Harbaugh needed to come, and WE needed the college football world to feel that. I can assure you there were incredible resources put toward the "re-branding" of Michigan to coincide with his arrival. the goal was dominate the news cycle and provide juice and relevance. Big deals were put in place with both Nike and Jordan brand. We developed signing with the stars, we used loose connections to bring in Big Sean. We made sure the stars were on campus (Brady, Woodson, etc). All of this was done to create a desirable product, in the hopes that we could carry that momentum into ahead of schedule results on the field.
That same focus on innovation permeated the whole program... Whether it was the first conversations and spark about team travel abroad, or the formation and motions Jedd and Jim cooked up..... it was an exciting place to be around.
But when you put THAT much effort into something and only see delayed results.... the machine fails. You can't keep pushing without return on that investment.
A few scenarios lead to the delayed results. Chief amongst them was the inability to turn Brandon Peters into what we had hoped. Others involving the skill positions of our 2016 class (that was built on the efforts of the branding), blocked punts, coaching changes, etc.
long story short... the results come up short.
Keep in mind..... NONE of this is JIM. It was never who he was. He is an earnest, open-minded, hard working guy.... but he is NOT a brand, or at least not the brand we had built for him. And if anyone understands branding... it has to be built on authenticity.
my honest take... Jim has lost touch of his true core. He was as bothered as the rest of us at the slow moving results. So he felt like he needed to reach far beyond himself, and wound up.... HERE.
lost.
lets hope that Michigan is willing to put in the energy and resources toward creating a desirable product again. Momentum will need to be rekindled, but it can't necessarily be the same moves as before. The right juice can kick-start the winning we need to see. Look at what has been built with Juwan as an example of what can transpire!!!
It will be hard to do with the coaches we are looking at. THAT will be the cultural challenge.
No surprise here. Figured he resigned to avoid the inevitable awkward conversation of his firing with his younger boy.
USC had some real schematic flaws, i'll be curious to see what this move does for them. We all know what a difference the right D coordinator can make.
Borges put together one of the most creative gameplans i've ever seen. It was beautiful for a game and a half. Not sure what transpired here at the end.
that said though... no great team should be incapable of running for one yard the way we were today. Thats not coaching. It is never one person.
seems like a good compromise. Ohio kept the integrity and structure of the uni's, and nike got to exhibit and sell some of their latest bells and whistles. I expect this to be a standard of sorts for teams going forward.
regardless of quarterback or not... we haven't had a weapon like Denard, period. He is that once in a lifetime, game-breaker. We've had speed before ( Fargas, and Baraka come to mind).... but it has never shown out or given us what we were lucky to witness with Denard. Hell, not many schools ever get someone like him.
I'm not sure we will ever see it (that speed, that ability) at Michigan again.
I more worry this might be a telling sign that Denard isn't ready to go. I hope we see him again... period. Not just a snap... but Denard being Denard.
I read Leach's book, and i think the dude is brilliant. He certainly pushes his players, and there are certainly ones that don't like or want the push. He is building a culture of toughness. That requires discipline and work. That is never pleasant at the time, but pays off down the line.
My guess is that things got a little too hot for Wilson. Abuse though? Thats offensive to those that had suffered or experienced real abuse.
Not sure many current players of even future players can grasp the importance or meaningfulness of number 11. 32 on the other hand has come to represent the fight, the focus, and the clawing out of tough times for Michigan. That is Kovacs, and that is what he stands for.
I can't say i wasn't a bit surprised and maybe even dissapointed to see 11 on him.
That look was almost the look on my face when it appeared Alabama might find a way to pull off that game. But the football gods were on our side this weekend.
Not surprised by the ineligibility as High School basketball is a very broken system. I'm more surprised at the NCAA acting BEFORE the player makes an impact.
USC is feeling good about Goodman, but are hoping to get McQuay, or perhaps even Preist Willis more in play. It is by no means a lock that McQuay is off to Cali.
Once Redfield decommitted, that makes it unlikely he re-pledges to USC, but thats still on the table as well.
