Big day for Denard today--as a leader.
Most of us would agree that today's game is very big (though not the decisive factor) in the success of the season. A loss would mean the predictable scenario outlined by Brian, more negative recruiting, risk of confidence loss, etc. It's also big for Denard as a QB--can he bounce back, or is his early season success, while legit, misleading based on the quality of opposition? Can he improve his reads and progressions and bounce back strong.?
But what I find most interesting is the potential today for Denard as a leader of this team. He did something very commendable last week, stepping out of front of the team in the locker room, accepting blame, exhorting the team, and vowing to not repeat that effort again. A win and great performance from him today will solidify him as the team leader and make our prospects much brighter. That is because it is one thing to command the respect of the team for being it's best player, it is another thing to command the respect as the team leader--those things do not always go together in great players. One more reason why the game today is big.
October 16th, 2010 at 10:23 AM ^
the right thing in the locker room after last week's game. Let's hope that continues today on and off the field.
October 16th, 2010 at 10:30 AM ^
to watch today will be Denard obviously, but the whole offensive line as a unit. There is nothing more important to bonding an O-line than to have someone either a. try to hurt your Q or b. knowing that your Q is going to have to carry the team (before anyone gets aggressive, I do believe our O is a balanced attack that happens to channel through the guy who ultimately gets the ball first).
What I'm hoping is that, Molk being the heady veteran, pulled aside the O-line this week and really laid it out there as to what needs to be accomplished this week. They played ok as a unit last week, but there were spots where missed execution with staying on the block prevented runs that would have made the whole stadium stand.
October 16th, 2010 at 10:29 AM ^
So that everybody understands what we're in for here...Iowa should be undefeated going into this game. They gave up 3 TD's to Arizona as follows (an INT TD return, A Kickoff TD Return, and an 8yd TD drive against their MUCH heralded defense after a blocked punt). In reality however the Iowa defense has given up 2 TD's all year. An oh btw Iowa came back to almost tie the game (only to miss an extra point).
This may very well be the best defense in the country. If Denard runs wild on these guys it will give you an indication of just how special Denard is. I have all the confidence in the world that Denard will come up big today and if he does he should be crowned as this year's Heisman trophy winner.
October 16th, 2010 at 10:41 AM ^
October 16th, 2010 at 10:54 AM ^
You're dead on... personally I have no opinion on how this game will go, haven't really been paying much attention to Iowa so I haven't been able to form a prediction I can stand behind.
October 16th, 2010 at 11:17 AM ^
Just like I said last week in reviewing the MSU game. 2 picks in the end-zone after sustained drives, mismanagement of the clock at the end of the first half, Cousins recovering his fumble next play 40 yard TD run, MSU's false start penalty on 3rd down keeps drive alive and they go on to score a TD. The game could have had a different ending if we did not make mistakes and the breaks did not go MSU's way. Unfortunately they did.
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<br>Using the same reasoning as you did, Iowa could have ended up playing an undefeated UM team today.
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<br>Go Blue!!
October 16th, 2010 at 10:47 AM ^
I don't know if it is for Denard. He didn't guarantee victory or anything. I think he's playing with house money, as long as he doesn't shit the bed. Play well and lose, and no one expected you to win. Win, and hero time. I mean, he's a sophomore, not a senior.
October 16th, 2010 at 10:53 AM ^
of the article and fully expect him to step up. The challenge will be to be patient, to not try to do too much. I think we say a little of that last week. As RR keeps reminding everyone, Denard is only a sophmore. Let's hope last week was a big learning experience. If so, this week will be the biggest win in years.
October 16th, 2010 at 10:53 AM ^
of the post and fully expect him to step up. The challenge will be to be patient, to not try to do too much. I think we say a little of that last week. As RR keeps reminding everyone, Denard is only a sophmore. Let's hope last week was a big learning experience. If so, this week will be the biggest win in years.
October 16th, 2010 at 10:56 AM ^
Bigger than Wisconsin in 2008 maybe?
October 16th, 2010 at 11:05 AM ^
Wisconsin game proved nothing. I think an Iowa win shows that the corner as been turned.
October 16th, 2010 at 11:10 AM ^
October 16th, 2010 at 11:26 AM ^
and his ability to take control.
Standing in Notre Dame Stadium during the game winning drive, my thoughs were clear. Right now is the time; when great QB's take control and lead the team with calm confidence down the field and win the game.
He stepped up, lead the team to victory and it was beautiful.
I can't wait to see him in action today.
October 16th, 2010 at 11:28 AM ^
The game is all about Denard in the red zone. Michigan will have scoring chances. Can he led Michigan back into being a TD offense. Or will an experienced D thwart him again when the most chips are on the line. Or will he just house it from long range once or twice? (actually, please)
If Denard and Company perform better in the red zone this week, the game will be there in the end for the taking
Go Blue
October 16th, 2010 at 11:32 AM ^
not necessary for Denard to continue to evolve as a leader. Iowa is a pretty tough opponent. Our offense/defense can do alot of things right today and still lose. For me, I'll be interested in how Denard continues to mature and evolve as a QB and leader. Last week, it seemed that many on the O-side of the ball were a little too-amped for the game. Today, it'll be nice if the Defense can keep it to a handful of big plays given up and the Offense, specifically Dendard, can grind out some scores and then hit a couple of mid to long throws. Athough I'd love the win, I think the team has two or three winnable games coming up, too.
Go Denard - Go Blue!
October 16th, 2010 at 11:34 AM ^
Iowa is a great team, and I'm certainly not going into this game "expecting" a win. This team has nothing to lose in this game, and I can't wait to see how the team steps up to that challenge. We get to see:
- How Denard responds after an off week
- Some newish faces get some more playing time on D
- A hopefully 100% Shaw get back in the action
- All kinds of other things that make me super excited.
This team is fired up and focused. Let's go out there and pull off the upset!
October 16th, 2010 at 11:36 AM ^
DRob will still have a few games like we saw last week but that only has so much to do with his leadership. I trust he won't have two in a row like that though.
October 16th, 2010 at 11:38 AM ^
Last week, Denard seemed to be pressing, particularly when we were down in the 2nd half, like he was trying to create a score on every play.
If he settles down and takes what the defense gives him, I think we'll score at least 35.
I see this as a big game for Denard with regards to his mental toughness. Can he learn from his mistakes last week and let the game come to him instead of forcing it? I think so... hope so. We'll find out.
October 16th, 2010 at 1:28 PM ^
Basically i'm freaking out right now. I've been back and forth all week but when i woke up this morning i felt pretty good.
Very excited to get this game going.
I think Denard has a great game, taking what the defense gives him, passing well, and breaking one big run for a score.
The OL will have to have their best games of the season today, and that will be huge.
We've gotta stop the run and force stanzi to beat us. If we can get pressure on him and force him into a couple mistakes, we win.
Hail!