Michigan football team at midseason report: It's certainly not a boring season
Sophomore quarterback Denard Robinson's running and passing have helped Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez to a 5-2 start this season.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
An out-of-nowhere Heisman Trophy candidate, a defense that can’t catch a break and a program awaiting NCAA sanctions. Wingless helmets, Big Ten divisions and a rivalry preserved.
A Little Brother all grown up, a rash of transfers and a memorable walk from the Michigan Stadium tunnel for one Brock Mealer.
The 2010 Michigan football season has been a lot of things. Boring is not one of them.
Halfway through the season, the Wolverines (5-2 overall, 1-2 Big Ten) catch a breather with Saturday’s off week before beginning preparations for next week’s game against Penn State.
Here’s a quick look back at the season’s first half:
Offensive MVP - Denard Robinson, QB
Worst-kept secret of the preseason: Denard Robinson would start at quarterback. Best-kept secret of the preseason: Robinson had morphed into a Heisman Trophy candidate.
He has 1,096 rushing yards, which ranks second in the country, along with nine rushing touchdowns. He’s completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 1,319 yards and nine more TDs.
In the season’s first half, there might not be a better college football story than Robinson’s emergence.
Defensive MVP - Mike Martin, DT
Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins runs from junior defensive tackle Mike Martin.
Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com
Michigan hasn’t had a more consistent defender than Mike Martin, a 6-foot-2, 300-pound nose tackle. He’s started 18 straight games and played in 30 straight.
He’s got 23 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks on the season, but what’s been most impressive is that he’s made the plays despite facing an awful lot of double teams.
The Wolverines could use a few more steady players like Martin.
What's gone right
Denard Robinson considerably improved his accuracy throwing, going from a 45 percent completion rate a year ago to 67.8 percent.
Not only did Robinson relieve concerns about his accuracy, he vaulted himself into the Heisman conversation.
A big part of that has been his comfort level with the receivers - and his willingness to spread the ball around. Four Wolverines have 15 or more receptions, and eight Michigan players have caught TD passes.
Even better, the variety doesn’t stop with Robinson. When Tate Forcier spelled him, he’s kept the offense running, completing his first 14 passes of the season.
What's gone wrong
The Michigan defense wasn't able to tie up Tandon Doss on third-and-long situations.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
The most maddening aspect of the Wolverines' defense this season hasn’t only been that the unit gives up big plays - it’s when the unit has given them up.
Third-and-long has been a disastrous down.
Third-and-17 versus Notre Dame, second quarter. The Irish complete a 9-yard pass and officials slap Jonas Mouton with a personal foul call. First down.
Third-and-15 versus Indiana. The Hoosiers complete a 19-yard pass to Damarlo Belcher. First down. Later on the same drive, they complete a 10-yard pass to Tandon Doss on a third-and-seven play. First down.
Third-and-15 versus Michigan State. The Spartans complete a 17-yard pass to Keshawn Martin. First down. They score a touchdown later on the drive that breaks the game open. Think those are bad? The problem blossomed like an algae field against Iowa last week.
Early in the game, the Hawkeyes converted a third-and-10, scoring on a 13-yard touchdown reception for Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, his first of three on the day.
Third-and-14 in the second quarter. The Wolverines allow Adam Robinson to run 15 yards for a first down. The Hawkeyes score a touchdown a few plays later to go ahead, 21-7.
With 6:55 left in the game and the Wolverines trailing by seven points, the defense desperately need a stop.
Third-and-nine. Iowa completes a 17-yard pass to Marvin McNutt. First down. Later on the same drive, the Wolverines defense faced a third-and-eight play. The Hawkeyes completed a 26-yard pass to Adam Robinson down to the Michigan 14-yard line. First down. Hawkeyes kick a field goal. Game over. Nothing hurts more than a defense that can’t get off the field. Biggest surprise
Aside from Denard Robinson?
After two nondescript seasons, weakside linebacker Jonas Mouton came to play in 2010. He’s looked a lot faster going sideline to sideline, and the result has been a team-leading 63 tackles.
He’s also got five tackles for loss, a sack and two interceptions. Mouton hasn’t been great in every game - he wobbled against UMass - but he and Jordan Kovacs have been the most consistent Wolverines playmakers on defense.
