Bowl game? Breakthrough victories? Here's what needs to happen for Rich Rodriguez and the Michigan football team
Illustration by Rich Rezler
Fast forward a few months on the calendar and, for a moment, suspend the cynicism that hardened over the past few football seasons. It’s Jan. 1, 2011. Rich Rodriguez and members of the Michigan football team are in Jacksonville, Fla. They’re leaving their hotel, boarding buses bound for the Gator Bowl, in which they’ll face Les Miles and LSU later in the day.
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No matter the outcome of the game, the Wolverines’ 2010 season has been an unqualified success. The team finished with an 8-4 overall record and 4-4 in Big Ten play. The Gator Bowl, which holds the fourth selection in the conference’s bowl hierarchy, likes Michigan. Likes its bowl-thirsty fan base. Likes the largest alumni network of any university in the country and the feel-good story the Wolverines have become. Such a scenario doesn’t come easy for the Wolverines.
They start the season under the scrutiny of the NCAA. Rodriguez starts it on the hot seat entering the third year of his Michigan tenure. The team starts with questions at quarterback, running back and all over its defense. Should such an optimistic future materialize - and we’re not going out on that limb and saying it will - here’s how Michigan’s best-case scenario will need to transpire: Quick start to the season
UConn football coach Randy Edsall led the Huskies to an 8-5 record and a victory in the Papajohns.com Bowl last season.
Associated Press
Beat them, and these Wolverines might climb toward the Top 25 themselves, especially with a win in South Bend, and the easy few weeks that follow.
NCAA issues mild conclusions Michigan has already issued self-imposed sanctions for violating four major NCAA rules. A fifth potential violation remains in question. It would be nearly unprecedented for college sport’s governing body to reverse its initial allegations on the fifth rule. But a realistic hope for Michigan would be the NCAA agrees with Michigan’s own sanctions and issues no further punishment. An added bonus: The NCAA releases its findings either the week before the UMass game or during U-M’s bye week, helping to keep what Rodriguez refers to as “drama” and associated distractions to a minimum.
Break even in the conference
Illinois and coach Ron Zook will be at Michigan Stadium on Nov. 6.
Associated Press
Win more rivalry games So far, Rich Rodriguez is 1-5 in the games that matter most around Ann Arbor, losing twice to Michigan State and Ohio State, and splitting with Notre Dame, thanks to an epic Tate Forcier-driven comeback.
Rodriguez will get two good chances to improve on that record this year, starting with the Sept. 11 game at Notre Dame and first-year coach Brian Kelly, then again when Michigan hosts an OK Michigan State team at the Big House.
If he can’t win at least one of those, Rodriguez might start reminding a lot of people of John Cooper, the largely successful Ohio State coach fired after compiling a 2-10-1 record against Michigan.
Freshmen to the rescue Depth in the secondary was a concern entering summer camp, and that was before seasoned cornerback Troy Woolfolk was lost with a serious ankle injury and Justin Turner left. To help replace them, at least one of the true freshmen group of Cullen Christian, Courtney Avery, Terrence Talbott need to step in and play adequately. Maybe even fellow true freshmen safety Carvin Johnson. It’s a long shot, but remember that the Big Ten selected Charles Woodson as its Freshman of the Year in 1995. Michigan needs a freshman to emerge like that now.
On the mark
Brendan Gibbons smiles with teammates last week at media day at the practice field at Schembechler Hall.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Have a question about Michigan football? Email Pete Bigelow at petebigelow@annarbor.com or join him on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.
Comments
Robbie Webb.
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 9:29 a.m.
And goblue, what you are saying is true but is irrelevant and makes no sense because MALLET AND BOREN WERE NOT ON THE TEAM! Yes, if they were we wouuld have won more games no doubt, but you are speaking as if they played for Michigan. And lemansblue is the same way, ''Great post man, Mallett and Boren really were in maize and blue in 2008, the Rich Rod supporters just weren't paying attention.''
Robbie Webb.
Tue, Aug 31, 2010 : 9:16 a.m.
Lemansblue, what I post are facts, you guys have just beat around the bush with everything I've said. It's okay though, I understand completely. We'll see what your position on Rodriguez is after this Saturday.
Lemansblue
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 10:20 p.m.
GoBlue, Great post man. They cannot handle the facts. I do not think they are true Mi fans or they would never accept the dismantling of the program by RR
Robbie Webb.
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 9:23 p.m.
