Denard Robinson's heroics have Ann Arbor, and country, buzzing about Michigan football
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson looks to throw deep during the second quarter against Notre Dame on Saturday.
Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com
Three words that will surely creep into the minds of Michigan football fans as they awake Sunday morning, pinching themselves and asking, “Did that really just happen?”
Yep. Sure did. Michigan came back against Notre Dame for the third consecutive year.
Quarterback Denard Robinson struggled for much of the night -- in some ways we never previously saw -- but was the biggest star under the stars when it mattered most.
He led Michigan on a pair of grand comebacks to give Michigan a flourishing 34-31 comeback win against the Irish.
He was so good, he led Michigan on two comeback drives, despite trailing by as many as 17 in the fourth quarter. And, most of all, he did it on the biggest home stage in the history of Michigan football -- a college football record crowd of 114,804, in the first night game of Michigan Stadium’s history, in new uniforms against a fierce rival, on national TV.
Yellow pom-poms waving. Night befallen over head. The eyes of Ann Arbor — and the nation — upon this team and the man they call coach, Brady Hoke.
Somewhere, Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon must have been muttering to himself "best-case scenario" after Robinson found Roy Roundtree in the corner of the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown with 0:02 showing on the clock.
He gave his team the biggest stage in its long history, but things could have gone badly. Almost did, with the defense allowing 513 yards of offense.
Instead, Robinson, the shy kid from rural Florida who parries attention whenever possible, was primetime.
“I think, for us as a team, it will be a great learning experience,” Hoke said after the game. “It’s amazing when you play 60 minutes of football. You stay together as a team, complement each other, lean on each other.
“That, for us, will be part of the teachings, part of the learnings, from this football game.”
Hoke was heralded as a home-run hire before he coached a game this fall, for how he pulled together the program and recruited so ably, despite the disappointments of the previous staff.
Now, he's coached two of the more memorable games in Michigan history.
Welcome to Ann Arbor, coach. And welcome, he'll feel, now that he's 2-0 going on 5-0.
Part of the learnings of his team, certainly, is just how much gusto Robinson has. He’s always had big-time talent, but Saturday, he flashed big-time composure, despite an off day.
He was 4-of-14 passing for 136 yards and one touchdown through three quarters. He missed open receivers, and threw to covered ones.
The fourth quarter? He was 7-of-10 passing for 202 yards and three touchdowns.
He saved the best for last.
He got the ball with 2:16 left and trailing 24-21, drawing shades of two years ago, when Tate Forcier got the ball with 2:16 left and Michigan trailing Notre Dame by three -- in this very stadium, no less. He led Michigan on a game-winning touchdown drive.
Robinson led Michigan on a masterful five-play, 58-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to junior Vincent Smith, nearly the identical spot Forcier broke Notre Dame’s heart.
And, after Notre Dame responded with a touchdown march of its own, Robinson went on repeat. He had 30 seconds. Plenty of time.
Robinson found receiver Jeremy Gallon for a 64-yard gain with 8 seconds left, then hooked up with Roundtree for the 16-yard winner on the next play.
Pandemonium. The joint still was packed 10 minutes after the game, when the Big House, notorious for its tame atmosphere despite gaudy crowds, was rocking and shaking and pulsating with fervor for its team.
"We called the play and it worked," Robinson said. "Every time you see this game, both teams have to fight to the end. It's never over until you see 0s on the clock."
And it brings us back to the question that, for 45 minutes, never seemed plausible.
Is Michigan back?
“No, we’re a long way away,” Hoke said. “You’re going to get sick of me saying that, but the expectations of this program are so high that they’re a long way away. We’re not where we need to be.”
Where they are, though, is squarely on the college football map, and you can see exactly where this program is headed, even if it has a long way before it reaches that destination.
They might not be back to Michigan football quite yet, but this is a start, and a good one at that.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
MjC
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 7:42 p.m.
