I am so thankful for this team, and this university. I have loved Michigan since I was 8 years old. This achievement will never be forgotten, and these players and coaches are enshrined on the summit of the tallest mountain in the sport. Bless them all, no matter what happens next.
Thank you, MGoBlog, for giving all of us this space - to hope, dream, cry, and ultimately celebrate together.
Just logging in for the JJ party. I love you Cade and will never forget 42-27 but there is no comparison this season. Competition caveats and all but wow JJ.
The part I was hoping to convey was not that MSU is like a dynasty or whatever… it was that relative to their recruiting they play us (and others over OP’s time frame) way more evenly or even better than they have any right to. Given the supposed “talent disparity” we read about so often the fact that they have a 4-3 record vs Harbaugh is alarming.
This is the most bothersome thing to me. Over the time frame that OP is working with (2010-2019), Michigan has an avg. recruiting ranking (per 247) that is nearly twice as high as MSU but both a lower number of games played and a lower win %:
MSU: Avg. Recruiting Rank 29.1 (!!) with a low of 37 and only once higher than 20 (17)
UM: Avg. Recruiting Rank 15.7 with a low of 37 (2015) and as high as 4
MSU Win %: 70 (132 games)
UM Win %: 66 (129 games)
And we saw it again in this game... when these two teams go up against each other either UM significantly underperforms vs. expectations given the recruits they are bringing in or MSU significantly overperforms (or both...) and what's more, over this time frame MSU overperforms everyone else on OP's list vs. how they recruit. Over the same period, Texas' avg recruiting ranking is 5 and their win % is 55!
Iowa also significantly overperforms their recruiting, which averages 44.3 (!) with their win % at 62.
MSU is a really good football program and has been significantly better than UM for quite some time, especially given the players they bring in. And I hate it.
I know he doesn't coach here any longer, but it's Warinner. At least give the man his due by spelling his name correctly on the front page of MGoBlog.
Also, the refs should just call the pick plays. Either repeal the pick rules or call the damn penalties. If it's OPI, call it OPI, especially when it's *that* obvious.
Both of these teams just execute. The play designs are great but you can’t coach one handed back shoulder catches under the lights. The talent disparity between the top 4-5 teams and everyone else is just getting worse. It’s fun to watch if you can watch just for the enjoyment of what could be...
Well, I mean, didn't Harbaugh get Don Brown by literally googling "Who has the best defense in college football?" and then hiring the top result? At least Ash did some good things as DC at OSU. While I hate the idea that Harbaugh is coming back I can think of worse picks for DC at Michigan.
Yeah, I mean Brady didn't work out, sure... but no one ever doubted that he would've walked from CA to coach Michigan. And his players knew it, too. Too bad he wasn't a better coach.
I don't want a coach who needs to explore the NFL to see if there is an opportunity there before signing an extension with Michigan. I want a coach who wants to coach Michigan, period. Yes, money and reputation matter, but at the end of the day, this, if true, just feels like Harbaugh keeping Michigan on hold while he waits to see what better options he might be able to scrounge up. It feels slimy. If you want out, get out.
I guess my hope is that whomever the coach is actually plays the QB who shows the most promise right out of the gate, regardless of level or experience. If a freshman McCarthy comes in and can learn the playbook (or enough of it to be dangerous) and execute better than the others, play him!
I'd expect, though, that McNamara would be the opening day starter as he showed a lot of poise and good decision-making while the OL was able to keep him clean.
I like Milton and still think he has tremendous potential. I hope he keeps working and sticks around, pushing himself and the others. But I wouldn't be surprised if he transfers.
If I could go back in time and have Rich Rod not be fired I would take it in a heartbeat. We all saw what Hoke did with his players in 2011. RR was on an upward trajectory... not unlike Matt Campbell at ISU... except Matt Campbell has done it more quickly at a WAY worse school.
COVID only goes so far. This program is nearing all-time embarrassment levels and while I understand the “season doesn’t matter” argument to a point this just not excusable. Recruiting is lacking. Game plan makes no sense for years on end. Harbaugh can’t fucking wear his mic outside his mask. This is worse than Hoke. How can this be?
I mean just what the fuck are we doing here? Harbaugh can’t coach his fucking mask to stay on his face. Can it get any worse on either side of the ball?
I’m still pissed about the surrender cobra cardboard guy. Like have some fucking pride. Who allows that shit? MSU fans on staff? Do other teams troll their own fans with the cardboard cutouts? I’m curious!
It’s been said on this board many times that Jay is a good RBs coach, and I agree with that for the most part. I have no idea how much say Jay has with RB usage during the games though. In any event he’s not irreplaceable - I was just mentioning that he will probably be gone with Jim so it’s another important hole to fill.
