Right, because there's no way someone can write one thing, then later claim they meant something else. Horse manure.
Go back to SC's post. How often does he even mention Brian? Once, by my ctrl-F, and its to quote Brian to set up a play. Brian repeatedly assaults Space Coyote, not just his postion. Implying he is "crazy" and attacking his credentials isn't a shot?
You say Brian is a writer. Fine. What kind? I think that is part of the issue around here these days. Brian is a fan, and as such is influenced by his fandom in his writing, and lately his frustration (as he clearly states).
So, I ask what kind of writer is he, because that point is important to how people take what he writes. A journalist? Does a journalist call out someone who posts on their site to attack them? He treats this like his personal, free-time blog, but it is his job. Attacking people who frequent the site is BS and unprofessional. He sends Heiko to all the pressers, I assume they are not just open to the public. Should that right be evoked? Sometimes he is a scientist publishing a peer-reviewed article, other times he is a fan-fiction writer.
He has a fun writing style, and typically responds to comments with snark or just additional information. It invites people to participate. Calling people out like this only discourages that.
If you can honestly read that and not see the clear shots taken at SC, then you are a minion and arguing with you is pointless.
Brian is supposed to be the professional, he owns this blog. Space Coyote is a customer. He comes here, gives Brian clicks, and finds it intellectually stimulating to challenge what Brian says. He is contributing the success of Brian's site and receiving nothing in return.
This is clearly an attack on SC, I don't understand how anyone could see otherwise. Granted, this stems from Brian's frustration with Borges, but no need to call out SC that way.
All this does is stifle discussion and give ammunition to the side that blindly support Brian. This will turn into a "Borges apologist" witchhunt.
If Brian doesn't want dissent, he should disable comments, disable user contributed content, and/or ban the users that disagree with him. Calling them "insane" is lame.
For the record, I agree with Brian, but this was just the wrong way of going about making his argument. He depends on us for his living, this isn't going to help bring new people in.
What could be the result when the defense anticipates this play, exactly?
I am not trying to imply I believe the Nebraska players, necessarily, when they say they knew what was coming, but looking at the play live, the playside linebacker IMMEDIATELY moves toward the play (quicker, I would say, than a LB can read a play... he stutters toward the play before the ball is snapped), and the DE shoots inside like he knows the FB is trying to get him (right at the mesh point), totally disrupting the play (even Touss looks surprised by the guy being there).
Am I wrong thinking that it looks like this play was called by the defense? Am I wrong to think that, while a well designed and intentioned play, it had really, actually, been anticipated by the defense by some voodoo/film study? Its an honest question, because I have spent much of the past few weeks watching the game in a stuper and have not paid much attention to the exact play calls, only noticing that they tend to not work, generally, really...Tho.
I don't think anyone is questioning that it takes time to put meat on young lineman and to develop talent and proper technique. I just think that what we should be capable of doing right now is teaching the players we have how to block something they have now seen multiple weeks in a row.
When players are out of position, that's coaching. When you see the same thing happen over and over, but you call that play again (but to the other side), that's coaching. When you can't even slow down a pass rush, that's coaching.
I am no expert, I won't pretend to know exactly how everything should be blocked, but mass player confusion is a reflection on coaching. Poor coaching is like porn- you know it when you see it.
Weren't you just complaining that he didn't put any of it on the coaches? Now you're criticizing him using a phrase that puts the blame on him, too much? Or am I reading that incorrectly?
I donno, I feel like a change will occur after this season, people have just convinced themselves it won't.
Because I have seen absolutely nothing from Hoke in either his words or his actions that give me the slightest hope that he even sees there is a problem.
That's a bit of a straw man argument, isn't it? You say you haven't seen or heard anything, but what would you expect to see? We know he isn't an offense-minded coach, so there is only so much he will do before he just shows the Al the door. For one, we have seen offensive line shuffling. We have also seen Funchess moved out to more of a WR role.
Obivously there are still issues, but do you honestly think Hoke doesn't believe there are any issues? Do you honestly think Hoke is satisfied with how things are going?
Hoke is a defensive coach, do you believe he doesn't see what EVERY other team sees when they face our offense?