I was there. It's now Monday. I still can't believe we won! It was aMAIZEing!!!!
RudeJude
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 6:43 p.m.
While, like Coach Hoke said, Michigan has a lot of work ahead of them, it's nice to walk into the office on Monday morning in Austin, TX, after a Saturday where the Longhorns snuck by BYU, 17-16, and all anyone can say is, "Did you see that Michigan-Notre Dame game?!" Sure it was ugly at times, but it was the most thrilling ugly game I ever saw. My favorite moment? The brief conversation caught on camera between Denard and Coach Hoke after Denard threw an interception already down 14-0. Not an ounce of anger or emotion was shown on Coach Hoke's face, nor did his face turn beat-red like his Notre Dame counterpart's after the Irish mistakes. Instead, Coach Hoke casually gave direction to Denard, displaying zero panic. Denard nodded and smiled, as if the previously drive ended positively with a touchdown. I could not be more confident that Coach Hoke is the right guy for Michigan. TiM! Go Blue!
Jack Gladney
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 5:47 p.m.
Michigan should be very proud to have a one-man offense strategy. Let's hope Denard stays healthy, and Lightning picks up the slack.
AllAmericanGuy
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.
I am living for the week that was, what a day to be All Maze and Blue, Damn I luv football, 2011 the year at the top
RayA2
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 4:24 p.m.
Finally a set of coachs that know how to adjust their game to what the opposition shows up with. I got worried on ND's first 2 possessions. It looked like ND's accurate QB was going to pick apart Michigan. But Michigan's adjustments made the best of what Michigan had, and took advantage of ND's weaknesses. Hand it to the coaching staff and players also because the team did not quit ever. Excellent job on special teams also. Definite improvement on kickoff coverage Vs even the Western Michigan game. The improvement we have seen so far on this team is truly amazing. Is it possible that Michigan's defensive coach actually recognized the ND defensive backs' tendency to over run receivers and had Denard throw short? I am hoping that is the case because I fear that Denard would have several more picks had the ND backs played the ball even a little better. Like last year, Denard threw some excellent throws and some really stupid ones. Maybe Denard's only weakness is his height and the difficulty it causes him seeing passing lanes? Regardless I am a big fan of Denard. His amazing running ability, whether demonstrated or threatened, probably had a lot to do with ND's defensive mistakes. There is no doubt in my mind that Michigan has improved tremendously over the RR era. However I am forcing myself to remember that RR started at least one season 4-0.
AWUC
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.
Is Michigan football back? I'll it admit it was an exciting ending, but they got man-handled in the first half and needed a last second play to beat a team that lost to South Florida the week before.
ummsw
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 2:48 p.m.
Saturday night was amazing and intense..but my all time favorite was M vs MSU 2004, we were so far down in the 4rth quarter...I left. Only to get home and Michigan wins in 3 overtimes...I will never leave a game early again!!!
Larry Weisenthal
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 1:24 a.m.
Here's another great quote (this one from the NYT): <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/12/sports/ncaafootball/college-football-a-weekend-of-heart-stopping-play.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/12/sports/ncaafootball/college-football-a-weekend-of-heart-stopping-play.html</a> "Honest to goodness, I've seen a lot of games in my life, but I don't think I've ever seen anything like it," the former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said. "This stadium — without bias, I can honestly say that it's the greatest venue in college football. There's nothing like I saw yesterday." "I don't know if I've ever felt like that in my life."
Larry Weisenthal
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 12:50 a.m.
