WITHOUT hyperbole: Can we have an honest discussion on the trajectory of this football program?

Submitted by uniqenam on

I hate to use the word "unacceptable", but I feel I must. This is not RR's team, this is not due to attrition. This honestly felt like the Mississippi State bowl game. Completely dominated by a team who, let's be honest, is not a Top 10 quality team (in my opinion).

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ppudge

September 6th, 2014 at 10:22 PM ^

Honestly, I thought Hoke had to win one of the big 3 road games this season to keep his job. He hasn't proven he can win on the road. I thought this was the easiest one. We are down 28-0, and soon to be 35-0. I'd say that the arrow points down. And if Brandon can't see this, he needs to be fired as well.

Joined: 10/19/2008

MGoPoints: 11407

SiKa7x

September 6th, 2014 at 10:24 PM ^

I dont see the program going anywhere good this year(duh) but even next year is a head scratcher. I think the attendance numbers for the rest of the year now are really in jeopardy. And nothing forces change more than shit that doesnt sell. And this shit is DEF not gonna sell. My 2 cents. We have some good talent. Just waiting on who can tap the potential

Joined: 10/04/2012

MGoPoints: 3317

Uper73

September 6th, 2014 at 10:27 PM ^

ND was more ready and better prepared. They hit on all cylinders, we hit on none.

Embarrassing, but does happen

Hoke has to win one MSU and OSU game and go at least 10-3 (bowl win) to stay. Beating softies only does not cut it. The BIG is so bad it really should be 11-2.

The loss tonight is not the toughest thing to take, it's that we were so outcoached and the players are not improving and performing anywhere near the level they
need to to compete at the level Michigan used to be at.

Joined: 10/12/2013

MGoPoints: 1352

Gulogulo37

September 6th, 2014 at 11:35 PM ^

Yeah, I had faith in Hoke this season. It really doesn't bother me that we least, at least as far as Hoke's future is concerned, but I really didn't expect this. Having said that, I was amazed to read on the front page that we actually outgained ND. I'm sure that has to do with the game being out of reach for a while but still.

I didn't expect the OL to be good against a good team, so I'd say I'm most disappointed in the DL.

Joined: 03/16/2010

MGoPoints: 28295

KC Wolve

September 6th, 2014 at 10:27 PM ^

I think the downward trajectory is the issue.

Fire Hoke
Put Morris in
Fuck everything
Please fire Hoke
Harbaugh - any of them or their family members (including second cousins)

Joined: 10/09/2010

MGoPoints: 12671

MGoblu8

September 6th, 2014 at 10:32 PM ^

How can a team play so poorly on the road? It doesn't make any sense. I know road games are tough, but our performance outside of Michigan Stadium has been abysmal. While I'm not a torch and pitchfork guy, we should probably at least start rounding up the villagers.

Joined: 08/19/2010

MGoPoints: 7373

Rodriguesqe

September 6th, 2014 at 10:32 PM ^

Michigan has a better chance of  winning this game than having a hyperbole free conversation tonight.

Michigan hasn't beet a ranked opponent on the raod in 8 years according to NBC.

Holy shit.

Joined: 12/29/2013

MGoPoints: 4222

Jeff4179

September 6th, 2014 at 10:34 PM ^

The problem seems to be "everything."  UM is getting killed by a team that seems ranked about right (15-20 range).  UM doesn't seem particularly fast.  Or strong.  Or motivated.  Or well-coached.  Or skilled.  They just seem terribly mediocre and outclassed in virtually every way.  And in all likelihood, with the state of the Big Ten, UM will still end up with a successful enough record to go to a pretty good bowl game and get flattened again.  I am having a hard time finding any reason to think things are going to get better.  

Joined: 02/23/2011

MGoPoints: 212

sammylittle

September 6th, 2014 at 10:35 PM ^

How can we not have hyperbole in the wake of the worst athletic display in the history of man?

That said, I will let the season play out before making a final conclusion, but rapid, sustained improvement is necessary or I will endorse a coaching change!

Joined: 09/29/2008

MGoPoints: 7825

BlueHills

September 6th, 2014 at 10:38 PM ^

Dierdorf also used the term, 'unacceptable' a few minutes ago, while mentioning the offensive talent this team has. I just turned the game off after the second Gardner pick, down 28-0.

