Brandon Graham looks back on his career at Michigan
1:36 p.m. Brandon Graham, on facing Justin Boren:
"It was just somebody who shouldn't have been here in the first place," Graham said. "Justin distanced himself a little bit when the new coaches came in, so you knew something was up. He just feels like he didn't ahve to be here anymore. I don't know.
"I just like spicing it up because he went to Ohio State. He could have gone anywhere else. That was like a slap in the face."
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1:30 p.m. More Brandon Graham on his final season at Michigan:
"It hurts to have the season we have hadm, but I grew up as a person and I got humbled this year," Graham said. "You can't take nothing for granted. I'm not saying we did, but at the same time, I always think "could I have worked a little harder on something and tried to find an answer,' and hopefully we get this last one and get it right."
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1:22 p.m. Brandon Graham, on potentially playing his last game as a Wolverine.
"That would hurt, that's why I'm trying to take it all in now," he said. "I was just sitting there on Sunday, my off day, and thinking, 'if we don't win this one, this would be my last game.' It's kind of sad. Growing up, you dream of this moment, and now it's gone. This is my last game. I'm trying not to cry right now."
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12:09 p.m. Center David Moosman, on facing fellow line-mate Justin Boren for the first time since Boren transferred to Ohio State:
"I don't talk to him. I don't think about him," Moosman said. "He doesn't come into my daily life. I don't have to play against him on defense. I wish I could."
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12:07 p.m. Cornerback Donovan Warren, on Justin Boren's transfer from Michigan to Ohio State:
"We're hearing this talk about the family values have eroded, and definitely the family is still intact, and we're still around each other," Warren said. "I defintiely took that as disrespect, but he has to do what's best for him. It is what it is."
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12:01 p.m. Left tackle Mark Ortmann, on his one-time teammate and current Buckeye Justin Boren:
"Justin and I, personally, had a fairly good relationship," Ortmann said. "It was hard for us to hear him say the things he did, because I know when he was here - he was raised to be a Michigan fan and he loved Michigan - for him, he had some underlying issues and it was best for him to leave."
Asked if the reasons Boren stated were accurrate, Ortmanm said "it's just like anyone else who has transferred out since Coach Rod got here. It's people with their own individual reasons, and while some of them have been inaccurate, they're entitled to their own opinions."
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11:50 a.m. Saturday's game will be the first time Michigan faces Justin Boren, the one-time Wolverine who transferred to Ohio State. When Boren left, he said Rodriguez had fostered a hostile atmosphere at Michigan and lacked "family values."
Rich Rodriguez addressed that Monday.
"I've said several times before that we pride ourselves on the closeness we have as a family," he said. "I think if you ask our players a large majority, if not all of them, would say they sense that atmosphere. That family atmosphere permeates throughout the program. I've always prided myself on that."
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11:39 a.m. Rich Rodriguez, on his experience and knowledge of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry:
"Everybody is concerned about me talking about the rivalry," he said. "The first day I got the job somone gave me a "Beat Ohio State" button and it's still on my desk. Just because I didn't play here, didn't grow up in Michigan or didn't coach here before, that doesn't mean I don't understand this rivalry. Trust me.
"I understand the importance of the rivalry. I understood it before I took the job. I understand it after I took the job."
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11:37 a.m. Michigan will vote on its permanent captains later this afternoon.
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11:31 a.m. Asked if his spread offense system was the right fit for Michigan and whether U-M's problems were magnified by adjusting to the spread, Rich Rodriguez said:
"What would be the difference in it fitting at Michigan as opposed to at West Virginia or somewhere else? I think that's misinformed comparing leagues to leagues or whether the weather is an issue.Â
"The team, the style of teams in this league are as varied in this league as they were in the Big East or SEC or I coached in the ACC. Some teams are power teams. Some teams are spread teams. There's not much difference there. I don't think it's a systematic issue at all."Â
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11:27 a.m. Rich Rodriguez, on whether changes will be made on his coaching staff:
"I feel very good about our staff," he said. "We ahve great people on our staff, great family men, good recruiters who love working here."
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11:17 a.m. Asked what it would take for Michigan to reverse its years-long slide against arch-rival Ohio State, Rich Rodriguez said:
"Having a better team. We’ll win more of these games and other games when we have a better team than the team we’re playing."
