the just released schedules were a flat-out statement that the B10 doesn't believe SOS will matter in playoff selection
Five things to take from this: Scoreboard.
Filed under:
This isn't going to be as complete a thought process as what I usually post. I missed the second half sitting in the emergency room with a ruptured tendon in my finger. I'm told that it is "Mallet Finger" which, for 1000 words worth of picture, looks like so:
http://www.eorthopod.com/public/patient_education/6565/mallet_finger_injuries.html
This obviously makes typing inconvenient, what with this splint on my finger and all. But the show must go on.
Michigan left me a little worried leaving at half time. It was a relief indeed to see the score for the good guys climb with each pass of the ESPN bottom line ticker while waiting at the ER.
Five Things:
As I said above, this is a team that can outscore most of it's opponents left on the schedule. Assuming a steady, if slow progression by the O-line and the continued health of Mr. Forcier, we may well keep our PPG above 30. I think we all should take a moment to savor just how different this year feels compared to last. As we enter the B10 slate, already having as many wins as last season, we should thank our lucky stars that RR landed in our laps. We have seen just how bare the cupboard actually was when Carr retired and I don't think that there are many coaches out there that could have turned the ship around this quickly.
At this point I am seeing 8-4 or 9-3 and maybe the Outback Bowl. That sure sounds nice. I think that we will almost undoubtedly defeat Indiana, Purdue, and Del. State. I see us taking 2-3 of Illinois, Sparty, Wisky, and Iowa. Then we have both Penn St and O$U at home so maybe a 25% chance of taking one of those. If we can win one of those two I think we make the Citrus Bowl.
I hope that everyone was able to enjoy this game and that everyone made it home safe and sound. Have a great week.
Edit: It appears that everybody want to concentrate on my #2 observations and opinions. So let me clarify:
http://www.eorthopod.com/public/patient_education/6565/mallet_finger_injuries.html
This obviously makes typing inconvenient, what with this splint on my finger and all. But the show must go on.
Michigan left me a little worried leaving at half time. It was a relief indeed to see the score for the good guys climb with each pass of the ESPN bottom line ticker while waiting at the ER.
Five Things:
- Michigan looked shaky, yes, but in the end put the wood to their over-matched opponent. We are going to win a lot of games by simply outscoring our opponents and I am cool with that. It seems we have the ability to score on any play, from anywhere on the field. I don't think we have ever had a more loaded stable of running backs, a nice thing to have with a set of freshman QBs.
- D-Rob has a lot of raw ability but I don't see him ever becoming a pass first QB after this performance. With no completed passes and two picks, it might be time for us to realize that the fortunes of this team rest solely on the shoulders of Mr. Forcier. If forced to insert D-Rob as the starter, this offense will quickly resort to a Pat White run/pass ratio. This isn't the end of the world, but won't win us as many games IME. Those running touchdowns won't come as easily against B10 defenses, or if the offense becomes one-dimensional.
- There appears to be a rather large drop-off at linebacker behind Mouton. From what I saw, and remember that I missed the entire second half, Eastern ran right at where Mouton would have been with a great deal of success. Who was that guy that replaced him? I can't say that I had ever heard of him. Red rover, red rover, let the highly touted linebacker recruits come over.
- English impressed me with his game-plan and by keeping the score close in the first half. He is going to get Eastern some respect in coming years I think. While time of possession is an overrated statistic, a 2:1 ratio is eye-opening. I wish him all the best.
- This coaching staff again made great half time adjustments, or at least it seems so. Missing the second half of this one sucks, as I don't have any real idea of what kept Eastern off the scoreboard. Maybe someone can enlighten me?
As I said above, this is a team that can outscore most of it's opponents left on the schedule. Assuming a steady, if slow progression by the O-line and the continued health of Mr. Forcier, we may well keep our PPG above 30. I think we all should take a moment to savor just how different this year feels compared to last. As we enter the B10 slate, already having as many wins as last season, we should thank our lucky stars that RR landed in our laps. We have seen just how bare the cupboard actually was when Carr retired and I don't think that there are many coaches out there that could have turned the ship around this quickly.
