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Jeff Piotrowski grew a…


 

Jeff Pietrowski didn't always look mean

Love this answer and…

Love this answer and technically he was in the Harbaugh era....

If the question is limited…

If the question is limited to the Harbaugh era, then Devin Bush is my answer.  If not, I'd go with Larry Foote.  The way he got home on blitzes was otherworldly. The first thing I look for each game is to see if Hill-Green is healthy or not.  I like Mike Barrett but I really think LB is our weakest link on a special team.

Yep you are right.  We aren…

Yep you are right.  We aren't good enough and never will be.  Hope is stupid.  Stop watching UM football because it will never change.  Become a Bama fan.  We'll try to soldier on without you.  You will be incredibly missed.

Be Better than that Brian! …

Be Better than that Brian!  When I read this:

"To me it's difficult to get there because this is year seven of Jim Harbaugh and it seems like the error rate is baked in at this point. Michigan took three illegal substitution penalties and failed to get lined up on several other plays because of basic college crappe like "sometimes we use tempo."   

It makes me think I've read comments from another petulant whiner in the comments section.  There is no hope!  There is no progress!  It will never be better!  Fire Harbaugh!  Because that thought process has worked for Texas, USC, Nebraska, Florida, Florida St, etc, etc.  I get criticizing and analyzing after the fact and that is what a Blog is about.  Nobody gets more frustrated than me as I've spent an inordinate amount of my time following UM football since I cried under my bed when Warren Moon beat us in the Rose Bowl... but the great % of MFin UM fans can't stop believing their fate is ordained and can't stop self-flagellating long enough to look around. 

"Year 7 of Harbaugh" is such a tired, weak, lazy take.  Jim Harbaugh has done more self evaluation and shown more ability to change than any coach I've ever seen.  Things didn't go our way on Saturday at the end and some major mistakes were made on defense from our 35 yr old coordinator who has been way better than advertised and was due to make some mistakes.  Yeah we got beat and Mel Tucker is tougher, smarter, and better in every single way and will never lose another game. 

I tend to think there may be lots to look forward to and that things are on a real good path with this football program.  Guess what?  Fan support is more helpful to the football program than incessant, constant negativism.  It would be nice if the editors of MGoBlog to provide more of that perspective, but it seems like Brian has burnt out.  Year X of MgoBlog should be better s/

Good move IMO.  Denegal has…

Good move IMO.  Denegal has no signs of a top tier QB.  I never try to evaluate HS kids myself but I did check out his current stats on MaxPrep and looked at his highlights.  Very pedestrian and not someone that looks to be getting better in any way.  Looks like a less athletic Joe Milton.

"Watch other teams play…

"Watch other teams play football" if you compare UM to Alabama you are going to be constantly disappointed and bitch about wins of over 30 pts.  There are things that can always be improved upon but save your vitriol for a game that we actually lose.  What I want to know is when you were EVER happy about the way UM played.  I've been going to games since the 70s and guys like you complained non-stop and are never anything but miserable.

Interesting perspective.  I…

Interesting perspective.  I went to UM and never even went on a tour prior.  My son attended and I admit I thought the tour was very uninspiring as well.  I never went on any other school tours.  You should send your experience to the University and hopefully they will re-examine their approach as I agree with your thoughts on how it relates to the football team.  We should always be re-inventing ourselves to keep up with the times

Something about all this…

Something about all this cross-breeding of coaches seems really mercenary-like.  Just shows that its a business and loyalties are not really relevant unless there is a paycheck.  I'll go back to my fan bubble now.

Long time reader, extremely…

Long time reader, extremely infrequent poster (so I have to comment here).  Former UM WR Eddie McDoom has enrolled at South Florida.

Chris Wormley and Mo Hurst

will be the unexpected breakout players this year and interior D line will dominate often and hold up even under the Spartans and Buckeyes.  

Everybody knew all along...

