Ohio State has the type of football program Dave Brandon wants to build at Michigan
Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez walks off the Ohio Stadium field with quarterback Denard Robinson (16) following the Wolverine's 37-7 loss to Ohio State on Saturday. After the game, Rodriguez voiced confidence in his program and vowed he'd return to his office Monday.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Following another lopsided loss to Ohio State, the coach was almost defiant in his proclamation.
“Michigan will be back,” he said. “We don’t have to worry about that.”
If there ever was a symbol of how far the Michigan football program had fallen, it came in those words from Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.
In beating Michigan for the seventh consecutive time in one of college football’s storied rivalries, it sounded like he actually had some sympathy for the downtrodden Wolverines.
“Michigan is among the elite programs, and will be, and their record will reflect that in the course of time,” Tressel said.
How much time? That’s the key question today. First-year Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon will soon decide whether to grant Rich Rodriguez more time to fix the football program or change directions with a new coach.
Brandon did not comment following Saturday’s 37-7 loss to the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium, except to say he would stick with his original timeline for evaluating the program.
But sitting in a stadium rich with college football tradition and success, both past and present, it was hard to imagine that Brandon didn’t notice how closely Ohio State matched his ambition for the Michigan program.
Brandon has stated he wants Michigan to regularly compete for Big Ten championships. On Saturday, the Buckeyes clinched their sixth straight outright or shared Big Ten title.
Brandon has stated he wants a program that will regularly compete on a national stage. The Buckeyes (11-1 overall, 7-1 Big Ten) are ranked in the top 10 and poised to reach a BCS bowl for the sixth consecutive year.
It was hard not to notice how closely the Buckeyes match that vision, and how far away the Wolverines are from achieving it.
On Saturday, three turnovers came at critical times, dropped passes crippled drives and the Michigan offense produced its lowest number of points since the last time it played in Columbus two years ago.
The Michigan defense, after a good first quarter, allowed 478 yards, allowed the Buckeyes to convert 10 of 18 third-down attempts -- including several from long range -- and allowed big play after big play.
And special teams? With their starting punter suspended, Michigan watched Seth Broekhuizen punt for 18 yards, 44 yards and 23 yards. Special teams gave up an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to Ohio State’s Jordan Hall that made it 17-7.
“It was awful,” Rodriguez said. “The kick wasn’t what we wanted. I don’t know if the wind had something to do with that, but the coverage wasn’t there. … That was a huge momentum-buster there, and it shouldn’t have happened.”
All together, it was fundamentally sloppy football, of which the Wolverines have seen far too much of this season.
Their defense ranks as the worst in program history, both in terms of the number of points it has allowed (406) and number of yards allowed (5,375). In three years, Rodriguez has compiled a 6-18 record in conference games.
Rodriguez voiced confidence in his program and, after the game, vowed he’d return to his office Monday like he always does. “I know what I see, and I’m in the middle of it,” he said.
Rodriguez has said multiple times this year that a “perfect storm” of misfortune had plagued his defense, that true freshmen who replaced lost players can’t possibly be counted upon to play like savvy seniors.
Maybe he’s right. Maybe the eye of the storm gives him a perspective that cannot be discounted in a knee-jerk reaction to another lopsided defeat.
But on Saturday, Tressel had the keen insight into Michigan and its standing in college football.
“The world changed when we added Penn State,” he said. “The world changes even more when we add Nebraska. The world changed when Dano (Mark Dantonio) went over to Michigan State.
“There’s constantly changes.”
As everyone wonders whether Brandon will make another one, the Wolverines and their fans are left - at least for the time being - to lament their marginalized position in a daunting new Big Ten landscape.
Pete Bigelow covers the Michigan football team for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2551, via email at petebigelow@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.
Comments
58-44-6
Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 11:50 a.m.
I think they should have fired Mark Dantonio after his 3rd year, he lost to Central Michigan at home in his 3rd year!!! He had a losing record (6-7) in his 3rd year!!!!! He will never do anything in his 4th year...2010 OOPS Be patient my babies
newe82
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 9:35 p.m.
Don't care anymore, and won't until they bring in a real coaching staff. If they keep RR I am going to have a lot of free weekends next year because I am done watching the crap being spewed out of the big house. What a JOKE the whole Michigan athletic program has become and football is leading the way. Brandon is going to prove if he is worth anything during this off season. MSU athletics are ten times better at this point. UM is irrelevant.
