[Bryan Fuller]

Exit Xavier Worthy Comment Count

Brian April 15th, 2021 at 1:30 PM

This one hurts badly:

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Worthy intended to enroll early but could not for reasons that remain unclear. Rumor has it that Michigan, the institution, was a problem. Worthy then stuck it out but that didn't sit well, and now he's out the door. Whether it was coaching turnover or player departures that made the decision is unknown.

This is a major own-goal for the football program and a depressing way to lose a guy who may be the fastest dude in the country.

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Comments

KentuckianaWolverine

April 15th, 2021 at 1:51 PM ^

Yeah, it's called the fan base CONSTANTLY shitting on a program that has had 10 wins, 10 wins, 8 wins, 10 wins, 9 wins, and COVID half season....and acting like it's similar to the RR or Hoke Era.  I mean, damn!  How many seasons has Pat Fitzgerald been coaching at Northwestern?  Plenty of time to "build a program".  Maybe not to OSU level, but to be good.  2019....Northwestern went 3-9 (1-8 in conference, where they play in the weaker division), and yet Fitzgerald gets a pass, because he has them out of the gutter.  People on here even praise him, for how good he is.  I got news for everyone, on here.....WE were "in the gutter" (Rutgers even had a better record, during that time), during the 7 years before Harbaugh got here, and I'd argue that downward spiral started with Lloyd Carr's last years.

This, particular, issue has nothing to do with the "program", but people like to jump to "the program is in shambles" narrative.  If anything, this just highlights the "just an excuse" hurdle that is very real....the admission department. 

Toby Flenderson

April 15th, 2021 at 2:12 PM ^

This is laughable. You are comparing Northwestern, the elite academic institution of the Big Ten, who has virtually zero tradition or dedicated fan base, worst facilities, to Michigan, a top 8-12 program in the country.

At Northwestern, you can go 3-9 a season because the expectations are virtually nothing. You have distinct disadvantages to the rest of the conference, while Michigan, outside of OSU, has distinct advantages to the rest of the schools in the Big Ten. 

Harbaugh has not gotten Michigan out of the Gutter. Harbaugh's best seasons were with Hoke's recruits, that is indisputable. In fact, as we have seen with this program, there are large roster gaps that are largely his fault. The fans did not tell him to not recruit interior linemen, the fans did not tell him to not recruit corners who can run, the fans did not tell him to run off the QBs from the 2016, 2017, and 2018 class. 

This is a bad football team man. Michigan may go 6-6, 7-5, or 8-4 next year, but the expectation of Harbaugh joining Michigan was not to have similar success to Wake Forest.

All fan bases complain, at least ones who are passionate about their program. That comes with the territory of being paid 9 million a year. It is not to go 8-4, and win the Champs Sports Bowl, it is to get to Indy, and contend for a CFP spot. If this is all too much for Harbaugh, he can coach at Oregon State.  

Vote_Crisler_1937

April 15th, 2021 at 2:33 PM ^

“Win” the Champ’s Sports bowl? Highly unlikely. More like, “get the bottom 2/3 of the roster to play in the Champ’s Sports Bowl” 
 

Otherwise I agree.
 

Northwestern had the longest losing streak in P5 history, a point shaving scandal, (two, actually, but only one in football) and most recently allowed the biggest second-half comeback in CFB history. In Northwestern’s football trophy case they celebrate a Heisman trophy won by an Ohio State player because he coached at Northwestern. 

It is beyond ridiculous to compare Michigan football expectations to anything close to Northwestern. 

KentuckianaWolverine

April 15th, 2021 at 3:03 PM ^

Say hello to Northwestern's "worst facilities".

https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/4/10/17219292/northwestern-new-practice-facility

Last I checked, "tradition" does not win football games.  Northwestern was a HELL OF A LOT more successful in the 7 years prior to Harbaugh’s arrival, so that isn't "tradition"?  Literally, the kids that were being recruited, to Michigan, (at that time) had only ever known Michigan to have sucked.  But....sure.....let's talk about the time we won an outright National Championship, in 1948......to a recruit in 2015+! (?).  Maybe...we can talk about the shared National championship we had in 1997.  Cause, Nebraska can also talk about that, and how's that going for them?

