paperstreetsoap

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 3:52 p.m.

Open your eyes dwayne the noise is justified. Quit making excuses for him, he comes up with his own.

Dwayne

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 3:15 p.m.

Absolutely I would. I'd also be smart enough to determine whether or not it was the co-worker bringing the business down or his accusers. Now there are times, depending on the business, where the accusers alone can generate enough noise that the boss has no other choice. I thinks that's my biggest problem with what I see here, it's getting pretty close to that. At this point, "Record crowd of 113,090" I don't believe that livelihood is being affected. The bottom line, though...You guys have made enough noise to eliminate any grace period. He has to win now, but I think he knows that. In a strange way, I think that you guys are actually helping him now. You can tell from the press conference on Monday. There's a sense of "us against the world" and they know that they can only prove the critics wrong by winning. So, I guess I'll thank you for the poster board material and wish by Big Blue well. Keep it coming. Go Blue!

paperstreetsoap

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 2:38 p.m.

dwayne I never said the words "michigan man" because I know the history of who said it, you said them. I don't think any criticism will be viewed as positive by you. If this was your place of work and a co-worker was bringing the company down, you wouldn't tell your boss to save your company and livelihood?

Dwayne

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 2:06 p.m.

No, I don't think that I do. I don't agree with your premise that they both won't exist at Michigan with RR. There is no need to choose one over the other. You are right about one thing, there is a chance to nip this in the bud. You and your types can begin supporting RR and the program. That doesn't mean that there shouldn't be criticism and discussion for the sake of improvement, but criticism for the sake of undermining a program and getting rid of it's head coach is just wrong. Yes, he will leave eventually, everyone does. So, take comfort in that and give him an opportunity to succeed. My 'King', yeah that's cute, but it isn't accurate. I knew of him through his success at WVU, but really didn't have an opinion. So, now I can only judge based on what I've seen, press conferences, summer practice footage, etc. There's no reason not to like the guy. There's the Michigan Man thing, but that's a joke. Bo was from Ohio and coached at OSU for crying out loud.

paperstreetsoap

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 11:08 a.m.

dewayne I think you might need to answer the question I asked earlier which would be what do you want? Do you want what wvu has? Wins forsaking all else? Because here is a chance to nip it in the bud and get someone in here that "get's it" because even to this day rr does not. I guess I have to apologize to you and all the rr lovers out there because I want more in a head coach. Sorry. Just remember everyone leaves eventually, and so will your king. I am not saying this is a bad program, everyone else is when they compare Michigan to other programs and use the excuse "it happens here so it must be ok"

Dwayne

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 10:40 a.m.

Well, Paper...maybe it's time for you to find a new team to root for, because RR is our coach and he isn't going anywhere. I don't think that anything should be swept under the rug, but you have to be honest about what the sanctions were about. Please don't pretend that this is somehow a bad program, because it has been sanctioned. It was a joke. We're talking about volunteer practice hours vs official practice and determining the difference based on how many coaches attended. All of this was brought about by anti-RR reporters that kept digging and digging and digging, until they found something. The something (after questioning every disgruntled player that they could find-btw) was described by national commentators as being something that most programs are guilty of. I don't think I need or want your explanation, I'm good. My version would be based on what it actually means, whereas, yours would be based more around how you can leverage it to get rid of a coach that you don't like. I respect our coach, I respect our program, I respect our players. They are all doing a great job, in spite of all of you. Go Blue!

paperstreetsoap

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 9:48 a.m.

dewayne I hope you realize that they are not my sanctions but they are the NCAA's. That is the body of officials that has just a little to say in how the schools conduct their business. The fact that you think you can just brush them off is embarrassing. You are saying two different things in your posts. What do you want? Win or respect? Because you won't get both with the current coach. If I have to explain the "respect" part, you just don't understand.

