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Posted on Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 2:45 p.m.

Top 5 observations from Michigan football team's 42-37 win over UMass

By Pete Bigelow

The Michigan football team hoped to find a few answers against UMass on Saturday. Instead, the Wolverines only raised more questions.

They survived a 42-37 scare, but dropped one spot to No. 21 in the AP Top 25 poll and left fans wondering which Michigan defense is for real -- the one that stifled UConn in the season opener or the one that broke against UMass.

Here's a look at the top 5 Michigan football observations following Saturday's game:

kyle havens sack.jpg

Mike Martin's sack of UMass quarterback Kyle Havens on Saturday was Michigan's second sack in three games.

Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com

1. NO PRESSURE ON QUARTERBACKS

There are a lot of ways to critique the Michigan defense after it allowed 439 yards against FCS foe UMass.

One of the bigger concerns should be the lack of a pass rush. Defensive tackle Mike Martin sacked UMass quarterback Kyle Havens once, but that was one of the few times the Wolverines touched him Saturday.

Michigan has registered two sacks in three games. No one expects the Wolverines to replace Brandon Graham, but they need to get creative and generate a pass rush.

If they don’t, Indiana QB Ben Chappell will pick them apart in two weeks.

2. NO REST FOR WEARY

Don’t tell me the Wolverines didn’t hope to rest key starters Saturday following their slugfest in South Bend. Denard Robinson especially needed and deserved a break, but that didn’t happen. It’s a lose-lose. He didn’t rest, and Michigan didn’t get a chance to involve Devin Gardner and/or Tate Forcier in the offense.

Three games into the season, Forcier hasn’t played. Any chance that Rich Rodriguez redshirts the sophomore and keeps him around for an additional year on the back end of his college career?

3. STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE WILTING

At the beginning of the season, it looked like the strength of Michigan’s schedule was strong at the start of the season, with games against UConn and Notre Dame.

But Temple trounced UConn (1-2) on Saturday, 30-16. Notre Dame (1-2) lost at Michigan State, 34-31, in overtime.

So far, the most impressive win by a Michigan opponent just might be UMass’ 27-23 over William & Mary, ranked No. 13 in the FCS poll.

4. FOURTH-QUARTER FADES

So far this season, the Wolverines are jumping out on top of opponents quickly, beating them 35-10 in first-quarter scoring. In fact, they’ve outscored their opponents through three quarters.

But opponents have outscored U-M when it counts most, in the fourth quarter, 27-20. The Wolverines’ offense has scored 63 first-half points compared to 37 in the second half.

At some point, they need to become a second-half team. 5. RUSH TO RANK

Last week, Rich Rodriguez said he thought there shouldn’t be an AP poll until October, and I’m right there with him.

Voters rushed the Wolverines into the Top 25 last week after the team started the season with back-to-back wins over UConn and Notre Dame, debuting U-M at No. 20.

Following their 42-37 escape against UMass, Michigan fell one spot to No. 21. Always an awkward decision, dropping a team after a win. Had voters had a fuller body of work to examine, they wouldn’t be in that position in the first place.

Pete Bigelow can be reached at (734) 623-2556, via email at petebigelow@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.

Comments

Jay Allen

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 11:17 a.m.

Instead of you Kool-Aid guys coming in here with passion and nothing factual to back up your rhetoric, let's look a little deeper. On 97.1 "The Ticket" the question was asked: Denard or Pryor. Their recruiting hype was discussed and their speed was examined. The question is NOT one or the other, but how can one ONLY survive in the "spread" and the other does very well in a far more "conventional" offense? The answer there is simple. Then to the defense, please, find me ONE defense other than U of M that employs the 3-3-5 -AND- then find me one that WON a championship with it. The answer there is simple. Both the offense used and the defensive "scheme" (using that term loosely BTW) are gimics. Just like trick plays or these weird formations. Just like Michael Vick. He is a TREMENDOUS athlete but this is not track and field. Other than a card game in his cell, tell me ANYTHING he has won. I will say again. Lloyd Carr was run off. The boosters were not happy with 10-2 or 9-3 and losing a bowl game. It became old and stale and thus the BOOSTERS got with Martin and Lloyd was run off. Lloyd was handed some meaningless position in the "athletic" office to appease the Lloyd fans. Lloyd remained on staff until this past spring. Ask yourself, why did he leave? 10-2 and any New Year's Bowl looks good as can be now. Those with deep pockets should keep their mouth shut because be careful what you ask for. It may come true.......

GoblueinNE_PA

Tue, Sep 21, 2010 : 5:16 a.m.

Navy was a bowl team in 09, not a 1-AA team. No comparison, IMO.

Skipit3

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 8:54 p.m.

Corrections to my previous post: OSU struggled with Navy in 09 and with Marshall in 04.

Skipit3

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 8:34 p.m.

Jaxon5: "It's way too early to declare this season a success." Well, It's way too early to declare this season a failure! All of you Naysayers, remember how OSU struggled with Youngstown State last year and barely won against Marshall the year before? What happened next? They improved their game as the season progressed and still managed to win the Big 10. At this stage of the season, all teams are fine tuning their games. It will get better for some teams and worse for others. What we see now is not necessarily an indication of how the remainder of the season will unfold. Yet, we have all these folks that already have their own prejudice against the coach coming out of their holes pressing the panic button and declaring the season a failure already. Get a hold of yourselves people! As one poster wrote, last year is last year; this is 2010. The past is not always an indication of the present nor the future. All game predictions are futile and a waste of precious time. Anything can happen on any given Saturday, just my opinion!

GoblueinNE_PA

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 7:21 p.m.

@Loka Ummm, that's what I said. We put them in a position where they had to come from behind and we got after them. Not sure what your point is.

3 And Out

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 6:47 p.m.

