Despite 5 turnovers, Michigan football team beats Purdue

Posted on Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 6:01 p.m.

Despite 5 turnovers, Michigan football team beats Purdue

By Pete Bigelow

Michigan running back Michael Shaw is brought down by Purdue Jason Werner's in the first half Saturday.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - With the best season of Rich Rodriguez’s tenure at Michigan in hand, the possibilities started dancing through Darryl Stonum’s mind.

“We’ve got seven wins now,” he said after Michigan patched together Saturday’s 27-16 win over Purdue. “Hopefully next week, we’re going to get number eight against Wisconsin, and then nine, and we’ll go to a real good bowl game.

“We want to play somewhere warm.”

That desire grew more forceful during Saturday’s game, played amid a chilly, intermittent rain that curtailed whatever plan both offensive coordinators had assembled.

Michigan and Purdue combined for 10 turnovers on a sloppy field. Almost unbelievably, it was the second consecutive week the Wolverines had committed five turnovers - and won.

Afterward, the Wolverines could only shake their heads.

“I felt like I was playing on a high school field,” said quarterback Tate Forcier, who traded series with Denard Robinson throughout the second half.

“It was horrible,” Stonum said. “Horrible conditions.”

With Robinson misfiring, receivers dropping wet balls and players slipping and sliding at Ross-Ade Stadium, it was left to Michigan’s beleaguered defense to beat Purdue.

Michigan fans cheer after Michigan beat Purdue, 27-16, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Yes, the same Michigan defense that entered the game ranked worst in the Big Ten in scoring defense and the same one that lost its starting cornerbacks to season-ending injuries and the same one that has played seven true freshmen in key roles throughout the season.

Yes, the same unit that surrendered a school-record 65 points last week against Illinois, and the same one that saw its two best remaining players, Mike Martin and Jonas Mouton, scratches at the last minute Saturday.

Yes, that defense.

Cam Gordon kicked off the unit’s signature performance by returning a fumble 58 yards for a touchdown for the game’s first score in the opening minutes.

Purdue converted just two of 17 third-down attempts, by far and away the Wolverines’ best of the season. Michigan (7-3 overall, 3-3 Big Ten) registered three sacks and eight tackles for loss.

The defensive unit did not allow a touchdown for the first time since a win over Delaware State on Oct. 17, 2009.

Michigan’s high-flying offense compensated for the struggling defense in four other victories this season. Saturday, the defense returned the favor.

“Thank you defense,” Michigan tight end Kevin Koger tweeted after the game.

“This is just what the doctor ordered,” defensive back coach Tony Gibson said. “We needed to have a good win like this and have our kids have some confidence coming out of a game, not always having Denard bail us out to win the game.”

On the contrary Saturday, Robinson was the one who needed the help. Although he broke John Navarre’s 2003 school record for all-purpose yards in a single season, he accounted for four of Michigan’s five turnovers.

Purdue’s Ricardo Allen returned one of his two interceptions for a 94-yard touchdown in the second quarter that narrowed Michigan’s lead to 14-10.

Michigan capitalized on a fumbled Purdue punt return early in the third quarter. Two plays later, Vincent Smith’s 19-yard touchdown run extended Michigan’s lead to 20-13.

After that, it was largely one step forward, one step back.

The teams traded turnovers at an almost-comical pace.

Michigan punter Will Hagerup booted a 72-yard punt in the fourth quarter, the team’s longest punt since 1987, but kicker Seth Broekhuizen missed a 42-yard field goal and an extra point.

Jeremy Gallon signaled for a fair catch, but then drew a flag for attempting to advance the ball. Late in the third quarter, Taylor Lewan drew a 15-yard clipping call followed by a Darryl Stonum facemask that brought up the seldom-seen 2nd and 38.

It wasn’t until James Rogers’ second interception of the day set the stage for Stephen Hopkins’ 3-yard TD run with 1:58 left in the game that Michigan finally relaxed.

The victory marked Rodriguez’s first in three tries against Purdue and its prickly coaching staff. No heated exchanges occurred during this year’s postgame handshake, but last year’s interaction between Rodriguez and Danny Hope was on the minds’ of players.

“It’s payback, yeah it is,” linebacker Kenny Demens said.

Before the game, coaches showed the team highlights from previous Michigan wins over Purdue, assembling a reel from games coached by Lloyd Carr and Bo Schembechler.