Dwayne

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 9:18 a.m.

paperpaperpaper, I will ALWAYS have a rebuttal. Your so called 'sanctions' were brought about by local journalists who hide behind investigative reporting as a means to bring about change in a coach that they simply do not like. It's embarrassing. And no, I don't want to "Just win, Baby". Honestly, I didn't really have an opinion one way or the other when RR was hired. I liked the idea of changing it up a bit, bringing in some speed and aggressiveness, but I wouldn't say that I was in the RR camp. Watching the way that a bunch of cry babies that didn't get their 'Michigan Man' have behaved, that has made me a strong supporter of RR. I think it's inexcusable the way your type claims to have such a respect for the program and leaders and best, but will stop at nothing to get rid of RR. Even if it means destroying what you claim to love. Disgraceful. Oh and I think I'll make the decisions when it comes to who I root for, thank you very much. Go Blue!

paperstreetsoap

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 8:03 a.m.

dwanye good morning to you. you might be talking about practice the rest of us are talking about sanctions from the NCAA, for the first time since 1879 mind you. It really doesn't matter what they are for just they are there. We all know that rr is the coach as of now, all we are saying that we don't like it and think it is wrong for our school and the football program and would like to see it changed and soon. For your rebuttal (if you choose to make one)please don't go comparing Michigan to any other program that has "problems", Michigan has prided ourselves on being a first class school, second to none. You want to "just win, baby" at any cost please go rout for anyone else( usc, osu, miami, etc...) I will continue to cheer for the leaders and the best.

Dwayne

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 7:36 a.m.

ChelseaBob!! Hey, Good Morning! I just thought that you should know that Rich Rodriquez is the Head Football Coach for the University of Michigan. I wasn't sure if you knew that. You seemed to be caught up in a little debate about whether or not he should be. You can relax now, that has been settled. He is our coach and he IS a Michigan Man. Just deal with it! NCAA Violations. LOL. That makes me think about this historic quote: "I mean listen, we're sitting here talking about practice, not a game, not a game, not a game, but we're talking about practice. Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game last it's my last but we're talking about practice man. How silly is that? Now I know that I'm supposed to lead by example and all that but I'm not shoving that aside like it don't mean anything. I know it's important, I honestly do but we're talking about practice. We're talking about practice man. (laughter from the media crowd) We're talking about practice. We're talking about practice. We're not talking about the game. We're talking about practice." Have a great day, everyone. Go Blue!

ChelseaBob

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 5:43 a.m.

You guys are vicious on Soap. I wonder if some of RR's staff has signed on here? Lets review his record; First, he has the failed real estate developments that he did in partnership with a banned booster. He is refusing to honor his personal guarantee and being sued for fraud. That's a fact. Second, he abrogated his contract with WVU, told Michigan it wasn't valid, then when it turned out to be valid, he stuck his new employer with the bill. Fact. Third, he blames players for losses and takes credit for victories. Fourth, he made a big deal about how the team grade point was going to be the highest ever. When it turned out to be low enough to cost us scholarships, he blew off questions about it. Fifth, We have NCAA violations. The guy doesn't belong here. Not because he runs a spread. He doesn't belong here because he has no class. We're Michigan. We're accused of thinking we're better than everyone else. I say we don't think we're better, we know we are. But it's hard to feel that way with this guy at the helm. Go Blue and Jim Harbaugh come home!

man of bluue

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 10:22 p.m.

Soap, perhaps someday, as you become informed, you will understand the true depth of character, and the innovative coaching ability which RR has, and these two qualities will lead Michigan back to the top. I have been a UM alum and supporter for over 30 years, and I am truly thrilled and grateful to have RR leading our program. GO BLUE FOREVER!

uminks

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 9:52 p.m.

I think this game will be close. UM has the advantage on offense and and ND has better LB and DB's. What I'm hoping is that UM OL will take control and we'll get some yardage on the ground and win the time of possession. If our defense is out there a lot it won't bode well. Also, if we can win the turnover battle, we will win this game. I think the ND QB is going to be under pressure from our DL and nerves from the big game. My prediction UM 38 ND 34! As an alum I consider RR a Michigan Man!!!!

misti3k

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 9:32 p.m.