@Dwins...what Harbaugh said about our academic standards for the football program is true, and is backed up by the numbers. He spoke the truth and has high expectations for his alma mater. In addition, he has been able to recruit very high achieving athetes both on and off the field at one of the most demanding programs academically in the country...and he is winning and dominating in some aspects... He backs up what he says... with action. RR, conversely...does not....anyone remember his comments last season about how the team had the highest GPA in school history.....?? which turned out to be false...lol....and how many of his vaunted recruits have not even qualified and bounce out....quite a lot actually...just go ask Demarr Dorsey... etc.... and where is the APR going under RR? down down down... so RR speaks but doesnt back it up.... that is the difference between the two men. It could not be more clear than that. peace and Go Blue!

Yelmonian

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 6:44 p.m.

Hey, This RR sucks... no you're a Walmart Wolverine if you don't support the coach... I support the school, not the coach... It's Lloyds' fault... You're either all in, or nothing banter is getting old. What we all really want to know... how's the big water bottle caper played out?

Hkrueg16

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 6:26 p.m.

Does anyone know how are poor defense will match up against ben chappel and indiana? Also are run defense was terrible against umass and i think umass's run game resembles michigan states as in of play calling and design. now knowing michigan state is way better at what they do then umass how will we stop themm??!!

Jaxon5

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 6:24 p.m.

Not only are people drinking Koolaid, they're drinking flavors Purplesaurus Rex and Great Bluedini. I'm sticking with the original Raspberry, Cherry, and Grape. It's way too early to declare this season a success.

clarklaker

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 5:25 p.m.

Harbaugh in 2011 and bring the 4-3

Kubrick66

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 4:34 p.m.

"3 And Out haters: I predicted UMass 37-35 and I was 7 points away from being right. That should scare the heck out of you." Ah, no comment.

3 And Out

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 4:12 p.m.

I think we will still beat B Green this week...something like 38-20 or so...BG doesnt have much and our finesse offense usually does fairly well with teams from smaller conferences who may not have as many athletes who can play in space.

Lokalisierung

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 4:06 p.m.

"that UConn game and our defense. It looked good, not only because UConn stunk,..." Well it did not look good. Giving up 4.6 yards per rush to that team isn't exactly a ringing endoresment. DR was running all over them so they abandoned the run and went to all passing, which did them in.

umgoblue47

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 4 p.m.

the d is horrible,no question about that. but some poster's have to beat there chest, slam there fist, stomp there feet to let us know that they are the chosen one to lead us out across the football field to the promised goal line. they some how can gaze into the future and pick what the score is going to be and know what is best for all uofm fans... this team is not going to win all there game's and if we don't have an 7-5-8-4 with a bowl we will have a new coach... period... i for one do not need the anoited one to show me the way!!! BO BLUE...

3 And Out

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 2:55 p.m.

3 And Out haters: I predicted UMass 37-35 and I was 7 points away from being right. That should scare the heck out of you. RR is a bad coach for Michigan. We need to get rid of him before we move forward. Everything factual backs this up. But keep dreaming and hating on those like myself who just call it like it is...Go Blue!

GoblueinNE_PA

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 2:51 p.m.

One thing to remember WRT that UConn game and our defense. It looked good, not only because UConn stunk, but because we OWNED the time of possession. We had, what, 4 drives of 80 yds+ and one of these we held the ball for close to 9 minutes. When you can do that, your defense looks fresh and is able to get after an offense trying to get itself back in the game. As happened last year, teams will make adjustments to our offense, we're already seeing it, and Michigan will lose the TOP battle. So, the "Quick Strike" ability of our offense ends up being a liability as our defense ends up trudging back on the field w/o a rest. We end up collapsing in the 4th quarter because the defense is tired. It's what's "wrong" with that offense. It's what's wrong with most, if not all, spread offenses. Teams using the spread lose the TOP battle and their defense pay the price. As for those calling for Will Campbell, he's not going to see the field much w/Martin in place. They play the same position. If we were in a 4-3, you could put Martin and Campbell on the field together, but Campbell can't play the end position in this gawd awful 3-3-5 (or 3-4 if we went to that). Why we don't use a 4-3 with those two guys in the middle is beyond me. BTW, ask your self this, are we better now than we were 3 years ago? The answer, unequivocably, is no.

umgoblue47

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 2:31 p.m.

all poster's that don't like rr are not necessarily hater's. there are a couple of poster's with very anti-michigan screen names who i will never respect or take serisley there post's... if you love michigan football support the coach's and the team, if we don't have a winning season and a bowl rr will be gone and we will get a new coach and i will support who ever that is and the team 110% just like i support the current coach's and team. if the d can catch up to the o this team will be hard to beat... GO BLUE...

BornInA2

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 2:15 p.m.

"Haters are not worth my time" Is that your list of what RR has done for us? Tater? Anyone? You all say he needs more time, but the first players he brought here are juniors now. And when our true sophomore QB goes down does he put in our other true sophomore QB? No, he burns the redshirt of a true freshman who could have been a great starting QB for TWO years after Tate and Denard leave (presuming they both last four years). Yes the team is young and inexperienced, but in year three that's on RR, not Carr or anyone else. RR hired the D coordinator that he subsequently fired. So if he fires GRob do we give him another three years to get the D together? So very, very sick and tired of Kool Aid quaffing RR apologists.

BornInA2

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 1:50 p.m.

@Dwins: Please provide a list of positive, notable accomplishments by this coach in his nearly three years on campus. I come up pretty much empty, which is why I'm critical. In my opinion, he's been a train wreck since he arrived and immediately fired the entire coaching staff.

Lokalisierung

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 1:47 p.m.

"And please don't say "just like last year". That argument is tired and old." What's tired and old is not learning anything from the past, and thinking this is the new era of Michigan Football. it may, it might not be. Constantly stating, "We're 3-0, yea!" and not caring that the same thing happend last year is a little weak.

Dwinschampionships

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 1:40 p.m.