This success and this post game feeling Devin has will go a long way. Potential is one thing, but to go out and rip it.... this was huge for our future.
Devin was impressive. It is odd to have that confidence in a qb and not hold my breath every time he drops back. I love Denard, but now i have feelings for Devin as well. Impressive showing.
This is the same scheme that made Ronnie Hillman a star. It is not an incompetent system. It is not lack of talent. It is consistent execution. It is diligence.... excellence over a long period of time.
We've shown flashes, but even Lewan plays up and down. Even Denard. It has been frustrating to watch, but nothing appears broken as I see it.
There is always more to the story. Maybe Russ has been the man in practice... just froze up during the game? Maybe the package in place this week was something he couldn't run or didn't get enough reps running. Trying to be positive here and consider the whole picture, but it is tough.
wondering if our no-visit policy is a detriment in recruiting top-tier kids. Works on "Michigan" men... but the top dogs... the ones that require a fight? just a thought.
I had a few thoughts as i watched Zona tear into USC... 1.) While college football has "caught up with some offenses or versions of the spread... RichRod's still has great relevance. 2.) RichRod is a gifted play caller. He has a great feel for the game... couldn't help but crack a smile at a few of those quick seam roy roundtree specials he threw at USC.
I had a few thoughts as i watched Zona tear into USC... 1.) While college football has "caught up with some offenses or version of the spread... RichRod's still has great relevance. 2.) RichRod is a gifted play caller. He has a great feel for the game... couldn't help but crack a smile at a few of those quick seam roy roundtree specials he threw at USC.
I know we have been burned in the past. So of course we have our guard up! But we haven't been in it with a top WR in a long time.
Remember, Receivers are their own breed. They tend to have a little diva in them. The spot on the field that has to ask for the ball.
I think we keep riding the Treadwell Train, not is as dire as we are making it.... we are just old hardened and spurned lovers in the world of star recruits.
The secondary is well coached. We are worlds better from a technique stand point. We have players that may be limited physically, but they are at least in a position to make a play or make the tackle. JT Floyd has really improved. Taylor has started to play with aggressiveness and confidence. I can't wait to see what happens once we coach up these athletes in waiting.
It felt good. No other way to put it. It especially felt good considering we didn't catch any of the breaks. Every game has it's breaks. The dropped pass by Gardner, the mis-fire on Gallon, two fumbles on the ground we couldn't get on top off. Any of those plays perhaps makes this game more comfortable. But, we win DESPITE not catching those. Passion and Discipline brought us the win. That is why it feels so good. We earned it.
When you are young, you see only what is directly in front of you. Too bad he doesn't see the offensive line class, golden armed Qb, and a chance to be the guy in our future offense.
I hope this is the start of or re-boot of a legacy of top-tier Lineman coming from Michigan. It helps recruiting, and gives us the type of reputation we are trying to re-establish.
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Ok... how we got here...
Harbaugh needed to come, and WE needed the college football world to feel that. I can assure you there were incredible resources put toward the "re-branding" of Michigan to coincide with his arrival. the goal was dominate the news cycle and provide juice and relevance. Big deals were put in place with both Nike and Jordan brand. We developed signing with the stars, we used loose connections to bring in Big Sean. We made sure the stars were on campus (Brady, Woodson, etc). All of this was done to create a desirable product, in the hopes that we could carry that momentum into ahead of schedule results on the field.
That same focus on innovation permeated the whole program... Whether it was the first conversations and spark about team travel abroad, or the formation and motions Jedd and Jim cooked up..... it was an exciting place to be around.
But when you put THAT much effort into something and only see delayed results.... the machine fails. You can't keep pushing without return on that investment.
A few scenarios lead to the delayed results. Chief amongst them was the inability to turn Brandon Peters into what we had hoped. Others involving the skill positions of our 2016 class (that was built on the efforts of the branding), blocked punts, coaching changes, etc.
long story short... the results come up short.
