Chad Williams

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.

Its not mess and thats the issue that people understand. This team had high hopes even after the bowl loss. 120th ranked Defense and still was able to make it to a jan 1 bowl game. I think people really think that carr left this program in good shape. He couldnt even field players to beat an fcs opponent. No excuse and with your top players leaving to the nfl or tranferring what talent was left to coach. Nick sheridan what a joke. Urban meyer a guy im sure knows about talent said himself he thought it wasnt any here until he came and watched a practice. Anything less than 9-3 is a failure of this current staff or the last staff period. The players are here no excuses.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 7:56 p.m.

CW wrote: "Good Coaching is key to success but until someone can tell me how many times a coach crossed the goaline, made a tackle, or made a fg then it simply comes down to the players executing" So which is it? For those of us who read and write English, the "but" in your sentence privileges its second clause and diminishes its first. Or, like Lorraine, are you not able to write clearly what it is you mean to say? Good Night and Good Luck

Chad Williams

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.

ERM.... did i not say coaches are the key? So how does that translate into me saying they are uniportant. Dont add words to my mouth thank you. By the way i believe coaches get paid money on the college level as well the pro ranks. It's just odd that pro's get 100 million dollar contracts and college players get tuition and cost of living. So your little statement about coaches making money doesnt make since because pro athletes are reconizged as the people that actually win the games. As i said before give me any coaches stat line from any game. Tell how many times RR or Hoke fumbled the ball, or how many drops or how many ints they threw or how many times they missed or made a fg.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 12:05 p.m.

"Good Coaching is key to success but until someone can tell me how many times a coach crossed the goaline, made a tackle, or made a fg then it simply comes down to the players executing." Ahhhhh.CW's line excusing the WCiMFH. So, if coaches are so unimportant, if they add so little value to the players on the team, why pay 'em so much? Why not go out and hire a good HS coach to do the job? Good Night and Good Luck

Blu n Tpa

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 1:14 a.m.

Coach Hoke, I got this. CW seems to like tsopio as much he states he likes UM. His last paragraph is full of biased, slanted questions and opinions based on conjecture. 1. If every player gives his all and can look his fellow teammates in the eye after every game because he did just that, I and my coaches did our job. 2. Winning at Michigan is expected. I took this job with the statement "no excuses" and unless we win, we didn't suceed. Presure is for the unprepared. 3. I don't have the means to compare the heart of these players to my former players so it's not a fair comparison. How would you compare the heart of a player? Guess? 4. It's a trap question. Maybe Blu n Tpa right, maybe your motives aren't pure. I'll quit before I panic, and I don't panic. 5. I can give you two: We play great and get every possible break and bounce to go our way. If we go 7-5 me and my coaches didn't do our jobs and we let the team, our fans and the University of Michigan down. I do know one thing, you just don't run out on the field in Big Ten play and expect to win 10 games. You have to be ready to play. I hope your team does well this season CW, Michigan will do well also. Thanks for the chat. TiM Go Blue!

burton163

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 5:33 a.m.

How does posting my prediction make me "lose all credibility"? . It's just my opinion. The season hasn't been played yet, so there's no possible way for you to determine if I'm accurate or not. I hope I'm wrong. I hope they finish 13-0 and win the NC, but as a realist who has followed UM football for over 20 years, I call 'em as I see 'em. I'll say it again, 2012-2013, looking good based on the talent they have comin' in.

Chad Williams

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 12:55 a.m.

t star21.... So say that Wile doesnt live up to your expectation, will that be because of Hoke or Wile? Last time i checked Jason Hanson made kicks regardless of coaches the lions went through. I jus find it hard to believe any coach has everything to do with a player making a fg where as i never saw a coach hold or kick the ball. Im just saying.

Terry Star21

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 12:43 a.m.

burton...that was pretty good, pretty accurate.......until you posted your win/loss predication and lost all credibility......stick to the details, don't predict scores or win/losses and I'll will read you anytime !

burton163

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 11:23 p.m.