“They used to come out here and play hard, play with passion and lay out some big hits,” Stonum said. “Those old guys, they hit. That fired us up, and we wanted to come out here and prove we can hit too.”

They did exactly that, then found themselves dreaming of some place warm. On Saturday, after a sloppy game amid the rain, the team bus sufficed.

Pete Bigelow can be reached at (734) 623-2556 or e-mailed at petebigelow@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.

Comments

wvtroll

Mon, Nov 15, 2010 : 8:03 a.m.

The impression we got back here in WV was that LC was forced out. This impression comes from the national, not local, sports-reporting media. I tend to think they'd give a more realistic version than what the locals want you to hear. If I squint when watching UM, I see WVU. Same offense, pretty much same defense, and almost the same color uniforms. I don't know this means much, though. Padding the schedule with very weak opening-season games is what went on at WVU. Granted, RR wasn't responsible for the scheduling, but boasting about these wins as a great accomplishment doesn't seem to be the trademark of a great coach when that's pretty much all he's accomplished. Returning players for an offense like what RR runs is not a guarantee that they'll be better next year. Injuries to starters is a common theme in his past, as indicated by the DR injuries all ready sustained. He does have the reputation of building strong, injury-free defensive players, but it seems they aren't being schooled in the proper way to take advantage of this. As long as the B10 continues to have the great-team, terrible-team division, RR will keep his job. If some of the terrible-teams squads improves, without the mediocre UM squad doing the same or bettering them, RR will be looking for another team to coach. Its still not obvious to me whether UM offered, or RR went looking, first. Fortunately, not too many other schools will be offering for the present, and you're probably stuck with him if things don't get better in the near future. With the new addition to the B10 next year, I'd look for UM being one spot further from the top next year.

Lemansblue

Mon, Nov 15, 2010 : 12:07 a.m.

Quality wins against teams with losing records? What disgusts me about Mi football now is all we get is lame excuses it is sad that Mi football has fallen this far.

Robbie Webb.

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 10:32 p.m.

Hasn't had a quality win? Look, with injuries GALORE and an EXTREMELY young defense you are surprised we lost to MSU and Iowa? Wins against Uconn, at Notre Dame and against Illinois (who had the #15 ranked defense in the country at the time) I would say falls in the category of quality wins. Even Purdue, with the issues on defense and without Mouton and Martin we managed to keep them from scoring ONE touchdown on offense. Yes, I know, it's Purdue and their offense is terrible, but it's pretty hard to keep any team from scoring on offense at least once. Can Wisconsin say that? What are you going to say if Michigan beats Wisconsin and/or Ohio State? And don't say that it's a guaranteed loss, you all said multiple games this year were guaranteed losses. Much of you said we wouldn't win six games this year, and now that we have, and could win one, two or even three of our next three games. We get 15 extra practices for our bowl game. I'll say this much and own up to it next season, if Michigan stays injury free on offense and defense, Michigan will get to a BCS bowl game next year. Almost our ENTIRE offense (except Schilling and Webb) will be back and we keep Martin, Van-Bergan, Roh, Demens, Floyd, Woolfolk and Cam Gordon along with the other new comers on defense.

Lemansblue

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 9:37 p.m.

RR at WV in 7 seasons only played top 25 teams 18 times which is only a little over 2 times a season that is terrible. His record was 7-11 against top 25 teams. He is the most overated coach in college football and his record proves it.

Lemansblue

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 9:31 p.m.

RR has turned Mi football into Wv the same stuff beat up on weak competition we have not had a quality win all season. It is sorry that when we get bowl eligble we have not beat a top 25 team all season and people support this coach? It is sad how far Mi football has fallen under RR I guess we will be alright as long as we do not play top 25 teams anyone happy with that?

Robbie Webb.

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 9:13 p.m.

And by the way, that offense that you call high school and a gimmick beat up on the team and coach you want to come here. And maybe you forgot that when Rodriguez was at West Virginia, offense aside, they put together a top 20 defense and beat the CRAP out of Oklahoma and Georgia. As a matter of fact, had West Virginia not layed an egg against Pitt in 2007, they would have gone to the championship game against LSU and very likely could have won and been crowned national champions. And that was with recruits at West Virginia. Take a look at our roster now and how many are going to be returning next year. We're losing two on offense and about the same on defense. That should say something.

Robbie Webb.

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 9:08 p.m.