GoblueinNE_PA, Ryan Mallett did not play for Michigan in 08. And Donovan Warren and Obi Ezeh in 08 were sophmores, which is youth, which is an issue I've brought up that still has yet to be proved wrong. I'm not ignoring anything.
GoblueinNE_PA
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 7:43 p.m.
Robbie, I've pointed this out to you before but you always seem to ignore it. Here's what you would have had coming back from the bowl game win. Defense had 7 returning starters, many of whom were SR's, along with Donovan Warren and Obi Ezeh. For those of you that are rewriting history, when RR came here, we were all counting on our defense to carry us, since it was so experienced. Of course Shaffer got blamed for that fiasco. If only we'd known. On Offense: QB - Mallet (I love how he's now been demonized by the RR faithful) RB - Minor and Brown WR - Greg Matthews, Junior Hemingway TE - Carson Butler OL - Boren, Schilling, Cuillar I'm not even including Manningham or Arrington on this list. Arrington would have come back if the system would have been a better fit, IMO. No one can tell me that you couldn't win more than 3 games with that talent. I can guarantee that had Lloyd come back, he would have won at least 8 games, the same thing which folks here seem to think is sufficient for RR to keep his job. If it wasn't good enough for Lloyd to keep his job, a man with a national title on his resume, why the heck should it be good enough for a guy who's failed to win much of anything to keep his job?
GoblueinNE_PA
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 7:31 p.m.
It always cracks me up when I see people say that we can't count RichRod's first recruiting class and this is only his second class. You may ask yourself why I find that funny? Not for the obvious reason, which is that RR was the head coach when these kid came and they are therefore obviously "his kids". No, what I find funny is that first recruiting class, the one that RR fans like to discount, was by far the highest ranked class RR has had at Michigan!! LMAO!! Everything this guys has touched has gotten worse under his "leadership".
3 And Out
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 5:09 p.m.
more excuses from Rich Rod and his crybaby followers for Rich Rods terrible coaching and inability to keep a ton of talent that Lloyd left... facts, all facts and truths... its ok though after this year we will not have to discuss Rich Rod any longer. 4-8. 5-7 tops.
Robbie Webb.
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 1:16 p.m.
And Sean, I will agree, as I always have, on the Toledo game. No excuses. BUT, you can say more for the Appalacian State game, which was worse. Why was it worse? Because this was with a team who was ranked #2 losing to a division II school. Yes, Hart and Henne were banged up, but that just further proves my point. What point you ask? The poin that Michigan as of recently has had key injuries to guys who couldn't even play (Molk and Minor (for the most part)) as well as Hemmingway, Tate, Odums. But the haters are giving Carr a free pass on that Appalacian State game because they were quote, ''Division II national champions.'' Now let's be honest here for one second, as bad as the Toledo game was, the haters would be all over Rodriguez even more for losing to a division II school. There wouldn't be any of this, ''Oh it's okay, they were division II state champions.'' No, they would have been on him like white on rice.
UMfaninNC
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 1:09 p.m.
what does their star rating have to do with anything, those backs even under Carr struggled to reach expectations (which is why hart took most of the carries back then, and the offense struggled when he was hurt) it is a joke that "fans" always want to revert back to the star system in regards to talent. its nothing more than a couple websites OPINION of what a player will be. and the fact that you have great variance with some players depending on the website shows its not an exact science Go look at the rankings of some of these guys coming out of high school and tell me if you recognize alot of the guys beyond the 1,2 guy at a position. i did it and was shocked to see players names that should be making an impact now but arent as far as the OL that was the biggest transition because you go from a mauling style that the pro-set had to more of a finesse quicker moving OL, we will see this year that the OL will be the strength of the team which will help the O and sean would it be an issue if he was 9-3 with the off field issues or 5-7 but had zero off field issues??? winning cures everything (hence why john beilein is able to stay afloat even though he has underachieved more with the hoops squad than RR has witih the football team)
Robbie Webb.
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 1:08 p.m.
A good O-line? Long left, Boren left, Kraus left, and there was one more senior who left, can't think of the name at the moment, that leaves SOPHMORE Steven Schilling in 2008, I wouldn't say we were experienced. And at runningback, our best runner was no doubt Brandon Minor, who was banged up for his whole career, which goes back to when I mention injuries. Carlos Brown is no Minor, not saying he was bad, though. And Steven Threet was young and is not a Michigan quarterback along with Sheridan.
Yelmonian
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 12:43 p.m.
