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A week after throwing for a career high in yardage

A week after throwing for a career high in yardage, some people want to jump all over the kid.... after a win no less.    Remember, Roundtree got caught from behind last week on what was TD pass #4 for Denard.   Add in the drops by receivers and the fact that he did not play the whole game, and Denard could easily have passed for 340 plus yards against 4 TDs and 2 INTS last week. 

Sure the weather effected his throwing yesterday.    Not saying it was all weather related but anyone who has played quarterback at a fairly high level would know that weather does play a significant factor in your success.     Moreover, it has been a long season.   First all the Heisman talk then all the talk of how this team can't win in Big 10 play.    All those things take a toll on player.... especially a first year starter.    Denard was bound to reach whats commonly referred to in other circles as a "rookie wall".    And if this is his wall, over the last few weeks he has still been playing pretty well as he battles through it.  

Rich Rod cautioned people after Denard's early success.    He warned us that as a first year starter, he would have periods where he would struggle.   In our Heisman giddiness we hardly paid attention to those words from RR.   Well, he was right.    But this has been hardly unexpected.   I expected it, many you probably expected it and I know the coaches expected it, so why panic now that we see what was expected?      Patience people.... patience.    Denard is just a Sophomore, and considering the tremendous leap that he has made from year 1 to year 2, his best days are likely ahead of him.   

Last sobering thought:   Is there a better Sophomore quarterback in the country?    Maybe... maybe not.   But Denard is certainly in that discussion.    

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Yes, he had incredible measurables. But more than that

Yes, he had incredible measurables.   Like you correctly pointed out, "once in a century".    But more than that, his feel for the game, vision and instincts were off the charts.   There were times it seemed like he had eyes in the back of his head.    Just an incredible talent.   A born running back.    Without a doubt, he had the potential to be the best ever.  

Agreed. The 2 long passes to Roundtree

Agreed.    The 2 deep passes to Roundtree were right on target and beautifully laid out there for him.   Showing marked improvement in touch.   The second long one to Roundtree easily could have been his 4th TD pass if Roy didn't get tracked down from behind.    Still, great play by both guys.     

The coaches often have Denard

Great point about more CEO's being introverts.    That said, the coaches often have Denard entertain recruits.    Probably more than any other player.   So whether he is an "I" or an "E" there can be little doubt that he is a charismatic guy with great leadership skills. 

Hardly an introvert

Hardly an introvert.    Just not a media hound

I have always been impressed with Avery

I have always been impressed with Avery this year.    The kid competes, is always around the ball, is rarely out of position and has great hips to stay with receivers.    And that tackle against Sheelhaase was one of those things that you can drill on all day everyday but it really can't be taught.   If you could teach it, all of our players would be capable of making that play.   And as we know from this year, they really haven't been able to do it.     That was pure football instinct.   And Avery has it.  

Even on the one play where he got beat, he was right there.    Unlike some of our other corners who get turned around and badly beaten, I haven't seen that out of Avery at all this year.    This young man is a keeper who will only get better with experience.   

Just noticed

Just noticed my double "pass" gaffe in my post above.    Multi-tasking while at work can do that.   Anyhow, that pass play was awesome.    Go Blue!

That was my favorite too

That was my favorite too.    I kept yelling for Denard to run the ball because it was wide open for him.    Then at the last minute he threw a frozen rope to Junior and for Junior to, first of all, catch that lazer was amazing.    Then for him to use some nifty sideline footwork to turn that play into a touchdown was simply awesome. 

The Tate pass to Junior pass which bounced around at the goal line would have to rank next - one of the few times all year that fortune has favored this team.    Followed by the Vinopal stuff.       

Denard and Tate both played a whale of a game yesterday

Denard and Tate both played a whale of a game yesterday.    I was particularly pleased with Denard and his growth and maturity as a passer.    Some of his throws were simply outstanding.    If you add in the easy dropped passes..... he was really 14 for 20 with somelike like 325 yards (conservatively, adding in the dropped passes).    And if Roundtree had a little more speed, he would have had 4 touchdown passes.