If it were up to me, I’d give the reins to Gattis for the remainder of this strange year. That gives you a series of games where he can demonstrate whether he has the chops to take over HC and gives UM some time to survey the field. It also gives us a chance to keep upcoming recruiting classes in tact.
Removing Jim also likely loses you Jay, who is one of our best position coaches on O. So there is another vacancy.
Don Brown also needs to go. I’m less impressed with our coaches on D so I dunno the best approach there. Zordich maybe while running a national search?
Is Frank's still open over on Maynard? I know it was kinda struggling after Pete died a few years ago... but that place was the best greasy breakfast joint in town back in the day. Many a hangover was fed. Athena was an amazing waitress.
I dunno... the game last year was 41-19 with 3 min left in the 3rd. Just because Michigan ended up with 39 points doesn't give me any good feelings at all. Yes, the defense was the single biggest factor in losing that game, but it wasn't like the offense really took it to 'em either. Most of it was garbage time.
Then again, on the defensive side, people had been yelling for Mazi and Hinton before Dwumfour came back... coaches are not immune from bias/favoritism, and who knows what kind of "promises" are made even in the context of a "meritocracy".
I have no idea, but wanted to chime in that I also wish Seven Nation Army would go away. Hearing it on every third down or in any other possible momentum-changing play of a game is seriously annoying.
I don't get this constant second-guessing Patterson. He did everything that was asked of him in the context of this past season's offensive philosophy. He threw some beautiful balls, made a bunch of plays with his feet, displayed creativity and improvisation, and was effective at managing games. Yes, he missed a few reads and receivers and bugged out early on occasion. But the dude can play. If Gattis and Harbaugh really do open up the offense (please!!) next season, Patterson is a perfect fit. What more does he have to do to convince people?
Yes, McCaffrey is likely also good. In limited time he displayed great poise, and also throws a pretty ball.
I'll take Shea. I'm just happy we have options now!
The more I think about this, the more on board I am with Mattison leaving. The shitty thing, of course, is him going to OSU instead of literally anywhere else.
The D line wasn't great this year against OL with a pulse considering all of the talent on board; maybe some new blood mixing it up will help next year. If this is a necessary step to giving Al Washington and Chris Partridge more responsibilities (and raises!) then fine.
As others are saying, assuming this isn't an indicator of something truly awful brewing on the staff (Harbaugh bailing, for instance) it basically forces an offensive change next year. Otherwise you're just handing OSU the parts of the playbook they didn't already know.
Anyways, I hope you fail at OSU, Greg! Thanks for everything.
My feeling is that Tru has better vision in traffic than Evans, but Evans is better in space and has better long speed. Tru is better to my eyes after contact as well. Evans is shifty, but doesn't look or run like he is taller and heavier than Higdon, though he is.
Some teams have a single RB that does everything (PSU with Barkley, Kentucky with Snell, etc.) - they can hammer and they can weave. Teams without that single all-purpose back can mitigate that by repping two backs with different strengths and I think we'll continue to see that at UM going forward like we did with Higdon and Evans. The problem with that, though, is telegraphing what you might be doing depending on which back is on the field.
Maybe Charbonnet coming in, if this is a true meritocracy, will solve some of this. Kid's got fantastic tape.
I'd like to see what Turner can do - in limited time he looked like he has a good set of wheels and good vision.
Recent Comments
Just wanted to say thanks Jim for the best 3 years of Michigan football I have been alive to witness. Go Blue.
I am so thankful for this team, and this university. I have loved Michigan since I was 8 years old. This achievement will never be forgotten, and these players and coaches are enshrined on the summit of the tallest mountain in the sport. Bless them all, no matter what happens next.
Thank you, MGoBlog, for giving all of us this space - to hope, dream, cry, and ultimately celebrate together.
Go Blue
I believe.
Go Blue forever!
I believe.
Stop running Edwards up the middle.
Orji needs to bring more than a designed run. If that’s all we are doing then what’s the point?
uh…
Catch passes?
Thats about it. Good game, good calls. Corum is The Man. O-line can be dominant even without Zinter. JJ when locked in is lights out.
LFG
Bet!!
Go Blue forever
Every second of this game after the first drive was agonizing. Please don’t ever do this again. Thanks.
"That's pad level, Mr. Pullings. My god that's pad level."
I got this reference.
+1 Seth
Just logging in for the JJ party. I love you Cade and will never forget 42-27 but there is no comparison this season. Competition caveats and all but wow JJ.
This is my answer as well, living in Wisconsin.
