Love for Rich Rodriguez
All of the turmoil and adversity that has hit this program over the past 3 years has really made me have a true appreciation for what Rich Rodriguez has done with this program. The players go all out for this guy, and he has always been focused on the ultimate goal since day one. The negativity that has been directed toward him really makes him more endearing, and I think we fans can look to him as the figurehead of our program's "us against the world" attitude. He hasn't made excuses for the problems we've had, and I think Bo would love the way he has handled himself and the program.
"Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said he put his arm around Rodriguez as they walked to the embattled coach's news conference.
"I said, `You had a good week, Coach,' and he did," Brandon recalled. "It's been a month since we had a win and the [NCAA] situation is over, and I think Rich was to a degree was vindicated. Now, we're going to a bowl and if we can find ways to win, it'll improve the picture."
The picture improved a great deal today, and under Coach Rod, the future is bright. And a big screw you in advance to the "Ok, thanks for that." crowd -- there's always room for some positivity. Go Blue.
November 7th, 2010 at 1:35 AM ^
Hey look its Sheridan and Minor. Nice to see those guys get the big win today. Oh wait. :-P
It is good to get another number added to the left side of our record. Still a lot of work to be done to be really confident in the team as a whole. But all around it is a good day.
November 7th, 2010 at 3:43 AM ^
A Space Emperor sighting.
November 7th, 2010 at 9:22 AM ^
You gaze in wonderment, or you bask in his benevolent presence.
November 7th, 2010 at 1:44 AM ^
I couldn't agree more. I was talking with the group that watched the game together and we all feel like this was our wall to get over. Hopefully this means we've broken through the barrier and this team can now get some well deserved confidence to carry us to 2 maybe 3 more wins this year. Seems like we've been just 1 or 2 plays away from being 7-2 or 8-1. Really starting to see some improvement from the D. Go Blue!
November 7th, 2010 at 1:45 AM ^
I'm glad i wasn't the only to take note of that article on the freep.
If you want to see how others chimed in, you can click my post from earlier.
http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/david-brandon-weighs-win-and-coaching-situation
This should silence the negative media and RR haters.
November 7th, 2010 at 1:08 AM ^
Agree with your sentiment. Count me in as part of the "us" in "us against the world". Go Blue!
November 7th, 2010 at 1:19 AM ^
Future is def bright for the Defense
Just look at the stats for tackles
demens (10) kovacs (9) gordon (9) Vinopal (7) Roh (6) Avery (5)...Hagerup (1!!!!!)
Hope RR stops being stubborn and let's GERG do his own thing and BLITZ ALOT the rest of the season so we can actually see if GERG is any good or not because we definitely have the players (not the experience, the players). Our D is just high risk if we play how we have been, by blitzing, kind of like on that last play, it's still high risk but also high reward.
November 7th, 2010 at 7:29 AM ^
Rich prefers to play more agressive, and that's where the tension lies. When GERG goes in all Charmin soft mode, RR gets pissed. Go watch the video of the presser. He said that GERG and Gibby warned him before the last play that they were bringing the house. RichRod's eyes lit up and said, well good! Almost like in a it was about time kind of a tone.
November 7th, 2010 at 7:47 AM ^
I think he got a personal foul called on him. I wasn't sure if they got the number wrong, but if not, thats amazing.
November 7th, 2010 at 10:52 AM ^
I agree that Hagerup's aggressiveness is amazing, but that personal foul call was not a good penalty in the grand scheme of things. That gave them a much shorter field, from their own 45 to our 40.
I love Good Will Punting as much as the next guy, but that was not a good penalty.
November 7th, 2010 at 1:25 AM ^
for this game to win it for him. defense was hitting harder, WRs were cutting harder on routes, etc.
November 7th, 2010 at 1:46 AM ^
I really like the guy (as much as possible without knowing him personally).
... And I like very few people.
I liked his offense at WVU and I was excited when he came to UM. But I didn't know much of anything else about him.
My fondness of him has only grown over the last few years. I'm at a loss when it comes to the vitriol that gets heaped upon him. I think he's handled his mistakes, the sour grapes (both from UM "fans" and the WVU stuff), and the tough times on the field about as well as anyone could.
November 7th, 2010 at 3:07 AM ^
My love goes out to him. Let's just hope the team is fired up to taken down Purdue next week. I'd say that game is a 10/10 need to win level.
November 7th, 2010 at 3:09 AM ^
Plain and simple, I love Coach Rod.
November 7th, 2010 at 4:34 AM ^
All you have to do is look at him at the end of the game, look at him jump up and down with the team. How can anyone not smile at that? RR, you sir...are the man!
November 7th, 2010 at 5:12 AM ^
Coach Rod rewls
That guy gets a lot of dislike and hate around the world of college football, but he shuts haters up with his recruiting
Good to see him bowling again
November 7th, 2010 at 6:14 AM ^
RR is a master at coaching the offense and getting the players to play all 4 quarters. I actually think we have a decent chance against Wisconsin at home.
November 7th, 2010 at 6:16 AM ^
He's focused, he has a plan, he is a good motivator. Easy to talk to. Still, even the most staunch followers know it's all about the wins; you stumble along with too many losses and nothing is going to save you.
