Michigan Sportsmanship and "Learning"
Just something I thought worth taking note and discussing:
While some have discussed that the referees have been quick to check on touchdown celebrations, the overall sportsmanship Michigan's players have shown is outstanding. After big hits/sacks/tackles the defense has been excited but limited. After HUGE touchdowns, the offense has quickly made sure the ball got to the referee and celebrated reasonably. Compare this to Rudolph's touchdown where he seemed to slow down, turning back to find the defense and celebrate and several other ND elements of celebration on the field. UConn was taken out of the field rather quickly so there's not a lot to compare it to head-to-head but after three days of college football, it stands out.
And while I'm at it:
The difference between UM 2008-August and UM August-Now is significant for more than Denard. Players know when they miss blocks despite 15 yard gains. They pound the field and know if they had gotten that one guy, it would have been a touchdown. This is huge. Even when Notre Dame (and UConn) missed catches while wide open in the secondary, UM players didn't celebrate - they discussed missed assignments. Of course when I noticed this, the next play UM got torched but the fact players seem to be "getting it" and learning with every play... it seems to be a big part of the growth of this team.
September 12th, 2010 at 8:05 PM ^
because he was running out of gas.
September 12th, 2010 at 8:20 PM ^
I agree, he was trying to see if Gordon was catching him, not gloating. Even if he was, he was a happy 21 year-old. I've got no problem with that.
September 12th, 2010 at 8:11 PM ^
Yeah Rudolph's celebration was pretty reasonable I thought. He was understandably excited. It was a big play. I promise you he wasn't looking behind him to taunt Cam Gordon as it seemed like he was closing.
September 12th, 2010 at 8:22 PM ^
...Boo Boo's out of place celebrations when he was with the team last year. They were a clear indication that he hadn't bought in to the program's ethos. Just not seeing this sort of thing this year, and I like it.
September 12th, 2010 at 8:41 PM ^
September 12th, 2010 at 8:48 PM ^
The personal fouls were players hustling and not holding up when they should. I can live with those kind of penalties from a young team. Look at me I made a big play flags are a result of a lack of discipline which is clearly not the case with this team.
September 12th, 2010 at 8:57 PM ^
September 12th, 2010 at 9:08 PM ^
There is no doubt we need to clean some things up on offense which Rodriguez has said himself. Penalties definitely cost us a couple of scoring drives and the next couple of weeks is a perfect oppurtunity to crisp things up. Also any game at ND with under 100 penalty yards is a victory in itself.
September 12th, 2010 at 8:57 PM ^
We have great sportsmanship and it will only continue to improve under RR. People questioned this guy for a lack of family atmosphere when we all know now that couldn't be further from the truth. This program has always and will always be about class and dignity. I couldn't help but notice when Pryor scored against Miami on Saturday, while his teammates were trying to celebrate with him he turned his back on them and made it a total "me" moment. So glad we have such a classy, humble bunch of kids that are all about the university and the team.
September 12th, 2010 at 9:04 PM ^