Biggest disappointment
The kicking game. Brendan Gibbons and Seth Broekhuizen haven’t kicked a field goal longer than 34 yards this season and are a combined 2-for-8 on field goals.
Blocks are a constant concern. Making matters worse, two of Broekhuizen’s kickoffs went out of bounds in the fourth quarter against Iowa, which left Rich Rodriguez in disbelief.
Early-season jitters took the blame in the first two games. But halfway through the season, the Wolverines probably have no recourse but to go for broke on fourth down. The sure things
- The offensive line is really, really good. The Wolverines have allowed a Big Ten-low three sacks all season and have the conference’s best rushing offense.
- The secondary is really, really green. The Wolverines give up 296.3 passing yards per game, worst in the conference. Indiana is second-worst , allowing 230.8 yards per game.
- Kenny Demens has eclipsed Obi Ezeh at middle linebacker. It was plain and simple against Iowa. Bank on Demens starting the rest of the way.
The enigmas - All preseason, the Wolverines couldn’t stop talking about the depth at running back. Vincent Smith has been the most reliable so far, but beyond him, Michael Shaw has been inconsistent. The others?
- Are the Wolverines set to repeat last year’s second-half collapse or are their two straight losses merely a byproduct of facing what look like the Big Ten’s two best teams on consecutive weekends?
- Rich Rodriguez said from the start that Devin Gardner was too talented to redshirt and that the Wolverines needed three QBs. So far, Gardner has taken two snaps against UConn, one against Notre Dame and completed seven of 10 passes for 85 yards in mop-up duty against Bowling Green.
Still waiting to see why the Wolverines burned his redshirt year.
Second-half prognosis
At the beginning of the season, I predicted the Wolverines would finish 7-5 with an outside shot at 8-4. Halfway home, that scenario holds.
Penn State looks ripe for an upset, especially after getting manhandled at home by Illinois. Still, it’s hard to see the Wolverines, who have two Big Ten road wins in Rich Rodriguez’s tenure, winning at Happy Valley in a night game.
Illinois and Purdue are two schools Michigan should beat, especially the Illini at home. No excuses.
Call me an optimist - I’ve been called worse - but there’s a chance the Wolverines could beat Wisconsin at home on Nov. 20. The Badgers have looked wildly inconsistent - dreary and slow in a loss at East Lansing and impressive in the way they dismantled No. 1 Ohio State.
Depending on which Wisconsin team shows up in Ann Arbor, where Michigan won in 2008, the Wolverines will have a shot.
Not so in Columbus, where the Wolverines seem to be another year from competing in The Rivalry.
Should they finish with two or three more wins, a .500- Big Ten mark and a bowl appearance would be respectable signs of improvement after last year’s 5-7 finish.
Pete Bigelow covers the Michigan football team for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached (734) 623-2556, via email at petebigelow@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.
Comments
wvtroll
Mon, Oct 25, 2010 : 2:40 p.m.
Sorry for the double post. Don't know how that happened!
wvtroll
Mon, Oct 25, 2010 : 2:38 p.m.
One of the flaws that most of you UM fans have (and you don't have many, mind you) is that you think that because your coach is the UM coach that he is really great. Yet in the same paragraph, you speak of how far below you the Big East resides, and how RR's accomplishments weren't spectacular while he coached in the Big East and their pansy schools. You brag about top recruiting classes, but seem to forget that this is the same coach who recruited for WVU and in the same fashion at both schools. He's obviously getting the same style players for both WVU and UM because it's HIS scheme of football that UM is playing now. If WVU wasn't a top-notch school, why in the world would you think that the same type of players and same coach is going to do any better for UM? I tend to agree that the B10 has more high level teams in it than does the Big East, so it just stands to reason that when a coach who was happy to win in the Big East with a spectacular QB such as Pat White, and that is the most he could accomplish, that when he arrived at UM and played in the B10 he'd be overwhelmed. Here's the thing - I like watching UM on TV. I like watching the B10 style of football. It's different and has it's own flavor. But when I watch UM, I still see WVU on the field. And that's boring.
eric
Mon, Oct 25, 2010 : 11:16 a.m.