At this point I am seeing 8-4 or 9-3 and maybe the Outback Bowl. That sure sounds nice. I think that we will almost undoubtedly defeat Indiana, Purdue, and Del. State. I see us taking 2-3 of Illinois, Sparty, Wisky, and Iowa. Then we have both Penn St and O$U at home so maybe a 25% chance of taking one of those. If we can win one of those two I think we make the Citrus Bowl.
I hope that everyone was able to enjoy this game and that everyone made it home safe and sound. Have a great week.
Edit: It appears that everybody want to concentrate on my #2 observations and opinions. So let me clarify:
- There is nothing wrong with a run-first QB and yes Pat White won many games.
- D-Rob may or may not be as good a QB as White, I have made the comparison but that doesn't mean D-Rob=Pat White.
- I merely think that D-Rob would not lead us to as many wins as Tate as a starter this season.
- Yes, I don't see D-Rob as the Michigan QB of the future. I agree it is too soon to tell. I just don't see anything yet that would make me think he is better suited to QB than RB or Slot Receiver.
- Please realize that these are just opinions from one fan (by no means expert) and try not to get too offended when they differ from your opinions (expert or I suspect mostly not).
September 20th, 2009 at 10:44 AM | 
D-Rob has a lot of raw
D-Rob has a lot of raw
September 20th, 2009 at 10:55 AM |
I certainly did not mean that
I certainly did not mean that
I certainly did not mean that his career as a QB are over. I just don't see him ever being a pass first QB. D-Rob looks more like a Pat White style QB that runs at the highest level and then can make a throw as more of a surprise. He saw quite a few snaps in this game and threw only 4 passes. 2 were intercepted. He also showed great running skills. Excuse me for trying to analyze this.
I do see his future as something other than a QB though. If things progress as they are now (DG coming in next year and hopefully redshirting), think he will stay at QB this season and next and from there become a big play threat at RB or in the slot.
September 20th, 2009 at 11:12 AM |
His throwing mechanics are
His throwing mechanics are
His throwing mechanics are good, he just has to learn to make better reads. That takes a little more time than getting the mechanics down. I feel like he can be an A+ Rushing QB and B Passing QB by the end of the season.
MGoGTI
September 20th, 2009 at 11:19 AM |
Fair enough. This makes
Fair enough. This makes
Fair enough. This makes sense to me.
September 20th, 2009 at 11:30 AM |
actually
actually
I agree with lordfoul for one main reason: tate forcier. D Rob will not have the repetitions necessary to become an adequate passer when he is only playing QB 10 plays or less, and attempting only 4 passes, against a vastly inferior opponent. Come BIG10 play, I highly doubt that DRob will be given multiple opportunities to "learn" to make better reads in a game environment. And we all know making reads in practice is very different than in a game.
GO BLUE
September 20th, 2009 at 11:20 AM |
are over. I just don't see
are over. I just don't see
are over. I just don't see him ever being a pass first QB. D-Rob looks more like a Pat White style QB that runs at the highest level and then can make a throw as more of a surprise.
And the problem with this is........
wolverineliberationarmy.com/blog
September 20th, 2009 at 11:48 AM |
Exactly
Exactly
You say:
'D-Rob is more of a Pat White, he'll never be a pass first QB, it looks like it's up to Mr. Forcier'
Now, my memory could be hazy, however I recall that Pat White thing working out pretty well at WV. Why is being a 'pass first' QB essential for success in college football?
Misdirection and the option will take a good portion of the defensive pressure off of D Rob once he really gets comfortable with it.
Let that develop along with your crazy-accurate playmaking pass-first qb and diverse stable of ninja-backs and I would rate Michigan's offense as beyond scary as it develops over the course of the year and beyond.
Let's keep him at QB
sparksofattraction.com
September 20th, 2009 at 11:53 AM |
Obviously a pass first QB is
Obviously a pass first QB is
Obviously a pass first QB is not essential. I think, and this is the last time I plan to type this (finger starting to really hurt), that D-Rob hasn't shown he can make good decisions throwing the ball yet, he can really run, and that this would win less games for Michigan than with Tate who can run very well (no, not at D-Rob's level) and can pass very well.