@soap, do the names Adrian Arrington, Carson Butler, Shonte Peoples, or Kevin Grady sound familiar? These are players who were recruited by and played for Michigan Men Lloyd Carr and Gary Moeller who found themselves on the wrong side of the law. These are just four names off the top of my head, and research would yield many more. Young men do dumb things. Every single college football program in the country will have problems of this nature. Some years ago the football blog Every Day Should be Saturday created something they called the Fulmer Cup which is awarded to the most criminally-inclined football team. It's based on a points system with the top point getter "winning" the trophy and can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulmer_Cup Rich Rodriguez's Michigan Wolverines register a zero on their scale. Additionally, pretend you're the new coach at West Virginia. Your team is terrible and has pretty much always been terrible. You're a very good coach, but your system is predicated on having top-quality athletes and WVU is not very high on the list of talented recruits who can get into places like Florida, Michigan, Texas, etc. Since your institutions academic standards are practically non-existant, you'd probably take chances on troubled kids with little education who could play football. That is exactly what Rodriguez did. He has attempted to recruit one WVU-type player at Michigan: Demar Dorsey. It was a mistake, he was denied admission, and we live and learn. Guess where Dorsey is now? Louisville, the WVU of Kentucky. Rich Rodriguez will not have that kind of trouble at Michigan because he doesn't need to recruit those kind of kids. The Michigan brand lends itself to getting kids from more stable backgrounds because of the opportunities and exposure the Michigan football program brings. I would also mention that I believe the team's GPA under Rodriguez is higher than it was under Carr. If you must give me some "bedside reading," please make it something other than a blog from the New York Post with the word "Millen" in the headline.

paperstreetsoap

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 9:29 p.m.

@tz I am glad that pizza man is the new AD, I don't think he will let rr ruin Michigan Football. The first hint of that is demar dorsey not being admitted. I also think you are on the wrong site this is a news paper's site not the coach rod fan club site. Go blue! fire rr

tzgoblue

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 8:32 p.m.

soap Fortunately,someone that actually knows something about college athletics, the internal workings of the MI program and a person of integrity, Dave Brandon, will make the decision on whether RR fits here or not. It would be nice if you would realize you don't fit on this site and find another site to post your classless crap.

azwolverine

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 8:10 p.m.

miti3k, I agree. If the voters were convinced before the season that UM wasn't any good, than they should wait to be convinced that we are good before they put us near the top 25. And, if they thought beforehand that we were close to the top 25, they should have voted that way. This only shows that the voters have no real conviction in how they vote from week to week or any real basis for how they go about it.

azwolverine

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 8:05 p.m.

I would personally be shocked if UM doesn't paste ND this Saturday. While I think Kelley is a good coach, he's in the exact same spot Rodriguez was in two seasons ago. Kelley has completely changed the culture at ND while turning them into a spread offense utilizing players that were not recruited to run the spread. Sound familiar? Further, the defensive players recruited by Weiss were/are notoriously slow. Robinson and the offense should run circles around them. I believe that when you add up Notre Dame's defensive shortcomings vs. UM's offensive speed, UM will score a lot of points. Then, when you factor in ND's new offensive schemes with the players not ideal for running it, they will be unable to match UM score for score. In the end, I think that ND's offense will hit the same speed bumps UM's did two seasons ago when UM went down there and moved the ball but made critical mistakes resulting in a 35-17 loss. Couple that with ND's slow defense versus our speed and I think UM wins going away 38-20. By the way, if I'm right on the spread this week, I'm going to get a job in Vegas after being off by only one point on the spread in predicting UM's blowout of UConn.

paperstreetsoap

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 8 p.m.

@barnz378 and mistl3k Here is some bedside reading for you. http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/more_sports/what_con_job_rzaYtj3o5DxumI8MeSl4yJ You want Michigan to be the new miami fine, good for you. I want Michigan to be Michigan that includes off the field actions also.

misti3k

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 7:34 p.m.

By the way, Michigan being anywhere near the top 25 after beating an okay UConn team at home is absurd. Let's play a team with a better QB and defense before we start throwing that around.

barnz378

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 6:30 p.m.

Soap, every coach shreads when they leave. Why would you leave anything around. I get rid of all all my business papers after 3 years. Especially papers on how I bid my work. I'm sure Joe Pa. dosen't have papers from 5 years ago let alone 40. When RR came here did anyone offer him the playbook, secrets, grades, corrective rules, of former coaches? Don't believe everything you read. We all have some bagage.

misti3k

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 6:28 p.m.