being a "lifer" michigan fan, its bad enough to listen to the national media totally miss the boat on michigan, but reading this, from other true blue.......... what team are you guys watching?? we hired a man past his time, coming off a WINLESS SEASON, to run a brand new, big east style defense! btw, WINLESS IN THE BIG EAST! freshman or not, simple coaching and development is not happening on the defensive side. pursuit, tackling, man and zone, safety play, my gosh, the safety play! players should be getting better, we have maintained the worst defense in D1. theres a reason wr's dont play safety, see Gordon. and dont give me any kovacs stories, this guy plays with all guts, but not much real coverage or safety skill. he usually draws the TE or back, and rarely wins. last walk-on to start at DB?? anyone?? Thank goodness for our D line. RR has to either get involved with D and special teams, or he's not going to last. Love DR, but hes not built to handle the big ten, and has been knocked out of all our big ten games so far, with 3 of the bigger D's still to come! if our D is sooo thin and young, how do you even start to justify putting MORE of the smallest, newest guys on the field in a 3-3-5? proven to be a bad decision, and only going to get much worse vs. wisc, osu, penn st, AND ILLINOIS. LAST TIME MICHIGAN WAS LAST IN D-1 IN DEFENSE? UHHHH, NEVER. its time we all realize what we're putting on the field, and why. trust me, i get sick every saturday when the other teams offense takes the field, and I was at the rose bowl in '97 when we won it all. I want this program to get back on track, but to say we'll win 3 or 4 or 5 more games? thats emotion, not reality. either RR stays and coaches the O, and TOTALLY REPLACES THE ENTIRE DEFENSIVE STAFF!!...or we make a play for Harbaugh, and get back to our roots. smashmouth, tough, DEFENSIVE, strong! most of the remaining backs we'll face will be bigger than everyone but our D line, and for wisc, bigger than some of our D line. no pass defense either..... we might beat purdue, thats it. dont kid yourself on the others.
sevesteve
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 11:30 p.m.
amzack, "so many freshmen starting on defense".....that says to me RR's sophomore defensive class must not be very damn good. How do you put that on LC, or anywhere but squarely on RR's back? And what do you see in the freshmen starters this year that makes you think by their junior/senior years, they are gonna be able to play a lick? Saying the D is bad because we are playing so many freshman DOESN'T lend ANY support to improvement in the future. Check out RR's 2011 recruiting class...it ain't even in the top 25. National championship??? That's an achievement M had made once in 50+ years, and that was the writer's poll while Nebraska won the coaches poll. Nope...I'd be very happy to see a return to 9-3 or 10-2 football. That requires M to be the top one or two dogs in the Big Ten. M is clearly not in the top 5, a place they never dropped out of since Bo came to AA. NO reason to think based on nearly three seasons of RR and the lack of top recruiting (OSU is in top 10, MSU 25th) to this day, that things will change. And for those who don't know, DR was a top 100 recruit for sure, but NOT as a quarterback. In fact, all top recruiting services rated his as an "athlete", but not at a definite position, which is most often the case. DR came to M over the real top programs (FLA, for one), because he wanted to be a QB (even though not considered by scouting services or other top programs as being a legitimate QB prospect) and RR said he could be the man at M. So you hand the most difficult job in all of sports to an athlete, for sure, but a kid NOT developed coming out of High School as a quarterback. And you wonder why he can't make the big QB plays in the big games (ala MSU and Iowa)? Another example of RR rolling the dice with M's capital and tradition. How many other top 25 programs (which M cleary was the moment RR walked in the door) would make that decision? Put DR on the field as a slot or RB or even DB for sure. Return man on punts and kicks for sure. But starting QB? Entertainment for 5 weeks of cupcakes it was...and since the going has gotten tough, NO ONE should be surprised of DR's mistakes and miscues....he doesn't have the background!!
amzack
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 9:58 p.m.
Jaxon5: regarding your comment "...It should be noted that the What's Gone Wrong section is about 3 times as long as the What's Gone Right section..." It should be noted...that for some reason Pete chose to use more words to describe What's Gone Wrong than What's Gone Right. Pete also chose to exclude the offensive line (mentioned later) and our young punter from the What's Gone Right section.
amzack
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 9:33 p.m.
sevesteve: Regarding your comment "...They decided to "change careers"...decided even though they were a very good teacher, they wanted to go into the entertainment business..." Carr wasn't a very good teacher his last few years. He got too big for his britches - even stopped visiting recruits himself - very disappointing; and LC pondered that the game passed him by - a telling sign. No wonder the talent dipped a bit and we have to play so many freshman. Don't jump on RR's back too much (with your reference to UofM going into the entertainment business). Even if Mallet would have stayed and Michigan didn't switch to the spread, it wouldn't have helped Michigan's defense. Plus, with more parity in the Big Ten w/ MSU, Wisconsin, Iowa, OSU, and Nebraska building nice programs - it is a different landscape. Our offense is looking good - including O-line and it appears that we do have a nice punter for a few years. But with so much youth on defense, it's going to take another year. National Champions soon? Probably not. But, we'll get back into the thick of it soon. Hang in there.
sevesteve
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 8:59 p.m.
