Basketball Comparison
Several posters have made comparisons for Rich Rodriguez's second season to John Beilein's second season at Michigan. Apologies to those posters that have, as I cannot particularly remember who did at this moment.
As I'm looking over the schedule/results from the season last year, I'm trying to think of a comparable game for today's debacle. While it is a far from perfect example, I have to think Iowa on 2-22-09 is the closest comparison. Not necessarily in terms of the make up of the game, but rather, how deflated the team looked near the end and how questionable the future looked. A tournament berth was not assured. The freshman looked lost at times. Again, not a perfect example, but I can kind of see it.
Anyway, to you, fair poster, what are your thoughts? Here are the results from this last season:
http://michigan.rivals.com/bschedule.asp?Team=MICHIGAN&year=2008
October 31st, 2009 at 8:48 PM ^
ive thought of the exact same thing, but i actually thought of it after the iowa (football) loss, when denard was subbed in for tate like manny getting pulled in OT in the bball game...anyways i still think we can rebound and salvage the season, beating osu = ending ncaa tourney drought?
October 31st, 2009 at 8:50 PM ^
It is conceivable that a mediocre to poor basketball team can be turned around by 1-2 good recruits, because the game uses fewer players and individuals can control the game more easily. Football teams require a solid starting defense and talent at multiple offensive positions. Furthermore, freshman are generally able to produce a bigger effect in basketball than football.
October 31st, 2009 at 8:59 PM ^
Less a comparison of the actual game, more a comparison after taking a step back. I think the idea behind it is to provide some context for two "system"-type offenses and the time it takes to get them acclimated. Otherwise, I completely agree that turning around basketball can happen a lot quicker.
October 31st, 2009 at 8:51 PM ^
It just seems so hard to compare for me. One or two plays in football can really open up a game, but in basketball a blown play will only result in 3-4 points at worst.
Michigan basketball had its fair share of disappointing losses last season. A big difference is the expectations put on the football and basketball programs. Michigan football is "supposed" to always be great, having the winningest program in history. I feel like basketball is still viewed as a work in progress, and just making it to the NCAA tournament was a huge achievement for many fans. I think both programs have a bright future, but perhaps football hasn't had the same kind of "success" with a young team as the basketball team had last year. Of course there's still 3 games left with football to make some turnarounds, but it is (unfortantely) looking unlikely at this point.
October 31st, 2009 at 9:54 PM ^
So can our hopes and prayers of just making it to a bowl this year be the same as it being a huge achievement for basketball to make the tournament?
I keep telling my wife, "I am so looking forward to basketball season".
I'm like a junkie though because by Monday I'll be looking forward to next Saturday and on Friday I won't be able to concentrate because I'll be thinking about Purdue. Go Blue!
October 31st, 2009 at 8:57 PM ^
That is not a bad comparison, and gamely optimistic - I appreciate that. They did enough good things in the game that would make you think they could have won and may regroup and improve. My biggest fear is that the defense can't stop with the major lapses - they weren't constantly pushed around for most of the game but some of those big plays were ridiculous. Forcier has to learn how to protect the ball - you can't go over the line of scrimmage carrying out in one hand like that and not expect to fumble.