Keep in mind..... NONE of this is JIM. It was never who he was. He is an earnest, open-minded, hard working guy.... but he is NOT a brand, or at least not the brand we had built for him. And if anyone understands branding... it has to be built on authenticity.
my honest take... Jim has lost touch of his true core. He was as bothered as the rest of us at the slow moving results. So he felt like he needed to reach far beyond himself, and wound up.... HERE.
lost.
lets hope that Michigan is willing to put in the energy and resources toward creating a desirable product again. Momentum will need to be rekindled, but it can't necessarily be the same moves as before. The right juice can kick-start the winning we need to see. Look at what has been built with Juwan as an example of what can transpire!!!
It will be hard to do with the coaches we are looking at. THAT will be the cultural challenge.
No surprise here. Figured he resigned to avoid the inevitable awkward conversation of his firing with his younger boy.
USC had some real schematic flaws, i'll be curious to see what this move does for them. We all know what a difference the right D coordinator can make.
i'm all for bringing in a few bodies and seeing what sticks. the WR spot will be critical in the coming years.
soon= i'm bored and would like some attention.
doing instead of tweeting= actually worth something
that is one big run away from being very interesting... regardless of opponent.
I was just preaching something very similar. On paper, things look bright.
Slow down. It is never just one guy.
Borges put together one of the most creative gameplans i've ever seen. It was beautiful for a game and a half. Not sure what transpired here at the end.
that said though... no great team should be incapable of running for one yard the way we were today. Thats not coaching. It is never one person.
less than an hour to go... i can't take it anymore.... game time!!!!!!!
to quote Omar.... "indeed."
Crazier things have happened. Nebraska is due for a good choking.
seems like a good compromise. Ohio kept the integrity and structure of the uni's, and nike got to exhibit and sell some of their latest bells and whistles. I expect this to be a standard of sorts for teams going forward.
can't wait to see us wreck em.
well that's settled. He shall just go for 208 in Columbus. Done.
If only there was a way to Sell some of those seats at half price to families that otherwise couldn't afford it..... anything other than empty seats.
I agree, what a waste... it hurt to see.
This was one of the most impressive game plans i've seen. Borges is experienced, creative, and gifted.
I thought he was starting to find his rhythm and run with some real authority this year. Too bad... terrible news.
Holding my breath for you fitz.
regardless of quarterback or not... we haven't had a weapon like Denard, period. He is that once in a lifetime, game-breaker. We've had speed before ( Fargas, and Baraka come to mind).... but it has never shown out or given us what we were lucky to witness with Denard. Hell, not many schools ever get someone like him.
I'm not sure we will ever see it (that speed, that ability) at Michigan again.
I more worry this might be a telling sign that Denard isn't ready to go. I hope we see him again... period. Not just a snap... but Denard being Denard.
We figured this was coming right? And shall I assume there will be specially designed socks and sleeves as well?
how about Denard vs ohio? fitting conclusion to his career?
When it comes to someone so gifted is it ever time to start accepting the loss and focusing on the next guy?
Worth the fight?
These games are the best when YOU win. Not so much when it goes the other way in the end.
I read Leach's book, and i think the dude is brilliant. He certainly pushes his players, and there are certainly ones that don't like or want the push. He is building a culture of toughness. That requires discipline and work. That is never pleasant at the time, but pays off down the line.
My guess is that things got a little too hot for Wilson. Abuse though? Thats offensive to those that had suffered or experienced real abuse.
Not sure many current players of even future players can grasp the importance or meaningfulness of number 11. 32 on the other hand has come to represent the fight, the focus, and the clawing out of tough times for Michigan. That is Kovacs, and that is what he stands for.
I can't say i wasn't a bit surprised and maybe even dissapointed to see 11 on him.
That look was almost the look on my face when it appeared Alabama might find a way to pull off that game. But the football gods were on our side this weekend.
There is something to be said about recruiting and bringing in winners. There are some truly special kids on the way.