Thankfully, this discussion can start to die down on Saturday. One way or another, the questions will start to be answered beginning this week. At which point, Tater and his ilk can start hypothising as to who the next greatest coach in the world is.
Sean T.
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 12:41 p.m.
RR was left with a good O-line and three 4star RB's and seven returning starters on defense. Not to mention S.Threet who was a 4star QB! The only players I wasn't to sure of was the WR's but they were still more talented than Indy's, Purdue's, MSU's and many other teams in the conference. RR and his squad came back to beat a very good Wisky team from behind in his first season. That win was purely on talent because they have regressed since then. Are you really saying he couldn't use the talent he has to beat Toledo? APP St would've beaten half of the Big Ten and all of the MAC that season and have plenty of talented players in the NFL to prove it! I totally agree, that LC was too conservative at times but that has nothing to do with RR not producing a minimum of 6 wins and solid improvement each season he's been here. I was never expecting miracles when changing over to a new regime but I was expecting competence. I have and always will support my Michigan Wolverines but I can never be silly enough to stand behind RR. He has done nothing to deserve praise from any Michigan Fan but I guess some love to live in a fantasy. This is RR's year to show an improvement in the team or he should be gone, period! And I don't hate RR but the guy is a Charlatan who has gotten by on talent and a weak conference. He also is unbalanced in coaching philosophy and is rather shady and arrogant.
Robbie Webb.
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 11:36 a.m.
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1118926
Robbie Webb.
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 11:35 a.m.
Hey 3 and Out, here's a story that you should read, there are past Michigan players, yes PAST MICHIGAN PLAYERS, that even said we weren't left with a lot of experienced players when Rodriguez came. So while you keep bashing Rodriguez there are past Michigan players backing him up.
UMfaninNC
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 7:45 a.m.
Sean T, that cuppard was BARE you had a QB that fans werent sold on, in Mallett (due to his attitude) 0 WR, a transitioning OL... if you can go look at the guys who were supposed to be seniors in the 08 season half of the class was GONE before Lloyd left, but no one gave him hell for that... yes the transition could have been alot easier but it wasnt. people are saying why not run a system for the players you have in place, if you do that, then when will you ever be able to implement yours because you will always have someone who was used to how it was done and you never acclimate your own style. people fail to realize if their turnover ratio was ZERO last year they would have easily been 8-4, the loses to MSU/IOWA/PURDUE (and even in the OSU) were directly attributed to turnovers. and while the coach can tell you what to do to avoid those problems, it still rests in the player hand in execution. and last year with the transition of DC there was a disconnect between robinson and the other coaches (which i DO blame RR for) that from reports has been fixed... so truthfully as a U-M fan for over 23 years I ride out with this team win lose or draw and i believe that this team can go 8-4 with a surprise win over atleast one team. and for those we "want les" supporters I am willing to bet the people in baton rouge would trade him in a heartbeat now becuase its starting to seem that he only won because he had Sabans players. He has too much talent at his disposal to be struggling like he is.
Jarhead
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 6:07 a.m.
Any time a RR supporter posts something the RR haters say we are making excuses. I posted what actually happened. I don't hate Lloyd, but I became frustrated at his stubborness not to open up his offense all through the 2000's. So explaine this; the loss to App State, scoring a mere 3 points against Ohio State, losing to Ohio 6 out of his last 7 years. And with a senior laden team. (And yes we all know about Toledo.) What? You don't feel good about yourself 'cause you didn't win the last two years? AWWH! And if Les had came, what would have been different? I will say this and no-one will believe me. When they got rid of Malone I said then that they should've gone after Harbaugh. He was making noise at San Diego and only had 1 year left on his contract, easy to buy out. Jim would have to have been okay with off co-ord for a while but guaranteed to inherit the team. That transition would have been seemless. But it was all a theory. Point we need to remember is RR is our coach and him, his staff, and the players need, deserve our support.
ChelseaBob
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 5:43 a.m.
Portage, The reason why I don't move to Stanford is the same reason why Jim Harbaugh will come back. We are Michigan men.
3 And Out
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 3:21 a.m.
Exactly Sean. Very well stated. And...to read again today Rich Rod making excuses for the lack of talent when he came in over in his interview with Mitch Album makes me want to puke again...and dislike this guy even more. The roster of players scheduled to return that was there the day that Lloyd left was VERY good and very well stocked. A good coach could have even molded that to a "different system"...but an imbecile and his slappys who rely on hype and talk (hello Barwis)...have ruined Michigan football for the time being at least.
Sean T.
Mon, Aug 30, 2010 : 12:26 a.m.
