Analysts Agree: Denard Looks Like Michigan's Starting QB

Submitted by cadmus2166 on

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2010/08/denard-robinson-looking-like-the-starting-quarterback-for-michigan/1

Yes, it's a Freep link.  Sue me.  I thought it was interesting.  But for those who choose not to click, a summary:

BTN's Howard Griffith and Gerry DiNardo agree that Denard looks more confident, has better body language, and better passing ability than before.

DiNardo predicts Michigan will already have 7 or 8 wins going into the final two games against Wisconsin and Ohio St.

DiNardo's main concerns for Michigan are the lack of depth on defense, and the absence of a defined running back.

EDIT:  Changed the link to USA Today article, which is actually less informative, but should make more of you happy.

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MgoViper

August 16th, 2010 at 5:12 PM ^

This is what RR said about QB's last monday:

When asked the question during a press conference after the team's first practice on Monday, Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez decided to have a little fun.

"It's a secret," he said.

Later Rodriguez said he had four quarterbacks and four centers lined up and they all took the first snap at the same time. After that, he said he wasn't sure who was taking snaps with which team because he was rotating them in and out.

All three quarterbacks are competing, and while sophomores Denard Robinson and Tate Forcier have a much firmer grasp of the offense, Rodriguez said freshman Devin Gardner is very competitive and looks to be in great shape.

 

 

http://www.michigandaily.com/content/rodriguez-mum-which-quarterback-took-first-snaps

Joined: 05/29/2010

MGoPoints: 3732

Gerald R. Ford

August 16th, 2010 at 2:09 PM ^

They are too valuable and I have too  few to neg you for including a link to the newspaper analogous to Pravda for East Lansing. 

I neg thee, I neg thee, I neg thee.  Now I will throw dog poop on your shoes.

Joined: 12/17/2008

MGoPoints: 2043

rlew

August 16th, 2010 at 2:14 PM ^

Wait, there's a chance Tate won't start this year?  Denard has improved as a passer?  What? Well, I hope right now someone is looking for Gerry DiNardo to find out what he thinks about the situation...because...damn.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 3236

sharkhunter

August 16th, 2010 at 2:39 PM ^

during the preview tour last year, every stop, he was beating his drum that teams nationwide are moving away from the spread.  Also during the BT media conference, with Iowa, Wisc, Osu coaches, he kept on inserting how he thinks the nation is moving away from the spread offense. 

Joined: 01/29/2009

MGoPoints: 2250

Chadillac Grillz

August 16th, 2010 at 4:01 PM ^

And also consider that Alabama is a single back offense primarily, they use zone blocking mostly and showed alot of looks with QBS in shotgun this spring with 3/4 wide. Just because they are big doesn't mean they are or aren't a "Pro-style" offense. Of course this has become the label the media has placed on them and one that fans repeat.

There are 120 offenses in D1 College ball and there are 30+ in the NFL & almost no offense is identical to another but I don't think ppl point this out enough. Also, almost every offense is evolving all the time and hybridizing to iron out its own flaws.

Its been said before and I'll say it again. Execution is more important than innovation and personell is more important than x's and o's. Great players make offenses work better period.

Joined: 01/04/2010

MGoPoints: 2740

Kal

August 16th, 2010 at 6:17 PM ^

At the end of the day, coaches are going to scheme and counter-scheme against one another until one comes out on top. Then again, when you have the depth and talent Saban has on his roster you really can almost overwhelm opponents.

Joined: 07/10/2008

MGoPoints: 4608

blueblueblue

August 16th, 2010 at 2:26 PM ^

"Analysts agree"? And by that you mean two analysts? Negged for misleading title. Two is the minimum quantity for "Analysts", and thus should be indicated.

Joined: 12/28/2008

MGoPoints: 6630

blueblueblue

August 16th, 2010 at 2:50 PM ^

I didnt say he was inaccurate. I gave a normative response, not a rule-based statement on the english language, which is what you apparently read it as. If you read my comment, I said what the OP 'should' do, not what he 'must' do. Usually if one says "Analysts agree", they are referring to more than the minimum number required, which is two. Using the phrase "analysts agree" is misleading when only referring to two - it lends more authority and credibility than is deserved.

Joined: 12/28/2008

MGoPoints: 6630

Engin77

August 16th, 2010 at 3:51 PM ^

a sub-thread with multiple posts marked signs of plus and minus; not just zeroes; people taking sides, no matter the cost! This is just like the good ol' days. Thanks blueblueblue and Magnus for this Monday shot of nostalgia. +1 to each.

Joined: 07/02/2008

MGoPoints: 5791

Tater

August 16th, 2010 at 3:37 PM ^

I have been in the "Forcier gets the first series" camp all along, but I am starting to change my opinion on this.  Between objective press feedback and the analysis of RR's record compared to rushing percentages in the diaries, it is looking like Denard indeed has a chance to be "the man" this year. 

I'm still not jumping on the "Forcier needs to work harder" bandwagon, though.  There simply isn't enough evidence to make a judgement either way.  It's possible, but I think it is very possible that Forcier worked too hard and tried to come back from his injuries too early.  That sounds more like the warrior who sacrificed his body for the team last year, and it would explain a lot. 

At any rate, it is probably safe to say that RR will ignore both the past and future because he needs to win right now.   Consequently, whoever he feels gives him the best chance to win right now, even if it turns out to be DG, will be out there. 

I never thought I would say this, at least about football, but I can't wait for UConn.

Joined: 08/13/2008

MGoPoints: 30584

Bodogblog

August 16th, 2010 at 3:59 PM ^

so I've a standard copy and paste I'm going to post on each of these:

I know we have 1 good quarterback who can be outstanding if he works to improve a few areas.  I think we have another who can be special.  Too good to be true if we have a 3rd

Joined: 06/08/2010

MGoPoints: 26674

charliebauman

August 16th, 2010 at 5:56 PM ^

I'm not sure it's really going to matter who starts, unless of course the starter stands out as the proven starter and can remain durable. I'm still confused about it though. DeRob is exciting with his speed. But as we know if he isn't accurate and makes mistakes it will do no good. I don't think RR would hesitate to pull him if he's throwing interceptions. Forcier is crafty and can be very accurate. But as we know if he is injury prone he won't last. So as far as we know it might be both qb's again this year until Devin Gardner is ready.  

Joined: 02/27/2010

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