The top 2 or 3 teams from the SEC have/will much more often than not make mincemeat of the top 2 or 3 teams from the Big Ten. Why? The vast majority of the very best high school football players in the country (speed, strength, experience) come from the SEC states. And as long as the SEC big programs (Fla, Bama, Auburn, LSU, South Car) retain the very strong coaches they have, they'll be top dog over EVERY conference. Blue chip players from that area want to play where football is played at it's best...and that is and for decades always has been the SEC. Michigan lost it's identity when getting duped into thinking: 1) We have to beat OSU....all other measures of success or failure are largely irrelevant. 2) Thinking they can and should beat the best of the SEC (and the Big 12, for that matter). Overcoming OSU is a worthy and legitimate goal. No reason to think Wolves can't compete with the Bucks for the top recruits in the Big Ten states, along with the top 3 or 4 other teams in the conference. Problem....playing RR brand of football in the Big Ten ain't gonna work. Mich. lands a Cam Newton and half of Auburn's defensive players, and coaches them properly, it can work. But it's fairlyland thinking the # of blue chip players M would need to land from SEC country to beat the SEC's and "outside of Big Ten's" best are gonna come to play for RR (or Bo, or LC, or Tressel, or Paterno). Too many better choices in SEC (top 4 or 5 schools, at least) Big 12 (Texas and Oklahoma and Nebraska all historically have the Big Ten's number...look it up) and out west (USC for decades, and now Oregon and Stanford). And, oh year, Notre Dame has a top 5 recruiting class for 2011....M isn't even in the top 25 per Rival.com. ND will again get their share of the best players from the Big Ten states, and nationwide, for that matter. Big Ten schools (led by M and OSU) have ALWAYS overestimated their ranking on the national scene. Now that M is having having trouble in their own, relative backyard, time for them to get back to playing winning football in the Big Ten and quit trying to be something they are not nor ever have been.
heartbreakM
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 6:44 p.m.
Well, this weekend brings several thoughts to me: 1. It was nice not worrying about our defense giving up lots of yards and DR getting injured. 2. ND is really not good. That win now becomes less meaningful. Incidentally, BG, Mass, Indiana also are not good. UConn is a middle of the road Big East team, which means, also not so good. 3. The speed of the SEC put together with great defenses (at least for Auburn, LSU, Alabama) is pretty astounding to watch. It was something watching LSU -Auburn and Iowa-Wisconsin at the same time. It was like watching the pigs in the poke and NASCAR at the same time. Auburn AND LSU would both make mincemeat of the B10. Bama, too. Not so sure about the rest of the SEC. 4. Oregon is for real. Belotti built a great program that Kelly has improved on. 5. Michigan better improve their fundamentals if they ever hope to compete. Speed alone will lead to a lot of losses. Speed plus fundamentals improves things a lot.
sevesteve
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 10 a.m.
To all true Blue fans suffering through the agonizing season: 1) Get over yourselves. Michigan had a great 40+ year run and decided (fans had absolutely NO SAY in the decision), rightly or wrongly, that they couldn't live with the anxiety of a poor recent record vs OSU. So they cut bait and rolled the dice. Not characteristic of the M philosophy but that's clearly what they did. RR was their 3rd choice and because of how they handled booting LC, they got their you know what caught in the ringer. And RR doesn't have the charisma or leadership abilities to work out of it....and his ability to win is still seriously in question. 2) It's just a game and it's played by kids/very young men between ages of 18 and 22. Michigan was very successful and became spoiled by that success. They decided to "change careers"...decided even though they were a very good teacher, they wanted to go into the entertainment business. 3) RR may or may not be around to see M get back to a consistent winning program. Another huge decision to be made by the powers at be. All of our opinion and analysis don't mean diddly....unless we happen to be a BIG check writer to the M. 4) Doesn't vicarious living stink!!
