Matt EM

October 1st, 2009 at 7:43 PM ^

This might sound somewhat sick, but I hope that Boobi is seriously hindered by that shoulder. If not, it just confirms that a man that is slower than a good portion of DE's has taken his spot on the depth chart. This is not good

jg2112

October 1st, 2009 at 8:32 PM ^

then there is no reason to bury him. No he hasn't played well, and I'm not going to go over the mitigating issues again. More importantly, I'm not hanging anything that happened in 2008, with THAT defense, on Cissoko's head. It's pretty obvious looking back there was a serious issue throughout that unit that affected everyone's skills, development and performance, especially that of a true freshman.

For now, let's all lay off the kid, let him recover, and then support him.

And again, I want to remind everyone here that Stevie Brown is waiting for an apology for all the grief he took the past two years despite playing out of position at the coaches' direction. It is obvious, in the position he is in, that he can be, and is, a fine football player.

touchdown chad henne

October 1st, 2009 at 8:38 PM ^

Didn't Cissoko play most of his time in the nickel position last year? I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of him just because of MSU's current passing attack. Plus with Stevie Brown playing the hybrid that might give us the speed we're going to need to slow them down.

That said, we haven't gone to a lot of nickel looks this year, as per the UFRs.

3rdGenerationBlue

October 1st, 2009 at 8:48 PM ^

Couldn't agree more. Cissoko's a sophmore AND there has been plenty of talk about a lingering injury so please put down the pitch forks. Remember that Warren's play wasn't consistent last year but off season surgery and another year of maturity have him playing well. Let's hope for the same with Boo-boo.

Since I'm on my soap box...while we may want every player to be the second coming of Charles Woodson the fact is many of them are just so-so. But unless there is evidence that they aren't giving 100% cut them some slack. This includes calling any player "death" particularly if they are a walk on.

rlew

October 1st, 2009 at 8:56 PM ^

I appreciate your point and agree that we should err on the side of cutting kids slack, especially when they're doing all that they can to improve and help the team win. I really do understand what you're getting at.

That being said...I mean...what if said player actually, kind of is...well...death? We all know he's trying hard. We all appreciate the fact that he's giving up a lot of time and dedicating himself to improving and helping the team win. But, man, he's still kinda...DEATH.

3rdGenerationBlue

October 2nd, 2009 at 9:31 AM ^

Before pressing the keys in the safety of your own home ask yourself if you would call Sheridan or any other player on the team "death" to their face. Come to think of it I wonder what Barwis' reaction would be?

Muttley

October 1st, 2009 at 9:47 PM ^

The Death tag bounces of Nick and sticks on Coner

It doesn't rhyme, so sue me.

The honorable mention high school all-conference walk on beats out the three-star, scholarship player.

When you shrieked to the heavens "Why is he on the field?", the answer was because the alternative was worse.

dpb

October 1st, 2009 at 8:55 PM ^

why would you bury anyone on the team? I can understand being disappointed with someones performance, or wondering why the team can't perform better, but these are 20 year old kids working their asses off for the team. If there was some indication that he wasn't working hard enough, then I could understand it. But I don't understand all the anger against him. He's trying his best and he can't cut it, I don't think we cant hold it against him.

(This isn't at you jg, just seemed a decent place to put it). I've just always been miffed when UM fans boo or jeer their own players, for lack of talent. I'm sure I'm a bit defensive about it, but I don't understand it at all.

jg2112

October 1st, 2009 at 10:19 PM ^

Michigan players. I love Michigan football and I support the players, so even when a guy like Ezeh frustrates me by his sometimes slow reactions, I just wait for him to make a good play and applaud that.

And personally, I think they're doing fine given their time with Robinson and the mess in 2008. The team is steadily improving in their defensive looks. I've watched a lot of teams this year, and outside of Florida, Alabama, USC and Ohio State, I haven't seen many teams that cannot be exploited defensively. It's just the way of college football.

Further, given what we know now about the amount of time (wink) they put in to get better and to get their education, and the demands put on them by Rodriguez and Barwis, I'm with you - I'm even less apt to criticize the team because it's not an issue of either preparation or effort - it's maybe talent, and probably coaching and experience. Talent is what it is. For coaching and experience, we just need to be patient.

16 or 17 of the current players in the two deep will still be at Michigan in 2011, just think about that. Plus, you can add Turner, Emilien, Avery, the Talbotts, Gordon, Big Will Campbell, Marvin Robinson, Wilkins, Paskorz, LaLota, and other 2010 recruits to that depth. Things will be very good here in the future.