I noticed that was well. I am surprised they haven't stuck Miller back in. With him in, they were getting the calls right and seemed able to pick up blitzes, even if he was getting shoved a few yards into the backfield. Better than free running linebackers.
But really, your argument is weak. There is no gaurantee of a positive outcome, true, but there are expectations of performance.
If you went to the concert of some up-and-coming band and they sounded dreadful and didn't even play their top hit song, would you be entitled to a refund? No, they didn't promise to play well, nor to play their hit song. You have every right to boo their asses off stage, though.
Even this is not a perfect analogy because Michigan football is a tradition, not a one-hit-wonder band. People pay good money to get in line for tickets, then pay big money to actually get the tickets (I know from experience), and people have legacy and history tied to the program. If you paid big money year over year to even get to see the above shitty band, would you feel robbed?
Booing that game was a warning. Most people are not going to cancel their season tickets immediately because of Borges (they have a lot invested in them already), but with their purchase they have bought a voice in the program, like it or not. Booing loudly on broadcast TV sent a message right to Brandon about what people think, even if he could deduce it on his own. Boo == unhappy customer == potential loss in revenues (if not immediately, in the future). I see nothing wrong with it.
I have a feeling the players know they are not the ones being booed.
I know people hate Dave Brandon, but if there's on thing he understands, its business- what's good for it, and what's bad for it. I am already considering dropping my season tickets if Borges is still around, I am sure I am not alone. Brandon will force a change if that's the case.
Nice breakdown. I can't help but think, though, that this play goes 8+ if Toussaint doesn't get spun around by the guy who was blocked (that, to me, looks like a "good enough" block). Its a theme I see consistently with him, that he need acreage to do anything, which any running back could. A guy getting a single arm on you as you sprint by should not mean the end of your run. Sure, it slows him down, but to do a full spin seems a little bizarre to me.... How little does Toussaint weigh? I think he runs smaller.
Heh, my definition of hostile is not welcoming them.
But really, a little smack talking is long over due. No need to yell at women or pick a fight, but certainly making their stay very uncomfortable (like the back of a Volkswagon) is totally reasonable.
Ya know, I have always been slow to criticize Borges for not throwing the screen or running a different style offense early during this regimes time, and a lot of that was my distrust for what Brian was stating... BUT OMG HE IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. No sarcasm. This is ridiculous. Ludicrous. Offensive, but not offensively. This actually makes me mad (I am sitting at work, beet red).
I have officially lost confidence in the idea that Borges is some kind of evil genius who has a clue what he's doing. This is truly embarrassing (especially the whole FB-WR swap... Seriously WTF).
The response to this game has been a bit surprising to me. First and foremost, we won. That is the most important thing. If we played ugly games all year and consistently won by 4, who cares? Obviously that wouldn't likely work out well (playing ugly), but these are the games you learn a lesson from when you lose. We learned a lesson AND won. Life moves on.
second, people seem to ignore the other two games we played. We know what Devin is capable of, we know our defense can make stops, this game isn't the only evidence we have of how our team performs, so I think we should all relax until we see a pattern of this occurring (in my mind this is the first time I have seen a Hoke team look unprepared... It happens).
my last thought is just to me this was a perfect storm of bad. Everyone was off... Gibbons missing sealed that idea for me. Hopefully everyone got it out of their system without ruining the season.
you may now return to panicking and running around.
Campus, from what I hear since I have moved away, is getting rough... Thuggish. OSU students are fine so long as you don't announce you are a Michigan fan (but if you have someone 1 on 1 they are usually ok).
Overall, not a bad place to live in the least, and I know it is doing well economically. Plenty to do, cool places to see... My speech is called "Go For It".
Nice write up. WRT your tanget... WiFi? Dude, a wireless connection with 3 billion human devices connected would have mad collisions and lag. That would make for a funny (or frustrating) movie.
Heh, that picture was about 20 yards from where I was tailgating. I even remember the fan in the photo. Also, Brock Mealer was at my tailgate, but I was too shy to say anything other than "if any of these OSU clowns give you trouble, let me know. I got your back." to him. * 100% Certified Cool Bro Story™*
Wow, that was a lot to read. I made it thru almost all of it, and its hard to get a feel for what to think. Couple of thoughts
1. Asshole coaches are straight up no fun. There's a difference between being tough and challenging, and being a dick. Sounds like kill could be the latter?