To talk about a guy that was on YEAR 13 (!), and say that it's acceptable to go 3-9....and 1-8 in conference (in a weaker division), and give excuses as to why that season was so bad is FAR worse than any "Harbaugh apologist" arguing about the one "bad" 8-5 season or justifying the COVID half season. 

It just baffles me as to how so many people lack logic, and would rather trash their own "favorite program" and it's current head coach, then to "enjoy the ride", of being a fan. 

Oh...and "Best seasons with Hoke's recruits"?

Hmmmm.....2018 was a very good season, and they actually shared the division championship (which would have been a shared conference championship in Bo or Lloyd's eras).  Tell me again how many of "Hoke's recruits" were on that team? ?

Furthermore, most of this fanbase complains about "player development", but are the SAME people who are the first ones to bring up "Hoke's recruits".  So, you mean the same kids that underperformed with Hoke, but over performed with someone who can't develop talent?  Yep, that's sound logic.  Lol

It also cracks me up about the people who scream they want change, but (when changes are made) they complain about change.  ?‍♂️

Such a nonsensical fan base.  It's exhausting, really. 

It would be nice to not constantly be bombarded with how much the coach sucks, every day........even before Fall practice is not even close to starting.

We get it....you're mad about losing to OSU (which is the ONLY thing preventing them from winning championships).  It sucks, but if you think changing head coaches and starting all over is going to be some magical pixie dust, then I have a time share in Florida to sell you.  Especially, when that same OSU was congruently coached by one of the top 5 coaches of all time.

Toby Flenderson

April 15th, 2021 at 4:45 PM ^

1) Tradition does not directly translate to championships, but it gives an indication of program potential, as well as a sizeable fanbase. Programs with deep seeded traditions tend to have dedicated fan bases, which buy tickets, apparel, and fill the stadium, which all have immense benefits to the program. This makes the program more attractive. Of course, you must pocket that with winning, but tradition is a good indicator.

2) Again, you are really trying to compare one 3-9 season that Pat Fitzgerald had, which was at a program that traditionally is a door mat. This is as annoying of when people bash on Matt Campbell for losing in bowl games, WHILE HE WAS AT IOWA STATE. 

3) The 2018 team is up there with the 2015 and 2016 teams, but also, doesn't the OSU game from the 2018 season sort of prove the incompetence of the coaching staff? Like, they couldn't scheme up a way to make Brandon Watson not look like burnt toast. Brandon Watson, the third corner, who is on an NFL roster right now.

4) If the bar is simply doing better than Brady Hoke, that is embarrassing. Yes Brady Hoke needed to go, but yes, Harbaugh's players who had the most success in the program were originally recruited by Hoke. 

5) Who is complaining about change? Candidly, you seem to be the one against change, as everyone sees the program going south, but is unwilling to entertain the idea of a new staff being beneficial.

6) Losing to OSU is not the only thing preventing Michigan from championships. Michigan is .500 against MSU, and has not beaten Wisconsin or Penn state on the road, two teams with similar talent. Michigan has not been 11-0 going into OSU once in Harbaugh's tenure. 

 

KentuckianaWolverine

April 15th, 2021 at 5:15 PM ^

Actually, Michigan beat PSU on the road in 2015.  However, highly ranked teams are supposed to win at home, and make no mistake about it....PSU and Wisconsin are (usually) highly ranked, every year.

Until the wacky Covid "season" (which was wacky for everyone, including PSU and Wisconsin), we basically traded blowout wins.

Also....keep in mind that MSU was a top ten machine, before Harbaugh got here....and pretty much dominated Michigan for 6 out of 7 years (before Harbaugh got here).  They also went to the playoffs in 2015.  So...this assertion that the record against MSU is unfathomable is ridiculous.

Here is what Harbaugh’s results were against those three teams, from 2015-2019 (again, left out the wacky Covid season, which was wacky for everyone).

