CC: ESPN post on Stanford's offensive versatility
I understand concerns that transition would be rough, Denard might transfer (to say nothing of Tate), etc. But to argue that Stanford runs a straight "pro set" that is incompatible with the talent RR has coached up is not based in fact. The question though would be which coaches JH could bring with him if he winds up at Michigan, which will influence how much versatility will be walking through the door.
http://espn.go.com/blog/pac10/post?id=17569
"Stanford’s offense has duped plenty of defenses this year with its ever-evolving creativity. The Cardinal might line up with one, two or three tight ends, seven or eight offensive linemen. Two backs or no back. They’ll use the Wildcat formation. They’ll run the option, the single wing. They’re a spread offense. A pistol offense. And they’re constantly trying to come up with the next scheme.
“We try to hit every decade since about the 1940s,” said associate head coach Greg Roman.
It’s an encyclopedia of schemes, shifts and formations, and it’s all on quarterback Andrew Luck's wristband -- all 350 plays. "
January 2nd, 2011 at 7:32 PM ^
Simple, I read your statements and read your (or someone else's) quote....
What aren't you getting?
January 2nd, 2011 at 7:37 PM ^
I've had that signature since I joined the board. I'm also perplexed about which section it was that I personally attacked you in the original post.
January 2nd, 2011 at 7:39 PM ^
And you're "signing" your statements with that quote. Hello, Mc.Fly!
Whatever!
January 2nd, 2011 at 7:45 PM ^
a bit too literal of an interpretation, but ok. Sorry if you misunderstood or something.
January 2nd, 2011 at 7:40 PM ^
Will you just acknowledge that you misinterpreted his signature as part of his post when you re-read it in the reply box?
January 2nd, 2011 at 8:31 PM ^
Yeah, and at the University of San Diego - a Division II school that doesn't give out scholarships - Harbaugh just happened to stumble upon Josh Johnson, who is now a QB in the NFL.
Heaven forbid we hire a coach who gets the most out of his talented players.
January 2nd, 2011 at 7:30 PM ^
That Denard & Tate both leave (not certain, but probable). That would make yet another year of having a QB with no starting experience. Is Devin the second coming of Andrew Luck? Even if he turns out nearly as well, there wil be speed bumps.
January 2nd, 2011 at 7:35 PM ^
could you go further on why you think it's probable that they both leave? I feel like even if one did leave, it would be motivation for the other to work even harder.
January 2nd, 2011 at 9:24 PM ^
Given his ineligibility and the statements as to the uncertainty of his future status with the team (per RR), I'd think Tate has one foot out the door already. You could also infer from Denard's non-commital responses to indicate that he will leave if RR does.
January 2nd, 2011 at 9:32 PM ^
You could also infer from his responses that he doesn't want to disrespect the head coach that is still under contract
January 2nd, 2011 at 9:35 PM ^
Exactly. That is a ridiculous question to ask a player at a time like this. it was classless and did not deserve a response.
January 2nd, 2011 at 10:51 PM ^
I agree Tate's future seems 50/50 at this point. I'll wait to hear something from Denard post-coaching change (if there is one), though.
January 2nd, 2011 at 7:39 PM ^
When Harbaugh was the coach at the University of San Diego he ran a spread offense that is much different than the offense he currently runs at Stanford. I think he is a good enough coach and will adapt to the players he has. That being said denard might not be his first option at qb but he will find a way to the one of the most athletic players in football on the field.
January 2nd, 2011 at 8:16 PM ^
This versatility seems to be the future of college football. If you look at some of the most successful programs this year, especially ones that acheived success with less highly touted recruits, such as Stanford, Boise State, and TCU, they all are capable of running and executing a wide variety of plays from multiple formations. In contrast, Michigan struggled to execute consistently on offense against their tougher opponents from a much smaller playbook.
January 2nd, 2011 at 8:24 PM ^
There's no way Harbaugh comes to michigan if an nfl team offers him $40 mil.
January 2nd, 2011 at 8:30 PM ^
I doubt anyone would offer a coach with zero NFL experience $40 million. If Harbaugh is worth $40 million than what is Belichick worth when his contract is renegotiated? A-Rod money?
January 2nd, 2011 at 8:44 PM ^
STOP working up my expectations and my hopes! :P
January 2nd, 2011 at 9:16 PM ^
The more I read, the more I wouldn't mind JH to coming to UM with the exception that Denard doesn't transfer. If he transfers I will crawl under my covers and weep like a little girl whose favorite barbie got its head ripped off by her older brother
January 3rd, 2011 at 12:35 AM ^
Devin Gardner was coveted by most major program. He's a smart kid with great arm and Vince Young's build. Until Denard kinda rocketed to stardom, it was widely assumed that DG would be starting by next season. So I'd feel comfortable with him.
January 3rd, 2011 at 2:02 AM ^
I'm sure this guy was given the green light, later in his NFL career, to change the play call at the line of scrimmage. It's not surprising that he would focus closely on calling plays during games, and having new looks ready every week.
Harbaugh is a tactician, and an inspirational one, it seems.
My guess is he wants to coach an NFL team. But he could do that 10 years from now. And I think he would be frank in discussing the allure of the NFL.
DB should offer something 8-10 years in length, with a total payout on par with NFL head coaching contracts.
And I favor keeping RR, if JH doesn't sign. So you can grain of salt that.
January 3rd, 2011 at 10:46 AM ^