stephenlight

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 3:39 p.m.

I am hardly an expert, but I would have to say all of the above. The secondary looked totally lost (coaching) and was out of position on numerous occasions. On the other hand, Penn State's offensive line is now, and has been for the last several years, short on size and talent....which means that if they were blowing holes open for Royster to run through, the talent on Michigan's D-line must be poor. Royster and company were MIA in the Iowa and Alabama games, as a comparison.

Morgan

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 2:28 p.m.

everyone keeps bashing the defense. What exactly is the MAIN problem with Michigan's defense? It it lacking talent, poor coaching or a combination of everything?

stephenlight

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 11:25 a.m.

I don't get this article. I'm a Nittany Lion and I can assure the author that a lack of offense was not Michigan's problem. A very confused looking defense, especially in the secondary and a lack of production from special teams are more urgent issues. How does the author imply that Denard Robinson is the issue? Yes, he is not a pocket passer, so what? He can be productive enough as a running QB....yes, it is a high risk strategy in the Big Ten where massive linebackers are available to separate you from consciousness, but it can work to get you to a Bowl Game. BUT not without a defense! As for RR...I never liked him at West Virginia and though Michigan fans are easily the most obnoxious group in the Big Ten, I can say that even you don't deserve THIS guy! The sooner you get rid of him the better. Frankly, every year you keep him is a better year for the rest of the conference....

Blu-n-Tpa

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 11:11 a.m.

The first job of coaching is to coach. Sounds simple, maybe even simple-minded, but that's the job. How do you gauge how good a coach you are? Mostly (W)ins and (L)oses. There is another yardstick to measure coaching success and that is making the players you have produce, even excel, within the framework of the team. Michigan coaches aren't doing their jobs and I don't think anyone would argue that given last Saturday evening's game. On defense, how can you expect positive results by moving new guys into the lineup after two weeks practice when you thought the other guys were the best players available based on the first two months of the season? Coaching is knowing who has talent and who can play what position based on your experience. It would appear our coaches don't know what they have and/or how to use what they got. That's coaching or the lack thereof. A coaching change is coming and it's being delivered by the NCAA. IF Michigan was sitting on a 6-2 record, and playing inspired football, there might be some hand-wringing over keeping RichRod but we aren't. Fact is it's just the opposite. And, it's ALL about COACHING. I tell my kids that doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results, is a sign of insanity. UM's Big Ten three year history under Coach Rodriquez include 2 wins the first year, one win last year and, so far, one win this year. That's insanely bad coaching!

GoblueinNE_PA

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:44 a.m.

Orlandomichfan You are probably correct that if we had a defense (I can say we, I think, since I'm an alum), no one would be calling for RichRod's head. However, we don't have a defense, or special teams for that matter, and so you are hearing what you are hearing. We hired a head coach in Rich Rod, he doesn't get to pick and choose what he's responsible for (this is his real flaw btw). He gets it all, the whole enchilada. The facts are, he completely ignored the defense during his tenure and grossly miscalculated what running a program at this level would require in terms of talent. He thought he'd recruited fast players when it turns out, they aren't any faster than the kids they are playing, they just happen to be smaller than their opponents. The only person who's actually got speed is Denard, everyone else, not so much. Teams like Oregon, or the programs in the SEC, they can with this style of ball because their players are both fast AND big. Newton makes Denard look like a midget. The same goes for LaMicheal James vs Shaw and Smith. Whomever follows RichRod next year will have a rebuilding project on their hands, but the team is not without hope. The kids, though small, are good players, they just lack coaching on both sides of the ball. You get the right guy in here to run the team, Michigan will be relevant again as soon as next year.

orlandomichfan

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:43 a.m.

@maizeinbluedoc, i certainly understand the process, but these kids were stars on there teams to begin with, but they gotta be coached up, and the defensive coach does have a lot of input when recruiting,and as most people say, rr is an offensive minded person, so he will rely on his defensive coaches to make the right call on who to recruit and what plays to call during the game..now im not finding excuses for rr, rr should have fired robinson this morning, rr knows the pressure is beyond anything he has ever been in to win. at the end of the day though i know it comes down to the head coach, but Robinson is the one over his head and he is running the defense,,that needs to be corrected first so our defense can be one we are proud of..because if not for the defense, nobody would be calling for rr to be canned..i stand by that

Jay Allen

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:32 a.m.