2. To the coaches perspective, I have seen coaches push athletes to get back quicker, especially if they think its a mental thing (which ankle/lower body injuries can be... Confidence). Players can receive and interpret that differently, who knows with this dudeman.
3. I don't necessarily like that he posted this rant, mostly because it reads like a spur of the moment rant (and trust me, I know a thing or two about those... Eh hem...). Referencing your moms girlfriend does not seem like a very strong argument, no sexism implied or intended. This reminds me a little of the Boren exit.
4. This is not a Michigan player leaving and bashing his former coach, so actually I like this rant because SCANDALOUS!!!
either way, tough way to go. I might have to follow this to see if there's any response or fallout.
I didn't even think collar bone when he hit, but that is a good point. I broke 3 bones when I played (including a pretty nasty broken arm), but the collar bone was by far the most painful.
I will also say that I want to see someone else get some carries at RB. I love V.Smith in certain situations, but I will literally pull my hair out if I watch Toussaint get pulled down by many more pussy arm tackles. Just a few carries for Rawls, pleeeease.
Otherwise, Ryan was a beast, as per ushhhh. I have little faith in Roh... I am sure he does some things that are good and I don't notice, but otherwise most times I see him shooting into places that open holes in our defense, or getting ridden out of a play.
My own personal performance I would rank as a C-. I didn't put my jersey on until second half, which is a big no-no, plus I totally mentally jinxed us a couple times (particularly their fake punt and Hagerup's shank... Sorry guys).
Lastly, Gibbons has earned 72 brunettes in his afterlife, and also DILEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I am super curious as to what this injury was... It was a hard fall at full speed, but he did not seem to lose conciousness, at least from what I saw (he moved his arm after hitting, and most guys who lose conciousness like that seem to have muscle lock). My initial guess was a hip injury, or more likely a lower back vertebrae issue. Either would be terrible for a player with his talent, rival or not.
Anyway, I wish him the best. I will never hope a player any physical harm, but I sure as hell hope we kick his buckeye ass on the field.
Robinson had a 44-yard run to change the field position because when the Wolverines got the ball back with two minutes left, he was able to complete a 20-yard pass to Drew Dileo that put them in position for the game-winning field goal.
I have to agree with regards to the DLine. I think this was their best performance, and BY FAR Roh's best game. I think he was finally disruptive and there to make the plays he had to (and those he didn't but you hope he does). Great day for Michigan, all around.
I also agree that Toussaint's issues are not all on him, but I would like to at least give "Bowling Ball" Rawl(s) a shot before garbage time, just to be sure.
Recent Comments
Right, because there's no way someone can write one thing, then later claim they meant something else. Horse manure.
Go back to SC's post. How often does he even mention Brian? Once, by my ctrl-F, and its to quote Brian to set up a play. Brian repeatedly assaults Space Coyote, not just his postion. Implying he is "crazy" and attacking his credentials isn't a shot?
You say Brian is a writer. Fine. What kind? I think that is part of the issue around here these days. Brian is a fan, and as such is influenced by his fandom in his writing, and lately his frustration (as he clearly states).
So, I ask what kind of writer is he, because that point is important to how people take what he writes. A journalist? Does a journalist call out someone who posts on their site to attack them? He treats this like his personal, free-time blog, but it is his job. Attacking people who frequent the site is BS and unprofessional. He sends Heiko to all the pressers, I assume they are not just open to the public. Should that right be evoked? Sometimes he is a scientist publishing a peer-reviewed article, other times he is a fan-fiction writer.
He has a fun writing style, and typically responds to comments with snark or just additional information. It invites people to participate. Calling people out like this only discourages that.
If you can honestly read that and not see the clear shots taken at SC, then you are a minion and arguing with you is pointless.
Brian is supposed to be the professional, he owns this blog. Space Coyote is a customer. He comes here, gives Brian clicks, and finds it intellectually stimulating to challenge what Brian says. He is contributing the success of Brian's site and receiving nothing in return.