Lemansblue, go look at Oregon, same offense as Rich Rod's, I don't hear anyone complaining about them. The difference in records you ask? More experience on defense. They don't have a dominate defense, but it's solid. If Michigan did not have FIVE freshman in the backfield and had even just a solid defense, there is no question we would be at least 9-1 at this point. And you avoided my question to Texas.

Lemansblue

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 7:07 p.m.

I love all these funny posts about how RR was brought in to change the program. He was at least the third choice that was hired because the A.D. panicked I doubt he even thought about the different style of play high school spread versus pro style offense. I also doubt he knew RR was only 7-11 against top 25 teams at Wv a tradition he has brought to Mi that he has made worse. Cannot believe anyone would support this sad display of tackle football.

Robbie Webb.

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 6:32 p.m.

Lemansblue is just mad (Though I don't understand why) that I was right when I said Rich Rodriguez isn't going anywhere, and I tried telling this dude that he would be back next year. Whatever, some people just have to learn. I wonder what his excuse for Texas' downfall this year would be...I thought great coaches adapt to the players they have and find a way to win? Not saying Texas's coaching staff isn't good, we all know they're great. Could it be because of youth and injuries? Like what I've have been repeating over and over and over again about Michigan the past two years, and even this year? They recruit well (as we all should know) and they had a a top 5 class last year, went to the title game. Go ahead, Lemansblue, make my day, I would LOVE to read your input on that subject.

Lemansblue

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 5:07 p.m.

This is WV football at it's finest beat up on unranked teams and everyone thinks we are great. We do not have one quality win all season their is no progress in our program we have played a weak schedule this year.

tim

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 2:36 p.m.

I hope Earl was right with his karma stuff --- and Mich whips Wisconson--- as punishment for running up the score on Indiana.

Jarhead

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 1:11 p.m.

There seems to be two camps out there, those who hate RR and those that support RR. If we supporters try to explaine whys or whats we are accused of giving excuses. The haters dismiss any facts of reasons of why or what a given situation has transpired. For instance, I still see posts that RR got us into trouble with the NCAA. However they completely ignore the fact that our own compliance dept failed to do their jobs, and that it was going on for 3 or 4 months before RR got here. Give those 5 people a pass and hang the new guy 'cause he talks with an accent. Okay so lets say we fire RR. Here's your blank piece of paper. What are you going to do? I KNOW! We will get Harbaugh, or Edsell, or whoever, and then what? Well a whole bunch of new recruits will decommit, freshmen and sophpomores will transfer 'cause it's not their kind of football, the new coach will scramble to get somebody, anybody to come to fill the holes, (but it will be late in the season, Dec or Jan), 2 years of change and new system growth, Etc. New recruits will balk because there is apparantly no stability in the program. They will want to play for a winner. Me? I am going to stick with RR and the University. The offense has made great strides in the last year(freshmen grew to Sophpomores), the def will grow and get better. And even if our def was at least middle of the pack nationally, we would win these games. Well I'll wait for the intectually agile to respond.

Jarhead

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 12:42 p.m.

Maixeandblueu, good post1 I also criticized Ezah in the past, but yesterday there was a series when Ezah made all three tackles forcing a 3 and out. Hats off to you OBI! Rodgers, our lone senior of the backs, never played on defense for us let alone start before this year. He had 2 interceptions. Yes, Purdue is not good. Still in their stadium, our def did not allow a touchdown. Purdue's def did a good job of staying home and plugging lanes, making it hard for our off line to create those lanes. I still don't understand the persistance of kicking long fieldgoals this late in the season. Afew years from now all anyone will remember is the win loss record.

MaizeandBlueU

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 11:16 a.m.

Why is it that fans cannot watch a game and see any good? Were we playing a B10 team that is terrible? Yes (knew that coming in). Did we play well? No. Offense struggled. The conditions weren't ideal to score 40 points. I'm a bit concerned we didn't have better blocking in the run game. For the first game this year that they've experienced adverse conditions, I'd say they did ok. But to come on here and criticize a defense for showing up to a game this year.....makes me sick. So Purdue's offense is terrible and our guys start making some reads, jumping routes and getting off blocks and all we can say is "It was Purdue!" I'm done reading the posts by fans altogether. Not all of them but obviously the people pointing fingers have their minds made up (7-5 this season) and it's sad because TODAY, I saw a true freshman Avery, in his 2nd or 3rd start, jump a route and bat a ball down. TODAY I saw a highly criticized Ezeh fill a gap on an obvious running down and put the screws to a running back. TODAY, I saw a defense make plays when it mattered (2 for 17 on 3rd down). You cans say it was Purdue utnil you're blue in the face. Fact is our "terrible" defense stepped up and stopped the other team. I dont care who it was we played. They showed up and played for 60 mins.

jameslucas

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 11:08 a.m.