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11:12 a.m. Brandon Minor's ankle finally seems healed, but a bruised shoulder is still "concerning," according to Rich Rodriguez. His status is up in the air for Saturday's game against Ohio State.
Carlos Brown, his backup, was also limited against Wisconsin with a knee injury. His status is day to day.
Comments
TXteacher
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 8:28 p.m.
jb82-remove Texas from the Union? There goes half your GNP. We're still working down here. I know that's hard to imagine. We've had more top 50 fb prospects that Mich and Ohio put together. We could remove Michigan from the union and not hurt GNP one bit, and probably save a bunch of welfare $ too!
Man in the Mirror
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 7:03 p.m.
If any other coach was there at Michigan aside from RR, Boren most likely would have stayed. He said "family values" reason for leaving. Just maybe he was on to something becuz I have not seen any family values so far. He going to Ohio State was his choice to make not ours. Are you paying his tuition and his bills? Unless you are taking care of this young man then let him do him and you mind your own.
A2D2
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 5:14 p.m.
Who cares? Remember, we're a basketball school -! We put 97 on the board against Northern! So There!!!!!
kerch65
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 4:19 p.m.
GIVE ME A BREAK RR is not the right man for this job look at what Brian Kelly did with cincy hes going to his 2cnd bcs game in 3 years something the former coach there couldnt do now this is a guy that can come in and win now why? Because hes a good coach something this clown is not and i feel so bad for BG i think he is owed an appology by the rest of the horrible defense for being rotten slow out of position players that cost this team from winning enough games to go to a bowl game
tomhagan
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 3:33 p.m.
RR is on his way out. Nice to hear the players not show Boren any respect though.... that will be the most fun thing to watch this week. Boren got beat for at least one sack vs. Iowa btw.
Allinformichigan
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 3:28 p.m.
Everybody needs to chill out!!! Has anyone looked at any of the film on defense? Its not a lack of talent, guys are constantly missing their assignments and thats because the opponents know we are young and running very well executed plays that experience only can accomplish. Besides two FRESHMAN WALK-ONS ON DEFENSE!!! Not even walk-ons but freshman walk-ons. Also looking at their offense Tate is going to be a very good qb but he is also leaving too many plays on the field. He missed 6 WIDE OPEN RECIEVERS THIS SATURDAY!! But he's only a freshman!!!!!!! UNFORTUNATELY WE NEED PATIENCE!!! My only concern is the fumbles but that seems to be getting better. This game is huge, they need to keep it close to at least the 4th quarter...if we get blown out it could get ugly especially with all these top recruits coming in this saturday!
westsideblue
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 2:36 p.m.
BlueinIN, It's safe to say EVERY Michigan fan is frustrated at this point. I'm trying to point out that there is hope. I think this team will improve on both sides of the ball. Having 3 different D-coordinators is a bad thing. Another year with the same guy, even if he isn't that great, will help greatly. I see improvement next year on both sides of the ball. Not that it's saying a whole lot for the defense, but they may even be mediocre next year, especially if a couple of the younger guys step up. We'll see. At least the BBall team should be good.
BlueinIN
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 2:09 p.m.
Westsideblue You make good points and understand, I am a big Michigan fan, but very frustrated like many out there. With RichRod all you see with his comments is about the offense. No matter what they do offensively, without a defense to go with it, they will have to score 40+ to be in most games. I don't care if they have all 5th year seniors, they will not win. He does not get it and can only hope he does. This is his second recruiting class and I see no help on the way except in CB's and small LB's. And as we have seen, that will not make it against the other teams in the poorest conference in America. So we have to wait 3+years for him to fix it defensively, if he even gets it? HE won't last that long. I hope I am wrong, but I don't think so.
saginaw
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 1:47 p.m.
9 - 3 would be very good with Michigan's 2010 schedule.
BornInA2
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 1:43 p.m.