Things are not looking good. Now what?

Joined: 10/31/2010

MGoPoints: 7466

BlueHills

September 6th, 2014 at 10:39 PM ^

Dierdorf also used the term, 'unacceptable' a few minutes ago, in the context of the offensive talent this team has. I just turned the game off after the second Gardner pick, down 28-0.

Things are not looking good. Now what?

Joined: 10/31/2010

MGoPoints: 7466

BlueinLansing

September 6th, 2014 at 10:43 PM ^

no substance for over a decade.  Holding on desperately to a past that's now 25 years in the rear view mirror.

 

We've become Alabama before Saban, desperately trying to ressurect The Bear, eventually selling their souls for a few wins.  I hope it doesn't come to that but this shit is just painfull to watch.

 

 

Joined: 09/01/2009

MGoPoints: 23520

Maize and Blue…

September 6th, 2014 at 10:43 PM ^

DB's can't cover anyone. (#2,#24 just awful)

LB's miss tackles and are out of position.(#47)

DL cannot get any meaningful pressure on the QB.

OL cannot block or open holes.

QB turns the ball over.

RB's cannot run the ball.

#60 has gotten out-manned on the line.

Even the one bright spot - #1 dropped a key 3ed down pass.

Hoke has that stupid befuddled look on his face.

I'm sorry, but I do not see any difference in this years team from last years, if anything, they actually look worse then last years team. Miller just gave up another sack. Bad coaching,terrible night to be a wolverine.

Joined: 11/24/2013

MGoPoints: 1730

BlueCube

September 6th, 2014 at 10:43 PM ^

How many seniors do we have on this team?

How many upperclassman on are the offensive line.

It's bullshit that this isn't still RR's fault.

Hoke still has to prove himself but to ignore how this team was decimated is being beng blind. Let the 2015 and 2016 recruiting classes be destroyed and see how that goes. Oh wait we are already seeing what happens.

Joined: 12/12/2013

MGoPoints: 45965

mi93

September 6th, 2014 at 10:43 PM ^

Until we have an experienced O-line again.  Year 1 with a solid O-line showed something.  The line has swiss cheese every since - which is not all his fault.  I give him two more years.  Either that or the next guy will look great with a mature team.

Joined: 11/15/2008

MGoPoints: 30339

mi93

September 6th, 2014 at 11:39 PM ^

And that was a different line with two senior, about-to-be NFL lineman and the only coherent offensive game plan of the season.

Mattison got his scissors rocked after ND's first TD "drive".  If the majority here thinks either PI on that drive was legit, I'll calm down, but I think it affected the DBs and they picked apart after and looked hesitant.  Meanwhile, the third down drop by Funchess that some people mentioned, his left arm was clearly jarred before the ball arrived.

We weren't prepared, they were.  We're not that bad, and they're not that good.  And let's be honest, before we saw the O-line last week, we didn't really expect to win this one.  Just hopeful because we bleed Blue.

Joined: 11/15/2008

MGoPoints: 30339

GoBlueASU

September 6th, 2014 at 10:44 PM ^

This really sucks because I LOVE Hoke and Mattison from a personality standpoint, and was REALLY hoping for them to look competent this season...but this is flat-out embarrasing!  This team is soft!  Not being able to execute the simplest plays and lacking basic mechanics is embarrasing.  Not being able to motivate a team in a hostile environment is embarrasing.  Not being able to convert a FG is dissapointing.  Not being able to hang on to the football is dissapointing.  Playing a press-man defense against sub-par competition, and reverting back to the bend-but-dont-break defense against a good team is dissapointing.  

This game has me questioning both Funk and Mattison, and ultimately questioning Hoke as the leader of this program.  Unfortunately I don't believe anyone can come in here and give us a better chance to win next season...other than potentially Jim Harbaugh, who's a looooooooong shot to leave the NFL.  

Once again, this team is soft...and I'm tired of seeing great talent being wasted.  As I'm typing this the announcers come on and say "Michigan hasn't beaten a ranked team on the road in 8 years."  8 fuckin years!  Unacceptable.  It's time to put-up or shut-up, and this staff has 10+ more games to turn this thing around...but if past results have anything to do with the future outlook of this program, things are not looking bright.  I can't convey into words how much I hope we can turn this team around, but if it doesn't happen we need to be willing to bring in someone who has the balls to toughen these young men up.  