In sum, all I'm just saying is wait until a guy has played 2-3 full years in his slot, not 2 1/2 games, before jumping to conclusions. Further, 2008 was a huge complication. And, given what we know now about Warren, why the rush to condemn Cissoko when rumors of injury abound?

So, that's a long winded way of saying I agree with you. Forza Azul.

dpb

October 1st, 2009 at 11:49 PM ^

Well said, I agree with you every step of the way. Interesting you mentioned Ezeh, because I feel the same way. I scream at the tv when he doesn't hit his gap or bites a fake, but I have a ton of respect for him, because he never seems to give up. I'm sure he's as frustrated as we are, he knows he's not playing up to his potential, but he's out there working hard til the end of the game.

While we're talking about the defense, I just want to say I love watching Donovan Warren play. He just looks like he wants to win more than anything.

God I love this team.

tomhagan

October 2nd, 2009 at 12:09 AM ^

That is an odd thing to say. I would hope Boo Boo improves.. and say what you want about Floyd, but he usually is in decent position on passes and is an excellent tackler. Kid is going to be a good player, IMO...regardless of if he is not super fast. Maybe it will be as a strong safety, but Floyd can play football.

MCHammer-smooth

October 1st, 2009 at 7:47 PM ^

Are you talking about booboo? Boobi makes me think of Gibson the guard for the Cavs. I just hope whoever starts is able to stop the deep ball and at least make the hitch a tough completion. I expect to see booboo in the game quite a bit though. I'm not giving up on the kid.

This was a reply to Matt D.

GVBlue86

October 1st, 2009 at 7:53 PM ^

seemed to have a lot of upside last year and he has physical tools and obvious confidence (maybe too much)which is so important at DB. I don't get how he can be so bad, I just don't.

jerseyblue

October 1st, 2009 at 7:54 PM ^

Does anyone know the specifics on what is holding back Justin Turner? I know, I know, he's a freshman. But what do the coaches see that says he's not ready. Not questioning anyone's judgement.Just curious.

Blue_Bull_Run

October 1st, 2009 at 8:04 PM ^

The coaches continually say that he's behind. The inference is that its the result of him arriving at fall practice late because of his academic issue, although I guess it could be any number of reasons.

Personally, if he's still not ready by week 5, I'd think twice before burning the red shirt (crap, did we already burn it on special teams?).

Blue_Bull_Run

October 1st, 2009 at 7:56 PM ^

Can you give a summary of what he said about Tate? "Tate's sore and will play a few snaps", or "Tate's sore now but will be 100% by Saturday," or something inbetween? Any indication?

rlew

October 1st, 2009 at 8:03 PM ^

Regarding Tate, this is directly from the linked article:

-------

Rodriguez also reiterated that quarterback Tate Forcier will play against the Spartans despite a sore shoulder.

Forcier was limited in practice earlier this week, but returned without limitation on Wednesday....

"I don't know if he's 100 percent without soreness," Rodriguez said. "But there's no limitations and there's no damages there. He's good."

Blue_Bull_Run

October 1st, 2009 at 8:05 PM ^

Thanks. Sorry, I am on a mobile device and probably should have just clicked the link.

Sounds to me like Tate is fine, assuming RichRod isn't trying to mislead anyone (any why would we have the injury report in the first place if RichRod finds it valuable to mislead other teams?)

antoo

October 1st, 2009 at 8:06 PM ^

between class today. He was wearing a hoodie and had both of his hands in the pocket/pouch. I'm worried he might have Raynaud phenomenon (thanks Web MD).

blueblueblue

October 1st, 2009 at 9:29 PM ^

Yes, "further" is used to indicate distance or extent in cases in which the distance is not known or when distance is spoken of in an abstract sense. It is often contrasted and confused with "farther".

Sorry - the wine has put me in a joking mood. Anyway, I think his technique is lacking (I am sure someone more knowledgeable - like Magnus - could break down his technical issues further), and perhaps his stature is hindering him, which I think are affecting his mental state, i.e., his focus.

tmiller

October 1st, 2009 at 10:37 PM ^

Again, I don't disagree with you, but more often than not mental state will affect physical performance. If you head is not right, then you can't perform. I am sure you have heard people say that attitude is everything. I respect your opinion, but I think he has all the tools. He just needs to focus his mental energy into having success instead of not failing. He will work out just fine. I hope he keeps that chip on his shoulder though.

Mfan1974

October 1st, 2009 at 9:24 PM ^

PLUG IN THE BEST 22 PLAYERS AND LET THEM SMACK THE OTHER GUYS AROUND THE FIELD, I DON'T CARE IF THE KID HAS BEEN ON CAMPUS 2 MONTHS OR 2 YEARS, THE BEST PLAYERS GETS THE SNAPS THAT COUNT