All of that said, I agree.... sometimes these guys just need to take the easy yardage.   I think that will come in time.         

Speaking of mentors, I bet Denard

Speaking of mentors, I bet Denard has been a huge mentor to Tate.    If for no other reason than Tate watching Denard and how he always give deference to his teammates and makes everything more about team instead of himself.   Just being around a person like that can be huge for a young man's (Tate) maturity and development.    

Gotta love this young team and how they work together.    And you have to feel good for Tate.   He waited patiently, played team ball and was justly rewarded for it yesterday.     

Sort of along these same lines

Sort of along these same lines, here is a blurb from Ivan Maisel of ESPN:

http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/tag/_/name/3-point-stance

 

In short, he is in favor of retaining Rich Rod and giving him a chance to revamp his coaching staff.... that we are too far in to make a change now. 

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Vinopal is a fan favorite

Vinopal is a fan favorite and should be.    The kid is blue collar and is fighting against the odds.   America always loves an underdog.     

That said, he looked in above his head last night.    Missed tackles and blown off the ball by blockers.    He can potentially be a good one but right now he should probably be taking a red-shirt.   It is a shame that we have to rush him into action because we have virtually zero options at that position. 

Carvin did not show much as well last night.   Probably another guy who should be taking a red-shirt.

Why MRob not seeing the field remains a mystery which points more and more to the fact that he must be viewed as a liability in pass coverage.    LB here he comes.     

On a positive note, I have been quite impressed with Courtney Avery.   In limited action, he has been able to stay with his man and use his hips very well.    Terry Talbot made a bad play last night but has shown some ability to cover as well.    Those 2 corners may end up being pretty good for us.          

We need to stick with RR and fire

We need to stick with RR and fire Gerg.     Much like Illinois did with Zcrook.    That is a completely different team with new coordinators. 

Iowa game planned against Denard for 2 weeks

Iowa game planned against Denard for 2 weeks.   And he is still among the leaders in the nation in pass %.   Moreover, one of the throws by Tate to Junior was underthrown and into double coverage, requiring the defender to fall down and for Junior to make a play on the ball or else that would have been interception # 3 for Tate.   Possibly even more troubling, Tate continues to carry the ball like a loaf of bread and is a turnover waiting to happen unless he cures that very bad habit. 

I think things stay the way they are.   Rich Rod is a pretty solid guy who is not given to whimsy or flights of fancy.   No knock on Tate but RR knows what he has in Denard and will continue to cultivate his monster talent.   

Things will not change UNLESS Denard physically can't go.

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Denard

If you look solely at the way Denard threw the ball BEFORE the last 2 weeks, would you still feel that way?     Maybe, maybe not.     But whether you feel either way about this question, the gap in your decision would not been as large as it may be today.... today after 2 sub par games.       

So really, the question is, why are such rash judgments being made after 2 sub par games?   Why are blanket statements and blanket conclusions being drawn after just 2 sub par games?  

Before the last 2 games, Denard was making every throw.... long, short, slants, you name it.   He was actually throwing the deep ball better than I have ever seen Tate throw the deep ball.   As Coach Rod said after the Indiana game regarding Denard's deep ball,  "his completion % on those deep throws is actually very good".   And Denard is still among the leaders in the nation in overall completion %.     

Denard is merely going through a slump right now.    Something that tends to happen with all young quarterbacks.    You have to stick with them and let them play their way out of it.

...  

I don't know about that

I don't know about that.    I understand being excited about Tate but a little perspective is in order.    Tate's decision making yesterday was not all that great.    Not saying that Denard's was either but I don't see how any reasonable person can say one has better decision making than the other.     Case in point:    Tate really should have had 3 picks yesterday.     That ball that he threw into double (possibly triple) coverage (the first pick), the ball that he threw into double coverage (the second pick),  and the ball thrown to Junior in double coverage which was clearly underthrown and right to the Iowa defender.    How that Iowa defender does not come up with the ball is beyond me and was completed due to what seemed to be a combination of poor footwork by the Iowa defender and the tenacious ability of Junior to fight for the ball.    But if that Iowa defender gets his footwork together, plants himself and comes forward he catches that ball because he was much closer to it.... but instead he fell backward.    In short, from a coaching stand point, all 3 decisions were poor.  