Speaking of the national buzz, wonder what Jim Harbaugh thought of the game? Here's a great quote (from Forbes: <a href="http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/09/11/sports-fbc-michigan-momentum_8671934.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/09/11/sports-fbc-michigan-momentum_8671934.html</a> "On the other side of the country, former Michigan assistant coach Jack Harbaugh watched the game with his son, Jim, the former Wolverines QB and San Francisco 49ers coach, who potentially could've replace Rich Rodriguez instead of Hoke in January. "That may be the greatest football game that I've ever witnessed," Harbaugh said Sunday before the Seattle-San Francisco game. "What a minute and 30 seconds. And the poise of Brady Hoke, unknown to mankind. There were 110,000 people screaming, back and forth we go, and this guy stands there and ... well he did have a drop of sweat on his brow." And I read somewhere else that Desmond Howard on Sunday said words to the effect that we'll never again see a game that good. - Larry Weisenthal/Huntington Beach, CA
MRunner73
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 10:19 p.m.
No doubt that the game drew a lot of positive national attention. I am sure ESPN was very happy to broadcast a game with Mussberger and Kirk Herbstreet (sp?) buzzing about the Michigan comeback, lead by Denard Robinson. The College Game Day panel was equally impressed on their post game analysis. I heard the words"instant classic" being muttered. A lot can be said about the Meeechigan comeback and victory. We could have lost this game in a lot of ways, including the last half minute. I am proud of our big comeback win and hope we can build on it. You can bet the Maize and Blue locker room in Schembechler Hall has signs saying not to let your guard down referring to the upcoming EMU game. I cannot find fault in our teams perofrmance given the final score and the manner in which we won the game. GO BLUE!!!
BlueGator
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 10:15 p.m.
Would it be asking too much of the football gods to grant us a relatively easy W next week against EMU? I'm not looking for a slaughter -- heaven knows we have more than enough problems of our own to work on to even think about embarrassing anyone else. Just a nice, cozy win. Let Denard work on his passing, and the OL on the running game. Maybe allow Devin Gardner to get some snaps in the 2nd half. I would also hope that as we get deeper into the schedule, we can get some meaningful current season game films of the other combatants to allow us to formulate a defensive strategy beforehand. This waiting to adjust the D until after the other team has scared the bleep out of us fans has to stop. GO BLUE!!!
Jen Eyer
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 9:35 p.m.
A grammatical error and a punctuation error have been corrected. Thanks to readers for pointing them out.
TrueBlueinOH
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 6:48 p.m.
I was at the game last night. It is difficult to put into words what I experienced in the Big House. I have not made the trip to AA from the heart of Bucknut territory for over three years. I had no intention of going to the game but as the week progressed I had this overwhelming urge to be a part of this historic event. I paid $300 on StubHub for a seat at the 42 yard line. It was worth every dime!!! I assure you that as a UM fan of 43 yrs this was the most memorable and enjoyable game I have ever experienced and will not be forgotten.
KeepingItReal
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 5:48 p.m.
Kovac and Shoelace are the key to this team. No matter what is said about Kovac being a walk-on, the kid can play. CUT SHOELACE LOOSE! Remember, Rich Rod said that Shoelace would be the key to this game and guess what? Denard is not the typical 6'5'' 215 lb. drop back pro style passer who is slower than most gifted defensive linemen that need the protection of the refs. He is an innovator. Let him play his game.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 8:41 p.m.
Mission: You (and I, I guess) assume that facts actually matter to the fans of the WCiMFH. Don't they know he's on CBS now and they can get their fill of him without watching the Maize and Blue? Good Night and Good Luck
missionbrazil
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 8:17 p.m.
motorcitysports "Robinson being in shotgun and spreading the receivers = success for Michigan." Guess again motorcity ... last night when Denard was in the shotgun: he threw 2 INT's and connected on only 6 of his 17 passes from the shotgun. When he was under center he threw all 4 of his TD's, and completed 5 of 7 passes.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 7:45 p.m.
"Hoke used Rich Rods playbook the entire second half" Really? How many times in the three-year tenure of the WCiMFH did the QB roll out to the weakside and throw a pass to a fullback who had come out of the backfield? For that matter, how many times in the three-year tenure of the WCiMFH was there a fullback in the backfield? The offense in the second half had some of last year's plays, but people who KNOW football understand that there were other influences, too. Good Night and Good Luck
missionbrazil
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 7:26 p.m.