@Kubrick66: There is not a lot up to this point that we have not agreed upon. It seems as though we have now found common ground.

Brad

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:25 a.m.

After the U-Mass game I told one of our local sports writers that if G.Rob did'nt shore up the defense they would'nt win a Big Ten game. RR and the whole staff has to go.

maizenbluedoc

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:14 a.m.

orlandomichfan: One simple question: Who is responsible for recruiting, training and coaching the defensive players? That should be an easy answer.

maizenbluedoc

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:10 a.m.

Dear pat miller? It is obviious that I, a fan in SC do not know the inner working surrounding the team. But, one does not have to know what the coaches are doing to make a cogent decision. As an example, the coaches had a free week to prepare for a not-so-good PSU team, yet were beaten soundly by a rookie, walk-on QB. It was too obvious that the coaching staff didn't prepare the team to win. Granted, I do not have any control over what the coaching staff does, but I am willing to bet there are alumnus who have influence over the hiring and firing of this train wreck. As the old adage indicates, money talks.

maizenbluedoc

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 10:04 a.m.

The only thing Denard is getting for his efforts is a lot of bumps and bruises and occasional injury. RR is using him to the fullest extent as DR is the only sure-fire weapon he has to retain his job (questionable now). I love to see DR play, but he is going to sustain a permanent injury if he continues to play as he does (he doesn't know any other way). It is up to the coaches to teach him to avoid big hits. Tip to RR: JUST LEAVE.

orlandomichfan

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:54 a.m.

if we had a defense you all would love rich rod..the D is killing us..but keep hating, put me in any group you want from kubrick66s a,b,c.. list. i don't care nor worry one nano second what anyone thinks about what i think, or if i get put in some posters childish abc list.....i will continue to support this team..of course i want it to be better, but it is what it is right now...goooo blue

Teebob

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:36 a.m.

Fellas, fellas, fellas, C'mon man. I love Michigan and root them til the end, but this coach (and I hope he wins every game) doesn't seem to get it. The first thing he does after he gets hired drives me absolutely nuts. He keeps one coach from Carr's regime and that is Fred Jackson. Are you kidding me? Isn't this the same Fred Jackson that we watched bring in talented running backs that never got better. That is right they were better as freshmen than as seniors. Maybe slight improvements, but nothing that we thought might happen. And for all of you fans yelling for the defensive coordinator to be fired, remember this. RR made him switch the defense this year to what RR was comfortable with at WVU. If RR wanted a coordinator that used his style defense, then maybe he should have hired one that used his defense. One more in a long line of bad coaching decisions that turned this team the wrong one. Head coaches make and live with these decisions. Blame the staff all you want, the head coach put them there. And I cannot fathom how someone gets mad about when people say "we". What does it really matter if a fan gets so involved and caring about something and includes themselves by saying "we" when talking about Michigan or anything. I love it. It shows me that "we" the fans love "our" team. And the MSU line that "most of your fans didn't even go to the university", makes me laugh. Does anyone in their right mind (besides sparty fans) think that college football would be what it is now if the average fan didn't take a stand and root for a team. I doubt it. It takes alumni and the fan to build a fan base together. Nobody went to Lions University but I see lots of fans over there in Detroit being a Lions fan. I am not sure of his intentions but look at what Harbaugh did to Stanford. He may or may not be NFL bound but if he turned Stanford around that quickly, then why not Michigan. GO BLUE!!!!! "We" are behind you and get the Illini next week.

jcj

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:25 a.m.

Sean T Iguess my point was more thet IF we had any kind of defence no one would be questioning the offence. And that some posters feel they are part of the team because they watch a game for a couple hrs on Sat.

lawrencelaundry

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:20 a.m.

