Doobie

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 12:51 p.m.

I'm an OSU alum and fan, and though I'm obviously happy that the Bucks won, I actually felt bad for the Wolverines and in particular Forcier after he threw his third interception. You could see the poor kid crying while he was sitting on the sidelines. OSU/Michigan games are always best when the rivalry is closer. I'm sure that your team will improve in a few years, but in the meantime, I actually feel bad for you guys.

AC

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 12:22 a.m.

T.F said he wasnt allowed to speak with reporters after the game, but later sent a text message to The Associated Press. I bet Forcier doesn't fumble his phone when he text which he seems to do very often. Horrible ball handling for a guy who was "groomed" to be a QB. His attitude and character says it all. THE TEAM THE TEAM THE TEAM and no one above the TEAM.

bossfan23

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:39 p.m.

On a related (football) note, I saw the movie "The Blind Side" this evening with my children. I'm no movie critic, but I thought that it was a great movie and suitable for children. My daughter is ten and my son will be nine tomorrow and they loved it also. Yes, I am divorced so trust me when I tell you that I know a bad marriage when I see one. RR and UofM is a bad marriage. It was a bad idea in theory and is even worse in reality. It's too late for an annulment and a divorce would be very expensive, so we are unfortunately stuck with RR for at least one more year. Maybe he'll do the honorable thing and fall on his own sword, but I doubt it.

railroad

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 5:33 p.m.

The Mich. def played good enough to win against OSU. The off. moved the ball however 5 turnovers by your QB is not going to beat many good teams. Gota say it "Freshmen QB mistakes". Not to be critical but truthful. The pressure just took its toll.However if you gonna be a QB in the big league you gotta be ready to man up and get better. Good luck in the off season to the Mich. QBs

hmbgoblue

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 4:54 p.m.

Yes, we had a freshman QB this year. However, you can win the Big Ten with a freshman QB. See Ohio State in 2007, and Michigan in 2004. Yes, that's right. Lloyd Carr won the Big Ten with a freshman QB. Some people make excuses about an inexperienced team. The good coaches just figure out a way to make it work.

rightmind250

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 1:34 p.m.

Northmaple, You have got to be kidding right? A tie breaker for last place? That is definately loser speak. Those who stay will be losers. You here that 2010 commits?

bossfan23

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:32 p.m.

One last thought before I head out to enjoy this beautiful day: I saw (on TV) that Gary Moeller was at the game. Also, Matt Millen was doing the game for ABC. I couldn't help but think of the fact that their paths had crossed before. Gary Moeller was the interim coach of the Lions in 2000, having taken over for Bobby Ross who had bailed out in the middle of the season. Coach Mo came in, and with a team that he had only been around for eight months, coaches them to a 4-3 record in the last seven weeks to finish at 9-7. He missed the playoffs because of a last second 54 yard field goal. He had a contract to come back the following season but Matt Millen was hired as GM and replaced Mo because "9-7 won't cut it around here anymore. The level of expectation has been raised." We all know how well that worked out. See any similarity here? Is it any surprise that Millen was defending RR yesterday and saying that two seasons isn't long enough to accomplish what needs to be done? If we have learned anything from Millen and the Lions it should be that we correct our mistakes quickly and minimize the damage. Next year already looks like this year as long as RR is on the sideline!

GoblueinNE_PA

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:22 p.m.

For all you folks saying that RR "has to get his own players in place", do you realize that you are damning your own savior? In effect, what you are saying is that RR is not a good enough coach to win with any thing other than spectacularly talented kids. Well, heck, who wouldn't win if you had the best kids in the country? A good to great coach will take kids and turn them in to more than they thought they could be. He makes the team greater than the sum of the parts. The best you can say about RR is that the team MAY be EQUAL to the sum of the parts. Actual results say that RR makes the team LESS than the sum of the parts. A great coach inspires his team and makes marginal talent good, good talent great, and great talent champions. He will get the kids to run through wall for him. The Idiot has had his teams quit on him in both of his first 2 seasons. In 30 years of my Michigan college football life, I'd never seen a Michigan team quit, ever. A Bo/Mo/Lloyd team would never quit, even Bo's 6-6 team never gave up, despite playing Scott Zurbrugg in place of Harbaugh, that team never rolled over and played dead. Bottom line, this guy is not a leader and never will be.

GoblueinNE_PA

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:10 p.m.

Theo I'm sorry, you are not the Michigan Fan. You are RR fan. If you were a fan of the program, you would be able to look at the situation objectively and see the failures that are on RR. But you can't or won't, it makes no difference. I'm sure you're a good kid, but you have to take the RR blinders off and view his work in total. It's not good and certainly not deserving of another season.

bossfan23

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:05 p.m.

Jon Saalberg, thanks for the recruiting ranks update. The optimist in me would love to believe that help is on the way with the next class. But, listening to all of the RR apologists tell us that you can't win with freshmen, we are still two years away from being where we were two years ago. Talk about job security. RR talking about next year already is just like (insert your own political underachiever here!) talking about re-election so that his/her programs can be allowed to mature. Now that's what I call a "scheme!" Sorry but politics do enter into this. No evidence that Lloyd was pushed/escorted to the door? I live two hours from Ann Arbor and I was aware of it. His removal was political. Need proof? The fact that he is still on the payroll is all the proof anyone should need. Some would call it "hush money!" RR's hiring was political. RR's continued employment is political. As for making the change because of only one title in 60 years? Removing the guy that had WON that ONE title seems a little short-sighted, doesn't it? Time for a change? Where have I heard that recently? Politics, right Obama? I guess change for the worse still qualifies as change. It goes back to the old line, "Be careful what you wish for...you might just get it!" Finally, who is the legendary theo? I thought it was "the O!" Just because someone doesn't agree with you doesn't make them any less of a fan.

Terrin

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:34 a.m.

mgoblueaways: Out of thirteen seasons, Michigan was in the top ten six times. Ironically, the games Michigan struggled with the most is when facing the spread Offense, which it didn't see a lot of in the Big Ten. If I recall, the year Carr went 7-5, Michigan had a lot of injuries. I also don't agree Defense is the main problem. Sure the Secondary stinks, but it doesn't help the Defense if the Offense can't hold on to the ball. Michigan could have won every game this season, but the turning point in each game has always been offensive turnovers. Spread Offensives are designed to put up big numbers. RR's defensives have never been his strong suit, and he has relied on the Offense to make up the difference. I think RR will get another year to turn things around. I just think if he would have done things differently, he might not put his system in place immediately, but Michigan would have had much better seasons.

Jaxon5

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:34 a.m.

Jon, Thanks for trying to bolster our spirits, but Michigan's average recruit rating is at 3 stars and meanwhile there are 20 schools with higher averages, including Ohio State which is much higher. Michigan's recruit class right now is about the level of Washington, Stanford and Iowa. Not bad, but not where it used to be.

Terrin

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:24 a.m.

nineblock: I meant arguably unjustifiable if the main reason was Cooper had a losing streak with Michigan. The guy had a very respectable record over all. I don't follow Ohio Football enough to know about the guy's character. There certainly could have been other good reasons to fire the guy. I also can certainly understand Ohio State fans wanting him fired for losing to Michigan repeatedly. Considering his over all record, most schools wouldn't have taken the chance of getting rid of him. Turns out to have been a good choice. I love Michigan, but Tressel is a great coach.

Terrin

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:12 a.m.

There is no evidence that Carr was pushed aside. If Carr wanted to coach, he'd still be there. Facts suggest he retired on his own accord for personal reasons. The University still pays his full salary. If the University wanted Carr gone, they'd would not have kept him on staff.

Jon Saalberg

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 10:57 a.m.

Hopefully, this might help those who hold zero hope for UM's future: UM's 2010 Recruiting Rank.

stunhsif

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:57 a.m.

God Bless RR, best thing to happen to the U of M for us MSU fans. Now you know what it feels like to "not be so good". It was a HUGE mistake to bring RR here in the first place but Michigan's ARROGANCE allowed for it. It really is sad to see how much time and effort many of us put into college football and the athlete students. How many of these football players will get a degree, maybe 50%????