It is amazing how everyone knew it would not work out.  I agree with the premise of the OP, we all thought we had a Great DC in Mattison, and after year one thought the HC was a solid if not quirky sort that epitomized what we wanted at Michigan.  I believed all the way till the Utah game that the slow maturation of the OL would cure most of the issues.  However, as many have stated, it is now apparent the end is here.

The hard part is respecting the current players AND coaches enough to stop the constant screaming.  They are done, no reason to continue to yell about it.  Support the team and stay classy.  However, I do wish there were ways to pinpoint displeasure with David Brandon without it reflecting on the football team.  Everything he touches is greasy and needs to go away.

Why not Auburn?

I want an SEC school that isn't Alabama or LSU.  When Michigan is at full strength scholarship and depth wise, we should want a piece of the SEC to stop the constant arrogance.  Auburn is going to struggle as long as Saban is sweeping up the Tier 1 Alabama kids. It's like getting Little Brother 2.

I remember that vividly

I was still in Junior High but I remember Keith Smith making those free throws and running directly into the tunnel.  The Bodnars, Dan Pelokoudas, Thad Garner, ...those teams did struggle.  How I loved to hear Mike McGee from the top of the key.

I agree with another poster, this is the first time I've felt that everyone on the string wasn't a total newbie.  Most of the people on this site believe that MSU has always owned the state.  I went to Michigan in the 80s.  Michigan was always at the top or fighting at the top almost the entire decade in football and basketball.  MSU was definitely the irritating little brother back then.

That was my graduation also '87

I was very happy he spoke.  I also remember that some of the ultra-liberal groups were against him being invited.  Don't remember why, just something ridiculous.  Great man, great life.

Clue me in

Magnus, can you spell that out for us who aren't as tuned in?  Why was it not a coincidence that they all committed in mid-February?

Not a coincidence?

Magnus, can you spell that out for us who aren't as tuned in?  Why was it not a coincidence that they all committed in mid-February?

Hard to be credible

Hey FannMan, do you really not how to spell the word lose?  Once or twice could be typos but  3 times in one post?  We can't loose both?

I totally agree with OP

There isn't a debate over the 1st string QB.  Denard is the guy and while I'm disappointed about his ability to throw the ball, there is no debate he is the QB unless he is hurt.  However, I really wanted the coaches to get Devin Gardner on the field the last two weeks.  I was irritated that he didn't get in earlier against Eastern.  

Today, I really wanted to get that 28 pt lead so Gardner could get in there.  Yes, getting snaps against Eastern and SDSU would have been very beneficial.  Unfortunately, I think he will have to get in the game because of Denard getting banged up later in the season.  As Hoke likes to say we have expectations for the "position", Gardner needs to get more experience. Period.

Question for Tom

I read this blog multiple times a day  but post rarely, so forgive me if I'm not following protocol by asking this here. 

Tom, do you know if Michigan has offered Daniel Gibbs an OL from Birmingham Seaholm?  I know he has visited but haven't seen his name anywhere on any recruiting updates lately.  I had heard that he was hearing from Wisconsin and I don't want to see Michigan losing our own kids to them.

I know the kid is a real good student and dominates the league he is in, but that may not mean he is a premier talent.   Any insight?

Reality sets in?

Why do you think hard times are coming this year?  The offense is extremely talented and even though they are dealing with a new scheme, I see it being very good.  The defense will not be good still but it HAS to be better.  We won 7 games last year, you don't see 8+ wins this year?

My head says 8 wins, but my heart says 9.  I don't think this team is going to dampen the recruiting landscape, If the coordinators are as good as we think...it should only get people more excited.

Going to have to give a thumbs down

I appreciate sarcasm and the use of pictures to make a point as much as anybody.  But this was a little painful to read.  Too cute and should stay in the Diaries and not the Front page.  I know it's a slow season, but I'd rather have nothing rather than that.

In regards to the topic, we all tire of the factions created by the last 5 years (the last 2 years of Lloyd created some also) but the only thing that matters is where we are now.  A comment on that fact is appropriate, it was just way too long and hard to follow. 

BTW, I now know what the line in the MSU fight song about the "banks of the old Red Seder" means.

