Ohio State Next Week
I've had my emotional challenges today with this game. I just can't bear to watch this happen, week in and week out. With a few exceptions, the past two years have been Saturdays like this.
There...I had to get that out. Now I'm back.
Ohio State is going to be huge for this team and this coaching staff. Circle the Wagons. Lay it all out on the line. Coach Rod has fewer allies every week, so this will be his chance to make a statement.
I see this team playing their best game of football all year.
Brandon Graham, the leader. A True Michigan Man - in it when the times were tough, but never wavered. I have a tremendous amount of respect for this kid. The same goes for Minor and Brown.
These kids have never beaten OSU. And they know it. Pryor will be visiting for his first time. Let's show him what the Big House is really like.
I see these kids taking it to Ohio State next week. RichRod turns the heat down on his seat, at least enough to give him some breathing room over the off season.
We're gonna win guys. That's the way it's gonna go down.
We're gonna beat Ohio State, There's no question about it. Mark it down.
I guarantee a Win.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:08 PM ^
i highly doubt it my friend. Giving up 30+ points every game is bad enough, let alone putting that burden on our offense against this OSU defense.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:09 PM ^
and completely agree with your point about Graham. He goes 110% all the time, winning, losing, doesn't matter. I disagree with your prediction, but will be there cheering nonetheless. I shudder to say it but I think this secondary can make even TP look good throwing the ball.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:10 PM ^
Shit. Whats the record for fumbles in a game? If Ohio State breaks that record I think Michigan has a 50 - 50 shot.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:12 PM ^
It's games like this one - with our back against the wall - that molds championship programs.
We are rarely in this situation. We must respond to it with a punch to the mouth.
Michigan will prevail.
Do not have a doubt, my friends. We shall prevail to the top of the mountain.
This battle shall be won
November 15th, 2009 at 2:20 AM ^
I'm assuming you haven't seen our defense play.
November 15th, 2009 at 8:01 AM ^
This situation is almost exactly like last year. We have tunnell vision and think that a team that had played horrible football all year will miraculously play great against OSU. Last years team was 3-8 going into OSU and we were all like when we pull the upset it will redeem the whole season and we got dominated 42-7. How has this year changed much. We finally got our qb to "run the offense" and we've only won 2 more games than last year and our defense is worse. As much as I would love to beat OSU we have to at some point take off the Maize and Blue glasses and realize OSU could prolly run counters and misdirection plays for most of the game then play action deep or to the the tight end for a big gain just like Wisconsin did. I see us competing in the first half just like every game maybe 24-17 or so with OSU leading at half and then them exploiting every weakness lust like every other team has done in the second half. We just dont have anything but hopes and dreams going for us SORRY!
November 15th, 2009 at 1:09 PM ^
Almost exactly like last year? I'm pretty sure last year's team was not playing for bowl eligibility, nor was it playing with its starting quarterback, nor was it playing at home. A few trifling differences there.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:13 PM ^
But wish your guarantee included some role in the outcome.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:22 PM ^
esp. or a crystal ball. or a Palantír. or something.
I love the optimism. But personal guarantees from anyone but God are worthless.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:14 PM ^
Guys, we need to give osu hell next week. If they can beat osu, this was a succesful season. Scream til your lungs bleed. KILL THOSE ASSHOLES!
November 14th, 2009 at 9:19 PM ^
I know a lot of people who are considering selling their tickets for this Saturday given the last few weeks. Hopefully this means that bigger fans will be attending on Saturday, making the stadium even louder. I wouldn't miss this game for the world, even if all odds are against us, just for a chance to see us beat the shit out of that worthless team.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:46 PM ^
You better believe that stadium will be full come Saturday. There are enough fans out there that would kill to go to this game and the stadium will be full. I would be SHOCKED if we could pull this one out given the poor performance by our defense. You just can't win games giving up 30 and 40 points in a game. The offense shouldn't be asked to outscore the other team. If you do that, you might as well not play the game. I see us definitely playing tough against OSU, but I can't see us pulling it out. I could definitely be wrong, and I hope I am, but it will be tough. Michigan would probably lose this game 90 some odd times out of 100, but all we need is that one game to be next Saturday. Let's hope that they come to play.
