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Posted on Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 7:25 p.m.

Rich Rodriguez, Michigan football need to show improvement in 2010

By Dave Birkett

The line between acceptable improvement and another disaster of a season was blurred on back-to-back Saturdays this fall.

Michigan collapsed at the first sign of adversity Halloween afternoon against Illinois, and a week later melted down in the span of 9 seconds against Purdue.

Had the Wolverines won either game, they’d be bound for a bowl somewhere warm, not left to pick up the pieces of their second losing season in 42 years.

“It’d be nice to go to a bowl game, but that’s not our ultimate goal,” Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said. “Our ultimate goal is to win a Big Ten championship. Short of that, you can maybe be a little happier but you’re not going to be fulfilled for sure.”

Michigan made strides from last year’s 3-9 season. The Wolverines won two more games with an at-times potent offense, underclassmen Tate Forcier, Roy Roundtree and Craig Roh look like viable building blocks, and Rodriguez said team chemistry, fortified by a slew of off-field distractions, was as strong as its ever been.

But the Wolverines still appear to be a world away from contending, and minus 15 extra bowl practices, there’s reasonable doubt they’ll get there under Rodriguez.

The second-year coach has drawn fire for his record (8-16 overall and 3-13 in the mediocre Big Ten), his treatment of players (an NCAA investigation into excessive practice time should wrap up next month) and, of course, his pedigree (he’s not a Michigan man).

Some of the criticism is fair, some unfounded, and Rodriguez alluded to factions working against the program after Michigan’s season-ending 21-10 loss to Ohio State, its sixth straight in the rivalry series.

“Just let us do our job and we’ll be OK,” Rodriguez said.

Maybe, but things aren’t that simple.

Rodriguez said recruiting shortfalls “the last 3 Februaries or 4 Februaries have hurt us a little bit,” and “the next 2 or 3” recruiting classes will be critical to building the program.

Of course, with a new athletic director slated to start sometime next year and bad news piling up like laundry - the latest, the arrest of an unidentified freshman for alleged criminal sexual contact over the weekend - Rodriguez doesn’t have 3 recruiting classes to get things right.

Michigan needs to show significant improvement next fall or he’ll likely be shown the door.

Outgoing AD Bill Martin gave Rodriguez another hollow vote of support Saturday, but the only voice that matters, president Mary Sue Coleman has been strangely silent of late. For the sake of a recruiting class so essential to the program, she needs to speak out this week and put questions about Rodriguez’s immediate future to rest.

Rodriguez did his best to move forward Saturday, saying he’s identified most of the problems that ail his team and he’s sticking with the same blueprint he used to turn West Virginia into a national power.

“We’re going through a growing process that we’re not accustomed to here at the University of Michigan,” Rodriguez said. “I’m not accustomed to it either. But I’ve been through it before and we’ll get it done.”

Notes, quotes and leftovers • Turnovers aside, the biggest sequence of events Saturday came in the span of three plays on Ohio State’s third-quarter touchdown drive.

Brandon Graham almost kept the Buckeyes out of the end zone singlehandedly. On first-and-goal from the 2, coming off his left end position in a five-man front, he knifed inside tight end Jake Stoneburner to drop running back Dan Herron for a 2-yard loss.

On second-and-goal, Graham held his ground on a play fake and another juke move by quarterback Terrelle Pryor and sacked Pryor for an 8-yard loss.

On third down, just as Michigan, trailing 14-10, looked like it might hold the Buckeyes to a field goal, OSU dialed up a timely screen pass against an all-out blitz. Jordan Kovacs rushed Pryor from his safety position leaving the middle of the field open, and Pryor lobbed a 12-yard touchdown pass to Herron over Ryan Van Bergen.

“They just called a perfect call cause we had a blitz going and then they had a screen,” safety Troy Woolfolk said. “It wasn’t a matter of people being out of line or making mistakes like in the past. Everybody executed the play, they just got lucky. It is what it is.”

• Graham finished with four tackles for loss, giving him an NCAA-best 25 on the year. Just three other players - Army’s Josh McNary (22 1/2), UCLA’s Brian Price and Wisconsin’s O’Brien Schofield (20 1/2 each) - have more than 20, and each has one game to play.

People don’t realize how good a season Graham had. With two blocked kicks, two forced fumbles and 9 1/2 sacks (I still contend he should have had 10), Graham would be an All-American if he played on a better team.

• Forcier had five costly turnovers, but with no viable backup quarterback it’s hard to fault Rodriguez for not benching him earlier (and it’s still puzzling why he didn’t give Forcier a chance to win the game at Iowa).

Denard Robinson played 15 snaps at quarterback Saturday. Of his first 11, 10 were designed runs. When he was finally asked to pass four times on Michigan’s final drive, Robinson threw a screen pass complete but behind Mike Shaw; grounded a ball in the direction of Junior Hemingway; took a sack when he stepped into pressure despite an open receiver to his right; and panicked on a fourth-down incompletion, throwing the ball to a patch of grass when no receiver was within 20 yards.

Robinson finished the season with 69 carries for 351 yards and completed 14-of-31 passes for 188 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions.

• Robinson didn’t talk with reporters Saturday, but freshman Vincent Smith said he expects his classmate to return and compete for the starting job next year.

“He’s very patient and he stays positive and he knows when his number’s called he needs to step up to get the job done,” Smith said.

• Brandon Minor led Michigan in rushing for the second straight year. His 502 yards was the lowest total by a rushing leader since Mel Anthony’s 394 yards in 1963.

Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

Comments

fastfrank64

Thu, Apr 8, 2010 : 3:43 a.m.

the last 2 years have been more than enough. no more excuses, no more rants giving no answers - 9 wins this year or you're gone. sound like alot? only because rr has taken us so low.. what did bo do immediately.. i disliked lloyd, but he's a mental giant compared to rr.. no losing seasons in 40 years till rr, a bowl every year. now, can't tackle, can't pass rush, can't run the ball, can't pass and special teams are a joke. ANY mediocre coach could constantly go at least 8-4 at um (LLOYD ) waiting time is over.. show me some big-time coaches who couldn't win at such a national power in two seasons.. he's a loser like martin - great job bill - we've lost 7 of the last 8 to osu in fb and 13 0f 15 in hoops.... great judge of talent.. go sailing and hopefully get lost!

buzz

Mon, Jan 18, 2010 : 3:11 a.m.

yo no need for rebuilding? UM lost to App st. wit UM when ranked #5. They did beat Florida in the Capitol one bowl, but they were favored to go to a BCS bowl even the NC. I thought LC was a great coach but it was time to get a new coach with a new system. RR was the perfect fit. He hasnt had any luck in his first 2 seasons but i think next season will change that. RR recruits will have experience and the defense will improve. RR does recruit really well even with losing records. We dont need Ryan mallet cuz he doesnt fit RR system. He is doing fine in Arkansas so yeah its win win for both RR and himself. It ain't cool dissing RR and calling him a jerk. Have u even met him? Thats right shut up. Just because u guys dont want him as coach doesnt mean hes a jerk. i do respect ur opinion on him being a bad but when he starts winning yall will be kissing his butt. So i suggest u guys start doin it cuz next season is when RR and UM will shutup OSU, ND, MSU, and the college football World. GO BLUE!!!!

BluAlum64

Tue, Dec 1, 2009 : 10:57 p.m.

For all you numbnuts who have no clue about football, but wish to be "supportive" of "our" coach. RR may be your coach, but he is certainly not now, never has been, and never will be "our" coach. He is an opportunist without the character to be "our" coach. His behavior at WVU continued on and off the field when he moved to Ann Arbor. You can take a jerk out of West Virgina, but he is still a jerk. He can't coach. Look at the video of our games this year. He was outcoached repeatedly and his response was to blame the players and yell at his assistants. "Our" coach would have more class. His scheme is fine for a conference like the one where WVU plays, but they were not, and are not a perennial power in football. "Our" coach would know the difference and would understand his competition. Face it, Bill and Mary screwed up and screwed us and haven't the class to admit it and fix it. RR is not an asset, just an ass.

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Nov 28, 2009 : 11:29 a.m.

blu50 i got tired reading your article. do you guys have such short memories about LLoyd, Gary and Bo. Becuase the whole game was so slow Bo did well, Gary well poor Gary just had some problems. and LLoyd was holding us captive in the old system. Listen boys and girls when we start kicking butt they'll be calling for old Jim's head mark my words. This is all a game both physical and mind right now you guys are caught up in the silly mind games relax it's all going to get better and sooner than you think. According to blu 50 Joe Pa should have been fired several times over the last few years since the 95 season. We see all your games out here in southern ca. and concerning your comment in regards to the spirit of the team let me clue you in. Michigan fans are known as the most quiet subdued fans in the country and that included the "winning years" so next time I watch a game and see your crowd on TV I want to see you blue50 standing and cheering cause if you do I'm sure we'll all see you cause nobody else in the Michigan crowd is doing much to help,"Team Spirit".

PortageLkBlu

Sat, Nov 28, 2009 : 11:04 a.m.

"you drink the koolaid and it is good" what the heck nonsense is that. come on boys and girls talk football for geez sakes. I thougt Bo was a real likable character and winnable IN THE BIG TEN outside the box michigan was so so. who the heck gives a D where they get these coaches as Al says,"just win baby". Dan Dierdorf will tell you in 69 that was a D good team that Bo inherited. wake up kids this is all smoke and mirrows of course given the time we all know rr is going to kick butt in the lowly big ten. You guys act like ohio state is some powerhouse well I guess they are in the big 10 outside the box their average at best. The funny thing is they don't seem to be getting any stronger than whats required to kick b in the "big 10". give this guy a chance he's going to shut some negative mouthes and I promise you when he does you can say you were with him all the time. I live in southern ca. and people out here know what you guys seem to be missing out on and that is the formula for a national power. USC has one average yr and folks are saying has pete lost his touch, give me a break with his worst team of late he beat, "The Ohio State Bucs" at Ohio State. Come on give rr a chance you all know the truth about uncle LLoyd and his future. The Wolves under LLoyd were kind of like GM.

blue50

Tue, Nov 24, 2009 : 10:37 p.m.

I agree with richrod39. My entire family grew up as Michigan fans. Not average run-of-the-mill but true die-hard critics and supporters of big blue. My 3 sons (all adults) and I attended the Penn St./Mich. game. Woeful! Quite evident to all of us was the lack of coaching of the fundamentals of tackling and assignments. Michigan teams thrive on Michigan tradition. There was no feeling of the Michigan Spirit on the field. There were a bunch of young men running around with a "clueless spirit." I too have watched and assessed Michigan for the past many decades and can not accept the incoherent verbage spewing from RR for the past 2 years. Michigan needs to cut losses by releasing RR to go coach another team. Michigan is Michigan. Talent was evident. The talent simply was not well coached. RR should step up and say, "This whole damn mess is my fault, not Lloyd's, not anyone else but me." The big bucks he is guaranteed are an embarrassment to all of us who perform exceptionally well in our humdrum jobs/careers and receive very little reward.

maulerblue

Tue, Nov 24, 2009 : 9:01 p.m.