First of all, who cares what RR said ... he's gone and he's not coming back. Secondly, Coach Hoke and this staff are smart enough to make adjustments during the game, and to do whatever it takes to win. Thirdly, a 2nd grader could have made the statement that Denard would be a key to the game.
emueagles63
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.
So are you a Michigan fan saying that Rich Rod is right? If so, finally someone with commonsense. Hoke used Rich Rods playbook the entire second half. Robinson being in shotgun and spreading the receivers = success for Michigan. Him in a pro-style offense doesn't seem to be the way to go for Michigan. I'm anxious to see what offensive style Hoke uses in conference play. That whole "traditional Michigan offense" may be gone with Denard at QB. If it leads to wins, go with it.
Megan Greene
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 6:08 p.m.
Kovacs is overrated. He tipped the offense more than once to the defensive scheme and got burned. He's got toughness but he lacks speed. There are so many people that need to be replaced in the secondary and defensive line. Watch Bama, LSU defense. We're like Huron High compared to those teams -- speed in every position and extremely tight coverage the way Woodson did it.
missionbrazil
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
Denard showed a lot of heart and character in the game last night. He was having a really tough night passing, and yet he stepped it up and made some big plays when it counted. Kudos to ND QB Rees too ... I thought we would be able to rattle him and force him into a lot of bad throws and mistakes. He threw 2 INT's, one because he was fooled by our coverage and one because he threw into a crowd. He showed a lot of poise at the end of the game to drive ND to a TD with 30 seconds left, in front of a crowd of 114,000+ plus a national TV audience. Beating ND never gets old. Go Blue !
kilroy
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.
Just a fabulous night and a storied ending. Only thing I didn't like were U of M's clown uniforms.
emueagles63
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 5:37 p.m.
I liked them. I wouldn't mind seeing those against OSU.
emueagles63
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.
Great game by Michigan. It was very breathtaking. I really like a lot of the realistic comments on this post about needing much improvement. Michigan won, but boy were they lucky. <a href="http://motorcitysportstalk.blogspot.com/2011/09/luck-of-irish-rubs-off-on-wolverines.html" rel='nofollow'>http://motorcitysportstalk.blogspot.com/2011/09/luck-of-irish-rubs-off-on-wolverines.html</a>
Tru2Blu76
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 4:32 p.m.
@ Kyle Meinke: I'm truly sorry to jump on the "bad writing band wagon" Mr. Meinke but I have to add one other gaff because it's been bugging me since I read the phrase: "... a man they call Brady Hoke." Please, please keep your readers in mind while dashing off your articles. I realize you've got deadlines but you must step up, just like the team you're writing about. "A man they call Brady Hoke" -- IS Brady Hoke, which is why "they" call him by that name. ;-) If you don't step up, you may become the man they call: Drew Sharp! @ the man who IS Brady Hoke: Great job, Coach. What a way to show us what the terms "toughness" and "this is Michigan" mean! 8 seconds on the clock, the obvious safe play is to get within field goal range to tie the game and go to overtime. But you and your team go for: a touch down! Now we know how it was that Michigan qualified to be in the "Legends Division." As of last night's game, we've seen the newest Michigan Legend.
Blu-dogg97
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.
I thought the Legacy uniforms were Great,really like the look of several era's of Michigan Football.. The Michigan cheerleaders looked fantastic also.. GO BLUE..
fjord
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 3:33 p.m.
What happened to Fitz Toussaint? He was huge against WMU ... did he even get onto the field vs. Notre Dame?
Joe Cadagin
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 3:15 p.m.
Who the heck copy-edited this? Since when is "Yellow pom-poms waving" a sentence? I didn't realize that night could "befall." "Things could have went badly"????!!! This article couldn't have "went" more badly! God almighty, I know this was probably on a pretty tight deadline, but this is pathetic! This poorly written article is such a disgrace to the monumental game played last night. Who the heck that it was OK to hire this Kyle Meinke kid to cover one of the most important teams in the nation?