Here's my version: #1 OFFENSE: Denard's skill set were perfect for RR's read option spread. They're not ideal for running a pro set. His talent is in improvising after seeing what the defense gives him. His success passing was from outside the pocket with space to see open receivers, and in DB's biting and leaving receivers open. The pro set requires a QB to stand in the pocket and deliver the ball using timing and touch. Borges will likely try to establish the run game to set up play action, and if that fails we'll see Denard in the shotgun on 3rd and long , moving the pocket with run / pass option. #2 DEFENSE: Talent and depth are lacking compared to OSU, Neb. Wisc. RR recruited smaller, quick players. Depth on the DL is a concern. An injury or two could be devastating. LB is also thin. The DB's may be the deepest squad. #3 RUNNING BACKS: True, lots of RB's, but some have had 2 years to make an impact and it hasn't happened yet. Don't be surprised if a freshmen becomes the bell cow (Rawls). It is good to have depth, let's hope it turns out to be strength in more than just numbers. #4 KICKING: Sounds like the freshman may be good, but he's a kid that will be asked to win games in front of 100,000+ fans. Scary. Our punter is decent, so we got that going for us. #5 RECEIVING: Correct, the receiving group is deep and talented. Until Denard proves he can consistently deliver an accurate deep ball or out patterns, expect to see low risk bubble screens, reverses, etc. to try to get the ball to playmakers in space. #6 O-Line: I'm adding this one, as it may be a strength not mentioned. There is experience with this unit, and Molk, Omameh, and Lewan are above average. If they can stay healthy we have a chance to establish that all important run game to take the pressure off our QB to win games himself. If they perform at a high level, the offense has potential. I'm predicting 6-6, hopefully better. 2012? Now that's gonna be will be a whole 'nother story...

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 8:58 p.m.

Miss Lorraine: You are correct, given that the WCiMFH left such a wreckage behind. Good Night and Good Luck

Lorain Steelmen

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 8:20 p.m.

It could be that way for another 4 or 5 years.

Kyle Meinke

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 8:03 p.m.

Hailmary, you're right in a lot of ways. How will Michigan answer these questions? Brady Hoke might not even know. But what's interesting, to me, is how he answers them. That is, what is Hoke doing (or planning to do) to address his team's major question marks? He'll have some ideas, and that's probably the best look we'll get at this team until Week 1. For the rest of it, we'll just have to wait and see.

Blu n Tpa

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 12:52 a.m.

I wish I could be as fair and tolerant as you have been to some of these peddlers of alternative reality but at some point I just understand that presenting the facts is only an exercise in futility. As for as education is concern you have taken a life time of learning and decided that the University of Michigan is where you wanted to place your support. I think you have chosen wisely. TiM Go Blue!.

DonAZ

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 11:29 p.m.

I pointed out the technical discrepancy because I knew someone else would ... we're a picky bunch around here. Warm and cuddly, but picky. :-) Blu n Tpa -- nah, no sage. Just a huge Michigan fan since I was 14 and awoke to the marvel of Bob Ufer and Denny Franklin under center in 1973. I have a dark, dark secret about where I attended college. Hint: it wasn't Michigan. Still, throughout that experience and all the years since, it's been Michigan, Michigan and more Michigan.

Blu n Tpa

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.

KM, I believe I remember welcoming you to the "Meatgrinder". You don't always have to be right, but you must be accurate. DonAZ, the Sage of the Desert. Tolerant. A voice of moderation in disputes and a symbol of Wisdom in the known Universe, is only trying to help. If I was ever to argue in front of the Supreme Court I would have DAZ proof it first. TiM Go Blue!

Kyle Meinke

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.

DonAZ, you're absolutely right. I made the change to reflect that. Thanks.

DonAZ

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 7:34 p.m.

Given that I'm pretty certain Hoke will not answer many questions, if any ... here's what I'd like to know: o Under what game circumstances does Borges think the pro-set works well compared to when the shotgun is preferred? o Even if lined up in the shotgun, what do they see Robinson doing differently that will make him a more effective QB against good defenses than he was last year?

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 6:20 p.m.