Sherlock
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 6:08 p.m.
Sour grapes and sore losing.
NoBowl4Blue
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 4:15 p.m.
Tater is so funny. His king sucks and ratherb than admit OSU runs a top notch program he refers to them as corrupt. Your king is corrupt and the end result of his worthiness is seen on the field.
Sherlock
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 2:23 p.m.
No shortcuts taken? How 'bout coach rustling, contract trashing, lying, court of law stonewalling, and multiple NCAA violations? Not to mention the issues raised by Jim Harbaugh in 2007. Now, that's "integrity" and a "class" progam, there! Hail to the Losers!
Howard the Duck
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 1:36 p.m.
"OSU is so corrput that if they were caught, it would make the Ed Martin scandal look like lunch money. OSU is lucky that everyone in town obeys the "Scarlet and Gray wall" and nobody can get any evidence against them. All it will take is a Rosenpuke kind of reporter in Columbus or an FBI investigation, and OSU will be down for a long time." This is about what you say about Michigan State.
Sherlock
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 11:27 a.m.
Well, then, Brandon will have to do more than twiddle his Maize and Blue fingers and issue non sequiturs. Where's he been the last ten years? Didn't he see what was there when he came in as AD? Doesn't he know how Diamond RichRod was rustled away from West Virginia? This guy's a "company man" and "team player." Which is why he was chosen as AD -- not to rock the boat or to offend the powers that be at UM, including its gem football "coach." That there's been no action so far strongly suggests that none will come, at least for a year, if not three. Chin up, folks! There are many more months of ketcup-flavored cardboard to come! In the meantime, switch to Brutus or Sparty -- or get a book. Aren't universities supposed to be about academics, any way?
bleedblue96
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 9:38 a.m.
Michael vick is running wild at the pro level and obviously not running a spread. Denard can do the same with a coach that knows both sides of the ball. The road to failure is paved with excuses. No defense from the start of the big10 again. It will not get better because RR is to stubborn to focus on defense and get away from his 3-3-5. He will not go after bigger lineman. Last time I checked 5 320lbs lineman equal 1600lbs and we try stopping that with 3 290+ lineman at best and maybe a couple 250lbs linebackers. If you can't figure out were your gaps are by now then you never will. 3 yrs and he had the best defense his first yr and found a way to get them embarrased every game as well. This guy does not know what a true rival is much alone 3 rivalries. The best they see in WV is Pitt and he lost his last 2 yrs to them when it mattered most. When you came to Michigan you were almost sure you have a shot at the NFL. Those days are gone. Not big enough, fast enough, or strong enough. I'd like to see how many times each player can bench 225 and what there max is in the press and squat. I can go on and on but I'll leave it at that. We need someone who knows thebig10 plain and simple.
rightmind250
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 9:24 a.m.
Well, Mary Sue: If you want to build a program the likes of OSU you don't hire the manager of a crappy pizza shop to run the program. You somehow think thats the kind of experience it takes to run what used to be one of the finest football programs in america? You start at the core and work your way out. UM's failures in my lifetime have all been due to the fact we have had a bunch of incompetent shisters as ad. Clean up this mess Mary Sue.
Jim Pryce
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 8:58 a.m.
It sure didn't take Miami(Fla.) to dump Randy Shannon. He loses to South Florida & he's gone less than 3 hrs. later. Miami's record 7-5
birch creek john
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 6:58 a.m.
Guys! It's a game. Rich Rod is doing the best job he knows how to do. Can't wait to see his team next year. GO BLUE!
Dustin
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 1:58 a.m.
So Brandon wants to build a OSU program? How does he realistically expect that with a one trick pony clown like Rich Fraud destroying a football program that had decade after decade of success prior to his horrible recruiting, horrible gameplanning, ignoring the vital importance of special teams. The constant recruiting of small players, this is the Big 10 for a reason. Then to top it off the NCAA scandals with his greasy fingerprints all oveer them. He doesn't care that he has digraced UofM Football. Michigan had over 100 years of of running an ethical program until this arrogant Rich Fraud of a nightmare was hired. The finger should start getting pointed at Dave Brandon if he fails to make the right decision and pull the plug on Rich Fraud.
