my take on this ...

Submitted by hailtothevictors08 on
so i held it in for as long as I could, drank heavily, and still the following seems obvious ... #1 ... Mike Williams is horrible ... almost every big play in the second half was on him ... it was so bad that my roomates and I created a Mike Williams Watch before each play trying to decipher what he could do ... sadly we were accurate a lot ... it wouldnt srprise me if he finshes below -25 in the UFR if Brian can stomach to do it #2 ... We need Leach's name on his jersey ... looks really bad to not have it on his jersey ... almost like "oh here is the walk on no one excpected to play" #3 ... why don't we sneak the ball? The advantage is you are not going to lose yds so litterally you need only a yr and you have 4 chances ... specifically on the second down play ... their left DT (over our right guard) slid down to what looked like a 0 technique over moosman giving a huge hole ... if we score there ... in comes the freshman qb, we pry survive #4 ... brandon grahman is one of the best college d ends I have ever seen... how can this defense be better next yr when we lose him? #5 ... while i was not a fan of hiring richrod ... i have never even considered the idea of firing him, however in the 4th quarter it slipped into my mind, though i still think he needs AT LEAST one more year ... my biggest problem with him is his inability to hire someone who can run a defense (thou i realize some of this might be on carr's inabilty to give us any DBs in his final classes) #6 ... I still think we beat purdue and make the Little Ceaser's Bowl (YEA! we can outgain MAC teams) ... however my preseason prediction of 7-5 was overly optimistic and is now regulated to 6-6 and I pray we find a way to beat (pry) Central for a winning season #7 ... On the plus side our basketball season starts on Friday against Wayne St. and I feel the Sweet 16 for the first time in my sportswatching lifetime feel free to critique any of my points ...
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Bryan

October 31st, 2009 at 8:59 PM ^

@ 4: I don't think it can unless everyone steps up. With the current roster I do not know if that's possible. @ 6: I live in Detroit, if M makes the Hot-n-Ready whatever bowl party at my place.

Joined: 07/10/2009

MGoPoints: 14777

CincinnatiWolverine

October 31st, 2009 at 9:01 PM ^

Leach is number 52. They must have left his jersey in Ann Arbor, or he ripped it up or bled on it during warmups. Otherwise, very interesting thoughts. I also think Rodriguez needs a little more time. This guy can change the way the game is played in this conference.

Joined: 01/07/2009

MGoPoints: 30

joelrodz

October 31st, 2009 at 9:12 PM ^

Couldn't agree with you more. I kept focusing on him and the kid looked lost, people blowing by him like he wasn't even there. And when he did put hands on bodies, his tackling was atrocious. Overall a very painful sight to see.

Joined: 09/26/2009

MGoPoints: 372

ijohnb

October 31st, 2009 at 9:10 PM ^

There seems to be a general fear of admitting to what IS taking place here. My friends, he is losing this team, and his job. Rich Rodriguez does not have much time left on that sideline. Really look at his demeanor and it is actually very clear. I am not saying this lightly nor do I believe that any action will be taken in season, but barring a miracle finish to this season and a complete bill of health from the NCAA investigation, Michigan will have a different head coach next year. (I am aware of the recruiting reprucussions of such a move, but you will start seeing decommits anyway). The RR era will be short lived. Sad times.

Joined: 09/21/2009

MGoPoints: 69986

West Texas Blue

October 31st, 2009 at 9:12 PM ^

Rich Rod isn't going anywhere. It'd be too difficult to run a coaching and AD search at the same time, considering that a new AD would also have to sign off on Rich Rod. He'll be here next year, and we'll just have to hope that another year of experience, S&C, and learning the system will pay off.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 1845

joelrodz

October 31st, 2009 at 9:28 PM ^

i give him 5 years. As much as i hate the way this team is playing, coaches need to be given full time to implement their system with enough depth. Folks forget that part of the reason this team is so unpredictable is because there is not enough depth (in experience, not just #s) to add any consistency to some key positions (center, DB, QB just to name a few). After 3 years, we'll know where we stand in recruiting and how its paying off. Year 4, my expectations will be very high, presuming he hasn't been run out.

Joined: 09/26/2009

MGoPoints: 372

Kilgore Trout

October 31st, 2009 at 9:30 PM ^

I've seen this type of comment about getting another year of S&C pretty frequently. I'm no expert in this area, but is there any evidence of any actual benefits from Barwis on the field? I haven't noticed any increase in push from either line, any significant increase in breaking tackles, any great fourth quarter surges... I know it's fun to talk about, but as far as I can tell it's been much ado about nothing.

