band of Bitches, Indeed
Band of Bitches, Indeed
I can't remember the name, but a former player spoke out when all this PracticeGate stuff was hitting the fan about the supporters of Rodriguez being so loud and vitriolic that it was drowning out most of the debate as to whether the guy was doing a good job. Attempts like this to marginalize any questioning of Rodriguez have more of a polarizing effect than anything Rosenberg or the Freep can do.
It seems that every bad thing related to Michigan football post 2000 has been the fault of one man--Lloyd Carr, head coach. Now the argement has somehow swung full circle, and with many, absolutely NOTHING is the fault of Rich Rodriguez, head coach.
You are right--I DON'T know why so many players have left (and will continue to do so). However, neither do you. I simply question the culture at the program now, while you give carte blanche to this staff and assume they are the victims in all this.
I think the results on and off the field speak for themelves--you seem willing to reason it all away with rationalizations that require quite a bit of leaping of faith. Rodriguez is now entering his second full off season. He has had time to make this team HIS--both the players he has recruited and the players left behind.
I also think it depends on the point of view one is willing to take WRT the state of the program when RR came in. Did we need a "change"? Well, I guess obviously we did. Did the program need to be blown up and started over? I don't think I'm alone in saying, "Aw, hellz no" An infusion of energy, a new offensive system, new S&C regimen? Who the hell can say for sure that what old UM was doing was so bad that it not only had to be junked, but it was bad enough to give a new coach a three-year free pass?
You know, to a LOT of UM fans (including those of us who have been around for about 35-40 years of watching UM), them's kind of fighting words. This was not a program in such decline that the baby had to be thrown out with the bathwater. To many, this was program that a shot in the arm would have been medicine enough. A new coach, a more lively playbook that maximizes the talent, and yep, a new workout program along the lines of what many schools do (of which, Barwis is no pioneer).
Ultimately, this may be the fault of those who hired Rodriguez--they may have put him in an untenable position that made HIS success almost impossible. Both parties obviously did not do their homework before the hire and the resulting mess has turned UM into a joke, and less than a shadow of its former self--and the way out is not in any way clear, nor is the future under Rodriguez bright enough yet to run out and buy sunglasses.
I do not like math
December 7th, 2009 at 12:58 AM |
Are you.....
Are you.....
Tom Hagan?
December 7th, 2009 at 2:50 AM |
Appalachian State was not the
Appalachian State was not the
Appalachian State was not the sign of a program that needed a shot in the arm. That was the final horrifyingly visible symptom of a program and culture that had withered on the vine. Lloyd Carr is a good man and a good coach, but I think it is inarguable that his lack of energy over the last few years of his tenure has had disastrous results. Go look at those Decimated Defense posts, that kind of lazy recruiting is why Michigan is in the hole it is now. Is Rich Rodriguez a perfect coach for Michigan? Maybe not. Has he done everything right? Definitely not. But I guarantee you the man wants nothing more than to win like crazy. Everything he has done since he arrived here attests to that and to give him the short shrift because the roster is riddled with youth and inexperience does a great disservice to Michigan football.
December 7th, 2009 at 8:24 AM |
Appalachian State
Appalachian State
Give it a fucking rest. I'm so goddamn tired of hearing about how this was the worst thing to ever happen to a football team. You know what other program lost to a I-AA team a couple years ago? Alabama. And they didn't finish that season with a bowl win over Florida.
You're focusing on Appalachian State, when the real signs of a program in trouble and perhaps in a tailspin are all around you. 8-16 in two years? That's a sign of a program in decline. Recruiting classes that, in terms of rankings, look more like Bret Bielema's than Lloyd Carr's? That's a sign of a program in trouble. The rate of attrition that is still, apparently, continuing into Rodriguez's third year - which can only be another albatross on the recruiting trail? Trouble.
Appy State stung like hell at the time BECAUSE we had become accustomed to such a sustained level of success. Now there are fans on the board saying "let's be positive - with some lucky breaks we can recreate what Stoops has going on over at Arizona." Let's put The Horror into perspective - what we have right now is much, much worse.
December 7th, 2009 at 9:29 AM |
I think it is the Florida win
I think it is the Florida win
that needs the rest more than the App. State loss, and Alabama was not returning at least two pre-season all-americans on offense and countless all big ten performers when they lost to a conference sub-division opponent, they were rebuilding their program. M lost to App. State in its climax, pinnacle year. The difference is noteworthy.
That oversigning rule really makes this a double whammy. No one will know if Smith would have ever developed into a contributing LB but the signing rule just delays a replacement for a year.
It would be nice if we could have brought in a LB in his place this year, redshirt next year and be a RS FR in 2011 in possible position to contribute since Ezeh and Mouton will be gone. Instead that spot will be a true FR thanks to this rule. Thanks Big Ten!