Rod Johnson
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 12:43 a.m.
Perhaps, Larry. Nevertheless, that's some poor writing. "Befall" isn't a fancy-dress version of "fall." It means "happen," and is mostly used of something bad.
Larry Weisenthal
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 4:28 p.m.
I'm very grateful that the Ann Arbor News (formerly a remarkably good local paper) is doing the best that it can to hang in there and provide such consistently comprehensive and timely coverage. For goodness sakes, it's even free and they don't make us endure those maddening 15 second video commercials, which are becoming all too prevalent. I loved the Ann Arbor News, and I love Ann Arbor.com.
Keith
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.
People can all they want obout the defense. Last night the made many turn-overs and bent while not breaking, allowing the offense to take the field only to fall short and the D was back on the line. However, the Offense did take off in a big way to steal the game in the 4th. GO BLUE...
10dz
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
Lets not get too excited. I get that we are all caught up in the moments of an amazing night. But Coach knows they got lucky and knows just how far we have to go. Drob has to improve his mechanics, our running backs were non existent, and our defense still needs work. The D made big stops, and that is great, but if you look at the game overall, ND ran all over us and we had breakdowns in coverage. The bright spot I thought was the special teams improvement. We will still win 7 or 8 games but there will be some tough losses to endure. I hope people will be patient.
TrineDH29
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.
I agree with you that we shouldn't be calling the presses and telling them Ann Arbor has the National Championship team look out, but give them a little bit of credit. I don't think you can say Michigan got lucky. I think the game came down to execution. Michigan Executed more plays then Notre Dame. Michigan made fewer mistakes and although the defense gave up a lot of yards they had a bend but don't break mentality. Lets remember that not only on offense there is a new scheme but on defense also. Playbooks are 400 pages, this kids aren't going to know the ins and outs this early in the season yet. These early games are time to improve on fundamentals and open the play book up more and more. How about you look at the improvements and see that hmmm...maybe if they are giving up this many yards and still winning they have something good here. Look out for when Mattison gets the Defense firing on all 6 cylinders. And yes you are going to have inconsistency on the offensive side of the ball, but again you are implementing a completely new scheme with the recruits of Rich Rod. You think its hard to run the spread with big offensive lineman try running the power game with smaller athletic lineman. The thing to get excited about is the improvements they make each week. I'd be satisfied with 8 wins I personally think they will get 9 not including the bowl game, but did you expect them to be in National Title contentions this year? And just a little tid-bit on QB Mechanics, D-Rob actually has decent mechanics, he needs to improve his decision making which those improvements will come with comfort in the offense game plan. He has a lot better arm then people give him credit for. His accuracy is a little sub par at times, but did he not make the throws when he needed too? And a football game is all about adjustments, Michigan made better adjustments then Notre Dame. Bottom line. So dont be a negative nancy be excited as a fan and let the coach's worry and the players prepare.
RUKiddingMe
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 1:36 p.m.
"...but things could have went badly." I get the informal manner in which this article is written, but this is a pretty serious grammatical error. I've been seeing these more and more in AnnArbor.com articles, and I'm wondering what the editing/proofing process is.
TrineDH29
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 10:02 a.m.
So RUKiddingME.....maybe chose a name that doesn't go against what you preach.....
88Chill
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 6:26 p.m.
Gotta side with RUKiddingMe. Let's learn how to conjugate our verbs. This is Michigan.
RUKiddingMe
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 4:20 p.m.
TrineDH29, "cut them some slack?" You want to cut a news article in a news website some slack? Because of the time? Because they were excited? As I mentioned, this isn't the first error I've seen, nor do I expect it to be the last. But even assumig this IS the first, why would anyone say "cut them some slack" about a football article written by a "reporter" (this either self-proclaimed or established by the website)? It's this "you know what they meant" mentality that is making the movie "Idiocracy" less parody and more prophecy. U no wut I meen?