BorninA2: Sad state of affairs? The team is 3-0 and ranked in the Top 25. And please don't say "just like last year". That argument is tired and old. Let the team play its games with full support of its fan base. Some of your posts make me ashamed to be a Michigan fan. Please support the team and the coach. The fact is RR can do nothing to satisfy certain people. If those people rather have Jim Harbaugh as their coach then go cheer for Stanford, because RR isn't going anywhere. He is the future of Michigan football. You all just better get use to it.

BornInA2

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 12:35 p.m.

@Dwins: Yes, that's the kind of person I want. He has high standards, calls it as he sees it, and takes personal accountability for himself and his teams. I'd take a coach like that and 9-4 over RR and his Keystone Kops and 5-7 with one Big 10 win. Heck, I'd take a coach like that and 5-7 over RR and 5-7. Don't delude yourself: It seems to me that RR has a massive, self-serving ego. He is his own first priority, otherwise we'd hear him taking responsibility for this sad state of affairs.

michboy40

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 12:23 p.m.

If you skip posts by 3 and out, macabresunset, and nobowl this blog is easier to keep track of, and much more indicative of the Michigan fan base. Also, tater and theo's posts, but for the opposite reason. Not so much theo...while his opinion is wildly optomistic at least he doesn't write a freakin novel in every post. I think are D stinks, but we are in the second year of a new coordinator (the third in five years), coupled with attrition especially at CB, and safety. That is the simple and obvious reason why we don't perform. No coach is going to come in and change that over night, so while I'm not at all happy with our D, changing coaches is not the answer. Greg Robinson has assembled Super Bowl winning D's in the past, so he did not get stupid over night, he just needs stability and time to get players. If we fire him, we are back at square one with no guarantee that the next coordinator will be any better. STAY THE COURSE!! SUPPORT THE COACHES AND TEAM!!

Sean T.

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 12:18 p.m.

Txmaizenblue, I totally agree with your post though I believe that our defensive talent is not as bad as you may think. It's scheme! Many folks don't want to buy the fact that defense wins championships, not necessarily being the best defense but playing sound defense. Greg Robinson is a good Defensive Coordinator but he's not allowed to play his type of football. Name a national champion that uses a 3-3-5 as their base defense or take in the fact that by design it doesn't have a "front seven". G-Robinson rushes only 3 guys to compensate for the lack of competent coverage guys in the secondary but what really happens is; you have more guys running around in the secondary that are confused. They should let Craig Roh put his hand down every play and let him rush the QB until his legs fall off. Robinson's forte was putting pressure on the QB, so they should scrap the 3-3-5 and go back to what at least made them somewhat successful when they ran a 4-3. I was so happy that our offense spread the rock a little more last Saturday but it was against UMASS who was inferior in athleticism on the defensive side of the ball. UMASS forced us to pass by blitzing and held our WR's pretty good in space. What that tells me is when we play against teams with good defensive fronts, we are gonna struggle offensively, no matter how good Denard is. Until our offense plays against a good defensive team, we are a "One Trick Pony" with a poor defense and that won't take us very far. On to next week!

Dwinschampionships

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 12:07 p.m.

Harbaugh, in his first year as Stanford coach, told the San Francisco Chronicle in May: "Michigan is a good school and I got a good education there, but the athletic department has ways to get borderline guys in, and when they're in, they steer them to courses in sports communications. They're adulated when they're playing, but when they get out, the people who adulated them won't hire them." So this is the coach you want at Michigan? I'm pretty sure he was talking about Coach Carr's teams. "He's not a Michigan man," Wolverine running back Mike Hart, right, told Angelique S. Chengelis of the Detroit News. "I wish he had never played here, but it is what it is." I agree Mr. Hart, but all the haters want him as the next coach... RR supports Michigan. Please lets support him.

Jay Allen

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 11:51 a.m.

To ALL of you that STILL drink the watered down Koo-Aid that is being served, can crow be under cooked? That is the question. I 100% sick to death of the 1st Grade mentality that is shown when you blast US as fans who critique and criticize the coach. Just because we criticize the coach does not withdraw us from being fans. If that is all that you have, we may shop at Wal-Mart according to one of the disciples, but new at Wal-Mart is better than washed used clothes at Salvation Army. And that is ALL that we have. Used recycled offense from University of nowhere and a defense that could not stop a D-1AA school. The defense is worse than horrible. Did any of you listen to 1050AM this morning? Even the BIGGEST homers in ALL of AA were blasting the U of M defense. UConn which IS over rated (and argued here on this board by a bunch of Kool-Aid drinkers that UConn was all that) was just beaten by Temple. UConn cut through us with their QB launching up ducks. Yes we won, only because UConn has not learned 7th Grade tackling yet. ND should have beaten us. They had back up QB's in for 1.5 quarters and it STILL took U of M a late drive to win. The Irish (God I hate'em) racked up 547 yards of offense. Think about that, 547 yards of offense. That right there should be enough to jolt you into reality. UMass ran the ball methodically. If any of you are not smart enough to SEE what UMass did, then stop posting. Just stop. Someone posted that U of M controlled UMass and made them slow down? Really? UMass threw the ball fast and then ran the ball. They threw short and then ran the ball. UMass's coach OUT COACHED RR and if UMass had U of M talent, we would have been blown out. They had 439 yards (I think, I know it was over 400 yds) of offense. A 1-AA school got 400+ yards and yet the Kool-Aid fountains still flow. As far as the offense goes, we have ( 1 ) great player and a band of average players. If anything happens to Denard, we may go winless for the rest of the year. There is NOTHING good about the offense other than Denard. Outback Bowl? A New year's day bowl? You folks are crazy. But do let me know if crow can be under cooked and what flavor of Kool-Aid you drink with crow.

Lokalisierung

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 11:41 a.m.

"Last year was last year. This year is this year." Right, you asked the question and I gave my thoughts on it. How many wins does he need to gain respect? He needs a lot. No one should be embracing RR future here yet, as he hasn't done anything different than last year which was a very bad year.

BornInA2

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 11:31 a.m.

