...talks about how UConn hasn't been in contact and how they're out. (HT: UMHoops)
This Year is Different
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It has come again, this time that we wait patiently (or not so patiently) for each and every year. When I say "we" I am of course referring specifically to our privileged society that can claim the Michigan Wolverines as our team, our passion, and our reason for eating, sleeping, and breathing every autumn. We are indeed privileged, for despite the embarrassments and foibles of the recent past, being a loyal fan of this team has been a very rewarding enterprise for as long as many of us can remember. Wolverine fans have it easy in the wide world of football fandom. Our team delivers victories at a pace that leaves us jaded. We expect success, relying on wins each Saturday to validate our very existence. When we lose, I believe I can speak for most here in describing the experience devastating. Our loved ones hope for Michigan victories, even if they don't care for football. They understand that the alternative is having us unbearable to be around. All of these deep-rooted feelings make this a special time of year.
This year is different though. The solid foundation that the Michigan program has stood upon for generations is now eroded. It feels much less stable than we can seem to recall. Last August surely didn't have this feel. Despite the regime change, despite the player exodus, despite the complete overhaul of how our Wolverines would line up and play the game, we felt that talent and tradition would lead us again to glory. It was our right after all, what the past had taught us to expect. Now the situation is palpably different. The rug has been swept from beneath the Michigan fan base. We simply cannot view each game on the schedule as a better than even chance of victory. Western Michigan looms as a stiff test for these young Wolverines, and that feels very odd indeed to say. The season has more glaring questions than most of us were willing to admit going in to last season.
Remember how it felt in years past, when there would be a question mark at quarterback, running back, defensive line, etc, etc, etc? Maybe the replacement wouldn't completely fill the shoes of the star player they were replacing, but pretty much rest assured they would be solid. Now we have questions everywhere we look...
Hail to the Victors.
GO BLUE!!!
(Now let's hear some answers to the questions raised above. Maybe through further intelligent discussion we can all feel more confident about the situation!)
This year is different though. The solid foundation that the Michigan program has stood upon for generations is now eroded. It feels much less stable than we can seem to recall. Last August surely didn't have this feel. Despite the regime change, despite the player exodus, despite the complete overhaul of how our Wolverines would line up and play the game, we felt that talent and tradition would lead us again to glory. It was our right after all, what the past had taught us to expect. Now the situation is palpably different. The rug has been swept from beneath the Michigan fan base. We simply cannot view each game on the schedule as a better than even chance of victory. Western Michigan looms as a stiff test for these young Wolverines, and that feels very odd indeed to say. The season has more glaring questions than most of us were willing to admit going in to last season.
Remember how it felt in years past, when there would be a question mark at quarterback, running back, defensive line, etc, etc, etc? Maybe the replacement wouldn't completely fill the shoes of the star player they were replacing, but pretty much rest assured they would be solid. Now we have questions everywhere we look...
- Can a freshman quarterback really lead this team to a winning record and a bowl berth?
- Do we really have a great running back in the stable, or will the fumbles and injuries return to haunt us?
- Will one (or hopefully more) of the many talented wideouts or slot receivers step up and become the star target we need?
- Was it merely a mirage that the O-line seemed to gel in the second half of last season?
- Can the D-line pick up where the departed seniors left off?
- Will RVB or some platoon of underclassmen be enough of a threat to free B. Graham of constant double teams?
- Is Ezeh cut in the mold of great Michigan linebackers of the past?
- Will Warren take that next step, or are his perceived shortcomings of last season due to something more than injuries?
- Do we have any decent safties on the roster?
- What the heck is a Spinner supposed to be doing?
- Will a burnt crispy Stevie Brown haunt us each and every weekend?
- Most glaring of all, can a defense possibly come together when the system they run as well as the their coaching staff changes three times in three years?
Hail to the Victors.
GO BLUE!!!
(Now let's hear some answers to the questions raised above. Maybe through further intelligent discussion we can all feel more confident about the situation!)
August 10th, 2009 at 6:10 PM | 
That just made me depressed.
That just made me depressed.
August 10th, 2009 at 6:25 PM |
I guess that was the point...
I guess that was the point...
I used to post here quite a bit but I haven't in a while. This is basically a summary of my current thoughts on the team, as you were so kind to point out, and which are obviously influenced heavily by reading this blog.
What I was trying to get out here is that I am finding my feelings to be quite different going into this season then any I can remember. It really is a wait and see situation, but I wanted to discuss some points if anyone cared to answer my questions.
Oh, and you are welcome.