GoblueinNE_PA
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 12:24 a.m.
I've been saying for a couple of weeks that the PSU game will be the deciding factor for the season. Losing two straight at home has put fear into RichRod. He knew this was make or break, it's why he's run DRob so much, he had to put up big numbers to prove "his system" works. Well, now, it's shown that it doesn't, at least not against decent competition. RR has a history of panicking and this PSU game is a prime candidate for a coaching debacle. Watch how Rich acts on the sideline against PSU. If he starts approaching hysterical, that's it. Turn out the lights, the party's over. You probably won't see another win this season. I thought we'd have a shot against Purdue regardless, but with how they've pulled it together and the fact that its on the road, I'm not so sure now. If we do what I don't think we can, which is pull out a win against PSU, that will settle RichRod and maybe we go on a 3 game winning streak before getting smashed by Wiscy and OSU. Doubtful, but it could happen. This team is fundementally flawed in 2 of the 3 phases of the game (defense and special teams). You can't beat decent to good teams when you have that situation, no matter how good you are in that 3rd phase. (I'd argue we're not really that good on offense either as we've run up stats against bad teams.) While I don't like saying it, I'm expecting us to fall apart on the road at PSU. Right now, we're a small team w/one quick player. That makes us Northwestern, not OSU. It also makes us a bottom feeder in the Big 10.
GettingBluer
Sat, Oct 23, 2010 : 11:44 a.m.
On the bright side, we don't have to watch the D choke again today.
GettingBluer
Sat, Oct 23, 2010 : 11:27 a.m.
It bi-polar football. Every bit as frustrating as "3 yards and a cloud of dust," probably even more so as we're less likely to win. (Keep your fantasies out of this, only the actual results count.)
The Black Stallion3
Sat, Oct 23, 2010 : 10:10 a.m.
I am just wondering if Michigan will ever beat Michigan State or Ohio State again.
buckeyebob
Fri, Oct 22, 2010 : 8:56 p.m.
We love Coach Rod here in Columbus. Please extend his contract for at least 10 years, knowing Coach Rod tends to ignore any contracts he signs
loco123
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 10:17 p.m.
Why are so many M fans so accepting that we suck so bad for the last 3 years???? Maybe M fans need to watch more Oregon games and then recalibrate.
Sevans68
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 8:22 p.m.
Lorain - I'm a Michigan fan but I have to admit MSU is better than medioore. Wish it wasn't true but it is. Are they #7 in the country maybe not but probably top 15. Our defense is non existent and special teams are the only thing worse. The truly depressing part is I don't see any improvement in either area. The offense is explosive but we need a RB to step up. The coaches don't seem to make good adjustments during the games and that is a big problem.
Jaxon5
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 7:13 p.m.
Great analysis Pete. It should be noted that the What's Gone Wrong section is about 3 times as long as the What's Gone Right section. Just sayin'.
Howard the Duck
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 7:09 p.m.
"So far the only team to beat UM is.....UM. MSU is mediocre, and will be exposed before the end of the season.. Iowa is solid but not spectacular." You're living in a dream world, Neo!
bigtenknight
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 6:10 p.m.
Oh Tater...you never fail me. 9 wins?!? LOL. Anyways, what makes me laugh even more, is all the Heisman talk that continues to go on. His Heiman hopes are done, mostly because Michigan will not win enough games to keep him in it. If you want to see the best player in college football thus far, tune in to an Auburn game and watch Cam Newton. End of story.
heartbreakM
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 5:48 p.m.
@Lorain: I want some of what you are drinking. Would make watching UM more fun, that's for sure :)
BLUE fan Az
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 5:43 p.m.
2sweetblue, Your comments about speed in the BigTen are laughable. In 2007 I remember a small fast Percy Harvin ripping apart a solid Michigan defense. It's kind of hard to hit and hurt something you can't catch. And I remember a scared sweater vester soaking down a field in columbus to slow down an extremely fast #2 ranked Michigan defense in 2006. Remember the 4 foot strips of sod tearing off the field when our DB's tried to make plays. Once we have a strong speedy running back (or two) that can break tackles and break away, this offense won't need a defense. We all know Robinson needs the help.
2sweetblue
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 5:06 p.m.