September 20th, 2009 at 12:02 PM |
I completely understand your opinion
I completely understand your opinion
And I can definitely understand why it makes sense. If I could pick only one QB right now I'd have to go with Tate.
My only question is why does it have to be one or the other. Why exclusive? Why do we have to pick one, or the other, or a third.
Why can't we look at this as the combination of guys, instead of saying, well, x is better than y, so let's move y to receiver.
I supposed it's never really worked before (can make the case with Tebow and Leak but they weren't both freshman) however this is a terrible reason as to why it won't work now. Just ask Appy State.
I guess the question is whether x+y is better than x on it's own, in which case I think it is.
Either way, we're both entitled to our opinions and I appreciate yours in getting this discussion going for the 1000th time on this board ;-)
sparksofattraction.com
September 22nd, 2009 at 2:10 PM |
Decision making is the most
Decision making is the most
Decision making is the most difficult skill for a QB to learn. It is why coaches shutter at the thought of starting a true freshman QB. Forcier is far more polished than most QBs, but he still looked like a frosh this weekend.
Let Robinson have a year or two to learn before you dismiss him as a QB.
Go Blue!! Viva La Revolucion!!
www.wolverineliberationarmy.com
September 20th, 2009 at 10:51 AM |
I kinda hope Coach Rod...
I kinda hope Coach Rod...
... is right now trying to figure out a way to get D-Rob and Tate on the field at the same time more.
How explosive would that be?
Hail, hail!
September 20th, 2009 at 11:12 AM |
Another factor
Another factor
One thing I haven't heard much mention of is conditioning. While the coaching staff undoubtedly made halftime adjustments, our defense didn't get THAT much better during the 20 minute rest. It seems clear that the Barwis effect is in full swing this year. Rather than completely shutting down in the 2nd half like we did in every game last year (with the one Wisconsin exception), we seem to be turning up the heat this year. I don't think we can overestimate the impact of conditioning on being able to close out games.
September 20th, 2009 at 11:13 AM |
The first interception should
The first interception should
The first interception should never have happened, he threw a strike to a man on the sidelines a play earlier and he bobbled it and the refs called it an inc (originally a catch but reviewed and overturned), which would have a given Michigan a first down. Instead it was third and long, which led to that first pick
Me fail english thats unpossible!
September 20th, 2009 at 11:17 AM |
Everyone has to remember that
Everyone has to remember that
Everyone has to remember that the last thing we wanted to do in this game is tip our hand and show off something new, give an opponent video that they can prep for. I didn't see any new offensive plays in this game, and I feel like Rich Rod played this one with only the basic Rock Paper and Scissors, and left out any of his Candle plays so as not to tip his hand. This was Rich Rod's impression of Bo Ball, and it did what it had to do - let the vastly superior team win. I feel like the Indiana game is going to go very similarly, with us not showing off anything new and just playing things we already have had installed since ND. Anything new that the coaches have developed will not see the field unless it needs to until Penn State, in all likelihood. Maybe a couple of new things against MSU, but the way that they have been playing I don't think it will be necessary.
MGoGTI
September 20th, 2009 at 11:17 AM |
D-Rob has a lot of raw
D-Rob has a lot of raw
D-Rob has a lot of raw ability but I don't see him ever becoming a pass first QB after this performance. With no completed passes and two picks, it might be time for us to realize that the fortunes of this team rest solely on the shoulders of Mr. Forcier. If forced to insert D-Rob as the starter, this offense will quickly resort to a Pat White run/pass ratio. This isn't the end of the world, but won't win us as many games IME. Those running touchdowns won't come as easily against B10 defenses, or if the offense becomes one-dimensional.
Because Pat White didn't win many games. Against real competition. No, he definitely never did that. FAIL.