Logged in just to upvote this.
Well done.
RIP to the best coach Michigan has had in modern times. Go beat OSU again in heaven, Coach.
Go Blue forever. I am so happy for these kids, for Harbaugh, for all of us who have believed in this team. Hail!
The part I was hoping to convey was not that MSU is like a dynasty or whatever… it was that relative to their recruiting they play us (and others over OP’s time frame) way more evenly or even better than they have any right to. Given the supposed “talent disparity” we read about so often the fact that they have a 4-3 record vs Harbaugh is alarming.
This is the most bothersome thing to me. Over the time frame that OP is working with (2010-2019), Michigan has an avg. recruiting ranking (per 247) that is nearly twice as high as MSU but both a lower number of games played and a lower win %:
MSU: Avg. Recruiting Rank 29.1 (!!) with a low of 37 and only once higher than 20 (17)
UM: Avg. Recruiting Rank 15.7 with a low of 37 (2015) and as high as 4
MSU Win %: 70 (132 games)
UM Win %: 66 (129 games)
And we saw it again in this game... when these two teams go up against each other either UM significantly underperforms vs. expectations given the recruits they are bringing in or MSU significantly overperforms (or both...) and what's more, over this time frame MSU overperforms everyone else on OP's list vs. how they recruit. Over the same period, Texas' avg recruiting ranking is 5 and their win % is 55!
Iowa also significantly overperforms their recruiting, which averages 44.3 (!) with their win % at 62.
MSU is a really good football program and has been significantly better than UM for quite some time, especially given the players they bring in. And I hate it.
I know he doesn't coach here any longer, but it's Warinner. At least give the man his due by spelling his name correctly on the front page of MGoBlog.
Also, the refs should just call the pick plays. Either repeal the pick rules or call the damn penalties. If it's OPI, call it OPI, especially when it's *that* obvious.
Go Blue forever baby!!
Go Blue!! Let’s do it again at Breslin! B1G champs!!
I’m all about this bang. Go blue!
I’d just like to congratulate Urban for overcoming a serious enough health concern that it ended his college coaching career.
GO BLUE
Both of these teams just execute. The play designs are great but you can’t coach one handed back shoulder catches under the lights. The talent disparity between the top 4-5 teams and everyone else is just getting worse. It’s fun to watch if you can watch just for the enjoyment of what could be...
Well, I mean, didn't Harbaugh get Don Brown by literally googling "Who has the best defense in college football?" and then hiring the top result? At least Ash did some good things as DC at OSU. While I hate the idea that Harbaugh is coming back I can think of worse picks for DC at Michigan.
Yeah, I mean Brady didn't work out, sure... but no one ever doubted that he would've walked from CA to coach Michigan. And his players knew it, too. Too bad he wasn't a better coach.
Also, at least he beat OSU.
I don't want a coach who needs to explore the NFL to see if there is an opportunity there before signing an extension with Michigan. I want a coach who wants to coach Michigan, period. Yes, money and reputation matter, but at the end of the day, this, if true, just feels like Harbaugh keeping Michigan on hold while he waits to see what better options he might be able to scrounge up. It feels slimy. If you want out, get out.
I guess my hope is that whomever the coach is actually plays the QB who shows the most promise right out of the gate, regardless of level or experience. If a freshman McCarthy comes in and can learn the playbook (or enough of it to be dangerous) and execute better than the others, play him!
I'd expect, though, that McNamara would be the opening day starter as he showed a lot of poise and good decision-making while the OL was able to keep him clean.
I like Milton and still think he has tremendous potential. I hope he keeps working and sticks around, pushing himself and the others. But I wouldn't be surprised if he transfers.
Who gives a shit about what Urban Meyer has to say about anything. He is a great football coach inside a morally and ethically bankrupt husk.
https://images.app.goo.gl/JfMaw5W4QcUqgcTh7
If I could go back in time and have Rich Rod not be fired I would take it in a heartbeat. We all saw what Hoke did with his players in 2011. RR was on an upward trajectory... not unlike Matt Campbell at ISU... except Matt Campbell has done it more quickly at a WAY worse school.
Looked like a shit call to me. Too many games swing on calls like this.
COVID only goes so far. This program is nearing all-time embarrassment levels and while I understand the “season doesn’t matter” argument to a point this just not excusable. Recruiting is lacking. Game plan makes no sense for years on end. Harbaugh can’t fucking wear his mic outside his mask. This is worse than Hoke. How can this be?
I struggle to understand how we can possibly be *this inept* in all facets.
Please reboot the simulation.