I believe Lloyd would've won at WV after dismantling the spread. "Safe and conservative" brought years of consecutive winning and respectability to our program. Many coaches have turned it around within a season or most have showed they have greatly improved by their second even if the wins haven't translated yet. RR has the talent to produce wins since the day he got here so that excuse isn't any good anymore. Paul Johnson went to G Tech and produced wins with the option offense, MSU's coach used spread players and went to 3 consecutive bowl games with JLS players and B.Kelly improved the Cincy program after just one year, not to mention other programs he passed through. The "Cupboard was bare" excuse has been grossly overused and is unfair to proven winners that have been a staple of winning tradition. Displacing blame will never get the job done!
chapmaja
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 10:55 p.m.
8-4 this season. With a healthy secondary yes that was possible. With the best defensive back they had out due to injury and a depth chart that doesn't exist because the team is to think in the defensive backfield I can't see them winning 8 games. Michigan will score points, but they will not outscore pass happy teams they play this year because the defense won't stop anyone. Michigan might fare better against running teams than passing teams, but too many opponents are too good with the passing game.
Jaxon5
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 9:57 p.m.
Lemans, It's really okay because we're the new Michigan where it's okay to win every 3 or 4 or 5 years or longer. What really counts is whether we are trying hard. It's all about implementing our system at the expense of winning. Because after all, it's not winning that counts, it's how we play the game. Winning... we've been there and done that. The new Michigan would much rather be like every other team where they're mediocre most of time, and win every 10 years or so......Not!
Lemansblue
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 9:32 p.m.
I take issue with all these RR excuses. Who made him change the system? How easy would it have been to hire a pro style offensive cordinator until you get your players to run your high school offense? He had a heisman candiate at qb (Mallett) He did not have to change the system!!! It is unbelievable he is being payed $2.5 million a season for this failure on and off the field.
Artichoke
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 9:19 p.m.
Portage, you are the MAN. Bo would have never had the chance to become a "Michigan Man" if he hadn't performed....he would have been out on his A*S, just like RR will be if he flops this year. But if Rich wins 8 or 9 or 10, beats MSU and The Sweater, lo and behold suddenly he will have earned that monster pay check and he too will be considered a "Michigan Man" by most. Either way it will be fun to watch, so let's just do that! Portage, welcome back and long may your tip-up rise!
Jarhead
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 8:48 p.m.
I'll take issue with the comment that RR has had 3 recruiting classes. Not so. His first year, 2008, the class was already established by the previous coaching staff and some had been recruited for 2 years prior. And none of them were recruited to play the spread. There were a couple that RR brought and Steven Threet was one as he asked to transfer. 2009 was RR's first real class and some 20 recruits were red shirted and did not contribute in 2009 season. This year's 2010 class, you will see the same. Some 20 recruits will redshirt and not be able to contribute till 2011. And so on. When you completly overhall a program, change the scheme, it takes 3 to 4 years before the new coaches recruits make a difference. If Lloyd had gone to West Virginia and threw out the spread, and put in his safe and conservative pro-set, he wouldn't be successful for 3 to 4 years. And you all know that to be true, no matter what you post.
Blueman Rick
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 8:36 p.m.
I hear the Everly Brothers...Dream, dream, dream, dream.
saginaw
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 7:20 p.m.
We should NOT be looking past UConn -- they are a good team. I saw where Michigan is a 3 point favorite to beat UConn in the Big House. 3 points is not much, and so this game can go either way. Our guys need to be 100% focused on UConn and we need a big vocal crowd on game day.
3 And Out
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 7:17 p.m.
Its Jan. 1, 2011. Rich Rodriguez and members of the Michigan football team are in Jacksonville, Fla. As the newly hired Offensive Coordinator for Central Florida University, Rich Rodriguez is hosting a whine and cheeze party for some of his former players at the Hilton Hotel pool in an ultimately unsuccessful wooing of them to transfer to Central Florida.
miatamich
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 7:15 p.m.
Unfortunately, by the time U-M gets done playing the likes of Iowa and Wisconsin, their 3-3-5 defense will be reduced to a 1-2-5 defense.
PortageLkBlu
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 5:26 p.m.
ChealseaBob, I think I have an answer to your dilemma, you should move to the Stanford college area and then you can watch your hero coach cause he ain't coming to Mich. why would he?
Teebob
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 3:08 p.m.