Not surprised by the ineligibility as High School basketball is a very broken system. I'm more surprised at the NCAA acting BEFORE the player makes an impact.
USC is feeling good about Goodman, but are hoping to get McQuay, or perhaps even Preist Willis more in play. It is by no means a lock that McQuay is off to Cali.
Once Redfield decommitted, that makes it unlikely he re-pledges to USC, but thats still on the table as well.
This success and this post game feeling Devin has will go a long way. Potential is one thing, but to go out and rip it.... this was huge for our future.
Indeed. If only they covered all our games.
I had erased that former trauma from my memory.
She is just defending a diminishing sport that without Bolt is irrelevant. Trashing bolt is like trashing Jesus to a track athlete.
She is trying, but like her sport... failing.
Devin was impressive. It is odd to have that confidence in a qb and not hold my breath every time he drops back. I love Denard, but now i have feelings for Devin as well. Impressive showing.
I'm ok with this. We can keep up with the times while keeping our integrity.
Evolution is good.
That must've been a pretty amazing feeling. You don't need the credit, you got the truth.
Congrats.
This is the same scheme that made Ronnie Hillman a star. It is not an incompetent system. It is not lack of talent. It is consistent execution. It is diligence.... excellence over a long period of time.
We've shown flashes, but even Lewan plays up and down. Even Denard. It has been frustrating to watch, but nothing appears broken as I see it.
congrats to a classy kid who took to coaching and left it all on the field for Michigan. It is amazing to see him start putting it all together now.
A game that originally looked to be a nice smooth saturday suddenly looks very scary. I hope some good news comes our way this week.
my thoughts exactly.
There is always more to the story. Maybe Russ has been the man in practice... just froze up during the game? Maybe the package in place this week was something he couldn't run or didn't get enough reps running. Trying to be positive here and consider the whole picture, but it is tough.
wondering if our no-visit policy is a detriment in recruiting top-tier kids. Works on "Michigan" men... but the top dogs... the ones that require a fight? just a thought.
I had a few thoughts as i watched Zona tear into USC... 1.) While college football has "caught up with some offenses or versions of the spread... RichRod's still has great relevance. 2.) RichRod is a gifted play caller. He has a great feel for the game... couldn't help but crack a smile at a few of those quick seam roy roundtree specials he threw at USC.
Big win for him.
I had a few thoughts as i watched Zona tear into USC... 1.) While college football has "caught up with some offenses or version of the spread... RichRod's still has great relevance. 2.) RichRod is a gifted play caller. He has a great feel for the game... couldn't help but crack a smile at a few of those quick seam roy roundtree specials he threw at USC.
Big win for him.
I know we have been burned in the past. So of course we have our guard up! But we haven't been in it with a top WR in a long time.
Remember, Receivers are their own breed. They tend to have a little diva in them. The spot on the field that has to ask for the ball.
I think we keep riding the Treadwell Train, not is as dire as we are making it.... we are just old hardened and spurned lovers in the world of star recruits.
The secondary is well coached. We are worlds better from a technique stand point. We have players that may be limited physically, but they are at least in a position to make a play or make the tackle. JT Floyd has really improved. Taylor has started to play with aggressiveness and confidence. I can't wait to see what happens once we coach up these athletes in waiting.
It felt good. No other way to put it. It especially felt good considering we didn't catch any of the breaks. Every game has it's breaks. The dropped pass by Gardner, the mis-fire on Gallon, two fumbles on the ground we couldn't get on top off. Any of those plays perhaps makes this game more comfortable. But, we win DESPITE not catching those. Passion and Discipline brought us the win. That is why it feels so good. We earned it.
When you are young, you see only what is directly in front of you. Too bad he doesn't see the offensive line class, golden armed Qb, and a chance to be the guy in our future offense.
I look forward to a day when these rankings don't appear fixed.
I hope this is the start of or re-boot of a legacy of top-tier Lineman coming from Michigan. It helps recruiting, and gives us the type of reputation we are trying to re-establish.
Perhaps this says more about the state of the Big10 than anything else.