Whatever Comment Count

Brian

1/1/2018 – Michigan 19, South Carolina 26 – 8-5, end of season

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[Marc-Gregor Campredon]

I don't know how people get mad about this shit still. I just turn off, because for the last decade Michigan football has been either a disappointment or in a brief interim period that sets you up to be disappointed. But yes many many people still get fucking furious about Michigan football for some reason.

I'm tired of talking about it. I'm tired of this cycle that always seems to be at the bottom. I'm tired of this toxic-ass fanbase screaming at stuff. I could muster some takes, I guess, but I've already said them and anyway they seem beside the point. December was nice since it lacked football. 2018, so far, is bad because it had football.

In a situation like that I'd rather not talk about football. Especially because I have nothing left to say. Maybe it'll be better next year. Maybe it won't. Either way it's a meaningless distraction on the way to the grave. Eat at Arby's.

Comments

WheatleyFast

January 2nd, 2018 at 5:55 PM ^

I personally don't feel like I have any power that will help the situation with Michigan other than hope next year is much better... which I think it will be. If I could work out harder or study some film and make something happen I'd give it a try. Other than that I won't dwell or let it ruin my day/week/new year. We are competitive, have two 10-win seasons in the past 3.

Do you want another coaching staff? If so, who?

WheatleyFast

January 2nd, 2018 at 5:55 PM ^

I personally don't feel like I have any power that will help the situation with Michigan other than hope next year is much better... which I think it will be. If I could work out harder or study some film and make something happen I'd give it a try. Other than that I won't dwell or let it ruin my day/week/new year. We are competitive, have two 10-win seasons in the past 3.

Do you want another coaching staff? If so, who?

JFra

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:00 AM ^

I don't think there's anything to be rabid about. The team went out and did pretty much what the majority of sane fans expected, 8-5. Florida ended up being bad, and MSU bounced back this year. The rest of the chips fell as they should.

I'll give you the loss to SC, but in reality, it was the same problems we saw all year (besides FG kicking) that accumulated in one game. Combined with a RS Freshman starting in his 5th game, you're gonna have a bad time.

Alumnus93

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:42 AM ^

Agreed... that was a letdown by the writer, if there ever was one.

A seasoned senior QB, in this case, Speight, was our way back to prominence, and he got hurt, which was a big setback.  Recall he blew it vs Iowa and OSU, but he was young... a more mature Speight doesn't do this, and we get over the hump.....   BUT THEN vs Purdue, he gets hurt, and OKorn couldnt hack it.. so then we go to a freshman QB Peters, that, played to expectation, of a freshman.  This is where we are.  Thats all... a setback, and now have to wait for mature QB production, and it appears it is PATTERSON.

What was very surprising to me was that Speight left, and didn't stay for next season, where he'd be a very seasoned and mature QB... and instead Pep and Jim wanted to go with youth in Peters... they are now reaping what they sowed. 

Alumnus93

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:42 AM ^

Agreed... that was a letdown by the writer, if there ever was one.

A seasoned senior QB, in this case, Speight, was our way back to prominence, and he got hurt, which was a big setback.  Recall he blew it vs Iowa and OSU, but he was young... a more mature Speight doesn't do this, and we get over the hump.....   BUT THEN vs Purdue, he gets hurt, and OKorn couldnt hack it.. so then we go to a freshman QB Peters, that, played to expectation, of a freshman.  This is where we are.  Thats all... a setback, and now have to wait for mature QB production, and it appears it is PATTERSON.

What was very surprising to me was that Speight left, and didn't stay for next season, where he'd be a very seasoned and mature QB... and instead Pep and Jim wanted to go with youth in Peters... they are now reaping what they sowed. 

Alumnus93

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:42 AM ^

Agreed... that was a letdown by the writer, if there ever was one.

A seasoned senior QB, in this case, Speight, was our way back to prominence, and he got hurt, which was a big setback.  Recall he blew it vs Iowa and OSU, but he was young... a more mature Speight doesn't do this, and we get over the hump.....   BUT THEN vs Purdue, he gets hurt, and OKorn couldnt hack it.. so then we go to a freshman QB Peters, that, played to expectation, of a freshman.  This is where we are.  Thats all... a setback, and now have to wait for mature QB production, and it appears it is PATTERSON.

