Links of interest for your perusal, consideration and comment
Here are a few interesting links, but first I need to mention Billy Joe Armstrong's shout out to Ann Arbor during his induction speech for the Stooges at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony (on Fuse right now). The Stooges: best A2 band of all time, hands down.
First we have Adam Rittenberg's selection of the best Big Ten traditions. Leading the list: Touching the banner (of course).
Next, we have EMU's release announcing Steve Morrison's hiring as their linebackers coach. Congratulations to one of the greatest Wolverines linebackers of all time for landing another Div 1 FBS coaching gig and welcome back to Washtenaw County.
Stewart Mandel's review of Big Ten football as spring football kicks off. No surprise here:
Can Rich Rodriguez save his job? With Charlie Weis back in the NFL, the title of "Coach Whose Job Status Will Be a Subject of Weekly Debate" falls to Michigan's Rodriguez in 2010... Last season's Wolverines defense was just plain awful. Michigan finished 82nd nationally in total defense, 90th in rushing defense and 77th in scoring defense. A combination of recruiting missteps by predecessor Lloyd Carr and mass roster attrition following Rodriguez's arrival left Michigan barren with talent in its junior and senior classes, as evidenced most vividly by the fact that a walk-on freshman safety, Jordan Kovacs, wound up earning a starting job... ...Michigan is still probably a recruiting class away from shoring up its weak spots. More realistically, Michigan is going to have to outscore people to win consistently in the Big Ten, which means Rodriguez desperately needs Forcier and/or Robinson to cut down on mistakes and become consistent playmakers... Mostly, he needs to win. Soon.Finally, this bleacher report post reminds us of Bump Elliott's post-Michigan head coach career as Iowa's AD and includes some new quotes from him.
Some of Bump's best days happened in Ann Arbor, but he's spent about half of his life in Iowa City, making the kinds of friendships one doesn't give up on so easily. Though Elliott visits Ann Arbor occasionally, Iowa City is home and has been for 40 years. Though Elliott holds a special place in Iowa Hawkeye history, Elliott hopes the Michigan faithful remember his contributions. And his players. Guys like Ron Johnson, J. Paul Raeder, Jim Mandich, Tom Goss, among others. "As a coach, a player, and a leader," Bump said, "I'd like to think that I carried on the Michigan tradition proudly."No arguments here, Bump. Good to hear from you.
March 15th, 2010 at 10:32 PM ^
I agree with Mandel in general, but I'm somewhat more bullish on the defense.
March 16th, 2010 at 12:07 AM ^
That is a surprisingly fair assessment of the situation by Mandel. From some of his statements(that the Freep report was "confirmed" by the NCAA), I didn't think he actually payed attention to anything, but his conclusion matches pretty much everyone here at mgoblog.
March 16th, 2010 at 12:56 AM ^
I may be alone here, but I find Mandel to be one of my favorite traditional sportswriters. He usually has a fair and well-informed take on most situations, including this one. If I'm going to read something national, I'd read him over Forde or whoever else ESPN has any day.
Rich Rodriguez gets his own section about his insecurities, other coaches you're just not as important.
If one recognizes Carr's recruiting missteps on defense and the severe attrition following RR's appointment, why is Rodriguez on the hot seat?
Don't get me wrong: I understand the whole 8-16 record thing. But let's be real. Rich Rodriguez inherited a team that wasn't designed to run his offensive system; he inherited a team that suffered from a paucity of talent on defense; and he inherited a team that wasn't accustomed to the rigorous work necessary to produce a champion.
The record over the last two years has little to do with Rich Rod's capabilities as a coach, and everything to do with the previous regime's failures and the transition between Carr and Rodriguez. Stories of RR being on the hot seat make no sense and seem to be little more than inane fodder for ESPN and other media outlets desperate for a story.
While I completely agree with the above poster unfortunately thats not how the rest of the sporting world views it. Every week we'll have to hear about how he's just one or two key losses away from being run out of town. I for one am all in and can't wait to start the season. I think the offense will get the gears rolling and give the defense more of a rest. The spread and shred will start clicking nicely.
Side note: I need Rich to win for no other reason then I was sitting at a red light the other day and saw a buckeye license plate with "RICHROD" and buckeye stickers all over it. I vow to look up said driver and leave flaming dog shit on his porch when we are the ones dong punching... That is all
When we beat them and are winning again, he will hate the sight of his own license plate, every day he drives his car will be a reminder that Michigan has beaten them. He will be living in his mistake every day.