Jaxon5

Sun, Apr 25, 2010 : 8:08 p.m.

"Change was needed"... 3 Conference wins over two seasons. That was more than change, it was disaster. Yes, I agree the case is closed. The case closed on two seasons that we'll never get back.

Terry Star21

Sun, Apr 25, 2010 : 5:41 p.m.

Very good Robbie. point made, point taken.... case closed. Michigan Faithful will and do stand by their team win or lose. (macabre/jaxon same person different username/email) We have seen progress and we will see success, as the kings men say,..'we're just ready to bust lose...' RichRod's last two years shaping Graham, Mesko and Minor for the NFL and his work with the team is about to show its fruit. Michigan FB - winners and stay to become champions. Case closed your honor.

Robbie Webb

Sun, Apr 25, 2010 : 4:22 p.m.

Macabre Sunset and Jaxon5 make me laugh. I read all of their posts and I have yet to see a valid point. Although Carr was a great coach, Michigan has won ONE championship in the last 50 years. Change was needed and it takes time to do so. In 2008 almost all of our veterans were gone. Threet and Sheridan were our quarterbacks. No let's be realistic here, do you honestly think that with those two (who are not Michigan caliber quarterbacks) at quarterback, a lack of experience and depth on both sides of the football that any coach would not struggle? You cannot call out Michigan for two rough seasons, that's ridiculous. There are some Michigan fans who always are upset with something. People complained that Carr's teams were too slow and they wanted more in the playbook. So Rich Rod was hired specifically that purpose, and it requires the right pieces for it to work. To say he just ignored the defense is silly. Michigan with Rich Rod has done a better job recruiting than Carr's latter years. Those who say the spread wont work in the big ten don't know what they're talking about. The big ten has slacked in the hunt for natonal dominance. Which is why OSU got stomped by the SEC teams and if you look at our last win against Florida we ran the spread that game. It is not just about running the football every play. Rich Rod has not damaged this football program and it will never be damaged. Michigan will be back this year, and I cannot WAIT for them to succeed and wake people up (Especially Rich Rod haters) so I can come back and see everyone praising him. Macabre Sunset and Jaxon5, I'm glad we all love the same team, but you HAVE to realize why we have struggled these past two years and Rich Rod is not a bad guy or coach. Injuries was also a factor. With Molk and Minor being two HUGE losses. Even Forcier himself said he was really comfertable with Molk protecting him at center. And along with injuries comes lack of depth, experience, and two walkons on defense to top it all off! You can't tell me that any coach would would not struggle. If you watch ESPN you'll see that everyone thinks down on the big ten, even OSU who loses alot in bowl games. It was time for a change and the leaders and best are doing what we always have, which is lead the conference in a new direction. You can't learn to do something new (The spread) like ride a bike and without falling down a few times. Just like the great Bo said, ''...when you're team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing.'' I rest my case, and this argument is done. All in for Rich Rod and Michigan football. GO BLUE!!!

GoBlueSummer

Sat, Apr 24, 2010 : 8:44 a.m.