@upfromthebighouse: 9-3 would be pretty good, but it isn't just W-L for me, it's about honor and integrity, too. RR tried to weasel out of a contract he signed at WVU, he's trying weasel out of financial obligations, he fired the entire staff his second day on the job, he ignored long-standing traditions, he continuously blames everything and everyone around him for poor results and takes no responsilbility himself, potential NCAA violations, and on and on. In my opinion, being a "Michigan Man" is not about a person's history with the program, but about honor, integrity, accountability, etc. And RR has shown me nothing in these areas. So 9-3 with honor and integrity is good enough. 9-3 with NCAA violations and blaming others for those three losses is unacceptable.
westsideblue
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 1:39 p.m.
BlueinIN, Yes, the defense is terrible and probably won't be much better next year. The only guys they are losing are Graham (huge loss), Stevie Brown and possibly Warren. However with how much Warren has struggled in the second half of the year (not his fault he has no help) I doubt he'll come out. That being said, there were a number of players that redshirted and a number of other young guys who will challenge for time next year. This is a young defense and just because they suck now doesn't mean they won't improve. This is college football. College. So while you may not realize it, guys do not hit their ceiling their freshman year. Crazy, I know, but it's true. Also, Tate is a freshman. One of the reasons his teams have improved greatly in year 2 is because it is the QB's 2nd season in the system. The offense has been decent this year, and will be even better next year. For the record, I was not calling for Lloyd's head, and nowhere in my previous post did I say I was. So, I am not a hypocrite. However, that was a great leap in logic Chosen1.
saginaw
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 1:38 p.m.
Boren's Dad played for a completely different coach. I do not see similarities between Bo and Richard Rod.
chosen1
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 1:36 p.m.
to those who haven't heard, our univeristy has announced that rich and the coaches didn't record mandatory logs on practice times and workouts. here's the link to the espn article http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4660285
amaizenman
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 1:30 p.m.
Legend RR got the job in Dec 07. Signing day in Feb 08 was prodominately LC recruits. Signing day Feb 09 was the first class totally recruited by RR. You are the one that can't do math.
Detroitrocks
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 1:29 p.m.
9-3 won't happen. They are losing their best defensive player by far, as well as both running backs. Don't know why they didn't try to develop at least one this year - same mistake MSU made last year. This team will take a step back, and if he gets lucky with recruiting, you might see improvement in 2011.
chosen1
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 1:29 p.m.
up from the big house, what happened to the promised improvement from year 1 to 2? why are we so poorly conditioned when richrod brought in barwis who was being hailed as our secret weapon by sam webb on 1050? have you noticed that in year 3 of richrod's head coaching career that the team went back in wins? that rich only became a 10+ game winner after miami fla, boston college, and Va tech left for the acc? do you even think that alums and boosters have every right to question the coaches ability when every time he speaks he sounds like a whiny moron?
upfromthebighouse
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 1:22 p.m.
If Michigan has a 9-3 record next year, with a win over MSU and Penn State, then would all of the negative commentors out there be pleased? Yes or No.
A2D2
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 1:17 p.m.
Harbaugh or Miles to UMich - I'll take either - I love how Harbaugh stuck it to USC - that would make for a cool OSU rivalry. Brian Kelly to ND (Weiss is toast), but ESPN is now reporting Bob Stoops to ND, so go figure. Brian Kelly can go to Stanford or LSU. Maybe RR will end up at Louisville or some other Big East school.
BlueinIN
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 1:07 p.m.
Westsideblue I stand by what I said. Yeah, increasing playing time on the worst defense in the Big Ten. We are on our way! I will take your calling me an idiot as a compliment - comes from the Master in the field so thank you!
chosen1
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 1:04 p.m.
westside blue, He was still able to land roundtree, shaw, and then he secured the rest of the recruits that he felt comfortable bringing into his program. How is it that the people who were calling for lloyd's head now are against calling for rich and are preaching patience and if you don't support the coach you're not a michigan fan? Stop being the hypocrites that make us the national laughingstock in sports. Our entire state's football teams are jokes (lion, UM, MSU). And to those who think bringing in 200 lb linebackers is going to solidify the defense....wake up and put the kool-aid down
jb82
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 12:45 p.m.
Chosen 1, I am fully aware of the contributions from both players and coaches that are from Ohio. Obviously, Ohio's high school talent is in the top 3 or 4 in the United States. At the same time, the state still sucks in my opinion. Ohio and Texas should be removed from the union. There are always going to be diamonds in the rough...Woodson, Howard, Grbac, Crable, Manningham, Mandich, Kolesar, Cedar Point, and many more. They were smart to get the hell out of there. Spare me the history lesson and stop defending the armpit of America. Go Blue! Beat the Buckeyes!