For 2.5 quarters on Saturday we got picked apart by a QB who was accurate and receivers who were making catches. We managed to win the game because that mysteriously fell apart in the late 3rd and 4th qtrs, on some luck at the end of the first half, and because their 1-AA defense tired at the end of the game and we were able to run some. Come on, guys, this was a 1-AA team. We have people here saying "we're back" for the second year in a row after beating three unranked teams. Is this our new level of success/expectation? Good grief, how far we've fallen from the Big 2/Little 8 days. And Tater, please provide for us a list of tangible positive accomplishments by this no-result, unaccountable coach you love so much. All I see is a slow-motion consistent train wreck of seasons where undersized, poorly coached kids take the field while a scowling chump of a coach roams the sidelines and screams at them as they come off the field. We can't kick. How do you NOT recuit a good kicker? The place kicker is usually the highest scoring player on the field? FAIL We can't play defense. We run a scheme that looks like a swiss cheese against a 1-AA team. FAIL Our offense hinges on how many yards one player rolls up. How is this going to work against ranked teams? Limited success. Our D is clearly tired in the 2nd half against unranked teams. I don't care how strong you are, if your rushing against a guy 50 pounds heavier than you, you will be get TIRED. Barwis? Bah. FAIL Year three and we can't catch punts. FAIL Year three and we still can't tackle. FAIL Year three and we still have no secondary. FAIL These things are not the fine points, they are fundamentals and should NOT take three years to coach. FAIL Sorry Tater, winning three games against unranked teams is not success in my book, it's how Michigan football works. Two losing seasons: Unacceptable. NCAA violations: Unacceptable. Not honoring contracts: Unacceptable. Recuiting criminals and academic failures: Unacceptable. Blaming other coaches and the players for the head coach's failures: Unacceptable. I do want the team to win. And every time they win I notice this twinge in my stomach that I'll have to put up with RR for another season. If he's allowed to stay he may eventually field a winning team, but that won't change my assessment of his integrity and ethics: He's no Michigan Man. The more I see of Harbaugh and his teams, the more I like the guy. No nonsense, calls it as he sees it, succeeding in an environment of high academic standards, flexes his approach to match the skill of his players, holding himself accountable, and winning. That is a Michigan Man.

Dwinschampionships

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 11:31 a.m.

Loka: Last year was last year. This year is this year.

Chase

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 11:30 a.m.

They Have No Players from Tranfers and injuries!!!!!!! Carvin Johnson, probably out a few weeks after suffering a sprained knee against UConn.) The thin and young secondary had lost six other players in the past two years Troy Woolfolk (injury), Justin Turner (transfer), Demar Dorsey (not admitted for academics), Adrian Witty (not admitted for academics), Boubacar Cissoko (kicked off) and Donovan Warren (left early for NFL). Jared Van Slyke, a third-year sophomore who would miss the opener with a broken clavicle. Injuries hurt Michigan football team's linebacking corps, defensive end transfers, The Michigan football team lost two linebackers Saturday, one probably for the season and one for a few days. Backup Mike Jones broke a leg against Notre Dame and coach Rich Rodriguez said Monday that Jones will probably not play again this season. Brandon Herron sprained an ankle, Defensive end Anthony LaLota asked for and received his release from Michigan on Monday. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive end redshirted last season and had not played this year.

Lokalisierung

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 11:19 a.m.

What does this team need to do to earn your respect? They are 3-0. How many wins will it take for you to embrace RR? They were 3-0 last year too. I wouldn't take tooo mnay bad things away from this. They used it as a practice game for DR. We all know he can run, so i expect to see his passing go up for the next game also. To me the main thing to take away is a division II team, or whatever they are, ripped thru their D with little stopping them. To beat a really good team, they are going to have to score a ton of points, becasue they are going to give up a ton. of course if DR just runs it everytime that could happen.

Dwinschampionships

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 10:53 a.m.

The Headline should read "Top 5 NEGATIVE observations from Michigan's football teams 42-37 win over UMass" The most important thing that happened Saturday is that UM came away with a victory. Everyone on the defense knows they played horrible and expect them to come out with the fire I saw against UCONN. Greg Robinson needs to let these kids play. They need to shut the run down and play man to man. These young kids are way to inexperienced to play zone. Blitz every play and hit hard. The defense doesn't need to win the game. It just can't lose it. 3 and Out: What does this team need to do to earn your respect? They are 3-0. How many wins will it take for you to embrace RR? What does he need to do this year to keep his job? Or should DB fire now?

Txmaizenblue

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 10:35 a.m.

Denard & the offensive line have saved this team so far this year. It's been great to watch, but if you are a Michigan fan you have seen some scary signs that point to a troublesome Big Ten schedule. Pete did not even have to write point #1...it's been a ridiculous reality. People can huff and puff all they want about it being related to a 3 man front. That's BS. There are plenty of 3 man rushes that are recording sacks every game. Van Burden (intended spelling) is a waste of space. The dude has 1, that's right 1, solo tackle after 3 games. Banks is equally unimpressive. Martin is the only one making penetration. So yes, I guess we should expect as much from a one-man rush. Wisconsin and Ohio State are going eat that defensive front up for lunch on the ground. What's the deal with Will Campbell? I thought he was supposed to be something? Where is he even at? The defense is just depressing. I mean if you have a walk-on being one of you best defensive players, what does that say about your defense? I'm not sure what to blame...we always want to blame something. I think Greg Robinson is a good defensive coordinator, but is that talent on that side of the ball really that sad and deficient? I'm afraid it is. I'm also afraid Denard's going to have to pull off 600 yds of offense to beat some of our Big Ten foes. ps. Bowling Green is no cupcake, by any means. I don't know what to think of them? They waxed Marshall...a team that took West Virgina to OT, yet they lost to Tulsa? It just goes to show you - any given Saturday. Michigan needs to come out swinging this Saturday. I don't buy into the "wore out from the tuff ND game bull." That is such garbage. The truth is they came out thinking this was an easy win. No matter how many times the coaches preached otherwise, no matter how many times they heard about App. St. They still figured this would be an easy win. And once a team comes out - that you think will be a push-over, and punches you in the mouth, it's not so easy to hit a switch and say "okay, we were wrong let's play now".

