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Posted on Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 3:45 p.m.

Michigan football arrives in Jacksonville for the Gator Bowl

By AnnArbor.com Staff

The Michigan football team (most of it, anyway) arrived in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sunday to begin preparations for the Jan. 1 Gator Bowl.

MGoBlue.com provided the following video footage from the team's first day in town, which included a practice at Jacksonville University.

Comments

stunhsif

Thu, Dec 30, 2010 : 9:42 a.m.

Prediction for M fans. M loses 31 to 28. Go Green Go White

Mick

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 4:26 p.m.

Lorrain, I don't agree w/you on most things you say. I want RR gone pronto. But you're not a woman right? You just happen to be from Lorrain, Ohio, right? I think some people are confused, but whatever.

missionbrazil

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 4:04 p.m.

Lorain "I did not slander LC." "As far as Carr goes, he effectively retired in 2001, but kept cashing Martin's checks, until 2007." That IS slander. "His (LC) defenses were not much better than RR's" Your comments are ALWAYS full of inaccuracies and are downright fabrications, without ANY shred of facts or stats or details to back them up, like this obvious fabrication. Who in their right mind would actually try to compare RR's worst-ever UM defenses to anyone else's? (LC's average D rating for his last 5 years was 20th in the nation; RR's average for 3 years: 88th) "Are the rumors true that Bo himself, and Don Nehlen both supported Rodriguez for the new HC job, when LC left?" This is an exact quote of what you said. Notice you said that Bo supported Rodriguez for the new HC job WHEN LC LEFT... Bo passed away 1 year before that dear... so Ghost was correct when he said that you seem to make wild claims without any evidence to back it up. And when people call you on your outrageous statements and fabrications and show evidence to the contrary, you always end up saying "This is getting old!"

Blu-n-Tpa

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 3:39 p.m.

Lorain, I'm positive. I'm positive that you say things that are questionable in accuracy. I'm positive that you aren't interested in discussing Michigan football. And, I'm positive that ERM Ghost has won every discussion with you based on facts presented, use of supportive data, and strong common sense thinking. Am I sure? I'm POSITIVE!

Lorain Steelmen

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 3:18 p.m.

Ghost, your negativity and distortions continue! There is nothing new, (or postive) in any of your posts. It's really getting 'old'. I suggest you drop the pretense. You are not a UM fan.

GoblueinNE_PA

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 1:52 p.m.

Only 4 more days folks! Well maybe 8 if DB decides to wait till after the Orange Bowl to make the announcements. It is rather fortuitous that both Michigan and Stanford are in Florida at roughly the same time. Wonder if the cameras will spot DB in the crowd or in a box at the game? Seriously, I don't know if JH will be the next coach or not, but I'm pretty sure that RR won't be the coach for the 2011 season. Whomever made the association between RR & Clemson may well be on to something. I didn't realize that Clemson had fired their guy. If they did, just goes to show that not everyone needs 5 years to make a decision on a coach.

Sean T.

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 11:40 a.m.

Ben, I can have it two ways because I normally would give a coach 4 years to show what he can do. But RR hasn't shown me enough to warrant a fourth year. He has regressed in two-thirds of the program and has shown no responsibility for his actions. We have one household name mentioned when it comes to this program, our fast QB.

Lorain Steelmen

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 11:33 a.m.

Ghost....I did not slander Carr. I orignally was quite supportive of him, and continued to defend him against attacks by negative people such as yourself, through his retirement in 2007. It is a true however, that LC let this program slip. His teams were often flat, and performed below their capability. Perhaps I was too easy on him. He was a 13 year HC. He probably would have served the university better as an 8 year HC. As far as an ambassador of the U, he was always considered a class man, and I give him credit for that. Just as Bump Elliott was, some 40+ years ago. In the interim, since his retirement as HC, he has not supported the program, despite being employed by the athletic department staff. All that ended in Sept of this year. End of story. Your attempts to resurrect this issue, are nothing more than the creation of a 'straw man' to divert attention from your own negativity, and to cloak yourself in UM tradition, pretending to be a UM loyalist, when you clearly, are not.

