Northwestern, Nebraska, and Michigan State. Gotta say, pretty ballsy choice for whoever gave Michigan State a vote after last year, but maybe there will be a regression to the mean.
It was kinda odd hearing Brian poo poo the idea on WTKA today. "Just because you're #2 (in practice) doesn't mean you're #2 (on the depth chart)."
There's no way John is #2 and the coaches think the Indiana game last year is indicative of his ability. Further, Peters' upside is a huge incentive to give him more meaningful snaps, so I'm guessing John has earned it, and Harbaugh was serious when he said Wilton and John have separated themselves.
Beyond that, I don't think we have much to go on in terms of Wilton vs. John. I've commented on their relative body language, etc. but that could just as easily be explained by John playing well and Wilton being somewhat disappointed he hasn't run away with the job this year. Either way, it's safe to assume that the QB position will be upgraded this year, and the team has at least two quality QBs. Good stuff.
John O'Korn is not acting like a guy who is out of the race, and Wilton is not acting like a guy who has the job cemented. That's just armchair body language analysis, though. Maybe that's how they always act, respectively?
More plausibly, John seems to have really benefitted from the Pep Hamilton hire. A new QB coach is an absolutely plausible variable in a change at QB. John has called him a godsend at least twice (BTN and this interview), that's not a normal compliment. It's hard to imagine there's nothing there.
Also, I've never heard anyone say John doesn't have the physical tools to be a great QB. Rather, the criticism has been more focused on the mental/confidence side of things. He noted his improved command, avoidance of "the big mistake", strong pocket presence, and he literally said, "I've never been happier" (at Michigan). That last line is a win no matter what.
What does a confident John O'Korn look like at Michigan? He says we'll have to wait and see.
Every position is up for grabs, and I don't think that's simply a Harbaugh platitude. We don't know how practice is going, if Speight is plateauing, if Pep changes the equation at all, etc.
I'd be surprised if O'Korn got the job, but not shocked.
Hard to imagine anyone other than Speight starting. However, I doubt O'Korn is miles behind. If somehow #8 is under center against Florida, here is what would run through my mind. Again, I expect Speight to start.
1. Harbaugh will elevate the play of any and all quarterbacks he coaches, and no quarterback has an infinite cieling, so I'd be surprised if O'Korn hasn't been able to make up some ground in another year (note that both O'Korn and Speightwere 3 star recruits). In limited action, 2015 Speight (36%, 73 yds, 1:1) did not give much indication of how good he would be in 2016 (62%, 2500 yds, 18:7). It's not inconceivable that O'Korn could make a similar leap.
2. Comparing O'Korn's single start last year to Speight's 12 is not exactly ideal from a sample size perspective, nor is it great when you consider all of the extra reps and attention the starter gets throughout the season. If their roles were reversed, who's to say how he would be playing? Let's not forget Speight'sfirst play of last season.
3. O'Korn is more of a dual threat compared to Speight, and that isn't something Wilton can exactly improve on. Speight's pocket presence is great, but that's something O'Korn could learn.
4. This is O'Korn's last season and last chance to start, maybe he has increased urgency.
Michigan's D has been dominant, but many of their best performances have come against inexperienced or bad QBs. That said, I can't imagine there will be a monumental drop off or anything.
I believe MSU's O-Line is pretty injured, so I expect the D-Line to get plenty of penetration and make life difficult for Cook. However, Cook is probably the best passing QB Michigan will have faced this season. I think Durkin and Co. can definitely game plan, etc. but don't be surprised if Michigan gives up more big plays and actual points this coming weekend.
The issue for a lot of people is whether or not a good hire is possible with Brandon. Given his "hands on" approach, I can't blame legit candidates for looking elsewhere or for staying put. We'll see what happens if DB is still aboard when the next coaching search begins.
The idea of raising awareness is that by spending money making more people aware, the amount of money raised will be more than that which was spent on the promotional materials, i.e. pink jerseys
A big difference between Hoke and Rich Rod is that when Rich says his teams will succeed if they execute, I actually believe him. Not trying to pile on Hoke, but that statement has been rendered meaningless under Hoke.
His Arizona teams indicate otherwise. They beat Orgeon last year, and have a good shot to beat them today in Eugene. No, I don't think Oregon is necessarily the best team in the country, but they'd beat any Big Ten team, no doubt.
Recent Comments
Yep! Just updated the post. Thanks, hadn't got that far into the video yet.
Wouldn't have expected that to be much of a battle after Nordin's impressive kick in the Spring Game. Huh.
It was kinda odd hearing Brian poo poo the idea on WTKA today. "Just because you're #2 (in practice) doesn't mean you're #2 (on the depth chart)."
There's no way John is #2 and the coaches think the Indiana game last year is indicative of his ability. Further, Peters' upside is a huge incentive to give him more meaningful snaps, so I'm guessing John has earned it, and Harbaugh was serious when he said Wilton and John have separated themselves.
Beyond that, I don't think we have much to go on in terms of Wilton vs. John. I've commented on their relative body language, etc. but that could just as easily be explained by John playing well and Wilton being somewhat disappointed he hasn't run away with the job this year. Either way, it's safe to assume that the QB position will be upgraded this year, and the team has at least two quality QBs. Good stuff.
John O'Korn is not acting like a guy who is out of the race, and Wilton is not acting like a guy who has the job cemented. That's just armchair body language analysis, though. Maybe that's how they always act, respectively?
More plausibly, John seems to have really benefitted from the Pep Hamilton hire. A new QB coach is an absolutely plausible variable in a change at QB. John has called him a godsend at least twice (BTN and this interview), that's not a normal compliment. It's hard to imagine there's nothing there.