4 to 5 years

Hopefully that is not the case.  Harbaugh brought Stanford to elite level in 4 years and Stanford football was worse off then we are now.  

Denard will be a senior, the team will have some good experience on D and I believe that Michigan will be very competitive against Alabama.  Alabama was one of the most highly talented teams in the country this year.  They lost 3 games somehow (is the great Saban fallible?) and were "loaded for bear" in that bowl game.  But I refuse to believe they are out of our league.

I'm going to assume that Hoke is a good coach and will build on RR's talent base.  I'm really optimistic that Hoke can take advantage of the quickness of the current players on the roster and maturity will make us a good defense.  Denard is a special talent and I think that will make give us a chance in every game that year.

Drivel

I clicked on this thinking it had some relation to Michigan sports.  Seriously, this is just a link to an article that is just the online edition of TMZ.

I don't post often.... because I'm more interested in finding information than seeing every thought that pops into my head online.  I thought Daulerio was somebody commenting on Michigan sports and Brian made some comment on him.  Now I realize that the editor of Deadspin was mentioned by Brian in a negative light at one time.  Referencing the "internet" is not a direct link to this site.

Let's hope tomorrow brings better content.

mindless sour grapes

Jake Fisher is by all accounts a very talented football player.  I hope he doesn't go to Oregon. People posting negative things about him just because it is rumored that we missed out is silly.  Stay Classy San Diego!

Don't forget about Fitz

While I agree that Rawls would be a worthwhile pick up, I don't know if I'm going to crown him the best on our roster.  I think that Fitzgerald Touissant is going to bless the coaching change and become a great back.

Here Here or is Hear Hear?

I agree.  I loved Denard as much as the next guy, but we depended on his running ability too much.  It was hard to not love the 5 or 6 yd QB draws, but it put too much stress on his body.  I think that if done correctly the coaching change can really give Denard a true chance to become a good passer.  Yes, he struggled passing at points last year but he also showed great flashes. 

Rich Rod has left very good talent on offense.  I think even with a different scheme they can be successful next year.  Quickness is still valued in all offenses.  I think Vincent Smith and some of the really undersized guys are going to have to work hard to beat out the bigger players.

There may be a big hole in this year's recruiting class on offense....but I think if Al Borges is worth his stuff they should still be good on offense for the next couple years

Go to the Tourney?

With this team?  Come on, people were doubting they could win 10 games all year after Manny left. I am not sold on Belien because I agree that he needs to recruit at a higher level.  However, the results this year show progress and John Belien deserves another 2 years to see if this will work. 

Rich Rod is a a good coach but the complete failure on Defense and Special Teams doomed him. 

there is benefit

of me just hanging out on the Blog for hours on end.  I don't care what my wife says

Couldn't agree more

I do think that either way,  waiting until after the bowl game is the right decision by Brandon.  If you are going to fire RR you cannot do it without making a quick hire to Harbaugh.  If you are keeping him, I think you need to see more "progress" in the bowl game.  The Wisconsin and Ohio St games along with the bad press from the Bust makes it very difficult for Brandon to feel good about keeping RR.

I know it may not be fair to the assistants but I think that DB really is using this time as evaluating the way everything gets handled not solely the Gator Bowl result.

I will be supportive of either decision.  Jim Harbaugh is hired or Rodriguez is retained with an announcement of the hire of a solid D coordinator.

With all the transition at Florida, Miami, Pitt etc.  I really want either staff to be aggressive in getting some high level recruits to rebuild the talent pipeline.  I know it isn't popular to agree with Chris Spielman but I do.  Michigan should have NFL level athletes all over the roster.  This shouldn't be a place that only gets the talent that Ohio St or Florida doesn't want.

Shawn Conway will not be in this class

Grades and trouble and grades.

Am I missing a running joke?

I'm mostly a reader and not a poster but I've seen posts with the term Bolivian multiple times.  People do know that the word is oblivion...correct?  The only reason that word Bolivian should be used is to describe the police that killed Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

I'm a Rich Rod supporter but

come on....the situation at Stanford was much worse.  Nobody can deny Harbaugh's success at Stanford and he did it without those SEC academic standards. 