Lorain Steelmen

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 10:57 a.m.

ERM Ghost...your distortions of my comemnts are getting boring. I said that Bo was supportive of Rodriguez,while RR was still at West Virgina. (as reported in the AA media, at the time of RR's hiring.) The link is obvious...Nehlen, who was also supportive of RR, when RR was at West Virginia. And of course, Nehlen encouraged RR to take the UM job when it was offered. This is typical of your attempts to distort the facts to ridicule others, in support your personal agenda. Your constant negativity is tedious, and counterproductive. Originally, I had read that RR was given 5 years, but last week it was reported that RR has 6 years. Lets' hope that Brandan stands by that time table.

Lorain Steelmen

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 10:44 a.m.

Thanks, Ben! At the end of the day, these coaches, and players,are trying extremely hard to make this program a NC contender. This does not happen overnight. And while we have a great tradition here, UM must adapt to the game, as it evolves. In their day, Yost, Crisler, and Shembechler did just that! And so will Rodriguez. The distortions and unfounded attacks, in the media and blogs, are unwarrented and counterproductive! When he first arrived, I was neutral on RR, but having witnessed the classless attacks by so called UM 'fans', I am embarassed for my school, and now also want RR to succeed, just to affirm that, a good and decent man, CAN achieve greatness, despite all of the negativity! Kids like DRob, Roh, Kovachs, et al, may teach some of these critics that hard work and perseverence, are still valuable personal traits. I have gotten to like this group of kids, and hope they write a great chapter in our tradition during the next two or three years. I think they will. Miss State will be a tough challenge, but I will be rooting for the Mize and Blue...players AND coaches!!

tulsatom

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.

I'm curious as to who the players were who didn't arrive on the plane with the rest of the team. Any starters among those who were stuck in Atlanta or Philadelphia, etc? U-M needs all their key players ready to go on New Year's Day.

missionbrazil

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 10:17 a.m.

Lorain, there you go again, putting RR in the same sentence as Yost, Crisler, and Bo. He has absolutely NO place being in the same sentence, paragraph, thread, or even on the same site as these high quality UM coaches. Try it this way, because this is more truthful and realistic: RR, John L. Smith, John Cooper (although his record is FAR better than RR's), Gerry Faust, Charlie Weis. Hey, and try this just for kicks: Google "big ten football coaches losing records" and see who pops up in the # 1 listing.

Blu-n-Tpa

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 10:15 a.m.

LS and Ben What are you guys commenting about now? I would enjoy either one of you explaining how you thought the special teams were COACHED this fall. I'm sorry to have to break the news to you but unless DB is just toying with RR you're not going to get the chance to see anybody being upset over the COACH after the new year. Sorry, you will have to change your site "names" and rejoin the group with new monikers.

The Ben

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 10:01 a.m.

Great post Lorain. I'm also amazed at the creativity and effort that people put into being negative. The cute little play-on-words that they do with Rodriguez's name. Ripping on 5 different people in one sentence (how is that even possible?). I remember when I was a kid and operated in a similar manner. I've gotten to a point where I hope Rodriguez stays, only because it will mean that the whiners and complainers won't get what they want. If outsiders don't cut it at Michigan, recruiting must be a complete nightmare. "Son, were you enrolled at Michigan before birth." "Um, no coach, that's not even pos..." "Let me stop you right there. I don't think you are 'Michigan Man' material. You'd probably fit in better at some wack-job school like Oregon."

Lorain Steelmen

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 9:43 a.m.

Always fun to read the posts ripping RR and pretending that you guys know what you're talking about. It's always easy to be negative! RR is an 'outsider', in the mold of Yost, Crisler and Schembechler. And, as all of you geniouses know, that can't be good.

D21

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 9:41 a.m.

3 and out, You asked: "...but am I alone in not liking the Adidas game jerseys?..." My reply: "Not by a longshot and yes, those adidas uniforms reeks almost as much as the failed Sparty helmet logo espoused by AD Hollis and later on, Izzo...Maybe it will be the 2nd buyout on DB's agenda after DB sends RR packing with a $2.5 million buyout".

D21

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 9:35 a.m.