Mr. Ghost It has been repeated mightily by the boards and talk radio that Coach Rich once complained about the lack of talent on the team when he took over. But Coach Rich has not complained mightily for three years about the lack of talent on the team when he took over. When you hear or read about something that has happened, than read or hear about it again, it does not mean it happened again, it just means you are reading about it again.

ViSHa

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 10:34 a.m.

LOL @ P.T. Rodriguez's offense! It's always asked, but does anyone know the answer to the "why don't they play the two quarterbacks at the same time" question??

Jarhead

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 10:17 a.m.

It has been reported that in Lloyds last 3 years he didn't do in-home recruiting. I don't know how important that is though. If you get a kid on campus, especially with his parents, the university sells itself very well, and the coach is the closer. But, Lloyd (and his staff), in his last year recruited poorly in the defensive secondary. No corners and 2 safeties, that were too big and not fast enough, they had to move to LBers. Thats potentionally at least 4 or 5 players that would have been Juniors contributing this year, instead of freshmen and RS freshmen. So some of you can beat the drum about records and history and etc. But this is where we are. Now you've got a blank piece of paper in front of you. Give us the formula, the blueprint if you will, of what we should do now. Me? I'm going to support my university, my team, my coach and all the staff. I guess I'm just that much of a "slappy".

Jarhead

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 9:59 a.m.

Wow, this thread is still going? Well here is some of my 2 cents, you all can give me change later. I loved Bo, Mo, and Lloyd. Was I bored with our football in the 2000's? Yes. The grumbling from the fans was due to not being relavent on a national level, not putting pressure on the national championship, not beating OSU 6 out of 7 times since Tressel came. But those grumblings weren't going to get Carr fired. As you all post he had a national championship, 5 Big Ten titles, 8 to 10 wins each year, so he will leave when he wants. I heard an enterview with Lloyd and he stated that he was aiming to retire after the 2006 season. He said he decided to stay for 2007 because of Mallet and didn't want to abandon Ryan. Personally I think he stayed because he had a potentionally loaded team for the 2007 season with all the seniors and with Mallet as a back-up. Great way to end his career. Had Lloyd retired after 2006 then we could have gotten Harbaugh, but as it turned out Jim went to Stanford. That transition would have been seamless. Why, also I have to ask is, why did we not promote from within? Why not promote Deborde or English to Head coach? Everything is in place, a well stocked cupboard, top ten recruiting years, Michigan Men, etc, etc. Was it that we still would be the same?, and that we still would not be chasing the National Championship, just the Big Ten?

mrd

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 9:50 a.m.

Murrows Ghost you got it right... I'll take a football program that perennially wins 9 and 10 games, does so with class, and does it without NCAA sanctions. No way they'll get Harbaugh. We need him more now than he needs us. I'm sure in his mind he has transcended that opportunity. What we need is......DAVID BRANDON! Think about it people. That man knows how to LEAD and ADMINISTRATE and MOTIVATE. And he knows football. And he knew Bo. Keep RROD as offensive coordinator, which is the only thing he is good at. Brandon could even be INTERIM until the class and pride is restored. I'm sure he can find someone to assist as Athletic Director. BTW, why don't they play our two quaterbacks at the same time? Denard is a better runner than Vincent Smith...think of the options that would create!!!

win

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 9:47 a.m.

I have forgotten what it was like to get excited about a bowl game! I'm ready for Phoenix!! Maybe a new years day bowl if do the unthinkable. 7-5 with a bowl win makes us 8-5. I said going in that I would be happy with 8 wins this year. Next year, an improved defense and a kicking game, I expect 10 wins and a shot at a BCS game. Hopefully going to Pasadena next year!! Anyone want join me? Bring the kool-aid and lets have a great time!!

mrd

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 9:30 a.m.

InsideTheHall

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 9:23 a.m.

This was a miserable day with the wind and the rain. Half the crowd was gone by mid-3rd quarter. The O problems appear weather related for the most part. This is a vulnerability of P.T. Rodriguez's offense. Mr. Ed: If you recall Carr had two 4 loss seasons prior to winning the NC.