NoBowl4Blue

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:27 a.m.

Where's the know it all Tater and his 8-4 victory over OSU predictions??????

alum1977

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:47 a.m.

I'll reiterate what I said last week. While our defense did play better today than prior, some of that is due to Ohio State having a mediocre offense. Why has OSU won the Big 10 title this year? DEFENSE! Offensive scheme means nothing. Listen to Jerry Hanlon talk about the different offensive approaches the team took in the 70's based on the TALENT they had THAT year. You can't blame the scheme. The offense is scoring points. In 1997, our national championship year, we averaged less than 27 points per game. This year we are averaging over 31 points per game. And, we are doing so with fewer opportunities as the other team's offense is on the field for such extended periods of time. We are losing because our DEFENSE IS HORRIBLE. Why? Not for a lack of talent. We have continued to recruit top 10 to 20 recruiting classes each year. You have to blame the coaching. It starts with the head coach who should be an offensive coordinator somewhere because you can see that he spends no time or effort on the defense. RR hired the defensive coordinators; so the first blame for the defensive failure falls in his lap as the head coach. The second blame goes to the defensive coordinator. Our linebackers and secondary are consistently out of position; hence the big plays by the opponents' offense. Most of these players have been around for 2 years (check the roster). In this time, if coached properly, they should at least be in position for the defensive scheme they are running. Many of our good linebackers in the past were studs in their 2nd year of playing. So it is an absolute lack of coaching. One of defensive coordinator Robinson's biggest failings is the defensive scheme he runs. Try to pressure the quarterback with only 4 rushers. Have the db's play extremely loose (many times a 10 yard cushion to the receiver they are covering). Put most of the secondary in a soft zone. These are recipes for disaster. This soft scheme allows the opponent to walk down the field for long drives. The defense is on the field so much they get physically and, more importantly, mentally tired by the second half of the game. How many times has our defense allowed the opponent to convert a 3rd down and 10+ yards? Virtually every game. It isn't that our players lack raw talent or skills. They are put in a scheme where they have no chance to cover their receiver assignment by giving too much cushion and are required to cover for too long. Rush 5 all the time. Blitz at least 50% of the time. Play bump and run coverage on the receivers. Coach linebackers to play their lanes. Will we get burned occassionally? Certainly, but no more than we are currently getting burned. There is no quarterback at any level of football who performs well under pressure - not Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Tim Tebow. The scheme Robinson runs is antithetical to this simple fact. It is the bend-and-break defense. No, no. It's not the spread offense scheme. It's not the young players. It's not even the injuries. It's the coaching. There is no question we are moving in the wrong direction. Why continue to do so for another year? Which leads to a further indictment of the administration. For 40 years under Bo and his extended shadow, we've had a consistently good-to-great program. As a fan, I could count on being happy 80% of the weekends in the fall. AND NEVER A HINT OF AN NCAA VIOLATION. Our program was clean!! For 40 years. Richrod is here one year and we have allegations of rules violations. What is interesting is the difference in how things are run now vs during the Bo era. There was no controversy over who the next football coach was going to be. It was decided behind the scenes and announced after the decision was made. Our new football coach search this time was a tabloid spectacle. We had to accept our 3rd or 4th choice for head coach! The winningest college football program of all time!! We should have to accept the 3rd or 4th choice for a new head coach? I say get Jim Harbaugh now. I say we do it with trusted people who have supported the program since Bo. We should NOT allow our lame duck (and worthless) athletic director have anything to do with this effort. DO IT NOW.

Jaxon5

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:33 a.m.

2010 W - L record will be 2 - 10, at best.

mgobluealways

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:28 a.m.

Exactly... one championship in 60 years. That is why Michigan made a change.

BOWOODYFANCLUB

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:24 a.m.

As a Buckeye fan, I recommend the book Lasting Lessons that Bo wrote with John Bacon before Bo's passing. It is a great read and I think will give some perspective on the type of leader Michigan is missing. There are many many Buckeye fans who look forward to the days when both teams are playing well and the winner of the greatest rivalry in sports means a championship. I am amused at all of the people who are commenting about the color of RR's wristband. I don' think that is the problem, but he has worn it all year for every game. The only reason I can think of is that it must be easier for the players to pick him up on the sidelines when they are on the field. See you next year and good luck with getting back on track. BO AND WOODY ROCK

swimbikerunner

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 7:16 a.m.

The mark of a great leader is how well they can do with a team that was not hand picked for their "system". Tressel, Meyer, Stoops all win National Titles in their second year rather than complain about the cupboard being left bare.

tomhagan

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 4:24 a.m.

Bossfan23....great points about Lloyd. Anyone else notice that this week, Rich Rod went off all over the radio campaigning for next year? He even got his worthless agent Brown involved with a public statement. Rich Rod = politician and that is all... Dont be fooled by his corrupt posturing. He stinks. He is a Cancer of this program. As Bo said, the program is FAR bigger than one man. Far bigger than Bill Martin too.

nineblock

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 2:33 a.m.

Careful Blue! In the past 60 years what UM coach has the only National Championship?

mgobluealways

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 2:25 a.m.

Lets not bring politics into this, which is a topic I know we can all agree upon right? Anyway Lloyd did have a great start to his career, there is no denying that. However, and I think a lot of this has to do with injuries to Henne and Hart, he will be judged largely on his exit, which was glorious when he dominated Tebow and made Florid look silly. Lloyd would always have a winning record, but rarely was he able to coach a team to a champion ship. Hart, Henne, Long, Manningham, Arrington, etc... could have been NC talent, but they were not so a change was made. i think that level of talent an relative underachievement was Carrs dom

nineblock

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 2:22 a.m.

Boss...I'm all in...let me know when you run. I'm a strong second!!

bossfan23

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 2:12 a.m.

Can anyone please explain this to me: Lloyd Carr won a National Championship, a bunch of Big Ten titles, recruited and coached a Heisman Trophy winner, etc., and was essentially pushed aside. RR has won nothing, yet has a bunch of supporters that would take a bullet for him. Lloyd's worst season would be cause for a celebration now. The frustration (as I see it) has as much to do with RR the person as it does with RR the coach. If he turns out to be the second coming of Bo, it won't matter because so many dislike him for life because of what he has done/not done in two seasons. He shot himself in the foot before he coached one practice. To me, he is nothing more than a good salesman (of himself!) To those that asked, "how does Millen get hired?" Same way RR does, he's a great salesman of himself. Thinking that RR is going to turn this around in a year or two is as naive as thinking that Granholm will turn this state around or that Obama will turn this country around. These are three great politicians with more style than substance. Shame on us for not recognizing it sooner. Sadly, we must live with results and hope for the best.

mgobluealways

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 2:01 a.m.

I meant at the end of the season, not at any point during it (I bleed blue so I hate to bring it up but UM was #3 before the 07 season right?). Anyway I can understand the frustration because, believe me, I feel it and live it every day too. Lloyd had plenty of top 25 teams and I could always count on UM finishing somewhere up there, but it was rare that I could expect them to actually win it all, and that's why Michigan made a change. Winning games is all well and good, but when it comes down to it the NC game matters today, and that played a large part in this change (yes Lloyd was a BS call against Crable away from the NC game in 06). Anyway, Rod is a proven coach and until he proves as a failure otherwise I will keep supporting him. I don't expect everyone to jump on the little red wagon at this point but I hope that people will still give him a fair chance. If he wins 8 or 9 games next year, what will all the detractors say? Are you all so entrenched against him that all hope is lost or can you still come back to his side if he can start winning? I think that is the key to his future success or lack there of at Michigan, whether or not he can win and whether or not its already too late.

nineblock

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 1:54 a.m.

mgoblue...before you pillary me...I scrolled back up and read (to my chagrin) that your comment about Carr's top 10 finsihes was actually not a "comment" at all but a question. So the answer is 5. Sorry!

nineblock

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 1:46 a.m.

mgoblue: Have to fess up...my frustration is not with you but with the team. Just not used to losing. Will go ahead and date myself, but have followed the Blue for 30 years plus and this is just a different (and difficult time). But I must add, it is about the numbers (wins) to me. When you said "Lloyd had a couple of top ten teams" I knew that to be inaccurate. He actually had 5 top ten teams and had top 25 teams in 12 of his 13 seasons. That is a part of RRs problem. The bar was set high.