Skipit3

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 9:43 a.m.

@chiro19 Florida has already beaten Tennessee 31-17. All predictions are futile and a waste of time, just my opinion.

wolver4ever

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 9:41 a.m.

Lets face it Um defense has not been very good since Jim Herman was the Defensive coordinator. Lou Holts talked about the days he was at ND and no matter what kind of record Um had you knew the defense was well coached and came to hit. Since that time, the last thing you want is for a close game to come down to hoping the defensive can hold. If a big guy like Campbell is not on the field, that should tell you something. We are not seeing practice, something must really be missing in his play. There is not 1 NFL draft pick on that defense

Kevin James

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 9:41 a.m.

Pete touched on the fourth quarter issue but didn't take it nearly far enough. This was an issue for him at West Virginia as well and is directly attributed to his offense. He runs a D1AA offense and it doesn't hold up over the course of a game as defensive coordinators figure it out by half time and make adjustment. It also doesn't help that he has always had D1AA defenses to go with it that wear down after three quarters. Of course UMass proved to all those watching that their D1AA offense was bigger and faster than UM's defense and they don't hold a candle to any Big Ten offense, even a bad one. They might not win a conference game this year.

chiro19

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 9:24 a.m.

I am trying to really figure this game out and it is tough if you take into account all the aspects of what was going on. There is no doubt that michigans dfense was not good. They had a let down mentally after the ND game. The offense can score at any point any where! Denard is a much better passer than previously thought. The dline was suppose to be an asset and it is a liability, in my opinion they need to play the next game with a cover 2 or tampa 2 in the 3-3-5 scheme. If it doesnt work well who cares because you gave up the same amount of points any way. If it does work then you know your CBs can be left to defend alone with deep zone help and that frees up your linebackers to blitz, go into zone in the middle, or anything else. The game on saturday does not scare me because there where some fluky plays that cost them points that you typically dont see. The bigger concern is giving up the yards they give up. Great job though with take aways again and good job protecting the ball except for denards only mistake this year. We all are forgetting to that this team has quite a few FBS transfers from last year so athletically speaking they are not bad. The biggest suprise is the 37 I was thinking more like 17 or 24. My prediction for the bowling green game is that mich will be mentally refocused and the d plays better (mich wins 55-17). Most of the points given up are by 2 string in the 4th. Denard runs for 145 and 2 touchdowns and throws for 285 and 2 touchdowns. Shaw has another big game with 150 plus rushing yards. Watch for the dline to play a lot better and get confidence before the indiana game! My other prediction is that tennessee knocks off florida at home! Go Blue

Thaddeus

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 9:01 a.m.

The problem with the defense is this, we are not attacking enough. There is a reason Jordan Kovacs gets all of the tackles...they are twenty yards down the field. Plus, we are using players who are not that good, but have seniority. Greg Banks should not be starting, nor should Rogers, Kovacs, or Ezeh. We should find a way to get Big Will and Frosh #55 on the field. We should use Marvin and Furman and keep Thomas Gordon on the field. Blitz, blitz, blitz from the 3-3-5 that is what should be happening. It is not. Greg Robinson should be replaced mid-season. Starting lineup should look like this: Line: Martin, Van Bergen, Campbell Backers: Mouton, Demens, Roh DBacks: Floyd, Christian, Gordon, Gordon, Robinson Even if they get beat quite a bit, at least we will go down fighting, not bending and breaking

heartbreakM

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 8:21 a.m.

Skipit3: I agree that constant coaching turnover is not good for the program and it is a problem. Because of that, I think the admins at UM have been patient with Rodriguez's on and off field results. But your premise about "instant results" I think is not quite right. Unfortunately for RR, he came into a program with continuous success (defined as bowl appearances, above.500 records, B10 championships). I have argued since LC's last Rose Bowl loss that M has needed retooling and tweaking, but not overhaul. RR's approach has been "throw out the old and bring in the new", even though the old was working well (though not top of the heap) Why do you assume that we need 'instant results'? Just maintaining status quo results-wise is something that RR has not done (*with this year's results still to be determined, but at least 3-0). RR's hire has potentially done more damage than good begging the question: was it necessary to completely change everything? You can look at Harbaugh's results at Stanford where they were really struggling and started with nothing, and he has had very impressive results so far with steady improvement. I am not so sure about RR's results, but again, this year may turn out to prove me wrong. But the point of this article was to point out problems and successes of M this year, and it is not too different than the past 2 seasons, and that is not encouraging.

umgoblue47

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 8:16 a.m.

skipit3... great post... he picked uconn, nd and umass as lose's... what is that saying? (3) strikes AND you are OUT... GO BLUE...

81wolverine

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 7:37 a.m.

This Michigan team will fall apart in the Big Ten schedule if our defense continues to play like this. I agree, putting pressure on the QB is going to be a key. Whenever we DID do that this season, it's worked very well. I think the coaches are a little scared to do it because of the lousy DB's. But, it's either that or let the other team's QB sit back there and burn us with completion after completion. I think we need to take some chances on the blitz's and greatly increase the frequency of pass rushes. The front 3 aren't getting it done right now. Also, I think they need to stop screwing around with Will Campbell and get him into the rotation regularly. Maybe he's more of a game player vs. a practice player. Give him a chance. When I have seen him out there, he's looked darn good for the most part. When is Michigan ever going to find good linebackers again? Ever since David Harris left, the position play has gone drastically downhill. I'd have to guess Michigan has the worst linebacking in the Big Ten. However, I think Craig Roh is good, but more of a pass rusher and less of a pass defender. He should be rushing the QB most of the time. What was disappointing the most about the U-Mass game was the bad run defense. Their RB's continually broke containment and ran around our defense with no one there to make the tackle. Also, no adjustments were made the entire game. U-Mass was just as successful doing it in the latter 4th quarter as they were in the 1st. I'd give our defense and def. coaches a big E grade for this game. We must see a better effort next week, or the same thing that happened next year in the Big Ten WILL happen again.