Quote "All you haters out there RR isnt goin anywhere so instead of crying start supporting RR he is one of the top coaches in the country and will turn this around" Dude, pass the joint. Of course Rich Rod isn't going to leave without kicking and screaming like the crybaby he has shown the world he is on national tv, and as far as the "top coaches in the country" I sir very much will say that Richard Rod is belongs at this time with the WORST coaches in the country! Wake up! GO BLUE

Blueman Rick

Tue, Nov 24, 2009 : 1:43 a.m.

UM made strides? What? One step forward, two steps back. No strides forward will be made w/ RR. You can write it down. One more year in Hades, my friends...then purgatory, then hopefully a new day will dawn.

uminks

Tue, Nov 24, 2009 : 12:30 a.m.

No, if RR is only winning 7 to 8 games by year four than he will be gone. I would really call someone a cool-aide drinker if they wanted to keep him after 2012 season only winning 7 to 8 games. If RR were to fail this would be a great time to lure Urban away from FL. The ND opening is too quick and he won't take it but by 2012 he would probably want to go to his 2nd favorite coaching position at UM. He runs the spread so not too many changes would be needed. Meyer would be a great fit IF RR were to flounder.

aarox

Tue, Nov 24, 2009 : 12:23 a.m.

ok I'm taking cr*p for that last post. guys, it was 'irony.' look it up. we are in huge trouble. i am truly afraid we are headed for where Notre Dame has gone. i'm not seeing a way out of this any time soon. its clear rr is not our guy. mercedes didn't mention the crying at press conferences but was pretty close on the rest of it. when we make a switch we will need another 3 years to get respectable and another 3 after that to be true contenders. Add another 3-4 years to this estimate because we need to get our respectability back to have the necessary fantabulous recruiting years (or you can go back to the kool-aid and ignore this fact) and that means we are 8-12 years into being BCS (which hopefully will not even exist by then) contenders. ugh.

uminks

Tue, Nov 24, 2009 : 12:22 a.m.

The team will improve...may be not so much next year though I'm pulling for a bowl but by 2011 RR will need to win 8 games period! Of course other teams have quite a few underclassmen but how many teams in the b10 were playing with a true freshman QB and walk-ons both in the secondary at LB. I see very few good upperclassmen players on this team and there is your problem. Something went wrong in the 2005-2007 time frame. I'm not going to want to dump a good coach who has not been given a fair chance. Most of the b10 teams are playing some form of the spread offense and we have the master of the spread offense right here in A2! Give this guy a chance! I think he will be a great coach here after a slow start! I could be wrong but I'm not going to make any judgments until after 2011 season!

aarox

Tue, Nov 24, 2009 : 12:11 a.m.

mercedes wrote: As a Nittany Lion, I have been reading these posts for two years. Its much more interesting than the PSU blogs. Couple of questions for the RR supporters. How can you explain away the confusion on the sidelines? At least twice in games I saw, he went back and forth on kicking or going on 4th and short with time ticking away. I have never seen a coach go ballistic with other coaches on the sidelines the way he has. How can you keep putting in Robinson when everyone knows (even Matt Millen) what he will do? And for the posters who keep bringing up the FR and SOPHs on the roster, look at this: Ill 103 on roster 70 FR/SO 16 FR Redshirts Ind 113 on roster 86 FR/SO 18FR and 20SO Redshirts Iowa 113 on roster 70 FR/SO 22 FR Redshirts Mich 125 on roster 84 FR/SO 15FR and 24SO Redshirts MSU 113 on roster 71 FR/SO 17FR and 2SO Redshirts Minn 102 on roster 59 FR/SO 8FR and 1 SO Redshirts NW 105 on Roster 71 FR/SO 22 FR Redshirts PSU 123 on Roster 89 FR/SO Redshirts not listed Purdue 112 on Roster 75 FR/SO 19 FR Redshirts Wisc 112 on Roster 80 FR/SO 20FR and 19SO Redshirts There isn't much difference RR boys. Your looking at a Michigan team that has its work cut out. Looking at this years committments, Michigan doesn't look like the defensive side is going to get better. Bottom line, RR should go, things can get worse and make it even harder to get back where Michigan football should be. Keep this up and you will be a bottom dweller for the foreseeable future. You are just trying to confuse us with facts! This has nothing to do with that we are mEEchigan! Notre Dame has lost their way, but that will never happen to us, no matter how many facts you quote!

Lemansblue

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 8:31 p.m.

No way will Harbaugh have the program at Stanford that he could have at Mi.

mnice

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 7:30 p.m.

Rodriguez. someone tell him and greg robinson that 3-4 defense doesn't work teams eat it up. also rodriguez you need to do more coaching and less yelling. you are paid to coach work with your team in practice so they mess up in the game. the team needs to get bigger stronger and quicker on both from lines. the guys are too small and get eat up. also take the walkon safety off the field and get some db's other than Warren who can run and cover somebody. oppenets wr's should not just run right by your safetys have your team run stadium steps and do speed and agility drills constantly. also make all the backs and receivers carry footballs with them every where they go and tell student body to try and knock it away from them so they can stop fumbling. step it up it's year three now.

Furious in MI

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 7 p.m.

Harbaugh has no reason to take this job, even if RR was fired today and he was offered bags and bags of cash. He's building a good program at Stanford, and would be an idiot to leave that to try to clean up a major mess at his alma mater. I honestly don't know who's available right now that would be an improvement. One more year and out for RR. He doesn't know jack about defense, and next year's squad may be even worse on that side of the ball.

Lemansblue

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 5:22 p.m.

Mercedes, Great post...That about tells the story. The people that support RR are blind to the facts. RR out...Harbaugh in.

GoblueinNE_PA

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 5:18 p.m.

