D. Howard with scathing indictment

Submitted by GoBLUinTX on

When you've lost Desmond Howard, have you lost your job as Head Coach of the Michigan football team?  Today, on Gameday, Howard ripped into the Michigan team saying that after attending a practice he saw maybe one player, Jabril Peppers, that wanted to be great.  The rest were just pretenders.

Without stating as much Howard, a Hoke supporter from the word go, has removed that support.  As a team is a reflection of its leader we should all feel comfortable knowing that the vast majority of the players are good guys just like their coach.  But also like their coach, they have become at best a .500 team.

Gulogulo37

September 27th, 2014 at 12:08 PM ^

It was troubling to hear, and many here have talked about the team's lack of toughness, but I'd be more worried if the whole team seemed like this. The defense is certainly getting after it. Not sure if I believe you can just go to one practice and see who really has a desire to be great.

wolverine1987

September 27th, 2014 at 1:23 PM ^

Yes, that's an overused meme popular on sports radio (I assume, since I don't listen to any the last few years) but I think its a very legitimate question about the collective identity of this team. What have we seen in the last two years to suggest this IS a team that is strong mentally? And now we have Desmond this morning questioning this. Not to mention the sad lack of defense for that late hit on Devin this year. Yes, "soft" is all too easy to say and I won't say that about this team, but i think it's at minimum a question mark.

KBLOW

September 27th, 2014 at 12:43 PM ^

"They accept getting their asses kicked."  Really? I don't think you know crap about the team's mindset. But then again, maybe your super psychic powers really do extend through the TV and across time and space. At least do us all the favor of finding a couple guys on the team and tell that to their faces.     

davidhm

September 27th, 2014 at 1:22 PM ^

Or when your 5th year Senior QB get's laid out/cheap shotted by an ND defender and no one bothers to go help pick him up or at least get in the other guys face.  I wasn't expecting a melee' like the OSU game last year, but I also wasn't expecting them to shrug it off.  

As much as Taylor Lewan has been made out to be a hot head, not a very good teammate and possibly a major dbag, it appears as though his absence is being felt in more ways than one on Team 135.   

bronxblue

September 27th, 2014 at 1:37 PM ^

The same guy who has been playing on a bum ankle for weeks and continues to be the only consistent playmaker on the team?  Funchess being bad at blocking doesn't mean he doesn't give a shit about the team or playing well, nor does it mean that he doesn't get yelled at for it during video review.  But you don't punish every guy because he doesn't live up to the ideals of the fans.  

 

jcouz

September 27th, 2014 at 3:12 PM ^

I'd like to know what you are seeing that I am not. By the way, acceptance of getting their asses kicked comes during the off-season, conditioning, practice and game day. If guys are looking to do the minimum, which has been brought up about some players, that counts as acceptance. I'm sure you know a lot better than I do and your opinion is much more valid. Keep kidding yourself

EnoughAlready

September 27th, 2014 at 12:11 PM ^

and this is not an indictment of the players as individuals, as persons, but I see almost no passion out there.  No chip on their shoulder that says, "Enough, let's maul our opponent, simply for the sake of pride."  When after both ND and Utah losses I hear boilerplate comments from players -- "we left it all on the field we just have to play as a team" -- then, yes, they've taken after Hoke in the wrong way: namely, it sounds like excuses, a string of self-affirmations, instead of hunger.

BloomingtonBlue

September 27th, 2014 at 12:10 PM ^

If what he says is true. The whole staff needs to go. Anyone under 20 remembers Michigan as a middle of the pack to bottom half Big Ten team. Throw out all the "This is Michigan" crap and entitlement that surrounds the programs. This attitude has destroyed it for years.



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Gentleman Squirrels

September 27th, 2014 at 1:37 PM ^

This is depressingly true. I've been a fan since the 05 Penn State game (second year I moved to the states) and I've only seen 2 really good seasons. I revel in Michigan history and the tradition of the program, but I have yet to see all that talk on the field consistently. Really really hope this turns around soon. I'm beyond the point of blaming anyone in particular. Overhaul the entire administration if need be, but lets get Michigan back to where it was.

HighSociety

September 27th, 2014 at 12:22 PM ^

"It’s a brand," Howard said. "It’s like Coke. So, some people in the board room at Coke made some crazy decisions in the past to make Cherry Coke. But then the consumers didn’t like it too much. So, they had to go back and bring in some brilliant mind to get this thing back on track."

Howard was probably referring to the failed New Coke, but his point was made.

