Posted on Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 6 a.m.
Gator Bowl outlook: Denard Robinson's healthy and Michigan vs. Mississippi State should be a close game
By AnnArbor.com Staff
The Michigan football team is back in the postseason with a Gator Bowl date Saturday against Mississippi State. AnnArbor.com staff writers Pete Bigelow and Michael Rothstein talk about what to expect when the game begins at 1:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN2).
Comments
RudeJude
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:23 a.m.
It's hard to take Rodriguez's supporters seriously when the vast majority of them ignore the off-the-field issues the Michigan program has struggled with under his tutelage, resulting with the self-imposed penalties and NCAA probation the team is now under. It seems they either don't want to argue it because there is no way to argue around it, or the sanctions don't matter as long as they believe Michigan will be successful next season. It also seems that the majority of Rodriguez's critics, or "Rich Rod Haters/Non-Michigan Fans" as we've been labeled, are more concerned that the team lives up to Michigan's history of integrity. We want a coach that can abide by the rules and recruit and coach kids to triumph both in the classroom and on the gridiron. Of all the pro-Rodriguez arguments I've read on annarbor.com from Tater, PU MSU, Jason Kovaks, Lorain Steelmen, et al, I've never seen anyone claim Rodriguez is capable of doing that. But, at Stanford, Jim Harbaugh has already proven he can do it. His players succeed in the classroom, and they seem well coached on the Defense and Special Teams along with the Offense. He's the Genuine Article, not the less-than-a-third-of-a-coach that Rodriguez has shown himself to be. This is why I hope Jim Harbaugh will be the next Head Coach at Michigan. Happy New Year Go Blue
missionbrazil
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 4:59 p.m.
JasonK, your "facts" are just a tad skewed, especially with the attempted link between our "best" win over Illinois, the Illinois win over a Big 12 team (only the 6th best team), and Stanford's "best win" over Arizona and their loss to a Big 12 team (which by the way was against the team tied for the best record in the Big 12). Also, Stanford beat an 8-5 USC team. Plus they finished 2nd at 8-1 in the Pac 10, which was rated by Sagarin as the # 1 conference in the nation in 2010 (followed by the SEC, Big 12, and Big Ten). But in the end, what does that have anything to do with RR's poor record of 15-21 and especially poor BT record of 6-18? And 0 wins against BT teams with a winning record, and 0 wins against teams that finish rated in the Top 25, and 1-13 vs OSU/MSU/Wiscy/PSU/Iowa? Your "facts" have nothing to do with why RR should or should not be fired (which he definitely should be). "The RR hating faction know that U-M returns 20 starters next year and that every team that finished ahead of them is losing key All Big Ten performers at several positions. You guys know U-M will win 10 games next year and you know that it will then be impossible to fire him." Wow, nice description: "RR hating faction". So it is your theory that the RRHF knows we will probably win the BT and win at least 10 games next year, and we are deliberately trying to sabotage our program so this will not happen? Your Kool-Aid has some extra strong "Happy New Year" juice in it.
ecmichman
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 4:22 p.m.
Why do so many RR supporters seem angry and vindictive with their comments?? Could it be that RR's abysmal record is indefensible? Could it be that they are not TRUE U-M fans that remember what a proud, tough, in your face defense looked like? Nah - it must be something in the kool-aid. Step aawwaaaayyyyy from the kool aid.
Jason
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 3:06 p.m.
Fact: Stanford did not beat a single team with a record better than 7-5 this year. Fact: U-M's best win, Illinois, looked very impressive in a Bowl Win over a Big 12 team. Fact: Stanford's best win, Arizona, was throttled by a Big 12 opponent in their bowl game. Fact: The 1 time Stanford played a Top-10 team (U-M played 3) Stanford gave up 680 yards of offense and lost by 3 touchdowns. Do those numbers sound familiar? Fact: U-M fired Gary Moeller for getting too drunk in a restaurant and making a scene. Fact: Jim Harbaugh got behind the wheel drunk and put lives at risk. Question: If being a "Michigan Man" is about character than how is RR worse than the man who is a DUI offender? This is a situation just like Notre Dame had with Tyrone Willingham. ND fans and alums never liked him and knew he had Quinn, McKnight, Fasano, Walker, Szamarija, Zbikowski coming back. They knew he would have a good enough record that they wouldn't be able to justify a firing the following year. So they fired him, hired Quinn, and gave him all the credit for winning with Willingham's team.... where did that get them? The RR hating faction know that U-M returns 20 starters next year and that every team that finished ahead of them is losing key All Big Ten performers at several positions. You guys know U-M will win 10 games next year and you know that it will then be impossible to fire him. You are desperate and foolish and a lot of other words that I won't even use in case younger kids might be reading.
tzgoblue
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 2:51 p.m.