Bottom line, RR is going to get another season. We all know that, whether we're a RR supporter or detractor, koolaid drinker or RR Hater. We have a lame duck as an AD, who even if he could do something (which at this point he can't), wouldn't do anything. Making a change now would be tantamount to Martin admitting he made a mistake and that's not how he wants to go out. The only people that could make a change would be MSC and the Regents and I don't think their inclined to do so, barring NCAA violations. I think they feel that they hire administrators to handle issues like this and will continue down that path. The real question becomes, what happens next year. If the team wins the 9 or 10 games some are predicting, everything goes away. Winning, for a coach, is the ultimate deodorant. If the team performs no better than this season, or worse, as I admittedly think they will, then again, I think it's a no brainer and RR is let go. Where it gets iffy is if he goes 6-6 or 7-5. There will be many people that say, that's evidence of progress and he deserves more time. There will be just as many, IMO, that will say his 3 year body of work is horrible and he needs to be shown the door. For all of our sakes, the team needs to go one extreme or the other. The fan base is divided probably more than it has ever been. While I think RR was a bad hire and have said so here numerous times, I'd much rather be standing next to the RR supporters, giving the business to Sparty and the Buckheads in Columbus, than to be arguing with them here. I may never like RR, I never came around on Carr, but I have always supported the team and will continue to do so, regardless of whomever is the head coach.

Dwinschampionships

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 4:44 p.m.

If RR is given time he will succeed, but fans like all of you will make that difficult. The deck has been stacked against him from the day he took the job. He isn't perfect, but who really is? Success takes sacrifice. Success in my eyes is National Titles, not 8-4 and a Big Ten title every once in awhile(LC). I will endure a couple losing seasons in in order to compete for National titles. Go ahead and jump off the bandwagon all you "Walmart Wolverine fans". We "true" fans will welcome you back when RR leads us to the promise land. Go Blue!

Fresh121

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 4:39 p.m.

Penn St is in the same boat is Osu sure they win games just not "the" big game if all we wanted was 9 10 wins and a piece of the B10 then why even let LC leave? He says he retired but its almost the same BM move,something bad happens retire.Osu Penn St when them bowls come we shall see what happens to them like it did us when were there gonna get beat.

nineblock

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 4:20 p.m.

For the RR worshippers and your continued defense of what he "deserves;" Here is the thing. RR deserves his 2.5 mil per year because we are contractually obligated. My rather admittedly simple view is that inreturn we deserve wins. Not in 2 years or 3 years or 5 years...now. It's the nature of the beast in this day and age and others have posted plenty of examples of other coaches who have transitioned with little loss of momentum. Any coach who take a tier 1 job and expects patience is an idiot. Patience is not a virtue. It is an excuse because the bottom line is "Good losers are...losers."

mercedes

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 3:22 p.m.

As a Nittany Lion, I have been reading these posts for two years. Its much more interesting than the PSU blogs. Couple of questions for the RR supporters. How can you explain away the confusion on the sidelines? At least twice in games I saw, he went back and forth on kicking or going on 4th and short with time ticking away. I have never seen a coach go ballistic with other coaches on the sidelines the way he has. How can you keep putting in Robinson when everyone knows (even Matt Millen) what he will do? And for the posters who keep bringing up the FR and SOPHs on the roster, look at this: Ill 103 on roster 70 FR/SO 16 FR Redshirts Ind 113 on roster 86 FR/SO 18FR and 20SO Redshirts Iowa 113 on roster 70 FR/SO 22 FR Redshirts Mich 125 on roster 84 FR/SO 15FR and 24SO Redshirts MSU 113 on roster 71 FR/SO 17FR and 2SO Redshirts Minn 102 on roster 59 FR/SO 8FR and 1 SO Redshirts NW 105 on Roster 71 FR/SO 22 FR Redshirts PSU 123 on Roster 89 FR/SO Redshirts not listed Purdue 112 on Roster 75 FR/SO 19 FR Redshirts Wisc 112 on Roster 80 FR/SO 20FR and 19SO Redshirts There isn't much difference RR boys. Your looking at a Michigan team that has its work cut out. Looking at this years committments, Michigan doesn't look like the defensive side is going to get better. Bottom line, RR should go, things can get worse and make it even harder to get back where Michigan football should be. Keep this up and you will be a bottom dweller for the foreseeable future.

jimid34

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 2:39 p.m.

Bill Frieder was born in Michigan, graduated from the UofM and coached High School and College Basketball in Michigan his whole life (up until 1989). I had UofM season basketball tickets in 88/89 and EVERY time the announcer would introduce Frieder before the game started, the home crowd would boo him. Everything about his background and body of work should have labeled him a "Michigan Man". He was a great recruiter, but he was a so-so coach who acted like a weasel most of the time with the media. Deservingly so, the UofM fans never gave him the "Michigan Man" title. It is not something born to you or entitled because of your associations or past body of work. It is something our leaders have earned. It bleeds from their soul's with every action (or reaction) that they do for the fans and our players. Before the home football games in 1988/89, when Bo was announced as the head coach, the crowd use to jestingly bow to our great leader and coach out of respect and admiration. My concern for the current football team has less to do with future wins and losses the next couple of years. Long term success teeters more on how Coach Rich embraces what it takes to be a "Michigan Man" Will the Michigan fans boo him when his name is introduced before future football games, or will he have earned their respect? Coach Rich may not turn to be like "Bill Frieder". Only time will tell. But after 2 years, the fact that he hasn't disproven this possibility to the Michigan faithful, is of great concern to a lot of Wolverine fans.

Blue1st

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 1:29 p.m.