November 14th, 2009 at 11:35 PM ^
And right now they are, but I would NEVER miss a U-M vs. OSU game if I had tickets.
November 15th, 2009 at 4:03 AM ^
If M fans really are selling their tickets because of the last few weeks, then I'm just hoping OSU fans don't get their dirty hands on them. Playing in the Big House with a ton of red would really hurt. It will honestly hurt me more than a loss, since we're most likely going to lose (sucks, I know) but we should never waiver in our support.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:20 PM ^
Unfortunately most of the things you say were true about a number of games - and we still lost them.
We could have become bowl eligible with wins over Purdue and/or Illinois - but we didn't get it done.
We've had our "backs to the wall" a number of times now, and we never came through - is this time different? So we decided to wait until OSU to turn it on?
Also, Graham can't possibly play any better than he has been, so don't expect him to step it up a notch. And Minor and Brown are both fragile, who knows what we'll get from them next week.
Unfortunately we can't will our team to victory - I doubt it happens, regardless of how much confidence we message board posters have.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:28 PM ^
on the optimistic parade here Bull, but I completely agree. When you have past performance that establishes a trend, it's illogical (as Spock would say) to suddenly expect a radical departure from that trend. Michigan would have to play like a vastly different team on both sides of the ball against one of the best teams they've faced all year to have any chance of winning this game. I literally can't fathom losing a sixth game in a row to Ohio State, but approaching the situation logically, not passionately, I see no other result.
November 14th, 2009 at 10:28 PM ^
You literally can't fathom losing, but you see no other result?
November 14th, 2009 at 9:24 PM ^
I don't care what happened today, now I'm pumped for that game. This is gonna be a long ass week. I think we should all try to get a BEAT THE BUCKS chant going at the game. whos with me?
November 14th, 2009 at 10:23 PM ^
Buck the Suckeyes
November 14th, 2009 at 11:59 PM ^
Might wanna change that S to an F.
Buck the Fuckeyes is to Fuck the Buckeyes, as
Buck the Suckeyes is to..........
November 14th, 2009 at 9:24 PM ^
I want a win just as much as the next person. However, I've got to be honest and brace for the inevitable. Their defense is the best in B10 and our defense is the worst. Their offense will light up the secondary just as everyone else does. My only hope is that we play hard and keep it competitive. Hopefully, the defense makes them work for it. No matter what it doesn't look good.
Either way, let's give em' hell!
November 14th, 2009 at 9:37 PM ^
I don't even think they'll bother lighting up our secondary. I see them running for 200+ yards, controlling the clock, and blitzing the shit out of Tate.
I think they jump out to a lead, completely shut down our offense, and let the clock run all day.
November 15th, 2009 at 6:48 AM ^
I hope you're right because that's Michigan's best chance for a win: a typical LloydTressel-ball game where after going up 14-0 or something, Ohio State takes their foot off the gas and leaves the door open for Michigan to score a couple big play touchdowns in the third quarter -- a Stonum return TD, perhaps? -- and before we know it it's 14 all in the fourth quarter, the Big House is going nuts, and M has fifteen minutes to save its season.
So that strategy would be absolute best-case for Michigan. Worst-case: Tressel goes all '08 Capital One Bowl on us to take advantage of the secondary.
November 15th, 2009 at 9:36 AM ^
That's not what Tressel did last year. 42-7 is not what I would call "foot off the gas". I don't see him taking any chances when the B10 championship is on the line. He'll put as much distance between the scores as possible.
November 15th, 2009 at 2:23 PM ^
won the B10 - they go to the Rose Bowl regardless of the Michigan game.
November 16th, 2009 at 3:31 AM ^
Didn't say that was likely nor did I base what I wrote on last year's Game, just that it was probably Michigan's only chance: a low-scoring game (by some miracle) into the third quarter where Tressel plays a bit conservative and a few big plays open it up.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:30 PM ^
Ive never been to an OSU vs UM game, nor have I had to be around that many Ohio State fans at once. How are you supposed to handle them? I cant even stand my friends that are OSU fans and usually remove myself from the situation. I hope all this optimism pays off for this pessimistic reality.