I still want Rodriguez another year to prove his ability, but if Brandon delivers Harbaugh it is hard to argue based on the facts we can see.  My issue with the "Let's Fire this Guy" rant in this case or in any other is there isn't necessarily a better option.  However, Harbaugh looks like a perfect choice.

Negative Nellie

That's funny, I was just complaining that I thought recruiting wasn't doing well.  I guess I always want to see a handful of difference makers that have a possibility of playing as freshman.  Rather than a bunch of 3 stars being forced into starting roles.

I understand that these are somebody's kids

I definitely try to realize that these guys aren't being professionals and need to be treated as such.  But I also know that this is big-time sports with huge budgets and large groups of people spending tons of time reading and writing on this blog.  I tend to agree not only with the original poster's assessment of Obi Ezeh and his disappointing play but also don't think his critique is not overly harsh.

If we are going to have high expectations for Michigan football, we need to have high expectations for a senior 3 year starter.  We can't watch that defense and not criticize the individual play.  More than anything, Kenny Demens play since replacing Obi shows the poor decisions by GERG for waiting so long to make the change.

Not sure its TCU Def coordinator

But I agree that it is time to use some cash to do whatever it takes.  I think we get caught into who is ever best this season.  I don't know that just because TCU is good right now that means they have the best coordinator available.  RR and Brandon need to get their heads together and realize that Rich is in charge of the team but he needs to find a great D coord and get out of the way.  That means not expecting a Coordinator to come in without making some changes if he feels that is what he needs. 

I can't even enjoy watching the offense because of the pain of our defense and Special Teams.  Our kickoff coverage was abysmal today.  I love our offense and think Rich is a great game coach.  However, there is not doubt that GERG must go.  And more importantly, Rich needs to make a great hire....and needs to ask for help on finding the right answer this time.

Rodriguez vs Zook

After the horrors of our defense...especially Penn St....I still believe in Rich Rod in a close game.  Ron Zook is a game day moron.

As we all saw in the second half against Penn St, Rodriguez is at least going to work with the D on confidence and motivation.  If we get some momentum against Illinois I think that the Zooksters will find a way to give Michigan the win.  As much as I believe Rodriguez is the guy, we need this win to still make this a respectable year (assuming a Purdue win). 

I think this is incredibly negative

I'm assuming this was what happens when Michigan hires Brady Hoke and Denard transfers after RR leaves.  How does a top offensive club with almost everyone return and a terrible young defense with no where to go but up not do better than this?  If I thought we were this hopeless I wouldn't be on this site everyday.

Penn St was incredibly depressing and pointed to an obvious need to make major changes on the defensive side of the ball in regards to coaching.  However, to say we won't get average on defense means that Rich Rod is inept.  I don't believe that.

Agreed

Remove the post.  Not funny and poor taste

Positive and Negative out of Seaholm

I have some inside word that Shawn Conway is going to have a tough time qualifying.  On a more positive note it seems that Michigan is in a good spot for a big Junior OL out of Seaholm Daniel Gibbs.  Here is some home cooking fluff on Dan:

 http://www.seaholmhighlander.com/sports/football/858-gibbs-catches-eye-of-major-recruiters

Demens was what I expected

Better than Ezeh,  but not a world beater.  There should  be no more Obi and let Demens learn along with all the other kids in the secondary.  What happened to the bouncing ball of Jonas Mouton.  He reverted back to the U Mass Mouton, overrunning everything and giving cutback lanes everywhere.  He was soooo disappointing against Iowa.

It's SUPPOSED to work

except for the fact that your Senior LB Obi Ezeh has been completely awful with no signs of improving.  Please I need to see Fitzgerald or Demens fail so I have some understanding on why Obi continues to play.

More small-mindedness

While it is obviously not all on one guy.  I tend to be in the camp that Obi is absolutely awful at a position that is very important with a 3 man front.  The rest of the defense I can talk about youth, what is our LB excuse?