What's sad is we can score points. But its RR 335 that's gonna cost him his job. He forces it down the throats of DCs even though they never ran it before. That's why scott shafer and RR always butt heads and he left. Just like charlie weis, it will cost him. HARBAUGH should be the premier choice or peterson at Boise state. Those are coaches that make something out of nothing. RR took something and turned it to nothing. Had RR just let these Dc do their job, we may not be talken about a new coach. It is what it is. Time to start looken.

Sean T.

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:16 a.m.

JRC, Our whole offense consists of one man running the ball. That is a crucial flaw to have because we are easy to game-plan against. Picking up trash points near the end of the game is pointless when you're defense can't bail you out. I went to ASU and graduated from Ferris State and that's a far cry from a Michigan education but don't try to minimize my devotion to the Wolverines! I love the Lions and claim them as my team (Steelers too)but I don't own stock in them. My point is we don't have to be so literal, do we?

saginaw

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 9:09 a.m.

You are all wrong! Everything is under control: 1. Brandon is already working on his list of NEW coaching candidates. 2. The NCAA will soon hit Michigan -- complete proof that RR breached his contract and allowing UM to fire him for $0 this year. The Illinios game is now a 100% must win for RR, and even that probably won't save him. We need to worry about how we can help the NEW Coach rebuild the program. I don't think that Michigan should hire anymore coaches from West Virginia -- MSC, are you listening?

Sean T.

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:44 a.m.

Tru2Blue76, The spread offense isn't hard to change over much Like "3 and out" was saying. At MSU Dantonio took over a spread team and went to a bowl in his first year. In his second year, the Spartans went 9-3 with those same players. What we need is a head coach that installs discipline and fundamentals and RR lacks both of these attributes. It may still take another 3 years to be dominant but at least we will see "true" improvement. I think because of the hiring of RR we have lost the recruiting advantage in the state and it may take a coach with integrity to bring that back. I used to laugh at my brother because he is a Sparty and say look at John L. Smith, he thinks recruiting without the home-state will bring success. Now he laughs at me!

lawrencelaundry

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:39 a.m.

What's sad is we can score points. But its RR 335 that's gonna cost him his job. He forces it down the throats of DCs even though they never ran it before. That's why scott shafer and RR always butt heads and he left. Just like charlie weis, it will cost him. HARBAUGH should be the premier choice or peterson at Boise state. Those are coaches that make something out of nothing. RR took something and turned it to nothing. Had RR just let these Dc do their job, we may not be talken about a new coach. It is what it is. Time to start looken.

chiro19

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:32 a.m.

I do also find it interesting that Penn State basically went to the flag football field and picked up the best fraternity QB and he shredded the Defense. It is not that the team is young, it is that they are put in position to lose on every play based on the coaching philosophy! The bottom line is that RR and the rest of the coaching staff are goof balls that have never succeeded at a high level! Like I had said before about 3 weeks ago, RR has a serious character flaw and it has driven players out of the program and is creating a hostile learning environment!

jcj

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:28 a.m.

I get a kick out of all the posters that say "WE" did this or that! Not one in 10 of the posters even went to MI! I have been a season ticket holder since 1976. This is not MY team. This is the team I root for. There os no way anyone with a brain can blame this offence for Michigans problems! The fault is square on the shoulders of the defence that just doesn't get it and the coaches that don't know how to teach it!

jcj

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:19 a.m.

Can anyone name one QB that has ever walked on this earth that could win with this excuse for a defence?

chiro19

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 8:15 a.m.

The problems with running the offense that RR runs and D that he tries to run are very apparent now. These types of offense and defense are ran easily in the garbage big east but when you run them against nfl caliber players in the big ten it just doesnt work! There is to much speed and size! I unfortunately dont see this team winning another game (maybe purdue). It would be interesting to see a list of possible replacements. It would be headlined I am sure by harbough, who else is out there? Brian Billick, Jon Gruden, Chris Peterson, Les Miles, any other assistant that was under carr or bo that I dont know about (the first two seem like a stretch). It seems that if michigan does not beat osu that rr is gone. I unfortunately have a feeling that the only close game in the next 4 will be against purdue. Illinois will look closer because mich will score late to get it within 17 but wisconsin and osu are going to crush this team!

larry kramer

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 7:49 a.m.

