Those who want Harbaugh, think about this
November 27th, 2010 at 11:26 PM ^
I think Harbaugh actually recruited Tate if I am not mistaken.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:26 PM ^
I think any of those guys would do well in a pro style offense. Denard is completing over 60% of his passes.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:36 PM ^
Most of his passes are either short screens or are blindingly open because of his threat to run / QB-Lead-Oh-Noes (which also significantly reduces the threat of the pass rush). He has shown the ability to throw some bullets and is gaining some long-ball touch, but he'd take a major hit in effectiveness if he were asked to throw from the pocket all day. However, I concede that Denard in a pro-style offense > Threet/Sheridammit in a spread offense.
November 28th, 2010 at 12:43 AM ^
Whenever he comes in I know ~60% of the plays will be screens. why? he started all of last year, shouldn't he be able to execute more plays than screens (for the most part).
November 28th, 2010 at 12:51 AM ^
Well, that's how the offense is built. He's supposed to throw a lot of screens and short passes to playmaking slot-ninjas and run a lot with the occasional deep bomb to a wide open receiver when the opposing DC answers the question "one safety or zero?" with "zero". That's the RR spread-n-shred, and it always will be even if the QB is experienced and brilliant. I wasn't criticizing the fact that Denard throws screens, just saying that asking him to do more would be non-trivial.
November 28th, 2010 at 11:43 AM ^
UFR for the second half of the season, the screen pass has been all but eliminated from the play calling.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:27 PM ^
Well, I've seen Denard and Tate throw in the pocket with success. Which is harder, taking a pocket-QB and telling him to run faster, or taking a scrambling QB and telling him to throw more accurately? Devin Gardner seems to be a good pocket QB.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:34 PM ^
I'd say we would suck. We don't have the line, the right backs, the fullbacks, wideouts, or tight ends. We have what would be a bunch of useless slots. I think a lot of folks would transfer. Prepare for more pain for 2-4 years as we transition back to a prostyle offense. Harbaugh - 2-3 years of sucking.
November 28th, 2010 at 12:02 AM ^
the OL is good b/c the players are good, they're going to be very good next year in any system.
<br>Denard made some beautiful throws from the pocket all day today (drops everywhere). W/ his improvement this year and work ethic, I wouldn't count him out. In fact, I think the depth chart would look the same at most O positions under Harbaugh
<br>Dee Hart may not come though
November 28th, 2010 at 1:09 AM ^
what game you were watching with the beautiful throws... fyi, Denard was the quarterback for the team wearing white jerseys.
But seriously, if anyone thinks Denard has thrown the ball well for the majority of Big Ten play, they must be dreamin'. He HAS improved from last year, though, and I hope--I PRAY--that he can improve his touch and accuracy for next year... God knows he's got the strength.
November 28th, 2010 at 8:37 AM ^
and first year starting qb if you have watched. Does that mean he hits every pass? No more than Henne did.
November 28th, 2010 at 2:18 PM ^
Denard's missed far too many throws this year, no one knows that more than him. But we're talking 'bout next year - his improvement and potential coming off a phenomenal season would set him up for a great junior campaign.
<br>Talk of moving him to slot just seems ridiculous in light of the year he's had
November 27th, 2010 at 11:28 PM ^
he would run the same offense at Michigan that he does at Stanford? He would probably adapt somewhat to what he would have.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:31 PM ^
yeah kb and when it comes down to it, a Quarterback is a Quarterback. Just because one can run, doesn't mean he can't pass the ball. Pryor was a dual threat and Ohio State has a pro-style offense.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:36 PM ^
All those guys can throw. Besides, if I'm not mistaken I've seen them run a lot of deceptive run plays where Luck tucks it and runs.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:38 PM ^
Pryor is huge. Denard is not. Size does matter in a pocket passer (unless you are Drew Brees).
November 27th, 2010 at 11:44 PM ^
Think about 4-5 of Denard's interceptions this year. He was sitting in the pocket, tried to throw it, and was releasing from such a low level that linemen stuck their hands up, got their paws on it, and tipped it to someone on the D. I think DG's the legitimate best pro style QB on the team
November 28th, 2010 at 12:16 AM ^
That is why I think Devin would still be a good fit for the future no matter who is coach. Tate isn't huge, but I think he would still do good.