August 10th, 2009 at 6:20 PM |
Answer will come when
Answer will come when
the team actually plays a couple of games and not on a any blog.
It was that way in the past and will be in the future. I remember when there were many questions about players, ie. Leroy Hoard... when will he be consistent and pay attention. Braylon Edwards... when will he focus and develop leadership skills?
The answer comes from demonstrated evidence on the field. So... although there may be many questions about this team and many posters will be cautiously optimistic about it, I cant wait for getting an answer to all of those questions, after the team plays several games.
Remember: Everyone rises to their own level of mediocrity.
August 10th, 2009 at 6:36 PM |
Huh?
Huh?
You may have a job as the MGOPsychiatrist.
August 10th, 2009 at 7:16 PM |
40 years of dominance?
40 years of dominance?
In our forty years of dominance 20 of those years has resulted in three or more losses. Yes, we have a great history but dominance is not what the record shows.
To answer some of your D questions- do we really want the D line to pick up where the seniors left off last year as they weren't all that effective. RVB is not the one who will stop the double teaming of Graham it will be Martin or blitzes that free up BG. There is no spinner! Stevie Brown won't have deep responsibility as a safety should be there to help.
As for the O- look at the rushing stats the last six games and that should answer your question about the O line. Didn't the last two freshmen QBs who started lead the team to winning records? RichRod has always split carries and there is plenty of RB depth. No WR or Slot could shine last year as QB play was the pits.
I'll hold off on tha season analysis for now but, I think they have a good chance of starting off 4-0 and if they do watch out.
August 10th, 2009 at 7:26 PM |
In our forty years of
In our forty years of
In our forty years of dominance 20 of those years has resulted in three or more losses. Yes, we have a great history but dominance is not what the record shows.
If I'm not mistaken, our aggregate record from 1968-2007 was the best in the country.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:17 PM |
Lord Foul's Bane
Lord Foul's Bane
UM is actually #2 to Nebraska in the time span you quoted, both in wins (389-368) and winning percentage (79-77)--and The Evil is third.
But to the OP: This year IS different. And we won't just be depending on a freshman at QB. I believe we will see the class of '09 really put out there (need based) and baptized by fire.
I think a lot depends on our uber-recruit JT Turner as well. Having him out there will not just make the team better and deeper, but will push Warrn and Cissoko as well.
I look for great things from the OL. I'm not of the belief that things have to get better because there is nowhere to go but up; things will be better because it is Year 2 of the system, year 2 of Barwis, and the solid classes of 08 and 09 feature players that I believe will be ready to contribute in a nice mix with vets that have been here awhile.
And GERG will have a huge impact on the defensive side of the ball.
EDIT: I'm a numbers geek, but I don't have UM's all time records memorized. My source, and it is a great one, for the wins and winning percentage, was www.stassen.com
That being said, it is what it is.
August 10th, 2009 at 9:11 PM |
Best aggregate record doesn't necessarily mean Dominance
Best aggregate record doesn't necessarily mean Dominance
one NC in those 40 years backs it up. Throw in a bowl record of around 500 and it just doesn't add up in my book. The early 1900's of Fielding Yost was dominance especially the 5 year period from 1901-05 at 55-1-1.
My idea of dominance is just different then yours.
August 10th, 2009 at 7:28 PM |
2009 Season
2009 Season
This season has to be the most nervous but at the same time the most excited I have been about a season. All of these questions will be answered in the first couple games of the season though.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:38 PM |
Oh Lord No
Oh Lord No
Not sure what compels the old Blues like Lordwretchedness to write stuff like this. You got to laugh at sentences like: "The solid foundation that the Michigan program has stood upon for generations is now eroded." C'mon! Generations? Really? Roughly 2 generations ago (50 Years) Michigan was stumbling through the debacle of the Oosterbaan/Elliot era(http://www.mgoblue.com/football/article.aspx?id=40936).
I guess having the blinders ripped off and seeing the world for what it really is can be a bit disturbing. That misplaced sense of overconfidence should have been shaken loose during the awful 2005 season. Or the loss to App State. A seamless transition, while great in theory, was near impossible given the rot that pervaded the foundations inw which Lordnaive took so much pride.
August 10th, 2009 at 9:25 PM |
Just trying to be dramatic....
Just trying to be dramatic....
a$$hat.
And yes, 2 of something does indeed make the plural. I maintain that Michigan has been great for said generations and that we, as a fan base, have been spoiled by not having to deal with fail like last season.
Oh, and I am not very old. Only 31.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:44 PM |
Do I sense that Lord Foul is
Do I sense that Lord Foul is
Do I sense that Lord Foul is adopting the stance of the Unbeleiver? Well, from one defeated fantasy foe to another, let me suggest that you go too far.
