NYtimes Ranks Michigan #48?!?
So while giving a linkback to mgoblog, the 'quad' is filled with factual errors; taking away any credibility.
" The Big Ten, and Michigan in particular, has been – and with the exception of Michigan and, to a lesser degree, Illinois, still is – a smash-mouth, power running conference,"
I could understand forgetting about one team, but Purdue, Northwestern, Indiana,Illinois, Penn State under Robinson, osu under smith, and msu under stanton all ran version of the spread. that's over half the conference.
"As he did with W.V.U., Rodriguez inherits a program with mismatched personnel for his spread offense. His first season in Morgantown saw West Virginia finish 3-8; Michigan fans across the nation are hoping for a smoother learning curve for their Wolverines. "
Nevermind that the team RR inherited at WVU were a bunch of crappy athletes as well as being mismatched, while michigan has much better athletes and many of whom fit in quite nicely with the spread.
"Rodriguez may have erred in putting all his eggs in the Pryor basket: Michigan did not land one quarterback recruit in the 2008 class. "
Justin Feagin would like to have a word with you mr. fuckdumbass sportswriter.
I understand your concerns; I've had them in past myself. Ancient history, I know, but Michigan lost 4-year starter Rick Leach -Oh no, how are we ever going to replace him - in steps John Wangler. Ditto for Steve Smith (my favorite QB at M), in steps a coach's son no one had much confidence in, Jim Harbaugh. And down the line.
Same with the O-line. Bubba Paris, Greg Skrepnak, Jon Jansen, Steve Huchinson, etc. These guys were all huge in their importance to the line, but they were replaced. Jake Long was the best I've seen, but overall, the line play has been much better at Michigan in the past.
The players currently on the roster who didn't receive much playing time last year but will this year will benefit greatly from the attention (and many more reps with the first team) they'll now get from the coaching staff. We just haven't seen it yet and wont until the Utah game. And no, I really dont think Utah is going to beat Michigan.
Miami? Toledo? Northwestern? Minnesota? Yeah, I think we have some tough games against ND, Wisconsin, Illinois, Penn State and OSU; but I certainly dont think Michigan will lose them all.
Oh, and last year's team that won 9 games, did so with an injured Henne or true freshman at QB for most of the year. And with a RB that was also hurt much of the year.
Finally, I do not mean this as an indictment against Lloydd Carr, who I have a great deal of respect for. And not meaning to belittle Appalachian State's efforts, but that loss and the Oregon massacre were all at the hands of the coaching staff. Those two games were an indication of the coaching staff's shortcomings, and those shortcomings didn't just evaporate with the win against ND. They were there all season, and have been there for a number of years. The current staff will not be so handicapped.
Watch the W.V.U. vs Oklahoma game- They won because of a mobile quarterback…he threw the ball like a freshman, but damn could he run.
So you're saying we could beat Oklahoma with Feagin at QB?
I think that everyone is so used to Michigan either underperforming (wrt its talent level) or playing down to the competition. If this was OSU and Tressel, everyone would be saying that they would be reloading and expect a down year of 10 wins.
I fully expect that will not recognize this team in the first quarter against Utah. Team speed, a swarming defense, secondary in postion to make plays and taking proper pursuit angles, etc. But granted, I do suspect that the offense will be a little rough.