Dmarcel

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 1:34 a.m.

bossfan, i mention Carroll & Stoops to show that youth and inexperience matter in football. You're so right, these 2 men have built powerhouse programs. And we see what happens when 1 person goes down in injury (or leaves for the NFL early), the whole program is impacted.... Think about it, Oklahoma has one guy go down & they fall off the map. USC loses a guy early to the NFL & they fall to the middle of the PAC 10 with an inexperienced QB... For whatever reason (recruiting, injuries, drop outs, transfers, etc..) we have inexperience all over the place, so it should not be a surprise that we're 5-7. Heck, most ppl expected 6-6 at the start of the year. If RRod doesn't win when his recruits are juniors & seniors, then it's decision time. No Way when he's playing with Freshman & Sophmores all over the field.

mgobluealways

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 1:25 a.m.

I guess I don't consider "pissing match" to be a true obscenity but that is aside the point. 4-0 was a great start, how can being undefeated not be a great start (especially if you consider how the team has looked lately)? When Michigan hired Rod we knew (or should have known) that we were getting a great offensive coordinator who was also a head coach. This is somewhat similar to Robinson as a great D coordinator who was a head coach (although much less successful). We could argue about the facts right now forever because I think both sides have very valid points. What I want to get across is the fact that the facts supporting Rod outweigh those against him. Defense has been the major problem this year, as it has been for a long time, but how can anybody pin that solely on Rod, a coach who has admitted to giving the D to the D coordinator? If anything, we should be calling for Robinson's head (although I don't think we should!)

hmbgoblue

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 1:10 a.m.

A couple of random thoughts. Bum Phillips said that Don Shula was a great coach. What did that mean? He said that Shula could take his players and beat yours, or he could take your players and beat his. Think anyone will EVER say that about RR? I went to school at UM in the early to mid 1970s. I was a student there when the bowl streak began. If there is one thing I have learned during the last 35 years or so, it is that the team that can block and tackle the best is the team that wins almost all the time. Contrary to what RR appears to believe, that's a lot more important than the flavor of the month offensive scheme. Since RR has been here, we don't block and tackle better than the teams we play. That doesn't seem to be a priority with him. And I know that during LC's last few years we had plenty of problems with tackling. That's the main reason our record wasn't as good as all of us would have liked. But at least the head coach knew the importance of it. It seems to me that RR is mostly concerned about his offensive scheme, and has, in his mind, subcontracted the defense to the defensive coordinator, and it isn't his responsibility. I look forward to the day Bill Martin retires, and a fresh set of eyes look at what this football program has become in a mere two years. And as for the Theos and Taters of this world, they are our version of Monty Python's Black Knight: all of these losses are only a flesh wound. Guys, don't let the facts get in the way of your opinions.

nineblock

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 1:10 a.m.

mgoblue...had no intention of upsetting you to the poitn of obscenities but just one request...can we agree to back off the "GREAT 4-0 START" we had? I mean we beat: WMU (5-6) Notre Dame -(6-5) EMU (0-11) Indiana (4-8) Jeez..you'd think we were scheduling NFL divison leaders

mgobluealways

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 1:02 a.m.

Before anyone points this out, yes I do remember of course the 97 team won the championship. To other comments about Tate... yeah the guy had an awful game and I'm sure he will be the first to admit that. But it wasn't the "scheme" or coaching that told him to fumble or throw 4 picks - that was execution and if you look back on it, better execution on each of those plays could have been big for Michigan. Tate is a freshman and showed it today by trying to do too much to get his seniors to a bowl game and win over OSU. If I had to pick my druthers, I would rather lament over a QB trying too hard than not trying hard enough.

Dmarcel

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 1 a.m.

nineblock, it actually just comes down to 18-19 yr olds (with little game experience) not being as developed/strong as 20-21 yr olds (with lots of game experience)... Jr's & Sr's will beat frosh & soph the majority of the time in football because it is so physically & mentally demanding.

mgobluealways

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:55 a.m.

Nine, I don't want to get into a pissing match but again the fact that Carr had few teams (I don't know off the top of my head) that finished in the top ten is just one point among others. I am realistic, and yes I blame Rod for some of the problems that Michigan has right now, but to blame him for everything and be calling for his dismissal is, in my opinion only, ridiculous. I think the 4-0 start was the worst thing to happen to this Michigan team this year. Yes it was great for the records but it reset people's expectations to unrealistic levels. At the end of last year everyone said they would be happy with any improvement, well we have seem a lot of improvement (im talking offense not defense). It hasnt translated into wins but anybody can rationally see that the offense at least looks like they know what they are doing this year. Defense is a whole different animal and problem right now, and as much as they have struggled since Rod took over this is nothing new. Lloyd put all his eggs in the Mallet offensive basket his past few years, and reasonable sources say Mallet was gone long before Rod came into the equation, and appears to have neglected the defense. Again, i dont want to put all this blame on Lloyd but nobody can deny that he has a big role in this current debacle (RoJo from Mtown went to USC??).

bossfan23

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:54 a.m.

Dmarcel, you are overlooking something very significant with your sarcastic comments that Pete Carroll or Bob Stoops should be fired: They have built successful programs and have earned the right to have an off year. Fans, even Michigan fans, can understand and accept the mistakes of a freshman, or second string QB, so long as they see some growth and progress. USC and OU fans have the comfort that comes with knowing that their coaches have built successful programs and that this years trials are an aberration. RR has earned nothing but the undeserved respect and adulation of a (dwindling) minority of devotees. As for Les Miles, let him stay at LSU. Also, if I remember correctly, Harbaugh made some less than flattering comments about Michigan a couple of years ago and probably burned a bridge or two.

Dmarcel

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:51 a.m.

nineblock, It's called sarcasm... for all the people wanting to hire the "Hot Coach of the Week"... Harbaugh. They jump from coach to coach, based on "Who's Hot" for the week. Then they jump to the next coach who's the ESPN weekly favorite. We need to be patient, or we risk being the next Notre Dame.

nineblock

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:49 a.m.

So, if I understand this...between "mgoblu" and "damarcel" the answer to our problems is our "schemes?" Didn't I read that 2 weeks ago on the Notre Dame blog?

nineblock

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:44 a.m.

Dmarcel....I agree... I think coaching has everything to do with it. Scroll up and see my post from an hour ago. We don't have to roll over and die just because we hire a new coach.

Dmarcel

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:42 a.m.

mgoblu is correct... the bottom line is the personnel that gets on the field needs to improve. This happens through experience (more familiarity with the systems & schemes), physical development (18 yr olds geting bigger & stronger), and recruiting.

nineblock

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:34 a.m.

mgoblu..you are spreading your crap all over the place. You want to judge Carr on "top ten teams" and then what...support RR who hasn't even produced a "winning season?" When is the last time Carr and RR each won a National Championship?

Dmarcel

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:33 a.m.

nineblock, yes, it's about the team, which includes coaches AND players. To think that a coaching change is the solution without having physically & mentally developed players is outrageous. I only refer to Stoops & Carroll to point out how crazy many of these posts read. Yes, coaching is a part of it. But man, players have something to do with it (just ask Carroll & Stoops)

mgobluealways

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:26 a.m.

Terrin, UM may not have had any seasons this bad under Carr but aside from that 97 team which, as you said was made of players he did not recruit, how many times did a michigan team finish in the top 10? As I've said in other posts... the defense is the problem here and that has been a problem long before Rich came here (App State, Oregon, Juice, Smith, etc...). The offense has, with so many young players, been outstanding overall (although inconsistent and prone to mistakes as you would expect with ANY team this young). Once UM gets some players in the secondary to help Warren and play off of Dline potential stars like Martin and Campbell the defense will right itself. It's not a difficult formula right now... no secondary = no defense no matter who is coaching it.

nineblock

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:09 a.m.