M86
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 1:15 a.m.
Rodriguez is a systems coach... He can only coach one system weather the talent fits that system or not. A good coach would assess his talent and put that talent in the best position for success. Rodriguez is in capable or does not have the talent to do this.... time to move on
kmd
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 1:14 a.m.
Len, where do you get that Elliot was promoted to athletic director he was fired by Don Canham the same director that hired BO!! I will admit that I was a RR supporter until recently but he has lost my support, because it is always someone elses failt and never his. Fire RR hire Harbaugh but keep Calvin Magee as OC and Michigan will once again dominate the B10. This offense is young and explosive and will be very tough to stop next season. GO BLUE!!!
Hebner
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 1:02 a.m.
It all boils down to Mr. Brandon making the right decision based on the integrity of our program at the head coaching level, as RR's integrity is making it harder to recruit the really good players. If Mom and Dad aren't trusting him in the living room, junior isn't playing football at Michigan. I think Mr. Brandon understands the process of winning on the field and how integrity sets the tone. I think RR would be severely mistaken if he thinks his system buys him more time, as his performance evaluation isn't about being 7-5. The future of our football team relies on an honest and appropriate assessment and I think if Mr. Brandon keeps RR around it will be for one year based on meeting such benchmarks as winning the Big Ten Championship game. I know Michigan fans didn't care for the way we went 7-5, as we lost convincingly to all the top teams in our conference. UM football fans want a product on the field that beats the best competition...we don't want a patsy schedule to make us look like we're progressing. Mr. Brandon cannot afford to pass up a coach like Jim Harbaugh if available because he may not be available next year. We cannot afford to let a coach pass us by who gives us a chance to compete with the top teams. Additionally, Bo would have never allowed the RR hire... next year is all we hear, meanwhile we see infractions and other negatives accumulate. Clean up the program while we still have a chance Dave.
GoblueinNE_PA
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 12:37 a.m.
Stop buying into the Lie that RichRod has propogated that it takes 3+ years to get a team turned around after a new coach arrives. That is simply just not true. That is only the case when the coach is so hide bound to his system that he can't adjust it to fit the players he has. Even then, if the coach knows how to teach fundementals, a team can be successful with a complete overhaul of scheme. Witness GTech and the triple option. They were a pro style offense and won immediately in Paul Johnson's first year. RichRod has got a lot of you fooled, even to this day. Snap out of it!
iamcris
Sun, Nov 28, 2010 : 12:37 a.m.
for ALL the people who keep INSISTING that RR has had THREE years of recruiting you're just making me EL O EL. RR HONORED LC's recruits, that was part of the transition so RR only has TWO recruiting classes under him not THREE. *PLEASE do your research before you come on here spewing ignorant jibber jabber that is completely false and void of accuracy or truth. In summary, RR has only had TWO recruiting classes that are of his own, all committed recruits at the time of LC's departure were honored by RR. 2 of 3 full classes. I really can't say it any other way.
Solar Blue
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 11:43 p.m.
The fact that the defense and special teams have remained secondary to RR is evidence to me that he might not understand what it truly takes to win in the Big 10. This past offseason was the time to address these concerns, not this mid-season. As others have pointed out, against the better Big 10 teams, we are physically outmanned at the point of attack - especially on defense. While the offense has moved the ball at times against almost all oponents, they are not putting enough points on the board and do not protect the football (fumbles and dropped passes) especially against the better oposition in the conference. In watching Stanford tonight, I saw a well disciplined, smart football team that was on top of their play on both sides of the ball. From an execution standpoint, you can tell that they are well coached and the players know their roles. No dumb penalties, minimal missed assignments or dropped balls. On defense, while not fast, the players are in the right position to make the play with good solid fundamental tackling. They play as a team, and do not beat themselves. With a coach like Jim Harbaugh, I believe that the Wolverines would be much better prepared and would treat these key rivalry games as much more than "just another game".
D21
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 11:10 p.m.
Hate to say this but those RR apologists are far WORSE than RR. Len DeMoss, You are on. Easiest $$$ I ever made.
D21
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 11:02 p.m.