What was very surprising to me was that Speight left, and didn't stay for next season, where he'd be a very seasoned and mature QB... and instead Pep and Jim wanted to go with youth in Peters... they are now reaping what they sowed. 

Alumnus93

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:42 AM ^

Agreed... that was a letdown by the writer, if there ever was one.

A seasoned senior QB, in this case, Speight, was our way back to prominence, and he got hurt, which was a big setback.  Recall he blew it vs Iowa and OSU, but he was young... a more mature Speight doesn't do this, and we get over the hump.....   BUT THEN vs Purdue, he gets hurt, and OKorn couldnt hack it.. so then we go to a freshman QB Peters, that, played to expectation, of a freshman.  This is where we are.  Thats all... a setback, and now have to wait for mature QB production, and it appears it is PATTERSON.

What was very surprising to me was that Speight left, and didn't stay for next season, where he'd be a very seasoned and mature QB... and instead Pep and Jim wanted to go with youth in Peters... they are now reaping what they sowed. 

Alumnus93

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:42 AM ^

Agreed... that was a letdown by the writer, if there ever was one.

A seasoned senior QB, in this case, Speight, was our way back to prominence, and he got hurt, which was a big setback.  Recall he blew it vs Iowa and OSU, but he was young... a more mature Speight doesn't do this, and we get over the hump.....   BUT THEN vs Purdue, he gets hurt, and OKorn couldnt hack it.. so then we go to a freshman QB Peters, that, played to expectation, of a freshman.  This is where we are.  Thats all... a setback, and now have to wait for mature QB production, and it appears it is PATTERSON.

What was very surprising to me was that Speight left, and didn't stay for next season, where he'd be a very seasoned and mature QB... and instead Pep and Jim wanted to go with youth in Peters... they are now reaping what they sowed. 

Alumnus93

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:42 AM ^

Agreed... that was a letdown by the writer, if there ever was one.

A seasoned senior QB, in this case, Speight, was our way back to prominence, and he got hurt, which was a big setback.  Recall he blew it vs Iowa and OSU, but he was young... a more mature Speight doesn't do this, and we get over the hump.....   BUT THEN vs Purdue, he gets hurt, and OKorn couldnt hack it.. so then we go to a freshman QB Peters, that, played to expectation, of a freshman.  This is where we are.  Thats all... a setback, and now have to wait for mature QB production, and it appears it is PATTERSON.

What was very surprising to me was that Speight left, and didn't stay for next season, where he'd be a very seasoned and mature QB... and instead Pep and Jim wanted to go with youth in Peters... they are now reaping what they sowed. 

Alumnus93

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:42 AM ^

Agreed... that was a letdown by the writer, if there ever was one.

A seasoned senior QB, in this case, Speight, was our way back to prominence, and he got hurt, which was a big setback.  Recall he blew it vs Iowa and OSU, but he was young... a more mature Speight doesn't do this, and we get over the hump.....   BUT THEN vs Purdue, he gets hurt, and OKorn couldnt hack it.. so then we go to a freshman QB Peters, that, played to expectation, of a freshman.  This is where we are.  Thats all... a setback, and now have to wait for mature QB production, and it appears it is PATTERSON.

What was very surprising to me was that Speight left, and didn't stay for next season, where he'd be a very seasoned and mature QB... and instead Pep and Jim wanted to go with youth in Peters... they are now reaping what they sowed. 

Alumnus93

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:43 AM ^

Agreed... that was a letdown by the writer, if there ever was one. Sounds hung over..

A seasoned senior QB, in this case, Speight, was our way back to prominence, and he got hurt, which was a big setback.  Recall he blew it vs Iowa and OSU, but he was young... a more mature Speight doesn't do this, and we get over the hump.....   BUT THEN vs Purdue, he gets hurt, and OKorn couldnt hack it.. so then we go to a freshman QB Peters, that, played to expectation, of a freshman.  This is where we are.  Thats all... a setback, and now have to wait for mature QB production, and it appears it is PATTERSON.

What was very surprising to me was that Speight left, and didn't stay for next season, where he'd be a very seasoned and mature QB... and instead Pep and Jim wanted to go with youth in Peters... they are now reaping what they sowed. 

WheatleyFast

January 2nd, 2018 at 10:42 AM ^

I just support and move on. If next year is as bad or worse I'd support getting rid of some or all staff but I don't think it will be as bad.

