OPTIMISM OPEN THREAD

at least it wasn't a blowout and the crowd stayed in the game should help with the recruits at the game

five days till pie!

Team played decent against one of the best teams in the country. Progress has been made offensively, we have lots of freshmen.. the list can go on. I feel pretty good about the team for some reason.

our defense played their asses off today. the offense did well too, outside of the red zone. if we'd converted our red zone chances, we'd be all up in arms right now.

They played very inspired and made me extremely proud. Once we fill our roster with Coach Rod's guys, look out.

This season was a waste, let's face it. But it was better than last year. Anyways.. 1) Tate, Denard, and Devin next year. Watch out world. 2) I like both Smiths, Vince and Brandon. They will be good if they stay healthy 3) DL will be good next year if Campbell steps up 4) Mouton could be great (showed some greatness today) 5) Some DBs in this recruiting class that could start next year 6) Sophomores and Juniors next year instead of Freshmen and Sophomores

Campbell made at least one really nice play on a second down run that I thought was for sure a first down, we ended up forcing a three and out. Roh by the end of the game had learned to gear down and contain Pryor in the pocket. A RVB/Campbell/Martin/Roh line might be a strength for the next two years, especially when Roh bulks up a bit and Campbell is a little better conditioned. Vincent Smith is going to be good. We had a good gameplan, coaching staff gave the kids a chance to win the game. Need 8 wins, I think we can do that.

This was at least a football game. We made stops, moved the ball, and looked competent, something we certainly cannot say about the previous three weeks. It was critical for everybody associated with this program to see progress going into the offseason. With the exception of Tate (and really only him) we definitely showed progress today: Vince Smith, Roundtree, the entire defense, the defensive coaches, the offensive coaches. This helps immensely going forward, with recruiting in particular. None of the recruits there today would feel embarassed about wearing the winged helmets after today's effort. If we'd been beaten down like we were by Wisconsin Illinois Purdue then we couldn't say that.

Reasons for optimism: Vincent Smith, Roy Roundtree, etc. etc. There are some incredibly exciting players here, and I can't wait for them to hit their stride.

The Detroit Lions play a game they can actually win this week.

The defense looked good. Didn't see nearly as many blown assignments out there. Holding anyone to 14 points in a game is a surefire moral victory for this unit. Tate just needs to lose all of that Bret Favre "make a play or else" nervousness. He also needs to protect the ball more when he's dancing in the pocket. I hate to think what could have happened if not for that fumble in the endzone. Here's to next year.

The defense played their best game of the year, and the offense played almost as well. We only lost by two scores against one of the best defensive teams in the nation. All of this, without MINOR RAGE, Carlos Brown (for most of the game anyway), or Molk - most of what we accomplished was with players who will return next year. All of this, with true freshmen starters, a crapload of turnovers, and a touchdown that we handed OSU. Players will gain experience, and Forcier will learn and make less mistakes next time around. Another plus: it didn't seem to me like we were outcoached. I'm obviously not thrilled about the final score, but I'm glad that the game was as close as it was, and that there's hope for next season.

Next year, there will be both depth and experience at QB. The last two years, UM has had first-year QB's. Next year, there will be two second-year QB's. Most "experts" believe that there is a huge growth and learning curve between the freshman and sophomore years. A sophomore Forcier and Robinson, along with Devin Gardner on the bench, should make the QB position the best it has been since Henne left. As for other positions, everyone will be a year older and bigger. The defense showed a lot of potential against OSU today; I think they can improve. Really, this team was close to having three or four more wins this year. It really isn't that far from "clicking" to the tune of eight or nine wins. And 2011 will be even better.

Some good things I think that we'll see next year: 1. Fewer turnovers. At some point there have to be fewer, right? 2. Mike Martin. F'in awesome, and I can't wait to see him next year. 3. A non-freshman, non-walk on qb to start the season. 4. The return of Molk to an o-line that has to get better at some point. 5. Warren as a dominant senior CB (I'm holding out hope he's staying). 6. Brandon Graham dominating the NFL. Have faith, IMO it gets better next year.

The kids stopped kicking my ass for about 3 hours and allowed me to actually watch the game. And my 16-month-old recognizes the block M and exclaims "Blue."

They took one of the most dangerous (albeit erratic) players in the country and did a solid job. One of the most impressive things I saw this year was the play of Stevie Brown. Brandon was just awesome. V. Smith looks like a gamer if we can add a few pounds. I was not at all disappointed with this one. But look at the losses this year, aside from Wisconsin and Penn State: 1. MSU: came back after an uninspired performance, but lose in overtime. 2. Purdue: One or two plays 3. Illinois: The Stand 4. Iowa: Gave them all they could handle while away. 5. OSU: Toe to toe with No. 9, freshman mistakes doom the team. Consider the inexperience of this team, and these were very, very winnable games. Obviously, the Indiana and ND games could have gone the other way, but considering this is the optimistic thread, were we really that far from 9 wins? That is why I'm optimistic. It is not a typical Michigan cry to yell "Wait til next year," but I just can't wait.

Well, compare how you feel now to how you felt last year. After 2008, in which we were just terrible on both sides of the ball, as we entered the off season which players were you excited about? None of the young ones except perhaps Odoms. Our best (relatively) QB left and McGuffie was gone too. The defense was awful and most of it was leaving. But this year I cannot wait to see 2010. Even the defense, after today's performance, has me a little optimistic. I see playmakers everywhere and a young team that was a fews critical plays from being 8-4. When Forcier was melting down today, did you hate him or did you feel bad for him? I love this team and think that next year will be big.

The margin of defeat today was provided youth and injuries, not talent or coaching. This team is inarguable moving in the right direction, and even though they lost I think they can take momentum from this game into next year, closing out those games that slipped away this year. It sucks that we couldn't get it done today or a few weeks ago for these Seniors, but Michigan will be back to fight another day.

When we stop giving up turnovers, we'll be winning. Here's hoping for 2010.

Also, the defense can build on this. Another blowout to end the season would make developing confidence in the off-season very difficult. I've heard that learning the schemes is a big part of transitioning to the 4-3 under. Today was a very positive step. They looked like they were just playing and not thinking as much. Confidence, man.