"Fear. Columbus is rank with it. Let us ease their pain."
August 10th, 2009 at 9:27 PM |
Yeah, I have a tendency to do that.
Yeah, I have a tendency to do that.
Sigh,
August 10th, 2009 at 9:09 PM |
Periodic bouts of uncertainty and self-doubt are good tonic.
Periodic bouts of uncertainty and self-doubt are good tonic.
They are the necessary antidote to complacency, which is poison in all human endeavors.
August 10th, 2009 at 9:49 PM |
* Can a freshman quarterback
* Can a freshman quarterback
* Can a freshman quarterback really lead this team to a winning record and a bowl berth?
No.
* Do we really have a great running back in the stable, or will the fumbles and injuries return to haunt us?
Yes. And no.
* Will one (or hopefully more) of the many talented wideouts or slot receivers step up and become the star target we need?
Yes.
* Was it merely a mirage that the O-line seemed to gel in the second half of last season?
No.
* Can the D-line pick up where the departed seniors left off?
Yes.
* Will RVB or some platoon of underclassmen be enough of a threat to free B. Graham of constant double teams?
No.
* Is Ezeh cut in the mold of great Michigan linebackers of the past?
No.
* Will Warren take that next step, or are his perceived shortcomings of last season due to something more than injuries?
Yes.
* Do we have any decent safties on the roster?
No.
* What the heck is a Spinner supposed to be doing?
Spinning.
* Will a burnt crispy Stevie Brown haunt us each and every weekend?
Yes.
* Most glaring of all, can a defense possibly come together when the system they run as well as the their coaching staff changes three times in three years?
Yes.
Next question.
August 10th, 2009 at 10:03 PM |
A spinner kinda spins.....yah
A spinner kinda spins.....yah
A spinner kinda spins.....yah know?
August 10th, 2009 at 11:02 PM |
Dude!!
Dude!!
So right about those closest to us rooting for Michigan to win!! Every fall my girlfriend rally hopes they win!! She says it makes for a better week. :) Last fall, we broke up for a little while, but got back together sometime after the season (after I recovered from depression). She is praying hard for a much better season this year!! LOL
GO BLUE!!!
Those who leave will be losers!!
August 10th, 2009 at 11:26 PM |
FAQs Answered
FAQs Answered
Here we go. Answers to some:
Can a freshman quarterback really lead this team to a winning record and a bowl berth?
Yes. Tate is already better than the QBs for IU, Wis, or Purdue without playing a down. If he can be somewhat of a threat to run and pass, defenses will suddenly respect our running game. He doesn't have to be great. Just as long as he doesn't absolutely suck, overthrow wide open receivers, and turn the ball over a lot inside our own 40- a dubious skill set that both Threet and Sheridan seemed to have mastered.
Do we really have a great running back in the stable, or will the fumbles and injuries return to haunt us?
Yes. See answer above.
Will one (or hopefully more) of the many talented wideouts or slot receivers step up and become the star target we need?
No. Tate will run better(probably run for his life) than he passes(remember Juice Williams in his frosh year)until the game starts to "slow down" for him.
Is Ezeh cut in the mold of great Michigan linebackers of the past? Is Donovan Warren in the mold of great Michigan DBs?
No. But Jonas Mouton might be. If he stays healthy.
Yes to Donovan Warren. If he stays healthy.
Most glaring of all, can a defense possibly come together when the system they run as well as the their coaching staff changes three times in three years?
Yes, with two conditions. First, they can't spend 32-34 minutes on the field. It is the offense's job to advance the chains by 2-3 first downs before coming off the field. Second, they cannot be expected to hold an offense from scoring when starting a series at midfield or closer in. Field position and turnovers are the key to us winning 8 games.
It can be done...Go Blue.
That just made me depressed. Even the sunniness of the last paragraph didn't help. Thanks for ruining my day.
I'm half-joking. Seriously, though, what's the point of this post? It basically summarizes all of MGoBlog's posts since January or so. I feel like most of them have been discussed to the point of "let's agree to disagree, and see who is right when the season starts." Which will be my answer--we'll see what happens when the season starts. Until then, I don't have the psychic expertise to know, or even begin to speculate about what will happen this season. All I know is that I'm really excited and optimistic, and I have my full faith and confidence in what Coach Rodriguez is doing with the team.
"The trouble with quotes on the internet, is that it is often difficult to discern whether or not they are genuine" --Abraham Lincoln
@Sambojangles