November 28th, 2010 at 12:19 AM ^
I think / hope that Devin is basically Pryor++ (with "saying incredibly dumb shit" functionality removed). And we all know that Tate's grit/Moxie/ability to MAKE PLAYS/intangibles are great. So I agree.
November 28th, 2010 at 4:45 PM ^
He was awesome.
November 28th, 2010 at 12:04 AM ^
tell that to Josh Nesbitt he's a horrible passer.
November 28th, 2010 at 12:20 AM ^
Seriously, if there's one argument for keeping Rich Rodriguez around that leaves me cold, it's "we have a bunch of spread formation guys so we can only run a spread offense so if we let RR go we're gonna suuuuuuuck for another four years. This of course assumes that the next guy will have a rigid system that he will force in all at once without making any allowances for the players he actually has (remind you of anyone?)
If you want to avoid this, there's an easy way to do it: HIRE A FOOTBALL COACH RATHER THAN A SCHEME COACH.
Now that doesn't mean we throw RR overboard, or that Harbaugh is The Man. But if we must replace Rodriguez, we make sure the new guy has a broad understanding of different strategies and systems, and can adapt until he has the athletes to run his preferred schemes. That way we make the most of the players we have.
November 28th, 2010 at 1:44 AM ^
When he had Clarette, he lined it up and played Tressle-ball. When he had Troy Smith, he ran the QB all over the field. When he had inexperienced Pryor, he handed off. When he had experienced Pryor, he let him pass from the pocket.
He's a coach, he's not just a "system" guy. As a result he is 9-1 against us.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:29 PM ^
Rich Rod needs to put an emphasis on special teams and defense next year to save his job. Furthermore, the transition to the pro-style system wouldn't be as drastic as the transition to the read-option spread. If I remember correctly, we ran the ball down Iowa's throat with a one back formation.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:29 PM ^
Tate would be option #1 at this point. He's shown an ability to make plays when he was a full-time starter in 2009. If Denard can become a more solid pocket passer, he'd be alright. He's got great arm strength. Devin is probably a couple years away still from being a major option.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:31 PM ^
Everytime I saw a Michigan game this year he was up on the sideline getting the crowd into it and when he went in he was leading the offense down the field in a good drive!
November 28th, 2010 at 11:23 AM ^
So you're seriously going to sit Denard Robinson down? Are you insane? Did you actually watch any Michigan football this fall?
November 27th, 2010 at 11:30 PM ^
In a pro style? Dernard maybe not, but Tate was good enough for Harbaugh to recruit. And Devin is big enough for any system. And that's even saying that he would run a pro system completely. Some coaches tailor their team to the talent they have. It doesn't have to all be done the way we did it, with overhaul and turnover.
<br>
<br>But I'm not even pushing for anybody. Anybody who didn't want us to win today should be shot. And winning would have ended all this back and forth. But it wasn't even close. So 9 more months of this.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:32 PM ^
Right or wrong, Rich Rodriguez is probably done. This is a results based business and coaches are paid to win now with whatever players they are given AND build for the future. At smaller less successful programs, they can tinker and show little tangible progress for years on end and plead for patience.
At Michigan, there is too much at stake.
Time to turn it over to a coach who will maximize the roster now and build a champion on into the future. Just because it has been pretty much proven that Rich isn't that guy, doesn't make him a bad coach.
November 28th, 2010 at 12:23 AM ^
What's wrong is firing a coach after three years, when there has been improvement. We can argue all day about how much, or break it down by offense and defense. But we're in a bowl game. (Wooh.)
I don't recall big-name coaches knocking down the walls to come and coach at Michigan three years ago. Big-name coaches are watching now; and they'll cross Michigan off their lists if they think RR is being treated unfairly. Three years is not enough time, unless the program is obviously flailing. Any coach deserves five years, IMO, but at least 4.
And maybe DB can get Harbaugh, and even an assurance from him before he flips the switch. But most of us can agree that it would be bumpy for a year or two with JH. When you're improving each year, do you want to risk a step back?
Remember, this is the guy who said this:
"Michigan's...athletic department has ways to get borderline guys in, and when they're in, they steer them to courses in sports communications. They're adulated when they're playing, but when they get out, the people who adulated them won't hire them."