RR was brought here to energize the stale Carr offense. He did that! He should stay, but we need an excellent defensive coach. Someone like Gary Moeller, or Chris Spielman.

southern ohio wolverine

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 7:35 a.m.

I honestly cannot take anymore of this crap. I almost couldn't even watch the final few minutes of the PSU game. Although I am new to posting here, I have detested the hiring of RR since we did it. Our football program has become the laughing stock of the Big Ten. I mean its one thing to say "well look at other programs like Minnnesota or Northwestern, they have been losing for far longer than a few seasons". Well...WERE NOT THEM. We are MICHIGAN and that used to mean something, and it is WAY past time we get a coaching staff that understands what the Maize and Blue represents...EXCELLENCE. Greg Robinson did such a fantastic job at Syracuse, I cant understand why he is not succeeding as our DC, sense the sarcasm there, I hope so. This is pathetic!!!

wvtroll

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 7:11 a.m.

Hey wvumtneer57, Hate to dash your post, but WVU wouldn't hire RR back as a water boy, much less any type of coach. You know that and I'm sure you were kidding, right? WVU turns out to be the smarter school in all phases of the coaching game. They let loose a coach that wasn't a quality person and even got paid for doing it.

Jon Saalberg

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 6:50 a.m.

I'm happy that the Lions have surpassed the Wolverines, at least for one weekend. Who would have thought it would happen anytime soon? Now how about the unthinkable - the Lions actually finish the season with more wins than the Wolverines. OK, that is an extremely tall order. But as a lifelong Ann Arborite, I also never thought I would see the day that the UM football team was a Big Ten afterthought.

wvumtneer57

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 6:47 a.m.

Mich Fans -- Please let Rich Rod know there is an opening at WVU for a football coach...Your problems are solved!!!

BlueFan62

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 5:59 a.m.

I can not believe this article was even printed. Where is the interview with the Robinson that should be interviewed??? This defense is a joke. No I take that back. At least a joke makes me laugh. rr looked silly trying to fire up "his" defense toward the end of the game. He should be trying to fire them up at the START of the game! Let's see, hmmmm my defensive backs are weak. Ok let's play a 3-3-5 where we get no pressure on the qb at all and give the receivers 10 seconds to get open!!! An entire game of the same defense we threw up against Colorado and we all know how that ended!!

Stephenb1707

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 5:32 a.m.

Mr. Miller, you are the typical coach/scout type that turns their nose when a non coach/scout makes a statement. I agree with Kubrick66. Us peeons know a loser when we see one and we do regardless of what you think. I have gone from Bump Eliott to Bo to Moeller to Lloyd without seeing a big downturn. Coaching is like running a business. If you want to go another direction, get your ducks in order than go. If you go before you are ready than you will be doomed. It is time for a change but not until this season is over. RR knows he is gone, you can see it on his face. He has no idea how to fix this mess.

Richard

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 5:26 a.m.

I am so disappointed with this team. You can't blame the offense with two quarterbacks who can win, but the defense, what is the matter? Yes I read the majority of them are freshmen, so what? Grow up, you are in the Big Ten, not the Sun Belt. You are not playing Delaware State every week. This team went 5-0, and yes you played two great teams, but Penn State, okay, they had the home field advantage. Now you are home and there is no reason why you can't beat Illinois and Purdue with and outside shot at Wisconsin. If you want to stay home for the bowl season, then go right ahead and do it. I would like to see this team in a bowl game. This is why I don't see the reasoning in Michigan playing Alabama in 2012 in Texas. Stupid, and to fire Rodriguez,no fire Robinson the defensive coach,that's your problem right there. Either that or there are way to many coaches. I would think the defense would be so embarassed to go to classes, that all they would want to do is study football films and see how stupid they look out there. And night games, forget them, college football belongs in the daytime. Plus the band needs to be at a few of these road games. They inspire the team no matter what. I expect the Wolverines to beat Illinois at home this weekend, no excuses.

