It means those things ... Plus ... knowing the school: its history, its traditions, its lore ... and being utterly fired up by it. It's as though he's trying to say that even RichRod is a Michigan Man - or that anyone could be a Michigan Man instantly. Rich Rod is not a Michigan Man - now, I'm saying that as a supporter or his. He's not one. Does that mean that he's not good for the school? Not necessarily ... but it takes time to become a Michigan Man. He may become one some day. It's ok, Mr. Brandon to lift high the traditions and mystique. Please do so! Go Blue
Let's get the obvious out of the way ... RichRod has to have a winning season. No coach at a mildly successful school can withstand 3 straight losing seasons.
That said, I'd be willing to accept a minimal winning season, if what we see is a marked improvement in the playing of big-time college football. It's going to be a tough season - we know that. The vast majority of the teams we play will not hand us a victory; they're going to take more than zippy ninjas to beat. We have to play good football.
It's clear when a team is playing well - and we haven't for the last two years ... it often looked like we didn't deserve to be on the field. I think that, if we are able to tell a marked improvement in things like tackling, pace of the game, turnover ratio, broader open playbook, always being "in" the game - if all of those things are clear (And we just don't lose more than we win!) I'll say that I'm willing to hold on for one more year. If fundamentals improve, I can give one more year of support.
Personally, though, I'm hoping for 8 - and I think it's very reasonable to say that if the Michigan Football Hating Gods let us catch a few breaks, and we just hang in the games, and play better fundamental football ... I think we'll be fine.
Even then, though, if in year 4 we are not seeing a top shelf product on the field, I'll join the opposition against the coach.
What I find amazing is that everyone says that Rich Rod is on the hot seat - the hottest of them all; yet, I don't see anything in what DB has said that would suggest this. Which causes me to think that much of the temperature of the hot seat is really being created by the media - which is a vicious cycle - because, that causes the UM faithful to consider our coach on the hot seat, which makes us more sensitive, every time that any hint of an issue comes up.
Personally, I believe that if Michigan goes anything above 500, the coach will be fine. I believe that, because I think that most of us know that next year is the year that most of us have been looking for - and I don't think that's a pipe dream. DB has played the sport. He understands the need for continuity, he has the ability to see positives in the actual sport. Granted, he is obviously going to be pressured by perceptions - and what the media says. Yet, I don't think that he will get rid of the coach, unless the NCAA turns up the heat to where DB has to get rid of him, or if we have another losing season.
Rich Rod has done some stupid things - or so it seems. But, we all know that the guy can coach - and DB knows it too. He'll be our coach next year, barring any catastrophe.
I think that he, being naturally prone to favor the big ten, has shown a willingness to endorse michigan. Other than OSU, I hear him say more positive things about Michigan than anyone else - especially in the 2007 season.
If he has hatred toward UM, I can't see it. Of course, he does show bias toward OSU during The Game, but generally speaking, he gives us a fair shake - at least more than the other talking heads around the country do.
I think you owe me an apology as well, friend. I've never posted on rivals. I joined this site just this past week - and it's the only site I've ever posted on. I'm new at the whole thing all together - and am still trying to figure out how asking a question in genuine curiosity gets me labeled as a troll. I graduated from Michigan in 1999, and moved to Memphis in 2003. I don't know if you have an issue with some other person, but I do think your accusation is unfair. Check my posting history - it's only been loyal to Michigan, and reflects that I'm still trying to figure this out.
I think you're exactly right. We all love the past, and personally, I get pissed when a person says that the traditions are not important. They are - and we ought to get upset when things change drastically. Little things ... I'm ok with, but things that have defined Michigan football must be fought for.
Yet, talking about the past does us little good, if we can't figure out how to sustain those essentials in the future, it's all for naught.
The biggest of the main things that we have to focus on is the tradition of winning. Who cares about the traditions if we can't win - and traditions don't make us a winning program; they have given heart to the winningest program in college football. Is the Game a main thing - Of Course! Is it a main thing that it's the end of the season? Of Course!
But, the biggest main thing is winning - and winning The Game. And the questions that move toward figuring out restoring our traditions - making the main thing the main thing, and sustaining those traditions for the future. Those are the things that I want to hear.
Great Idea. I just can't see this free cups of water thing being a reality - or enough of a reason for us not to be annoyed by not being able to bring water into the stadium.
but, Pretty well is nothing compared to the campus stadium in a college town. Sure, it will be nice. Yet, thinking that it will be UM/OSU part 2 is insane ... it will have nothing like the same feel.
I think that we have lost hope, because we see it as a money decision. Maybe, 20 years ago, the decision would be driven by something like tradition - or appeasing a fan base. But, now, it's an issue of tv contracts ... and we all know it. And, we know that, because of the inability of people (namely the Big Ten offices) to elevate tradition and heart above money and glitz, then we are going with the foregone conclusion. We all know what's talking - and it speaks louder than any of us can.