And for the life of me, I still can't understand why Tate carries the ball like a loaf of bread.   Jeez.... you would think that in all this time he would finally have gotten that corrected.    The way he runs around back there carrying the ball like a loaf of bread is a fumble waiting to happen. 

That said, overall, I think Tate did a good job.   Certainly better than Denard yesterday who seems to being going through something of a slump.    But to say one makes better decisions than the other is merely opinion devoid of the facts imo.    Both of these guys have made poor decisions.  

Denard was not at his best

Denard was not at his best but I don't think Denard's play was necessarily the problem.   He rushed for over 100 yards and threw the ball fairly well (decent not great) but the bigger problem seemed to be the playcalling and penalties that keep killing drives.

Some of the playcalling has been highly suspect of late and a number of times we marched the ball down the field (getting 7 yard runs on 1st down, moving the ball) only to have penalties back us up and kill drives.   

I wouldn't be so quick to change quarterbacks after a couple of sub par games.   Every quarterback has ups and downs.... particularly young ones.   You have to let them play through it.    

I think Tate had an advantage

I think Tate had an advantage in that he had not been game planned for.    Iowa had been game planning for Denard for 2 weeks.  

Moreover, Denard has not been anywhere near 100% lately.   The bye week could not have come at a better time for Denard.  

Denard is in the best position

Denard is in the best position.    I don't care if he is ranked 1st or ranked 5th.... if he puts together a couple of big games against some of the better Big 10 defenses, and plays solid in the other games, based upon his numbers, the fact that he has broken records this year and the publicity that he has gotten, he would likely win it.    

Although cases can be made for other players, for most non-homers, Denard is the first person that comes to mind when thinking about the Heisman. 

Without knowing more facts

Without knowing more facts, it is hard to tell whether he is a criminal or just a very bad business man -  guy who let his ego get out of control but maybe a guy who actually had good intentions when he started out but got in over his head.   

Again, I say that based upon the ESPN segment - meaning, without more facts. 

The fact that he actually flew down to Jamaica a number of times shows that he had some type of "intent" to create the vacation resort.     And then his business partner ran out of money.   And his partner was supposed to be the guy with the "deep pockets" on the deal.   Thus, that left Rumeal holding the bag sort of speak. 

There can be little excuse for the strip club charges and a few of the other exhorbitant purchases however.   

And one thing is clear, the guy is a selfish jerk.    There is no excuse for him to treat his mother the way he did.   

Coach Rod can't catch a break from the media

Coach Rod can't catch a break from the media.    All the guy has ever done is care about young men, be a stickler about going to class, run a tight ship regarding keeping kids on the straight and narrow (very few discipline problems), and make a mistake that most teams have made regarding practice time.... and for his reward all he gets is demonized at every opportunity.   The guy has to live up to an impossible standard - perfection. 

When I look at what he looked like when he took this job (youthful and vibrant)  vs. what he looks like today (vibrant but hardly youthful anymore), sadly, in 3 short years Coach Rod's face has become a roadmap which shows the enormous pressure this guy has been under.   

He is a good human being.    He deserves better

I never said

I never said he would be stuck on the bench.   I said that he may be a #2 or change of pace.   And as we all know, once you are a #2 and prove yourself, you can always end up as the starter.    It happens all the time in the NFL.  

Ummm..... not to split dreadlocked

Ummm.... not to split dreadlocked hairs or anything.    But students have had stood eyeball to eyeball with Denard put him at a solid 5'11".    And Mel Kiper, Jr. said that he is 5'11 1/2".

But of course you could be referring to Tay Odoms.    Well, if that is the case..... my bad. 

When you look at guys like Dennis Dixon

When you look at guys like Seneca Wallace, Mike Vick, Dennis Dixon, or even Vince Young.... not saying he is as good as those guys yet....  but when you look at those guys at the same stage that Denard is at (2nd year player), they never came close to being as accurate as Denard is.    Thus, I think it is safe to say that Denard can make it as an NFL QB.  