Dearest Sweetheart Lorraine: Whatever you think you meant when you talked about having a &quot;bye&quot;, I KNOW that PSU's going 12-0 and #2 in the country its 2nd year in the league was not &quot;stinking out the joint&quot;. Nor was its first year (10-2, 3d in the conference with a bowl victory) Nor was its 3d year (9-3, 3d in the conference with a bowl victory) Nor was its 4th year (10-2, 3d in the conference with a bowl victory) Nor was its 5th year (9-3, 3d in the conference, albeit with a bowl loss). None of these is &quot;stinking out the joint&quot; unless the only thing that is success is a NC. And it is logic such as that from so-called fans such as you that led to Lloyd Carr's retirement and the hiring of the WCiMFH. Then there is this Lorraine classic: &quot;Or are the rumors true that Bo himself, and Don Nehlen both supported Rodriguez for the new HC job, when LC left?&quot; Source: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/dave-brandon-michigan-football-team-must-return-to-business-as-usual/?plckFindCommentKey=CommentKey:962a0a68-205e-4eda-aabb-31376b1cf74c">http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/dave-brandon-michigan-football-team-must-return-to-business-as-usual/?plckFindCommentKey=CommentKey:962a0a68-205e-4eda-aabb-31376b1cf74c</a> Yup. Lorraine wrote that. For that rumor to be true, Bo must have risen from the dead, since he passed away more than a year before &quot;LC left&quot;. Or could it be that you were putting words in the mouth of a dead icon who couldn't refute 'em as a way to create support for the WCiMFH? Nah. You wouldn't do that, would ya, Lorraine? So Bo MUST have risen from the dead. @Blu: It's sort of like shooting fish in a barrel. You are correct that the inconsistency from post to post is amazing. One day Lorraine writes that people have too high an expectation for this year's team. The next she writes that Hoke better go 9-3 and beat OSU or MSU or he will be updating his resume. And with posts like that, before Hoke has coached a game, Miss Lorraine claims to be a loyal fan. Good Night and Good Luck

Blu n Tpa

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 4:40 p.m.

Ghost, Please stop. You are trying to match wits with an unarmed person. Somewhere there's a village looking for their lost resident. He/she doesn't even read his/her own words. This is like watching Georgia Tech and Cumberland College play their famous game. The Ghost 222 and he/she 0. Just ignore some of the less fortunate and let them feel good about themselves.

Lorain Steelmen

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.

Five years of 'byes' , means five years in which PSU had the week off before the um or osu game. ERMG...you do not even know the meaning of the word 'bye'. You show your ignorance. You thought 'bye' meant they do not play for five years.....ha. ha. The next thing is you'll say that BO came 'back from the dead' to suoport RR.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 2:01 p.m.

Lorraine, Lorraine, Lorraine . . . . there you go again, sweetheart. You wrote that PSU stunk out the joint in its first years in the league. Do I REALLY need to quote you EXACTLY and to provide a link for all to see that you were making it up then and, in a desperate effort to recover, you're making it up once again? No, we know I do. You wrote: The usual crap....the league even gave them FIVE YEARS [my emphasis] of 'byes' before they played osu and UM.... AND THEY STILL STUNK UP THE JOINT [my emphasis].&quot; Source: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/columnist-rick-reilly-says-michigan-is-dean-wormer-of-the-big-ten/?plckFindCommentKey=CommentKey:a039ae2b-c38a-4fd4-beac-8cbc5ac8bff2">http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/columnist-rick-reilly-says-michigan-is-dean-wormer-of-the-big-ten/?plckFindCommentKey=CommentKey:a039ae2b-c38a-4fd4-beac-8cbc5ac8bff2</a> First five years and PSU still stunk up the joint. Your words, sweetheart. Do you EVER own up to your words, or do you just keep piling on fiction on top of fiction? And hence we can take the rest of your post for what it is: more Miss Lorraine fiction built upon fiction built upon fiction--true Alice through the Looking Glass material. I attacked the Michigan program for three years? You can, of course, provide proof. Nope. Just more Miss Lorraine fiction. Would you like me to go into your belief that Bo rose from the dead to support the hiring of the WCiMFH? ROFL!!!! Good Night and Good Luck

Lorain Steelmen

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.