A2D2

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 7:27 a.m.

Who's better? Their D or our O? It's a team game.

ChelseaBob

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 7:25 a.m.

I went to Michigan and I've been to 24 UM/OSU games in a row. I am a fan. I want RR gone regardless of whether he wins or not this year, and I have lots of company. We need someone with class who cares about the kids and academics. And can also win. We were spoiled because we had that for 100 years, but now that we don't. True Michigan men want it back. Jim Harbaugh come home.

Fan

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 7:23 a.m.

Sockdologer: 3 wins and no loses!

Skipit3

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 7:22 a.m.

On another note, for those of you pressing for coach change, have you learned anything from Notre Dame, Washington, and a few other teams? Those teams are in the gutter a little longer than normal because of changing coaches like one would change underwear. It may or may not become necessary for Michigan to replace RR at some point, but you guys have been calling for his head eversince his first year. Rebuilding a program and changing it to a totally new system may take more than 3 to 4 years. But you want instant results. For your information, this is not a microwave oven.

Skipit3

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 7:04 a.m.

3 And Out, According to you, you have a deep wolverine root. However, the only issue I and perhaps many others have with you is that you take pleasure and actually hope for the team to fail this year and beyond under RR just to prove your point. It's ok to hate RR and have no confidence in him; that's your choice, but it's not ok to be so negative about the team. I must confess that my faith on the team has shaken quite a bit after Saturday's performance against UMass. However, I'm still "all in for Michigan". You don't wish bad things to happen to family members because they don't do things your way, do you? Before the season started, you predicted losses to both UConn & Notre Dame. Those losses have not materialized, have they? What makes you think that we will lose most of the remaining games as you are now predicting? Looking at the other Big 10 teams playing so far, the only team that has been consistently good is OSU. We can expect all those other teams to improve as the season progresses and we can expect our team to improve as well. This is a week to week deal, one game at a time; anything can happen on any given Saturday. Who's to say that UMass would not have given even OSU a hard time this past Saturday? Please get a hold of yourself and be a true fan. I don't know whether or not our players ever read comments posted on this board; your constant negative comments certainly would not be helpful in boosting up their confidence if they did.

A2D2

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 7:04 a.m.

I was there, just like every home game........and it felt weird, just like last year. You had that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. You know,that "here we go again" feeling.. I truly feel like the entire coaching staff and team chose to overlook UMass. Nothing encouraging. I didn't see a gameplan, or a thought given to the Minutemen. It was almost like, "we're Michigan, and because we're Michigan we're going to chew you up and spit you out.". If BGSU keeps it close against us on Saturday, then it's really time to panic.

KeepingItReal

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 6:40 a.m.

After watching M fir three games, I have three observations to make. I hope M scores a lot of points of offense. It's offense is going to be its best defense. Secondly, M's defense is is horrible as the commenters have noted but what I'm truly dissappointed in is Barwis promised this "new age" conditioning program in which M players would "wear" out the other team and would have the advantage in the 4th quarter. This is the third year of Barwis program and for the life of me I haven't seem evidence of this new age conditioning. Whatever happen to just good old fashion hard work. Just goes to show that you can sell anything to anybody if they are desperate enough. As a defensive unit, M looks undersized and tired in the fourth quarter. This does not look good when they play MSU, OSU and Yes, Wisconsin.

OSUbeBetter

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 4:01 a.m.

3,3,5 in most of its forms is a Prevent D. Little to no pass rush, Average run stopage, and the D backs are making the majority of the tackles. 3 down linemen, 3 line backers, so on the play side there is only one down lineman to take care of (Asuming the center ties up the nose tackle) and 2 linebackers. So pull a back side guard on a simple HS trap and now you have 3 o linemen, a full back and a Slot/wing/tight end, thats 5 on 3 and free running into the secondary all day long. now if the safties/OLB's adjust up, now you have a WR standing alone on the backside waiting for the ball. Its simple numbers game, and the 335 makes it all that much easier.

Kristian

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 12:02 a.m.

3 and out makes me sick and i do believe he is not a U of M fan what so ever in fact i believe he is a OSU fan or MSU fan becuase i have read posts by all you rediculous supposed Michigan fans for quite some time and i thought it was time i got in on this...first id like to say that everyone who thinks that RR should be fired becuase the defense sucks is an ignorant idiot and should just not post on here anymore becuase if a defense does bad its RR who makes the calls and coaches them ITS GREG ROBINSON and company on that side of the ball. so if anyone should be fired at the end of the year its them...actually i think it should be our secondary coach because he obviously does not know how to coach them they are terrible. Though i do realize our secondary is young and has lack of depth there is no excuse to give opposing recievers 10 yards of separation...

sandi

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 11:27 p.m.

k i will say this i am a diehard michigan fan but if they dont start off stronger they will not win no games and be home again for the bowl season you best to belive ohio state is licking there chops and they now they will beat michigan again so michigan needs to tighten up the d and tackle better umass are u kidding if it was ohio state they would have blew out umass

rico2458

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 11:20 p.m.

I like michigan yes the d is not very good but i tell you this michigan can beat any team on any given saturday not all the time but any given saturday

Papabear151

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 9:59 p.m.

Lots of typos in there, sorry distracted, should be winning and spread team*

Papabear151

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 9:55 p.m.