Also, I've never heard anyone say John doesn't have the physical tools to be a great QB. Rather, the criticism has been more focused on the mental/confidence side of things. He noted his improved command, avoidance of "the big mistake", strong pocket presence, and he literally said, "I've never been happier" (at Michigan). That last line is a win no matter what.
What does a confident John O'Korn look like at Michigan? He says we'll have to wait and see.
I would no longer be surprised if he starts.
That's something he addressed in the interview.
Every position is up for grabs, and I don't think that's simply a Harbaugh platitude. We don't know how practice is going, if Speight is plateauing, if Pep changes the equation at all, etc.
I'd be surprised if O'Korn got the job, but not shocked.
I guess I meant it in the sense that he'd "been there before". You're right, he was lower key for sure, less smiles, etc.
https://www.btn2go.com/video/btn-bus-tour-michigans-wilton-speight--joh…
Really can tell that John is feeling better about his play, good stuff. Wilton looks confident as well. Glad to hear they're good friends.
Hard to imagine anyone other than Speight starting. However, I doubt O'Korn is miles behind. If somehow #8 is under center against Florida, here is what would run through my mind. Again, I expect Speight to start.
1. Harbaugh will elevate the play of any and all quarterbacks he coaches, and no quarterback has an infinite cieling, so I'd be surprised if O'Korn hasn't been able to make up some ground in another year (note that both O'Korn and Speight were 3 star recruits). In limited action, 2015 Speight (36%, 73 yds, 1:1) did not give much indication of how good he would be in 2016 (62%, 2500 yds, 18:7). It's not inconceivable that O'Korn could make a similar leap.
2. Comparing O'Korn's single start last year to Speight's 12 is not exactly ideal from a sample size perspective, nor is it great when you consider all of the extra reps and attention the starter gets throughout the season. If their roles were reversed, who's to say how he would be playing? Let's not forget Speight's first play of last season.
3. O'Korn is more of a dual threat compared to Speight, and that isn't something Wilton can exactly improve on. Speight's pocket presence is great, but that's something O'Korn could learn.
4. This is O'Korn's last season and last chance to start, maybe he has increased urgency.
Interesting to see Peppers taking a handoff during the Glasgow section.
http://imgur.com/09HTIno
Fuller's photo.
Feel free to delete if this is not kosher. Just thought some might miss that aspect of the photo.
My thoughts exactly.
Michigan's D has been dominant, but many of their best performances have come against inexperienced or bad QBs. That said, I can't imagine there will be a monumental drop off or anything.
I believe MSU's O-Line is pretty injured, so I expect the D-Line to get plenty of penetration and make life difficult for Cook. However, Cook is probably the best passing QB Michigan will have faced this season. I think Durkin and Co. can definitely game plan, etc. but don't be surprised if Michigan gives up more big plays and actual points this coming weekend.
I still favor Michigan in this game, though.
https://soundcloud.com/umichathletics/michigan-head-coach-jim-harbaugh
Morris has thrown 0 TDs and 5 INTs on 87 career passing attempts. But he has never thrown 3 in one game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9MrLSIqHsA
Late to all the news, anyone have a link to watch/listen to Schlissel?
Thanks
The issue for a lot of people is whether or not a good hire is possible with Brandon. Given his "hands on" approach, I can't blame legit candidates for looking elsewhere or for staying put. We'll see what happens if DB is still aboard when the next coaching search begins.
Such a young team on offense, and I've been really impressed with their play calling. Go Jags
Heyyyy! Already making us proud!
Love to see Rich smile, goddamnit Dave Brandon, you put this man through hell, fuck you, fuck you, fuck you
"SCOOOOOBY" - in unison from Jesse and David(?) hahaha
I called that once he took the job
LOL
"Scooby looks a little shaggy there" :D these GUYS!
SCOOBY SNACK!
Chances/Circumstances Oregon goes for 2 if they score a TD?
"Penalties have really hurt Oregon"
I'd say things have been pretty balanced, questionable/annoying calls against each team
Clutch XP, if there is such a thing
Well I think he's supported by his University, might help
HAHA, fuck you Oregon
FIRST FUCKING DOWN, FUCK YOU OREGON
Don't make a living do that (throwing near INTs), do ya Palmer?
Nope, that's why I'm here (in the booth)
Good sense of humor
The idea of raising awareness is that by spending money making more people aware, the amount of money raised will be more than that which was spent on the promotional materials, i.e. pink jerseys
Great throw by Marcus, damn
That's the hardest part about watching other teams play
Forward progress was stopped, and there was a good chance the AZ player's left knee was down, not a bad call, not great either.
SACKED, sorry mama Mariota
I don't think anyone realizes, it's been since PAT WHITE that RR has had a multi-year starter...
WOW, held em to a FG. I think Jesse was right, they shoulda ran it before the quarter closed. Impressive defense
Hell yeah! TD! Proper play call, AND execution
A big difference between Hoke and Rich Rod is that when Rich says his teams will succeed if they execute, I actually believe him. Not trying to pile on Hoke, but that statement has been rendered meaningless under Hoke.
God, the tackling discipline of AZ has been laudable, good job, y'all
BOOM! TD
Great block by Grant, great play call, shoooweee
Let em fucking play, BS call
Edit: referring to the unsportsmanlike penalty
His Arizona teams indicate otherwise. They beat Orgeon last year, and have a good shot to beat them today in Eugene. No, I don't think Oregon is necessarily the best team in the country, but they'd beat any Big Ten team, no doubt.