anyone else oddly confident about next year? i don't know what it is...
Despite the fact that these first 2 seasons under Rodriguez have been one step up from a disaster, I've been feeling oddly confident about next season, and I can't quite pinpoint why.
Maybe it's the feeling that finally, the rash of transfers has ended and there's finally a sense of total buy-in (Saban's postgame quotes made me think of this)?
Maybe it's that we return the bulk of our offense, and should have continuity at key positions for the first time in awhile?
Maybe it's the general lack of conversation about UM football at the moment (by the mass media)?
Maybe it's the Big Ten's success in Bowl games this year and the desire to see UM back in the mix for those matchups?
Whatever the reason, I can't wait to see what our team looks like in the fall. I think it will be made very apparent whether Rich has turned the corner or not come the fall. Our defense will definitely cost us a couple of games, but I would genuinely be very surprised (and dismayed) if we don't have one of the most explosive offenses in the big ten. Something went seriously wrong if we don't notch at least 8 wins in the fall.
The only person on the hot seat, IME, is Mr. Forcier. I like the kid, and could see him having a monster year next fall, but boy, you'd have to think that with a guy tailor-made for a run-oriented spread like Devin coming in, that this is his last opportunity to lock down the QB job for his stay at UM. I think that pressure will be good for tate, though, and expect him to raise his game significantly.
and finally, i'm really curious to see if Roy Roundtree is the real deal, and to see if the coaches build game plans around getting him the ball.
time...needs...to...move...faster!!!
January 8th, 2010 at 9:39 AM ^
Why would MY new girlfriend using strap-ons scare you? It seems to be that I would be the one concerned...just sayin'
January 8th, 2010 at 9:34 AM ^
Hard to distinguish confidence from optimism sometimes but I will remain "confident" until I have no choice but to feel otherwise. Hopefully it won't come to that. I think the D will be better if only because the talent will be better overall. It will be inexperienced but talented...no doubt ugly at times but there should be plenty of highs.
Here's to hope.
January 8th, 2010 at 9:43 AM ^
I am confident that we can win every game... In all hilarity in a season of comparisons. Look at MSU, they were in a bowl game because they beat us head to head at home & because instead of playing TOP 10 OSU they played NW. Either thing fails to go their way and they dont make a bowl and we do, etc... So I dont see much difference between 5-7 and 6-6.
But I sure as hell expect more wins this year. What I fear is a middling 7-5 campaign that includes a OSU loss. Then, the cries to fire the coach will really pickup, 0-3 vs. OSU, and minimal improvement... While the supporters (such as myself), continue to note the improvement and that 9-3 is on the horizon with a Jr. QB... Etc.
January 8th, 2010 at 10:36 AM ^
The odd thing to me is how so many people were on here writing "12-0 national championship" the last two years in the preseason when our roster looked terrible and our schedule set us up for disaster. Personally, I think this schedule, with the exception of a scary UConn team, sets up nicely for a 9-3 season in 2010. I was very pessimistic the last two years. Predicted 6-6 year one (I don't think anyone predicted 3-9, but the signs were there) and 5-7 this year. The experience and continuity at Michigan combined with the attrition at other Big Ten schools and ND, and considering we get MSU, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois at home, I think we will definetely be bowling. Actually, I expect us to be 9-1 heading into Wisconsin, and then drop our last two or three. But in the end 9-4.
January 8th, 2010 at 10:56 AM ^
We have the likes of Big Will and Justin Turner that should see alot of playing time next season. We will be fine our Defense will come around and be fine. I just hope that Tate matures in the decision making department and RR will get Denard involved in the offence at the slot possition or wide out. Go Blue !!!!!
January 8th, 2010 at 11:02 AM ^
I think the D will be a little better next season with the experience level going up and the familiarity now with GERG. But I don't think the offense will improve until the O line pass protects better and Tate is more confident in the pocket. Tate has proven to be very accurate and given time to scan the field and throw, the offense could be extremely good. The passing game would open up the running game.
January 8th, 2010 at 11:48 AM ^
I actually do have an odd confidence about next year, especially if LB play improves with a new coach. If replacement players on defense actually live up to potential, I hope for a vastly improved overall unit.
January 8th, 2010 at 11:49 AM ^
With Devin Gardner probably not enrolling early, Denard is going to get a lot of reps throwing the ball this spring. He has a strong arm so I expect to see significant improvement in his passing.
January 8th, 2010 at 11:51 AM ^
Previous comment was not insightful enough to be double posted....sorry
January 8th, 2010 at 12:26 PM ^
I haven't seen anything in the last two years to give me any confidence in more than incremental improvements. I'm completely unconvinced about Robinson's ability to fashion a good defense, and I haven't yet seen evidence that RR and his staff can get sound, fundamental football out of the team on a consistent basis on both sides of the ball.
The big question is what Brandon's response to a 6-6 or 7-5 season will be, if it doesn't include victories over Ohio State and MSU.
January 8th, 2010 at 12:32 PM ^
I want to be confident and can even rationalize some confidence but I think I have more unrational fear for Michigan football than at any point in my life. There is so much at stake for next year in a team that IMO is actually a year away from what would be a fair 9 win expectation. 8 wins seems to be the mendoza line for next season. If this thing implodes for a third straight year I just want to see steel chin Jim Harbaugh make me ever forget the great optimisim I once had for Spread football at M.
January 8th, 2010 at 1:23 PM ^
I just want a bowl game, and for RR to get the chance to take the team to the next level in 2011.
January 8th, 2010 at 2:36 PM ^
If Michigan actually gets back to the middle of the pack in turnover margin and Forcier has a solid bump from his Freshman year, then the team will definitely get back to a bowl game and may be scary by the end of the season.
There are just so many variables right now with defensive depth that its hard to say anything with confidence.
January 8th, 2010 at 3:43 PM ^
if we had a 3rd or 4th year QB, then my confidence would abound, but we still have a young QB that has and could continue to be banged up. We have a defense that seems to be in more of a transition than the offense. Defense wins in the B10 and apparently in bowls.
I hope for a bowl for the team and players so they get rewarded for their hard work and time, that is more important to me than records and streaks. When they get that bowl, then I hope for a B10 championship. Last night, Saban said over and over again, they were there and they won b/c the players "bought in" to the program and the hard work needed. Getting to a win season and bowl helps the program and kids "buying in." Seems like a simple concept but only true when they get rewarded like going to a bowl.
January 9th, 2010 at 3:19 AM ^
ummm...its probably confidence in your top 5 coach and the knowledge that his recruiting classes are finally coming together.
January 9th, 2010 at 3:43 AM ^
even at 6-6 with a bowl berth, the extra practices will help propel us to '11. There would be more discussion and angst if we finish that low, but I can't see Rich getting canned if the team goes to a bowl. a great, inspired performance in one of the florida bowls should be a great recruiting tool.