And by the way Dmarcel..if by "Michigan Man" you mean someone who was actually born in Michigan, it has been over 40 years since we had a "Michigan" man.

nineblock

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 11:59 p.m.

dmarcel Your post speaks volumes about how you view football. Each of your examples has to do with the failures/shortcomings of an individual. It is not about "Tate" or "Bob Stoops." It is about a team and about leadership and we have neither.

Dmarcel

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 11:50 p.m.

Give us Les Miles. Oh wait, did he just lose to Ole Miss? Who cares, he's a Michigan Man so he get's 3 years to salvage the program.

Dmarcel

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 11:47 p.m.

We want Harbaugh! Oh wait, he has one more win than Dantonio at 7. Who cares, he's a Michigan Man... We'll give him 2.5 years to turn everything around.

Jon Saalberg

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 11:42 p.m.

Hopefully, this might help those who hold zero hope for UM's future: UM's 2010 Recruiting Rank.

Dmarcel

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 11:40 p.m.

Tate "Heisman" Forcier has 4 int's & an endzone fumble & the entire posting discussion is about the coach. As if players have nothing to do with it.... I think Oklahoma should fire Bob Stoops then, since the Sooners are 6-5 with Sam Bradford being out... In fact, fire Pete Carroll also, since USC's dominance has dropped off with a freshman QB (Michigan has freshman starting all over the place).

nineblock

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 11:19 p.m.

Terrin...yes, yes, yes...except for a couple of points regarding his "unjustifiable" termination. 1. If you coach at OSU or Michigan it is an expectation that you will win "the Game" more than you lose it. 2. You will run a clean program that is a source of pride for your University and your state, In my opinion, Cooper did neither of those things. My brother is an OSU grad and we have discussed this for years. I can tell you, OSU fans view the Cooper years as the "dark ages" and not just because we owned them in "the Game."

Terrin

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 11:11 p.m.

Michiganiac: When Ohio dumped Cooper (unjustly in my opinion), Tressel went 14-0 his second season. His first season record matched Carr's worst year of 7-5. There were no rebuilding years because Tressel looks at his talent and creates a system around that. RR on the other had tries to mold his talent to his system regardless of whether he has the appropriate talent. RR's method was completely unfair to the Michigan players who have had to suffer through that. Michigan get's top talent every year. Up until the end of RR's first season, what top player's wouldn't consider Michigan? RR should have played a little more conservative, respected Michigan traditions, and preserved it's long standing records all now destroyed. It is worth noting that under 13 years of Carr, Michigan never finished the season not ranked in the top 20 except the one year he went 7 and 5. In Carr's third year, he won the National Championship with many players he did not recruit. Unfortunately, Michigan will keep RR another year. Come next year though, Michigan makes to much money off of football not to can him if there aren't significant improvements.

Terrin

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 11:06 p.m.

Michiganiac: When Ohio dumped Cooper (unjustly in my opinion), Tressel went 14-0 his second season. His first season record matched Carr's worst year of 7-5. There were no rebuilding years because Tressel looks at his talent and creates a system around that. RR on the other had tries to mold his talent to his system regardless of whether he has the appropriate talent. RR's method was completely unfair to the Michigan players who have had to suffer through that. Michigan get's top talent every year. Up until the end of RR's first season, what top player's wouldn't consider Michigan? RR should have played a little more conservative, respected Michigan traditions, and preserved it's long standing records all now destroyed. It is worth noting that under 13 years of Carr, Michigan never finished the season not ranked in the top 20 except the one year he went 7 and 5. In Carr's third year, he won the National Championship with many players he did not recruit. Unfortunately, Michigan will keep RR another year. Come next year though, Michigan makes to much money off of football not to can him if there aren't significant improvements.

nineblock

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 11:06 p.m.

Boss Fan: Logic and reason are things of beauty. I cannot but ad to your tetimony. Either we are ike these programs: At Alabama Nick Saban was 19-8 in his first 2 seasons At OSU Jim Tressel was 21-5 in his first 2 seasons At LSU Les Miles was 22-4 in his first 2 seasons At Cincinnati Brian Kelly was 21-6 his first 2 seasons or we are like: At Illinois Ron zook was 4-19 his first 2 seasons At Mississippi Stae Sylvester Croom was 6-16 his first 2 seasons At SMU June Jones was 7-15 his first 2 seasons. The ultimate humiliation? Had we taken RR's asistant (Bill Stewart)and his current record for the past 2 years...we would be 16-7.

bossfan23

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 10:26 p.m.

Nineblock, nice research. To those that keep preaching "patience," sorry but history has shown that it shouldn't take several years (recruiting classes) to succeed. When Michigan beat Ohio State 24-12 in '69, they did so with the same players that had lost to OSU the previous year by a score of 50-14. Since freshman were not eligible, Bo had exactly zero of "his" players. Nobody was asking RR to re-invent the wheel here, all he had to do was come in and fine tune a couple of things. Clearly, he misunderstood the job, the history, the expectations, etc. That he has been allowed to destroy the program almost guarantees that he will be given the chance to revive it. If/when it happens, those of you with short memories will consider him a "savior." Those of us that have been around for awhile will always consider him to be a con artist that took us to the cleaners, and the Big Ten basement! By the way, if it really does take several years, as RR has convinced some, how do you explain what Brian Kelley is doing at Cincinnati? I rest my case!

nineblock

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 9:48 p.m.

Well Hoops...other than the unecessary salt in the wounds comment about "getting a bowl" I think you are pretty much correct in your assessment of "the rivalry." Let's face it...the Big Ten in general, and tOSU and U of M in particlar have made the conference the butt of ridicule even from the likes of ex-Big Ten'ers like Woodsen and Herbstreet. We deserve it...you guys get blown out in two straight NC games and we hire RR who leads us to record setting performances like most consecutive losing seasons and most consecutive losses to tOSU etc, etc etc,. I woke up this morning...the day of "THE GAME" to the fact that the ESPN Game Day crew was not in Ann Arbor...but Tuscon??? Sad, sad day. Let's get back to business guys.

university brat

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 9:47 p.m.

RR at postgame Press Conference: "It's what we do". What? Lose RR?! Time reveals all truths...

Blueman Rick

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 9:45 p.m.

Hey amaizenman: If you don't think this season was a disgrace to Michigan football, you're either a moron or an OSU fan. As for your admonition " you need to jump on someone else's bandwagon and get off of this one"...As an M grad, I'll criticize RR and the program as much as I like. You were obviously in diapers when the program had pride and class under BO and Canham. You don't have any have any perspective whatsoever on the matter so clam up.

Jaxon5

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 9:29 p.m.

An entire generation of football players coming up to the college level don't remember Michigan ever beating Ohio State. They think it's the way it's supposed to be.

garrisondyer

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 9:25 p.m.

The turnovers sucked, the outcome sucked, but I was happy to FINALLY see Michigan come and play a full 4 quarters. Too little, too late, though. This game could have easily been a victory without 2 or 3 of those turnovers. Hopefully the higher level of experience next year will help this team earn their way back to the top of the Big Ten, where I always expect them to be. My last point of this post: Rich Rod now has 2 strikes (at least). Next season, if not before then, he will either strike out or live up to his promise. What a painful experience these last 2 years have been.

GettingBluer

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 9:25 p.m.

"Lloyd left the cupboard bare" keeps appearing on here time after time from RR fanboys. Do you mean you thought Brandon Graham played below his ability? Or, do you mean that Ryan Mallet being drafted by the NFL as an underclassman...oops, forgot, RR drove him away. Face it, your "god" (RR) is worse than no coach at all. Cut the losses and fire Rodriguez, Robinson, and Martin now before we waste MORE than a decade of Michigan football due to this bumbling idiot.

Hoops24/7

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 9:23 p.m.