So Tressel is plainly admitting that there will be a change at UM (RR gone). 3 and out and other posters, keep spreading the wisdom to the kool aid drinkers. GO BLUE AND HARBAUGH in 2011.
townie54
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 10:18 p.m.
another year?Your just delaying the inevitable.He is never gonna play with the big boysin the big 10.They are to small,they dont have a running back or a kicker.There is no excuse for not having a kicker.State always has good kickers.How did that kid from Plymouth get away?Special teams are horrible.And Rich Rod acts like the defence or special teams are someone else's fault.He is John L Smith like.Cartoonish.I would bet this experiment is over.Brandon cant afford to wait.The wolves are at the door and the wolves make the donations
diablo_cheese
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 10:07 p.m.
Agree nick. At least give it one more year. Any new coach means at least three more Years like the last three. Jim H had almost The same record as rich does in his first three Years. It was his fourth that put Stanford In the top ten.
Jaxon5
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 9:28 p.m.
Awful, embarrassing performance by the Wolverines. Never in it, never in a position to win it. It's been the same story for the last 3 years -outclassed, outtoughed, outplayed, outcoached, outsmarted by an OSU team that is superior in every way imaginable. Congratulations go to Ohio State for its pursuit and achievement of excellence. They are truly the leaders and best.
YhostGhost
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 9:23 p.m.
Tressel has won more Big Ten games at Michigan Stadium than Rich Rod has. After three years!! Astonishing.
GettingBluer
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 9:20 p.m.
Goodbye Rich. The experiment of these last three years was painful to watch. I hope you find someplace that suits your abilities and talents. I honestly don't wish you to be unemployed...just employed elsewhere. Next time, if there IS a next time, don't run off all the on-the-field talent and coaching talent before you figure out what you have.
NoBowl4Blue
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 9 p.m.
Tressel has more Big Ten championships (7) in 10 seasons in Columbus than Rich Rodriguez has Big Ten wins (6) in three year at Michigan.
SaveMichiganFootball
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 8:49 p.m.
It's Over.
InsideTheHall
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 8:45 p.m.
Len, your facts are incorrect. Elliott was dismissed and then took the AD job at Iowa. Don Canham was the AD at Michigan and he hired Bo.
NoBowl4Blue
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 8:32 p.m.
Like him or not Tressel sets the standard in the Big Ten. Dantonio said he wanted to build a program like the vest and bam look what happens. Rich Rod isn't in the same leauge as Tress or Dantonio and for a program like U of M that is a shame.
Ben
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 8:28 p.m.
I'm sorry but by this point, there is no excuse to be playing a very inexperienced defense. If RR could coach right, players would not be transferring to brighter programs.
TFR
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 8:27 p.m.
Michigan DESERVES better.
Sallyxyz
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 8:25 p.m.
"Ohio State has the type of football program Dave Brandon wants to build at Michigan" If that's the case, then DB needs to fire RR and start rebuilding the MI program, putting the 3 disastrous seasons behind him.
BigWolverine13
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 8:06 p.m.
Three years of recruiting and we have seven freshmen playing defense and no kicker? They wouldn't accept that at Indiana. I've had enough. Send him packing.
wolver4ever
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 8:01 p.m.
I have to agree with Happy Hour, Nick and Len. IT was a miserable game to watch, but Brandon will have to evaluate RR without the emotions of the moment. The secondary has 4 freshman and a sophomore, Demes is just coming around as a Linebacker and you have some young linemen. You have to give him one more year. The offense has made a big jump in a year and will be better next year. Even if they can get the Defense to be just average they will win more games
3 And Out
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 7:56 p.m.
Stanford 7 Oregon State 0 on Versus network right now... Harbaugh says that they have 360 plays in their playbook...they are starting to roll now in this game
OkBlue
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 7:48 p.m.
I'm not happy either, but fire him and then what? They got to buy him out and then wait another 3 years for a new coach to get his "players" in there. My guess is they give him one more season to get a kicker and that damned defense fixed. Honestly, as painful as it was to watch, these kids will be much improved next year and downright nasty two years from now.
nick
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 7:40 p.m.
