Should Devin start against Purdue?
I have trouble writing this; I love Denard, I love what he brings to the table as an option QB, I love him as a rolemodel-guy, but we need someone who can throw the ball better. Someone wrote (many someones) that he was hurt, but perhaps that is all the more reason to have Devin at the helm now. I think the Purdue game would give Devin some valuable snaps against a beatable team. We could sprinkle healthy doses of Denard here and there, and of course there are the 'trick' plays as well, but I think it may benefit the team in the long run if Devin was given the start. It would certainly benefit Devin, that throw when he was across the line of scrimage had rookie written all over it.
What do you guys think?
October 15th, 2011 at 7:03 PM ^
October 15th, 2011 at 9:10 PM ^
Thank you
October 15th, 2011 at 9:51 PM ^
fuck this mentality, i dont care about what happens anymore if i say this. its the same as our president. did/do you support bush/obama? well you better because they were/are our president. i fucking hate this mentality and any idiot who uses it is a fucking moron. garrett gilbert was texas' qb too, look how that worked out, were they wrong to want a change?
October 15th, 2011 at 7:15 PM ^
all day he has a cannon. BUT HE IS NOT A QB. No moxie, no pocket presence, no short memory, no consistency, terrible footwork, no leadership and can not read a defense to save his life. I love the kid but my gosh today was a terrible display and just another reason to why he should be at rb,wr,kr. If He can't throw against the big boys he cant play qb plain and simple. Could still get 30 touches and put in space where he can create from there not him trying to create with his arm. Sad day
October 15th, 2011 at 7:18 PM ^
needs to be quarterback. Did you listen to Urban Meyer's commentary. The guy knows his football (maybe not his family and career) but he knows his football. He said repeatedly while questioning some of Borges's play calling, "why would you take one of the most talented football players in college football out of the game?" Or, something to that effect. I agree. He needs to be our quarterback until he is injured and cannot perform or the game has been put out of reach (with us winning handily).
October 15th, 2011 at 7:49 PM ^
I think that gardner will be a stud when its his time but i still do not think he is ready. He missed hopkins wide open for a touchdown and fumbled a snap. Denard did not look any better but he has that big play ability that devin does not bring to the table YET.
October 15th, 2011 at 7:51 PM ^
The one thing that absolutely irks me about Denard is the fact that he trys to force a pass when he should run, and tries to run when the defense has loaded the box.
He is still a better passer than Taylor Martinez...
October 15th, 2011 at 7:57 PM ^
Cmon DG can throw but he can't score every time he touches the ball. Fact is they both missed wide open receivers for TD's. DG had Hopkins fucking wide open in the middle with no defender in sight for 20 yards. Facts are facts we just fucking sucked on offense today. If we go 11-1 nobody is going to complain, we all knew that this fairytale had to end it just sucks that it's at MSU expense. Let's focus on the rest of the season
October 15th, 2011 at 9:57 PM ^
i hate that saying, its not realistic
October 15th, 2011 at 7:58 PM ^
Pull it down and RUN
October 15th, 2011 at 8:01 PM ^
strengths then we might as well start Devin. It's pretty clear that Denard simply cannot adapt to what Borges wants to do so either they need to adapt the offense to what Denard does well or move to Devin.
October 15th, 2011 at 8:12 PM ^
Back of every mistaken venture and defeat is the laughter of wisdom, if you listen.
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<br>~ Carl Sandburg
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<br>I still have a lot of good things to say about this team. I refuse to be beaten twice. A few people have expressed anger at the players, some at the coaches; I tell you now Wolverine fans, this is when "your team" needs you the most. Now is not the time for these questions, now is the time to show them you've got their backs.
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<br>Shame on you for asking this.
October 15th, 2011 at 9:09 PM ^
Shame on you for equating a question of football strategy to turning your back on the team. If Denard would be a better fit at another position and the team would be better off with Devin at QB, then plugging our ears and saying "Denard QB! Denard QB! Denard QB!" isn't good for anyone... Including Denard.