Believe it or not, as an OSU grad I hope that UM improves. A strong Michigan can only enhance the reputation of the Big 10 which, let's face it, needs some help. I won't lie--I certainly enjoy the winning. But when Michigan languishes and the rivalry becomes irrelevant to the national landscape, the conference is hurting. For those who say that OSU barely won, I would reply that yes, the defense was surprisingly good. But OSU was conservative for numerous reasons: we had a lead; the O-line was opening some holes; Forcier was imploding and UM's rush game was non-existent; and above all, we wanted to chew up the clock. Yes, Tressel is conservative this year: he plays the talent he has. Those who mock OSU's chances in the Rose Bowl would do well to try to GET to a bowl game.

nineblock

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 9:15 p.m.

BTW- typo on Schembechler's first 3 season results...was 28-5 not 18-5

AC

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 9:12 p.m.

S. Coleman and B.Martin are the reasons for destroying this once storied program. Their lack of knowledge in regard football and rushing into hiring a coach that is not suitable for this program are the reasons for 2 consecutive losing seasons. This program been successful way before RR was born. Just because M hasn't beaten OSU and win bowl games lately, doesn't mean it wasn't successful. I agree that change needed but not REBUILDING rather updating. Even when Michigan struggled (to M standard), never had a losing season period. This administration should've evaluated the level of talent on the roster before bringing on a new coach. Unfortunately the Michigan family is divided. LC hates Miles, and got peed off when his assistant was hired as HC. He never supported RR once. This whole hiring process was pathetic. RR is proven to be a good bull sh...er. From the day he was hired until now we have yet to hear anything positive. He choked in Big East championship game and left his Alma mater before big bowl game, lied about his contract(which UM paid), almost guaranteed Pryor coming to Michigan, ran off talent (but claims cupboard was bare) changing the tradition, real state lawsuit, NCAA investigation,......etc. How much distractions this team can handle. He is stubborn, arrogance and cocky. Why everyone so impressed with his record at WV?? This the big ten, not big east. His style of offense will not attract good recruits esp. NFL caliber. Majority of today's athletes could care less about a degree but rather jump to NFL for the $$$$.

ihatetate

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 9:12 p.m.

Well said Nineblock

nineblock

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 9:08 p.m.

Right on target Mauler. I't not about emotion and warm fuzzies...it is about results...both historic and current. Here are the facts about past coaching transitions at UM: 1947 - Fritz Crisler's last season - UM goes 10-0 wins Rose Bowl and National Championship 1948-1950-Bennie Ossterbaan's record in first 3 years is 21-4-2. Beats tOSU twice and ties them once. 1958- Oosterbaan's final season UM goes 2-6-1 and loses to tOSU. 1959-1961 Bump Elliott's record in first 3 seasons is 15-12. Beat tOSU once and lost to them twice. 1968 - Elliott's final season reslts in record of 8-2 - lost to tOSU. 1969-1971 Bo Schembechler's record in first 3 seasons is 18-5 and 2-1 agains tOSU 1989 Schembechler's last season - UM is 10-2 and beats tOSU. 1990-1992 Gary Moeller's record in first 3 years is 28-8 and 2-0-1 vs tOSU. 1994 - Moeller's last year - UM is 8-4 and lost to tOSU 1995-1997 - Lloyd Carr's record in first 3 seasons is 29-8 and 3-0 vs tOSU. 2007 Carr's final year - UM is 9-4 and lost to tOSU. 2008-2009 RR's record in first 2 years is 8-16 and 0-2 vs tOSU NOW...TELL ME AGAIN WHY I SHOULD BE PATIENT!!! This isn't just any program. It is Michigan. We don't rebuild...we reload. Or at least we did until RR.

mlivesaline

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 9:05 p.m.

86 of 122 players are in they're first two years of eligablity. Can someone tell how this is even remotely possible? Where did all the upper classmen go? Still cannot believe that we finished last.

maulerblue

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 8:57 p.m.

To quote: "The worst loss of the year would be to fire this coach. Get a grip and grow up people. Did Rich throw the 5 int's today too? Come on. He will be back and we will get much better next year. If you don't like it go buy and ugly green hat" No I disagree. The worst loss of the year would be ignore what is going on before our eyes and pretend that what was a proud tradition for over 100 years be erased by a money grabbing coach from west virginia. Rich Rod has a lot of personal problemswhich may affect his coaching ability at Michigan. I say give him one last year at best. GO BLUE

ihatetate

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 8:55 p.m.

Who in there right mind gives Matt Millen a Job anyways commentating football. Like all his wise knowledge of the game helped out the lions the last 10 years. Michigan was cursed the second he started calling the games.

bossfan23

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 8:51 p.m.

While I agree that OSU played a very "vanilla" game on offense today, the thing that surprised me the most was not the score, but the fact that OSU appeared to be so average. Pryor was nothing special and neither was anyone else. The question should be: How did this team (probably the weakest OSU squad in years) win the Big Ten? The answer is Tressel. He beat our team with his team and I'll bet that if he switched campuses, he could beat his team next week with our team. The man can coach. He can embrace a program's past and honor it's traditions. He doesn't make excuses. Who would have ever thought that we would look across the field at the other sideline and be envious of their coach? As for all of the scarlet and gray in the stands-did anyone look on 'craigslist' last week? It was embarrassing to see how many people were bailing on this game. If you don't want to go, fine-sell your seats to someone that you know for face value and stay home. To list them online and try to sell them for a profit shows just how far this program has fallen. A ton of Buckeye fans at the Big House just added insult to injury!

AC

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 8:37 p.m.

Well I'm glad the season is OVER. Too much expectations with same results, pathetic. Unfortunately the future looks pretty gloomy for Big Blue. Tressel will continue to out coach RR, out recruit and dominate Michigan for a long time. Tate Forcier proved to be over hyped, over rated, and over confident. For a guy who was Groomed to be a QB, sure dont know how hold on to the flipping ball. Im not being harsh, just stating facts. I understand hes a freshman but 12 game as a starter and continue to suffer from fumblitis and interception. He needs to understand that he cant win the game by himself but dont lose it either. T.F quote after the game to the AP This offseason, Im gonna make sure myself and every single person on this team works the hardest we have ever worked. Were gonna come back a a new team. Im not going to let this happen again. Wow, I guess 12 games not enough to play hard. This team lacks Direction, Leadership. For an offensive guru as they label RR, impressive 10 pts total but sure can score against Delaware St. Its obvious the defense has been the problems for the last 2 years but not today. Watching this team on Sat is just like crapshoot. I encourage RR and his coaching staff, players to read John U. Bacon book called BOs Lasting Lessons. Its an awesome book. Michigan Football team final grades for the season: Offense D. Defense F. Special Teams C. Coaching D-

GoblueinNE_PA

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 8:19 p.m.

Any one who's a Michigan fan better hope Tate stays. If you are supporter of the Idiot, you absolutely better pray he stays, because w/o him we have no chance next year. And if he were to transfer, katie bar the door, losing two starting QB in back to back years to transfer and starting our 3rd freshman QB in as many years, he might as well quit right then.

bokes

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 8:12 p.m.

RR has to go - worst two year record in almost 50 yrs. His excuse is cupboard was bare! U of M had top 10 recruiting classes through class of 2007 (look it up). Carr's last yr he beat FLA in bowl game was ranked #4 pre-season. Thats why RR left W. Va He didn't fight to keep Mallet since he wasn't "the right style" and instead went after Pryor who turns out is very average. Again next yr you will have no #1 QB with the kid from Inkster coming in - so I suspect some more transfers RR inherited 9 starters on D last yr and was terrible - worse this yr after he threw his coordinator overboard for his NFL guy who ruined Syracuse. Next yr will be just as bad - they will beat up on MAC and finish with IU at the bottom( who they beat this yr by 3pts on a bad call) Your first loss is your least loss- bring in Harbaugh and start over the RR experiment did not work.

John Roos

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 8:07 p.m.