We've become so used to this game being the stamp on the season. Even in an average to bad season, the OSU game is the stamp on the season. Who cares about all the losses, when Tuchdown Tim goes off on OSU! Who cares about an amazing season if we lose to the Buckeyes. This has defined the season for Michigan Football.
What will that stamp be now? If multiple games happen after the OSU game, we will define the season by numbers - not tradition ... not heart. I can barely stomach it.
I don't think that I ever wanted more than 10. Though, I'm glad about PSU, and I think that Nebraska is a good fit too. And, I have to admit Adding Pitt, ND, Missouri, and Syracuse makes sense - none of the others do - if we're trying to protect the conference and maintain rivalries too. I hate to say it, Yet, I do agree with you that adding a few more teams does grant for more flexiblity, and could minimize some of the tension.
I can't not watch the game. Of course, I'll watch it. I'm just saying that wrecking The Game for something that's not all it's cracked up to be seems to be a poor decision. I'd far rather watch Michigan play another ream in the championship game - after they beat OSU during th regular season.
This has to be you? Because, this sounds just as stupid and sackless as his article over on which shall hence remain unviewed by this fan. Accepting Change - when it's regressive in its changes ... well, that's cowardice in my book. Go Blue!
I typically read Maize and Brew once or twice a week. I don't know how I had read over Dave's idiotic post. I'm not one to over react - typically so, at least. But, in good conscience I cannot read his posts any more. I can tolerate the debates over RichRod - even when I think people are being completely irrational and pessimistic. But, I cannot tolerate a person who has decided that he is not one of us. I don't think this is irrational at all ... I can understand how someone who has just been pulling for Michigan for the last 5 years to say it's not that big of a deal. But, anyone who's been loyal to THE TEAM, cannot suggest that it's not a big deal. At least acknowledge it's a big deal ... but how dare he act like it's not! To quote Luther, "Here I stand; I can do no other."
I really like that you look at things beyond wins and losses in your litmus test post. And, I tend to agree with you. While we can talk about the future, realizing that next year bears even more hope than this year, we ought to be able to expect basic competency this year - without apology. We've had enough apology, and it's not really about wins and losses ... it's about being able to do the things that good football teams do.
My question, though, hopefully looks at the other side of the litmus issue. Whereas you raise (non-loss) concerns that would be a litmus test of a negative answer to your question. What would be some (non-win) successes that would provide a positive answer to your litmus test?
You're right. Woolfolk's injury might cause some initial let down in the schemes and ability to match up, but it's difficult to put a win or loss to it. And, if this results in more experienced under classmen - which will translate to a better 2011 team (which is the season I think we're all really looking forward to), then we probably have to consider that we might be able to expect it as a net win (even if a loss comes from it this year).
You're right. Floyd was torching our guys - especially BC, but we have to also see that, just like Charlie Weiss failed (all be it, an injury helped us) to figure out a way to go to the same well time and time again, I think that we have a number of coaches whose arrogance or ignorance will keep them from doing exploitation well. Let's be real here ... how many coaches that we're going up against this year truly know how to go for the throat? That was Weiss' M.O. from his days with the Pats, yet, even he doesn't have that killer instinct like I thought he would.
I've been a homer for as long as I can remember - I'll admit it. But, I've become far more willing to admit reality since moving to SEC country a few years ago. Down here, I'm faced with some of the most illusioned people in the realm of sports - which has probably made me less of a homer, because I've thought, "rational people just cannot function the way they do down here."
As I've become increasingly more sober in my opinions of Michigan Football, I've been quite down as of late (because the media - especially in the South) seems to want Michigan to do poorly.
But, I think much of the media is wrong - and I'm saying that as a recovering homer. Personally, I'm glad that national expectations are so low. Sure, I fear the lack of depth in the secondary, but the more I read, the more I have a gut (and a rational) feeling that it's quite different. Reasons:
1. Real Leadership from a number of guys - not just one or two, but a core group
2. Second year under GERG, and I have enjoyed hearing what he says about the kids enjoying playing the game (I think their enjoyment says something different about the atmosphere).
3. The Fast guys are getting older
4. RichRod is exceptionally honest - even to a fault it seems. He's let us know when it was going to be bad. HE was always hopeful, even when he said it was going to be bad. Now, he's hopeful, but talks of so many more positives. HE's been around a while, and he understands what false expectations could do to his job security. With that being said, his encouraging words would only come from a seasoned coach who honestly believes what he's saying.
Recent Comments
I'll take Michigan over an SEC team any day! Despite being the "best conference" every year, Michigan sure seems to have our way with them.