October 15th, 2011 at 11:12 PM ^
You are right. It was wrong of me to equate the two.
At this point I think Denard would do whatever was good for the team. He stayed after the coaching change. He stayed knowing they were changing the offense. He has stayed with us and we should find a spot for him somewhere. He is a gifted athlete and is an amazing human being.
I've got my money on the coaches to get it right.
October 15th, 2011 at 8:15 PM ^
That suggested he was a superior player to Denard.
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<br>Honetly OP your critical thinking skills have been seriously messed with by despair beer or some combination of the two
October 15th, 2011 at 8:23 PM ^
I dont understand why people think putting DG in at Qb would result in Denard being off the field. DG at Qb= Denard at RB, WR, and returning kicks. Ask yourself this... Denard trying to create from the qb spot by forcing things or Denard receiving the ball in space and doing work from there. The 2 elite talents should be playing on every offensive play together.
October 15th, 2011 at 8:26 PM ^
DR is not healthy enough to play. Other than that DR starts
October 15th, 2011 at 8:29 PM ^
The short answer is no.
The long answer is no, (1) partly because Devin has a lot to learn still, (2) partly because of Michigan's heightened expectations since the beginning of the year, and (3) partly because Devin will still see time in the coming weeks.
(1) Watching the game today, and seeing Devin take a sack on fourth and long late, is one example still needing to learn. Don't get me wrong, he's got an arm, and I'm sure he will be great, but the amount he can learn just watching from the sideline is invaluable (ask any QB from Michigan who is/was in the NFL).
(2) Many experts had Michigan at fifth in the division (only in front of Minnesota); wins over Minnesota and Northwestern virtually guarantee that Michigan will finish in front of Northwestern. This team was NOT going to go undefeated; the loss hurts because its four in a row and the way it happened. This team can still win the division, or even finish in the top half, which is definitely better than initial projections.
(3) MSU will probably be the best defense UM will face all year, with Ohio next, and then Nebraska. UM plays Purdue after the bye week; if UM can get the offense back on track (a la Minnesota game), Devin will see snaps, and we'll see if he can put what he has learned on the sideline, into action on the field.
October 15th, 2011 at 8:29 PM ^
After reading all the different blogs since the loss there are plenty of mixed reviews about DR. The bottom-line is "What is best for this TEAM". I trust Hoke knows this and I believe you are starting to see Hoke wean DR from QB and give the job to Devin Gardner. Hoke is slow paced about this because he doesn't want to upset the apple cart with a drastic move. Hoke knows you can't win Big Ten Championships with a QB who can't throw. Be honest with your opinions, how many times has DR missed a WR by more than 10-15 yards. I mean, it isn't even close. DR just throws the ball without purpose. He is too short to see over huge lineman and doesn't read progressions, thus WR's get lax and don't run routes. Right now DR's passing ability is like a virus and everyone is going to get sick. Players, coaches, fans, etc. Do what is best for this TEAM. Even if the change comes next year, I believe the change will be made. I can't believe Hoke and DR haven't watched film and discussed this. DR is a great kid, he has provided us with some great highlights but not against top tier opponents. Comebacks, yes. Great competitor, yes, fast, blazing. A decent passer. Not close.
October 15th, 2011 at 8:33 PM ^
I love Denard... He's a great kid and shows us what all hard work can do for you. However as a fan of this TEAM, we need to do what's best for this team. That is place Devin under center or in shotgun and have Denard in the backfield. This provides you with the option attack or putting him into motion have a dump off pattern to him. Now not only is that your option but teams are going to fear that providing you with possible wideouts wide open. This is the TEAM we are talking about and we all know Denard as one hell of a kid and a better character, but to win ball games we need a passing offense.
October 15th, 2011 at 8:45 PM ^
You people are all on crack. Devin Gardner flat out sucked today. He showed no throwing ability either, and he is slow.