While I didn't agree with everything RR has done this year, I was impressed with the M 'D' on Saturday, especially BG. M was in that game the whole way, even till the end. can't say that about a lot of B10 games this year. If I were an OSU fan, I'd be more concerned that the bucknuts just about got beat by a fresh/soph team who committed crucial turnovers in the red zone. there are times when M really impressed me, other times not, but you (I) can definitely see that if this team grows together, they will win a lot of games. OSU on the other hand, better watch a lot of film, cuz they may be in for another nut whoopin on NY day against O, you know, the buckduck bowl.....lol

mzanblu

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 1:21 p.m.

for those of you who think RR will do well here because of his previous track record at other schools WAKE UP!!! 3-13 in the B10, NCAA violations luming it's time to cut bait now and send his sorry arse and overpriced contract back to gas pumper U.

Bill

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 1:21 p.m.

Whether one accepts the notion that the cupboard was found bare when R Rod arrived the fact remains that the 2009 team was heavily loaded with Fr and So on the first team / second team some of whom were walk-ons. Approximately 54% of the first and second teams [offense and defense combined] were Freshmen / Sophomores. Does anyone seriously believe that they had the age, maturity, strength and experience to compete and win consistently versus older, bigger, and more experienced teams heavily ladened with veteran starters. Its been my observation from following football for more years than I care to count that freshmen do not do well playing seniors whether it is at the high school or college level as also pertains to rookies versus veterans in the NFL. [Admittedly a few freshmen / rookies can and do succeed very well but I would posit that that is the exception and not the rule]. A look at Michigans performance in the NFL draft in 2009 and glimpsing at the pending 2010 draft compared to the 2000 to 2008 should indicate to the most casual observer that the talent level at Michigan was considerably down when R Rod arrived. To expect him to compete at a high level with what he inherited and was able to obtain in one and a half draft classes seems.....somewhat unrealistic! He is a football coach and should not be expected to work miracles. Lastly here is a quotation from Bos Lasting Lessons by Bo and John U. Bacon. Page 42. Quote: One of the biggest myths of that 69 team is that we took a bunch of no-talent guys and then turned then into champions. Thats not true. From that team eleven players became All-Americans eleven! And while I like to think our coaching staff helped get them there, brother, you cant get blood from a stone. And lets be clear: I didnt recruit ANY of those guys. OlBump had not left the cupboard bare. Unquote Give R Rod a chance. Enough said.

chosen1

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 1:04 p.m.

BG should be an All-American. Doesn't matter how the team did, he was an absolute beast, a one-man wrecking crew. Hopefully the guys that will be our defensive leaders next year will develop the heart and desire to be the best that BG showed all year. BG you will be missed, but blue fans will be proud to see this young man dominate in the NFL

richrod39

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 11:48 a.m.

Dwinschampionships - We needed a change to compete at the next level. Next level??? How about competing in the Big Ten? How about keeping the bowl streak alive? How about winning???

maizenbluedoc

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 11:40 a.m.

It makes little difference what fans or the media moguls say about Rich Rod, it is still under the influence of the AD and president to make a decision. Maybe they will fail to relieve RR of his duties because they don't want to look like inefficient, indecisive managers.

Dwinschampionships

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 11:38 a.m.

How many of you out there actually went to the game Saturday? I was there and I noticed a lot of red in the crowd. All of you "so called Michigan fans" who sold your tickets should be ashamed to wear the maize and blue. Do the "true" Michigan fan a favor and give up your season tickets, so real Michigan men can fill the stadium. I am a RR supporter, because I am a supporter of UM. He is our coach. He needs the support of the fan base so he can do his job. If he is fired the program will only get worse. (Look at ND). RR needs time and patience. Next year we will be better, but he still needs a couple more years until we are once again a national power. The style of offense LC ran does not win National titles anymore(OSU). We needed a change to compete at the next level. Just be patience. "Those who stay will be champions!"

richrod39

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 11:26 a.m.

As a 20 plus year season ticket holder, I don't understand the comments about rebuilding, getting faster, etc. Prior to RR Michigan was 8-4 in the Big Ten and beat a "faster Florida" in the bowl game. RR takes a 9-4 program to 3-9 and "improves" to 5-7. Michigan's cupboard is never bare unless you are referring to RR coaching talents. Doesn't a good coach adapt the playbook to his level of players? Perhaps the players aren't the problem. RR states the goal of Michigan football is now to win the Big Ten. My how expectations in AA have changed under RR.

heartbreakM

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 11:02 a.m.

Fresh--thanks for at least answering some of the questions. Many others who like RR simply ignore these questions. My comments back to your reasonable statements are: I agree that there is a difference between frosh/sophs and upper years, but he has had 2 years to get these guys into shape, and yet our second half performances since October have been awful. And yes, Tate will work harder than ever, but so should any player, including Tim Tebow who has had success. That's not unique, and if we were 12-0, he should still work hard. Your comments about wins/losses: I would venture to say that in 2 years, RR has had 2 meaningful wins, both exciting yet after the season may not be so impressive. Last year, Wisconsin (who went on to a subpar year) and this year, ND (who may not be so good either given their record). Beating WMU, EMU, Del State, and last place co-owner Indiana? Sorry, these do not count as impressive wins. I have complained publicly about upgrading the schedule to get real teams on the schedule, rather than easy pickings, with the theory that we are MIchigan and should not be afraid of real competition, and that beating second rate teams does not improve you. I'd rather lose to texas than beating Del State (or losing to App State). I was slammed for that with the reasoning that "everybody does it". Well, what did our fabulous schedule get us this year? Meaningless wins. What I'd really like to see is our offensive totals in the B10--excluding the easy pickings of the MAC. You know where we stand? Last place defensively. 9th place offensively. Last place in 4th down conversions; Half of sacks by one player (BG). Last place by a long shot in time of possessions--which is important to get our porous defense off the field. Last year, we led the nation in 3 and outs. Don't know where we are this year. So, please tell me, where are our meaningful wins? WHere is our feared and vaunted offense? Why should we have faith in RR, why should be "all-in" to quote him? Obviously, I have a bias, but I have not seen any real answers to 'facts on the ground'. These stats are more meaningful than including out of conference games IMO.