Clearly, Rich Rodriguez has made some mistakes. He hasn't handled himself well all the time, but people rarely do. He should have asked about any program traditions like the #1 jersey. He should not have mentioned Hurricane Katrina in reference to his team's situation, even if he said it because a regent mentioned it before he did. He should have been more diligent in monitoring practice time and the crazy NCAA regulations. He should not have recruited a controversial player when that player's grades weren't good enough to get him admitted. He should not have underestimated the backlash of the lousy first seasons while installing his system. Painful as it has been, I don't want to hear about implementing the spread gradually and changing his strategy to fit the roster. When has a coach ever been successful using more than one philosophy? Even coaches who have won at different places coached the same way at each place. If he had tried to mix and match the spread with the pro-style offense, his teams would have been worse than they were and they would still be terrible because he doesn't know how to coach that style. His players would know a little about both systems, but not enough about either to be successful. Can you imagine if he was just now weening off the pro-style offense and trying to make his players understand his playbook? He does what he does because it has paid huge dividends everywhere he has coached. I am not an apologist and if he goes bowl-less again this year I'll admit I was wrong, but he most certainly deserves a chance to prove that he can do here what he has done elsewhere. He also hasn't seen a posse comprised of his players riot at a dorm (Dantonio). He hasn't made fun of an opposing player (Dantonio again). He hasn't let a player fresh out of jail back on the team only to see him immediately get arrested again (Guess who?). He hasn't bolted to another team or been sent packing because his past transgressions were about to catch up with him (Carroll, Holtz, Neuheisel, the list goes on). He doesn't oversign recruits and then cut kids at the last minute, leaving them with no option other than junior college (Saban and Miles). He hasn't lied on his resume (remember when ND hired George O'Leary?). He hasn't shot his mouth off at a presser and given sound bites to SportsCenter (take your pick). He didn't accept a convicted felon as a transfer because he so desperately needed to win (Nutt. How is that working out, Ole Miss?). As a fan, I never thought I would want Michigan to win for any other reason than "Hey, I'm a fan. I want my team to do well!" Lately, however, I've discovered a new reason to root. I want Rodriguez's Michigan to win so I can not only enjoy the victory, but enjoy the thought of all the supposed fans stewing while they win. They want to be happy, but they can't because of their irrational hatred. They want their beloved Michigan to fail just so they can say, "See? I was right! Now go hire Les Mi...what? Even LSU doesn't want him anymore? Well, go get Jim Harbaugh! Never mind that he publicly bashed the program!" I want to see that look that betrays the consternation of knowing you were wrong and still telling yourself you're right. I don't see a lot of Rodriguez's detractors saying "I hope I'm wrong." I don't think they do hope they're wrong. I think they want him to fail miserably so they can say "I told you so." To you folks, I say Michigan does not need a fan like you. You don't have to blindly go along with everything, but you have to at least give a man a chance to acquit himself. And regarding my opinion of you? I hope I'm wrong. With all that said, let's not forget what really matters here: beating the snot out of Notre Dame. Go Blue!

maizenbluedoc

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 4:34 p.m.

go50blue: Don't waste your time attempting to change the minds of the RR detractors. Some will never like him or give him credit even if he wins a national championship. I say, give the guy a chance. When there is a total change of the system, it takes time to get a team to work to perfection...regrdless of whether it is a "Michigan Man" or not. For some, the "Michigan Man" is the primary concern. Not me. I just want a winner. Given the time, RR will produce.

paperstreetsoap

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 4:33 p.m.

@marker You want something concrete or concreat? You can start with the shredding at wvu. That is one little glimpse into his character. Are you taking the you don't believe what you read in the paper approach? Because there is to much to list for you, but if you know what libel is then you know how careful the papers have to be when printing something. I never said you HAVE to like him or HAVE to hate him, all I said is he doesn't fit at Michigan. Ann Arbor is not the biggest media microscope market not by a long shot. Try New York City for starters. Do you think he would still be the coach of the Giants or Jets or Yankees?

Dwayne

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 4:23 p.m.