UMguy

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 9:01 a.m.

Denard and company have to learn how to take care of the football. I don't care if the field is crappy or it's raining, take care of the football, especially in the red zone. They are not good enough of a team to commit the number of turnovers they have and win. One a game is okay, but five? Where is the killer instinct in this team?

Solar Blue

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 8:21 a.m.

What gives me some optimism is that this is a game the Wolverines might have found a way to lose last year. 5 turnovers (on the road), not good. Yet, as a team they found a way to win, encouraging. If that means that the defense "stepped up" against an offensively challenged team, so be it. I was also happy to see more use of the tight end by the offense this week, Koger with the key catch deep down the middle late in the game was huge. We will need this size and more physical O-line play the next two weeks. I will make no bold predictions as to what will happen next Saturday - but I do know that we do seem to play Wisconsin tough for some reason. Go Blue!

johnnya2

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 2:14 a.m.

I can not belieeve all these so-called fans who support Rich Rod. EVEN if the team were to go 12-0 he has proven that he is a failure. He put the most storied program in NCAA history on probation with FIVE major violations. I would say the breach was deeper than the basketball issue. At least Steve Fisher did not EMPLOY the person screwing the program. Two, if you do not have a problem with a guy who SIGNS A CONTRACT, and less than a year later breaches that contract, then you are as bad as RR. Bo, Mo and Lloyd NEVER dreamed of leaving while under contract. Bo looked at an offer when his contract was up. This is a major character flaw. If WVU had fired him, they would have been responsible to pay him. What he did is told one Univeristy I promise to stay here for X number of years in exchange for X number of dollars, and then as soon as something he perceives as better comes along he leaves. Tell us RR, if some other school, or pro team comes along and offers you something will you bolt again? It's funny how people with character tend to stay where they are at until their contracts expire: Coach K Tom Izzo Joe Pa Bo Lloyd Bobby Bowden Then of course there are people who win and jump ship at any chance they get: Larry Brown Brian Kelly Jimmy Johnson Bobby Petrino

truebluefan

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 12:59 a.m.

3 and out -- Coach Rich will be our coach next season. Time to change your screen name. How many more e-mail addresses do you have? LOL.

jameslucas

Sun, Nov 14, 2010 : 12:04 a.m.

Mr. Ghost Coach Rich has not " complained mightily for three years about the lack of talent on the team when he took over."

3 And Out

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 10:51 p.m.

We moved up to 6th Place in the Big Ten (11) with the win!!!!! WWWWWoOOOO HOOOOO!!! Go Blue!

magnumpi

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 9:55 p.m.

How did Wisconsin hang 83 on Indiana? I though only a spread offense can put up those numbers?

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 9:41 p.m.

Edward Murrow...is Lloyd Carr considered a Michigan Man by your standards? Has he come out publicly in support of the Michigan football team, coach, and AD? If so, I haven't heard it yet. Please enlighten us all. Good night and Good bye.

jameslucas

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 8:12 p.m.

Mr. Ghost I believe Coach Lloyd Carr to be a man of integrity if he says he retried then I trust he is telling the truth. If Coach Carr has not earned your trust, then shame on you. For me he has earned the right to define his retirement anyway he wants, in his words. He is no longer a public figure and should not be subjected to your rumors or speculation.

ohiowolverine

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 8 p.m.

Edward, you've never heard me say I am a fan of RR's, but at least I don't get on here and complain about the wins Michigan gets, no matter how bad they are. The only thing I want is to have Michigan winning again. I live 44 miles north of Sucmbus Ohio and the only thing I hear on TV everyday is how good the Suckeyes are. I live for the day when Michigan stomps them in the ground again. I like the new O and I think it can go as far as winning a NC outright. If Michigan had anything that resimbled a D no one on here would be complaining. GO BLUE!!!!

Macabre Sunset

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 7:57 p.m.