LS I agree, these coaches are doing everything they can with what they have. They just aren't very good coaches and don't know how to make these players better. Fact: RR took over a defense rated #28 in the country after the 2007 season, had 8 returning starters and was able to coach them up to a #88 rated defense. I have been a UM fan for over 40 yrs. I wear my colors proudly everywhere I go. I currently live in IL and as a season ticket holder I drive 600 miles round trip to every home game and attend road games that are within decent driving distance. I can assure you that I am more in tune with MI football than most. I can also assure you, that those that don't support RR far out number those that do. I can also assure you that among the non supporters, many are very close to the program both as donars as well as former players and alum. I have read several of your posts on this site and to date I have not read one that would indicate you are in any way a die hard UM fan. You make comments and statements that have no facts or data to support them at all. You can't give any of us any hard facts or data related to on field performance to support keeping RR or his assistants he brought with him. I hope Fred Jackson is retained by the new coach, everybody else has to go. By the way if you talk to Bo again anytime soon, let him know I said hi. You may ask him if he thinks RR deserves to continue as UM coach while you are talking to him.
missionbrazil
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 2:40 p.m.
Blu-n-Tpa " As far as attacking someone, that's the second time today someone used that word." You need to understand that when you think differently and disagree with LS, that is how LS is going to take it, like an attack. If you disagree with LS then you are not a "true UM fan". LOL.
Lorain Steelmen
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 2:24 p.m.
Blu-n-Tpa. Not sure what you are referring to about past coaches. I do know that Hanlon and Moeller have been VERY suppportive of RR. I have read that BEFORE HIS DEATH, Bo was supportive of RR. I do know that Nehlen coached for Bo and then was HC at WVU. I do know that he encouraged RR to take the job. So that IS forthcoming. Your comments have consistently been negative. I don't really have a problem with that, as has been Ghost. Again I'm totally cool with that. But I WOULD say that clearly, neither of you is a UM fan. I just challenge posts that run down coaches, who are doing everything they can with the personnel that they have.
Blu-n-Tpa
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 2:04 p.m.
LS Jeez, starting to celebrate the New Years early? I'm not sure who is or who isn't a Michigan fan. I am positive that YOU DON'T get to make that call, thank goodness. As far as attacking someone, that's the second time today someone used that word. I, and others whom I agree with, have stated our case with logic and data concerning the present COACHING staff to the point of no return. I don't know of anyone attacking players. I have pointed out the COACHING staff has in a great many areas failed to develope and prepare players adequately or put them in the wrong positions. I have noted you have been less than forthcoming about PAST COACHES, which you think justifies the current failure of the special teams COACHES, some defensive position COACHES and finally, the person responsible it all, the HEAD COACH, RR. I do thank you for placing me in such esteem company. Even if they were wrong, and they aren't, they present a better discussion. Will I see you at the game? Go Blue!
Lorain Steelmen
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 1:34 p.m.
Theosu...I also wish that Tate would have made grades. And I agree that UM would be better off, if they had him as a backup. But unlike you, I think this confirms that RR will hold the line on academics. He already displayed a code of discipline when he refused to let Hagerup play in the osu game. I appreciate RR's standards. Tressel on the otherhand, runs a program that has no standards whatsoever. JT should have put those five players on a plane for Columbus when the story broke about the tatoo parlor. Instead he is looking the other way, and 'concocking a garbage agreement' they must return next year. Whether they come back next year, is smoke, and has no bearing on the issue. His program is a joke. This whole thing happened when the local cops stumbled across behavior that took place two years ago! So how many other business establishments in Cbus have given perks, to how many other kids?, over how long?...10 years? It gets even worse, as Posey's mother wrote to the Dispatch, and admited that her kid has a car and lives in a 'gated community' in Cbus. Hmmmm. Sounds like these buckeyes are living the NFL life-style a bit early, aren't they! I hope the razorbacks crush osu, Pryor and all.....