Just another DUMB DUMB move by RR. Why in the world would he use Devin redshirt. There is no way devin sticks around to only start his senior year. Rich seems like he his a little slow and special. People crack me up. Speed is so sweet who cares if we get man handled in the Big ten we are still fast...... HAhaha Rich rod is not bright but he his coaching at Michigan.... Wow no wonder everyone thinks of has a joke now....... Keep drinking the kool aid EXCUSES EXCUSES EXCUSES!!!!!!!!
SaveMichiganFootball
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 4:02 p.m.
For those who must be living on a different planet than myself, it is quite obvious that RR always makes excuses, casts blame elsewhere, and most recently (through comments he has made) has already given up on this team and coaching staff. He is getting real close to becoming another John L Smith with his current behavior. He is starting to show other signs of losing it. It's more sad than critical.
Lorain Steelmen
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 3:31 p.m.
So far the only team to beat UM is.....UM. MSU is mediocre, and will be exposed before the end of the season.. Iowa is solid but not spectacular. All of the teams in the league are flaughed. As UM gains experience they will be unstoppable. The defense will find a way to slow down the teams on the remainder of their schedule. The Wolves will finish strong at 10-2, and post a nice bowl win. Coach Rod will get a big salary increase! (Mainly because Brandon will want to tick-off all the 'Blue Bloods' that have been running him down!) Go Blue!
Mick52
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 2:46 p.m.
My thinking is akin to Satch and Blue fan Az. Felt the same last year. I think both Tate and DRob need to be on the field at the same time. What Tate did against Iowa was remarkable. He found a way to score. No offense to DRob, but Tate just seems to be a winner. He passes better I think and he finds receivers. Put DRob on the field as a WR, flanker or RB and he will have more of an open field. As is it appears Big 10 schools are finding a way to stop his running. But without a solid defense, Michigan has to play perfect. MSU and Iowa could have been won absent turnovers. But defense wins ballgames.
wvtroll
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 1:37 p.m.
The unfortunate side of this story is that you might have an offensive guru for a coach, but he doesn't know how to coach his players or recognize their talent. I'm not saying I'm right on this point, but I've said before that RR doesn't know how to use his players. He had Pat White on WVU long before he "discovered" his talents. He apparently has a pretty good QB in Tate, but arrogantly prefers to lose with his favorite DR. And I'm fairly certain I know why he didn't reveal who the starter would be at the beginning of the year until the first offensive play - he didn't know himself. If DR hadn't worked out, RR'd still be indicating he wasn't sure who the starter would be. But DR fits his spread stereotype. Tate gets the job done, but DR looks more like a spread-type QB. Tate was a freshman QB last year, and DR, in my opinion, is close to a freshman QB when considering his experience this year. It's pretty obvious that DR can run and scramble, but he's only one man on the team, and as I've also mentioned before, RR's QBs are going to get their bell rung many times. So using him is going to hurt the team when he's not 100%. Tate, on the other hand, uses the entire team to win, so you have less chance of injuries to the QB. He does not fit RR's spread as well as DR, so he uses the talent he has in other ways like passing instead of bolting down the field. In the long run, he'll hold the ball less than DR would and receive less injury than DR would. Sort of "spreading the pain" a little bit. As long as you play a team that can contain DR, you'll have problems because he is the focus of the offense. With Tate, you've got the defense at least guessing what'll be coming at them.
BLUE fan Az
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 1:35 p.m.
I like the idea of having both Robinson and Tate in the backfield at the same time. Can you imagine how paranoid defenses would be? Tate may not have Denard's speed but he can still scramble for yards and scores.
RWBill
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 1:26 p.m.
With Denard just 1 hit away from being a professional house painter, more Athlete QBs on the way in, and Tate's leadership in question throughout the summer coming into the season, do you really need it explained to you why Gardner isn't redshirtting? It was a no-brainer.
Satch
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:32 p.m.
We DO have the necessary pieces, RR is just too slow or proud to admit he made a mistake. Forcier starting from the beginning of the season and this team is 7-0. He can move the ball consistently against good defenses, Denard can't. The "Tate did well against Iowa because they weren't prepared for him" argument is total BS--they KNEW he was going to pass almost every play and they STILL couldn't stop him. The only hope is maybe RR will put Tate in sooner when Denard isn't doing well.
saginaw
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 12:30 p.m.