3 And Out

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 4:22 a.m.

hey Tru..actually I meant that the current WRs are decent on perimeter blocking, even with their general lack of size....but we miss that big dominant WR with both size and speed that honestly has been a hallmark of Michigan football from the mid 80s to 97....RR just doesnt recruit that type of WR, other than maybe Ricardo Miller or Jeremy Jackson but neither of those freshman are ready to play much just yet so we dont know how they could fit... however the current crop could be enough to get by at WR under a pro style coach who knows how to adapt to the talent that he is given to work with

trigg7

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 2:12 a.m.

Over/under was 5 games. Finish 7th at best if everything goes right. Geee that was hard to call from day one! Maybe all you big mouths will sthu. Funny how you all have disapeared!!!

3 And Out

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 12:38 a.m.

Trublu...the next coach absolutely does NOT need to be a spread coach. It is easier to go from spread personel to a traditional offense than the other way around. Why? Well, first of all the OLine still uses a zone blocking scheme pretty much in both "types" (and i use that very loosely to characterize spread vs. "pro style")... of offenses... zone blocking is very standard these days and our OL players stated over and over that other than a few technical issues, the blocking scheme is not that different than Lloyd's offense... The WRS...well WRs at Michigan have always been held responsible for blocking downfield...it has to happen to be effective with a running game in the Big Ten. as far as catching the ball and running routes...well our WR recruiting HAS dropped under Rich A. Rodriguez. We no longer put a premium on big Armani/Braylon types that can run and catch under RR and we go after smaller, allegedly faster (but not really) guys...well that has to change, however there is enough WR ability there for a pro style coach to work with.. RBs... Hopkins has great potential in a pro style offense...mix in the other guys and they should be ok.. QB? Well we know that Denard can not sit in a pocket...that is a given...what about Tate and Devin...yes they can....but the biggest thing is that these QBs can create things... Look at Stanford under Jim Harbaugh....great pro style offense...plays smashmouth when needed but still has flexibility to flash spread looks and has a QB in Luck that can both throw the ball or take off on a 50 yd run....if you dont think that Jim H. could work with these kids...well....news for you he could... and the offense would be a) more consistent b) manage the game better (as previously noted) and we wouldnt always be playing hair on fire catchup like we do now vs. quality BT opponents trying to rely on one major weapon in D Rob..... the transition on offense will not be that difficult...the transition on defense will be one that we will relish! btw...some of you guys need to stop thinking out of "Fear" that firing RR would make things worse. First of all, it cant get much worse. Secondly, he is terrible and there is only one way to go which is UP. Fear = false evidence that appears real. 4-16 in the BT is unfortunately real.

amaizenblueballs

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 10:21 p.m.

So Brandon is a financial man. Is RR's contract public? What will it cost Michigan to cut him loose at the end of the year as opposed to giving him one more year Not sure what kind of contracts all the other coaches have.

Mike

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:54 p.m.

This was really an incredible statement that you made: "For Michigan to win in the Big Ten, it needs to receive even more production and more consistent decision-making from Robinson, while at the same time try to diversify its offensive plan a bit more." EDIT: For Michigan to win in the Big Ten, it needs its defense to avoid giving up 435 yards and 41 points against a walk-on quarterback making his first career start leading the Big Ten's second worst offense. For Michigan to win in the Big Ten, it needs a defense that doesn't give up 441 yards a game and doesn't get routinely run over, literally, by opposing players. For Michigan to win in the Big Ten, it needs a kicker capable of consistently hitting chip shot field goals and getting the ball deeper than the 20 on kickoffs. If we had a defense and a special teams unit that were even AVERAGE, we would be 7-1 if not 8-0 right now. We surely would have won last night's game under those conditions, and would have beaten at least one of Iowa and Michigan State if not both. But we don't, and THAT'S the reason we have lost 3 in a row. But I guess we shouldn't focus on that, we should just act like the offense should have put up 35, 39, and 42 over the last 3 games.

amaizenblueballs

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:51 p.m.

