I think Shoelace should start against Eastern
I think he should play the entire first half, actually. The team is only going to go as far as the starter can take them. Tate is going to take us to possibly a New Year's day bowl, but if he goes down, then what? Denard has a ton of talent, but if he gets thrust into the starting role, say midway through the MSU game, it will be a challenge to get to any bowl. I don't think this team can afford a second string quarterback; the 'next guy' needs to be 1b and the only way Shoelace will be prepared to be 1b is reps.
What say youse guys?
September 16th, 2009 at 4:54 PM ^
I'm hoping Tate brings them down for two TD's in the first two posessions, then put in Shoelaces unless/until EMU gets within 14.
September 16th, 2009 at 4:59 PM ^
that wont be a 'true game pressure' stituation. I'd like to see him as the starter, without added help.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:29 PM ^
Tell that to EMU. They came back from 21-0 last week.
Send out DRob for the 2nd half with a comfortable lead? Sure.
Start him? No thanks. Not now. Not when there's no need to tempt fate. EMU is not a warm-up game. It's the real thing.
September 16th, 2009 at 6:31 PM ^
But what about Tate's HeIsMaN?!?!?!
September 16th, 2009 at 8:48 PM ^
we want to take a chance of having Denard out there and make a few mistakes and be down 14 or 21 points to EMU? I want Tate to go out there and get us a big lead and then get Denard most of the 2nd snaps. Then throw Coner/DEATH in to get some reps.
September 17th, 2009 at 3:41 AM ^
At this point, giving Coner/DEATH reps is wasting valuable snaps that could go to Drob.. If both Tate and Drob get injured.. I'd rather we directly snap the ball to Minor every down.. heh..
September 16th, 2009 at 4:59 PM ^
Agreed, to a point. I definitely think Denard should get more playing time in this game, but Tate has earned the right to start for now. Let's not forget, Tate only has 2(!!) games of starting experience. He needs the playing time almost as much as Denard. If we see a similar first half to what happened against Western, I would be happy to see Denard play the whole second half.
September 16th, 2009 at 11:48 PM ^
I couldn't agree more. As awesome as the last two weeks have been, we have to remember BOTH these guys are still freshman, whether or not one of them resembles a savvy veteran. Tate still needs time to get snaps and continue to gel with the O-Line, Receivers. That said, Denard is still trying to learn the offense. If he is thrown in as the starter with only 25% of the playbook available to him, we could be tempting fate, but he still needs some snaps. For this game, equal snap distribution between the two freshman would be ideal, maybe with a lean towards Denard, but with Tate getting the start, hopefully yielding an early cushion.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:00 PM ^
I agree we need to get a lead first. I trust Tate to run the offense and Denard is still a little of a unknown to me. Although the coaches know if Denard is ready to lead the offense. But IMO Tate should get us the lead then they could start alternating.
September 16th, 2009 at 9:38 PM ^
If Michigan scores only two touchdowns with Tate in then EMU is within 14 points already?
September 16th, 2009 at 4:57 PM ^
comment that DRob should play. He needs to be comfortable throwing (im not saying he isn't, but it clearly running is his main weapon) and being the man in charge. I'd like to see as much of him as possible, and within reason, against EMU and IU.
In an ideal setting, DRob for 2Qs, Sheridan 1, Tate 1.
September 16th, 2009 at 6:08 PM ^
No DEATH
September 18th, 2009 at 1:45 AM ^
He shouldn't play, ever. I think he is best on the sideline sending play calls to Tate.
September 16th, 2009 at 4:58 PM ^
Tate beyond earned the next start. Hopefully he's able to come out, after all of his crazy hype this week, and show how far beyond his years he truly is and put together another solid performance. I hope Denard gets at least a quarters worth of snaps, and it would be nice if Sheridan has a series or two when the game is out of hand. But in my opinion, with all the crazy amount of press Tate has gotten this week, this game will be as telling, if not more, about how far beyond his years he is. Because this is a classic set up for a letdown in performance. Not a loss, but a decrease in efficiency and a few lackluster plays. I'll be watching intently.
September 16th, 2009 at 4:59 PM ^
denard will get his time but tate deserves to get the first snaps. he still needs to get in sync with his recievers. Like he said in a recent interview he wants to learn the speed of all wrs so he can throw a better long ball
September 16th, 2009 at 4:59 PM ^
You do know there is a second half right?