Does DB want to hire a guy who gave the University a black eye? For the life of me, I can't understand why he would even say such a thing. What did he gain from it?
DB needs to focus on finding a first-rate defensive coordinator, and giving him carte blanche. RR can have some input in the decision, too.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:33 PM ^
Denard and Devin are gone if Harbaugh comes
November 27th, 2010 at 11:36 PM ^
So your saying a QB wouldn't want a former Michigan QB to come and be a mentor? I think a QB will be the last to transfer.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:38 PM ^
I doubt DG would leave.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:41 PM ^
As much as Denard (and to some extent, Devin) love RR, I really think they've fallen in love with the campus. I'm not sold that he/they'd transfer out. Plus, if DG leaves, getting a new name would be a bitch
November 27th, 2010 at 11:45 PM ^
They"re here because of the system... Michigan has a beautiful campus but Miami is a lot warmer and hotter girls. Denard and Devin are not harbaugh style quarterbacks
November 27th, 2010 at 11:51 PM ^
Unless you have some quote or proof to back that up, I'm going to remain skeptical. Denard isn't a Harbaugh style quarterback, I'll give you that. But Devin? He has undoubtedly a better arm (even if his technique is raw) than Tate. Just because he's mobile, he's not a Harbaugh QB? Besides, position switch has always been a possibility for Denard, he knows that. I still think he loves the school, and would at least consider staying around and moving positions.
November 28th, 2010 at 12:26 AM ^
Harbaugh would not play Denard or Devin... the bluebloods are mad now that Denard is quarterback. They will not be here if Harbaugh is coach neg me all you want but its the truth
November 28th, 2010 at 12:39 AM ^
I lol'ed
November 28th, 2010 at 1:16 AM ^
Why the heck would DG leave..He can play in any system and will be a redshirt frosh next year. He is from Inkster not Miami...As for Denard...I really don't know, but neither do you. I know this..they were both higher rated QB's coming out of highschool then Harbaugh has had the oppertunity to work with so far so at the very least he will give them a shot. You saying otherwise does not make it true.
Hey I can play that game too. fI RR stays as coach next year fab5 will be giving handjobs on the corner for spare change neg me all you want but its the truth
November 28th, 2010 at 2:09 AM ^
If i remember correctly wasn't Devin considering florida coming out of high school. for you to say he wouldn't leave you're the idiot.. The reason he pick michigan was because it was very similar to his high school system at Inkster. Harbaugh will not play them he will try to make them wide outs or corners before he lets them play quarterback.. Harbaugh would never have recruited denard or devin
November 28th, 2010 at 8:34 AM ^
He also came here because he grew up in, you know, Inkster, and loves the university. I'm not saying that there's no way he'd transfer, but he didn't come here JUST for the system or the coaching staff, he's always been a Michigan fan.
November 28th, 2010 at 1:11 PM ^
and Denard wasn't even ranked as a QB as he was considered either a CB or athlete. Actually do some research before spewing misinformation. I remember watching Luck on ESPN vs. Sam McGuffie and Cy-Fair and he tore them up. Luck was a 4 star and the #4 rated pro style QB according to Rivals and #68 in the Rivals 250 which is higher than any QB we have on the roster as they were all in the 130 range.
November 28th, 2010 at 1:18 AM ^
Denard's life is in Michigan now.. All of his friends and more importantly, his girlfriend are in Michigan. Think back to when you were a 20 year old kid, you want to be around your friends and girlfriend more than your family.
November 28th, 2010 at 11:39 AM ^
1. Harbaugh has FUCKING RUN A SPREAD BEFORE! Hesus H Crimminy you'd think Harbaugh was automatically as stuborn as RR to run his scheme no matter what, which isn't the cas.
2. So Andrew Luck is some immobile home who never runs?
3. Devin Gardner would eventually do very well in a pro-style offense, which gives him a better shot at going to the NFL.
That is all.
November 27th, 2010 at 11:53 PM ^
November 27th, 2010 at 11:33 PM ^
she would be King. RR is coming back.
November 28th, 2010 at 12:14 AM ^
What if did and wore drag?
November 28th, 2010 at 12:55 AM ^
Then he would be the King of Queens, i.e. an unfunny sitcom.