"That’s like Domino’s Pizza saying we’re going to put out pineapple pizza, and then they realize the consumer isn’t buying that," Howard continued. "So, what Michigan did is we brought in some brilliant mind, (athletic director) Dave Brandon, and he got this thing back on track."

 

http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/ex-michigan-great-desmond-howard-compares-failed-rich-rodriguez-era-to-cherry-coke/

BloomingtonBlue

September 27th, 2014 at 12:29 PM ^

This proves my point even further. He's a company man and sticks up for Michigan at all costs, even at the expense of his own credibility. He wouldn't say what he said if he didn't believe it.

Brandon is a smart dude and successful businessman. It just doesn't quite work as a college AD. Good point though....I guess.



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bronxblue

September 27th, 2014 at 12:54 PM ^

I think this kinda proves Howard will say whatever the general sentiment around the program is, even if that doesn't mesh with reality.

I really do like Howard, but he's a frontrunner like everyone else.  It's fine, and I'm sure he's seen players in pratice, but it is insulting to say that guys like Lewis, Ryan, Clark, Funchess, etc. aren't "trying to be great".  It is disrepectful to these kids, to the effort being put in from the staff, and everyone else to call people out like that.  

J.Madrox

September 27th, 2014 at 1:12 PM ^

I also saw Lewis run down a guy to prevent a TD. I saw a player that has the work ethic to be great. You can find individual examples of players not giving full efforts, but I can find just as many of guys who do want it. Point is, we have no idea what practice is like, and to insinuate that you know they are all loafing in practice is ridiculous.

GoBLUinTX

September 27th, 2014 at 1:28 PM ^

it would seem that self-starters is what Hoke looks for in a player, and in many instances he does get those players.  That's all well and good, but the problem is the players that aren't self-starters.  The Ben Bradens and Devin Funchess of the world are what is dragging down the team.  The weakest link, not the strongest, defines the chain and so long as Brady Hoke accepts that Devin Funchess, who refused to block, pays for his decision not to block by being moved to WR, you'll continue to see mediocre Michigan football.

J.Madrox

September 27th, 2014 at 1:38 PM ^

That is a valid point and a fair criticism. My main point is that there is no way you can claim that the entire Michigan football team is loafing in practice or that Peppers is the only person on this team that wants to be great.

As for Funchess, that was a terrible effort on that one play, but it seems a bit unfair to pick out one admittedly lazy/terrible play for the only playmaker on offense who is currently playing hurt and define him by that.

And who says Braden isn't a self-starter? The guy was a 3 star coming out of high school, its entirely possible he just isn't that good and wouldn't be starting if Michigan had any better options. Why do you need to single him out for his effort? There are a lot of things wrong with Michigan, I just don't think effort is the biggest thing holding them back right now.

 

bronxblue

September 27th, 2014 at 1:45 PM ^

Do you have any idea about Ben Braden not caring about the team or trying hard?  Any proof?  Oh yeah, he didn't block well last game.  Must be because he is a loafer who has given up on the team, not a young kid at a demanding position with suspect coaching over the years trying to perform well and making mistakes.  No, definitely not having a strong work ethic or sense of self worth.

Oh, and if it isn't clear above, I am being sarcastic.  

getsome

September 27th, 2014 at 3:17 PM ^

hes just not very good, not lack of effort with braden.  compare UM's class in 2012 with stanfords OL class same year - i make the comparison bc UM missed on 2-3 kids to stanford that year and those dudes have been getting it done for most part.  and i enjoy howard on tv but hes an entertainer - id only really listen to his thoughts on UM program state/direction in somewhat less open setting, not gamedays sensationalist environment when he flip flops opinions every other segment.  but theyre just not very good, theres no denying it - coaching / admin has been poor in almost all phases/seasons and they simply do not have enough sick athletes with killer attitudes - just facts

bronxblue

September 27th, 2014 at 1:43 PM ^

As noted below, Lewis sure seemed to care.

Also, Funchess is out there on a bad ankle being the sole playmaker in the passing game most of the time.  He doesn't block well; this should come as no surprise to people who saw him get moved from TE to WR because even the coaches admitted he couldn't.  And I do think he cares about it; he just doesn't seem to be able to do it all that well.

Regardless, it's this mindset that needs to die.  Funchess has more "work ethic" than most people his age, and just because a bunch of guys on the internet aren't happy with the results of the team does not give them the moral highground to shit on players when they don't perform the way they should.

J.Madrox

September 27th, 2014 at 12:44 PM ^

He wasn't claiming to know more about football than Desmond. I love Desmond but he has shown time and time again to be completly unbiased when it comes to Michigan football. I am glad to have him as a visible public representative of the University, but he hasn't shown the most level-headed opinions of U of M in the past.