There is a positive at LB for next year.

Obi Ezeh will finally be gone.  I'm sorry but the biggest issue I have with the GERG and RR is the fact that they still play Obi.  Please just key on him when you watch the game.  I've never seen a college linebacker less instinctual or provide so little punch for his size.  He must be competent in the his pass protection reads, but his ability to make a difference in the running game or blitzing is ridiculous.  I've never seen a LB on 3rd and 2 stand in the hole and absorb tackles for first downs as much as he does.  Anybody, and I mean Anybody on the roster would be better.  I believe the secondary will improve with experience and the LB play (btw why doesn't Capt Mouton ever see the field when Obi is so bad?) will be addition with subtraction.

Coaches of freshman

There is a reason you don't put so many true freshman out there together.  These guys are not freaks of athleticism that can't be kept off the field....they are our only option.  The coaches need time, the players need time, and the goal is to minimize the ugliness. 

As much asour defensive performance at  the Indiana game was as close to torture as I've ever experienced (it seriously took a toll physically, I couldn't relax until Monday).  We all have to stop looking for blame.  I'm hoping that everybody is learning, both coaches and players alike, and the defense will improve somewhat.  I will root for the defense like it was my own son rather than the eye of a grizzled Wolverine fan.  Hope for the best, set no expectations.

Mark May called for GERGs head

Said he should be fired if things don't get tons better.  Personally, I blame whomever keeps trotting Obi out there.  He was all kinds of awful today.

This wasn't defense just missing assignments

Our D was dominated by Mass all day long.  Over and over and over.  I'm sorry but Obi and Mouton are not getting it done....at all.  It is exactly like last year.  Our LB play is absolutely abysmal.  I stopped and watched 5 plays during today's game just to watch Obi misplay things and never react properly to running plays.  I cannot believe there aren't any instinctive linebackers on that roster.  Give me anybody else, Demens, Fitzgerald, damn give me Brandin Hawthorne, I don't care how big he is....at least he can fill a hole.  Mouton just isn't consistent, but Ezeh is just not good.  That secondary could hold up to be average if we aren't getting gashed by a running game that gives up 5 yds a carry.  Just once I want to see Ezeh hit somebody in the hole instead of waiting flat footed to make a tackle 5 yds downfield or completely whiffing.  I understand youth in the secondary, but there is no excuse for Obi....please give me the walk on fullback, anyone is better.

Brendan Gibbons waste of scholarship

Hagerup has mis-handled one ball and has one shank on his result this year.  He is a true freshman and I don't see a problem.  Kickers are better off now that we've moved off absolute waste Gibbons.  I keep thinking he just needs to switch to right footed, because he has been a two year waste of scholarship.  Hopefully, Schwietzen or however you spell it, will get better as we go.  In regards to the return games, I keep waiting for all our speed to pay off.  First it was fumbling the ball and now it seems we never give our returners any space or blocking.  Today was definitely a bucket of cold water to the hype monster on defense especially and the special teams is not a positive that can lessen that pain.

Should be gone?

I don't understand this mentatlity of transfers being so rampant.  Just like I don't understand Lalota's thinking.  Lots of things can happen in football, just like in life.  It is like quitting your job everytime something bad at work happens or if you get bypassed for promotion.  Or like getting a divorce everytime you have a disagreement with your spouse.  Tate Forcier isn't playing pro ball, he has two years of eligibility after this one.  He could find himself as the starting QB very easily with some mistimed injuries or poor play.  Hopefully he learns from his 2 older brothers and their transfers that things don't necessarily get better.

If Jason Forcier had not gotten so antsy, he probably would have been Michigan's starting QB for every game in 2008 instead of Sheridan/Threet.  He went to Stanford and never started a game.

Hype getting to his head

The reason that you' think of Tate is that some of the player's comments that praise Denard are absolutely a thinly veiled shot at Tate.  Especially David Molk, I guarantee you that Molk is a big fan of Denard and Tate not so much.