It use to be "Hey, You think we'll win the Big Ten this year"? Now, it's "Dude, I hope we can get 6 wins" SIX WINS. How does that not smack you in the face if your a true die hard fan. I don't know about you but I bleed Maize and Blue. I'm not WITH or AGAINST anyone, I just want the best for my favorite sport team. That's a childish way of thinking. Where are you getting all this cupboard was bear stuff lol. Go to Scout or Rivals and look at those classes from 05-08. Compare those to the classes RichRod has recruited, which are heavily loaded with 3 star talent, and you'll see how ridiculous that is. Some of these guys are good and alot of them have potential to surprise but RR's classes are certaintly not better than any Lloyd brought in. The Fact is he didn't develop anyone the last few years. Brandon Graham had success because of his relentless work ethic and heart for the game, not cause he was coached well. RichRod couldn't do anything with the talent he had, that is much more accurate than saying he was left with no talent. He absolutely has to have his type of player to make anything happen. Hey that' alright, let him get what he needs and show us what he can do, and this year it's time to start showing off. I'm very disappointed that so many of you have so very little to say about Lloyd Carr. Yes he faltered there toward the end of his tenure as Head Coach, but he was a dang good coach. He was a players coach, the type that players loved and respected. You would never see NCAA sanctions coming in the Carr years. He wouldn't tolerate that BS. An 8-4 season was a bad season with him, that's pretty good. I mean the dude wouldn't even bad mouth other teams or call out anyone when they were playing dirty like some coaches consistantly do. One thing I've always wondered, why was Ron English not considered to replace Carr? Like I said, I hope RichRod succeeds. I like the idea of Michigan being able to play different than the rest of the Big Ten. It's something that could set us apart even more. I hope everything clicks this year and the last 2 seasons can be just a bump in the road. Everything at Michigan use to be gold, but since RichRod's arrival, all that gold is turning to rust. (Yes I know Gold doesn't actually rust but I wanted to say that anyway). For all you haters hating, WE ALL WANT SUCCESS from RichRod, ok. But he shouldnt have had to drag the program down through the gutter to get there. If your real fans you'll understand that.

Jaxon5

Sat, Apr 24, 2010 : 7 a.m.

If we forget history and tradition, all we're left with is the record of the last 2 seasons. So, if we forget 129 years of football, and just focus on 2008 and 2009, what do we have? A losing football program. Bottom of the Big Ten. And arguably the worst team in the conference both years. And, take away Delaware State game, it doesn't count.

Macabre Sunset

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 10:23 p.m.

Oh, what a horrible mess Lloyd Carr left. Your hero, the incomparably bad Rich Rodriguez, has won eight games in two seasons. Carr won eight or more games in 12 of his 13 seasons, seven in the other one. Rodriguez has lost 13 games in Big Ten play in two seasons. Carr lost 23 in 13 seasons. When Rodriguez took over, experts said the transition might not hurt so much because there was a lot of veteran talent on defense. But Rodriguez ignored the defense. The result? A team that had never allowed more than 279 points in a year has given up 347 and 330 points the last two seasons. Yeah, you people are traitors. You understand nothing of tradition. You accept mediocrity. You are likely Ohio State fans in disguise, enjoying this debacle like it's your birthday 365 days a year. And you know nothing of football. The Spread is not a playbook with a label that Rodriguez picked up from Urban Meyer. It is a concept that can manifest very differently in different places. Rodriguez's version is a gimmick that simply isn't working in an elite conference. Unless you can play Delaware State 12 times. You can expect this gimmick offense to dominate bad non-conference teams, as it did last season. And you can expect it to score 20.2 points in Big Ten play - as it did last season with his quarterbacks, and the season before with a walk-on. I ask OSU fans like marineblue how many losses next season before you admit, laughingly, that the Rodriguez experiment has to end?

marineblue

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 9:30 p.m.

aahhh yes the numbers game.... summer, i like your retort.. but, after ALL those guys, who was left? i don't care how many people carr put into the NFL, all i care about is who is left... offensively....sthreet and sheridan????? please.... after all, someone has to carry the torch... anyhow, RR was left w/ not much talent to run the system he was hired to run. NOTHINGH WAS LEFT OF THE DEFENSE.. >>BRANDON GRAHAM, D WARREN, & SBROWN.... really. RR has a very under staffed, young team. this is his third year. what happened to the players that were supposed to go to the NFL in 2008 and 2009??? those people were here before RR got here. RR's recruits are still rs soph's or jr's. i don't think that they are eligible for the draft... are they???? carr had some GREAT draft picks, but, what about recruiting???? recruiting people to replace your draft picks....NOT VERY GOOD! RR inherited a total debacle defensively... it has been studied and documented. FORGET the HISTORY. never forget the tradition... RR is implementing a new offensive philosophy that works, he was left hanging w/ the defense and is now rebuilding... look at his last 2 classes for defensive recruits if you disagree... the proof is in the pudding. his win/ loss record doesn't reflect it but the MARINES faced the same deficit in the Asian island island hopping campaign. the took some losses, but will and determination helped them overcome. football is easy given, you have the right talent. RR is amassing that talent. either, your are w/ us..... OR against us... we know where several cowards, who hide behind a keyboard stand...