Y'all need to lay off Theo. He is just being exceedingly sarcastic after a tough game. I enjoy his sarcasm and recognize it for that. Impossible to believe it to be anything else. Theo probably had some lights shined in his eyes by those Penn State fans too (not just Gallon). It sure looked like a lot of deer in the headlights during the game so I think Theo must have been there.

UMFanatic

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:40 p.m.

okay. lets get a new coach. n start over again. and he better have us wining national championships in 3 seasons or we can get another. i understand he doesnt get a free pass on the D. but is it worth throwing it all out n starting over with all new ppl...and who knows who we can get and what type of system they will bring. but i guess you all know what is best. what was i thinking when i challenged your views.

GoblueinNE_PA

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:35 p.m.

Take the blinders off UMFanatic. There are other teams, much better than us, that aren't significantly different in the amount of on field experience. Don't buy into the lie that you can't win in 3 years or that you can't win with a young team. It's complete and utter bull. The King of Fools has destroyed the Michigan football program and he will be out on his rear end after the debacle in Columbus.

UMFanatic

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:29 p.m.

okay. so if michigan loses games. the coach is wrong and needs to be fired. no team is going to totaly change systems, offensive and deffensive and be the best in the country. if you were to change Alabama or whoever you think is the best now and expect them to still be the best. then you are stupid. it doesnt work. what team in the country is gonna start as many first time playres in the deffensive back field and not give up big yards and points???

GoblueinNE_PA

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:26 p.m.

UMFanatic We hired a head coach, not an offensive coordinator. He doesn't get a pass on the defense. He owns it all. And he owns all 3 seasons, saying this is the only year that counts is beyond the pale.

GoblueinNE_PA

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:23 p.m.

The King of Fools most definitely does NOT have us going in the right direction. Any one who believes he does has lost their grip on reality. 1. We are now a small, slow perennial loser against everyone. 2. We don't even have dominance in our own state. 3. We have 1 fast player. Everyone else is slow. PSU players run away from our defenders. 4. We are fataly flawed in 2 of 3 phases of the game and have been since RichRod has arrived. There is no need for any more patience. If you support the King of Fools, you can't really be a fan of Michigan. Ignoring what has happened over the past 2-1/2 years is for the weak of mind. Michigan is for the leaders and best. It's one or the other, you can't be both.

UMFanatic

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:22 p.m.

Okay. I am just as pissed off about the record of RR as anyone else commenting here. but i think we can all agree that this year can be the only year we can really base his coaching on. the first was playing with many players that dont fit this system. last was the first year with players (and not all of them were a good fit). RR is an offensive minded guy. i think we can all agree that the offense is headed in the right direction. he got the players that fit and they are doing what they should. (most of us all agree that the points put up should be enough to win) so it comes down to the D struggles. could it be that the D coaches are the ones to blame? RR doesnt spend much time coaching that side of the ball. this is proven when he said a few weeks ago that he was going to spend 30 mins or so with them. i know if a team struggles it falls back to the head guy. but we need a new D system and coaches. the Offense, thats what RR does, is doing great. he got the playres and they are playing well. we need a D coach and some experienced D backfield.

3 And Out

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:16 p.m.

Theo, as Sean stated...normally you are funny but you just stepped over the line in to ridiculousness. No I do not support Rich Rodriguez. I did in year one, started to lose faith in year two based on how terrible of a job he has done since day 1...and by the end of last year was off the RR band wagon completely. I tried to tell 'yall this year how bad this team was...which it is... and now you are accusing me and those that have actual sanity to see how things really are of 'not supporting the program' whatever Theo...keep your blinders on then...but keep the stupid comments to yourself please.

3 And Out

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:13 p.m.

good point, but actually RR and the ridiculous Barwis have a sign above the door that says something like "inside this door walks the finest, best conditioned team in America...blah blah blah" and they also have the "hold the rope" sign that they hauled over from WVU. lol.

dacianman

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:03 p.m.

David Brandon must go to RR and show him the light: the sign over the door that says EXIT. First for Gregg Robinson, right now, that is. And if RR does not get to 7 or 8 wins, for him too.

lionswin

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:01 p.m.