Wow, has it really been almost three years! Good win Coach, I know the worst is over and the program will be getting many, many more.
November 7th, 2010 at 6:26 AM ^
Brandon came up into the radio broadcast booth to accompany Beckmann and Brandstatter during the first half, and at one point the conversation between plays got around to the number of freshmen playing due to injuries. Brandon said, without prompting, that he and RR have talked about exactly that, and the challenges it means for the defense and the team. This is just my subjective reaction, but it seemed clear to me that DB was making those comments not in anger towards RR or his coaches, but more in sympathy or understanding of the situation. My immediate conclusion was that RR ain't going anywhere after this season, regardless of what happens from here on out.
November 7th, 2010 at 8:50 AM ^
It makes me laugh when I hear commentators this morning say that if they hadn't pulled through in the overtime, Rodriguez would be cooked by the loss.
Brandon is way more savvy and aware then falling back on a w/l record. I think the reason the media chooses to not believe Brandon when he says that the assessment will be comprehensive, is they are used to dealing with bs artists. Brandon's earnestness and command of the situation is too much for a lot of them to grasp.
November 7th, 2010 at 8:51 AM ^
Don, you are probably right. It's great to have an AD that played and understands what the coach has to go through. I always thought DB would give coach 4 seasons even if we lost out. I wonder if they were discussing GERG and what to do there.
November 7th, 2010 at 6:50 AM ^
Dear 97.1 The Ticket staff, including Mike Valenti, Terry Foster, and Pat Caputo (also Dave from Ann Arbor/Phoenix if you're out there):
I thought this offense didn't work against good, athletic Big Ten Defenses.
I thought this offense didn't work in cold, Midwest weather.
November 7th, 2010 at 7:09 AM ^
Seriously, why would anyone listen to that radio station? With the occaisional exception of the midday show (thanks Doug), the operating procedure is for the hosts to make "outrageous" statements and then wait for idiots to call in. And like Pavlovian dogs, idiots call in to defend their team. The staff must just sit and laugh at how easily they can goad people into calling.
November 7th, 2010 at 10:29 AM ^
In other words, it's the audio version of MLive.
November 7th, 2010 at 11:58 AM ^
for a few minutes to know if they are a listener. It allows me to keep the conversation short, and to use simple words that they can understand.
November 7th, 2010 at 7:59 AM ^
I can't believe how often people have made that claim about the offense not working in cold. West Virginia isn't exactly warm.
November 7th, 2010 at 8:48 AM ^
Several Myths debunked yesterday:
1) This offense doesn't pass - Broke the record for passing yards in a game, and receiving yards in a game for a single player.
2) This offense doesn't work in the cold - It was 32 degrees and butt-ass cold yesterday especially when the wind was whipping up.
3) This offense doesn't work against the great defenses of the Big 10 - We put up 500+ on Iowa and 600+ on Illinois.
Too bad the haters are still gonna hate. Fortunately yesterday, Tater is still gonna Tate.
November 7th, 2010 at 10:11 AM ^
November 7th, 2010 at 12:21 PM ^
The Illinois game was the first and only impressive offensive performance against a Big Ten defense not named Indiana. Michigan came out strong and imposed its will against an pretty good Illinois D.
I wonder where this offense was against MSU, Iowa, and PSU, though. Despite the weapons at their disposal Magee and Rodriguez have been very conservative and experimental against better Big Ten defenses and that resulted in three consecutive first halves with poor offensive production: 10 against MSU, 7 against Iowa, and 10 against PSU. I think the coaches realize that the offense is extremely turnover prone and are trying to minimize the chances of turnovers with conservative play. But it doesn't seem to make a difference; Michigan turns the ball over a lot no matter what. They should continue to be aggressive and I hope to see more offensively dominant games against Purdue, Wisconsin, and OSU.
November 7th, 2010 at 3:11 PM ^
the records don't count because the other team was successful against us, and the this offense won't work in the Big 10.
I would say I was speechless, but it actually made me laugh out loud. I just left the argument. Those people feed off of one another. Unfortunately, I saw a guy who had begun the discussion with feelings of joy over winning move to that side. No strength of character = someone who is probably better off rooting for the green dudes.
November 7th, 2010 at 1:53 PM ^
November 7th, 2010 at 7:04 AM ^
What a difference a week makes...
November 7th, 2010 at 7:13 AM ^
I love it how Denard can be sidelined and the offense is still potent. There's no question that RR has got them coached up pretty good.
November 7th, 2010 at 7:24 AM ^
I've been a steadyfast supporter of Rich Rodriguez since day 1 (well, actually, since before, because I got into liking him during his WVU time, but whatever *laughs* ). The work that he does in support of the college kids and community beyond (whether that's helping Brock Mealer get set up with Barwis's rehab, keeping his players out if they seem to have a concussion no matter the game situation, etc.) is simply great, and the patience and dedication he's shown despite all of the vitrol from the media and some fans has been beyond what I would think the average person would be capable of. Oh, yeah, and he's generally pretty good about getting wins, too. Hopefully, he'll be roaming the sidelines for Michigan for another 20-40 years (hey, who says JoePa's the only guy allowed to keep coaching past 80, right?).