Terry Star21

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 8:33 p.m.

GoBlueSummer... now that is constructive criticism, what I'm talking about... you said what you didn't like about RichRod, what he needed to do, hoped he would doit, and wished the best. That is what the main intention of this column is for - kudos! That is what a Michigan fan does. We have a couple outsider posters here, same person different user name and email addresses, always post lies to personally attack RichRod, and get away with it. I'll listen to constructive talk like this from you always, and won't fault you for getting all over the coach, if you play nice. I don't agree with you of course, our king is making great strides - but I'll listen. Michigan Spring Game - 47...... Other Big Ten Spring Games - 0

GoBlueSummer

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 7:31 p.m.

You can only judge a coach by results. So far RichRod has had terrible results. Although, he has had alot of obstacles. I mean, he didn't have the players he needs to run his system, has had changes in personel (Defense), has ridiculous amounts pressure on him, and a very very young Michigan squad. I don't think people realize how young Michigan's talent is. Those Problems are all duly noted. But, the results DO give all those "haters" or "complainers" reason to be upset. You don't come to the most Historic Football Program in the world and have its first losing season in like 35+ years and not expect some friction. And then you add to the mix the NCAA investigations, and problems with RR's personal life and stuff with WV. Now I'm no Einstein or anything but maybe, hmm just maybe that all piled together gives UM Fans a reason to be critical of him. Especially if your a UM Fan like me, who just absolutely loves the tradition and history of the program. Were not good every 4 years or once in awhile, WERE ALWAYS GOOD, YEAR IN AND YEAR OUT. Personally, I don't dislike RR, I really hope he succeeds here at UM. But, I will not be happy until he steps up his coaching and recruiting and gets this program to at least a freaking winning season. The team looks promising this year and I'm hoping we'll see a drastic improvement on the field. Meyer won a championship at Florida in only his second year. Those are the kinda results we should b longing for, instead were praying to just make at least a bowl game and have our first winning season. That's not acceptable. If he turns it around this year peoples minds well b set at ease, if he doesn't then...well lets just really pray he does. lol

Jaxon5

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 6:53 p.m.

Macabre Sunset is absolutely right. The transition from Carr to Rodriguez was made without regard to the winning tradition at Michigan. Wasn't given a thought. Not one thought. It was all about installing a new system and doing it a different way, without regard to whether it would work or not. Without regard to how it might impact the overall winning tradition. Absolutely right.

GoBlueSummer

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 6:05 p.m.

Carr didn't produce NFL talent? Ha. Yah right. In the nfl currently from Lloyds last few years... Chad Henne Mike Hart Adrian Arrington Braylon Edwards Steve Breaston Jason Avant Mario Manningham Alan Branch Prescott Burgess Lamar Woodley Marlin Jackson Gabe Watson Morgan Trent Jake Long David Harris Leon Hall Shawn Crable Terrance Taylor David Baas All players drafter from 2005+ That's 19 players, numerous of which are a starter and heavily contribute to playoff/winning teams. 9 of those guys were drafted in the 1st or 2nd round. Carr started in 1995 and left in January 2008; now Michigan currently has 41 players in the NFL, guess how many of those played for Carr?

marineblue

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 5:39 p.m.