Lorain Steelmen
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 1:15 p.m.
orlandomichfan. Yes, there is an osu site...JJ Huddle. I used to post over there for a while, as one of the few UM fans. In theory it is for Ohioans. The site is obnoxious, as you would expect. blue-n-tpa. No, Orland, is not a cheerleader. He is a UM fan. And he is supporting his team. Just like Jim Nazium and Tulsatom, are fans. Unlike Ghost and 3&out who are not UM fans, and only want to rant and knock the current coaches and players. osubebetter, posts here because he defines himself by UM. osu fans have a deep-seated sense of inferiority, and loath anything about UM, because it surpasses osu both athletically and academically. Tulsatom predicted that UM would win 34-31. I think he's got a pretty good grasp on what's happening. I'm thinking 38 - 24, UM wins. Yes, they'll hit one FG. I think they'll hold MSU in the low to mid twenties. Go Blue!
missionbrazil
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 1:09 p.m.
orlando... I disagree with you about RR, but I like your attitude. Stay positive and Go Blue. I agree that better things are coming, but probably for different reasons than you.
The OSU
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 12:39 p.m.
Blue's chance for victory flew off on the plane with Tate. Given RR's offensive scheme (which is brutal to QBs), DR doesn't have the stamina to play an entire team against a defense of Miss State's caliber. Don't tell the Wolverine alums that paid premium airfare and are staying in overpriced two-star hotels, but you read it here first: Miss St 38 Mich 21 (All points scored in first half. DR leaves game in 3rd qtr. Mich fans leave stadium too.)
3 And Out
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 12:14 p.m.
Just a thought Mike and Pete, for next year hook up some lavalier mics so you can project a better sound with less of the room noise...also a more interesting backdrop would make your videos 'pop' out much better... some old Michigan football stuff on blue screen or something... any way thanks nice job.
InsideTheHall
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 12:14 p.m.
Looks like you boys drank your per diem last night!
tulsatom
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 12:02 p.m.
I think U-M has a chance for the upset if Denard can keep from getting dinged up and the defense can play better than they did during the regular season. If Denard has to go out for any length of time, who do they put in now? Prediction: U-M 34 (U-M misses an extra point) MSU 31
spartyisyourlilsister
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 11:12 a.m.
OSUbebetter, check Michigan's all-time record against the SEC and then check OSU's al-time record against the SEC. I hear crickets......
Jim Nazium
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 10:34 a.m.
@GoBlue18 Well said, LOL!
sameollions
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 9:37 a.m.
You guys should use better a mic. The audio sux!
goblue18
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 9:30 a.m.
meant choice, not chance
goblue18
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 9:27 a.m.
My only questions are for OSUbebetter: 1) Is that a picture of your fist with the rings? and, 2) Did you get any of those from TP, Posey, Herron? What a joke that situation has turned out to be. Was watching ESPN this morning and Herm Edwards made a great point. As a coach, you have so many chances to have teaching moments to young men and Tressel basically blew it by letting these guys play. In the real world, you always get a chance to face consequences for your actions when you WANT, right? As for Michigan, I'm hoping we see the early season version of Denard and the offense and he can stay healthy throughout the game. Also, I think the defense will put up a better showing with an entire month to prepare for one team.
orlandomichfan
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 8:57 a.m.
@Blu-n-Tpa just trying to be positive is all, i just want to believe we have a bright future as i love my football team,and if we do change coaches i will support that coach to, through good or bad. and no, never been a cheerleader, it is funny though how any time i post something you seem to attack me just because i have a different opinion than you or others...its all good though, nothing you or others could say gets to me, i just smile and laugh a little is all..and i will remain upbeat for the game tomorrow, we are back on new years day where we belong, though of course i wish our record was better,but that should improve next season...have a happy new years and hope for the best tomorrow...Gooo blue
Blu-n-Tpa
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 8:48 a.m.
@Orlandomfan. Did you use to be a cheerleader? Anyway, IF RR is doing such a great job why would he need a new DC? And, I'm not sure I'd use the word "kick" when trying to be upbeat about the game tomorrow. Sort of a sore subject given this seasons' long meltdown of placekicking and special teams play. And if you DO have to bring in new COACHES for the "D" why not go ahead and make it a clean sweep? I do agree with you about winning tomorrow. Go Blue.
orlandomichfan
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 8:38 a.m.
Happy New Years Eve to all...Michigan will show up big tomorrow and pound miss st..does OSU have their own site?? or is the above a typical troll drawn to a Mich site??? hmmmmmm this game is gonna kick off 2011 in a big way and the win we get will carry over into the 2011 season with richrod running the show and our defense will be much improved.but hopefully a new D. coordinator running it...gooo blue and happy new year to all..brighter days ahead for the michigan football team...
OSUbeBetter
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 8:29 a.m.
Michigan cant compete in the big ten, and they wont even keep it close against a middle of the road SEC team. Michigan brings nothing new to the table that they havent seen already, remember they were a field goal away from auburn and cam newton.