ERMG overlooks the fact that PSU has been in the league for 18 years now, and has only THREE titles to show for it. When PSU came into the league they were allowed 'byes' in the weeks preceeding their games against osu and UM ...presumably because they were not up to the week in, week out grind, AND playing these two teams as well. But then, that doesn't fit the narrative does it ERMG? Secondly, I mentioned that Bo had followed RR's career and supported him. (probably because RR took over at WVU for DN, a Bo asst.) You have always twisted that remark, into 'BO came back from the dead'. I assume that is because you don't like the fact, that Bo liked RR. Further proof, was the way two other Bo asst's, also supported RR, when RR came here, Gary Moeller and Jerry Hanlon. But again, that doesn't fit ERMG's narrative does it? Third, Hoke has MUCH more talent coming back, than RR had, when RR arrived. (Carr had let the program deteriorate severly beginning in 2001.)Had RR stayed, he would have reasonably been 9-3. So with the same talent, Hoke BETTER BE, better than 9-3. Otherwise, DB should have retained RR. Hence the need for ERMG's campaign to 'lower expectations' for this team. Fourth, ERMG, has consistently attacked the Michigan program for the last three years, but since he is just a Michigan 'wanna be' and has no connection with the school, he really doesn't care how much he runs it down.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 11:57 a.m.

CW wrote: &quot;The fact that people are questioning the offense should make anyone scratch their head because this year they would of been the BEST in the NATION. Now no one knows what to expect. Im sure Hoke and Borges are trying to change the offense but i know the saying &quot;dont fix it if it aint broke&quot; is running through their head.&quot; I dunno. It looked broken to me,esp. when it came to playing good defenses. 14 points against Miss. St. 7 points against OSU 17 points against MSU Moreover, slowing the game down is what GOOD football coaches do when they have a defense that couldn't stop St. Mary's School for the Blind. Yes, you might lose, but you were going to do that anyway. But it keeps you in the game. This strategy is one of the reasons why the service academies ALL adopted the option offense in the late-1970s. USAFA has stuck with it ever since, and every time USMA or USNA go back to something that looks like a pro-style offense, they have miserable records because their undersized defenses are on the field much too often. Recipe for 9-3 seasons down the road? Compared to the three years that just passed, that's Nirvana. Gotta love how the lovers of the WCiMFH history disdain records that the object of their man crushes showed no ability whatsoever to attain. Good Night and Good Luck

Blu n Tpa

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 1:36 a.m.

Chad, how would this team be better coached by the WCiMFH. The only way anyone could think that is if you were a fan of another BT team. The defense and special teams were going to improve by an act of faith? To say the team was going to win more games by progression, the Defense and special teams were getting worse the same way. So which is it? The defense and special teams were as bad as they could be so coaches on the other sideline only had to coach vs 1/3 of a team. Reality please.

missionbrazil

Thu, Jul 28, 2011 : 1:18 a.m.

Loraine &quot;Michigan WILL beat 9-3 this year, (that would have been RR's record this year)&quot;. Chad &quot;The fact that people are questioning the offense should make anyone scratch their head because this year they would of been the BEST in the NATION. &quot; More laughable comments from the &quot;experts&quot;.

Chad Williams

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 11:41 p.m.

The only question he should be asked is can you turn this team into a NC contender in 3 years? Even with all the excuses that you could use to defend why 3 years isn't long enough, but can you do what the last coach couldnt? If UM is fine with more capital one bowls rather than rose bowls or more of those rather than title games then so be it. If UM is fine with it then why force out Carr?

Chad Williams

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 11:34 p.m.

ERW..... Its not silly to believe that THIS years team with RR would have been better. A more experienced QB which is scary thought because he won B1G MVP as a first year starter. The defense would have gotten slightly better. Coaching was a problem but having a secondary full of true freshman or converted first defensive players IDK what coach will make that into a great D. The fact that people are questioning the offense should make anyone scratch their head because this year they would of been the BEST in the NATION. Now no one knows what to expect. Im sure Hoke and Borges are trying to change the offense but i know the saying &quot;dont fix it if it aint broke&quot; is running through their head. You want more of a power running game? Another Mike Hart who could gain 200 yards on 40 carries but not one carry over 25 yards. Time of possesion? So we had the ball for 7 min and still only got 3 points out the drive. All the while the other team got 7 points in 3 min so you lost 4 points but gained 4 mins.Sounds like a recipe for 9-3 seasons a few years down the road.