Robinson's picks weren't a result of a lack of physical ability - they were a result of poor judgement. He's been on campus for about 6 weeks. That will improve. And, uh...if you can run like him, WHY WOULD YOU BE A PASS FIRST QUARTERBACK.
wolverineliberationarmy.com/blog
September 20th, 2009 at 11:30 AM |
Chitown, I agree with what
Chitown, I agree with what
Chitown, I agree with what you have to say here for the most part. I didn't say that there is anything wrong with being a run first QB, I just don't think that we will win as many games this season without the passing threat Forcier provides. D-Rob may or may not be as good as Pat White. We have zero evidence that he can throw when needed (yes, decision making is just as important as mechanics and strength) and IME, the fortunes of this team rely on the health of Tate.
September 20th, 2009 at 11:26 AM |
Yeah...
Yeah...
fucking bathwater is dirty...tosss that babby right out with it.
Reminds me of the Dallas Cowboys and Troy Aikman. They should have fired his ass after that first season. Not good enough.
potato salad
caw
Time wounds all heels. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwGXMryTbwE
September 20th, 2009 at 11:40 AM |
Well
Well
Well, its not a Pink Slip Diary, but its good to see some lively UM chatter on a Sunday morning.
Robinson's stat line yesterday is the most bizarre from a UM QB I have ever seen. Maybe something from Rick Leach's freshmen season would compare.
Help My Friend Allison Fight ALS
MSU/IU at the JCB
September 20th, 2009 at 11:49 AM |
Perhaps I am missing something...
Perhaps I am missing something...
What is a "Pink Slip Diary"?
September 20th, 2009 at 12:13 PM |
Pink Slip
Pink Slip
I guess it's an inside joke, refering to Magnus' Pink Slip diaries from last season when he did his schtick of player who should keep his job and player who should not keep his job.
I generally liked them and they were good reads even when I disagreed. But many people flipped out and it seemed like every Sunday was highly entertaining reading people's reactions and what not. Oh there would have been some serious neg-banging going on.
So. Anyway. I read your Diary and saw the comments going back and forth on your assertion and I had a flashback......and if I keep prodding, perhaps, maybe, hopefully we'll get another Pink Slip Diary.
Help My Friend Allison Fight ALS
MSU/IU at the JCB
September 20th, 2009 at 12:18 PM |
Thanks for the explanation.
Thanks for the explanation.
Thanks for the explanation. I remember those diaries now, I recall staying away from the fiery discussions they produced.
Michigan fans surely do get hot and bothered about their team. Every week I try to lay out a fair and balanced opinion of the state of the team and every week some part of it gets crucified.
I don't even pretend to have the level of expertise needed to make a "Pink Slip Diary." Who am I to say who should and shouldn't keep their starting position?
September 20th, 2009 at 11:44 AM |
D Rob is a true freshman
D Rob is a true freshman
Say that again. Don't compare him to Tate, who has had years of quality QB instruction.
DRob is a true freshman. He's going to make throwing decisions like a true freshman. That's why true freshman rarely play.
DRob won't be a true freshman next year, or the next.
September 20th, 2009 at 11:56 AM |
They are both true freshmen.
They are both true freshmen.
They are both true freshmen. Tate is just better at this point.
"DRob won't be a true freshman next year, or the next."
Did you come up with that all on your own? Thank you Captain Obvious.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:16 AM |
Technically...
Technically...
While D-Rob is a true Freshman, Forcier is technically a "first year Freshman" since he enrolled early.
Merely semantics. Agreed. As fans we look at it in terms of these two guys played high school football this time last year. They're Freshmen.
A proud first member of the Hoke Pointed at Me Club since 1/12/11.
September 20th, 2009 at 12:22 PM |
Another thing I took away is
Another thing I took away is
Another thing I took away is that Tate is actually human and will make mistakes. That fumble was a bit irresponsible. And he really can't be taking hits like he did on that one play where he got the wind knocked out of him, esp against Big10 folks...get rid of the ball! But hey, he will only get better from here on out and those are things he won't be doing in his future.
September 20th, 2009 at 12:23 PM |
woo baby!
woo baby!
I would love to see a formation where we line up D-Rob and Minor in the backfield as twin backs with Forcier taking the snap from the shotgun.
Think how many options there are with that:
1. send D-Rob on a route, Minor pass block, Forcier chuck it
2. hand off to MINOR-RAGE UP THE MIDDLE
3. hand off to D-Rob who can:
a) turn on the jets
b) chuck it
c) run a bit to the right, chuck it back to Forcier who was running left, who then chucks it deep (woo gadget!)