Hmm, a short hop (425 miles) from Jax to Clemson, SC (for a HC job interview with Clemson University) is next on RR's agenda after the bowl game.

Blu-n-Tpa

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 8:18 a.m.

@tater Have you ever been to Jax or is this another example of you offering an opinion on something that you're not prepared to defend? I'm sure that based on some of your previous posting that you enjoyed the bowl games that RR took Michigan to in '08 and 09.

Blu-n-Tpa

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 8:11 a.m.

@MBush So what was the name of the bowls that RR COACHed Michigan to in 2008 and 2009? You're living in the Bo, Mo, and LC past of mostly New Year's Day bowl games every year. So if I were you I wouldn't be complaining about Coach Hoke taking UM to a lower level bowl every year. Ask the seniors from the '08 and '09 teams if they wouldn't have accepted playing in the Podunk Bowl in Nowheresville? And what about those extra weeks of practices that those teams so desperately needed? You seem to be concerned about the conjecture of Brady Hoke in the future. I'm more worried about the reality of Rich Rodriguez in the present.

The Ben

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 8:01 a.m.

@Sean T: "Though, I believe in 4 years to try to accomplish a successful football program, I doubt that we should waste another on RR." Do you believe in giving a coach 4 years or not? You can't have it both ways.

XTR

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 6:12 a.m.

Nice that the team is in Florida. They should go for the win. Mike Bush - Give us a link of a vid where Jimmy says he is going to the 49ers? Wait for official statements before panicking. The protocol is simple, you replace people who cannot deliver with people who might deliver your desired results. Always been that way in Principles of Management. Who are we to say that JH or Brady Hoke can't win at Michigan? We won't know until you give them the chance to prove it. Was Carr proven when he became coach? RR had 3 years and in 3 years he was 6-18 Big Ten and 0-3 MSU/OSU plus NCAA violations. That is his track record at the job and that performance is below standards. Time to let other guys come in and prove themselves. 11-1 in four years from half a decade of losing seasons without a traditional recruiting base is like going to the National Championship game in 2 years, in a high profile program like Florida, Alabama, Texas and Ohio State. I'm not saying that JH will do that, but his turnaround job at Stanford indicates that.

Sean T.

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : 3:25 a.m.

There are some NFL job vacancies that are available and San Francisco would be a good fit for JH's style of football. But I believe JH will be at Michigan because I believe DB has been courting him for a while now. Both of their coy actions signify that there may be a deal in the making and if not, DB may have put together more options in case JH doesn't sign. Also, I believe Brady Hoke could coach circles around RR because despite his poor MAC record his teams still were getting better despite their record. Then you have to be honest, how easy can it be to recruit for Miami of Ohio? His San Diego squad looked really impressive in his first two seasons and I doubt that we could beat them even with our "Mister everything" QB. RR hasn't shown that he can coach well against the top of his conference opponents even after his 3rd season. Honestly, his offense didn't look so dynamic in conference play as well since he couldn't field a competent RB or kicker. If RR stays another season, I doubt that we will be any better than we are next year. Though, I believe in 4 years to try to accomplish a successful football program, I doubt that we should waste another on RR.

pchbob

Tue, Dec 28, 2010 : midnight

Agree with redcedar1. RR is still as weak in media interviews and saavy as he is in coaching.

Mick

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 10:41 p.m.

3 & Out, I like those Maize jerseys as well, I wouldn't mind seeing an all Maize road uniform but not at home. I like to stay traditional and not be gimicky for the home games, if it ain't broke don't fix it. I agree with you on the stripes, they look cheesy to me. On another note, just one more week buddy before the coaching change I hope, aah the new year!

heartbreakM

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 9:52 p.m.

Was RR's record any better than Brady Hoke's? On what does anyone give RR credit for being such a great coach? On all the championships he won at WVU? On his great defenses? The difference between JH and RR in terms of their performance is not the record obviously. Their records are similar. The difference though is trajectory. You really see and saw Stanford getting better and more competitive, winning a few big games (USC comes to mind) against ranked opponents and top teams, and getting tougher on all sides of the ball. Can you say that about RR? Though the offensive averages are up this year, can you really say it's improved that much when looking at B10 stats? And does your team get better if one part gets better while the other two get worse? How many "give him one year then all bets are off" comments will we have to read, like we did after last year? Well, he got it, and now what?