 

Under Harbaugh 

Penn State
2015:  (At Penn State) Win 28-16
2016:  (At home) Win 49-10
2017:  (At Penn State) loss 13-42
2018:  (At home) Win 42-7
2019:  (At Penn State) loss 21-28

MSU
2015:  (At home) loss 23-27 (dropped punt game)
2016:  (At MSU) Win 32-23
2017:  (At home) loss 10-14
2018:  (At MSU) Win 21-7
2019:  (At home) Win 44-10

Wisconsin
2016:  (At home) Win 14-7
2017:  (At Wisconsin) loss 10-24
2018:  (At home) Win 38-13
2019:  (At Wisconsin) loss 14-35

 

Again, my point is......it's ok to talk about these things.  It's ok to be frustrated....especially when it happens.  What I'm saying is.....it isn't warranted to bitch about those things 24/7, even when the new season isn't even close to starting.....and they just re-signed the Head Coach.  That's what gets super irritating, for the non "Debbie Downers", who come on here to read about their favorite team.

Toby Flenderson

April 15th, 2021 at 5:34 PM ^

Sure, but I think it is reasonable to expect a coach to win tough games on the road. That is what separates good programs from great programs.

MSU took a hard dive in recruiting and coaching from 2015 onwards. That 2015 MSU team had huge holes in the roster, covered up by Connor Cook. We saw what happened in subsequent years when Connor left. The 2015 game was lost partly due to to a coaching error. MSU was going for an all out punt, why the hell did Michigan have gunners? The 2017 and 2020 games are quite inexcusable as well. 

Also, I find it weird to rule out the COVID season. So, does that mean we do not count anything from Basketball?

I mean, the program will have negative fans for sure. Truthfully, Michigan football does not have a lot to be popular about. Michigan resigned Harbaugh at a lower buy-out. Michigan gave Harbaugh the budget to hire elite assistants, but frankly, missed out on top-notch coordinators. Michigan still has no game breakers on offense, and the defense has huge holes, particularly in the front 7 and at corner. Like, the team is not set up to succeed in today's college football. It is what it is man, and I cannot act like the season will be a good one, when all indicators state that the team is below average at all positions, saving Running Back.  

KentuckianaWolverine

April 15th, 2021 at 5:53 PM ^

Nobody needs to be overly optimistic.  Just not "Harbaugh sucks" or "this program is a tire fire" responses to EVERY post.

Like I said, being critical is not what I'm referring to.  Just, the unwarranted criticism, when it's unnecessary.  Like, the context of this post.  Worthy transfers (most likely due to the admission department), and immediately the comments about the football program being a tire fire come in force.

As far as the Covid season.  There's a difference between the ability to practice for the basketball and football teams, during last year.  It's also a smaller group of players.  An 11 man roster (mostly) experienced players....with a full practice schedule.....is a bit different than an 85 man roster (mostly) inexperienced players, who didn't get the luxury of the normal development time.  To further complicate things...three returning OL players got hurt.  The returning starting LB got hurt.  The returning starting safety got hurt.  Both (all American caliber) defensive ends got hurt.  That is a lot to overcome, in a shortened season.  Especially without normal practice time.  With Covid restrictions.  Without any non conference games.  Without any fans in the stands.  It was just different.

KentuckianaWolverine

April 15th, 2021 at 6:03 PM ^

Let me remind you.

Beilein's last year was 30-7, and just signed a highly ranked recruiting class.

Howard took over, and went 19-12.  Not many people batted an eye, because of lack of experience, the injury to Livers, and the fact that Covid canceled the post season.  All in all, though, that wasn't exactly a spectacular season.  Those same fans dismiss the inexperience and injuries for the football team, as "excuses".

This year, expectations were low, and they did great.  However, the team lost the last 3 out of 4 regular season games (including to an MSU team that wasn't very good).  Lost a conference tournament game to OSU.  Then, lost to a UCLA team they had no business losing to, in the Elite 8.  Yes, they won the regular season title, because of having the best Winning percentage (which the football team can't do), but when they had to win to achieve further titles (or Banners, if you will)....they lost.

I'm not diminishing the job that the basketball team did.  I was super happy.  However, I'm just illustrating the fan hypocrisy about the two programs.

UMxWolverines

April 15th, 2021 at 7:19 PM ^

I will bet every single dollar I've got that the basketball teams accomplishments from this past season will be better than anything close to what the football team will do. There is no hypocrisy between the programs...the basketball team has three Big Ten titles, two elite 8 appearances, and two national championship appearances since 2012. The football team has...what? One bowl win against Florida in 2015? 