!!!
I feel this formation could give defensive coordinators nightmares since there are so many options it gives us to attack defenses. Just identify the soft spot and go gettim. If we just gave Tate the option to call one of these variations based on his read of the defense...yeah...sweeet sweeet jebus.
um, course, I'm not like a coach or anything, but I DO play lots of NCAA 10...y'know, just for the record ;)
September 20th, 2009 at 1:39 PM |
The Only Problem With So Many Options
The Only Problem With So Many Options
On one play is that you'll need an offensive line that can sustain blocks for about 8 minutes while they all get figured out.
That being said, it is what it is.
September 20th, 2009 at 4:02 PM |
heh, well, actually no - you
heh, well, actually no - you
heh, well, actually no - you run just one of those variations. Tate reads the defense and makes the play-call *before* the snap, of course. So the "option" is pre-snap audible at the line of scrimmage, not while guys are running around :)
September 21st, 2009 at 8:43 PM |
How can you people
How can you people
not enjoy the humor of these comments?
September 21st, 2009 at 9:06 AM |
I like your idea of D-Rob in the backfield with Minor
I like your idea of D-Rob in the backfield with Minor
However, let's ratchet it up a notch or two.
If D-Rob is the fastest guy on the team, Rich Rod should put him in on a fly route. How lovely would it look to find him five steps past the safety?
A proud first member of the Hoke Pointed at Me Club since 1/12/11.
September 20th, 2009 at 1:30 PM |
I Dislike it When People
I Dislike it When People
Complain about the hurts on their bodies. Typing a diary is really not like you are making any great sacrifices, and the fishing for sympathy because you have an owie on your finger is definitely not Michigan Man material.
Play through the pain. Don't whine about the pain. Or, go play with Barbie dolls.
That being said, it is what it is.
September 20th, 2009 at 1:57 PM |
I don't want sympathy and
I don't want sympathy and
I don't want sympathy and know better than to look for it here in any case. I was explaining why I didn't get to see the second half. Plus I certainly don't care for those that think they know what makes for Michigan Man material. I would opine that your handle makes you Sparty material.
September 20th, 2009 at 3:51 PM |
BooBoo sucks...I hope we're
BooBoo sucks...I hope we're
BooBoo sucks...I hope we're recruiting some good d-backs for next season.
What I hate most about him is, he gets beat on that short endzone route (turns the wrong way?!), gets lucky (receiver drops it) and he stands over the guy waving "no way" like he just did something. He does it all the time. I FUCKING HATE THAT! Cissoko Sissucks!
He WILL cost us a game before this season is over.
The Dalai Lama: "If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun". (May 15, 2001, The Seattle Times)
September 20th, 2009 at 4:39 PM |
Whoah there Bucco. Aren't
Whoah there Bucco. Aren't
Whoah there Bucco. Aren't you being a little harsh here? Why don't we try to dwell a bit more on the positive? Cissoko will improve, as will the rest of this team. You, on the other hand, will remain miserable with this kind of attitude.
September 20th, 2009 at 5:03 PM |
You know what else sucks?
You know what else sucks?
You know what else sucks? Your commenting.
wolverineliberationarmy.com/blog
September 20th, 2009 at 5:07 PM |
[Comment Redacted]
[Comment Redacted]
[Comment Redacted]
September 20th, 2009 at 5:09 PM |
My scorn was directed at the
My scorn was directed at the
My scorn was directed at the "Cissoko sucks" guy, not you. I have scorn for you in a different thread.
wolverineliberationarmy.com/blog
September 20th, 2009 at 5:19 PM |
Yeah, I noticed where the
Yeah, I noticed where the
Yeah, I noticed where the scorn was directed and redacted my comment. Thanks for the scorn elsewhere, anything to brighten chitown's day ;)
September 20th, 2009 at 5:12 PM |
Edit: Too slow at typing when
Edit: Too slow at typing when
Edit: Too slow at typing when hungover
I put up a tough front, but deep down I just want to be held.