Joined: 02/20/2009

MGoPoints: 13155

Yahtzee

November 1st, 2009 at 12:04 AM ^

If you look at RR first two seasons at all programs he has coached, the first two years are the "growing pains" (first year being the worst and second year being average to good). Getting to your second point. If M gets rid or RR, and that is a big "IF" (I think they should keep for at least 1 more year), I would hope they would talk with Brian Kelly. Being from West Michigan I have seen him win (with all programs) for the past 10 + years and since he has moved so often this is with other coaches recruits. However, I have all the faith in RR which a M fan can have right now so I am going to break down my thoughts. This lose today is a totally blow to my gut! I came away with a couple of thoughts (which I am sure everyone else also saw); 1) A couple of weeks ago people were talking about Devin Gardner switching schools based on Tate's performance. Well since then it is clear that Tate does not protect the ball (whether it is running or scrambling in the pocket), so Devin has all the opportunity to win the starting spot in my mind. 2) Muffed Punts – I have never seen a team (last year and this year fumble as many punts and pretty much give the opponent a 40 yard completion). Thought this would have changed from last year (which it has a little) but any time a team punts, I am almost thinking we should go punt block formation and let the ball bounce where it does (at least we cannot fumble it!) in the process we might loose about 15-20 yards on average (better than giving the opponent a 1st and 10). Our defense is suspect enough no need to give the opponent a 40 yard advantage. 3) Defense is so sporadic in their play. Guys are there for TFL but miss the tackles???? So itsthis the coaches fault or should be blamed on the players in position??? 4) Once Roundtree’s touchdown got called back. On third down I believe Brown reached the endzone. Why not review it??? 3 Timeouts left why not? FML

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 1351

BigWeb17

October 31st, 2009 at 9:21 PM ^

I really love Michigan football the last 30 yrs I have been a Fan. I almost feel sorry for Mike Williams and some of these other young men who are just overmatched..mentally and/or physically. I can only imagine what type of players are sitting on the pine? RR always says the best player plays, right? So firing the Coaches and constantly belittling our players isn't helping anyone. I am All in for Micigan, always have been, always will. GO BLUE-

Joined: 08/25/2009

MGoPoints: 600

foreverbluemaize

October 31st, 2009 at 9:33 PM ^

I have to agree that the biggest problem with the secondary would be attributed to Carr. I love the guy but even in '06 when we had that awesome D the real strength of the D was that front 7. Yes Leon Hall was really good but what made them so tough to pass against was the pressure applied by guys like Branch and Woodley. hopefully we can fix the problems before the overrated TP at tO$U comes to town. I would hate to know that he had some kind of a record setting day against us. When Leach played earlier this year his jersy had his name on it. Sounds like someone just forgot it in the locker room. I agree BG is huge on the D line but I think with another year with the GERG our line can improve next year. Keep in mind that big Will should be ready to go and some of these young guys are really impressing me with what they are able to do. As far as the fire RR thing I think after this one he may feel a little bit more pressure but with Bill Martin leaving soon I am sure that he does not want to go through the process of finding a new guy. I would say that if he does not produce a really good team in 2010 then maybe he will feel the heat of the hot seat but I still say that all coaches should get 4 years to show what they can do.

Joined: 02/03/2009

MGoPoints: 817

A Case of Blue

November 1st, 2009 at 12:36 AM ^

Not sure why people are negging you for this. Pretty much everything you said here was logical. I agree with you on giving GERG another year. Look at it this way, people: if we fire him, fourth-year players will be on their fourth DC in as many years (English, Shafer, GERG, [INSERT DC HERE]). That is not a recipe for quality, any way you look at it.

Joined: 03/22/2009

MGoPoints: 577

Scott Dreisbach

October 31st, 2009 at 9:42 PM ^

I disagree with your number 1. I don't think its fair to place the blame on one guy. The defense collectively played terrible other than Brandon Graham. There were lots of times the defense as a whole was faked out, thought someone else had the ball, and pursued the wrong guy. When you add on the fact that they 1) took poor tackling angles 2) tackled poorly and 3) couldn't line up correctly, its going to be a pretty pathetic defensive performance.

Joined: 06/30/2009

MGoPoints: 128

TinCup

October 31st, 2009 at 10:19 PM ^

All in all, nice post. I agree with some of your points. I know you said the moment was faint and fleeting, but dude, in no way should we even consider getting rid of Rich Rod (or Greg Robinson). Part of the problem we have had on defense stems from the inconsistency we have had at the D coordinator spot. Man, are we in misery right now or what? IMO, this team is just completely talent deficient, especially on defense. I have read some other posts and comments referring to “bad” Michigan teams of the past. 2005 and 1984 come up often. But seriously, both of those teams are light years better than either this year’s or last year’s team. Let’s face it, we are not very good. I want to be optimistic for a victory over Purdue and an upset of OSU. And for more improvement with next year’s team. But I can’t recall Michigan having the proverbial cupboard this bare on defense in my 42 years. We better start recruiting on the D side of the ball (and with gusto) or the misery will continue for years to come.

Joined: 10/13/2008

MGoPoints: 27