I do wish I could be a factor in them winning. Maybe if I wear a certain shirt or worked out harder the football gods would attribute that hard work to Michigan football and we'd be better. But, I assume that doesn't do anything so I won't stress about out team's loss.

Go Blue!

N. Campus Tech

January 2nd, 2018 at 10:42 AM ^

We knew 12 months ago that this was going to be a rebuilding year. The recruiting mistakes for 2013 through 2015 have come home to roost.

We were projected to win 8.5 games with a healthy starting QB, who barely made it to conference play. We won 8.

It wasn't fun, but it wasn't unexpected either. 

The defense got gassed at the end of games. This is due to a lack of depth on the D-Line and spending too much time on the field because the offense can have sustained drives. 

The offense was clunky and injury riddled. Hopefully there is an improvement with 8 months of practice and physicall growth. They don't lose much, so having the familarity with each other should be a plus.

Not sure if the offensive coaches are all meshing. There seems to be conflicting philosophies (zone v power) that wasn't there the last two years. I don't think this is all on playing freshmen.

In summary, patience. We are trending in the right direction. It would have been nice to win that MSU game, though.

cmd600

January 2nd, 2018 at 10:44 AM ^

“But yes many many people still get fucking furious about Michigan football for some reason.”

For some reason? It is obviously because a lot of people devote a lot of time, money, and energy into this team, and getting smacked in the face for that loyalty really sucks. Yes, more of this fanbase needs to go take a walk and get some fresh air or play with their kid instead of getting angry. That doesn’t mean they should be expected to act like Northwestern fans when the team plays like crap against S&P+ #66. How many people spent their New Years in Tampa to see their $7M coach run out a performance like that? The program looked awful and deserves criticism, and the site that has become the thought leader on Michigan football can’t muster more than “eat at Arby’s”.

For better or worse, this site thrives off the fact that a whole bunch of people are devoted to Michigan football. That they want to see someone break down every single play of every single game. It seems disingenuous to say “come along for the ride” when things are going well, and “screw, you jerks” when they aren’t.

hfhmilkman

January 2nd, 2018 at 10:44 AM ^

I am looking forward to next year when we run the table going into the OSU game and all of these Harbaugh haters talk about what a great coach he is and what great fans they are.

Soulfire21

January 2nd, 2018 at 10:45 AM ^

I keep alternating between "our ceiling appears to be 10 wins in any given year" and "Dabo went 6-7 in year 3 at Clemson".

I dunno, I'll be watching to find out though.

Pepto Bismol

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:05 AM ^

That was only Frost's 2nd year at UCF, not 3rd. That means half of his players weren't recruited by him. And they already created an offense capable of lighting up Auburn out of second tier recruits.

Michigan's problem is at the coaching level, and I never expected to say that.

funkywolve

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:41 AM ^

The cupboard wasn't bare.  UCF was one of the better non-power 5 programs from 2010-2014.  Over that 5 year stretch UCF won 4 division titles, 3 conference titles, played in a BCS bowl game and won 10 or more games 3 times.  I don't know what happened with the implosiion in 2015 but Frost wasn't taking over a program where the cupboard was bare.

dougr188

January 2nd, 2018 at 10:45 AM ^

I feel like this post may be the moment Brian realized Harbaugh wasn't everything he thought Harbaugh would be.  This is driven home by the fact that there really isn't any other option.

SpikeFan2016

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:31 AM ^

"Anyone who disagrees with this coaching staff should be mocked with impunity", or something to that effect, a few months ago..... and now when he realizes he was wrong he just shuts down. 

 

Nice. 

 

This fanbase is not "toxic-ass", anymore than any other fanbase; on the contrary, we seem to be one of the few fanbases with a large segment that views any criticism, despite literally no meaningful results to hang your hat on, as some irrational disloyalty.

Yes, many people are stupid/nasty in any fanbase, but the vast majority of the criticism is valid.

This post right here is a bad take and more mockworthy than most of the fanbase reaction recently.

 

The opposite of love isn't hate, it's apathy. It's sad that this blog is now pushing that rather than taking a critical analysis of the problems at hand. 