rightmind(really)???, RR was hired to implement the spread offense. MAYBE, if you had a premium acct such as scout or rivals you would have gotten that little piece of info. maybe, if you went to MGOBLOG (there is a very informative diary called Decimated defense part I & II) to find out the real reason why the defense has been so bad, why LC's class rankings aren't accurate, and why RR has not had adequate depth to fill the needs of this team. RR did not run off mallet, arrington, manningham, not to mention all the players that graduated in '06 and '07. did i say you should invest in a premium acct to get legit info?? yes, i think that i did.... MGOBLOG is free if you can't afford rivals or scout... all the other things that you have stated, such as law suits are none of my business and really NONE of yours. you don't know what is going on w/ them unless you are personally involved... the GPA, RR was misled and gave inaccurate facts...so what?...when he found out he said that he gave inaccuracies.. crying??? again, so what, the man is passionate about what he does and loves his kids... i bet you have never cried, tough guy... RR inherited as MESS and is doing all he can to right this ship DESPITE PEOPLE LIKE YOU. bottom line, if you don't like what is going on go find something else. while you are at it take azwolf, lemans, jaxon, metrics, saline, jcj, and my personal favorite macbre w/ you.... you people that hate should know your facts (not the information that comes from place like the freep and aa.com) before you post such non-sense. some of the things that you people believe is down right comical.... i can't wait to see all of you back peddling or not even post next year...

Terry Star21

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 3:08 p.m.

Macabre Sunset... Are you serious? Defending a great coach against outsiders lies, fabrications, and jealousys - 'A Traitor'? Thanks for just proving spencer, mgobluegold, truebluefan, josh, richagain, ramone, marineblue, and bowlforblue right - we rest our case!

Macabre Sunset

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 1:43 p.m.

That's helpful, guys. Keep the blinders on. Thanks so much. It's because of people like you that Martin's Folly is getting a third season to destroy our once-great football program. You are the traitors here.

BowlForBlue

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 1:41 p.m.

I went back and read that article again, and the writer did mention how it was the last four years, which couldn't possibly include Mr. Rodrigruiz recruiting and NFL picks. Then he actually compliments Mr. Rodrigriguez for turning things around with his top 20 recruit list this year. I fail to see how that warrants the personal attacks on Mr. Rodriguez here. I don't want to personally attack or insult people, but jeez - outsiders, with your inaccurate, fabrications, taunts, etc. against Mr. Rodriguez for no reason, is your life really that bad? Everything you attack is lies, has absolutely nothing to do with the article, I feel really, really sorry for you - it most be a horrid life you lead, and I am being honest, I wish, really hope you could change.

mgobluegold

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 1:25 p.m.

Outsider RichRod fabricators can't get in as well. Hey Terry Star21; Michigan good guys - 88.... Outsider RichRod Fabricators - losers

Terry Star21

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 1:16 p.m.

If your drunk you cant get in.

rightmind250

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 12:15 p.m.

marineblue: RR is doing what he was hired to do? Run off potential first round recruits? 3 B10 wins in 2 years? Most losses in a season in 132 years? Last place in the B10? Last place in the B10 with scholar athletes? Lieing about the teams grade point average? Crying at the press conference? Lawsuits by WVU? Lawsuits by ex business partners? NCAA sanctions? Thats only 2 years worth. Oh, and Terry Star 21, please point out the inaccuracies for me. The rest of the college football world including the writers are not drinking the Richrod kool-aid.

Terry Star21

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 11:03 a.m.