Tater, bash all you want but the simple fact is that real fans want their team to win regardless of coach, not a coach to be there regardless of outcome. I think you just don't understand what a "Bandwagon" fan is. Bandwagon fans are fans of something only because it is popular or the in thing, for sports it is when a team is losing. By these people merely posting while the team is still losing, whether it be to praise or criticize, shows that they are NOT in fact bandwagon fans. Some of us just actually want Michigan to win while others, like yourselves, are OK with MAC level mediocrity. And... bring our program to the right century? Because the NC last year went to a spring team, because the NFL still uses the spread? No, sorry, but a good powerful old style offense still has enough crush and style to overcome any defense. And any defense can play against the spread if trained properly. The simple thing is this, its not spread offense vs pro offense, its offense versus defense and while it may be easier to get more results out of a spread team (you can use more mediocre players) when you have the right players in the key positions a pro style offense will ALWAYS be better.

3 And Out

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 9:52 p.m.

btw...did any of you guys hear the whistle blow on Martin's sack? I know I heard it on TV and the entire UMass team including the QB seemed to hold up thinking the play was dead and then Martin got the sack...not to take anything away from the play but wasnt that a weird play... where did the whistle come from?

Danny

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 9:49 p.m.

At the very least, we are going to need a new defensive codinator, and fast? RR would make a great offensive coordinator, however not keeping track of the defense is his fault. Let's go after Bud Foster from Virginia Tech. He is in a rebuilding year at Tech so are we. Let him rebuild at U of M! I think the next few weeks will have Schembeckler rolling over in his grave. DEFENSE!!!! Unless a miracle happens on defense, we better score at least 40 points per game (WHICH WE ARE CAPABLE OF DOING)and hope the other teams are sick with the flu,suspended or keep triping over the white lines. By the way, I made a lot of money with Walmart, thanks for the compliment. GO BLUE

3 And Out

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 9:49 p.m.

hey hearbreak.... good post with one correction: RR was 3-9 his first year at UM... Tressel won the NC in his second and many other good coaches have turned around their programs by year 2 or 3... our 3-0 right now is the most thinly veiled 3-0 since...well...last year actually and we all know how that turned out.

3 And Out

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 9:45 p.m.

The way Coach Dantonio has MSU on an upswing... and he does.... with the potential of beating us 3 years in a row... in addition to all of the other problems that our football program has...all Wolverines need to take a deep look at our leadership and decide whether this guy and his staff are the one's to get us through the problems that they have created here (or have occured her in their tenure). I personally do not see it. There is no progress other than the one superstar in D Rob who is fantastic. Our kids are great kids, but they lack coaching and scheme on both sides of the ball. Im sticking to 5-7 this year...maybe 6-7 if they eke in to a bowl and lose....is that what you want this year? Are these the guys that you think can take this program up to compete with MSU, OSU, PSU, Wisky, Iowa and now Nebraska too? Not likely at all. WE need a change after this year.

azwolverine

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 9:01 p.m.

Hey folks, don't try to argue against intolerant ignorance with facts. I think most of you know what I'm talking about.

Jaxon5

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 8:58 p.m.

How anyone can declare Michigan is in a bowl and then to say it's either the Capital One or Outback bowl is beyond comprehension. Great article Pete. It's pointing out some things we might not have fully considered. The 4th quarter scoring is a big issue because in the UConn game Michigan had a lead and it wasn't close. The other two were close games and the other teams could score when they needed to score. So, in two of the three games, opponents could score easily when it counted in the fourth quarter. Strength of schedule is an important issue because it's not a strength after three games. These teams are not as good as originally thought, and Michigan struggled with two of them. There is a lot of room for improvement.

heartbreakM

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 8:46 p.m.

One more thing in response to Tater (who won't respond with facts because he/she never does): Let's compare Tressel to RR: Both followed coaches who were overwhelmingly successful except against OSU/UM and in bowl games. Both had mediocre first years as coaches: JT was 7-5 and RR was 5-7 (though JT finished the season with 5 straight wins and a bowl game). JT won the national championship in his second year with a QB who was an afterthought and a limited game plan. RR won the....well, first four games in his second year. JT embraces and understands the UM OSU rivalry and grew up in it. RR knows that the rivalry exists, and knows what it feels like to be beat by JT, twice in a row. JT got blown out by Florida in a bowl game. RR lost to Toledo. And Illinois twice. All this to say, before criticizing Lloyd Carr incessantly (as Tater has done) and deem all who criticize RR 'trolls', let's look at facts on the ground and come to the realization that when comparing similar situations, JT has well outperformed RR not just in the rivalry but also in day-to-day performance. And there is nothing to suggest that the tide will turn in Michigan's favor any time soon. If it does, we will all be joyful but only time will tell. The record so far, though, does not appear hopeful. Let's see if the defense does not improve--hopefully it will. But until that happens, it will be tough to compete at the highest levels in the Big 10 (12).

johnnya2

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 8:43 p.m.

tater seems to think this kind of performance will put them in a January bowl. No freaking way. They SHOULD have 7 wins based on the weaklings in the schedule. If that is all they get, it is pathetic. I think they will start 5-0 and end up MAYBE 8-5, but more likely 7-6. The strength is shown int he second half of games AND the second half of the season. If Drob is worn out after 2 games this is going to be a LONG year.

3 And Out

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 8:21 p.m.

Paco... it is interesting the lack of strength that our team has up front....other than Martin and maybe Molk...we lack solid strength up front and get pushed around consistently. Where is Will Campbell? He was ranked the 4th best DT in his recruiting class and he cant even see the field...why cant Barwis work him up? Outside the line we are also a weak and small team... I laughed last night when I saw the big and physical Spartan RBs grind out gains vs. ND and compare them to our little guys in Shaw and Doobie... I mean we have no bulk, no strenght.... and we TRY to beat teams on our supposed speed and athleticism.... but we dont have that... just about everyone is fast and athletic these days... even UMASS...lol and especially in the Big Ten. Barwis and his olympic style movements, fast twitch excercises etc. do us no good what so ever... none. This is shown consistently on the field each week.

3 And Out

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 8:18 p.m.