Great coaching is the art of people and in that out come there is confidence, instincts, grace and style. The beauty in all this is that we all have an opinion.

mindfulness

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 8:01 p.m.

When have any of you seen a Michigan quarterback play so poorly? When, please tell me. I guess watching ten hours of film a day (which Tate promised to do following the loss to Wisconsin) wasn't enough. Fumble, underthrow, overthrow, you name it Tate did it. Finally, that defense was spectabular given all we've heard about the OSU offensive line and that quarterback of theirs. And our offensive line distinguished themselves--even the TV commentators said, "Wow, look at the time Tate had". At least there where a few bright spots. BUT THE CLOCK IS TICKING. It's 3 OR out for RR, regardless what anyone says, including Martin and Coleman and Rich himself......on to 2010.

Just Blue

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 6:59 p.m.

Let's see...It takes time for a new system, the players are too young, Lloyd left the cupboard bare, our recruiting hasn't measured up lately, my scheme will win out, jeez anything else you want to blame, Mr. Genius Coach.. Face it, you reached your level of competence in the Big East, you're only good enough for last place here.

chosen1

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 6:55 p.m.

Mike Shaw....take off your uniform and go back to OHIO....what you did is what Buckeyes do....Pick a fight with someone who is actually playing, not some guy who is going to sit on the sidelines....I hope Rich doesn't tolerate this bush league move by a punk kid.....what a disgrace...

UofMbeWorser

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 6:36 p.m.

Our coach was caught crying AGAIN! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzUhsngrONA

StinkLips

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 6:30 p.m.

You guys blew it. Again. This humiliation negates anything Cooper or the 90s bucks teams could ever hop to imagine. Nice job Wolverines.

Man in the Mirror

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 6:22 p.m.

Out of respect for the UM OSU rivalry, OSU went easy on Michigan. They played enough to win the game. ESPN said that according to RR, Tate will not be the starting QB next year, everyone will have to battle for their positions regardless of experience. This program will never get off the ground because you will always have young, inexperienced players on the field if the veteran player has a bad practice week. Nothing wrong with competing for positions but after so long it takes a toll on ones psyche and therego the lack of motivation and in fighting which results in a dismal season.

tulsatom

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:48 p.m.

If U-M's defense had played the way they did today against Purdue and Illinos, we'd be talking about which bowl they'd be going to. Too bad they didn't play like this in those games. OSU had more talent than U-M this year but I can't honestly say that about Purdue and Illinois.

Jaxon5

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:46 p.m.

A record of 3 - 13 in the last 2 Big Ten seasons is a disgrace. Michigan has become Indiana and Purdue (as they used to be). (The reference doesn't quite work because they are actually better than UM). Northwestern beat Wisconsin today. For old timers, it's hard to fathom Northwestern being a better team than Michigan. For younger folks, it's not hard to understand, because they are better and have been better for many seasons.

BuckeyeInFL

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:38 p.m.

Michigan will be back. And I want them to be back and strong again. I'm a little tired of the Buckeye faithful for piling on today. Win or lose, this day is much better when both teams are strong; it builds the anticipation for "The Game", stokes the rivalry (the best in the nation, by the way), and keeps fans talking year round. I suffered through the John Cooper years, so believe me UM fans, this too shall pass. Fare forward. You have a great looking basketball team, and those UM-OSU clashes should be fun this winter.

Danny

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:36 p.m.

Tate is gone to the Pac-10 or SEC bring on Devon. Tate has a lot of growing to do. The last INT was terrible, even for a freshman! What was he looking at? The ugly red and white jersey was right in front of him? Mich. was in a position to score 3 times and up jumped the devil? The big "0" GO BLUE Next year with whom ever. I will be pulling for OSU against Oregon, however Oregon has a hot QB. By By Tate!

Papabear151

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:33 p.m.

West Virginia Didn't suck before RR got there, he didn't exactly turn the program around. Michigan Didn't suck before RR got here, now we do. People can support him all they want but the facts speak for themselves. RR couldn't beat competitive teams and WVU and he can't beat crap teams at Michigan.

GoblueinNE_PA

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:33 p.m.

TulsaTom There is no way this team win 8 or 9 games next year. None. This team will win 4 games max and one of those will be against 1AA UMASS. That is if the idiot hillbilly is still the coach. If we get a real HC in, then you can probably see 7 or 8 wins. If RR is still here, expect to continue to see records in futility set by Michigan.

oldmanblue

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:29 p.m.

The worst loss of the year would be to fire this coach. Get a grip and grow up people. Did Rich throw the 5 int's today too? Come on. He will be back and we will get much better next year. If you don't like it go buy and ugly green hat.

hmbgoblue

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:27 p.m.

RR is safe at least until Sept. 2010. After all, to let him go despite his sterling record would require Bill Martin to admit he made a mistake. When was the last time that happened, unless it involved access to the Regents' Box? And I'm not even sure it happened then.

Ralph

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:23 p.m.

$235 million spent on football facilties and they still can't win! Join the MAC ladies! At least you'd be bowle eligible-maybe!

tulsatom

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:23 p.m.

Although they lost, I was proud of the way the defense fought today. Brandon Graham had another monster day -- too bad he doesn't have enough of a supporting cast around him. I see promise in the offense with players like Roundtree, Vicent Smith, and others having decent days. I thought Forcier gave good effort but tried to force the ball too much and needs to take care of the ball better. This was a hard lesson today for him. I had predicted a 38-14 blowout loss, so I am pleasantly surprised by the outcome. Lou Holtz said Michigan would've won the game if they hadn't of had 5 turnovers. I think next year will be the deciding year for RR. If they don't win at least 8 or 9 games next year, I think the RR experiment is over.

azwolverine

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:09 p.m.

NoBowl, While I agree that Dantonio has proven to be better than RR, I LAUGH at you calling him and Tressel the TWO best coaches in the Big Ten! Really? I agree with Tressel as a top coach, but Dantonio? Not even close. Dantonio is not nearly as good as JoePa...or Ferentz...or Bielema. Dantonio is on par with Fitzgerald of NW and Brewster at Minnesota. He is AT BEST the fifth best coach in the league, maybe as low as 7 or 8 (depending on how good Danny Hope turns out to be at Purdue). Tressel, definitely. Dantonio? HA! Two different leagues.

vi4mi4

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:08 p.m.

call me when he is GONE Go Blue! v

Jaxon5

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:07 p.m.

NorthMaple - thanks for pointing out we may not actually be dead last in the Big Ten. I would point out we deserve to be there. Indiana actually played more competitively in the Big Ten this year.

vi4mi4

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:06 p.m.

matt millen has TWO football related jobs...MICHIGAN finishes last in the Big Ten... tigers suck, sparty sucks, red wings suck, pistons suck, regular job unemployment= 15%, but the coaches keep their million dollar jobs... INFILTRATION COMPLETE... our state is dying... v

Michiganiac

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5:01 p.m.

not all carrs fault but he gets a share of the blame, and maybe if everyone wouldn't of came back to win title carrs last year you all would reconize the massive rebulding going on. maybe it has a lil bit to do with somany players transfering when rr was named coach.(which i don't think is his fault he didn't tell them to go, i don't think) maybe if billy martin doesn't wait so long to name a coach you get more then just a month and a half to recruit your first year. lets face it this is not one mans fault.there is plenty of blame to go around.

tomhagan

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 5 p.m.

On the 12th Day of Christmas, Coach Rich Rod sent to me 12 men on the field 11 flailing defenders 10 Interceptions 9 Bobbled punts 8 Over throws 7 Dropped passes 6 Holding calls 5 Bubbbbbllllleeee Scrreeeeensss 4 Holding Calls 3 Sideline meltdowns 2 Violations and Mike Barwis making them lean

Jaxon5

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:58 p.m.

heartbreakM - Of course, Millen knows how to rationalize losing to the point of making it sound attractive.

daizedandblue

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:56 p.m.