He rated this team 6th in the pre-season, 6th. Now he is saying no one on the team has the will to be great except a true freshman who has been on campus for a few months. So Jake Ryan, Frank Clark, Ryan Glasgow, none of these other guys are working their tails off in practice to be as good as they can be?

I hope he isn't but Desmond could very well be right, I need more information on how often and when the last time was Desmond was at practice before I instantly believe the entire team is loafing in practice and the coaches aren't doing anything about it.

J.Madrox

September 27th, 2014 at 1:02 PM ^

Desmond knows more about what goes on in practice than either you or I, but neither of us can claim to know what the team looks like in practice based on how they play on the field.

I have never really questioned the effort of the football team. The offense coaching seems suspect at best, the players often seem to have no idea what they are actually doing, but I have never thought they weren't trying. You may have a different opinion, and thats fine, but I think the o-line sucks because of poor coaching and poor player development, not because they don't "want it enough". Are we questioning Gardner's heart, toughness and desire after he played the game of his life on a broken foot vs. OSU last year? Decision making and development yes, him wanting to succeed, no.

As for special teams, what makes you think they aren't trying in practice. Practice effor doesn't stop Hoke from running a poor punt formation, or from only putting 10 guys on the field. I don't think a lack of hustle in practice is why Matt Wile has missed some field goals.

Question and criticize the coaching staff all you want. You can even tell me the players just aren't that good and seem to have no idea how to actually play football, but I don't believe they are just mailing it in at this point.

reshp1

September 27th, 2014 at 12:59 PM ^

I really hate attacks on players' motivation. I mean, it could be true, but it could also be just a cliched thing to say about a team not doing well. There's no way to know what's in a player's heart, especially not after attending one practice, so I wish commentators would be a lot more careful about questioning effort.  I dunno, I saw a team come out after a 1.5 hour weather delay with just about no chance to win and play hard to the finish. They have my benefit of the doubt that they're still working hard, and I think Desmond's comments should be taken with a healthy grain of salt. 

UMForLife

September 27th, 2014 at 1:26 PM ^

You have a valid criticism. But to say he doesn't know what he is talking about is not accurate. He saw the practice and decided this is going to good. He couldn't predict stalled drives, DG digressing, Kicker can't kick, three CBs getting injured, RBs struggle sometimes, Funchess injury, ST disaster etc. Those cannot be visualized in practice.

 

He probably sees a depressed team now.

What is wrong with that? I bet you he loves M as much as we do. So, please don't dismiss criticism, even if he is slightly biased because he is disappointed. My humble opinion.

goblue20111

September 27th, 2014 at 12:18 PM ^

The team is a reflection of its leader.  Entitled with no hunger or drive.  Hoke got his dream job without ever having to work for it. He thought he could mail it in with "This is Michigan fergodssake" and just recruiting better talent but you need a real coach, not the highest paid cheerleader in the world.  There's no fire in this guy's belly. 

GoBLUinTX

September 27th, 2014 at 12:56 PM ^

handed this job on a silver plate.  The guys down the street are working from dawn to dusk rebuilding the storm sewer system, they're working their asses off.  That doesn't mean they should be promoted to civil engineers on Monday.

TooFratToFail

September 27th, 2014 at 1:01 PM ^

A sub-.500 MAC and SDSU coach?  Only selected because Michigan's AD was too proud and arrogant to go after a proven SEC coach in Les Miles who promised he would've come to Michigan?  Dave Brandon's grand experiment with the jolly buffoon has failed.  His record has fallen every year he has been here.  The same problems Michigan had years ago persist today.  It's time to clean house and start over.

bluesalt

September 27th, 2014 at 1:46 PM ^

Ball State has been a bad program forever. Prior to Hoke's arrival, they hadn't finished with a record above .500 in seven seasons. So yeah, he lost games his first few years there. It was a bad program historically by MAC standards. What should you expect? They'd been to all of 6 bowl games in 80 years of college football before Hoke got there. His final two years they went to consecutive bowl games for the first time in school history.



He went 12-1 his final season there, finishing with a 34-38 overall record. If he stayed one more season and got above .500 lifetime, would he then magically be qualified?

I Like Burgers

September 27th, 2014 at 1:44 PM ^

I would rather have seen another stop or two between San Diego St and Michigan. IMO Michigan is a school that should be poaching from Power 5 conferences. Not a guy that's coached in 8 years in the MAC and whatever Conf SDSU is in. Show me you can get it done on the big stage. Michigan appears to have gambled and lost poorly.