November 7th, 2010 at 7:29 AM ^
This was a great week for Rich Rod and the program.
Recruits can confidently know RR will be here next year...... going to a bowl ....... scoring points like crazy ....... young D gaining experience ....... RR has passed a major tipping point and will bring UM back to the top of the BigTen!
November 7th, 2010 at 7:30 AM ^
I wavered on Coach Rod after PSU but if the team plays that hard to finish the season, he should come back. I'm not sure I've ever seen a more well conditioned, resilient team.
Now, payback time this Saturday.
November 7th, 2010 at 8:52 AM ^
That PSU loss also looks a little better now in light of what they did to Northwestern yesterday. I didn't watch any of the game, but I'm working under the assumption that the 35 points they put up was with the walkon QB.
And here's to hoping that loss is made a lot more tolerable by a big Nittany Lion win in their season finale! :)
November 7th, 2010 at 10:35 AM ^
Not only were all 35 points put up by McGloin, but he did it in just over a half. Bolden was shut out for most of the first half, McGloin was inserted for the last drive of the first half, and proceeded to lead Penn State to 5 strait TD drives. McGloin can ball.
November 7th, 2010 at 8:03 AM ^
It's crazy how much time and emotional investment I spend on worrying about Coach's job security.Another thing that is ridiculous but true for me, I so desperately want all of the goofball talking heads and all the pitchfork guys to be proven wrong.. Coach has brought in so many good kids and I really love this team. Go Blue!
November 7th, 2010 at 8:20 AM ^
It's crazy how much time and emotional investment I spend on worrying about Coach's job security.
Amen. I've been behind Coach Rod from day one. For the first time in awhile, I'm not worried. These young guys showed so much character and heart yesterday. We have so many great kids on this team. I love these players and coaches so much that I sat there after the game yesterday with tears in my eyes and a huge smile on my face watching them rush the field over and over again.
so much joy
November 7th, 2010 at 8:39 AM ^
It was great to see the TEAM pull together and get the W for Michigan. Rich Rod is responsible for all of these kids and he kept their heads in the game up until the last play. Let's hope they keep playing hard, learn from their mistakes, and hope Rich Rod pulls out a few Aces in the next 3 games! Go Blue!
November 7th, 2010 at 8:42 AM ^
Very happy for RRod and the players. I'm also saddened by all these so-called Michigan fans who we're hoping Michigan would lose yesterday. Honestly arguing w/ these fans is exhausting. It's amazing these people can't get over their hatred of Rodriguez. Nevermind the fact we hung 67 points on a pretty good defense yesterday (a defense that held OSU to 24 points btw). Whether you iike RRod or not the fact is his offensive system works! We are witnessing offensive production of historic proportions. The O is prolific and RRod has us close to turning the corner. To all you haters out there go peddle your garbage elsewhere...
November 7th, 2010 at 9:53 AM ^
Word. I think their world-view and self-esteem depends on believing that RR is the worst coach in the game, and when evidence surfaces that doesn't support that belief, they have to disregard it, or their world doesn't make sense to them.
November 7th, 2010 at 8:53 AM ^
One thing that is very encouraging is that this team never gives up. Tate came back after a terrible fumble. Receivers dropped passes then made spectacular plays. The defense played hard every play. Great heart. That comes from the coaches and players.
November 7th, 2010 at 10:36 AM ^
As in "Fit"
After the game I exchanged texts with a friend of mine who I know loves Michigan as much as I do, but I ended up in a fight with him. After discerning that we were both still breathing, he asked what happened to Denard. I told what I knew and expressed admiration for Rich Rod for keeping him out of the game as a precaution. If we had lost, it’s not unreasonable to think we would have finished 5-7 again and that very well may have meant Rodriguez’s head. Nevertheless, he kept Denard on the bench to protect him. I thought that showed a lot of character, putting his players welfare above his own, and showed that he truly cares about these kids.
My buddy responded that he knows I like Rich Rod but that he’s just not a “fit” for Michigan. I said I didn’t know what that meant, that Rich Rod wanted the same things we do: to win games, graduate kids, play by the rules, compete for the Big Ten, beat Ohio State, etc.. I tried to get him to explain himself but he didn’t really try and I finally said that I thought this whole “fit’ thing was basically racist – that Rodriguez isn’t well-spoken and comes off like a hillbilly or redneck. Maybe racist wasn’t the right word. “Classist” or just snobbery might have been more apt.
Is there more to it than that? Lost games, got lynched by the freep, talks with an accent = bad fit. Enlighten me.
November 7th, 2010 at 12:09 PM ^
You were right to begin with.
Why is it your job to make sense out of your buddy's ignorance? Why not make him explain himself? Make him do it; in detail. It will be good for him. It will help you decide if having this guy as your buddy is such a good idea.
November 7th, 2010 at 11:01 AM ^
I like this picture the most. He just looks like a huge weight has been lifted off his shoulders. GO BLUE
November 7th, 2010 at 3:16 PM ^
who's the guy he's hugging? they always show him giving play signals