Ramone.... if your new here you should know, there is a person that comes here looking for a fight, loves to post nonsense facts, doesn't read the article half the time, has no team to cheer for, stays on line for hours just waiting for someone to object, than back for more nonsense. We've seen it before, we'll see again - eventially these outsiders just fade into the sunset.

marineblue

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 8:56 a.m.

not much NFL talent lately.....that says 1 thing...THE CUPBOARD WAS BARE..... the last several years (previous staff), the recruiting and retention of those players they recruited was poor. it was clear and obvious to those of us that "ACTUALLY" follow RECRUITING. the gimmicky offense stated by 1 or 3 posters on every article about RR are starting to be more humorous by the article. i am sure that the last several offenses that won the NC ran the spread (except AL). the # 1 QB taken this year ran the what??? SPREAD... tebow??? SPREAD. how did tuo$ earn some of their victories over Michigan the last 6 times??? oh that's right, they ran a version of the SPREAD. many of the dominant and successful programs around the country run some type of the spread so please save us your extremely uninformed opinion. i know that it is hard to change. 40 years is a long time to be in your comfort zone, but living w/ the same results is hard for people who see everyone else playing for BCS titles and games. the Michigan administration chose to go a different direction and hired RR. if you DON"T like the hire, take it up w/ the ADMINISTRATION! leave your opinion about the coach at the door. RR is doing what he was HIRED to do. if you don't like it don't watch or support another team. the program doesn't NEED fans like you. for those of you that are complaining about the tickets....give them back to the university so that a fan who REALLY APPRECIATES the team can use them. casual fans and headline chasers really need to educate themselves about modern football or KEEP your uneducated, uninformed opinion to themselves. all in all, AA.com is getting what they want (HITS). it is funny that AA.com will let posters verbally attack RR and the program. at the same time they remove post of good posters (that are Michigan fans) attacking the same trolls and non-fans that spew their negativity and propaganda...INTERESTING.

Ramone

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 8:50 a.m.

You have got to be kidding me. Macabre, there is no way you actually believe what you are saying. Before development comes TALENT. That is what we had very little of, as evinced by our draftees. And like others keep saying, how this became RRs fault is beyond me. He wasn't even here when these players were recruited. He was at WVU. Further, now that we've seen the actual draft and watched the top WR come from a triple option, Tebow go in the top half of the first round, Pro-style messiah clausen sit while shotgun snap qbs and spread rbs fly off the board what say you? The NFL will find you if you have talent. Simple as that. Doesn't matter what system you play in. Chances are, if you have the skills you'll excel in whatever system you're in. You may not hit your highest potential, but you won't go from stud to guy who can't catch or hold onto the ball. RR has been forced to piece together this tea since he got here with walk-ons paperclips and Chewing gum. The argument that our lack of draftees is his fault confounds me. You point out Donovan but ignore Brandon. He went 13th despite the teams record. Why? The kid can play. And I guess you've missed his interviews where he gives RRs staff a lot of credit for the physical development that allowed him to make many of those plays. But don't let facts get in the way.

richagain

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 6:52 a.m.

Gimmicky offense or defense is better than a gimmicky poster troll that obsessed your life so bad we have to read about it. Brandon went in the first round. That's sounds really bad. Why even post a comment wrote from Ohio. Sounds like a wanna be wolverine. Anyway those were lloyds recruits, now is time for the king to shine Richagain 2010

Macabre Sunset

Fri, Apr 23, 2010 : 4:09 a.m.

I hope he proves me wrong, Josh, but in the meantime damning people who don't agree with your opinion seems quite childish. Unfortunately, the experts don't agree with your assessment of RichRod's recruiting classes. And it is important that Michigan play a style of football relevant to the pro game. Why? Because the best athletes are capable of playing better football, and if they want to make a living playing football, they will receive more useful experience playing for a rival than for RichRod. Finally, we had 40 straight years of winning football. What Michigan accomplished was unique and special. Carr ran a very different type of team than Schembechler or even Moeller, but somehow, the team didn't get crushed in the transition. A good coach would have understood how to transition the team from Carr's leadership to his leadership. Instead, RichRod did his thing without any care in the world as to whether it meant losing games. Just look at the Toledo game for proof (Appalachian State in 2007 would have smashed 2008 Toledo by 40 points).

Josh Ditton

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 10:52 p.m.