October 15th, 2011 at 8:47 PM ^
I'm not going to neg you, but really? Come on man! Devin played better, but Denard isn't Joe Bausserman or anything - he had a bad game. He's just a junior, and deserves to play until he physically can not go or just falls apart.
October 15th, 2011 at 8:51 PM ^
But almost all quarterbacks have one or two a year. Thankfully MSU's defense is the best we'll see all year and we're not likely to play another game in 40mph winds.
We're still an 8+ win team, something we haven't been since 2007, when we had a 4-year starter at QB. He also had a few bad games that year.
(I also didn't feel Devin was all that great either in this one.)
October 15th, 2011 at 8:57 PM ^
Watching the game in East Lansing amongst a bunch of Spartans, every single one of them thought we would run Denard for an easy first down. They'd basically conceded the tie and were hoping to avoid a meltdown. That call handed them the game on everyone's favorite silver platter.
Edit: this was just a comment on someones comment on the 4th and 1. User error.
October 15th, 2011 at 9:02 PM ^
You really can't make much of a judgment about Gardner. He only ran a handful of plays and never had an opportunity to establish a rhythm.
October 15th, 2011 at 9:13 PM ^
With a bye week and Purdue...Denard will be fine...relax.
I do think Devin is going to give Denard a run for his money NEXT year. However, right now, no...it's Denard's team. Once Devin starts preparing like the starter and getting a good number of reps in practice, he shouldn't be starting.
To me, this game clearly showed who was the better passer. IMO it's clear, Devin is the best quarterback on the team. Denard is the best athlete. However, I think you get more by playing your best athlete at Quarterback right now.
Devin isn't the best quarterback because he's that good, it's because Denard simply isn't a quarterback. He has to be able to hit a wide open Hopkins. He has to be able to command more out of the offense. Devin has to control himself that he doesn't go fucking nuts after one 6 yards first down run. IMO he needs one more offseason.
However, it'll be Denard's senior year...can you really move him to a Percy Harvin role in his senior year? It'll be interesting.
To answer the question, Devin is still a year away. Denard is the starter and hope we don't have to pass 30-40 times.
October 15th, 2011 at 9:19 PM ^
I wont even read this post. You Sir are dumb.
October 15th, 2011 at 9:26 PM ^
You sir are the idiot. His post has merit and blindly riding a lame horse will never give you the win. No ones questioning Denards talent but I think een the coaches are seeing that Gardner is a more prolific passer. That's why he's been getting more and more reps each week. I would love to see him get more time at te actual helm of the offense. Worst case scenario Denard is an option tailback next season and we have yet another fleet footed QB. How can that go wrong. Its clear at this point that Denard is not getting it for whatever reason.
October 15th, 2011 at 9:24 PM ^
The answer is no as long as Denard is healthy. I think there is a chance, however, that there will be a battle for the to spot next season. Hoke seems to be trying to get Devin some serious reps.
October 15th, 2011 at 10:45 PM ^
I'm interested to see what our offense could do with DG starting. We have talented WRs why not use them. Let's face it though Denard will never be a true dual threat QB. He's hit his ceiling as a quarterback. He's put up great numbers but his passes are all lame duck jump balls. We need him on the field because he is a playmaker, but he's only dangerous with his feet so by lining him up somewhere else were not losing much.
people keep saying Denard will pollish his passing skills and get better..but how long do we give him under/behind center? He hasn't improved really at all passing.
It's been a long day I'm probably just talking out of my ass but I think DG could keep a defense honest with his arm which would help the run game. We'll still get Denard the ball just not as a QB. Good disciplined defenses can shut down a one dimensional offense. I apologize to whoever reads this as I probably wasted your time. This is just my opinion, Id love to see more out of DG, but still incorporate Denard.