This is clearly an attack on SC, I don't understand how anyone could see otherwise. Granted, this stems from Brian's frustration with Borges, but no need to call out SC that way.
All this does is stifle discussion and give ammunition to the side that blindly support Brian. This will turn into a "Borges apologist" witchhunt.
If Brian doesn't want dissent, he should disable comments, disable user contributed content, and/or ban the users that disagree with him. Calling them "insane" is lame.
For the record, I agree with Brian, but this was just the wrong way of going about making his argument. He depends on us for his living, this isn't going to help bring new people in.
And also, great break down. So easy a caveman (like me) could understand it!
What could be the result when the defense anticipates this play, exactly?
I am not trying to imply I believe the Nebraska players, necessarily, when they say they knew what was coming, but looking at the play live, the playside linebacker IMMEDIATELY moves toward the play (quicker, I would say, than a LB can read a play... he stutters toward the play before the ball is snapped), and the DE shoots inside like he knows the FB is trying to get him (right at the mesh point), totally disrupting the play (even Touss looks surprised by the guy being there).
Am I wrong thinking that it looks like this play was called by the defense? Am I wrong to think that, while a well designed and intentioned play, it had really, actually, been anticipated by the defense by some voodoo/film study? Its an honest question, because I have spent much of the past few weeks watching the game in a stuper and have not paid much attention to the exact play calls, only noticing that they tend to not work, generally, really...Tho.
I don't think anyone is questioning that it takes time to put meat on young lineman and to develop talent and proper technique. I just think that what we should be capable of doing right now is teaching the players we have how to block something they have now seen multiple weeks in a row.
When players are out of position, that's coaching. When you see the same thing happen over and over, but you call that play again (but to the other side), that's coaching. When you can't even slow down a pass rush, that's coaching.
I am no expert, I won't pretend to know exactly how everything should be blocked, but mass player confusion is a reflection on coaching. Poor coaching is like porn- you know it when you see it.
Because I have seen
That's a bit of a straw man argument, isn't it? You say you haven't seen or heard anything, but what would you expect to see? We know he isn't an offense-minded coach, so there is only so much he will do before he just shows the Al the door. For one, we have seen offensive line shuffling. We have also seen Funchess moved out to more of a WR role.
Obivously there are still issues, but do you honestly think Hoke doesn't believe there are any issues? Do you honestly think Hoke is satisfied with how things are going?
Hoke is a defensive coach, do you believe he doesn't see what EVERY other team sees when they face our offense?
I noticed that was well. I am surprised they haven't stuck Miller back in. With him in, they were getting the calls right and seemed able to pick up blitzes, even if he was getting shoved a few yards into the backfield. Better than free running linebackers.
But really, your argument is weak. There is no gaurantee of a positive outcome, true, but there are expectations of performance.
If you went to the concert of some up-and-coming band and they sounded dreadful and didn't even play their top hit song, would you be entitled to a refund? No, they didn't promise to play well, nor to play their hit song. You have every right to boo their asses off stage, though.
Even this is not a perfect analogy because Michigan football is a tradition, not a one-hit-wonder band. People pay good money to get in line for tickets, then pay big money to actually get the tickets (I know from experience), and people have legacy and history tied to the program. If you paid big money year over year to even get to see the above shitty band, would you feel robbed?
Booing that game was a warning. Most people are not going to cancel their season tickets immediately because of Borges (they have a lot invested in them already), but with their purchase they have bought a voice in the program, like it or not. Booing loudly on broadcast TV sent a message right to Brandon about what people think, even if he could deduce it on his own. Boo == unhappy customer == potential loss in revenues (if not immediately, in the future). I see nothing wrong with it.
I have a feeling the players know they are not the ones being booed.
Hit him in the coin purse (pun intended), they all understand that.
I wipe my own ass.
Nice breakdown. I can't help but think, though, that this play goes 8+ if Toussaint doesn't get spun around by the guy who was blocked (that, to me, looks like a "good enough" block). Its a theme I see consistently with him, that he need acreage to do anything, which any running back could. A guy getting a single arm on you as you sprint by should not mean the end of your run. Sure, it slows him down, but to do a full spin seems a little bizarre to me.... How little does Toussaint weigh? I think he runs smaller.
