BlockM

April 9th, 2011 at 10:14 AM ^

Obviously I'm far from objective, but I don't see MSU winning the B1G this year. They lose a ton of olinemen and both star LBs. They'll be good, but their D will take a pretty significant step back and I'd be surprised if they run the ball as well with some new faces trying to get some push.

Firstbase

April 9th, 2011 at 10:48 AM ^

...but I suspect that teaching the technical aspects defensively was lacking in the past. I also suspect we will be markedly better defensively this year largely because of the presence of these teaching techniques.

True Blue Grit

April 9th, 2011 at 11:13 AM ^

over the last 3 years defensively?  I guess a lot different fundamentals.

Personally, I think Meyer is spying on us for when he takes over from Coach Sweatervest later this year. 

BondQuest

April 9th, 2011 at 11:16 AM ^

...the Defense spent almost as much time on the field as you would expect in two seasons of play.

I am hoping that ought to make last year's freshmen better experienced than you would normally expect for second year players.

 

Don

April 9th, 2011 at 11:27 AM ^

to the effect that "they're teaching us stuff that we never were taught before." I've wondered if this is just a reflection that they're being taught different things, or is an indication that they truly were not taught any fundamentals in blocking and tackling over the last three years. Considering how bad the defense has been during that time, it's not hard for me to believe the latter, unfortunately.

SC Wolverine

April 9th, 2011 at 11:47 AM ^

It's hard to believe that there was quality instruction happening on the defensive side of the ball under the old regime.  This could make a significant difference, along with the general increase in game experience from last year.  A while ago, I spoke with a guy who often attended practices last year and he stated that the defense looked disorganized in practice.  That is not verifiable, of course, but an overall picture develops that makes Hoke's and Mattison's instruction seem very promising.

jdfogel

April 9th, 2011 at 12:11 PM ^

Anybody notice that Cam isn't wearing a practice shirt with the Adidas stripes down the side?  Looks like he may be wearing the new 2011 version of our road uni...sans piping!

readyourguard

April 9th, 2011 at 12:58 PM ^

What kind of crappy comment was that from host Yinka Dari to start the sefment? 

"That game proved to much for Rich Rodriquez who was ousted after 3 years in Ann Arbor.  He wasn't a Michigan Man anyway."

Douchey, imo.

BlueHills

April 9th, 2011 at 1:12 PM ^

Snippets here and there from the new coaches lead one to conclude that the defensive players have had decent talent, but didn't get taught the basics of how to punch through, get off blocks, and tackle.

And the defense showed that last year; there were too many plays where the line and the linebackers seemed to be hung up on the offensive blocks, they'd come off the blocks late, and miss their assignments. It wasn't only about the problems in the secondary.

What Mattison's teaching just seems to fit the need like a glove.

I think the players' comments about their excitement to learn and about the new staff says good things, not only about the team, the staff and the program, but also about the former coaching staff who didn't leave the team with a bitter taste in their mouths.

They are hungry to learn. And those who are hungry for learning and combine that with a good work ethic will win.

I think they'll improve this year, pick up 3 more wins, and have a decent shot at the championship game. I don't foresee OSU or MSU improving, and we can overtake them.

artds

April 9th, 2011 at 1:46 PM ^

Hopefully Hoke will bring punt catching and 30-yard field goals back to Ann Arbor.

I never understood how RR supporters could have ignored those colossal failures of the former coaching staff.  

El Jeffe

April 9th, 2011 at 2:45 PM ^

I was (am) a huge "RR supporter" and I did not ignore those things. Whenever they happened, I said "I NOTICE YOU, DROPPED PUNT!!!! I ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR EXISTENCE, MISSED 30-YARD FIELD GOAL!!!!"

I was (am) also a huge "Lloyd Carr supporter," and I similarly did not ignore the ISOTR (incredibly surprising off tackle run) and the complete inability to corral any spread quarterback ever.

And despite all those acknowledgments, do you know what I did? I cheered for the coach and the team I love and hoped like hell that they would have unbounded success. Can you say the same?

SC Wolverine

April 9th, 2011 at 2:52 PM ^

I cheered for him, too, El Jeffe, and I supported him until the day he was fired.  But, snarky as the comment was, it was basically true.  RR is a class act, but he will not go down as a Michigan man.  No one who is trying to forget his time at UM can ever be considered a Michigan Man.

El Jeffe

April 9th, 2011 at 2:57 PM ^

I have no fucking idea what a Michigan Man is or why it matters except as a post-hoc rationalization for why we like or do not like something affiliated with Michigan.

Given that, what do you mean by "trying to forget his time at UM?" I'm not doubting you read or saw something to that effect, but I'm just curious as to what it was.

NoMoPincherBug

April 9th, 2011 at 3:28 PM ^

I like our DLine if Q and BWC can step up...the LBs are young but can run and hit...the safeties will be good and the weak spot is corner, mostly due to lack of depth... I predict that our defense will improve to about a #50 ranking in the country in most stats this year, and put that with a top 20 offense... I see 9-10 wins this upcoming season.

Abe Froman

April 9th, 2011 at 4:19 PM ^

anyone else notice who urban meyer was talking to in the background right around 2:56?

 

also, wonder why andre ware's resume didnt include the lions?