ERdocLSA2004

April 15th, 2021 at 3:05 PM ^

Nobody likes to hear what you are saying, unfortunately, you’re not wrong.  All the recent evidence points to a program that has no identity. Early departures by guys that never hit their peak, highly ranked guys transferring or decommitting, coordinator carousel, Harbaughs behavioral change, 2020 loss to MSU, then an extension with a paycut.  Worthy leaving doesn’t move the needle much for me just because I have no confidence in the programs ability to maximize talent.  Not a good pattern and there really isn’t much positive happening that we as fans are aware of.  I hope that we find our way and start to get on the right path.

KentuckianaWolverine

April 15th, 2021 at 3:36 PM ^

I'm with you, on the 2020 MSU loss.  I was just as pissed as everyone else.  I haven't liked the strange offense decisions.

However, that's when I like to go in and "look under the hood".  Then, I see QBs missing wide open receivers, or RBs taking improper cutting lanes.  I see QBs making the wrong decisions on RPOs.  I see receivers and tight ends dropping passes, that hit them directly in the hands.  How can I logically complain about the offensive play calling, after knowing that.

Yes, you can say "coaching", but then you have to acknowledge that 2020 had very limited coaching opportunities, compared to normal years, and the previous years injuries caused a lot of those issues.  For example, Shea's oblique injury sure had a lot to do with him not wanting to keep the RPO, or his ability to throw deep.

At some point, the players need to make plays.  A lot of these games, one or two plays have made HUGE impacts on the games....and the perception of the program.  I'm sure that if Ronnie Bell catches that pass in the end zone, DPJ dropping a touchdown, or Metellus dropping that interception would have made major differences in the perception of the program.  The "spot".  How much different would that have made?

There's a difference between being disappointed and just being downright negative about the program.

Recruits and players read blogs and social media.  The constant negativity doesn't increase the probability of good things, regarding those players.  So, why do we keep doing it?  Am I saying that they are completely influenced by it?  No, but acting like a kid in 2021 just brushes that off is just being obtuse.

ERdocLSA2004

April 15th, 2021 at 4:00 PM ^

I agree that at the end of the day it’s the players job to make plays.  You also made a long list of concerning patterns that span multiple years. These issues don’t appear to be isolated which indicates a deeper problem than just guys making mistakes.  Incorrect routes, lanes, missed blocks, missed qb reads....unless you think the universe is just plain out to get us, at the end of the day it’s Harbaughs responsibility.  Recruits watch games, they follow rankings, championships, records, rivalry games, etc.  We aren’t disclosing anything on this blog that you can’t ascertain by being a college fball fan or a parent of a recruit.  Again, I’ve been quite happy with the talent Harbaugh has been able to recruit for the most part.  The development is where there lies an issue.

KentuckianaWolverine

April 15th, 2021 at 4:16 PM ^

It's not that discussions about those things are the issue.

It's the fact that is all that is talked about, on here.  If ANYTHING positive is said, about anything football related, then the "negbangers" and "narrative bullies" come out in full force, to shoot down those positive vibes.  I mean, how dare someone come to read about their favorite team, and not be excited to see nothing but vitriol?

As an experiment, I challenge you to read the comment sections, and look for a positive thing being said. Then, watch what happens next.  That's not supposed to happen, when everyone is supposed to be rooting for the same team.  I expect that when I'm around OSU or MSU fans, but not constantly seeing it from Michigan Fans.

And.....yes.....when a recruit or current player (or their families) Googles "Michigan football", and all they get is negativity, then that's a problem, and has self fulfilling consequences.  Again, I'm not saying they run for the hills or anything, but it certainly doesn't help.

ERdocLSA2004

April 15th, 2021 at 7:24 PM ^

I’m not going to disagree that most of the posts regarding the program are negative but why wouldn’t they be?  Did I miss some overwhelmingly great news in the last 6 months? The AD basically waved the white flag with his extension of Harbaugh.  As you know, championships and beating your rivals is all that matters to fans, so.....what exactly should we all be optimistic about?  We are way past moral victories at this point.  We all know qb play, o&d-line play is what wins games...what did Harbaugh do to improve this since the end of 2020?  I get your frustration with the negativity, but we were close after “the spot” game, thought Shea was the answer, revenge tour was our year, speed in space was the cure, etc etc.  our optimism has gotten beat down at every turn and now we appear farther away from success than ever.  the only thing that will bring optimism is results at this point.