I didn't like the Rich Rod hire from the beginning. I do feel we need to give him one more year and let him get a full recruiting class in. I think our offense is good enough to compete in this conference, but I think there needs to be changes on defense. I am sure there defense would be better next year with everyone having played a year, but I think the 3-3-5 needs to be changed. I looks like there are too many holes. I am not sure if it is the players or the system. I think he deserves one more year and see if the young players can develop and compete with a new defensive scheme. I am not a fan of the type of scheme rich rod runs on offense and defense but I think he should get one more year to let these players develop before we go back to rebuilding the program with a punch you in the mouth type of team which I love.
Len
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 7:16 p.m.
I'd bet a month's pay that RR will be back for next season at Michigan. In all Michigan's storied history, there has not been one football coach fired for poor performance or record. They just don't do that at Michigan, mainly because over time, Michigan's program comes back much stronger. The only coach ever fired at Michigan was Mo, who wasn't fired for poor performance's in the stadium; in the bar yes, but not on the field. Bump Elliot's poor record from 1966 to 1968 didn't get him fired; it got him promoted to Athletic Director and Bo came on board. So my gut tells me that Brandon will give RR at least next season to turn this around before they decide to replace him. Replacing him at this juncture when the team is young isn't going to get them much. Next year with a new coach is not likely to be much better than this year, so you're looking at another 2 years before any improvement is seen. I think RR needs to get rid of Greg Robinson for certain, and they need to thoroughly evaluate their recruiting. This business of them not having a kicker and resorting to going 4th and 8 because they don't have a kicker who can kick a field goal beyond 20 yards is ridiculous. And why in God's name doesn't he have a backup punter?? Something wrong with the whole coaching staff.
Ben
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 7:04 p.m.
Brandon has led me to believe that RR will be here through the bowl, hopefully gone after that. It looked like we played something other than 335 in the first quarter? Or was I just imagining things?
Dale
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 6:53 p.m.
I think Michigan already has the type of program that Ohio State has --- The type of program that embarrasses Michigan on the field year in and year out.
Opalmerr
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 6:43 p.m.
The Michigan defense has gotten progressively worse in each of Rich Rodriguez's three years at Michigan. The special teams have regressed each year under Rich Rodriguez. The offense is reliant on a uniquely gifted quarterback. The problem is Denardc Robinson has not made, or been utilized in such a manner as to make, others around him better. The real difficulty in making a coaching change is that Rich Rodriguez's systems are so unique and he has recuited specifically for those systems that it will require another 3+ years to acquire Big 10 caliber talent again. Such was the trepidation I held when Rich Rodriguez was hired and it saddens me to think this will now come to pass.
DonAZ
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 6:40 p.m.
At some point we have to ask why Michigan has been plagued by so many injuries. Size is one issue. But poor techniques and sloppy execution is another. And that's a coaching issue.
3 And Out
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 6:29 p.m.
Interesting photo at the top. Once again D Rob has Rich Rod's back. Without D Rob we would have had 3 wins this year, so at least Rod has that guy going for him.
3 And Out
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 6:28 p.m.
Perfect storm of excuses. That...and a perfect storm of poor coaching, poor recruiting, and people full of themselves thinking that they needed to reinvent the wheel of which they totally failed.
Blueman Rick
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 6:25 p.m.
RR will be back at his office on Monday cleaning out his desk.
George Peng
Sat, Nov 27, 2010 : 6:21 p.m.
It's difficult to imagine that Brandon will see this in Rodriguez' favor, especially if UM loses its bowl game, the game in which its already backing into. I actually think RR is a good coach who is simply not matched well to the job. In a lot of places, his gadget-y offense would work fine, and the 3-3-5 would probably work. But not in the Big Ten. And his offense, for all of the yards its rolled up, always looks like its a half-step from spinning out of control, on top of requiring a superhuman QB to run effectively. It's simply too patchy a setup to work in a conference that requires the ability to bludgeon and dictate terms to opposing defenses. That said, it's going to be difficult for Brandon to see the "progress" he demands from the program. While the win total has increased, there simply aren't any quality win against quality opponents in there. And when faced with quality opposition, the offense has been exposed as terribly erratic, and the defense nearly nonexistent. And of course, it doesn't help that the offense has to go the extra 20-30 yards to score in the absence of a viable kicking game. I think its highly probable that RR is gone, and I'm sure he knows this by now. I wish him well and that he finds a spot better suited to his talents and philosophy.