This Michigan team is extremely exciting in 2010 -- too much so. I guess the days of the Big Two and Little Eight are really long over. The up and coming programs: Iowa, Wisconsin, and MSU look to be good for the long term, but they are not Top Ten nationally. OSU and Nebraska will be very solid. PSU will have a bad 2010, but are bound to be back in 2011. So 2010 is an opportunity for Michigan to show that it is back in at least the top half of the Big Ten. We cannot settle for becoming a so-so team such as: Northwestern and Illinios.
paperstreetsoap
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 9:45 a.m.
Amen brother @savemichiganfootball
Sean T.
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 9:26 a.m.
Well said, Savemichiganfootball.
SaveMichiganFootball
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 9:17 a.m.
Optimism is not the same as reality or results. A a true Blue M fan, I have faced reality and am pass denial. The program is in shambles because we don't have the necessary pieces in place to be successful under the present coaching staff. It has nothing to do with not being loyal to the school and not likeing the students (players). It has eveything to do with not having a good teaher in the classroom. The final straw and indicator that we don't have the right teacher is the fact that our "students" did not know what to do about covering a partially blocked field goal. That comes from Coaching 101 in junior high if you are fourtunate to have a field goal kicker at that level but certainly taught at least at the JV HS level. The teacher is not preparing the students. Enough said.
Sean T.
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 9:16 a.m.
Wolve, My issue with your comment may be that most of those stats against Iowa came after Tate Forcier entered the game. From the first to the Third quarter we were man-handled pretty easily nor were we moving the ball. Tate came in passing and Iowa wasn't prepared and he got us back into the game. PSU has a good RB but teams stack the line to force them to pass, since we can't stop either they definitely have a shot at beating us.
wolver4ever
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 8:59 a.m.
Sean T Keep in mind that Iowa, one of the best defenses in the country could not stop the UM offense. Fumbles, penalties, and forced passes did. IF PSU is struggling on Offense (and our weakest point is defense)all we have to do to win is take care of the ball and keep playing as we have all year on offense.
heartbreakM
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 8:49 a.m.
Pete: You said that our offensive line is great and that Michigan has the best rushing game in the B10. What I would argue is that we have a mediocre running game, with inflated stats against the nonconference schedule. Where was the running game against State? Against Iowa? The line has been better than last year, best year since LC's second to last year, but still. So far, 3 games in, we are second behind Purdue against conference only and if you look at individual stats, Denard is the one with the lions share of those yards. Wisconsin has the next 2 rushing leaders behind DR and MSU also has 2 of the top backs (Bell and Baker). I would argue, actually, that we have a poor running game (outside of DR who is a BIG factor), and that has been a problem. And have we really improved? I think it is early to say, but for improvement, should we be looking at the last 4 years of LC as an average record to compare to (since RR was hired to progress to the next level) or should we compare to the last 2 years unprecedented bad years for comparison? You and I could have a chance of coaching this team to a better record given how bad it has been (LOL).
azwolverine
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 8:28 a.m.
Blah, blah, 8-4, blah, blah, MSU, PSU, Illinois, Wisconsin. Those used to be givens. Beat OSU and I'll be impressed.
Sean T.
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 8:28 a.m.
PU MSU, That number of freshman is the fault of the coaching staff, am I right? Isn't it up to the coaching staff to bring in defensive players to stock our meager roster. Since none of the RR fans count the first recruiting class, shouldn't it be more sophomores playing than freshman? And how many of the freshmen you speak of are red-shirt freshmen? That means two years under Greg Robinson which doesn't equate to great play but we should be able to play a sustainable zone defense. And honestly, the only thing different than last year thus far has been we have arguably the fastest QB in football. Hell, and he may be replaced if PSU can replicate what the last two Big Ten teams have done. Last I checked PSU still has great talent on defense but they suffer because of the offense.
RudeJude
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 8:08 a.m.
While the games against PSU, Illinois and Purdue are definitely winnable, I remember the latter two being games Michigan should have won last year too. Thankfully, Michigan is not playing PSU and Illinois from 2009, but less talented versions. It boils down to which QB starts. If Denard is at the helm, Michigan goes 1-2, however with Forcier, after his performance against Iowa, I see 2-1 and wouldn't rule out 3-0. Regarding Wisconsin and OSU, unless Michigan can find a defense and a kicker in the next few weeks, it is 0-2. I'm keeping my original prediction of 7-5 (3-0) vs. cupcakes (4-5) vs. "average or better" teams, and I hesitantly include ND in the latter group.
ssAA
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 8:08 a.m.