September 16th, 2009 at 5:01 PM ^
that I want to beat EMU, and that starting Tate (should) ensure that we do that. Once we get a comfortable lead, I am all about getting 'shoelace' as many snaps as possible.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:01 PM ^
I don't think he should start,but he should play significant amounts. If he starts and then something quirky occurs, then you have to put Tate in the game and suddenly it really gives the team the idea that you weren't taking the Eagles seriously.
I agree with Gabriel, even though it is Wednesday. Let Tate play two series, then play Shoelace.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:03 PM ^
it would be nice to see a few sets with Tate/Denard both in the backfield. Not too revealing, but a few plays to test some things out, and to put a little thought into the back of the minds of future opponents.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:08 PM ^
of uncanny multiple injuries no.
September 16th, 2009 at 10:15 PM ^
There is virtually no chance of both players getting hurt on the same play. Virtually none. This is just about the silliest worry one could have.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:03 PM ^
I think Coner should start against Eastern
fixed
September 16th, 2009 at 5:14 PM ^
Four quarterbacks, four quarters. Isn't this obvious?
September 16th, 2009 at 5:04 PM ^
Tate is still a wet behind the ears freshman, not a grizzled vet, no matter how good he has looked. I am still most concerned that he get as many reps as possible before we hit the B10 schedule.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:13 PM ^
his reads are not always correct and it is something that only reps will improve.
Denard should play more with a lead, but he needs to pass as well as throw for it to be of much use. Using the ISQD is not going to help him in the long run - yeah he'll make some plays here and there, but he will be easy to defend on a down to down basis.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:04 PM ^
I would keep Forcier in for the first half, but run a number of sets with Robinson in at QB like we plan on doing for the rest of the season. Forcier has earned the right to start and furthermore, our offense could use the work because while we were very good against Notre Dame, we weren't perfect by any means and we need to get our starters more reps before the Big Ten season opens. Lastly and most importantly, we absolutely must have a big lead before taking our starters out of the game, no matter what the score is.
In the second half, however (assuming a blowout in the first half), I would start with Robinson and make him throw the ball more often than not. I'd also give Sheridan a couple fourth quarter drives in case we need him.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:05 PM ^
Double Post. Sorry.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:05 PM ^
Tate has earned the start. Although I do agree that Denard should be mixed in earlier. I hate to say it, but I hope we have enough of a lead to have Sheridan in during the entire second half.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:10 PM ^
the entire second half is a bit of a stretch...i mean what about coner?
September 16th, 2009 at 5:12 PM ^
Tate is still a freshman and any playing time now can only benefit him. D-Rob should get a lot more action against EMU, but I really don't see any reason to play Sheridan at all with the possible exception of a few plays in the 4th quarter if we have a huge lead. Let's get the young QBs some quality time for at least 3 quarters.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:05 PM ^
denard will get his touches and highlights will be made. we all know this...just be patient
September 16th, 2009 at 5:13 PM ^
And he's only into his second game. There is still much work to do. Tate needs game experience.
Chad Henne, Rick Leach--none was satu for a game that looked like a UM stomp from the get-go. You come out and destroy them, limit Tate's runs, work Denard in there more and more, get your 31-0 lead, and then rest him in the second half.
This thing, guys, belongs to TATE FORCIER. There is no "competition" at QB anymore, at least for this season.
September 16th, 2009 at 9:58 PM ^
right on
September 16th, 2009 at 5:32 PM ^
Interesting idea to start Robinson... It would put him in real game situations for at least the first 10 minutes and he needs to prove at some point that he can throw. I strongly believe that he needs a solid throwing performance to be a threatening QB. I'm a huge fan of his and I want to see him in the game more than 3 times to run 20 yards horizontally and only gain 3 yards.
September 16th, 2009 at 6:07 PM ^
Let's not get too cute and screw around with what has been working because we assume EMU is just going to roll over. Start Tate and work Denard in on specific series. If Michigan gets a big lead, Tate can sit and Denard can take snaps for the rest of the game. Maybe get Nick a series or two. Why mess around with the formula that got you to 2-0 and an AP poll ranking?
September 16th, 2009 at 6:08 PM ^
Play lots in a blow-out? Yes.