Losses I can deal with, losing and repeatedly being SOFT is just not acceptable!  And it's been going on for far too fucking long...

Joined: 09/06/2014

MGoPoints: 6

DownriverAlum

September 6th, 2014 at 10:45 PM ^

You know when you unwind your hose to wash your car in the driveway, and only dribbles of water come out due to a kink in the line?  That's the trajectory I'm seeing now.

 

There is absolutely no excuse to be getting blown out by a decimated ND team.  Spare me the "we're young" nonsense.  This staff does not develop talent.

Joined: 12/29/2013

MGoPoints: 97

bluestaffah

September 6th, 2014 at 10:45 PM ^

I will not say where but, I played college football for four years and paid the dues just like these guys and understand what it takes. I have a MASSIVE issue with the Michigan program in the last number of years because they are never fired up. I mean where is the intensity? We get pushed around time after time and more so in the big games and nobody fights fire with fire. This is a game fueled by testosterone and you better come to the stadium on Saturdays with it oozing out of your pores. For fuck sakes...strap it on and bring the wood. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!

Joined: 09/24/2013

MGoPoints: 3445

ufools

September 6th, 2014 at 11:15 PM ^

The Hoke administratitotes in the dark ages when it comes to developing and motivating their players. There is no fear of God (or Bo), no holding accountable to the team. As much as we made fun of Kelly these years, he bitched his players into disciplined machines. Big difference between Clappy Hoke and NDs defensive coordinator who screamed and fist pumped a dozen times when his boys blitzed. You think he' just clapping and giving stern instruction during practice? We have been a joke and our coaches never seem to want to turn our players into "killers". Not that hurting anyone is the goal, but you have to bring that MENTALITY just to be able to compete. Not even Gardner seems to get in his line's face and say WTF? If Novak were out there at QB, you think he'd put up with this line play for 3yrs. They can't even hold a millisecond of a max protect! The college game WILL officially become a business soon (and catch up to the Bamas and Oregons, who have been way ahead of the game), and players will be accountable much like professionals. If we want to compete at all, the "gentlemanly molding of young men" gloves have to come off and you sharpen these players' focus through fear. It is not incompatible with the goal of graduating educated men of character.

Joined: 09/02/2008

MGoPoints: 35

ufools

September 6th, 2014 at 11:16 PM ^

The Hoke administration is in the dark ages when it comes to developing and motivating their players. There is no fear of God (or Bo), no holding accountable to the team. As much as we made fun of Kelly these years, he bitched his players into disciplined machines. Big difference between Clappy Hoke and NDs defensive coordinator who screamed and fist pumped a dozen times when his boys blitzed. You think he' just clapping and giving stern instruction during practice? We have been a joke and our coaches never seem to want to turn our players into "killers". Not that hurting anyone is the goal, but you have to bring that MENTALITY just to be able to compete. Not even Gardner seems to get in his line's face and say WTF? If Novak were out there at QB, you think he'd put up with this line play for 3yrs. They can't even hold a millisecond of a max protect! The college game WILL officially become a business soon (and catch up to the Bamas and Oregons, who have been way ahead of the game), and players will be accountable much like professionals. If we want to compete at all, the "gentlemanly molding of young men" gloves have to come off and you sharpen these players' focus through fear. It is not incompatible with the goal of graduating educated men of character.

Joined: 09/02/2008

MGoPoints: 35

dkush

September 6th, 2014 at 10:46 PM ^

Honestly, I think we are all underestimating Notre Dame. This team is GOOD. Talented, full of five stars, with a stud of a quarterback. This team, IMO, has serious playoff potential. With the shit show that is going on in Columbus right now, it appears that Ohio State is in a similar situation against a worse team. The rest of the B1G proved today that they really are nothing to be worried about. I see a good chance to beat both Penn State and Ohio State, leaving a plethora of very below average teams left to play as well as Michigan State, whom we will most definitely lose to. Hey, I'll take 10-2 with one B1G loss any day. There definitely are some positives to take away from today (not necessarily in the ND game). We got a lot to work on but there's a chance we can overcome this.

Joined: 09/02/2013

MGoPoints: 191