HateSparty

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:36 AM ^

Timeline is there though. The AD office shit the bed after he left and the fan base turned on the team to a degree. Don’t underestimate his influence. He expected the program to excel. People listened.

jmblue

January 2nd, 2018 at 11:40 AM ^

The fanbase really has had little to do with any of this.  Through it all, we've continued to fill up the stadium (Hoke's last year excepted) and give Michigan sky-high TV ratings.  A small minority of fans - the ones that harass Brian on Twitter - are not representative of the whole.

Unicycle Firefly

January 2nd, 2018 at 10:49 AM ^

I try to not care or get angry, until I get the email from the athletic department reminding me to pay my exorbitant (and no longer tax deductible!) PSD for what is almost a lock to be another 4-5 loss season next year. Harbaugh should pay it for me.

Perkis-Size Me

January 2nd, 2018 at 10:51 AM ^

I'm in the same boat. Meh. Whatever at this point. It'd be great to have an elite team, especially one that is elite year in and year out like OSU, but at the end of the day, football is just entertainment. Doesn't directly make my life any better or worse regardless of what happens, and same goes for OSU fans: regardless of what their team does, they wake up the next day to their normal lives. They're going to work, paying bills, dealing with debt, family problems, and every-day shit just like us. They're not the ones playing the game, and nothing has really changed for them, either. 

Honestly wasn't even all that mad about the game yesterday. I was bummed for 5-10 minutes, mostly for guys like Hurst who gave their all and just deserved a better ending to their college careers. They deserved better from their coaches. But I got over it, moved on with my day, made dinner for my wife and I as we watched an amazing Rose Bowl, and just enjoyed my evening. 

I know I'd feel differently if this team was winning, but the sad truth is that this team isn't winning. It's a losing team with a losing culture, and once it gets punched in the mouth it has no will to fight back. I watched Georgia get whalloped in the first half yesterday and they hunkered down and roared back to victory. Put Michigan in that situation and the team rolls over and dies after the first quarter. It is what it is, and I'm well at peace with that. I'm not the one playing the game. I have nothing at stake except my feelings of whether I was entertained or not. 

So I really don't get all that upset when I see OSU fans having what looks like the time of their life after winning big games. Brian said it well: football is a distraction on the way to the grave. If your team wins, great. If not, the sun comes up the next day and your day-to-day life hasn't changed one bit.

JFW

January 2nd, 2018 at 10:54 AM ^

" especially one that is elite year in and year out like OSU"

But they got blown out by Clemson last year, Iowa this year, and defeated by Oklahoma. 

If we had the same record there would be a significant number of fans saying we aren't elite and can't win 'the big one'. 

JFW

January 2nd, 2018 at 10:52 AM ^

The game sucked. This season was a pain. I've been through worse. 

The tough part is watching things that we think should be in the bag (QB, O line development, etc.) struggle. 

But we have to keep this in perspective. We went 8-5. Last year MSU fans were hating life. This year they are crowing. Two years ago Franklin was on the hot seat. Then shit turned around. It happens. Each college season is a discrete event. 

I for one have faith in Harbaugh. We'll get there. I think had he gone 8-4 year one, then 9-4 year two, then 9-4 this year we'd be happier. But we had two 10 win seasons and until speights injury everything looked great. We'll get there. 

At the risk of projecting, or speaking for Brian, I don't think Brian is apathetic. I think he's sick of the people who don't look at *all* the facts but instead vent their spleen on social media. I think he's tired of the folks that lose the game, kick their dog, listen to mike valenti, then re-broadcast his crap on this forum. These people are annoying, because if we go to the playoffs the next two years but lose in the CFP they'll be screaming then. There is no pleasing them unless we become Alabama next year. He's also just as tired of the stuff we saw on the field yesterday that we did. But he's explained ad naseum why we are dealing with this. 

So, keep this all in perspective. 

You Only Live Twice

January 2nd, 2018 at 2:19 PM ^

it as well, although not up to standard as a game recap, Brian got his main point across and provided the usual gathering spot.  

Ace's gamer was a tightly written bit of perfection.  The game provided nothing to feel happy about, but I could still appreciate good writing.

Eberwhite82

January 2nd, 2018 at 10:54 AM ^

I mean... when you turn the ball over 4(!) times in the second half... How is that on the coaches? That was about as random a game as I've ever seen. It sucked, I'm not saying the play calling was perfect, but ffs... 4(!) turnovers??