We will be back (long)
Before the season, we all had mediocre expectations of the season; I predicted a 7-5 season and most people had predicted the season to be in the 6-8 win range. After the way we played first four games, I think everyone forgot about the preseason predictions and was sold on the idea that we were finally back.
Its true that we played amazing in our first 4 (well minus Indiana) games as the players were really hungry to prove themselves after which they hit a rough spot- defense started to show up like we expected, Tate wasn't great anymore, and our offense wasn't making plays. To make things worse, after a couple of shocker losses (mainly Illinois) our fan-base completely went nuts. From blaming RR to the players and much more, we started being a little too irrational about our expectations.
Amisdt a AD change and an NCAA investigation, the last thing we should be talking about is firing RR. He is doing the best he can to get Michigan back on top, and I know it sounds like a broken record tape but its gonna take time and will happen.
We're bringing in the number one dual threat QB in the country (check out the front page on rivals), one of the most athletic people to play the spinner position, a good mix of WR's, slots who will tear apart opposing defenses, and not to mention Lewan, Washington, and Schofield on offense. There are talks of Big Tex (look him up if you dont know him) giving Michigan a good look, some of the top CB's (CC, Mathis, Grimes), and many more players who are playmakers and are strongly considering Michigan. Even though people see that we have a lot of 3 stars, take a second and watch their tape; they're pretty damn good. And along with that, for each position, we will have a 4-5 star guy starting for that position. The future looks amazing, all we have to do as fans is wait a little and let RR develop the program again to where it deserves to be.
November 9th, 2009 at 6:33 PM ^
I agree but the problem is time. It will be until 2011 before the defense recruits (which aren;t close to enough in number) are ready. It will be 2012 until the defense has dug out of the 4 year recruiting hole. Offensively I am not concerned, but next year's defensive recruits (even if he pulls a few more 4+ guys out of nowhere) probably won't contribute much. The defense will probably not be markably better next year. I think our DL is going to be solid but the back 7 is concerning. Somehow, they need to just be serviceable and average (I would settle for 65th in the nation). If they do that, the offense will help to win a large chunk of games. If not, I will have to trust my heart to Lipitor.
November 9th, 2009 at 6:41 PM ^
The one thing I think may be a huge factor in improving defense is turnovers. Due to starting Freshmen (in practice if not years) in the system back to back years we have not seen the down trend in turnovers (my opinion). I saw an excellent post a few weeks back (I think) on the turnovers being high for RR offense after year one. If we hold on to the ball, things should improve.
November 9th, 2009 at 7:47 PM ^
The majority or our turnovers are deep in our own territory, so you put the defense in and expecting them to stop the opposing offense from moving the ball like 20 or less yards to the endzone when their cold is tough to do. Turnovers being kept to a minimum will help the offense stay on the field more which gives our d time to rest so they can be fresh. I don't care even if you have Mike Barwis conditioning your team the defense will get tired if their on the field 60-65% of the game like they have been in the games we lost.
November 9th, 2009 at 8:49 PM ^
who is big tex?
November 9th, 2009 at 10:48 PM ^
TX DT Jatashun "Big Tex" Beachum
http://mgoblog.com/category/tags/holy-crap-there-guy-who-goes-big-tex
November 9th, 2009 at 11:42 PM ^
Played amazing the first four games? Three (Yes three) Mac teams and Notre Dame? They smacked Western, so did State. The EMU contest was still a game at the half. Indiana was Indiana, we all saw that defensive meltdown. And Notre Dame is not that great of a team. I think a lot of criticism was due to the "win shock," and the shock of the offense acting like an offense. The 3-9 season left people desperate for wins, and once we got 4 in a row, we expected more. Now, what happened between the Iowa game and now? I have no idea, or maybe nothing, and Iowa just plays to their competition in every game. And can we please stop citing "Firing Rich Rod does nothing for the program" as a defense for him? Just because theres no good alternative doesnt mean hes good. He hasn't coached very well at all this year, he has 1 conference win.
If you want to see hope, look for sound fundamental play in the spring game with simplified schemes, and a minimal of blown assignments on defense. And Devin Gardner killing people on the move. Or Robinson executing the forward pass.