81wolverine
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 12:40 p.m.
OSU can HAVE Crybaby Boren. Good riddance. If Bo were still here, he would have had some choice words for Boren's dad Mike (a really good linebacker at Michigan in the early 80's).
The Grinch
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 12:38 p.m.
From the story above: Asked what it would take for Michigan to reverse its years-long slide against arch-rival Ohio State, RichRod said: "Having a better team. Well win more of these games and other games when we have a better team than the team were playing." Is it my immagination, or did RR just call his current team a pile of crap? What a coach!! I'm certain that his players are going to go out Saturday and knock down walls for him!
BornInA2
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 12:21 p.m.
Yes, I hear the laughing, but it's coming from the entire country and they're lauging at the once proud and great Michigan football tradition that has been systematically destroyed in two short years by a over-rated coach and the seemingly endless "process that we're going through here." In 2006 we finished 11-2 and some people wanted Carr fired. After two years of the RR program we're excited about maybe finishing 6-6 and getting to a bowl. Three years ago 6-6 was UNACCEPTABLE and a bowl was a given. Sad.
BlueinIN
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 12:21 p.m.
RichRod understand the rivalry? He doesn't even understand his own team! He is an offensive coach and the team is just that - offensive. Yeah we are recuting all the speedy little guys - that will certainly get us to the top. And we are supposed to believe that he will develop these mighty mites!! So in 3 to 4 years we will have 5'9', 5'10" guys, maybe 250lbs? That has already put the fear into the rest of the league - I can hear OSU and Penn State laughing! Terrible defense the last 2 years and the recruits he has brought in are the mighty mites mentioned above? Oh, I forgot about our 1 five star recruit - Will Cambell. He has certainly showed the kind development that we can expect of bigger players that we are recriuting. That will give us hope for the future? I guess he has been hitting the books too hard to focus on basic football fundamentals - what a joke, and a bust!! The only hope is to hit them were it hurts - by not going to games!! That is the only way we will get any real change. We have thrown out the Bowl streak with our performance last year and this - we will not beat OSU and will be 5 and 7 and staying home!! Might as well break the streak of 100,00+ as well - maybe then have a chance? Next year will not be any better - probably 3 and 9, or 2 and 10. We have no one coming back except all those mighty mites!! Defense has no one of relevance coming back, offense has people coming back but the are small and injury prone! Oh the days when we were relevant in the putris Big Ten. We will be looking up at OSU, Penn State and everyone else in the Big Ten for years to come! There is always hope for 2014?
chosen1
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 12:21 p.m.
jb82...just a quick history lesson...if the whole state of ohio sucks, then why did we grab Bo from ohio? how about desmond and chuck woodson? ohio state fans may suck, but the state as a whole not so much.
jb82
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 12:06 p.m.
Beat the Buckeyes and this nightmare will go away! Go Blue, the state of Ohio sucks!
BornInA2
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 12:05 p.m.
If it takes three recruiting classes, how come so many RR fanboys were raving about his year-two turnarounds last year, and how come he didn't say that when he was hired two years ago? I call BS on the 'he needs three or four recruiting classes' (his statement). A GOOD coach maximizes the performance of the players he has. This staff has not come close to doing that.
Legend
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 12:05 p.m.
1 Recruiting Class? So that must have been RR's twin brother that called Pryor about his move to Michigan before he even told his own team? That must have been his twin at the Signing Day Press Conference in Feb of 2008? Apparently we need Bill Martin on here again to teach us all how to count to 2.
A2D2
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : noon
11:00 a.m., Rich Rod on the status of the 2010 season: "I think we're going to make the transistion to my version of the spread very easily. It took a year to catch on at WVA and UM, but hey, this is Cinncinati and we're used to a form of the spread, so we've got the athletes here already."
upfromthebighouse
Mon, Nov 16, 2009 : 11:52 a.m.
Before all the negatives start, remember ONE recruiting class, just ONE. Even the "experts" would be wise enough to know that it takes three recruiting classes to transform a program. Go Blue! Go Coach Rodriguez! We KNOW your the man!