Kool-Aid drinkers should note that Michigan could still go to the Rose Bowl. Envision the following scenario: Next Saturday: Michigan beats Wisconsin Purdue goes to Michigan State and wins (how, I have absolutely no idea, but bear with me...) Iowa beats Ohio State Northwestern either beats Illinois or doesn't, but the result could be important. Then the following Saturday: Michigan goes to Columbus and wins The Game Northwestern goes to Wisconsin and wins Michigan State goes to Penn State and loses Minnesota, resurgent and rested from an off-week, beats Iowa That would leave as many as seven teams tied for the conference title at 5-3. Penn State (if 5-3) and Iowa would be eliminated for having non-conference losses. So, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Wisconsin and possibly Northwestern would all be 9-3 and eligible for the BCS. The tie is broken by the BCS standings now, and the currently ranked teams would be reeling from each losing twice. Michigan could well be ranked around 15th at that point and would go to the Rose Bowl. I honestly think they would have the BCS edge in that one-in-a-million scenario. Of course, beating Wisconsin and/or Ohio State doesn't exactly seem realistic right now. Not with Wisconsin hanging 83 on Indiana today and Ohio State roaring back to destroy Penn State.

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 7:48 p.m.

Wasn't Carr stepping aside and taking a position as an Assistant AD?

True_Wolverine_Fan

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 7:46 p.m.

@Ghost True Wolverine fans see the progress: 3-9, 5-7, 7-6 (at worst). True Wolverine fans understand that when Michigan hired Rich Rodriguez it did so to *change* and *adapt* to a new college football landscape. Going from 3 yards and a cloud of dust to the spread option offense was never going to be easy, but it was a needed change and it is starting to work. You and and the other haters can complain about Coach Rod and preach about how great it would be to bring a Michigan man like Harbaugh home. Some of us here are not that intellectually agile. Good night and good luck!

3 And Out

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 7:44 p.m.

Gillet...Id guess Wisconsin favored by 11.... they should cover that IMO

3 And Out

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 7:40 p.m.

I normally dont disagree with you Mr. Murrow...but Carr wanted to retire after 06 but was asked to come back 1 more year...that is why he made sure that each of his assistants got a guaranteed 1 year of extra pay written in to their contracts after that 06 season, it was no secret that he was gone after 07 no matter what. A great coach and a great man, BTW 122-40 all time at Michigan, 5BT champs 1 NC wow. Where Martin screwed up was not putting a solid succession plan in place and we ended up with the current idiot staff.

Gillete

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 7:39 p.m.

Any takers on Vegas opening line for next week?

3 And Out

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 7:32 p.m.

We are a poorly coached football team in all phases. Wisky is gonna Roll us big time at home.

ohiowolverine

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 7:21 p.m.

James, I agree with you, most of the posts on here are not Michigan fans, their RR haters. It doesn't matter what the team does they will still complain it wasn't good enough. All in for Michigan means you are happy for the win no matter who it is againt. I for one didn't complain about LC, I don't care who the coach is, I root for Michigan! GO BLUE! WEAR MAISE! ALL IN FOR MICHIGAN!!!!

RudeJude

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 7:08 p.m.

@ Rob This win was nearly beaten to death with an ugly stick, but I agree, it's still a win. I'm assuming you are Rob Balon, the Austin food critic? Spoken as a Wolverine living in Austin, knowing you're a fellow Wolverine takes my appreciation of your reviews to another level. Have you ever done a "Best Sports Bar in Austin" review? The Tavern off of Lamar is one of my favorite places to watch a game, plus it is supposedly owned by a fellow Wolverine. Just sayin'... Go Blue!

jameslucas

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 6:41 p.m.

"nothing" should be "anything"

jameslucas

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 6:06 p.m.

Mr. Goast Coach Lloyd Carr retired, he was not forced out, and every time you repeat this theory you make a great coach and man look small. Regardless if your conspiracy theory is true or not Coach Rich could not have had nothing to do with Coach Carrs leaving, so your hate is at the very least misplaced.

Rob Balon

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 5:58 p.m.

Hey, a win is a win. As a proud Michigan alum living in Austin,Texas, I have come to realize that you simply can't expect 40+ seasons of 10 or more wins per year. We fix the defense and I'll tell you, next year excites the hell out of me.

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 5:31 p.m.

He got the win. Most people would be happy with the win. If DRob and Tate had more turnovers and put in Gardner would you be upset about that too?

patrue

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 5:29 p.m.

Does anyone here have a sense of context or history? RRod came in with an entirely new system, but with players from another system. Did we expect a magic wand? After all, Carr's last dozen teams lost 3 or more games each year, except one year when they lost two. RRod's teams, despite terrible inexperience at the QB position, have put points on the board. Michigan has been unlucky with losing several top notch defensive backfield players, including a stupid decision by Donovan Warren to go pro when another year at Michigan likely would have gotten him drafted this season.

Paco12054

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 5:26 p.m.

