Rittenberg's UM season recap
Rittenberg at ESPN recaps Michigan's season. A fair assessment of the season, IMO, from Rittenberg. I like how he gives defensive MVP mention to Kovacs who was underrated this season, IMO.
http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/20874/michigan-wolverines-seas…
December 7th, 2010 at 10:52 AM ^
As usual, Ritt gives a fair assessment. He is so good that he should write for MGoBlog.
December 7th, 2010 at 11:45 AM ^
let's not get ahead of ourselves here...
December 7th, 2010 at 12:38 PM ^
As said by the man himself...
WHOA NELLIE!!!
December 7th, 2010 at 11:19 AM ^
I don't dislike Rittenberg but I wish he would post more original or thought-provoking content. He gives a fair assessment, as michgoblue points out, but his season review is essentially the same as my mom would write after listening to me on the phone the following Monday of any game this season. Put something together on offensive v defensive production or scheme outlook for next season. The post is basically this:
Offense + Denard = Good. Defense + MM + Injuries = Bad. Beating ND = Good. Losing to MSU = Bad. RichRod = Fired or Good Offense in 2011?
Maybe I'm being too harsh; he does have to cover ten other teams. I just have this feeling if you're getting paid to write about college football, you should be able to dive in a little deeper than what we're seeing there. There are quite a few posts by unpaid amateur journalists on MGoBlog (and other M blogs) that blow away what a lot of MSM journalists put together.
December 7th, 2010 at 11:24 AM ^
I will agree with you. His assessment of each team is bittersweet in a way. It's bitter in the sense that he does not go very deep in his own opinions sometimes but sweet in that he treats all of the teams with equal respect and looks at them all fairly. Sometimes you wonder if he really has an opinion on the state of some topics.
December 7th, 2010 at 11:25 AM ^
I hear your point, but I think that it is important to remember who his audiance - the average college football fan. We, the MGoCommunity, talk about Michigan daily - we have in depth analysis, opinion and summaries that delve into the most minute details of the program. So for us, these articles seem mundane.
But, for the average fan, this is about the level of analysis that they are looking for. Those who want real, behind-the-numbers type of analysis generally get their info from team-dedicated sites like MGoBlog.
But, for a MSM article giving a short summary of our program, this is decent. But, as many have said, the bar is low.
December 7th, 2010 at 11:27 AM ^
same page dude, high five.
December 7th, 2010 at 11:37 AM ^
That is true. That is what makes this site the best on the interwebs, by far.
December 7th, 2010 at 12:02 PM ^
I'm surprised that this is the first time I've seen anyone articulate this view. Not to say no one has.
It's dead on. I think this may be something to generally keep in mind when surveying the press.
December 7th, 2010 at 12:18 PM ^
I guess that's why I'm here so much. Point taken.
December 7th, 2010 at 11:26 AM ^
But, look at the majority of his audience... he's got to keep it somewhat simple to some extent. I kind of wish he'd have two responses... For Dummies, and a more in depth, expanded version.
December 7th, 2010 at 11:28 AM ^
I'd also mention Mouton... he was pretty strong this year. But, Kovacs is Mr. Reliable (when in position to make the play.)
December 7th, 2010 at 12:01 PM ^
He does mention Mouton:
Linebacker Jonas Mouton and safety Jordan Kovacs also merit mentions.
December 7th, 2010 at 12:09 PM ^
Yeah, but I'd mention him twice.
December 7th, 2010 at 12:46 PM ^
... aren't into it as much as people around here, methinks.
His analysis is good, but, as established, sort of elementary. I didn't really expect a play-by-play of each game of the season though.
December 7th, 2010 at 1:13 PM ^
mostly for news/updates on the other Big Ten teams, not Michigan. Although I read his articles on us as well. But it's a great, one-stop shop for all my non-Michigan Big Ten needs. I don't have the time to read BHGP, 11W, whatever other team blogs are out there so I appreciate being able to get coverage all in one place.
December 7th, 2010 at 1:24 PM ^
Yeah I do like how you can catch up on all of the BT teams in one spot. His lunch links usually have some good stories in there, even if some of them are from the FREEP.
December 7th, 2010 at 1:55 PM ^
He's dead on about Rodriguez needing a "signature win." That what this year really needed, an upset to show the faithful what can happen when everything clicks. I can stomach 7-5, but it would have been nice to pick up a top-20 scalp along the way.
December 7th, 2010 at 2:28 PM ^
what the doctor ordered in terms of a signature win, but getting Michigan from 5-7 to 8-5 in year 3 would be a turnaround.
Finishing 7-6 not so much.
December 7th, 2010 at 2:37 PM ^
GERG's Mr. Garrisonisms with the beaver puppet and Kenny Demens.
That was a not-so-subtle twist in the plotline for the 2010 football season dammitall!
Weren't you paying attention Adam?