Um, Rich Rod has been in Ann Arbor for 2 years. He hasn't had the time to produce NFL talent. God!$#@ all you people who think everything should go YOUR way overnight. Rich Rod had two excellent recruiting classes. I cannot wait to see your arguments against him once he leads us to BCS wins. He has won both BCS appearances he made with WVU. For comparison, Carr only won 1 of 4 BCS appearances.

johnnya2

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 10:26 p.m.

I don;t care what offense is run, the defense wins championships. As far as NFL talent is concerned, I will put Lloyd's accomplishments against Rich Rods anytime. Look at the players RR has in the NFL since he became a head coach and the ones Lloyd has placed. It is a no brainer. By the way, whoever said the game passed Lloyd by, I suggest you rewind to the NFL draft after Coach Carr's last year. Take a look at the number one pick OVERALL and then get back to me.

clarklaker

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 7:58 p.m.

i just dont buy the spread offense here. Until michigan ets a coach that runs a pro offense they will play second fiddle to sparty. I personally blame bill martin for this knee jerk reaction. rich rod is a train wreck, and i just dont see anything positive with his hiring. I hope david brandon does a good job at finding the next coach for michigan soon.

buzz

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 7:43 p.m.

Who cares if RR players do not go high in the draft. The players in his scheme is not meant for NFL you all know that. NFL QB are not scramblers, and RBs are mainly power. A lot of players who do good in college do crappy NFL, and alot of underrated players in college do great in NFL. NFL is alot different than college. You can win a NC and not have players who are high in the draft.

Terry Star21

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 6:24 p.m.

The NFL Football talent article here all though informative shows much bias, much like the decision to let 3 commenters here talk about their football tickets.

Terry Star21

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 6:02 p.m.

@ Spencer and mgobluegold. I highly agree with you about the accuracy of the Coach RichRod bashers, they seem to be just a select few whom always are the first to try and bash this fine coach. They really believe their stats and information is accurate, but it's not and they are quick to jump at any opportunity to degrade our players, coach and team. It's pretty obvious they are outsiders. The annarbor.com moderates have warned us against personal attacks, and going back and forth with arguements. I think I can appreciate, a lot of us UM FB faithful standing up for comment fact accuracy and the bashing of our coach but, we want to be careful not to keep going back and forth with the outsiders. Think about it, it's what they really want, a fight - they could care less about accurate facts, constructive talk or even what the topic is in this column.

Jaxon5

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 6 p.m.

Thank you to Ann Arbor.com staff for finding a different point of view in this article. And thank you to Macabre Sunset for presenting a very plausible explanation.

mgobluegold

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 5:48 p.m.

Spencer... I agree with you and I think my earlier comments about RichRod's personal attack commenters are riling and will unfortunate rile the uninformed - outsiders, and unfaithful, etc.... but we have seen/heard it all before and will again... let's just be glad it is for sure, 'An exciting time to be a Michigan Football fan'. M GO BLUE.

Macabre Sunset

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 5:18 p.m.

Spencer, it's hard to take you seriously when you say supporting the team means supporting RichRod. I support the team by objecting to the naked emperor. I don't want ten years of second-division finishes. I am not a sheep. Comparing RichRod's gimmicky version of the spread to Florida's version is naive. Spread is a concept. As vague as West Coast. Spread concepts work in college football, though they do harm a player's chances of being drafted. Tebow is raw. He has talent. He has no experience in a pro-style offense. Thus he isn't going to be drafted in the top half of the first round. No one knows how he'll fare in Buffalo or Jacksonville (or wherever he will go). Pat White was not a quarterback prospect, though. RichRod's gimmicky version of the spread doesn't require a good quarterback. More a halfback with an arm. The NFL has dozens of Michigan athletes. There were some good ones left when RichRod took over. But he didn't provide them with relevant experience, so they have a harder route to the NFL. Carr produced steady top-ten recruiting classes. That's based on performance over a long, long time. RichRod is not producing, and so the results will only worsen as there's fallout among potential new recruits. Word is out: you come to Michigan, you no longer have a path to the NFL. We need a good football coach in here as soon as possible. I say that as a loyal life-long Michigan fan.