Tulsa Tom, try going to a local sports bar. Our alumni club has made friends with a local sports bar, they love the extra afternoon business. if you make a friend of the right bar they will get The Wolverines on dish for you.

loco123

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 5:24 p.m.

I never played a down in football. However, I know that a well built team doensn't pull their starting QB and 2 running backs in the 4th quarter of the 10th game of the season to put in the back up QB, a true freshman RB and a sophomore RB who's never played a down in college football.

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 5:14 p.m.

I love reading some of these posts by the Michigan "faithful". They won't be satisfied unless RR goes 12-0, even then they'll say the margin of victory wasn't enough. Many of you so called fans will NEVER be happy. Most of you probably have never played a down in football.

orlandomichfan

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 5:08 p.m.

even after a win there are still people complaining,wow, some people are never happy, myself i am so very happy that they won and that our defense showed up..i don't care who we played, as bad as the d has been, they did not give up a touchdown and that is really good..anything is possible the next 2 games..the 1st 2 post on here seem like people who may not have much joy in their lives..i am very happy today and very proud of the d, if others want to continue to moan and groan and continue to find fault, well more power to you, 7-5 was what a lot of people predicted for this season, so i say on to a decent bowl and we still could reach 9 wins for the season when all is said and after the bowl.., so whats wrong with that for this season..the turnovers were discouraging, and they can not happen against wisky, no way can we even stay competitive with them with 5 turnovers, but for now i will enjoy this victory even if some cant...gooo blue... good win defense..

Chilltime

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 5 p.m.

It was nice to see more of the 3-4. Hopefully they will use more of an even front against Wisky. Glad they won the game. This weeks and last weeks game would have been loses last year. They have to get a grip on the turnovers! They will not win any of their next three games (bowl game included) with five turnovers.

Julius

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 4:41 p.m.

Defense did good today, but it was Purdue. Wisconsin just put up 83 on Indiana today and they didn't need overtime to do it. Next week will not be pretty.

johnnya2

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 4:37 p.m.

Glad for the win, but this reinforces why this type of offense is not good for the Big Ten. I said it when they were scoring boat loads of points, but November football in Big Ten country is not the same as the SEC. Imagine this weather against a team that had a modicum of talent. Five turnovers is ridiculous, and were not all weather related. The Purdue offense could not have scored with a fistful of hundreds in a whore house.

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 4:30 p.m.

@1bit... if you actually believe that, that just showed how poorly our offense played today. It was more like Purdue couldn't do a thing offensively so our defense actually recorded a stop or two.

clarklaker

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 4:27 p.m.

That Ryan Kerrigan looks like Brandon Grahm.That being said a win is a win. go blue

Kubrick66

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 4:07 p.m.

Winning is fun, even when watching it isn't. Go Blue!

Howard the Duck

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 4:05 p.m.

Boy those fans look happy!

tulsatom

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 4:04 p.m.

The bad weather had somthing to do with the poor U-M offensive perfoemance but I wonder how much of the offense's woes were due to having so many warm-weather players playing in the not-so-pleasant November Big Ten weather. The game wasn't on where I live so I couldn't tell for sure how much of a factor it was, if any.

KeepingItReal

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 4:02 p.m.

I sense an upset in the making next week.

tulsatom

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 4 p.m.

Hail to the defense!

True_Wolverine_Fan

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 3:57 p.m.

Guaranteed winning season (7 - 6 at worst with bowl loss)! Back-to-back Big Ten wins! Big Ten win on the road! Improvement every year under Rodriguez (3-9, 5-7 & 7-?)! GO BLUE! IN ROD WE TRUST!

iamcris

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 3:47 p.m.

Hai guys! What an exciting game today. Very glad Michigan won and the defense played great.

Macabre Sunset

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 3:29 p.m.

It's a Big Ten win, so it's good. The Purdue offense is in shambles, but the defense was up (or down) to the task. The turnovers kept the game close, and Robinson had his worst game. I don't see this team challenging Wisconsin or Ohio State, who are both looking for BCS bids.

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 3:26 p.m.

An absolutely pathetic showing by BigBlue today; it's a good thing Purdue couldn't do a thing offensively or UofM would've lost by 3 touchdowns.

bigtenknight

Sat, Nov 13, 2010 : 3:24 p.m.

Enjoy your last win for the year. The 'true' Big Ten teams are up next. Way to exceed expectations this year. How many Big Ten wins does this give Rich Rod? I say give him an extension for making a bowl game!!