It means those things ... Plus ... knowing the school: its history, its traditions, its lore ... and being utterly fired up by it. It's as though he's trying to say that even RichRod is a Michigan Man - or that anyone could be a Michigan Man instantly. Rich Rod is not a Michigan Man - now, I'm saying that as a supporter or his. He's not one. Does that mean that he's not good for the school? Not necessarily ... but it takes time to become a Michigan Man. He may become one some day. It's ok, Mr. Brandon to lift high the traditions and mystique. Please do so! Go Blue
Let's get the obvious out of the way ... RichRod has to have a winning season. No coach at a mildly successful school can withstand 3 straight losing seasons.
That said, I'd be willing to accept a minimal winning season, if what we see is a marked improvement in the playing of big-time college football. It's going to be a tough season - we know that. The vast majority of the teams we play will not hand us a victory; they're going to take more than zippy ninjas to beat. We have to play good football.
It's clear when a team is playing well - and we haven't for the last two years ... it often looked like we didn't deserve to be on the field. I think that, if we are able to tell a marked improvement in things like tackling, pace of the game, turnover ratio, broader open playbook, always being "in" the game - if all of those things are clear (And we just don't lose more than we win!) I'll say that I'm willing to hold on for one more year. If fundamentals improve, I can give one more year of support.
Personally, though, I'm hoping for 8 - and I think it's very reasonable to say that if the Michigan Football Hating Gods let us catch a few breaks, and we just hang in the games, and play better fundamental football ... I think we'll be fine.
Even then, though, if in year 4 we are not seeing a top shelf product on the field, I'll join the opposition against the coach.
What I find amazing is that everyone says that Rich Rod is on the hot seat - the hottest of them all; yet, I don't see anything in what DB has said that would suggest this. Which causes me to think that much of the temperature of the hot seat is really being created by the media - which is a vicious cycle - because, that causes the UM faithful to consider our coach on the hot seat, which makes us more sensitive, every time that any hint of an issue comes up.
Personally, I believe that if Michigan goes anything above 500, the coach will be fine. I believe that, because I think that most of us know that next year is the year that most of us have been looking for - and I don't think that's a pipe dream. DB has played the sport. He understands the need for continuity, he has the ability to see positives in the actual sport. Granted, he is obviously going to be pressured by perceptions - and what the media says. Yet, I don't think that he will get rid of the coach, unless the NCAA turns up the heat to where DB has to get rid of him, or if we have another losing season.
Rich Rod has done some stupid things - or so it seems. But, we all know that the guy can coach - and DB knows it too. He'll be our coach next year, barring any catastrophe.
I think that he, being naturally prone to favor the big ten, has shown a willingness to endorse michigan. Other than OSU, I hear him say more positive things about Michigan than anyone else - especially in the 2007 season.
If he has hatred toward UM, I can't see it. Of course, he does show bias toward OSU during The Game, but generally speaking, he gives us a fair shake - at least more than the other talking heads around the country do.
I think you owe me an apology as well, friend. I've never posted on rivals. I joined this site just this past week - and it's the only site I've ever posted on. I'm new at the whole thing all together - and am still trying to figure out how asking a question in genuine curiosity gets me labeled as a troll. I graduated from Michigan in 1999, and moved to Memphis in 2003. I don't know if you have an issue with some other person, but I do think your accusation is unfair. Check my posting history - it's only been loyal to Michigan, and reflects that I'm still trying to figure this out.
I think you're exactly right. We all love the past, and personally, I get pissed when a person says that the traditions are not important. They are - and we ought to get upset when things change drastically. Little things ... I'm ok with, but things that have defined Michigan football must be fought for.
Yet, talking about the past does us little good, if we can't figure out how to sustain those essentials in the future, it's all for naught.
The biggest of the main things that we have to focus on is the tradition of winning. Who cares about the traditions if we can't win - and traditions don't make us a winning program; they have given heart to the winningest program in college football. Is the Game a main thing - Of Course! Is it a main thing that it's the end of the season? Of Course!
But, the biggest main thing is winning - and winning The Game. And the questions that move toward figuring out restoring our traditions - making the main thing the main thing, and sustaining those traditions for the future. Those are the things that I want to hear.
Great Idea. I just can't see this free cups of water thing being a reality - or enough of a reason for us not to be annoyed by not being able to bring water into the stadium.
Has anyone been in the isles and actually noticed a substantial difference? Or, are we only talking a matter of a couple inches?
but, Pretty well is nothing compared to the campus stadium in a college town. Sure, it will be nice. Yet, thinking that it will be UM/OSU part 2 is insane ... it will have nothing like the same feel.
