Mo Hurst to play in bowl game (per Harbaugh)

Submitted by amir_6 on

Harbaugh says Mo Hurst will play in the bowl game

— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) December 20, 2017

Harbaugh on Hurst: he wants to do what's best for the team

— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) December 20, 2017
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Skidmark

December 20th, 2017 at 9:34 PM ^

That no one on the board is being critical of potential high pick players who might opt out of a bowl game as a way of preserving their future NFL career. It’s a tough issue to sort out for the fan, but when millions of dollars are potentially at stake it’s hard to substitute your judgment for a kid who has sweated blood to get to the next level.

Joined: 12/19/2017

MGoPoints: 1091

jabberwock

December 20th, 2017 at 11:20 PM ^

I've got no problem being critical of players that opt out of bowl games.
For a variety of reasons:

They sign up to play, they should play

Career ending injuries are statistically very rare.

This isn't pro tennis where your absence only hurts yourself.  You are letting down teammates, and the boost to their draft stock with a win.  Coaches can get fired.  Recruiting momentum can take a big hit with a loss (assuming the players absence is that noteworthy)

and then there's the slippery slope of where does it end?  

Do we only "understand" if it's a fan favorite?  What if the player is a douchebag?

How would you feel if they skipped the OSU game?  We were'nt playing for the B1G Championship anyway.

Maybe as soon as a HS kid gets his LOI in he can sit out his HS senior season?  It's all leading to the same payout at the end right?

I understand that there are real risks, and while insurance policies aren't a magical cure they can mitigate those risks.  Not all players can afford them however so I'd like to see some NCAA rules allowing AD funded insurance pools for players that can cover career threatening injuries.

Until some rules like that are in place I can't actually hate on a player, but i think the direction this has gone sucks, and i'm afraid it's going to get worse before it gets better.

I'd say that Harbaugh is the perfect person to lead this fight to the NCAA, except for the fact that they hate him and it would probably end up worse.

Joined: 07/04/2008

MGoPoints: 51146

Coldwater

December 20th, 2017 at 9:54 PM ^

I'm glad he's playing, because we have a better chance of winning. Michigan needs a bowl win to have some much needed positive energy going into 2018. I hope to God he doesn't get hurt like Butt did though.

Joined: 12/14/2008

MGoPoints: 11234

SpilledMilk

December 20th, 2017 at 10:45 PM ^

Bowl games are considered post season play and the bowl records count for both the program and the coach. It's a bigger deal than what some folks are making it out to be. I know they're playing lowly SC but a bowl win is a bowl win

Joined: 10/15/2017

MGoPoints: 2895

SpilledMilk

December 20th, 2017 at 10:42 PM ^

I wouldn't have been disappointed at all if he chose to sit this one out. Much respect for Mo. * Hope all the guys make it through bowl practices without obtaining any injuries that could make them a last minute scratch for the bowl game. Good luck fellas

Joined: 10/15/2017

MGoPoints: 2895

M-Dog

December 21st, 2017 at 8:11 AM ^

I'm going to miss Mo. 

Like, Denard-level miss him.

Well, if he's going to step up like that, we need to beat another SEC team in a bowl game 41-7.

 

Joined: 07/06/2008

MGoPoints: 257517

GoBlueDiggity

December 21st, 2017 at 12:51 PM ^

easily one of my favorite players to watch in a michigan uni in my lifetime. i wonder why he wasn't a captain this year, though. i know he's pretty even keeled in terms of his demeanor and lets his play do the talking, but man he's the definition of a leader by example. love me some mo belly rubs

Joined: 07/24/2016

MGoPoints: -378

GoBlueDiggity

December 21st, 2017 at 12:55 PM ^

also, anyone know how mo's size will affect his draft stock? i know he's incredibly explosive, quick, and stro  ng, but he is only 285 last i checked. i suppose hell bulk up at the next level but that seems to me to be the ONLY thing that could prevent him from going top 15

Joined: 07/24/2016

MGoPoints: -378

NoVaWolverine

December 21st, 2017 at 1:20 PM ^

After watching Aaron Donald (6'0", 285) wreck their offensive lines for the past 4 years as a three-technique DT, smart NFL teams aren't gonna pass on Hurst after watching his tape. The Rams took Donald with the 13th pick in 2014, and I imagine Mo won't last much beyond that range.

John Randle, 6x All-Pro with the Vikings and Seahawks, was another player like Hurst -- a little shorter and lighter than "ideal," yet lightning quick and explosive. Current Bengals DT Geno Atkins is another good comp. Atkins went in the fourth round but is a 3-time All-Pro.

Joined: 09/07/2010

MGoPoints: 1756

JWG Wolverine

December 21st, 2017 at 3:55 PM ^

Most exciting news today! F the NFL. You’re a Michigan Man. Glad to see my man Mo Hurst make this decision! Hopefully come 1/1 he’ll be commanding South Carolina to “GET IN MY BELLY”!

Joined: 01/07/2017

MGoPoints: 28434