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No way! SJ is Michigan…

No way! SJ is Michigan through and through. 

Uzelac

Benton Harbor finishes season 9-0. They went 4 years without a win before he got there. Made playoffs last year. Guy is unreal!



Mike Gillette

Was also 19. SJ Bears.

Lancer

He sure was no Tony Tiefenbach eh? Our best, Rob Fredrickson went to MSU, but being that he was such a great guy, I don't hold it against him. Ike>Denny.

I was there too

And to this day I don't recall the Big House rockin' like it did on that play. Maybe it's the passage of time but I remember the stand shaking. Grown men hugging other grown men (who they didn't know. Magical...

Outstanding

Good for him and BH. Beating Lakeshore is absolutely amazing.

Coach U

Also rebuilt St. Joe after coach Ike Muhlenkamp left and they had 3 or 4 years of futility. The rival high schools in that area are all coached by Coach U disciples now (including St. Joe).

SJ > Stevensville

Loud and proud. Go Bears!

Was also in opposite endzone

And the big house was rocking after that td to Kolesar. Not sure I have ever heard it louder.

St Joe Bears

As class B school we dominated an all class A league. Ike Muhlenkamp is a legend and won consistently for 3+ decades. Much like Michigan, they tried to get with the times and bring in new blood and it was a disaster. Coach Uzelac (YTCU) restored the program and things are back on track. Mike Gillette and Rob Fredrickson both played there.

Yom Kippur I believe

Only Brandon would schedule road game to the biggest Jewish Alumni base on Yom Kippur. Sweet.

Borges

Was at the tailgate next to ours after the game and he said: "After the game I kissed Drew Dileo."



Classic.

I left out "Air Force".

I left out "Air Force".

Academies

Why do we get a pass for barely beating while they slaughtered Navy? Can't have it both ways.

And

not all interceptions are created equally. He has thrown 2 pick-sixes, which are absolutely killers (though both of his were in blowouts).

 

I love me some Denard and I think he has made some improvements, but the impact of his interceptions have to be taken into account.

I love this

Team and GMATT, but to think we are not far away or further along than last year after what 'Bama and Air Force have done to us is crazy.

While Denard graded out ok in

While Denard graded out ok in the UFR, the issue has, and will continue to be how impactful his mistakes are. The 2 picks led to points (1 a pick 6). Just looking at the numbers is one thing. He can have a completion % under 50% but not turn the ball over, and thus not hurt the team. The problem is 1) Michigan does not count on Denard to "manage the game" so that is not very practical and 2) At least on Sat night, our defense was not stopping them anyways so replacing his ints with punts was not going to help much.

Most fans' collective hope was that he would cut down on interceptions, and be more accurate this year. I would say we got a mixed bag on that in game 1, but certainly reserve judgement until we have more data points.

RRod Opens with Toledo

That is interesting given what they did to him/Michigan a few years ago.

As much as I hate to say it,

As much as I hate to say it, if Fitz and Clark play against Alabama then I am not sure we have much to stand on. That does not take away from my general sentiment that OS, and Urban have far less code than Hoke/Michigan.

Denard

was a much more effective passer last year as well because a lot of the passing game was predicated on faking the run, or fear of the run. We seen this play run with success this year a few times (once to Dileo and once or twice to Koger I believe). This year he is dropping back a lot more and he is being asked ot read a defense. Not to mention he seems reluctant to tuck and run/scramble if nothing is open.

Brian was dead on though. Who would have thought our defense would be keeping our offense in games. Saturday was all on the offense.

Buckeye Insider

Insists that Tressel will let guys play in bowl game if they commit to coming back next year. Not sure how he can enforce this, but Posey already said he is back. The other 4 have remained silent. If you don't see Pryor on the field against Arkansas, that is why.

Matta

Has deep ties to Indiana from his playing/coaching days. I also know that he is a tireless recruiter, and does it the right way. There is no doubt he stocks up and one-and-dones, and takes his chances, but it has worked for him at OSU. He is a pretty good X's and O's guy too, and that is evident from his success at Butler and Xavier (where he was pulling in 2-3* from Indiana).

Thank you.

This is really weird, and yes I find it really weird. Why is he reaching his hands to the skies, and forcing the team to do it as well? Creepy.

Love it.

Finally a reason I can't argue with. Well done.

I understand

it is a comfort thing (see me my shoe lace reference), but if it inhibits performance, and continues to contribute to turnovers then it should be addressed. Emmit didnt fumble much, so it was not an issue.

I was

trying to say that he should carry the ball in the outside hand (ie the hand closest to the sideline he is appraoching, and away from the defense). Thanks for the sarcasm though.

This game

was not only a microcosm for the year, but it really illustrated the depths to which this program has fallen. We literally, could not field a punt, or fg team, and our kickoff team was a disaster (kicking and tackling). The University of Michigan could not put a punt, or fg team on the field. It is that simple.