I think it is easy to be enamored with his explosiveness.    But once Scouts see him throw the ball, I think they will come away very impressed.    And there will likely be a Scout or GM with enough vision (like Rich Rod) to put him at quarterback.    And once given a shot there, I would never bet against this kid.

 

   

They said the same thing when Denard came

They said the same thing when Denard came out of high school.     And Rich Rod saw what others didn't see and now he is rewriting the record books as a quarterback.  

And much like Rich Rod saw something the others didn't see, there will be a scout and/or GM that sees the same thing and goes against convention by putting him at quarterback in the NFL.    And he will succeed there.   Maybe not as an every down signal caller but definitely as a #2 or change of pace quarterback.  

And it should be noted that they said the same thing about former Iowa State quarterback Seneca Wallace.    Scouts predicted that he would have to change to wideout.    Scouts also said he was too small at 5'10 1/2".     Seneca Wallace is now in his 8th year of playing quarterback in the NFL.    And Denard is by far a better quarterback prospect than Seneca Wallace ever was.  

I have noticed this too..... and the aplomb in which he does it

I have noticed this too.... and the aplomb in which he does it.   I am sure those reporters constantly have to do a double take and ask themselves, "did he just dodge me?"   

He is so smiling, unpretentious and non-offputting with it that you don't see it coming until it is too late.   It is as if he is toying with them at times.   A subtle dilithium shot.   Left, right and gone!

The thing about that Mike Martin/Shoelace pic

The thing about that Mike Martin/Shoelace picture, is it clearly shows Shoelace to be closer to his listed 6 foot than we were being led to believe by a few of the pundits and/or TV announcers earlier this year.   I also noticed last week that as he was being helped off the field for the couple of plays that he missed with his sore knee, that when he stood up next to the Trainers, Denard appeared atleast as tall if not taller than them.   And they were the Trainers who looked like they may have played ball at some point - not those little guys that you sometimes see. 

As many have reported here on Mgoblog (from in-person sightings), Denard is atleast a solid 5'11" .... and may very well be a legit 6 footer 

    

And lets not forget that he hit the deep ball when he needed it

And lets not forget that he hit the deep ball when he needed it.    That deep pass to Hemingway with a 300 pound lineman about to tee off on him was money!!!

Denard has guts!   Most people would not have been able to get that pass off under those conditions. 

Wow..... have we gotten spoiled

Wow.... have we gotten spoiled.    The guy has connected on those passes all season long.   He simply had an off game with the deep ball.   It happens.

See Jay Cutler and Eli Manning last night.    Even Payton Manning and Drew Brees have been off and on with their deep passes this season.     

He doesn't have to sustain it

He doesn't have to sustain it.   Even if he puts up numbers somewhere around 70 to75% of what he is putting up now, those will be some pretty incredible numbers.... and certainly enough to keep him the Heisman frontrunner. 

That said, 2 things will be his key:   1) stay healthy, and 2) keep coming up big in big moments.   The guy has been clutch!    He needs to keep that up.   If he does, and if he stays healthy, he will win the Heisman. 

Is it just me or does the OP sound like

Is it just me or does the OP sound like a guy who not a fan of Denard.     As ElGuapo shrugs his shoulders at that utterly puzzling thought.... then goes, "oh well, haters are gonna hate!"

First player in HISTORY to pass for 200.... rush for 200

First player in HISTORY to pass for 200+ yards, and rush for 200+ yards twice in a season.    If it is so easy to do, it would have been done before. 

Whats disturbing about Rock is

Whats disturbing about Rock is not so much his lack of strength (because Barwis can bring that up) but his lack of speed, quickness, balance, anticipation, instincts and effort.    Basically, all the other things that a football player needs, he appears to be lacking.   

You can coach up strength and possibly effort to some degree.... but the others you pretty much naturally have or you don't.

Sheesh, I hope I am wrong.   