A2D2

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 10:50 a.m.

It's pretty obvious that it's "8 OR out" in 2010. And to be honest, as much as it would be nice to go bowling this year, I'm not sure it helps the program to go 6-6, make it to the Pizza Bowl, and get the snot kicked out of them by CMU..... Just food for thought.........

mlivesaline

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 10:38 a.m.

Thank you Brandon Graham for an incredible season. Best of luck to you in the NFL.

mlivesaline

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 10:37 a.m.

He's got one more year to show a team that is not LAST in the Big Ten. To do this he'd better wake up and focus every bit of his time on the Defense. It will be the same story next year if that Defense is not improved.

Fresh121

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 10:34 a.m.

Next year he does need to show more and RR should take more blame but you guys act like hes at fault for EVERYTHING he should take more blame for sure i agree with that but you guys know its not all his fault.and you cant tell me theres not a difference between a 19 year old mans body and a 23 year old mans body the team needs time...if you really look at all the games we coulda won you guys act like we lost every game and was blowed out..were trying to build a team that can get to a national level and win and if that takes a few seasons to get there thats ok beacuse either were moving towards top level or were stuck winning 10 games and not the big 1..Jim T can beat us but him getting beat up in BCS games every year will only go on so long..i mean is that what you want win 9 10 games and lose the big game..OSU is down that road we Figured out we want more then that right now we are taking lumps but you have to take them to improve..I think Tate is gonna put in more work this offseason then hes ever done, Devin G needs to sit a year. Either ur gonna look at things positive or neagative.

heartbreakM

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 10:06 a.m.

Wolvdoug--if next year ends as this year did, what then? What is the bottom for RR, or does he get an indefinite time frame to win? Where is the accountability? Tater seems to predict everything will be great--did all year long, and seems to blame all of RR's losses on injuries, a fumble, other people's recruits, etc. But every coach has to deal with these problems. It's just that some coaches actually deal with them rather than pointing fingers. What if RR does not get better? How much losing is enough for you all? 1 year? 5 years? How much does his performance at Michigan count, vs. performance at WVU?

Wolvdoug

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 9:53 a.m.

RichRod will be around a while so you haters should take a deep breath and relax....He has been sucessful elsewhere and will be sucessful here to. Give his players a chance to mature and show what they can do. It's hard to win a Big Ten champoinship when you are running out 70 plus Freshmen, Redshirt Freshmen and Sophmores onto the field every Sat. Not to mention having to deal with injuries, this team was lucky to win what they did. The offense showed promise thru out the season and the defense looked pretty good Sat as well. It's gonna take some time but things will get better starting with next season. And as far as NCAA violations go...nothing has been proven to this point and I suspect nothing will be proven other than matbe some minor infractions....Take a deep breath haters....You won't get your wish this year and after next season he will have UM winning again.

chosen1

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 9:52 a.m.

Fresh...i live in a2 and Im not impressed with richrod. He doesn't understand defense and he takes no responsibility for what goes on. It's excuses. I wish he would have a mike gundy moment and tell the press pick on me im a grown man. Im listening to 1050 and for all those that blame Lloyd for the "cupboard being bare"....sam webb is making the point that Lloyd can't be blamed for the injuries that ended careers or that players weren't able to come back to form from. He's not responsible for a kid deciding he doesn't want to do the schoolwork, he wasn't responsible for a kid going out and stealing from people of this town. Likewise Rich isn't to blame that players came here for a certain coach or scheme and when the coach changed they decided they didn't fit into the system rich brought and he let it know it wasn't changing so they left. There would have been a kid that would've been a senior this year that would have been perfect for Rich's system, but knee injuries ruined Antonio Bass' future at Michigan. If he was here the past 2 years Michigan may have been more successful the past 2 years. But like turnovers, injuries are a part of the game. Injuries have been a major factor in our scholarship numbers and the reason we have walk-ons playing prominent role. As well as, athletes academic issues. This year JT Turner had to miss the start of fall practice due to questions about high school transcripts and they lost Adrian Witty for the season to academic issues. These things happen and it just has happened for a few years at Michigan. It's life and a part of it.

heartbreakM

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 9:28 a.m.

Hey fresh--here's one for you. It's called censorship. Free speech. Know those words?

Fresh121

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 9:20 a.m.

Its the same 10 people on this site recyclin there comments on every post Az Goblue in pa you guys never have any original comments its the same thing on every post " kool aid" im so sick of that word..get real either ur for RR or not its that way with every coach unless hes winning then know one cares. A2 can we make all these fake fans that dont even live in our state off ur web page. I rep my city born in Mich live here not sure most of you bloggers can say that. If you live in this state i will listen all you other outta state comments fall on def ears

rainking

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 9:07 a.m.

dzuck, the fact that you want Les Miles here proves to me you know nothing about UM football behind the scenes. Believe me, you do NOT want Les Miles here. So butto out

kwilhelm

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 8:55 a.m.

We should keep RR through September 2010 and then fire him. He has only one win in October and no wins in November since arriving. Go Blue

Goblue

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 8:45 a.m.