I get sick of everyone blaming the players and not the coach. If this is the case, then Tressel should also get a free pass for all his losses. As a matter of fact, by your standard, there is no such thing as a bad coach, only poor execution and no talent. We need to realize that it is the coaches responsibility to coach the kids up, not down

heartbreakM

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:56 p.m.

One big complaint: Did anybody listen to Matt Millen on TV today? I was more sick listening to him than anything that happened on the field. Matt Millen talking about talent on the field is actually comical if nto offensive. And he kept making excuses for RR basically saying that he had no returning talent on his team when RR took over the job and he has not had time to "put his pieces in place". Well, by the end of his second year, don't you think that he could have coached up what was there? Matt millen of course did not think that was necessary. And he didn't talk at all about other coaches --namely one who was on the other sideline--who wildly succeeded in their second year. Pathetic. The worst listening experience yet.

azwolverine

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:55 p.m.

Michiganiac, You might want to check out WVU's history of winning before you say they were not even a winning program before RR got there. Ever heard of Don Nehlen? He coached there 21 years and had them playing ND for a National Championship with a QB named Major Harris. They were 8-4 the year before RR took over. Don't let facts get in the way of your rants, though.

NoBowl4Blue

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:55 p.m.

My buddy who attends OSU just told me that by the time Mich & OSU play again it will be 2,556 days since a last Mich win. That's over 7 years. Tressel and Dantonio 2 best coaches in league. Go Sparty

NorthMaple

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:54 p.m.

Not to split hairs, but assuming Indiana loses today, doesn't Michigan finish second-to-last in the Big Ten? True, they share the same losing record, but Michigan holds the tie-breaker by beating the Hoosiers in head-to-head competition as well as holding a better overall record (5-7 over 4-8).

Jaxon5

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:52 p.m.

Sorry, the team was not competitive. They never led, they never challenged, never threatened. Only scored one touchdown. Too many turnovers took ourselves right out of the game. That's not competitive, but it is pathetic.

heartbreakM

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:51 p.m.

mauler--I was just about to post the same thing. I admire Tressel a lot (not just because he routinely beats us, but because he is a sound coach and really embraces what is important in college football Clarret notwithstanding). That comment was just priceless. In a million years, I could not imagine RR saying or thinking such a thing. H IMO, RR is so out of his element and so over his head that Michigan is now probably a good 5 years from competing after he leaves.

Michiganiac

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:51 p.m.

yeah we should fire rr and hire harbaugh or maybe brian kelley. I mean they have both won so many bcs games.Right? Oh wait neither of them has ever been in a bcs bowl game thats right.Maybe instead of wanting a michigan man you should want the right man.I always hated nepotism and that good olboys club. I could care less about wether or not the coach went to school there or knows someone in a high places. I care more about qualifications, and rr is a provin winner.I mean wv wasn't exacly a power house or even a winning team before he came.

TXteacher

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:49 p.m.

Big Ten football is slow, unimaginative, and flat boring. RR will turn it around with time. Spoiled UM fans will have to wait for RR to work his magic. Give him time. It will be worth it. Signed, MSU fans everywhere

Papabear151

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:49 p.m.

Lloyd Carr, run off for squandering the talent he recruited... so what's RR's excuse for squandering the talent?

maulerblue

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:47 p.m.

Today before the game, I watched an HBO special about the Michigan Ohio State Game. One thing that I never knew was the snow bowl back in the fifties when the wolverines beat the buckeyes on a blocked punt with the center of michigan falling on the ball the win the game. The coach of the Ohio State team was fired! When Tressel was asked today after shaking Rich Rods hands about what his thoughts were about going to the Rose Bowl he responded " The Michigan OSU game is the most important objective". Rich Rod don't get it.

NoBowl4Blue

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:47 p.m.

Thank God for MSU the rest of the state is in the toilet. Rr and Democrats just what Michigan needed.

chosen1

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:46 p.m.

UMbeworser...actually rich has more losses to ohio state than tressel does to michigan. Tressel has only lost once. However, this was a great game to watch and our team was competitive. Roundtree still finds ways to get open and was dominating on offense. Our problem is qb.....to the michigan fans calling for tate's heisman canidacy earlier this year I am waiting for an "oops my bad". You created a monster ego for the kid. And he basically lost this game for UM today. Denard is too predictable to be a legitimate qb. He had some nice runs but also got caught behind the line too many times. and finally, much love to BG, Mesko, and the other seniors for the dedication to the program and university. You are fine representatives and BG and Mesko will be studs in the NFL

azwolverine

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:40 p.m.

Michiganiac, So by inference, this is Lloyd's fault? Yeah, top 10 recruiting classes every year were the downfall of the Michigan program. Good try.

StinkLips

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:34 p.m.

Um did fight hard today...the bottom line is that UM is a second rate football team, maybe third rate. You guys need to get rid of RR and get Harbaugh in there.

Don

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:32 p.m.

Hey Wandering... Many years ago when Michican beat Ohio State I still pulled for Michigan in the bowl game. You hate losing to Ohio State so much you can't even support the conference. You're eaten up with hate. Love it! GO BUCKEYES!!!!!

Michiganiac

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:32 p.m.

True sucsess is built on a soild fondation and 5 or 6 senior staters doesn't scream soild fondation to me.86 of 122 players are in they're first two years of eligablity.that screams young shacky mistake prone football.And that is not achieved in two years. it takes years of misrecruiting to get to this point and only time and contanuity can fix that

tomhagan

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:30 p.m.

4-7 vs. FCS teams. Last in the Big Ten. Does anyone here really believe that this team has the worst talent in the Big Ten? Of course not. It is what it is. RR is officially on the clock and it is ticking down fast.

azwolverine

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:30 p.m.

By the way, if this 'Dave' who calls WTKA supports and makes similar arguments to me, he is a very wise man indeed. Go Dave!

wondering

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:28 p.m.

Go Bucks Oh yeh until Terrel chokes again

maulerblue

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:26 p.m.

This is ludakris! I blame todays loss entirely on the leader of the team Rich Rod. I hope Mary Sue Coleman will reconsider her decision about keeping this coach for another season.

michboy40

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:26 p.m.

Rich Rod seemed very calm today. The D played good, but not great, Tate was awefull. We have nothing to hang our hat on after two years with RR. If we give RR two more years, he will turn this program into a powerhouse...but I don't think we will. We will find a Harbaugh freindly AD, hire him, then let him fire RR. This will happen right after the bowl season, or afer next year, but it will happen.

azwolverine

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:25 p.m.

Stan, Did you call me Dave? Call WTKA??? What the? I live in Arizona and have NEVER called WTKA. As for you, 'Stan' (although I think you are actually another pro RR poster who usually goes under a much more recognizable name), if RR were to stay on, what if Michigan does NOT win the 8-9 games you predict for next season? Should he be fired THEN??? Or would you once again give him a free pass? You've already predicted two straight 9 win seasons that he's fallen WAY SHORT on, yet you seem unfazed as if it's par for the course and fully expected. What does RR have to do, in your opinion, to fail and be fired next year? What is the MINIMUM REQUIREMENT for succes? I truly want to know, because at this point there seems to be no minimum requirement he has to meet because, according to you and his backers, nothing is his fault anyway.

albertmacaw

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:25 p.m.

Defense showed up???? Are you michigan fans that drunk on rr kool aid that you believe that??? OSU presented a basic offense that a good high school team could have defended. If they used 5% of their playbook that is a reach. They are already thinking about the Rose Bowl. OSU showed them NO RESPECT by treating them like the last place team that they are. PLEASE keep RR and the Hillbilly High program that he uses. Already hearing the same crying and excuses. "Wait until next year and we get the players and everything in place". Same line as last year. The view from the top is great. How is it from last place michigan fan??? GO BUCKS

Michiganiac

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:24 p.m.

maybe the economy and michigan failed for the same reason.no one whats to work for a goal they just want it. and when they don't get it people look for someone to blame!!!!

wondering

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:18 p.m.

Ok I am serious. Why should we keep Tatortot as qb in year three (the charm)

wondering

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:16 p.m.