The real issue is that the 3-5 defense can not win in the Big Ten, therefore if RichRod refuses to switch then he needs to be gone. Why you don't blitz the crap out of a walk on QB who is getting his first start is upsetting. I think the bottom line is that we need to get a new coaching staff and a coach that is a proven winner. Les Miles would be my vote because Kyle Whittingham is too much like RichRod coming from a smaller school that will get their butt kicked in a tough conference. Bringing in Harbaugh will put this team far from winning.

Sean T.

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 8:54 p.m.

Theo, Sometimes the things you write are so incredibly funny that I almost bust a stitch laughing but your last post was quite sad. Now I know that you truly believe in RR and his disastrous tenure here thus far. No matter how many 4 leaf clovers you find or rabbit's feet you hold onto, RR will never be successful as a coach for the Michigan Wolverines. When it comes to be delusional; sweep around your own front door! Go Blue

clarklaker

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 7:55 p.m.

good point goblue.i will step away from the ledge for now

GoblueinNE_PA

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 7:43 p.m.

Folks, yesterday stunk. We all know that. Honestly, it was most likely the final nail in the coffin for the man who tore apart our football program. However, calls for him to be fired now are neither realistic nor very smart. Think about it. The team is still 5-3 and while none of us think it will happen, they could potentially go 9-3 (stay with me here). If Brandon fired the Hack now, what would that say to any potential head coach? If you go 5-3, we'll can you? No, we'll wait on the NCAA sanctions and we'll wait until the season is over before anything happens with the HC. I fully believe he'll be terminated for cause after the OSU game, but we'll have to wait another month for us to get there. At this point, I'd rather not waste any more time talking about the dead. Let's start focusing on who we can bring in. Harbaugh seems to be the fan favorite right now, but I think he's bound for the NFL. Les should be on the short list, as should Kyle Whittingham at Utah. I'd also like to see us make a play for Mark Richt. What say you?

NoBowl4Blue

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 6:55 p.m.

OSU, Iowa, Wisc win with something UM doesn't have DEFENSE

clarklaker

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 6:25 p.m.

enough is enough rich rod needs to go and go now.

Jaxon5

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 6:19 p.m.

Kubrick - as usual, right on the money. I'd like to add a fourth category "D - All of the above". "The King has no clothes" as GoBlueinNEPA says.

dacianman

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 6:17 p.m.

It's defense, more than anything. You can't win anything worthwhile in the Big Ten with the desatrous defense of Gregg Robinson. He can't coach. The Michigan defense was far better under the Eastern Michigan coach who was saked. Somebody! Please somebody - explain WHY is Greg Robinson still there??? I can understand why RR is, but I can't understand why GR is still there! C'mon Brandon, act as the Boss you're supposed to be!!!

townie54

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 6:14 p.m.

THE ARTICLE SOUNDS LIKE IT is criticizing Denard.31 points should be enough to win.The defense has to make a stop.Whether we win one more game or not.Please end this experiment.I give Michigan credit for going outside the box to hire a coach running the spread and I like the offense except the backs are not that good.But this coach is never gonna have a strong D to compete in the big ten.He's in way over his head and his comments get stupider every week.I dont have to tell Brandon,he knows what is going on.Whether we win 1 more game or not Rich Rod is gone unless they win the three or four more games.Which is about the same chance I have of winning the Lotto.Just like last year when the real season starts you see the true colors. If anyone says they are making progress you are not being truthful with yourself

2sweetblue

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 5:53 p.m.

oh boy very few people are supporting RR and defending him........... People are finally seeing the KING is not going to work in Big Ten football

saginaw

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 5:41 p.m.

I believe that Denard Robinson is one of best players in college football -- and he is being wasted this season. I think if we give RR 2 more years, that the offense will be fantastic -- but the defense remains a question mark.

IoniaDawg

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 5:15 p.m.

I think it is a fair assumption that RR is done. Who does Brandon bring in? Harbaugh or the Boise State coach?

Kubrick66

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 4:49 p.m.

pat miller... You don't have to have a PhD in coaching to see the results on the field. RR has done nothing but take a proud, winning program and turn it into a Big Ten bottom feeder. What part of that don't we understand?

rhewi

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 4:39 p.m.