I understand where you are coming from. And....

I understand where you are coming from.    And without question it is good to know that we have Tate ready to go who has polish and experience.    And Devin (who really had 2 deep touchdown throws - one Hemingway dropped; the other called back by penalty) capable of filling in too and throwing lazers although he is still obviously learning on the job.    But there is only one #16.  

I wrote this earlier: 

Although our backups are good players, there is only one #16.    A guy with a 70% passing percentage who leads the entire nation in rushing....  a video game character.    Those type of players come around only ONCE IN A LIFETIME and what they do for the image of the University..... what they do for recruiting and building a program.... lasts beyond a game or even a season.   

It is imperative that we keep Denard healthy.    And any notion of "oh well, run him into ground because if he gets injured we have great backups waiting in the wings" is hubris devoid of perspective.   Perspective of Denard means towards this season but more importantly, what Denard means to this program for the years (possibly even decade) that follows.   

Although our backups are good players,

Although our backups are good players, there is only one #16.    A guy with a 70% passing percentage who leads the entire nation in rushing....  a video game character.    Those type of players come around only ONCE IN A LIFETIME and what they do for the image of the University..... what they do for recruiting and building a program.... lasts beyond a game or even a season.   

It is imperative that we keep Denard healthy.    And any notion of "oh well, run him into ground because if he gets injured we have great backups waiting in the wings" is hubris devoid of perspective.   Perspective of Denard means towards this season but more importantly, what Denard means to this program for the years (possibly even decade) that follows.   

Denard does it all

I saw this posted elsewhere on a "free site" so I can't take credit for it but I thought it was pretty much spot on.   Essentially, "Denard does it all".

"The fact of the matter is, Denard does it all. I was having this discussion with my buddy yesterday and we both agreed that if you gave Denard the running ability of an "average college QB," it is still a high probability that he starts at QB for this team based strictly upon his throwing ability. DENARD IS EXTREMELY ACCURATE AND THROWS A GREAT DEEP BALL. Fact is, as much as other fans might try and tell us differently, Denard is a great passer. He is connecting on 70% of his passes and he has done it against solid competition for the most part.



Add in his exceptional running ability and you now have weapon that is unheard of.... vis a vis a record breaking quarterback. A video game character.



I also noticed the "tempo" of the offense is not the same with Tate or Devin out there. Brian Griese commented on this and he was right. It was almost as if Bowling Green was taking a breather without Denard in the game - despite the fact that they were still giving up points (Lol). The tempo of the offense slowed down considerably. Denard just puts sooo much pressure on a defense.




Denard is a special quarterback people. And really, with his being able to do everything.... throw, run, lead... there is no need to substitute for him with the lone possible exception of wanting to give him an occasional break. Besides, I don't think Rich Rod will do it anyhow. Rich Rod knows what Denard means to this offense and, consequently, I highly doubt that we would ever see packages or the kind of tinkering with this offense that would see Devin of Tate consistently substitute in for him".

I think that would be a classy move

I think that would be a classy move.    The kid has done a lot for this University.    And I think it will happen too.   

I think we can do both.... help Devin maintain his confidence and show our appreciation to Tate.    I don't think they are mutually exclusive.    Hopefully we get up on the opponent enough so that both see plenty of action.   

You are entitled to your opinion my friend

You are entitled to your opinion my friend.   But no way do I risk tinkering with the confidence  of the future franchise quarterback for Michigan.   You obviously think nothing of that.  That is where we differ.   

I think at some point we have to acknowledge

I think at some point we have to acknowledge that Devin Gardner has feelings and emotions too.   In 2 games so far, he was next up off the bench if Denard couldn't play.   That has to build up an expectancy in a young player's mind.   He now likely expects to be called 2nd.   In all likelihood he has prepared himself mentally as the 2nd string quarterback.   And unless he has done something to warrant demotion, you have to give him the call 2nd up or risk hurting the young guy's confidence.   