Were you drinking the "koolaid" when UM was 4-0? No! You were talking about how great the team and RR was. Yeah you're a true UM fan alright. Did "USC, Stanford and Penn State" have as many young players starting a significant positions as UM? How was their D? And yes ass-wolverine, RR didn't play offense or defense at WVU. Things worked out pretty well for the team. I mean he coached them too right? Seems like you being a UM grad you'd realize that you only make my point with that. Enjoy the "koolaid"!

heartbreakM

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 8:22 a.m.

Tater--I finally figured out who you are. You are Matt Millen!!

Macabre Sunset

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 2:28 a.m.

I was pleased with the effort Saturday. Graham and the defense came to play. It was their best game of the season. They took this tradition game seriously, and put their team in a position where an upset was possible. There is talent and heart on this team, somewhere. It is a very poorly coached team with a freshman quarterback who has regressed significantly since his debut. I'm sure Forcier has a lot of questions, but the coaching staff has no answers. An offense designed to run with a noodle-armed quarterback passed a lot on Saturday. Predictably, Forcier displayed all the ball security of a drunken security guard at a cotillion. So no upset was possible. Robinson is useless. I don't see any sign he's learning the quarterback position. Forcier is noodle-armed. Robinson is an amputee by comparison. So, we have a team graduating its best player, returning without a real quarterback and a real vision of the future. It can't get any worse. Might as well just start over with a coach who knows football. The damage is already done.

uminks

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 12:51 a.m.

The defense will only slowly improve next season since we are losing BG and possibly Warren, then this defense will really be young. May be we will see overall improvement if some of these younger secondary kids learn the defense and have the skills to cover. I expect Fitzgerald to possibly challenge Mouten for starting OLB and I'm not sure if Ezeh can ever be a top notch MLB! The DL has a lot of potential but I think Ezeh should convert to DE, he would be great there and he could add some bulk this summer. The offense should improve and we will need to develop several good backs in case of injuries. Due to the weak state of the defense, I think we will be lucky to get to 6-6 or 7-5 next season. We may finish 5-6 or 4-8 again, but by 2011 with the younger defense maturing I could see us win 8 to 10 games and finally win over OSU at home. 2012 and beyond we are golden with Gardener being an all American QB and a solid defense with an explosive offense. This team will become a perennial BCS bowl team!

GoblueinNE_PA

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:51 p.m.

I'd just like everyone to remember this: There was nothing to rebuild at Michigan UNTIL RR dismantled the program. Now, we have a full scale rebuild/recovery required just to get back to where we were under LC. If he doesn't win 8 or 9 games next year, he needs to go. I don't think he wins more than 4.

AC

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:33 p.m.

It's funny when I hear that Michigan led the conf. in scoring. 29.5 pts/game. (I guess we did beat OSU 29.25 pts /gm). 6 of the 12 teams had a combined record 20-44. (Scoring 63 pts against Del.ST helps). BIG BLUE has to score a lot more pts if they expect to win more games next season. With Minor, Brown, Mathews and bunch more gone next year, hope RR (offensive guru) is ready esp. with a defense that gave up 330 pts (4th from the bottom in conf.).

raddes

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:13 p.m.

AZ, By no means is RR polished and you can vent all you want--the same is happening here. But it's interesting when a lot of RR bashers question why he needs "his" players when there are 3-4 star recruits either on the bench or (were) chased off by RR. And to answer this question, I'll ask a few questions of my own---What type of athletes were being brought into the UM program the last few years? Why CAN'T or COULDN'T these blue chip "veteran" recruits pick up this offense or defense?? Aren't they athletes?? Can't they adapt?? To me, this would also distill the notion about a "gimmick" offense. It can't be that gimmicky if the veteran players can't/couldn't pick it up? Oh, that's right, it's a system,/scheme change that threw our elite athletes (like Justin Boren) off?? Give me a break!! RR, IMO, has every right to question the athletes on HIS roster and make changes accordingly. Hell, how many coaches HAVEN"T told Obi Ezeh: "get depth at your position," "head on a swivel," "key the tight end" and that "excellent recruit" still gets burnt in pass coverage every time he steps on the field!! And also, IMO, he is taking accountability by stating he is going to fix the problems--rebuilding a program filled with Fr/SO is a process not a quick fix. Although I will say, he and Robinson better lock themselves in a room for the next 9 mos and figure out a defensive "scheme" for next year. If that side of the ball (with the exception of Graham and Martin) had a clue, this would be a different discussion----

azwolverine

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 10:26 p.m.

raddes, We may change nothing, but it does feel good to vent after two rotten seasons with an 8-16 coach. I wouldn't mind him so much if he would just take accountability and stop blaming everyone else for his failures. That is a character issue that is very hard to defend, imo. I don't care if he went to Michigan, but show some class and be accountable. That's called character. In the end, that is what is meant by "Michigan Man." In the end, that is what RR lacks, imo.

raddes

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 10:19 p.m.

There's many of you who need to drop this ignorant "kool aid" reference. It's not kool aid--it's looking at the big picture. Your opinion is your opinion but at the end of the day it doesn't mean much considering you're chaging NOTHING!! Let me put it in terms you can all (well, maybe some of you) can understand. This moment in time is NOT the death-knell for UM football. The death-knell for UM football will be when our new "Michigan Man" (not really from Michigan mind you) interrupts the rebuild of UM football by firing RR and then takes us back to the Stone Age with a coach who questions, "Why are teams more faster and athletic than us?" Remember UM haters, "sideshow" Kelly is out (what an embarrassing display he is-yeslling at coaches). And now Harbaugh is out---beat USC and lose to Cal??? Isn't that like beating Florida but losing to Appy St. or Oregon? Time is the only cure-all for RR and his program. Sorry for the break in reality---you may all continue with your kool aid "hater" references now! Yeah, FIRE RR......

jimbobjr

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 10:04 p.m.