I mean just what the fuck are we doing here? Harbaugh can’t coach his fucking mask to stay on his face. Can it get any worse on either side of the ball?
/looks at Rutgers
oh god.
Some whole milk and steak will probably help. Something about enthusiasm.
God I feel terrible for these kids.
I’m still pissed about the surrender cobra cardboard guy. Like have some fucking pride. Who allows that shit? MSU fans on staff? Do other teams troll their own fans with the cardboard cutouts? I’m curious!
Whoever at Michigan Stadium allowed that cardboard surrender cobra dude from the MSU “whoa” game should be tarred and feathered.
It’s been said on this board many times that Jay is a good RBs coach, and I agree with that for the most part. I have no idea how much say Jay has with RB usage during the games though. In any event he’s not irreplaceable - I was just mentioning that he will probably be gone with Jim so it’s another important hole to fill.
If it were up to me, I’d give the reins to Gattis for the remainder of this strange year. That gives you a series of games where he can demonstrate whether he has the chops to take over HC and gives UM some time to survey the field. It also gives us a chance to keep upcoming recruiting classes in tact.
Removing Jim also likely loses you Jay, who is one of our best position coaches on O. So there is another vacancy.
Don Brown also needs to go. I’m less impressed with our coaches on D so I dunno the best approach there. Zordich maybe while running a national search?
God yesterday sucked.
Is Frank's still open over on Maynard? I know it was kinda struggling after Pete died a few years ago... but that place was the best greasy breakfast joint in town back in the day. Many a hangover was fed. Athena was an amazing waitress.
I enjoyed the sneaky Wizard of Oz reference.
This was great, even if the game was a disappointment. Thanks for doing these, Seth.
I dunno... the game last year was 41-19 with 3 min left in the 3rd. Just because Michigan ended up with 39 points doesn't give me any good feelings at all. Yes, the defense was the single biggest factor in losing that game, but it wasn't like the offense really took it to 'em either. Most of it was garbage time.
Then again, on the defensive side, people had been yelling for Mazi and Hinton before Dwumfour came back... coaches are not immune from bias/favoritism, and who knows what kind of "promises" are made even in the context of a "meritocracy".
Sigh... this gets said every year and it is always wrong. You should feel shame.
I have no idea, but wanted to chime in that I also wish Seven Nation Army would go away. Hearing it on every third down or in any other possible momentum-changing play of a game is seriously annoying.
But interesting question!
We're fucked because…
TL;DR
We're fucked because all we care about is making money.
I don't get this constant second-guessing Patterson. He did everything that was asked of him in the context of this past season's offensive philosophy. He threw some beautiful balls, made a bunch of plays with his feet, displayed creativity and improvisation, and was effective at managing games. Yes, he missed a few reads and receivers and bugged out early on occasion. But the dude can play. If Gattis and Harbaugh really do open up the offense (please!!) next season, Patterson is a perfect fit. What more does he have to do to convince people?
Yes, McCaffrey is likely also good. In limited time he displayed great poise, and also throws a pretty ball.
I'll take Shea. I'm just happy we have options now!
Can't imagine he would have agreed to flip to UM without Harbaugh agreeing to give him the reins, or at least primary responsibility for the offense.
I'm excited!
The more I think about this, the more on board I am with Mattison leaving. The shitty thing, of course, is him going to OSU instead of literally anywhere else.
The D line wasn't great this year against OL with a pulse considering all of the talent on board; maybe some new blood mixing it up will help next year. If this is a necessary step to giving Al Washington and Chris Partridge more responsibilities (and raises!) then fine.
As others are saying, assuming this isn't an indicator of something truly awful brewing on the staff (Harbaugh bailing, for instance) it basically forces an offensive change next year. Otherwise you're just handing OSU the parts of the playbook they didn't already know.
Anyways, I hope you fail at OSU, Greg! Thanks for everything.
My feeling is that Tru has better vision in traffic than Evans, but Evans is better in space and has better long speed. Tru is better to my eyes after contact as well. Evans is shifty, but doesn't look or run like he is taller and heavier than Higdon, though he is.
Some teams have a single RB that does everything (PSU with Barkley, Kentucky with Snell, etc.) - they can hammer and they can weave. Teams without that single all-purpose back can mitigate that by repping two backs with different strengths and I think we'll continue to see that at UM going forward like we did with Higdon and Evans. The problem with that, though, is telegraphing what you might be doing depending on which back is on the field.
Maybe Charbonnet coming in, if this is a true meritocracy, will solve some of this. Kid's got fantastic tape.
I'd like to see what Turner can do - in limited time he looked like he has a good set of wheels and good vision.
Should be a good competition.