Spencer

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 5:03 p.m.

@Macabre Sunset Pat White was one of the greatest college quarterbacks ever! Great example is a guy you might know...Tim Tebow. Great college player but if he gets drafted in the 1st round it will be a huge gamble. Donovan Warren didn't want to stick around and that's fine. Many players leave after 3 years and the coach doesn't get blamed. As far as Mallet goes I'll say this...he is a great quarterback. Plain and simple. Didn't he get arrested in Arkansas? Oh I guess thats RR fault too? Look Lloyd Carr recruited great classes...on paper. Go back and look at all the 4 star athletes Carr recruited and then come back and tell me how many actually are either in the league or ever got drafted. and while your at it...answer this. When RR took over the program, in your honest opinion, how many players were left on this team that were either NFL worthy or even All-American worthy? Just because RR has brought a new system and style to UofM everybody wants to have the mans head. Have you ever stopped to think why the great University of Michigan would do such a thing? It's because the program was stagnant. 10-2, 9-3 yippy!!! We want 12-0 and RR is bringing a new era of football to A2. I'm sure you'll say that the spread wont work in the B10 but look how many teams run it and further more look around the country and look at their rosters. RR is recruiting the south and bringing very talented players to the north. Oh and if you think he can't recruit, I have something for you...Roh, DRob, Roundtree, Odoms, Tate, Big Will, Mike Martin, Vincent Smith, Mike Shaw and a whole slew of great freshman coming in. Check the facts before you start throwing "propoganda" around. And if you don't want to support the team, I have a team you can support...Michigan State University and their mascot the Detroit Free Press

Macabre Sunset

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 4:40 p.m.

It's sad that people who point out that the emperor is wearing no clothes are immediately pilloried by the same posters, time and time again. No defense of the mess RichRod has made of the greatest program in the history of organized football. Just attacks against us. For a player to be drafted into the NFL, he needs to have athletic skill and experience. RichRod is not providing relevant experience. That's why there are great athletes getting drafted far below where they might otherwise be drafted. Donovan Warren will go in the 3rd-5th round range. He's a top 20 talent, lacking in experience, regressing under poor coaching. Most evaluators would say he needs another year of college. But because RichRod is the coach, he might as well come out now because another year of this confusion isn't going to help him much. Ryan Mallett saw the writing on the wall right away. He transferred, and will be a first-rounder next year. Some bare cupboard that was. Carr was a great recruiter, in part because he had experience producing NFL talent. RichRod is not. He calls Pat White one of the great quarterbacks in football history. Yet White was not a high draft choice, and will likely never lead an NFL team.

jcj

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 4:20 p.m.

Hey icegoalie I guess I will pay by check! I would not pay that amount if I didn't have a friend that goes to most of the games and pays me face value. That way I will be able to take the grandkids when they start winning again. I will enjoy my grandsons hockey game tonight more than most Mich football games!

icegoalie

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 4:12 p.m.

Hey jcj...got my ticket renewal as well without a schedule but the question is how will you renew your tickets? Check or Credit Card? They will keep lowering the bar for us "unwashed" people in the old regular seats until we stop paying them whatever they ask... All of these problems and articles will all go away with some winning...it is amazing how fast people forgive and overlook major issues when you are winning. And if the winning doesn't come this season then it will be someone else's problem.

mgobluegold

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 4:06 p.m.

@ Terry Star21. I agree entirely with your comment. If you read the commenters, with personal attacks against Coach Rodriguez, it's very simply to see they have no knowledge of Michigan Football and College Football at all. Most see an article regarding Michigan Football and go straight to attacking our great coach. Had they read this article, a 6 year old could have seen the writer was talking more about past 4 years (Carr), and actually complemented Coach for tuning things around with a top 20 Recruit field.

rightmind250

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 3:15 p.m.