Even though Denard can throw better than most give him credit for, right now Denard is thinking first and foremost with his feet. He didn't get here early like Tate, and he's well behind in learning the offense.
Patience, man. We'll need them both, BUT it's not like a true freshman (Tate) couldn't use plenty of work himself. It's not like he's even had a single game with his top 2 WRs and top RB healthy....
September 16th, 2009 at 6:24 PM ^
this week". We are going to go with Shoelace as the starter...Come on, get serious. He's earned the starter's role until its proven otherwise. With this young team and thin D, we are a pick 6, a fumble and a couple of missed FG's away from EMU/NW part deux. I don't expect it to happen, but let's get these kids some experience and rotate Shoelace in the right situations early and then give him more PT and open the playbook at bit when there's a significant lead.
September 16th, 2009 at 6:47 PM ^
don't forget that tate is also a freshman and has played all of 2 games. yes he was terrific in the last one, but he needs reps and experience too. and EMU isn't a terrible team. i trust the coaches will get each the experience he needs without causing unnecessary controversy.
September 16th, 2009 at 6:47 PM ^
This is a bad idea on a lot of levels...first of all, it goes against the team and RR mantra of earning your start via competition...secondly what does it do to Tate, who obviously has earned the start...thirdly Tate still needs to develop more and stay in rhythm... fourthly it would create another mindless "controversy" in the media which the team doesnt need...fifthly it is dangerous to mess around vs. any opponent...you need to put your best lineup out there to WIN...sixthly see point one and start all over again...bad idea
Shoelace should get some PT but not starting and not the majority of the first half...
September 16th, 2009 at 7:41 PM ^
I am saddened that you ran out of points, as I was eagerly awaiting the unprecedented use of the word "eleventhly."
September 17th, 2009 at 9:19 PM ^
Even seventhly.
September 16th, 2009 at 7:01 PM ^
Tate has earned the starting quarterback spot and deserves to start at least the first couple of drives. It's not like he has mastered the offense himself and doesn't need the game experience.
September 16th, 2009 at 8:08 PM ^
Can you imagine the embarassment if starting Denard backfired, and we lost. This is a real game and the starters have earned the right to play, you cannot treat this like Week 17 in the NFL. Lets not forget that for RR this is also his livelyhood and we entrust him not to risk the season on a theory...
Marty Mornhinweg, and the OT deferment, may we never forget.
September 16th, 2009 at 8:18 PM ^
If last year did anything, it taught me to appreciate the wins alot more. If we get up comfortably I have no trouble with Denard getting significant snaps.
There is no such thing as a win I won't appreciate anymore.
September 16th, 2009 at 8:25 PM ^
By starting the backup quarterback, RichRod would be conveying the message to the team that he didn't take the game seriously. The minute that happens, the players don't take it seriously. Appalachian State.....
September 16th, 2009 at 8:36 PM ^
You can't do this. You start your starters if they're healthy. The idea is to keep your routine as consistent as possible from week to week. Changing QBs is a big disruption to that and can set you back in preparation for the next week (if you plan on putting Tate back in).
Denard should get some snaps but Tate has to start, and play most of the time when the outcome is in doubt. He's the first-stringer.
September 16th, 2009 at 8:43 PM ^
Why? Because he is basically a human victory cigar. And RR probably wouldn't insult English like that because of his history at UM.
I would, however, love to see Sheridan play against OSU: with a 35 point lead and five minutes left.
September 16th, 2009 at 10:07 PM ^
Until now I have refused to open this thread, fearing internet stupid. Now, I wish I hadn't given in.
September 16th, 2009 at 10:22 PM ^
Why are so many people jumping on the Denard Robinson bandwagon? He has been an ISQD machine and completed only 2/4 passes, all of which were thrown 90 mph, and one of which should have been intercepted.
I don't see ND fans clamoring for Dayne Crist to start against the next patsy ND plays, even though Clausen could get hurt just as easily.
I don't see OSU fans clamoring for Joe Bauserman to start against the next patsy OSU plays, even though Pryor could get hurt just as easily.
The reason people want to see Denard play - he's really, really, really fast. Even though he's not as good as Tate.
Tate should start. Denard should get isolated snaps unless/until we get a big lead. Even if we don't reveal anything new against EMU, Tate could still learn a few things from getting reps against a live defense.
September 16th, 2009 at 11:00 PM ^
Sorry your wish will not be granted