October 15th, 2011 at 9:44 PM ^
What did you see today that makes this seem like a good idea? Why would we pull Denard Robinson for Denard Robinson minus the running ability?
October 15th, 2011 at 10:30 PM ^
because the Dood can't throw. Devin atleast completed sum basic passes. I love Denard, but its a joke when he throws, when every Spartan fan in the room laugh at his passes and dare him to throw, its a joke, I actually think I'm more accurate than Denard. I'm a big Michigan fan but Devin should be the qb. have Denard be our Percy harvin.
October 15th, 2011 at 9:49 PM ^
denard might be the best/worst thing to ever happen to us. great guy...humble...electrifying....but...
greatness is measured by big game wins. outside of nd...he has 0. if we go 9-3 and lose to msu nebraska and ohio...i say its time for the future and devin gardner as our starter.
howeva...IF denard beats ohio...then my opinion changes.
October 15th, 2011 at 10:19 PM ^
maybe we should give up on an electrifying QB in his second year of starting who is an inconsistent passer.
ya, maybe texas should have given up on vince young too.
maybe tenn should have given up on manning for not winning the big games too.
October 15th, 2011 at 10:34 PM ^
the lack of a running game isnt all on the rb's and oline. msu was blitzing 5 or 6 on every play. the defense was committed to forcing denard to throw the ball, and in doing so they outnumbered or blockers and clogged up the running lanes. and we didnt make them pay for it. we can only establish a running game if defenses respect the pass. part of it is denard was missing open receivers (both with his throws and his reads). part of it is also that the playcalling really didn't adjust to the consistent blitz.
denard is an awesome athlete, no question. but blaming denard's struggles on the lack of running game is way off in my opinion. if anything, its denards passing deficiencies that are the cause of our running problems.
October 15th, 2011 at 11:14 PM ^
October 16th, 2011 at 12:46 AM ^
Denard Robinson is most dangerous when he gets space...let's line him up where we can get him in space every play. He is a carbon copy of Percy Harvin
October 16th, 2011 at 3:47 AM ^
delete double post
October 16th, 2011 at 4:53 AM ^
October 16th, 2011 at 5:50 AM ^
October 16th, 2011 at 10:36 AM ^
I think it's the opposite, you let Denard throw the majority of the time to get more in game experience, he just never looks comfortable in the pocket
October 26th, 2011 at 1:09 PM ^
I normally just read posts, not reply; but whoever started this must be smoking some good shit. You got to be out of your mind to think Devin is a better passer right now. The best player in college football, Denard, and hometown kid Devin have both been in this system the same amount of time. They are both in the first year under Coach Borges and who has the better numbers. Let me check, Denard does in all aspects of the passing game. Yes, the INTs are higher then last year through as many games; but remeber that the Spread uses a whole hell of a lot more quick screens and such to get WR in space. Denard's numbers including completion % are higher then Devin's are.
We are still a zone blocking O-line and manball does not work as well on the bigger Defenses.
Whoever tried to question Denard's leadership ability needs to be taken behind the wood shed and be beaten. Denard is this team, Denard bleeds this team and Denard puts leaves everything out on that field. If that is not leadership on a football team, then what the hell is? Being a loud mouth, cry when I lose, little bitch, who needs anti-depressants because of extreme ups and downs, is not the only way to lead.
Attitude reflect leadership....is one way, not the only way.
Lead by example...that is how you're a TEAM player. The team, the team, the team. Denard is a Bo QB.
October 26th, 2011 at 1:37 PM ^
Oh, so the last 30 seconds of the ND game, there were only jump balls that the WR bailed Shoelace out on. As I recall, the only jump ball was to Roundtree at the end. The other two were strikes to KG and JG.
One on one coverage with only 3 defenders back and 8 in the box means you throw a jump ball, because odds are you will have less then 3 seconds to throw.
You want a Chad Henne behind center/ shotgun. I will take Denard's legs and 58% cmp. over just an arm, any day.
the team, the team, the TEAM