Other notes:

  • Roundtree was awful. Had a very good year, but the drops mounted as the year went on.
  • Denard didn't go back in because RRod said "He likes to hold the ball in his left hand while running, and he didnt think he could do that". While I am sure the injury was legit, why is he allowed to carry it in his left, when that is the inside hand? This is not like his shoe strings, where he likes to do it, and it doesn't hurt the team. His fumbles can be avoided and I am not sure why it is not being coached into him (maybe it is, and he can't break the habit).
  • Our running game is non-existant with Tate in the ballgame. Much like last year, when we could not pass with Denard in the game, this year we can't run with Tate in the game. We were able to put up a lot of yards because OSU had to honor both with Denard. Once they can drop 7 and know their front 4 can stop the run, its a different story.
  • 2 3-and-outs to start the game, and we do nothing with it. We don't do any of the little things well. Earl Bruce said it best after the game : "They man-handled us in the first quarter on both sides of the ball. The Michigan teams I know would have had us down 14-0" - Whatever, it's Earl Bruce, but there is some truth in it.

Nothing ground-breaking, but worth mentioning. I am on the fence whether RRod should go or not.

Shaw

has not played extensive minutes in weeks. Coupled with the fact that I don't think he runs as hard as Smith, I am concerned. RB is now a very real concern for Saturday (I suppose it has been all year, but Smith has ran really well the last few weeks).

I will continue to beat a dead horse, Smith should not have been in on that last drive Saturday. Given our injury situation all over the offense, and lack of depth at rb, rest him and get him ready for OSU.

#1

 

 

Agreed. But it was clear with Tate in the game, down 3 scores with 2 minutes left and 1 truisted rb, we should be preserving health. All the more if we already have 2 receivers down.

 

#2 Go back and watch the game. Stonum looks injured after each tackle. Again, it has nothing to do with how well he played, but it is obvious. My observation was not a comparison, but rather commentary on Stonum in this game. Heminway has obviously suffered more injuries.

#3 I think he was being facetious as well, but that does not discount the fact that it has happened multiple times this season. it is horrible coincidence/fate, not causation.

#4 Again go back and watch the game. We crept safeties up to the line and it made absolutely no difference.

I understand

he is the most trusted pass blocker. That does not mean he should be on the field when RRod is clearly givng second string guys some reps. Given our lack of depth, let other guys get reps, and save Smith for OSU.

I care if a guy is hurt or not. I thought he played great, but the signs that he is either hurt, or fragile is telling in a game where he ended up leaving with a serious injury. Seems like his condition was leading to a mroe serious injury.

I wont argue vehemntly on #7. I can see arguments from all sides on this one.

Post Mortem

1) Why was Vincent Smith in the game on the last drive? We had our second string qb, and wrs in at that time, and given our rb situation, he should have been on the bench and Hopkins should have been in. That was a horrible decision, and I hope he is not lost for OSU.

2) Why does Stonum look/act hurt after every single tackle? They guy is extremely fragile.

3) Brian hit it on the head. It seems that immediately following a dropped pass (usually from Roy) we turn it over. Very disturbing.

4) I was clamoring for 8 in the box and give up the pass. In the 2nd half, we knew they were running, put 8 in the box and still got hammered. They could have thrown crossing routes to Toon all day had they wanted to.

5) Hard to believe we are still attempting FGs 11 games into the season. 30 yards away, in the middle of the field. The numbers will continue not to lie, and RRod has to understand that.

6) Demens might have put up Ezeh like numbers this week. Our LBs were getting sealed on the backside all day, and thus the gaping cutback lanes. All the LBs playing away from the play side were guilty of this.

7) Bielema is now my least favorite coach in the Big Ten. Tressel,and Dantonio are close behind.

8) Go Blue. Beat OSU.

Not true.

There are a lot more Illini alum in the city of Chicago than NWU. They might have more tickets alloted since its their "home" game.

Hopkins

= Hoard. As in "The Leroy".

When

Teams stack 8 in the box, that opens up the bubble screen to the slot. The safety is sitting 15 yards back and our end receiver just has to block his man. That should yield 5-7 yards which is as good as a run, and it forces the defense's hand. They either have to take a guy out of the box and cover our slot, or die a slow death. Given the weather, I assume that is why we didnt run it more?

'85 Defense

Hammerstein and Messner were absolute beasts. I loved watching that team because they brought it every game, and played with such emotion.

Turnovers

Continue to be a serious issue. Master of the obvious here, but Penn State is the only Big Ten game where turnovers were not a major factor. I dont care how good the offense is, it won't be able to overcome turnovers to win games. I hope we can chalk it up to youth, and only youth.

As for Denard, the interceptions have been due to inaccuracy, misreads, and bad decisions. So it is difficult to point to one thing. If the options are not there, tuck it and run. Both he and Tate seem to be averse to throwing it away and living to fight another day. It is a tough thing to teach young qbs, but hopefully they will learn. Brian is too nice about the fumbles. Junior high kids know to put the ball in their outside hand. That is textbook.