True Blue Grit

April 15th, 2021 at 4:46 PM ^

How many years of quarterbacks underperforming and struggling to develop at Michigan under Harbaugh will it take for you to admit there is a problem with his coaching? How many embarrassing bowl game losses where the team looks unmotivated and unprepared will you put up with before you change your tune?  How many top rated players leaving here before they accomplish anything significant or transferring will it take for you to conclude maybe he's not relating well or managing his players well? The bottom line is that a lot of common problems and failures are constantly repeating themselves, game after game, season after season.  There's only one person responsible for that.  It's not the players.  It's not the assistant coaches.  And it's not the fans.  I admire you for still being able to look at things with your rose colored glasses.  But the rest of us have far higher expectations of a coach who's paid at such an elite level.

UMxWolverines

April 15th, 2021 at 5:56 PM ^

It's fucking incredible. We have the largest stadium in college football with some of the highest ticket prices in college football with a video which plays before every home game that says "we believe in championship football" only to be told by fans like this guy that we're a "shitty and toxic fanbase" that has too high of expectations. 

UP to LA

April 15th, 2021 at 7:00 PM ^

Not the main point, but let's pump our brakes on this whole "Northwestern is THE elite academic institution in the Big Ten" talk. There are a ton of departments at Michigan that are substantially more highly regarded than their Northwestern counterparts. Generally speaking, if you pick a piece of groundbreaking research at random, it was much more likely to have been conducted at Michigan than at Northwestern.

mgoblue0970

April 15th, 2021 at 2:42 PM ^

Yeah, it's called the fan base CONSTANTLY shitting on a program that has had 10 wins, 10 wins, 8 wins, 10 wins, 9 wins,

LOL.  All numbers inflated by tomato cans.

What you saw last season is more of a reflection of the true nature of the program than your blanket citing of records.

  • How many wins against OSU in that time?

 

  • What's the bowl record in that time?

 

  • What's record against rivals in that time?

 

  • What's the record against ranked opponents in that time?

 

Cue East German Judge...

KentuckianaWolverine

April 15th, 2021 at 3:12 PM ^

"tomato cans"?

2015-beat ranked #22 BYU, #13 Northwestern, and #19 Florida

2016-beat ranked #8 Wisconsin, Colorado (which ended up #10), and Penn State (which ended up #5)

2017-beat ranked #17 Florida

2018-beat ranked #15 Wisconsin, #24 MSU, #14 PennState (ended ranked #12), and Northwestern (ended #22), 

2019-beat #14 Iowa, #8 Notre Dame

 

Can't win vs ranked teams?

 

4-10 vs teams that finished the season in the top 10. *It should be 5-9, but the "bad spot" happened.*

4-5 vs top 10 teams not named Ohio State (which "gets up for" and circles the calendar date, for Michigan)

9-4 vs teams in the top 11-25

A WINNING RECORD vs teams ranked 11-25?!!!! No way! ? ? ?

What I saw last year was less "a reflection of the true nature of the program", and more of a program that was the least experienced team in the nation (when you consider the opt outs and injuries to the few returning players) not having the ability to go through normal off season training.  Yet...go ahead and run with your narrative, because logic isn't exactly common on this blog.  Lol

KentuckianaWolverine

April 15th, 2021 at 3:42 PM ^

I posted "ranked" teams.  Which is the SAME standard that the negative narrative drivers use.  So, just because it doesn't fit your narrative, does not make it less true.

By the way...how many wins against OSU were against "bad" OSU teams, that everyone likes to point to....when talking about the past?  Go ahead, look at the OSU season by season record post, that I put up.

You can't pick and choose what standards you want to go by, based on the narrative you want to spin.

KentuckianaWolverine

April 16th, 2021 at 9:23 AM ^

Lloyd was here for 13 seasons

9-4, 9-4, 12-0, 10-3, 10-2, 9-3, 8-4, 10-3, 10-3, 9-3, 7-5, 11-2, and 9-4 (hmmm....3 seasons, out of 13 with less than 3 losses, and 2 of those 3 had 2 losses).

2 outright and 3 shared (which is no longer available) BIG Championships.  No conference divisions or conference championship games.  Literally, all he had to do was have the best conference record or tie for the best conference record, to win the championship.