We have the most exciting player in the country

The general consensus seems to be that we have the most exciting colleg football player in the country.   For the first time in my lifetime, I am now reading SEC fans post things like, "I want to try and watch as many Michigan games as I can this year just to see Robinson play".    And "boy, that Robinson sure is fun to watch".     Add in a big play threat in Stonum, a reliable receiver in Roundtree and a back with big play potential in Shaw, and yes, I believe we arguably have the most exciting offense in the country.     

Easy, easy there big fella.

Easy, easy there big fella.    For all practical purposes last year is irrelevant with respect to anyone but the players we have not seen this year.   And we have seen Denard this year.   And this year, he stands fearlessly in the pocket - that can't be denied.    For the most part (because we have not seen him) we have to look at last year for Tate - and Tate's first instinct last year was to scramble - that also can't be denied. 

That said, who really knows how Tate would do today?   Again, we haven't seen him.   Maybe he would be different and change from his instincts of last year?    Thats possible.    But from what I recall of the Spring Game, he seemed to change very little.   And we must remember, that although we haven't seen him, the coaches are seeing him every day.   And they have likely made certain decisions based upon those observations.   

   

He displayed some serious touch and accuracy on

He displayed some serious touch and accuracy on those deep passes last week. 

Denard is a record breaking quarterback

Denard is a record breaking quarterback.    We can call the Heisman talk "hype" and yes, it is early, but lets also be sure not to go the other direction with this thing and try to downplay what Denard has done.    Denard has worked his arse off, broken records and put up numbers that boggle the mind.    Everything he is getting right now is deserved.     He earned it wth his play on the football field.  

Scouts often have divergent views

Scouts often have divergent views on different players.   For instance most scouts thought Seneca Wallace (Iowa State) was too short to play NFL QB.   He is around 5'10".    Most scouts predicted that he would have to switch positions in the NFL.   But one scout saw things differently and guess what....  Wallace has been playing NFL QB for quite a few years now and proving all doubters wrong.

Denard is very accurate as a passer.   Has a gun and runs like a deer.   And from personal accounts of his size, most say that he is atleast 5'11".   But even if he is shorter (which I doubt) there will be an NFL team out there (much like there was with Wallace, Tebow, and few others) that will see his potential at QB (ironically, much like RR did) and give him his shot there..... and he is likely to impress.    Being made of delithium and all, I would never bet against Denard.  

... 

I totally agree

I totally agree.    If a kid earns playing time, he should play.   This team is woefully devoid of depth.   

2 ways of looking at that

2 ways of looking at that.   1) If you want X player to help his college team long term then sure, we can have him longer if we redshirt him, but  2)  if  X player's college team needs him now, then why redshirt him if it is not going to cost the kid an NFL future?   In other words, all things being equal, why look at winning 5 years from now when the kid can help us win today? 

Win today and 5 years from now the recruiting would have been so strong that X player essentially becomes replaceable.    Lose now and recruiting dries up.    Again, the one caveat being, that his playing today does not cost the kid an NFL future.   And typically, with skill position players in particular, that NFL potential shows up long before a redshirt 5th year.   

Isn't it extremely rare for a college player to improve by leaps

Isn't it extremely rare for a college player to improve by leaps and bounds between his 4th year of college ball and his redshirt 5th year?    In other words, if a kid has NFL potential, that usually shows up long before his redshirt 5th year.   Thus, if playing him early is not going to cost him an NFL future, I am all for playing him. 

Thats right, it was KSU

Thats right, it was KSU.    I got my schools mixed up.    Thanks guys.

I remember that too

I remember that too.   The peanut gallery is pretty rough out there tonight.   -1 ???    Wow

Just goes to show you why Lemming is not a coach and Rich Rod is

Just goes to show you why Lemming is not a head coach and Rich Rod, Urban Meyer and guys like that are.    They clearly saw things that Lemming couldn't see.  

Denard is passing the ball at 70% as far as accuracy.    He is very accurate.    Passing deep, passing short, doing it all and doing it all with touch where need be... and a rifle when he has to gun it.    Denard simply didn't have the coaching before arriving at Michigan.   The talent was always there.  It merely had to be coached up.