I think that we have lost hope, because we see it as a money decision. Maybe, 20 years ago, the decision would be driven by something like tradition - or appeasing a fan base. But, now, it's an issue of tv contracts ... and we all know it. And, we know that, because of the inability of people (namely the Big Ten offices) to elevate tradition and heart above money and glitz, then we are going with the foregone conclusion. We all know what's talking - and it speaks louder than any of us can.
We've become so used to this game being the stamp on the season. Even in an average to bad season, the OSU game is the stamp on the season. Who cares about all the losses, when Tuchdown Tim goes off on OSU! Who cares about an amazing season if we lose to the Buckeyes. This has defined the season for Michigan Football.
What will that stamp be now? If multiple games happen after the OSU game, we will define the season by numbers - not tradition ... not heart. I can barely stomach it.
I don't think that I ever wanted more than 10. Though, I'm glad about PSU, and I think that Nebraska is a good fit too. And, I have to admit Adding Pitt, ND, Missouri, and Syracuse makes sense - none of the others do - if we're trying to protect the conference and maintain rivalries too. I hate to say it, Yet, I do agree with you that adding a few more teams does grant for more flexiblity, and could minimize some of the tension.
I can't not watch the game. Of course, I'll watch it. I'm just saying that wrecking The Game for something that's not all it's cracked up to be seems to be a poor decision. I'd far rather watch Michigan play another ream in the championship game - after they beat OSU during th regular season.
I'm thankful for their similar response too.
This has to be you? Because, this sounds just as stupid and sackless as his article over on which shall hence remain unviewed by this fan. Accepting Change - when it's regressive in its changes ... well, that's cowardice in my book. Go Blue!
I typically read Maize and Brew once or twice a week. I don't know how I had read over Dave's idiotic post. I'm not one to over react - typically so, at least. But, in good conscience I cannot read his posts any more. I can tolerate the debates over RichRod - even when I think people are being completely irrational and pessimistic. But, I cannot tolerate a person who has decided that he is not one of us. I don't think this is irrational at all ... I can understand how someone who has just been pulling for Michigan for the last 5 years to say it's not that big of a deal. But, anyone who's been loyal to THE TEAM, cannot suggest that it's not a big deal. At least acknowledge it's a big deal ... but how dare he act like it's not! To quote Luther, "Here I stand; I can do no other."
Are you saying that Michigan wins are contingent upon fan optimism?
I really like that you look at things beyond wins and losses in your litmus test post. And, I tend to agree with you. While we can talk about the future, realizing that next year bears even more hope than this year, we ought to be able to expect basic competency this year - without apology. We've had enough apology, and it's not really about wins and losses ... it's about being able to do the things that good football teams do.
My question, though, hopefully looks at the other side of the litmus issue. Whereas you raise (non-loss) concerns that would be a litmus test of a negative answer to your question. What would be some (non-win) successes that would provide a positive answer to your litmus test?
You're right. Woolfolk's injury might cause some initial let down in the schemes and ability to match up, but it's difficult to put a win or loss to it. And, if this results in more experienced under classmen - which will translate to a better 2011 team (which is the season I think we're all really looking forward to), then we probably have to consider that we might be able to expect it as a net win (even if a loss comes from it this year).
You're right. Floyd was torching our guys - especially BC, but we have to also see that, just like Charlie Weiss failed (all be it, an injury helped us) to figure out a way to go to the same well time and time again, I think that we have a number of coaches whose arrogance or ignorance will keep them from doing exploitation well. Let's be real here ... how many coaches that we're going up against this year truly know how to go for the throat? That was Weiss' M.O. from his days with the Pats, yet, even he doesn't have that killer instinct like I thought he would.
I've been a homer for as long as I can remember - I'll admit it. But, I've become far more willing to admit reality since moving to SEC country a few years ago. Down here, I'm faced with some of the most illusioned people in the realm of sports - which has probably made me less of a homer, because I've thought, "rational people just cannot function the way they do down here."
As I've become increasingly more sober in my opinions of Michigan Football, I've been quite down as of late (because the media - especially in the South) seems to want Michigan to do poorly.
But, I think much of the media is wrong - and I'm saying that as a recovering homer. Personally, I'm glad that national expectations are so low. Sure, I fear the lack of depth in the secondary, but the more I read, the more I have a gut (and a rational) feeling that it's quite different. Reasons:
1. Real Leadership from a number of guys - not just one or two, but a core group
2. Second year under GERG, and I have enjoyed hearing what he says about the kids enjoying playing the game (I think their enjoyment says something different about the atmosphere).
3. The Fast guys are getting older
4. RichRod is exceptionally honest - even to a fault it seems. He's let us know when it was going to be bad. HE was always hopeful, even when he said it was going to be bad. Now, he's hopeful, but talks of so many more positives. HE's been around a while, and he understands what false expectations could do to his job security. With that being said, his encouraging words would only come from a seasoned coach who honestly believes what he's saying.