jml969

October 11th, 2009 at 11:49 PM ^

DK didn't notice any rift between TF and RR when he was on the sidelines.
No one from the sidelines were surprised that DR took the last series- showed a lot of confidence in him to run the O .
He saw TF shaking his hand on the last series he played-possibly hurt it.
Also He didn't see the QBs in the locker room.
BG being a leader in the locker room

His thoughts on the line play on both sides of the ball was better
His thoughts on the D- corners played well but the safeties got some talking to by GR

He thinks that Mich stadium is the loudest in the B10 compared to Iowa and MSU

PF 34

October 12th, 2009 at 2:56 AM ^

I'm not sure about that... I can't read the rivals artice because i'm not a member but I think something is up between RR and Tate.

During the MSU game, Tate ran out on the field to fire up the defence on MSU's last possession. I remember thinking to myself about what a leader he already is on this team. He showed alot of courage and heart doing that, and I think it really inspired the team.

During the Iowa game, tate attempted to do the same thing but rich rod stopped him. I can't remember exactly what happened but i'm downloading a torrent of the game right now and I'll post when I look into it.

jg2112

October 12th, 2009 at 7:18 AM ^

between RR and Tate? Not a chance.

The Coach said there's nothing going on. What you saw Saturday night was a coach getting frustrated and coaching his young player.

Tate obviously has happy feet and it's affecting the passing game. If you noticed, Denard's passes on the TD drive, even when on the rollout, were mechanically sound. Tate's passing performance Saturday night was terrible. There's no controversy there.

Thorin

October 12th, 2009 at 4:39 AM ^

Maybe DK didn't notice RR yelling at TF almost every time he came off the field but anyone who watched the game on TV did. It wasn't quite Lloyd STFUing Mallett, more like on the spot corrections made with extreme intensity and volume.

That said, I don't think the decision to pull TF or the decision to stick with DR were influenced by emotion. RR looked calm before the offense went on the field before the last series. It was clear that DR was being given instructions and was obviously going in but TF looked like he tried to pretend like he didn't notice that and run on the field anyway. RR stopped him and give him a little pat on the helmet.

RR has done a great job keeping both of them happy with their roles but I have to wonder how much of that has to do with TF's early success. I have a hard time believing he will ever accept not being The Man. Personally, I hardly have a preference as they're both about as likely to pull a TD out of their ass or turn it over at any moment.

Route66

October 12th, 2009 at 8:41 AM ^

"It was clear that DR was being given instructions and was obviously going in but TF looked like he tried to pretend like he didn't notice that and run on the field anyway. RR stopped him and give him a little pat on the helmet."

No, it was clear that Tate just wanted to tell DR to get after it and win this game. Do you really think that Tate thought he was running in with the O after they had just huddled and he was not in it?

tpilews

October 12th, 2009 at 11:03 AM ^

That was my impression too. I thought Tate was showing he wanted to be the QB. It wasn't really that big of a deal. You want that out of your QB. I've got no problem with Tate doing that. I don't think there is anything going on between Tate and RR; just coaching.

jml969

October 11th, 2009 at 11:42 PM ^

Man, BG is an awesome player and leader. I liked how, it's been reported, that he was in the locker room and telling everyone the season is not over and he's not letting the season slip away. I read from a previous Rivals article how the locker room was really quiet after the loss to MSU. BG was the only vocal one telling his teammates " to remember how this feels" so that they would be motivated the next game to avoid that feeling again. When BG leaves I hope we someone that's going to replace his strength and leadership qualities

tomhagan

October 11th, 2009 at 11:57 PM ^

BG reminds me of Mathis from the Colts. Speed, power, athleticism. He should be, and probably will be a top 20 pick.

Maize and Blue…

October 12th, 2009 at 10:43 AM ^

IMHO Lamarr Woodley had a better career yet was a second round pick. I find it hard to believe BG is going in the top 20 unless it is a real weak year for rush ends.
Of course, where you get drafted is irrelevant. It's what you do on the field after you're drafted that counts.

ameed

October 12th, 2009 at 10:15 AM ^

He sacked Brady Quinn (or maybe it was his backup) in garbage minutes against ND in 2006, Ill take it. :-)

In all seriousness, anyone know what effect burning a redshirt for special teams and garbage minutes has on a players future performance? I would guess the experience helps but an extra year as a 21-23 year would probably outweigh those gains.