November 15th, 2009 at 3:41 PM ^
and make sure you mention the Dew.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:37 PM ^
God knows I don't want to die at the hands of gang bangers.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:38 PM ^
I just finished watching some videos online. Amateur gang bang was of my favorites. Very happy ending.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:38 PM ^
for us to beat OSU. i've had the optimism beaten out of me over the last 2 months. we're probably going to lose by 20+.
i'm usually an unwavering optimist but...it's been a hard 2 months
November 14th, 2009 at 9:41 PM ^
To win, we MUST win the turnover battle. And we MUST step it up on 3rd and long, especially on defense. Plus get some breaks. It's not impossible. But we have to play our best game of the season. I believe in our boys though! I'll be watching til that last seconds tick off the clock no matter what.
November 14th, 2009 at 10:14 PM ^
No stupid penalties like the ones I saw today. We lost a drive because of a stupid roughing the kicker call, a first down on a holding call we just have to stop shooting ourselves in the foot. Especailly against this Ohio State team next week. Got to play smarter football.
November 14th, 2009 at 10:27 PM ^
I can't believe they didn't block that punt though. They came as close as possible without at least tipping it. But if you are throw caution to the wind and all out like that, you gotta be damn sure you will get the block.
November 14th, 2009 at 11:56 PM ^
If the coaches call for a punt block, and the player gets that close, he's gotta go for it. It's not a rush the kicker and pull up play.
Now if it was the typical roughing the kicker call when the rusher is at least a step slow, then yeah, you can call those types stupid. But not this one. That coulda been seven for the good guys.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:47 PM ^
This is my first OSU game (in person). Our record doesn't matter to me anymore, I'm just pumped up for The Game.
Please, please win.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:54 PM ^
same here on both
November 14th, 2009 at 9:47 PM ^
OSU would have to have an off day like they did against Purdue for us to have much of a chance. If they play their game and we play our game, they win by 14 or so. I just hope the team stays focused for 4 quarters and some of the young players show some improvement.
November 14th, 2009 at 10:00 PM ^
Want to see a great game with a lot of hard hits big plays and dynamic runs (hopefully by Michigan) but I'm looking forward to being in the Big House for this one! It's my first Osu Michigan game and I'm hoping it's not a blowout. Optimism, gotta keep it for this game. I'm hoping to see an upset this weekend and I'm thinking nothing but postitive thoughts this whole week. This OSU hype down in this shit city isn't going to bring me down. I might even put the M flag up on the pole! Here's to a Big House upset GO BLUE!
November 14th, 2009 at 10:06 PM ^
For the sake of Brandon Graham and the Seniors....I just hope that Tressel goes easy on us and calls off the dogs when they are up big...later in the game.
November 14th, 2009 at 11:02 PM ^
Stop posting. Seriously.
November 15th, 2009 at 2:30 AM ^
you are the last person in the world that I would pay any attention to... as your utter lack of actual football insight is so thinly veiled by your arrogant stance of "expertise" (are you and Magnus the same douche?)... it is laughable that anyone with a proper mind would buy in to your suck-up koolaid drivel.....so ....uh yeah.... I will keep posting as long as there is Truth to reveal. Thank you. lol
November 15th, 2009 at 5:46 AM ^
What the hell did I do to you? I never attacked anyone untill today... the douche is YOU. I never claim to be an expert at anything, I see the same exact thing that everyone else on this blog sees on Saturdays. I hate how RR has destroyed our D and the failure to bring in quality recruits falls on his shoulders alone. I didn't like how English and our whole defensive staff was let go, and now look at what it got us so far. I'm just as disappointed as everyone else around here but to go off and start attacking people who don't agree with you, that's douchy. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
November 14th, 2009 at 11:57 PM ^
What satisfaction do you get out of ceaseless negativity?