If you had to guess (+-1 year), what year did you start following Michigan football? Very important for the matters at hand.
Heh, my definition of hostile is not welcoming them.
But really, a little smack talking is long over due. No need to yell at women or pick a fight, but certainly making their stay very uncomfortable (like the back of a Volkswagon) is totally reasonable.
These rivalries should not be one sided... We can be classy to everyone else, but fuck these programs.
This year at the OSU game, I will be hostile.
Sparty: √(-1)
Michigan: 156
Sparty: √(-1)
Small price to pay to obtain that other 80-90%
was from a few years back... Cousin's team was "Butt Sweat and Tears"
It was battery resulting in bodily injury per the case report, not disorderly conduct.
Roby's charge is a Class A misdemeanor with up to a year in prison... He must've done some damage. I wonder how long until the civil suit.
Woops
Mark Jacoby, ran a 4.6 40. Look at those calves...
Fixed your map to adjust for MSU recruiting
That guy was a beast. Had a forced fumble against Navy, if I remember correctly...
Campus, from what I hear since I have moved away, is getting rough... Thuggish. OSU students are fine so long as you don't announce you are a Michigan fan (but if you have someone 1 on 1 they are usually ok).
Overall, not a bad place to live in the least, and I know it is doing well economically. Plenty to do, cool places to see... My speech is called "Go For It".
Can you imagine this blog's reaction if Dantonio punch Meyer? I mean, the guy would be the weirdest super hero ever.
I used my OSU email account to vote for Burke. Never felt so right...
I will have you know that I own a forever lazy, and it is a testament to American enginuity.
It makes me proud to be an American.
Nice write up. WRT your tanget... WiFi? Dude, a wireless connection with 3 billion human devices connected would have mad collisions and lag. That would make for a funny (or frustrating) movie.
Heh, that picture was about 20 yards from where I was tailgating. I even remember the fan in the photo. Also, Brock Mealer was at my tailgate, but I was too shy to say anything other than "if any of these OSU clowns give you trouble, let me know. I got your back." to him. * 100% Certified Cool Bro Story™*
Is it just me or does the third picture (the one of the flying car) actually look like a video game?
Pretty sure this is the kind of rhetoric that has no place on this board.
"Just sayin'."
I didn't even think collar bone when he hit, but that is a good point. I broke 3 bones when I played (including a pretty nasty broken arm), but the collar bone was by far the most painful.
I agree about clock management.
I will also say that I want to see someone else get some carries at RB. I love V.Smith in certain situations, but I will literally pull my hair out if I watch Toussaint get pulled down by many more pussy arm tackles. Just a few carries for Rawls, pleeeease.
Otherwise, Ryan was a beast, as per ushhhh. I have little faith in Roh... I am sure he does some things that are good and I don't notice, but otherwise most times I see him shooting into places that open holes in our defense, or getting ridden out of a play.
My own personal performance I would rank as a C-. I didn't put my jersey on until second half, which is a big no-no, plus I totally mentally jinxed us a couple times (particularly their fake punt and Hagerup's shank... Sorry guys).
Lastly, Gibbons has earned 72 brunettes in his afterlife, and also DILEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I am super curious as to what this injury was... It was a hard fall at full speed, but he did not seem to lose conciousness, at least from what I saw (he moved his arm after hitting, and most guys who lose conciousness like that seem to have muscle lock). My initial guess was a hip injury, or more likely a lower back vertebrae issue. Either would be terrible for a player with his talent, rival or not.
Anyway, I wish him the best. I will never hope a player any physical harm, but I sure as hell hope we kick his buckeye ass on the field.
I have to agree with regards to the DLine. I think this was their best performance, and BY FAR Roh's best game. I think he was finally disruptive and there to make the plays he had to (and those he didn't but you hope he does). Great day for Michigan, all around.
I also agree that Toussaint's issues are not all on him, but I would like to at least give "Bowling Ball" Rawl(s) a shot before garbage time, just to be sure.
Wake up. Maybe.
Kind of my point, lost in there somewhere. The meltdown around MGoBlog affects all of us, but differently.