TrineDH29
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 2:23 p.m.
Cut them some slack. It was an article written after 12 AM and I'm sure they were very excited, not to mention rushing to get the article out so that it could be in this mornings newspaper. Sure a little grammatical error is going to happen every once in a while, but does it really matter, you know what he meant. Who cares....smh
Solar Blue
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 12:48 p.m.
mmppc - mention of and articles pertaining to 9/11 are correctly on the HOME page. This being the Sports page, the discussion and articles are about the fantastic game and comeback last night. Did U of M, under the leadership of Brady Hoke (you know, 3 yards and a cloud of dust) really put up 28 points in the 4th quarter?! Absolutely. I like that Coach Hoke immediately downplayed the fact that the team has a long way to go in all facets. But this is a team, and stuck together like a true team headed in the right direction.
Christy King
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 1:43 p.m.
mmppcc What needs to be written? It's all been said, the thoughts have been reflected. The continuous graphic coverage and "We will never forget" strategies about about memorial or tribute, they're just keeping people angry and horrified. It has nothing to do with paying respect to those that died. You know what I chose to do? I spent the day with friends, family, I froze my tail off swimming in Pickerel Lake because I could. I went to Border's and bought books, a few on the stories of 9/11 Victim's families (and um, maybe their ghosts) and just felt grateful to be alive. If you are so intent on paying homage to 9/11, perhaps not peeing all over Ann Arbor's excitement over this victory and instead starting some form of a memorial activity would better serve you instead?
azwolverine
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 3:39 p.m.
Let me try this again. Apparently even those that aren't buzzing about the game are still interested enough to read about it and comment on it.
mmppcc
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 1:04 p.m.
Wrong. I was on the "HOME page", not the sports page, and practically every other local paper has a 9/11 headline today. I'm guessing the country is buzzing about that, not Michigan football.
NC Wolverine 20
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 12:44 p.m.
Wow. I will enjoy this victory over Avis (#2 in wins and win percentage) for a long time. BTW, I think you meant to write "but things could have gone badly" (not "went"). Please tell me your copy editor did not attend UM.
88Chill
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 6:21 p.m.
Amen on your BTW. I think Kyle might be from Dearborn Robichaud, where the conjugation of "to go" often takes the turn you noted.
dogman32
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 1:25 p.m.
NC As I mentioned last week, there are no more Copy Editors. They were one of the first to go when the Ann Arbor News went cyber. All that is left is Spell Check. It doesn't recognize the correct way to put together a sentence, only spelling. So it allows glaring errors in scores, locations, etc., as long as the spelling is "well."
mmppcc
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 11:41 a.m.
The whole country is buzzing about a last minute victory over an unranked opponent who has exactly zero wins and who just lost to South Florida last week? Really? By the way, AnnArbor.com staff, I realize that to this community the only news that matters is about Michigan football, but does the date 9/11 mean anything to you? Like every other paper in the country, you might want to throw something about it onto your headlines this morning.
johnnya2
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 12:12 a.m.
Please inform us all what "new" there is to report about something that happened TEN years ago? It is a bunch of people wanting to make a big deal out of something that is nothing. There is no news to report, so why report it. Ok here is the headline: The former WTC is still a pile of rubble.
a2citizen
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 9:09 p.m.
What does the date 9/11 have to do with a game that was played on 9/10? I fail to see the connection. The families of the 9/11 victims all received 3.7 million dollars. So let us enjoy our football and you can enjoy your observance ceremonies.
vwp11
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 4:34 p.m.
Forgive the whole country for wanting to watch and listen to something uplifting today instead of wallowing in the already overdone 9/11 retrospectives. This section is about Michigan football and if I'm going to immerse myself in tears and memories on Sept 11, 2011, it's going to be over the most exciting, emotional football game I've ever witnessed at Michigan Stadium. I'm sure the NY Times will have more of what you're looking for.