Why all the personal attacks on Richrod? Which Michigan team have you been following? His personal life has been a nightmare for UM. He has won 3 B10 games in 2 years. He tied for last place in the B10. Should I go on? You can apologize all you want. It doesn't change the results. NCAA sanctions, legal troubles, lieing to the public, crying in the press conference. You have got to be kidding, right?

Terry Star21

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 2:28 p.m.

Sorry if I was a little too strong - when I first commented there were two other comments with personal attacks against RichRod, that have now been removed. But my message intent above stays the same.

Terry Star21

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 2:23 p.m.

This is outrageous... I read that article 3 times, and the only thing said about RichRod is. '....recruiting seems to be improving.... as Rich Rodriguez has garnered a top 20 recruiting class...'. Why all these personal attacks on Mr. Rodriguez. Anyone with any common sense, and least a bit of football knowledge, that can read - can see the writer is talking about 'two down years' (which would be Carr's fault) and has credited with coach RichRod for making a turnaround. These columns are supposed to be for constructive Michigan Football, yet it allows people with no knowledge os sports to come in here and personally attack our leader, our hero, and our coach - Mr. Richard Rodriguez of the Michigan Football Family.

truebluefan

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 2:11 p.m.

If anything, this article proves what many have been saying all along, that Michigan's NFL talent level has been historically low since Carr's last season. In other words, the cupboard was indeed bare when RR took over. Between 2004 and 2007, Lloyd Carr did not recruit well, nor was his staff able to retain the few talented players that were recruited (attrition was very high, especially on defense). The drama queens around here will say it's all RR's fault, when in fact this is an obvious reason why we've been unsuccessful the past two seasons.

mgobluegold

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 2:09 p.m.

@ Spencer... you know I agree, I went back and looked at this full article, notice at the end - Warren, Mesko, & Minor. This is a big variance to what the other critics, with knowledge are saying. Read elsewhere how Mesko is the #1 punter and will fit some team's need instantly... similar with Minor, Warren, etc. I was hoping this article wasn't a personal attack against Mr. Rodriguez, and also give commenters with less football knowledge a reason for a personal attack against coach - which I had though was off limits here!

jcj

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 2:04 p.m.

I got my bill for football tickets today $1500. And they had no problem sending me propaganda on other things to spend money on. However the cheap, money hungry athletic dept could not even send a schedule!

Spencer

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 1:48 p.m.

This is not propaganda nor is it a shot at Rich Rod. This is the facts! I am a huge Michigan football fan and this is the reality. Further more, Rich Rod cannot be blamed for any of this! The NFL will only take player after 3 years. How many years has Rich Rod been in A2? Even Graham was a Carr recruit. This is why Carr is no longer the coach. Loosing every year to OSU and not developing players like in the past...yep, see ya. I like Lloyd but the game passed him. He was a great guy and a great roll model and as much as it kills me to say it, not the greatest coach after '97 (exception for '06)

Macabre Sunset

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 1:36 p.m.

When you run a gimmicky college offense and you admittedly don't pay attention to the defense, your players don't receive experience relevant to the pro game. That means their rookie NFL seasons are spent learning how to play pro football rather than contributing. First rounders are expected to play football as rookies. The writer is absolutely correct that this is already trickling down into recruiting. That's why RichRod had a recruiting class ranked around 15th-20th rather than the top ten classes Carr turned in every year. This is a serious problem, and it illustrates exactly why a coach like RichRod can enjoy some limited success in a weaker conference like the Big East, but cannot hope to succeed in the elite Big Ten.

mgobluegold

Thu, Apr 22, 2010 : 1:31 p.m.

So, an ohio reporter went to the trouble to compare UM......hem.... If it had been the comedian fantasy writer Scott Cushing, at least I could of had a laugh!