Oh, how bold the anonymous poster can be. Paperscissorsrock, you enjoy yourself over there in the 'majority'. Keep hoping for Michigan to stumble and fail, so that you can get whatever it is you think a Michigan coach should look like in here. I am happy to stay right here in the minority, watching RR continue to make improvements with his program and making it a national contender, once again. Honestly, I don't see all of the character and ethical issues that you guys are talking about. He seems to be a pretty good guy to me and one thing is for certain, he has one incredible backbone and resolve. The anti-RR crowd, including the media, has been relentless, but he just keeps on pushin. I can remember Lloyd getting pretty ornery with the media for much less. And I love the aggressive nature of the offense and the defense. I think that it will work, but we'll all find out soon enough. Lastly, it's so funny to me that the same people that say, "Oh, don't get carried away about this win. It was only UConn", are the same that point to the Purdue game and put Notre Dame back on the map. Come on, it was Purdue at home and they struggled. I'm trying to stay on an even keel, but it's tough to think that Michigan won't win this game. Go Blue!

go50blue

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 4:08 p.m.

I am one of the UM grads married to a WVU fan, so I have seen all WVU games on TV and some in person. Coach Rod is a great guy, I was so excited he came to Michigan, his system WILL work given a chance!! GO BLUE

Blue Marker

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 3:56 p.m.

@ paperstreetsoap, Please share information you have (and can confirm) about the coach. I want to see something concreat that shows me why I shouldn't like this guy. Please inform all of us who, according to you are in the dark about just how bad RR is. All I see is a guy who's been under the biggest media microscope I've ever seen and the most anyone can come up with is some extra pratice time.

frozenhotchocolate

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 3:35 p.m.

ND did not play all that great against Purdue. Michigan dominated UConn. It's not even going to be close, Michigan will put up atleast fifty in a lopsided victory. Go Blue!

paperstreetsoap

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.

sorry marker you must not know anything about your guy's history before or while at Michigan. Do you honestly think that anyone would turn their back on that family? Sounds like the snake oil salesman is being coached himself. Maybe by LC. @blue47 please don't feel embarrassed for me. I speak for a large majority of fans who's views on rr are the same as mine. He just doesn't fit here! Go Blue!...Fire RR.

81wolverine

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 2:17 p.m.

I agree. There's A LOT at stake for both teams. If Michigan can get a win here, I think it will be a very good season for us. If not, it will still be possible, but a tougher road. Assuming we win both the two cupcake games after that, I think the two must win games for the program are the two back-to-back home games against MSU and Iowa. Failure to do so shows the program has made little progress. And it would bode very poorly for the remainder of the season. But first, Michigan needs to come up with a great game plan against ND, eliminate turnovers, and play a really tough game on defense. I think they can do it. Go Blue!

Lorain Steelmen

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 2:04 p.m.

The distortions and mis-information regarding Rodriguez will coninue all season long. Fortunately, the team and the coaches are smart enought to blow off the negatives they see in the press and the blogs, and stay forcused on the matter at hand...each week, to prepare for the next game, one at a time. Good luck guys, beat ND!

umgoblue47

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 1:54 p.m.

soap... did you actually post that? i don't know you but iam embarrassed for you... your post shows no class at all... go blue...

Blue Marker

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 1:40 p.m.

Yes, the lack of class and integrity as Brock Mealer walked onto the field was apparent. Obviously Rodriguez is only concerned with winning and not setting a good roll model, putting his player (and their families) first or pushing young men to succeed. Oh how I wish UM would have hired Kelly. Can you feel the sarcasm? I'm laying it on pretty thick!

paperstreetsoap

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 1:03 p.m.

I almost forgot, you will also see a coach with class and integrity. It usually goes hand in hand with the words University of Michigan, just not lately.

Yogi

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 1:01 p.m.

I think I have heard similar statements made after the first ND wins for Mr. Willingham and Mr. Weiss. I'll wait for this weekend's game and the rest of the season before I annoint Mr. Kelly the second coming. I hope he does resurrect ND but one win doesn't make a career.

paperstreetsoap

Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 12:34 p.m.

Now all you wolverine fans can see what makes a great coach. Being able to win right now with players that you didn't recruit. You would have looked great in maize and blue Mr. Kelly.