Jen Eyer
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.
mmppcc: There is a special box on the homepage, under the U-M game coverage, for our 9/11 coverage.
riverraisin
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 2:02 p.m.
You're in the catagory: "UM Football" I think you want "National News".
conairaa
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 12:39 p.m.
Lighten up a bit--AnnArbor.com is a LOCAL paper and should therefore be dominated by local news. If you're looking for deep and meaningful reporting, there are national newspapers that perfectly fit that bill.
GoBlue1984
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 9:53 a.m.
The only difference I'm seeing between this Michigan team and the Michigan team from a year ago under Rodriguez is a less consistent offense... Maybe David Brandon should have been muttering, "Do I still have Rich's number in my Blackberry?"
johnnya2
Mon, Sep 12, 2011 : 12:09 a.m.
Let's see, Rich Rods FIRST season as coach with his offense played a MAC team. Please refresh my memory how they did against Toledo? Brady seemed to do well against his MAC test. (despite the lightening). Then we could look at the Rich Rod offense. How many did RR's team score last year against Dame? Oh you mean Brady has a more potent offense already, AND he still has not implemented the entire defense yet? As for last years offense, if you find that consistent, you are drunk.
vwp11
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 4:28 p.m.
The only consistent offensive threat under RR was Denard Robinson and in the first 3 Qs of this game, he was being shackled by the new offense. The game completely turned around the moment Hoke "set him free" to make some decisions and, well, just be Denard. His frustration the first 2-1/2 to 3 quarters was palpable. Drop back to pass because you're told that's the play, then seeing a gaping hole ahead while seeking receivers downfield. I could almost feel him shake with the desire to take off and run. And if he could have made those decisions himself earlier, it would not have been this close a game.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.
And the MCC rears it's head to celebrate a the worst coach in the history of Michigan football rather than to enjoy an incredible victory. Not at all surprising. He's on CBS, broadcasting the SEC. Go watch your boy there. Good Night and Good Luck
riverraisin
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 2 p.m.
Did you watch the same game as everyone else??
Mick
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 6:35 a.m.
Breathtaking and awe inspiring. I love beating ND. Now the team needs to keep improving and building and recruiting and all the other good stuff. P.S. Did I mention I love beating ND?
Larry Weisenthal
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 6:09 a.m.
I'm not going to go analyzing anything, projecting anything, predicting anything. I'm just savoring the moment. No words to describe what I just saw. Watched the game with over 100 Orange County, CA U-M alums in a local sports bar. The crowd was so good that the proprietors of the joint donated $555 to the club's U-M scholarship fund. No, it wasn't the Big House, but it was about as close as you could get to it, atmosphere-wise. My wife (LS&A '71) and I (Rackham '74 and Med '75) were jumping and screaming and cheering along with alums 40 years younger and 15 years older. I truly haven't had as much fun at a Michigan game since sitting in the stands, watching Barry Pierson shred Rex Kern in the Big House (before it was called the big house) on that cold day in '69. Then we drove home and watched the last quarter all over again. Amazing, amazing game. You saw it. I won't try to describe and any further comments would be superfluous. Go Blue. omg.
1st Down
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 6 a.m.
Well... the same could be said at this point the past 2 years...not to be a debby downer...but the defense is still pretty decimated in terms of talent and depth (thanks RR for taking the cupboard with you).... and Mattison gets as much out of them as he can... thankfully, IMO Notre Dame has the best offense that we will face for the rest of the year... we will not face another WR as good as Floyd...no way... so the worst is behind us...however we do have as Coach Hoke says "a long way to go" and a short time to get there... west bound one armed bandit run....
Blu-dogg97
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
agree also Floyd is a first round NFL pick,and he had the NFL scouts drooling all night..
riverraisin
Sun, Sep 11, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
I agree with you about Floyd. I was amazed at his level of talent, especially yards after catch. He has a great ability to make defenders miss tackles.