Does AnnArbor.com employ an editor? Maybe he/she was off today? >> Outgoing AD Bill Martin gave Rodriguez [another hollow vote] of support Saturday another: more examples? hollow: you don't think he means it? vote: is there a head coach election?

tomhagan

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:25 p.m.

btw...it is all Lloyd Carr's fault too... not.

tomhagan

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:19 p.m.

I was reading Dan Wetzel's column over on Yahoo about Charlie Weis...really well written piece... and that lead me to check out Wetzel's twitter page as he is a pretty good/insightful sportswriter and he wrote yesterday among other things: # Michigan Kiss of Death: Matt Millen defending RichRod. It's like CEO of GM praising CEO of Chrysler 12:06 PM Nov 21st # Anyone who think it's a coincidence RichRod mentioned to broadcast team Forcier was having "academic issues". Ha. He's done. 11:59 AM Nov 21st from web # Tate Forcier, starting QB, 2011... SDSU 11:55 AM Nov 21st from web

heartbreakM

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:16 p.m.

bleedblue: The Michigan Daily had an article on Friday about what is a "Michigan Man". In my opinion, it is not necessarily someone who played or previously coached at Michigan, though obviously that helps. It is somebody who embodies the ideals of Michigan, who is familiar with Michigan, who has at least experienced part of Michigan (even if on an opposing sideline). Somebody like Tressel as he relates to OSU. Somebody like Bo. Somebody who is a man of character, loyalty, intellect, respect, who puts team above himself, who does not make excuses or sell out his/her team. Somebody like Coach Hutchins (even though she played at MSU). Harbaugh would get it as an ex-player. Rodriguez in my mind will never get it because he puts a pricetag on the job, and very publicly and with little respect was disloyal to his institution and players upon taking the job. I think that is why his former fans of WVU hate him so. Saban could never be a Michigan man, nor would John Calipari or Larry Brown--people who are always looking for the next great thing.

ALL IN

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:14 p.m.

All you haters out there RR isnt goin anywhere so instead of crying start supporting RR he is one of the top coaches in the country and will turn this around.GO BLUE

heartbreakM

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:11 p.m.

Hey goblue: Quote from one of the players after the game yesterday: Vince Smith, Fr RB, a RR recruit: "Once you look at every game we lost we havent played our best game. We have the talent. Weve got the ability to win every game. We beat ourselves, I feel, in every game that we lost. Weve got the talent and the ability to overcome that" Well, if they have the talent, why are they last place in the B10. If they don't have the talent, why is an existing player stating that they do? Why is the coach after 2 years, including 2 spring practices and 2 full seasons, still blaming the previous coach for his problems, when he accepted the job without a gun held to his head?

bleedblue

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:08 p.m.

please explain this business about rr and a michigan man, what was Bo? did'nt he come from ohio and woody hayes?

azwolverine

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:59 p.m.

By the way, close to winning is NOT winning. Coming close to Purdue doesn't cut it. Also, look at all the games they DIDN'T come close in. Illinois, anyone? Oh wait, it's all Lloyd's fault. Great excuse, RR. Excuses are for losers. "Those who stay will be blamed for RR's failures."

azwolverine

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:55 p.m.

goblue, ass-wolverine is very mature. Look up the word "hypocrite," it suits you. Remember, RR also never caught a pass or played defense at WVU...maybe he had nothing to do with their success there, either. I mean, he's only the head coach.

MichFanTex

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:52 p.m.

Actually, Rod never once spoke to Mallet. By his own admission he left him three voice mails. I wonder if that's how he recruits as well...mailing in his visits. Rod knew that Mallet wasn't keen on staying and he didn't go out his way to stop him. So yeah, Rod can pin that on his chest along with chasing away a starting center with experience. Pass the Kool-Aid

Just Blue

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:50 p.m.

Anybody buying any nonsense out of RR's mouth sure has a problem. Top ten recruiting classes every year. Running off top players to other programs. Saying young players are the problem too (USC freshman QB, Stanford redshirt freshman QB, Penn States defensive backfield freshman and sophs; the list is endless to refute that argument). The fact is RR is a poor coach who couldn't keep a top program going due to his incompetence. I suppose you want these losing years to continue, eh pal? Quit hiding behind the "I'm true blue and your not", because I'm a grad too who has given to the U.

Furious in MI

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:38 p.m.

6-6 is NOT good enough next year. 7 wins, maybe, if those include some rivalries like State and ND, or an upset in Columbus. But I don't see how the defense will improve next year with the loss of Graham, Brown and possibly Warren.

Goblue

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:32 p.m.

RR did not send Ryan Mallett packing. He asked him to stay. Get you're facts straight then go have some "koolaid" with the other child. GO BLUE!

GettingBluer

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:26 p.m.

Sure is a good thing RR sent Ryan Mallett packing. What a burden it would have been to have one of the "cupboard is bare" recruits and all the attention drawn away from King Rod by the third best quarterback in the country.

azwolverine

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:10 p.m.

And yes, the problems with the program have occurred during the last 3 or 4 February's. What has happened between September to November the last two years has NOTHING, and I repeat NOTHING, to do with it. Lloyd Carr, your losses to Toledo, Purdue, Illinois, etc are pitiful examples of your February's destroying the otherwise great accomplishments of King Rodriguez. Yummm...pass some more KoolAid.

azwolverine

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:01 p.m.

I drink the KoolAid and it is GOOD!!! If RR goes 6-6 (2-6 BT)that will be tangible improvement and he should be offerred a contract extension into 2020 because, let's face it, that's how long this great coach will need turn us into Big Ten contenders. Patience folks, patience!