Shouldn't we shut Minor down?
Instead of lightly practicing Minor every week, shouldn't we shut him down completely for the next couple of weeks, no practice or playing, and hope he's ready for OSU? These high ankle sprains are terrible, but isn't playing on it on Saturdays giving it no opportunity to heal?
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:07 AM ^
Even with Minor, there's not a great chance that we can beat OSU. We need all hands on deck to get a 6th victory and become bowl eligible. Minor can rest between OSU and the bowl.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:13 AM ^
1 week ago, I would have agreed with you completely. Yeah, let's rest Minor for Illinois and Purdue (both likely wins) and maybe Wisconsin (probable loss). However, that was with the (justified?) impression that Henri, Otter of Ennui would not return this season. Now, I think that Minor just works through the pain for the rest of this season and we all get a glimpse of what could have been (think Henne and Hart between the OSU game and the bowl game, senior season) uninjured RAGE during the Little Caesar's Pizza Pizza Bowl...
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:39 AM ^
I am so disappointed for him-- can't imagine what he is feeling. He would be the B Graham of the offense if he could just get healthy.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:14 AM ^
the problem with him and carlos. They never seem to be able to stay healthy
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:23 AM ^
If - and I don't know if this is accurate - Minor's best chance to be healthy for OSU is to rest, then I'm for resting him...A healthy Minor gives Michigan it's shot at beating OSU and I can't stand the thought of going into that game like last year with the belief that Michigan has just about no chance to win.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:47 AM ^
Right now we need to be focusing on making a bowl game, which we still have a decent shot at, rather than beating Ohio State. If we get that magical, wondrous, almost mythical sixth win next week, we can sit Minor against Wisconsin.
By "we", of course, I mean the dedicated coaching staff who actually has the power to make such decisions, rather than us jackasses on a message board.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:31 AM ^
I don't think you're wrong in any objective sense, but I'll take an increased chance of beating OSU over the advantage Minor gives Michigan in the Purdue game, even if that means risking a bowl...Living in Ohio probably skews me in this direction.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:56 PM ^
I'm good with that. If we're gonna end up 6-6, I'd be pretty thrilled for that 6th win to be against OSU!
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:56 AM ^
IMHE.....Beating OSU is more important than a win in the pizza pizza bowl. I would dedicate every practice from here on to preparing for the buckeyes
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:56 AM ^
Minor has the same warrior mentality and "heart" that Forcier has. He will do anything to get on the field, especially as his career is winding down. As long as he can even walk, Minor will tell the coaching staff that he feels great and wants to go in. If Minor had his way, he would not only be in for every offensive play, but would probably volunteer for special teams, too.
So, in a situation similar to that of Forcier, the staff is in the unenviable position of having to decide how much is enough for Minor and how much is too much, and somehow make the result appropriate for both the team, Minor's present, and Minor's future. All while trying to build a program and win some games.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:55 AM ^
But yeah, I think it's pretty likely true that Minor wants to play regardless.
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:07 AM ^
Keeping Minor available forces the other team to prepare for him. Whether he sees a down of play or not, Purdue will have to be aware of the possibility that he will play.
If he has any mobility, he'll be on the field.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:09 PM ^
Even though he's not able to fully contribute, I still prefer having Minor in both practice and the three remaining games. At 75%, he is still a vocal and physical leader on offense when he's on the field. With him out, I get a huge sense of "let down".
I still remember the interview after playing tOSU last year where Minor was taking over the reins as a team leader. I feel badly that his play this year hasn't matched his heart, but I think his pressence helps the other players. With a less-than-100% Minor on the sidelines or in the lineup, I think we are a better team and have a better chance at winning.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 PM ^
I was thinking the same thing prior to the Illinois game, but after seeing how that turned out, I'm pretty sure that Minor will be suited up for each of the next three games. I'm also a bit concerned about aggravating his injury, but if he's used judiciously, maybe that won't be an issue.