Any explanation why he wore a red band today? Am I smelling a rat?

wondering

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:15 p.m.

Hey lets get a soccer player for kicker next year, maybe he can get the ball through the uprights. We'll use him for short yardage and keep o i can navigate for long yardage.

vi4mi4

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:11 p.m.

...r.r. keeps his job, schwartz keeps his job, unemployment rises, banks get bailed out, stimulus money disappears, welcome to Michigan 2009.....and he wore a RED wristband for the osu game, sad, sad, sad, Go Blue! v

wondering

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:11 p.m.

The only other game I will be watching this year is the Rose Bowl to watch Ohio State choke. Now thats what I call football LMAO

IoniaDawg

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:10 p.m.

What hurts all the more is that this was a very beatable Ohio State team. We basically handed it to them on a silver platter. Pryor can't pass. Bring on Brian Kelly!

bleedblue96

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:06 p.m.

the defense finally showed up maybe Greg Robinson found something. Tate who knows if he was texting anybody before the game. I like denard on the recieving part but no experience didnt help much. Theres lack of maturity at the qb position. Football first, fame second. I think Tate let it go to his head after the ND game. No college qb should be texting sportswriters, they should focus on school and football

stan

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:05 p.m.

Dave (az), I'm glad to see you're not going off the handle as per usual. Can we expect the same calmness when you call WTKA this week? We're not at ground zero. Ground zero was two years ago after Lloyd left with the cupboard fairly bare. The defensive performance today was encouraging. Players like Stonum, V. Smith, and Roundtree are going to improve as will the QB play. I expect 8-9 regular season wins next year. Hell, a couple plays here and there and THIS year's team wins 8-9 games. It's very important that Michigan make tangible progress next year.

mercury69

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:04 p.m.

Playing a terrible Michigan was probably a blessing for the Buckeyes. By beating them with a "vanilla" game plan, there is nothing on tape for a pac-10 champ to study them on. Saving their best work for the Rose Bowl. Tressel is a coaching genius. RR is coaching talentless.

UofMbeWorser

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:04 p.m.

Richrod now has as many Losses at Michigan as Jim Tressel has at OHIO. They are Tied

wondering

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4:03 p.m.

I see we are back to maturity. Why are people so sure that year three is the charm?

Michiganiac

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 4 p.m.

If you look at the games it's not the coachings fault.lack of experence plays a bigger role in almost any game this year they have lost.A man out of place here a man out of place there makes any team look bad.in todays game it wasn't bad coaching but 4 picks and a fumble. And i'm sure rr didn't tell tate on tuesday, hey tater on the first drive what i want you to do is fumble in the endzone.Or in the 4th when the game is still well with in reach go out there and throw a pick in the endzone. Michigans offence moved down feild almost all game.Maybe didn't convert maybe didn't move it every time, but is that coaching?not today that was youth an inexperence.I to was a rr hater when he was at wv,"his offence is a gimic, he cann't win real games with the spread, you'll never be able to do that in the big ten".In the mean time flordia and lsu penn state and oregon all use the same offence to wreak shop.For that matter ohio state does not run that different an offence either, and if you look across the landscape of college football you'll see most good teams run some kinda spread.What i saw today was youth and youth is only made better with time. Give the man achance and i bet given time, michigan well be a better team then they have been in 12 years and maybe better then they were then.

Annie

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 3:56 p.m.

Pathetic

amaizenman

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 3:55 p.m.

Don Your buckeyes scored 2 offensive TD's. Your QB had less than 100 yds passing. If a team commits 5 TO's the other team should blow them off the field. Your team had plenty of competition today and could easily of lost this game. I will wait to see your comments after your usual melt down again in a bowl game. I believe Tressel has a great losing record when playing against to 10 teams or better yet when going to a top tier bowl game.

wondering

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 3:54 p.m.

scooterdog. wha wha? do you think the coaching was great all season. If you read post from other games, it has been stated over and over that the players have not been executing. I dont mope, But Big Rod aint that good. The coach is the boss. The questions are. Why arent the players motivated by the coach. What is the coach lacking that the players are not responding to. Ultimatley the coach chose the players. Fire the coach he is ineffective. Give the players a chance under an effective caoch. Something the coach is or is not doing is why the 'team" is playing so bad. It's like working with great collegues, but the administration sucks, so the team cant perform. No different. If the players are at fault always then fire the player. But I see more of it coming from the boss (coach). He is responsible for the success of the team. If he is effective, the team will be effective.

NoBowl4Blue

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 3:53 p.m.

No Bowl for the Blue AGAIN. Where's Tater and his 8-4 prediction and victory over the Bucks. Tate the great sucked. No bowl again not even Pizza Pizza bowl. Sad as two graduating classes have now have never witness a victory of arch rival. RR was a mistake, most everyone knew it. He screwed his own Alma Mater, cost U of M millions to settle a buy out lawsuit, has shady real estate dealings and breaks NCAA rules. If anybody had any brains in Ann Arbor they will call Harbaugh before Notre Dame does. Look to me like the sweater vest took it easy on Michigan where with a little more aggression could have scored at least 1 more time.

albertmacaw

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 3:52 p.m.

PlEASE keep RR. All the OSU faithful love the high school program he has implemented. OSU was so vanilla it was a joke. Tey treated michigan like the last place team that they are. Showed them nothing that was a challenge and in turn NO RESPECT. Already thinking about Pasadena. GO BUCKS and enjoy LAST PLACE michigan.

azwolverine

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 3:52 p.m.

I'm not going to pile on RR today, he'll get enough of that without my input. While I feel like Michigan's freefall is completley due to the drastic changes RR has made and the team seemingly unwilling to fight for him, today's loss to OSU was not his fault. The team did fight hard today, whether it was for the seniors, due to the rivalry, or whatever it was, I give them credit for that. Brandon Graham deserves an award for fighting his guts out every play over the past two years despite what was going on all around him. Would I love to get Jim Harbaugh or Les Miles in here? Sure. At this point, though, no matter who comes in (or if RR stays) the team is now at ground zero and needs to be rebuilt. Good luck to the outgoing seniors and THANK YOU for your efforts and contributions to Michigan football and the difficult transition you've gone through. Go Blue!

vi4mi4

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 3:51 p.m.

...he wore a red wristband for the schmuckeye game...INFILTRATION COMPLETE the darkest day in MICHIGAN Football history... he was hired, he won't be fired... sad, sad, sad, Go Blue! v

amaizenman

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 3:51 p.m.

Blueman Rick Maybe you should quit watching then your blood wouldn't have to boil. Anybody with any football knowledge would realize that UM competed very hard today and unfortunately, the young kid at QB made typical freshman mistakes and cost us the opportunity for the upset. Defense showed up pretty well for the talent level. So if you call this effort a disgrace, then you need to jump on someone else's bandwagon and get off of this one.

Don

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 3:42 p.m.

As a Buckeye fan I used to look forward to the Michigan game. Many years ago Michigan could field a competent team and give us some competition. Now, with the exception of maybe Indiana, Michigan is the weakest team on the schedule.Waaaaahahahahahaha

scooter dog

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 3:42 p.m.

Makes all you big shooter,deep pockets want to run right out and blow another few grand on next years season tickets don't it wa wa wa complain,complain,complain.I suppose its rr'fault that forcier fumbled in the end zone or its rr's fault that he threw a few interceptions or its rr's fault that he inheritated a bunch of wanna bees from past coaches.Get a life.If you don't like them then stay home and mope.

ScottFromHamtramck

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 3:39 p.m.

Fire Dick Rod before U of M goes for 3 losing seasons in a row. What a joke he is. Hire a real coach. Michigan is supposed to be a running team, not some half-baked west-coast offense!

wondering

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 3:39 p.m.

I"m done, no faith for year three. Surprise me

Blueman Rick

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 3:33 p.m.

What a disgrace. I, too, would like to see RR pack his bags. Just the sight of him on the sidelines in M garb makes my blood boil. I hope we don't dilly dally around and lose an opportunity of talking w/ and considering Harbaugh.