Chad Williams

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 11:16 p.m.

They will be 7-5 or 8-4 for the next two years. Year one you changed the dynamic of what worked for you best which is the offense. Yes the defense was terrible blah... blah... blah.. but the defense isnt going from last to first in one year. Therefore the offense will slightly see a bit of a drop off this year. Year two playing bama in dallas, osu, nd, and neb on the road will make even the best of teams look mediorce. Like all head coaches that come in and change the culture it takes 4 years. What im looking for in the program is can you fans get over the past and concentrate on the present. If you fans haven't realized yet that the tradition and history doesnt scare anyone you actually have to play the game on the field. Games are won on the field not history books. Prove it once again on each and every saturday that Michigan is the &quot;leaders and the best&quot;. Until you go 14-0 and bring home a crystal ball your NOT the best.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.

Miss Lorraine wrote: &quot;Michigan WILL beat 9-3 this year, (that would have been RR's record this year), or Hoke will be updating his resume.&quot; This from the little lady who: 1) Thought the WCiMFH was going to keep his job 2) Told us Bo rose from the dead to recommend Bill Martin hire the WCiMFH 3) Told us PSU stunk out the joint its first years in the Big Ten when, it its second year, went 12-0, beat UM and OSU, won the Big Ten Title, won the Rose Bowl, and finished #2 in the nation. As for the nutty notion that the WCiMFH was going to pull out nine wins this season (geometric logic, don't ya know--from 3, to 5, to 7 to 9 wins): In 2010 Michigan won 7 games by a total of 93 points, 44 of which were against that football powerhouse down at BGSU. Taking BGSU out of the mix, Michigan won 6 games by a total of 49 points, for an average differential of 8.1 points per game. The difference in four of those six games was less than 7 points. In other words, Michigan was one mistake/penalty/turnover/bad call/incompetent coaching move (plenty of the last) away from losing four more games. By contrast, Michigan lost 6 games by a total of 125 points, for an average differential of nearly 21 points. Two of those losses were by 10 points. The other four losses were by 17 points or more. In other words, none of those losses were close. Michigan lost all of them by at least two scores and four of them by at least three scores. Anyone who thinks Michigan was destined to 9 wins under the WCiMFH coaching the exact same players (20 returning starters) who ran up the above record doesn't know much about football. But, then, we knew that, didn't we, Lorraine? Good Night and Good Luck

Lorain Steelmen

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.

Fortuanaltey at least Hoke is optomistic, even if the fans are not. Under Carr, UM had excepted mediocracy as the new norm. I don't follow that script, and neither does Hoke, or his staff. Michigan WILL beat 9-3 this year, (that would have been RR's record this year), or Hoke will be updating his resume.

Blue Marker

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 8:16 p.m.

I've looked and looked at the schedule and 7-5 is what I came up with too. I am amazed how many fans think Michigan will win 9 or 10 games. So much is unknown, we'll just have to wait and see. The question I would like to ask is will Michigan beat any of it's rivals this year? (ND, MSU or OSU) Believe it or not I think the best shot is OSU.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 8 p.m.

Answers: 1) Let's hope so. He seems to have the skills necessary for a West Coast-Style offense, which is what they will be running. But going back to last year's offense is not an option. Denard was lucky to survive last year. 2) Nope. And there won't be for at least two years. The lack of linemen on both sides of the ball is why the Spring &quot;game&quot; was not a game, but a scrimmage. 3) They can't get worse. I'm convinced there is a fair amount of talent there that was poorly coached. 4) See 3) above 5) I think they're banking on the freshman coming in. Given the team's obvious shortcomings, I think 7-5 will be a &quot;good&quot; year. Let's see what having a competent coaching staff might do to make the record better. One thing I'm certain of: If the defense is not much improved, Hoke will slow the game down so as to limit the other team's possession, a tactic the WCiMFH seemed not to understand. Good Night and Good Luck