Space Coyote

September 16th, 2014 at 1:57 PM ^

Whether used in isolation, or just to balance out the fact that all articles posted elsewhere from the Board seem to be in a negative tone, it's nice to see something positive in an article too.

mGrowOld

September 16th, 2014 at 2:36 PM ^

I have to call bias on this one Space.  Here's the breakdown of what's on the board as we speak:

 

Front Page - Brian linked 14 articles

0 could be considered positive to Michigan

0 could be considered negative to Michigan (although 11 of the 14 could be considered negative to the subject matter)

14 neutral to Michigan

Side Board - 15 Threads up

7 positive: Miller, Novak, AA happy, UM standing, Wallmart Wolverine, Power Rank, Hurst at FB

3 negative: Tempo slow, Cole Suspended, Bowl prediction

5 neutral: Closer look at Utes, Michigan Monday, Fake Punt, Last non-televised game & Minni start time

I think perception is reality.  It's really not that bad.

Space Coyote

September 16th, 2014 at 2:48 PM ^

Not on the board. The Board has some positive articles, including the Novac piece right below, and others as you have pointed out.

The front page has UV (says nothing positive about Michigan and insinuates many negative things about Michigan and the coaching staff; the first three things section are the only portions tangentially related to Michigan, all have obvious negative connotations), Hokepoints (which basically says Michigan staff are dinosaurs and forever will be under Hoke), Pressers (read the comments), Recruiting (neutral), Podcast (neutral to negative in tone), One Frame At a Time (Positive!), "Support the Troops" (decidedly negative in tone).

Front page, and elsewhere (Nick B's tweets about pressers, etc) have very much been heavy on the negative)

Big_H

September 16th, 2014 at 2:11 PM ^

I been rooting for this kid from the very beginning. Just always thought he was a really good fit at the center position.

Really hoping he takes hold of that center job all season and becomes extremely reliable. Then in 2015 as a redshirt senior I would like him to take another step and win the job again for consecutive years and become a leader.

I know it's been said there usually isn't much progress from Junior to Senior years, but I think if he holds on this year and beats out Kugler/Glasgow next year. We will be looking at one hell of a football player.

 

BlueCube

September 17th, 2014 at 6:48 AM ^

system. He's taking a step forward and taking a leadership position. The gains in the weight room along with what he is doing on the field this year show what a difference the last year has made.

I'm pulling from this guy and I think he is proving the doubters wrong. He may not be the best right now but he continues to strive for the top.

BIGBLUEWORLD

September 16th, 2014 at 2:45 PM ^

It was great to read.  

Every interview with our players, from Countdown to Kickoff to each interview or article, shows the heart and character of these young football players.  Just think of how hard they work and how much they commit to represent the University of Michigan.

I'm glad to see that they're now getting the type of coaching that enables them to achieve their potential.  They desrve the best.  They are the best.  God bless them one and all.

LSAClassOf2000

September 16th, 2014 at 3:09 PM ^

Very nice read, and thanks for sharing. 

I remember perhaps a year or so ago that someone posted an article which mentioned that Miller was related to Jim Leyland, but in general I do like these sorts of pieces because you get to know them and get to know why they dedicate themselves as they do and to see how hard they work on and off the field. Very interesting to see that he got some of the inspiration for his work ethic from "Uncle Jim" too. 

bronxblue

September 16th, 2014 at 3:14 PM ^

It's a nice write-up.  It's always interesting to hear about these kids outside of how they perform on the football field.  Totally forgot his relationship to Leyland.

StephenRKass

September 16th, 2014 at 4:38 PM ^

I always love reading these articles, even those that are "fluff." From Pahokee stories, to Brock and Elliot Mealer, to Zack Novak, to Beilein, it is inspiring and encouraging.

You know, we can't have our heads in the sand. But the sky is not falling, all is not bleak, and Michigan is headed in the right direction. The OL is improving, the receivers are getting experience, the DL is awesome, the LB's solid, and the secondary is going to be fine. Our recruiting is great, and things will only be better next year.

There are definitely things I don't like about Dave Brandon's decision making and possible price gouging. However, he gets a big pass in my book because of his support for Brady Hoke. I completely, totally, absolutely believe that the worst possible thing that could happen at Michigan is ANOTHER coaching transition. It is obvious that the players believe in Hoke and his staff. You can tell this is the case in three easy ways. First, the retention of current players is astounding. The current team believes. Second, retention of committed recruits. They are not bailing on Michigan. And I don't mind that Campbell is gone, and there were extenuating circumstances because of Damien Harris's coach's prior relationship wtih Borges.

This is turning into a rant:  I'll just stop, and say that I'm always glad for positive, uplifting, encouraging, inspiring stories about Michigan and it's players and coaches.

MadMonkey

September 16th, 2014 at 5:00 PM ^

the fanbase and the blog.

Not only do I like Hoke, I love what he has done for our program.   How many of us in the off-season felt 2014 was going to be a slog with the OL and OC transitions, together with a tough road schedule?     This team is establishing a great foundation with extremely talented athletes who appear to be -- above all else -- genuinely impressive people.  Mattison and Nussmeier are two of the best OCs in the game.   Hoke deserves credit for creating that reality.   We are not looking at 5 - 10 more years of mediocrity if we stick with Hoke.  This guy is building a juggernaut that will challenge OSU ever year for the rest of the decade.  

I will bitch about some of the bone-headed stuff I see during a game, but the same can be said of Saban, Miles, Meyer, and Harbaugh.  Dynasties are built Sunday through Friday, it only becomes obvious to the rest of us, in hindsight, on Saturdays.

 

demuse

September 16th, 2014 at 8:50 PM ^

I fully agree with you. The only way I would consider replacing Hoke, is if we could get one of the Harbaugh's. I never wanna see Michigan hire another "scheme coach" who has no recruiting ties in the Midwest, especially Ohio. It's no secret our best players have come from that state and Hoke has some great connections there. 

I dumped the Dope

September 16th, 2014 at 6:24 PM ^

I think the Team has taken a medium step forward this year from last.  You can see it in all phases of the game, running, passing, and defensive play.  The progression so far, and the hope to reduce mistakes and improve play is really exciting.

Credit all around but Hoke has made the moves necessary to make it work together.  I think the Nussmeier hire will prove to be a really big shot in the arm.  You can see it in the OL creating holes for positive yardage, even against our best opponent to-date (ND).

I really like the way Michigan is running a clean program and graduating the players at a high level.  The incidents have been minimum and dealt with properly in my opinion.   I will never be a guy to want a "win at all costs" coaching staff.

The calls to Fire Hoke I try to ignore.  Its simple-minded and there is no easy solution plus as mentioned I believe it would tank the program for another 6 years.  I don't think we can afford another trough in the program, our name is never going to be the same after that.

MGoMitten

September 17th, 2014 at 8:58 AM ^

Great read. Often times we as fans get so caught up in the season that we forget about the kids who play the game. Articles like this are a great reminder that there's more to life than football. Thanks for posting!