Yeah for the breakthrough victories, and yeah for a bowl game again. I hope your crystal ball is telling the truth. Tater, I won't be one of those fans saying I had RR's back the whole time. Look me up and I will still tell you I don't care for the way RR works. That is just me. But, I don't cheer for a coach, I am a fan of Michigan and will always be one. Go Blue. I hope Michigan wins all of their games, even if it means RR gets to keep his job. Go Blue. And tater, you probably really like the idea that David Brandon is going to get out of playing notre dame every year and get out of playing ohio state every year, don't you. I hope you are really happy with these guys because it really seems like DB and RR enjoy ruining tradition. Go Blue.
A2D2
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 2:41 p.m.
Not to get too caught up in what the other guys are saying, but here's one more actual Q & A from the "UConn Huskies football News Blog":. Q: Now I know I'm going way out on a limb here. Should we beat Michigan, how many times are we going to have to hear about Edsall as the front-runner for the Michigan job in 2011? My guess is too many. Although I'd certainly be happy for the guy if he did decide to take it. It would be a great contract for him and his coaches - Dan, Stamford. A: Think it's a good one to take, Dan?.. Now that's what I call no respect. Not only do they think UMich will only be an "interesting" opponent, Desmond Conner takes a shot at the job, in general............. Who would have thought that the day would Come when UCONN, for crying out loud, thinks the Michigan job is a step down??????
A2D2
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 2:37 p.m.
I thought it would be interesting to hear what the fans at UConn are saying about UofM and the opener. Here's an actual Q and A (honest, it's real) dated 9/29 I pulled from the "UConn Football News Blog" and their reporter Desmond Conner. Looks like they have us right where they want us................... Q: Dez-The-Man...Where are all the prognosticators this year? I am going with 10 & 2 overall. I think this O could put up some big numbers which may offset the youth at some D positions. For our opener I see a W and a lot of balls in the air as they test our corners and Randy and Joe return the favor as they may be going with true freshman to fill the spot of Troy Woolfolk. Any thoughts? - Artie, Pumpkinville, CT. A: First, I'm going 9-3 or 10-2 Artie. I mentioned before anything less than nine wins, I think, would be a disappointment. This is a really good, experienced, sound, well-coached squad and this year more than any other you should see that in the results. The schedule is made for it, too. I don't know what you're going to see out there in terms of offense or defense. I do think the game (with Michigan) will be entertaining - at least.
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 1:43 p.m.
Funny that Pete measures "unqualified success" as a Big Ten record worse than any of the 40 years that preceded his coach's tenure. He-who-cannot-be-named has lowered expectations and caused serious harm to greatest football program in the world at any level. This is no longer Michigan football. Why should he keep his job after a mediocre season? He has his players in place and his system in place.
Rodie
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 1:34 p.m.
Jim Harbaugh needs to come back to UM to clean up the mess thats been created.
Brian Bundesen
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 12:54 p.m.
If they go 8-4/ 4-4 there should be a parade down Main Street.
azwolverine
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 11:24 a.m.
8-4 is is the minimum requirement for any Michgigan team to be considered mediocre. A new coach and system does not change that requirement. RR happens to be the coach now and, as Bo always said, the expectation is for the position (in this case 'head coach'), not for the player (in this case RR). 9-3 with victories over at least 2 of the big 3 would be a relatively successful season, imo. Anything less would mean 3 straight poor to mediocre seasons and be unacceptable as a Michigan fan, imo. So although Brandon doesn't put a number on it, 9 should be a win total that both RR supporters and UM fans in general place on this team in order for RR to keep his job. Michigan fans demand 9+ wins to consider the season any type of success, whereas RR supporters should have the belief in their man that he can reach that total three years into his tenure. If he can't, we should all agree it's time to move on. If he can and the NCAA sanctions are light, we can agree that he has earned another year. Let the games begin! Go Blue!
Jaxon Boyfriend
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 9:47 a.m.
Mr. Bigelow, you sir are starting to sound like Terry Star21 and Theo 212 - 'It's Jan. 1, 2011....Bowl Game....8-4......",............and I love it sir..! With a small exception, I'm sure they would say, "8-4", that's outrageous - you mean 13-0...! I like you three guys, you show a lot of intelligence, courage and optimism for Michigan. GO BLUE FOREVER!!!!!!
ChelseaBob
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 9:21 a.m.
If things go our way we might get to 4-4 in the big ten?? Really? Jim Harbaugh, please come home.
bacert
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 8:25 a.m.