I guarantee that I have more history as a UM fan than tater.... my whole family went to UM and my dad took me to my first game in Michigan Stadium at age 4. I know good Michigan football when I see it...and I certainly know crap Michigan football and crap coaching (thanks RR!) when I see it too. What is your history "tater"? why do you insist on being so aggressive in calling us out with your ridiculous opinions?

michboy40

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 8:11 p.m.

Our D looked like the D of the past five years. Missing tackles, getting pushed around, and looking lost on the field. I hope it is an aboration, but I think it's more likely to be the norm. We will beat BG, but after that, anything goes. If D Rob stays healthy, we will win a few shootouts, but I don't see the D winning any games for us.

heartbreakM

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 7:07 p.m.

Papabear: You beat me to the punch. So far in 27 games at UM, Rodriguez has not shown himself to be a second half coach. You can almost predict it. Yes, they have come back in the Wisconsin game his first year, the ND game last 2 years, but the comebacks in the ND games have been because they have gotten outplayed in the entire second halves and needed to desparately come back. Same with MSU last year (before ultimately losing in OT). I don't get the lack of adjustments. @Tater: "Walmart" wolverine? I have heard this from you and others for a few years now, but it makes no sense to me. It seems that criticism of any Wolverine other Rodriguez is fair game to you but if anyone else dares criticize the esteemed RR, then you call us trolls, not fans, not "all in" (a stupid saying if I ever heard one), etc. How do you want it? It is astonishing to me how you are among the only people on these boards who don't see it.

Paco12054

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 6:19 p.m.

As to 3 And Out's comment about S & C; I see strength as separate but related to conditioning. We hear a lot about Barwis and the strength (lifting) training but nothing about conditioning (running). We get out played in the second half because we are not in good condition. This is another indication of how one dimensional RR is as a head coach. Good O, no D. Good strength, bad conditioning. A great, or even good, head coach must be multidimensional and IMHO RR fails that test.

nathan

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 6:08 p.m.

3 and out should be coach and team phsycic since he can even read players thoughts...well be in good hands.

Papabear151

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 5:47 p.m.

RR is incapable of making even the slightest half time adjustment.

Macabre Sunset

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 4:23 p.m.

Yeah, a rush to ranking. I don't know who thought this was a strong schedule early, though. Middle-range non-conference stuff. Coming off a season where they were 80-90 in the computer rankings, it wasn't justifiable, and I'm surprised they only fell one spot. This is not a top-25 team. Second-half fades have been a Rich Rodriguez trademark at Michigan. Extraordinary differences, time and time again. I don't know if the players are simply out of shape, or he's incapable of making second-half adjustments like every other coach.

Bozzymoto

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 4:23 p.m.

Totally agree, and wish to pile on. I hate zone defense! When you have athletes, or apparently have athletes, let them play. Michigan has to stop the run. Put your athletes man to man and let them cover. Linebackers should know when they have a tight end to cover, but more people will be in "the box" to stop the run. Our middle linebackers are slow and slower to respond. Our outside contain is terrible. Put people in that can and will do the job. Mike Martin and Jordan Kovacs can stay. Find nine people who can help.

azwolverine

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 4:20 p.m.

I said going into the UConn game they were WAY overrated and that has been borne out. That's why I predicted a 21 point UM win. Further, I think we all knew ND would not be quite ready under a first year coach with a new system, especially with a first time starter at QB (make that 3 first time starters). UMass? I don't think anyone picked them to be competitive, but that's why you play the games. I've seen BGSU, and they are young and very inexperienced. This should be the week that Gardner and Forcier get some time. We need to get them some plays because the real schedule starts in two weeks.

RudeJude

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 4:20 p.m.

Assuming UMass truly is as good some are claiming they are, why is Michigan buying home games against the best in the FCS? The App St and UMass games have done nothing good for Michigan because FCS schools by default are given no credit and are disrespected in the media. Scheduling one is deemed scheduling a cupcake regardless of if they are not. This does nothing to help a team's credibility or it's standing in the polls, and the only way a team can come up even is if they blow the team out 70-0. If michigan is going to continue seeking out FCS teams to play, then schedule the worst ones possible, or better yet, let's start scheduling talented FBS teams like we used to do.

mcflies

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 4:20 p.m.

Bowling Green is scoring 30 ppg on the season. Of course they are also giving up 30 ppg. Another shootout next week? Make that every week.

Papabear151

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 3:58 p.m.

Pass rush has been dreadful, but it's most likely due to not wanting to leave the terrible secondary undermanned in case the pass rush fails. On second half performances. RR has absolutely failed at second half adjustments in EVERY SINGLE GAME HES COACHED AT MICHIGAN.

3 And Out

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 3:16 p.m.

All really good observations Pete. Definitely problems with the pass rush. Craig Roh is so up and down and is not consistent at this point. Other than Martin, there is not much else. RVB is also inconsistent. Yes, they should not have been ranked so early but we are Michigan and always get some slack in the polls based on the winged helmet history. Good call on the schedule too...it appears that UConn was tremendously overrated. I watched the game again and Frazer is just a bad QB, throws off his back foot, sidearms it...not very accurate at all...and UConns D is non existent. ND is also very mediocre. As for Tate, it would not surprise me if he redshirts and then transfers out with 3 years eligibility or transfers before the end of the year.. even if RR is still here (debatable) its unlikely that Tate would play under him and his quirky system or whether hed be willing to wait around for the chance. 4th quarter advantage? Another good call there.. what happened to the vaunted Barwis advantage? all talk... smoke and mirrors...the guy is no better than any other S and C coach out there but he promotes himself all over the place with his wrestlemania approach and website selling his services on the side....meanwhile one consistency of Rich Rod and Barwis teams at Michigan: Getting crushed in the second half. It would be interesting to see the stats to back this up, which they will....but there is no doubt that we get consistently beaten the second half of games and conditioning has some part in that. Over the past 3 seasons with these guys, there are countless examples of this team falling apart in the second half... so much for the Barwis advantage.