Rushing yards (from ESPN, CBS Sports, and SI.com) 1. Denard Robinson, MI 1096 2. Vai Taua, NV 928 3. Bilal Powell, LOU 898 4. Cam Newton, AUB 860 5. LaMichael James, OR 848 James averages more yards per game but he has less total rushing yards because he missed the first game of the year.
CamaroDan
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 8:03 a.m.
JG How can you say the D is not green when, at times in the Iowa game, UM had up to 7 freshmen on the field at one time?
P U MSU
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 7:48 a.m.
ssAA, I believe LeMichael James from Oregon does. John, 35/46 players on Michigan's Defensive roster are freshman or sophmore. How can you be any greener?
rnich231
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 7:45 a.m.
I think the team should be able to win out this season and go undefeated for the next 10 years straight. They are going to be so good they should have to play the Colts in an annual pre-season game! FALSE!!! This team has one of the worst defenses in college football. The idea of this bottom of the barrel team upsetting anyone is as ridiculous as my above post and any from you delusional fans
John
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 7:38 a.m.
Look I love Michigan but let's be realistic, this defense isn't green it's horrible cant stop the run or pass. IDK if it's coaching or personnel but it's not working so any big ten team is a crap shoot. Wisconsin's Clay will run all over our small defensive lineman. Illinois has a good defense gave ohio state a struggle. 10-2 or 8-4 cmon our defense is ranked last in all of NCAA. Now defenses have figured out how to slow down shoelace for no more big plays. We will be lucky to win one more game. Teams are stacking the line and forcing robinson to have to pass more with a bunch of 3rd and long. Bye Bye Rich Rod your done
chiro19
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 7:27 a.m.
Just looking at the games you would have to say this team should go 3-2 finishing up. If there lucky 4-1, and if there is a miracle 5-0. The offense needs to get back on track early in games not late keeping pressure on other O's making them one dimensional helping the D. The D is outmatched in every aspect against the rest of the teams they play against except purdue, so that is what will keep them from finishing 4-1 or 5-0. The kicking game is outmatched in every aspect against the rest of the teams they play against as well. I have not seen to many games where the coaching has made significant adjustments at half time (Wisc 08', Iowa 10' are the only ones that come to mind). Penn State is the only team left that I think will get out coached. In the last 2 years Ill., Purd, Wisc (minus 08'), and OSU have not been out coached. Tater I see this team going 7-4 or 8-3 if they beat Penn State and change the atmosphere on this team, if they lose to Penn State they probably wont win another game this year unfortunately. If that happens I would imagine RR would still be around next year but with major changes in coaching staff on D and Special teams and RR on a very short rope like the one that Minnesotas coach was on. If there is a sign of how good a coach actually is, this next game against Penn State will show it. The buy week gives michigan significant time to heal, game plan, and master a game plan to really beat up a not very good Penn State team. By the way Denard is 1 at rushing yards.
P U MSU
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 7:19 a.m.
Pete, Good article. Maybe some of these fans will understand what's going on if it is coming from you. I've basically said everything in this article in my comments throughout the site.
ssAA
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 7:17 a.m.
Pete - who in D-I has more rushing yards than Denard Robinson?
3 And Out
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 6:26 a.m.
hope springs eternal....
Richard
Thu, Oct 21, 2010 : 6:09 a.m.
Good Morning Pete, I agree with you, I can't see how the Wolverines or can ( or I guess see) how the Wolverines could finish 5-7 again, but i am going to be positive and say 7-5 or 8-4. Let's face it, this team could go 10-2, but that's putting to much pressure on them. I remember several years ago, they were having a down year somewhat, but they came back to beat Wisconsin, Penn State and Ohio State to go to a big bowl game. I think if this team especially the defense wants to win, they will. Even if most of them are freshmen, they are going to find ways to get those tackles, intercept those passes, and block those field goals or punts. If they have to be told to make every play from the upstairs, then there is a problem. They are adults, starting playing like adults, not like kids. Grow up Wolverines, show the fans just how great you are! Remember, Go Blue, Hail to the Victors. Don't wimper out the season.