Turnovers

The only Big Ten game we didnt have a costly turnover(s) was PSU. The goal line fumble at IU was a momentum killer, and the other 3 have been disasterous. I am starting to think it is the norm, and not exception.

Overcoming 5 turnovers to win a game is rare. Luckily the defense made some strides on Saturday.

Demens

not only sheds blocks, but he tracks down ball carriers sideline to sideline. I thought he played very well. Avery. and RV were as expected, but they made some nice tackles. Given the turnovers, and field position issues, I thought our defense played much better than against PSU.

 

While Brian makes a good point regarding the fg attempt in the first half, I didnt like the call to attempt either one. I think we know what we have with our defense, and kicking game this year, and it is not going to change. We need TDs. Expecially on 4th and 1. Illinois was not showing they could stop us for no gain. Hopkins averaged 9 yards a touch. The second attempt was even more frustrating because we had 2nd and 4, and should be thinking 4 down territory.

 

I will take the win, and here is to building some momemtum in November. Its been a while since I was excited following a football Saturday in November.

I was thinking

the same thing with Shaw. These reports are useless. At what point will we accept that Fitz is not playing this year, Shaw is 50%, and Hopkins wont "get more carries this week". Seems like RRod likes to say that Hopkins will get more touches, but he never does.

As for the defense (where our true issues lie), I like to think the worst is behind us with attrition, injuries, bad luck, lack of talent/depth, but I have said that the past 2 years.

That first clip

of Floyd is absolutely amazing. Is he literally running out of his zone with his back turned, or worse, is that wr his responsibility? Eitherw way, that is some of the worst technique (man or zone) that I have ever seen. Under no circumstance, is it ever permissable for a corner to turn his back and run at the snap of the ball.

Minor complaint

While the defensive side of the ball has taken the brunt of complaints in the aftermath of the PSU game, for the 4th game in a row, I am going to complain about lining up Vincent Smith in the I-formation and running him between the tackles on 3rd and 1. I just don't understand how that is the best choice for picking up a yard, with Denard, and Hopkins as options. Furthermore, we eliminate Denard as an option (save a bootleg) and our line's splits become tighter, which takes away our edge. In every way, it dramatically decreases our chances of getting a yard. I would love to see the success rate of getting 1 yard when Denard runs a qb draw versus Smith running as the deep back in I.

As mentioned before, we have to look at first downs as imperative, for no other reason than it keeps our defense off the field that much longer.

PSU QB

I remember having a sinking feeling in my stomach the week we played Purdue and Siller was announced as their starting QB. They were horrible, and it was a winnable game for us. He then proved me right and went all Donovan McNabb/Troy Smith/Dennis Dixon/Juice Williams on us. I hope this week is different (Mcgloin is not as mobile), and we don't make this guy look amazing.

QB under Center

I am not a fan of Robinson taking snaps under center, but I recognize it is a good change of pace. I am less of a fan lining V. Smith as the deep back when Denard is under center. I am even less of a fan running V. Smith between the tackles of out of I-formation. If we want to run between the tackles for short yardage, line up Hopkins at tailback, and give it to him.

I will take the under

on 15 wins. No consistent scoring, no consistent shooting, and a lack of size to rebound. Not to mention the Big 10 is loaded again this year..

Seems that

people often post at how lame the Big House is because "people can't stand without getting yelled at by an old alum..." Now we criticize those who stand? What gives?

Given the speed we run our offense

at, did we abandon the run too early and become too predictable? I have not seen any evidence to suggest it, but just curious. We can score quickly on the ground as well. We know the effectiveness of the offense is greatly diminished when it becomes more 1 dimensional.

I dont think

that "people" need to be reminded of down and distance. I am well aware that it is 3rd and 18, and our d-backs drop 25 yards conceeding a first down time and again.

My Issues

are as follows:

1) Roh is obvious. I kept saying it over and over on Saturday. He has to be rushing the QB, not dropping into coverage.

2) on 3rd and 16 our dbs take 25 yard drops and our lbs drop 8 yards. Any D-1 QB can convert that.

3) If we cant cover dropping 8, then screw it, and rush 5-6. QBs might turn it over more often, and we might get more sacks.

4) As bad as the defense was, our offense had 5 chances to go up 2 scores in the game and failed each time. For a team that is relying on them to win games, they have to deliver.

5) We should go for it on 4th and less than 2. DRob can pick up 2 yards on QB iso anytime.

6) Stay away from taking snaps under center. It is costing us possesions/points. Even on the goal line, spread teams out and see if they can stop us.

Nobody has

felt badly for us over the last 3 years with all we have endured (injury wise and other).

There is a reason for me Screen Name

Been going to games regualrly since '84, but that game, we took my grandpa who was dying with cancer.I have never seen my grandpa like that. When Kolesar hauled in that pass, he was jumping up and down like a kid. The Big House Rockin' that day, and I will never forget what a great day that was.