He was 6-7 vs OSU (that's a losing record for those who can't figure out basics *you know who you are*) 

In his 6 wins vs OSU

Those OSU teams FINISHED at 11-2, 11-1, 10-3, 6-6, 8-4, and 11-2.

He was also 6-7 in bowl games (when they actually mattered).

Lloyd is WIDELY considered ONE of the best coaches to have EVER coached at Michigan.

Now, I'm not saying all this to shit on Lloyd, because I think he was great.  Just showing the reality of the rose colored history.

I think it's hilarious that in order to "prove" that Harbaugh is such a "failure" that he is compared to some of the best ever to coach at Michigan.

Harbaugh has done a good job (especially with what he took over).  Is he doing an amazing job?  No.  Is it worthy of EVERY SINGLE FUCKING Comment (IN THE SAME OFF-SEASON THAT HE SIGNED AN EXTENSION) about how he needs to go?  No.  How about letting the season play out, see how it goes, and then make assessments and judgements?  What if this season happens to break all conventional wisdom, and is a miracle of a season?  Then, we all had to listen to the whining for nothing, and those people will suddenly disappear or will suddenly act like they weren't like that.  As a fan, you support the team (along with players abs coaches) through good and bad, and when it's good, then it's that much sweeter. 

Will this team be a championship quality team, in 2021?  Probably not.  However, with OSU going away from the "dual threat" QB, I think that makes it easier to game plan for them....when you have something more than just trying to match athlete vs athlete, in press man coverage.

The whole sale changes Harbaugh has made could end up being a disaster.  It could also end up being spectacular.  The bottom line is....we don't know.

The fan base asked for change, and change was made.  The head coach's job is to have good assistants.  Those assistants do the development, training, schemes, etc....  If those assistants aren't doing a good job, then the head coach takes the blame, because he picked them.  In this case, however, he has a whole new group.  Let's see how they perform....instead of the constant "this program is a mess" comments.....with no real way to evaluate the legitimacy of those comments.

Example......Post:  "The uniforms look great....I like the all maize look".  Response:  "Who cares.  This program is shit, and will be lucky to win 3 games.  I don't care about the football team anymore.  We are a basketball school".

Shit like THAT needs to stop.  It's pure toxicity, and does nothing productive....except push away fans who want to have fun conversations about their favorite team.

mgoblue0970

April 15th, 2021 at 3:58 PM ^

because logic isn't exactly common on this blog.  Lol

That's hilarious considering you wrote this litany of excuses.  You forgot to mention "refs", "bag-men", and "online state":

but the "bad spot" happened.*

which "gets up for" and circles the calendar date

not having the ability to go through normal off season training.  

Hint idiot: NOBODY had a formal offseason program last year.

Troll on assclown!

KentuckianaWolverine

April 16th, 2021 at 8:42 AM ^

Hahaha....getting negged by the same people I'm calling out?  That's unfathomable.  No way!  You got me there!

For the love of God....do you even think things through, before you post?  Seriously.

I didn't expect to get positive feedback, from this group.  That's the point of my original post, genius.  However, it needed to be said.

Beat Rutgerland

April 15th, 2021 at 3:40 PM ^

M has a pretty good fan base imo. Sure, any fan base has some agitators, but the program has been perceived to be underperforming for a couple of decades now both within the fan base and outside of it, and it's still one of the largest fan bases in the country, and the program still has a lot of financial support.

 

Also, most fans aren't ridiculous, and aren't frequently saying nasty things about college kids (obviously some exceptions there).

 

We could argue until we're blue in the face on if the program expectations are realistic at this point (I don't actually have a strong opinion on that) but I don't think the fans bear much if any responsibility for not meeting those expectations.

CLord

April 16th, 2021 at 11:39 PM ^

I logged in just to downvote you.  Bottom line is Harbaugh was  hired to bridge the gap with OSU and according to your logic, given the shambles he inherited, there was only one way to go which was up.  Instead, after one close game, OSU has distanced themselves during his tenure, and laid beatings on us of never before seen proportions.

Further, his recruiting and decision making at key positions has been sub par.  Only saving grace is he is making moves/changes to keep trying to get it right.  That's about all we can hope on, that he finally backs into the right combination.