November 15th, 2009 at 2:20 AM ^
Have another glass of koolaid and ignore reality. But...will you 2 be around when the transition is made to a new/better regime? What will you say then...uh huh. We will see you jumping ship and somehow you will forget all the support that you had for your failing, coach (the worst coach in 130 years of Michigan football history).
Until then, all you have is your mindless and idiotic attacks against a person who simply has the opposing view to you.
November 15th, 2009 at 9:28 AM ^
First, how did I attack you? I asked why you come here specifically to piss on people who express optimism. That's not an "attack".
Wait - the fact that I'm going to continue to root for Rodriguez to succeed means I'm not allowed to root for the new coach? Are you fucking kidding me? I AM ROOTING FOR MICHIGAN FOOTBALL. That's why I want them to win - even WITH Rodriguez as the coach. I don't give a fuck who is coaching Michigan - I'm going to root for them...BECAUSE I AM A MICHIGAN FAN. Do you get how that fucking works? You think I have a great deal of emotional investment in Rodriguez? No - I want to see him succeed because I want to see Michigan succeed.
November 15th, 2009 at 1:14 PM ^
We will see you jumping ship and somehow you will forget all the support that you had for your failing, coach
"Your" coach? What school do you root for then?
November 15th, 2009 at 3:20 AM ^
SERIOUSLY:: LET'S TALK ABOUT REALITY FOR A SECOND HERE. Let's take the personal stuff out of it....the question I have for you guys are:
Do you not see the 2 consecutive worst teams in Michigan football history under this guy?
What do you possibly see as "positives" (stats show that the offensive "improvement" is a MIRAGE in the Big Ten (worse than last year for cryin out loud)... and we all know about the defense...
Meltdowns on the sidelines...not able to evaluate personel... possible NCAA violations
What is driving your Koolaid?
WHY THE HELL DO YOU CONSTANTLY ATTACK THOSE THAT OPPOSE THIS RIDICULOUSLY BAD COACH?????
ARE you on RR's staff?
Come on? If Ray Charles was blind...well damn, all you see is red Koolaid.
I just want to suggest to you one thing:
Keep an open mind that you may be WRONG...and STOP attacking those that you disagree with...those that see reality and are not just clinging to some long-lost hope that some wind of 2005 WVU may hit us...
Its not going to happen.
Rich Rod and company...are in over their fucking head. Recruiting has slipped....if they lose Devin Gardner (which is possible) what will you have left for the future?
It is time to cut bait NOW.
Look at ND....they held on to Charlie for 2 years too long...and where the fuck are they now? They have to START OVER.
RICH ROD is Clueless in this. He has no answer in any way.
Time to cut bait and for you 2...time to stop attacking those that you personally disagree with...
cause frankly...it gets old...you have NOTHING to back up your attacks on people like me...and all I do is cite FACTs.
Fuck. Damn...geeze... fuck...... ":)
November 15th, 2009 at 9:16 AM ^
What?
I didn't attack you. I didn't insult you. I asked why you enjoy coming on this board for the express purpose in pissing in people's drink. You're cloaking it, I guess, in "speaking truth to power" or something, but you, honestly, seem to just want to make people as upset as you are. That's just crappy.
I'm not going to cite stats or whatever, because you're completely mischaracterizing my stance. Honestly, I'm not saying "RODRIGUEZ IS PROGRESSING", I'm saying "I hope he figures this out". What you're doing, it seems, is hoping he fails more. I want to see Michigan win. I wanted them to win against Wisconsin, and I want to see them win against OSU. Watching Michigan football is FUN, and sitting in a room cutting myself over whether OSU will kill us or not is the complete, utter opposite of fun. You can go ahead, put on Dashboard Confessional, and play with razor-blades all you want, but my issue isn't with the fact that you think Rodriguez is a failure - it's with your need to sit here and scream doomsday. Do you think anyone here DOESN'T realize this team isn't good? What are you accomplishing other than being supremely irritating?
I'm going to continue to root for the team on the field - even with Rodriguez on the sideline, because I like Michigan football. You can continue to take a perverse joy from losing so you can "right".