When does the blame Carr movement die? This is Rod's third recruiting class. If he can't get it done he should go away. There is not a bad div 2 school to bolster his stats this year. If he can't win 7 regular season games he should be fired outright.
Some Guy in 734
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 8:01 a.m.
John Cooper won a lot of games, but he couldn't win the Michigan/Ohio State game often enough to keep the fans happy. You're quite right that the description also fits a recent Michigan coach. But my mind can't stretch far enough to make it fit Rodriguez. By whose metric has Rodriguez' tenure been "largely successful?" I know there are seven conference teams who like how he did last year, and six the year before, but besides them, I mean. January 1, 2011. Some Guy nurses his hangover, uninterrupted by a bowl game.
PortageLkBlu
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 7:56 a.m.
They'll be fine boys and girls and if they are not big ten champs this year then they probably will be next year and if not next yr. etc.,etc.. More important is that Mich. has a cold enough winter so the lakes freeze and I can leave my sunny desert out here in Calif. and come back and do some ice fishing and no, I don't do catch and release I eat my catch of fish. I heard mention again of Les Miles, look boys and girls whether it's Les or Jim Harbaugh or Urban you guys need to wise up this is business as in, "Show me the Money". These coaches do this job for money, while you guys are yelling, Go Blue these coaches are going, Go Paycheck. I think Bo genuinely had a fondness for Mich in later years but make no mistake that when Bo came to Mich. he had an agenda with Woody and the bucs right near the top as it should have been that sealed Bo's place in college coaching history. I don't ask for autographs from movie stars or college coaches, I know what's going on here, it's all about the payday not the rah, rah! The first game is next Saturday, go to the game or turn on your TV, have a brew or not have a dog some Pizza whatever enjoy the great entertainment for 3 hrs. go home or turn off your set and get on with your life that first game to me means as much as a Rose Bowl game just entertainment. Go Blue!
rensational
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 7:52 a.m.
Olesnavage was reliable?
NoBowl4Blue
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 7:34 a.m.
It's the day after Christmas and the Michigan football team is boarding a bus to take them on their road trip of 40 minutes to their first Bowl game under Rich Rod, THE PIZZA PIZZA Bowl. Playing Ohio University (Bobcats NOT BUCKEYES) The Michigan team is motivated as Rich Rod has shared with the players this will be his last game as the Michigan brass has had enough. The team went 6-6 this year losing to among others MSU, OSU, and Notre Dame.
Jaxon5
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 7:32 a.m.
Pete has pointed out the possibilities for this season. Although there are many forces working against it, it could happen.
Brad
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 7:25 a.m.
The last chapter in the duck story: they kidnap Les Miles and bring him back to Michigan, and leave RR in FL to find his next shady deal to get involved in. A.500 record in the Big Ten is an "unqualified success"? What's that sound? Oh - that's Bo spinning in his grave.
maizenbluedoc
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 7:25 a.m.
Why are losing seasons almost always the fault of the coaching staff? It possible that a combination of the lack of recruiting players by Carr, for whatever reason, made it much harder for RR to build the team, particularly when building a team with a total different method of play. Michigan is not too much different than most college football teams (I know many will see Michigan as apart from all other institutions)who struggle for a few years before regaining superiority.Too many fans have been living with past performance glory. If I recall correctly, Notre Dame is barely behind Michigan in all-time winning percentage and that school isn't exactly lower tier football either. Eventually Michigan will return to prominence, but if the coach is changed every 3-4 years because of poor performance, Michigan will know what it is like to be number 2 in winning percentage. It will take much more than a "Michigan Man" to right the ship. It starts with recruiting players.
D21
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 7:19 a.m.
Difficult to even fathom a 8-4 record for Michigan. A 500. record or less is more likely.
ronaldduck
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 6:14 a.m.
Especially if three of those loses are against Notre Dame, Michigan State and Ohio State.
ronaldduck
Sun, Aug 29, 2010 : 6:11 a.m.
Its Jan. 1, 2011. Rich Rodriguez and members of the Michigan football team are in Jacksonville, Fla. Theyre leaving their hotel, boarding buses bound for the Gator Bowl, in which theyll face Les Miles and LSU later in the day. No matter the outcome of the game, the Wolverines 2010 season has been an unqualified success. The team finished with an 8-4 overall record and 4-4 in Big Ten play. If Michigan goes 8-4 and loses the bowl game then their season will not be an unqualified success. They need to win the bowl game. Going 9-4 and a win in a bowl would be an unqualified success. 8-4 and losing the bowl is not good enough for Rich Rob to keep his job.