Mike

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 8:05 p.m.

All jim harbaugh fans out there hope you enjoy watching him on the sidelines for the 49rs.not comming to mich.if we fire rich rod then who after harbaughs gone to the nfl.brady hoke yeah thats what we need to see a guy who only has 2 winning seasons as head coach.then hope we enjoy the pizza pizza bowl every year with him.hoke has not proven anything its either harbaugh or rich stays another year when he goes pro.

umgoblue47

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 7:41 p.m.

brazil... i agree about jh turnaround. i know we dont agree on the present coach but i will give him one more year, after that all bets are off. who ever the coach is next year i will support him... i think michigan will have a great 2011 season... GO BLUE...

umgoblue47

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 7:38 p.m.

brazil... i agree about jh turnaround. i know we dont agree on the present coach but i will give him one more year, after that all bets are off. who ever the coach is next year i will support... GO BLUE...

missionbrazil

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 7:05 p.m.

umgoblue... fair enough. Excuse me for saying that you were ripping JH. To be fair though, the vast majority of RR supporters typically love to rip LC, JH,... You have to admit, JH's record and turnaround at Stanford is more impressive than RR's digression/progression in his 3 years.

umgoblue47

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 6:26 p.m.

brazil... my post is not a rip on jh... i have posted several times on here that he is a great coach and i have never posted anything neagative about past michigan coach's! GO BLUE...

missionbrazil

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 6:15 p.m.

umgoblue... you're sounding pretty negative yourself, especially about someone who is one of the hottest coaches in the country right now. Which one is better? (take your time if you need to): * JH takes a Stanford program that has a reputation of being a doormat from 1-11 to 8-5/6-3 conference record in 3 years, and then adds an 11-1/8-1 conf. on top of that. * RR takes a Michigan program that has won the most games in the history of college football from 9-4/6-2 BT to 7-5 (maybe 7-6)/3-5 BT in 3 years. How can you guys (RR supporters) keep ripping high quality & successful people FROM MICHIGAN like JH? or LC? or even Bo?

umgoblue47

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 5:39 p.m.

i see you did not mention it took JH until his 4th year to turn stanford around. so i guess he doesen't fit into your most good coach's theory? btw do you think you could post just one time without a negative spin on something??? GO BLUE... have a great bowl game...

wolverineinohio

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 5:20 p.m.

AZ Wolverine, I will enjoy the game if Michigan gets that W! I want the Big Ten to do well against the SEC teams. It bodes well for the conference, recruiting, and psyche. I bet your going to enjoy the game in much warmer weather than I! GO BLUE!

3 And Out

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 5:18 p.m.

wolverineinohio....most good coaches turn their programs around within 2 seasons aka Tressel, Meyer, Saban etc etc etc.... no worries a good coach will improve our terrible defense and special teams under RR and do just as well on offense and probably score more points than RRs overmatched offense in BT play.

3 And Out

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 5:15 p.m.

I like those yellow practice unis...and also the white and blue practice unis.... but am I alone in not liking the Adidas game jerseys? The home ones have the tiny numbers on them that make us look like overweight truckers stuffed in to tiny t's and the road ones are just as abismal with the ridiculous strip/piping......

azwolverine

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 5:13 p.m.

Wolverineinohio, Don't always believe the blogosphere. Remember the Les Miles debacle. Yeah, the blogosphere had him installed as the UM head coach already. I personally want RR out, but I'm not buying it until it happens. My feeling is that if it were a sure bet, he'd be gone already. Just sit back and enjoy the bowl game, then see what happens after that.

wolverineinohio

Mon, Dec 27, 2010 : 4:51 p.m.

I have always liked RR, but he seemed tired or something. He deserves a fourth year, however, the word on the blogosphere he is out win or lose in the bowl game. If so, now the program will be another 3-4 years away from any serious contention. Give the man another year!!!!!!!!!!!