I have never liked the hire of RR... I have not been afraid to say that from the beginning... however, up to now, I thought that give him another year and he may turn it around... but after yesterday I now say get rid of him! Two weeks to prepare!!! And they look that bad? How can the defense keep getting worse?? I agree with ohiowolverine that it would be better to start over than to stay with this LOSER any longer. I don't understand how we went from such a good team to being losers, and he keeps getting a pass...???

umpire

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 4:37 p.m.

You guys crack me up.You get on here and talk like you know what is going on. I think the coaches might know a little bit more than you. You watch the team play once a week and you know what each player and coach (team) should be doing. These coaches are with the players at every practice, constantly watching film of them and you think they do not know who or what is best for this team. I ref high school football, and i used to do college. I listen to people as they are watching a game, including announcers, and they have hardly a clue to what is going on.Most fans (98%) watch the ball and that is it. Until i here your credentials. I am going to have to go with the coaches on the Michigan team.

BlueGator

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 4:36 p.m.

I wonder if Dave Brandon isn't thinking along about now that baking and peddling pizzas wasn't such a bad gig after all.

KeepingItReal

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 4:29 p.m.

Bo use to say that all teams, no matter how they start out will either get better or worse but no team will stay the same. At this point in the season, it is obvious the defense for this current team is regressing. I was hoping that M would pull out a good season but all bets are off at this time. Maybe next year.

Kubrick66

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 4:26 p.m.

ohiowolverine... You hit it on the head with Tim Brewster at Minnesota. He went 1-11, 7-6, and 6-7 - reaching bowl games in his final two seasons. And after a poor start this season he gets the boot. And this is Minnesota. Meanwhile at Michigan RR takes over a program that hadn't had a losing season in 40 years and goes 3-9, 5-7, and could very well finish 5-7 again. And has yet to go to a bowl game. And he still has a job, and plenty of supporters. How can anyone defend RR at this point? How can anyone think he deserves more time? What exactly has he ever done for Michigan football to deserve more time? If you are still in the "keep RR" club you fall into one of three categories... A - You're personal friends, or family of RR. B - You root against Michigan. C - You're delusional.

GettingBluer

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 4:10 p.m.

I agree. RR should be gone NOW. Make it clear that Michigan has a job opening. And, DON'T rush the choice. We've just stuffed many millions of dollars down a rat hole AND wasted 3 years...get it right this time.

GettingBluer

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 4:06 p.m.

It's not fair to dump it on Denard. HIS performance was good enough to win. The defense doesn't perform well enough to EVER win in the Big Ten.

azwolverine

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 4:04 p.m.

Hey, you guys are haters and trolls. Wait, scratch that...you guys are right.

ohiowolverine

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 3:56 p.m.

Kubrick66, I agree. I am willing to go another 2 or 3 years rebuilding with a new coach rather than another 2 or 3 years with the losing coaching staff we have now. Follow Minn. lead and get rid of RR now then we might stand a chance next year.

3 And Out

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 3:50 p.m.

Yes, Denard is a fantastic player. This playground offense that he plays in, is basically guys blocking and him running around, sometimes he fakes like he is going to run, which draws up the safetys and LBs and then throws a pass out of it to an open guy. When they try to make him throw out of the pocket though, he is not effective...perhaps partially due to his height. So that is the vaunted Rich Rod offense: get a very fast QB and run him around and try to trick the defense in to not being sure if he is going to run it or pass it. It is an offense that can be effective vs. overmatched and slower defenses, but it is not very effective vs. teams that can run with our offense, and in the BT that is over half the teams that can match up with our playground offense.

Kubrick66

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 3:29 p.m.

No matter how well Denard plays this season is doomed. He is a great running QB, but to this point continues to struggle in the Big Ten when forced to win it with his arm. A shootout in West Lafayette is shaping up as this teams only realistic shot at a final win. RR and his staff have humbled all Michigan fans. The man should simply resign. He has done nothing to deserve another day as head Coach at Michigan.