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:39 AM |
I sorry massa....ise didn't
I sorry massa....ise didn't
I sorry massa....ise didn't know we couldn't say no bad words 'bout dem Michigan players.
Ise be be quiet from now on when I see shitty cornerback play for two weeks straight.
The Dalai Lama: "If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun". (May 15, 2001, The Seattle Times)
September 20th, 2009 at 5:21 PM |
He's young and inexperienced...
He's young and inexperienced...
Give him time. Not everyone can be Tate.
September 20th, 2009 at 6:34 PM |
@Buccaneer_9
Go away.
@Buccaneer_9
Go away.
@Buccaneer_9
Go away. Forever.
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:42 AM |
Why, so you can keep telling
Why, so you can keep telling
Why, so you can keep telling yourself that he's any good. He is NOT playing well after over a year in the system. Warren's been good ever since he stepped on the field...Cissoko...not so much.
Pull your head out and really take a look at his play this season.
P.S. Not going anywhere Chachi.
The Dalai Lama: "If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun". (May 15, 2001, The Seattle Times)
September 20th, 2009 at 5:20 PM |
To be fair...
To be fair...
...DRob did not look good throwing the ball. But he should have had one completion. Tay juggled the ball and went out of bounds. I still thought he gained control in time. BUt anyway, that one was on him, not Denard. Still, 1-4 with 2 picks is pretty bad anyway.
September 20th, 2009 at 5:48 PM |
its hard to believe
its hard to believe
we are 3-0 and peoples is nutting up over some very silly junk. Look, the D has played good enough to win, and they could keep on doing that. The O is playing good enough to win and there is no reason to believe they won't keep on doing it. Remember last year?
Come on...let's just enjoy this little run. We could very well be 4-0 after next saturday.
Go Blue. Hail to the Victors!
Time wounds all heels. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwGXMryTbwE
September 20th, 2009 at 6:48 PM |
I'm sorry, but I have a real
I'm sorry, but I have a real
I'm sorry, but I have a real problem with posts like this. I'm glad that you're enjoying this season and that you act on that by being optimistic and doing whatever else. I'm enjoying the season very much, as well (I was "tickled to death" after the ND win!), but it's when I'm truly engaged with the team that I take pleasure in analyzing it and thinking about how it could be better. That's a major purpose for a forum like this: to explore ideas about the team, ask what-ifs, be critical, and share stories. If everyone just posted "Go Blue!" I, personally, wouldn't be nearly as interested in reading this blog. There's a place for criticism here and a place for disagreement. We're all of us thrilled to be 3-0, especially after last year!
"There was a time I could have been mistaken for Burt Reynolds. I had a moustache and so did he. But he was the number one star in the world, so there wasn't really much confusion."
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:42 AM |
+1
+1
+1
The Dalai Lama: "If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun". (May 15, 2001, The Seattle Times)
September 20th, 2009 at 7:36 PM |
I just hope
I just hope
I just hope that people give him a full winter and spring of those extra long practices before becoming so sure that he is not a qb.
Go Blue
- Dutch
September 20th, 2009 at 8:33 PM |
I am so excited that you
I am so excited that you
I am so excited that you called it the citrus bowl. I hate bowls named after a sponsor.
September 20th, 2009 at 8:40 PM |
I tore the ligament in my
I tore the ligament in my
I tore the ligament in my left hand ring finger a week ago playing football. I thought it was jammed badly at first, but it became pretty apparent it was 'Mallett' finger after it wouldn't straighten out. The splint sucks... typing is difficult. I thought it funny I knew what the injury was through reading this blog after Ryan Mallett did the same to one of his receivers in HS.
Cissoko seems to be a competitive, cocky SOB. I wish he had Woodson's talent to back it up, but the swagger of this team is a good thing.
Accelerate Your Life
FLY NAVY
D-Rob has a lot of raw ability but I don't see him ever becoming a pass first QB after this performance.
I don't understand how you or anyone can assert this after three games in his career, let alone one season. Denard has been on the team for 14 weeks. Have some patience. He leads the team in rushing touchdowns and averages 9 yards per carry. I would implore M fans to hold off on declaring Denard's QB career over.