I love Michigan Football

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 11:35 p.m.

2blue, Can you please leave us a comment on here after Saturday's game about how you love RR? I would love to hear it straight from the heart.

I love Michigan Football

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 11:25 p.m.

You are right, Rich will get one more year because his replacement isn't ready to leave yet. David Brandon won't make the same mistake Martin did.

GoblueinNE_PA

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 11:21 p.m.

The recruiting is picking up??? LOL!! It kills me how the RichRod fans use his own ineptitude to judge progress. He drives the team into ground, so a 7-5 record now looks like progress. Recruiting falls through the floor (sub top 20 classes) and now getting A good kid, like I'm sure Hayes is, becomes a symbol of improved recruiting. A few short years ago, this would have been good news but just another part of a great incoming class. Soon, soon, this nightmare will end.

2bluebyu

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 10:50 p.m.

Another 4 star recruit......... and still they complain. You RR haters have to swallow this one..........RR will be at Michigan for at least 1-2 more years. The recruiting is picking up and there are more defensive players committing than offense. Win or lose at Thee Shoe "U", Brandon will give him more time to pull this thing together. A few more good defensive commits and this teams future is looking pretty good. Glad to have you on board Justice!!! Stay True & GO BLUE!!!

I love Michigan Football

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 10:15 p.m.

Because, believe it or not JH will not turn M around right away, it's going to take 3-4 years. Really? Well at least we would see progress in all 3 phases and not just 1, meaning offense, defense, and special teams. As a head coach, your resposibility is to watch all 3 phases of the team, not just the offense.

beanie wells

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 9:03 p.m.

@tally10: so, turning a critical eye on a program is considered being a bad fan? do you also believe that criticizing the government means that you're not a real american? c'mon. commenting on your favorite team is not being a "bad fan". not showing up to games, leaving early from games, harassing other fans or visiting fans, THAT'S being a bad fan. but, criticizing a program (and it's coach) that's underperforming is well within your rights. oh, and since I'm NOT a fan, i can definitely criticize Michigan as much as I want!!! :)

3 And Out

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 7:12 p.m.

LOL...just what I thought...it wasnt Brandon who talked to Justice...its Fred Jackson, who as he said most likely is going to be retained by Harbaugh. Quote: Even if Rich Rodriguez is fired as Michigans coach, as has been speculated, Hayes is confident that Jackson will remain with the Wolverines. Jackson has been an assistant coach under Gary Moeller, Lloyd Carr and Rodriguez. Even if Rich Rodriguez leaves, coach Jackson will still be there, Hayes said. I want to be coached by him. Even though Rich Rodriguez is going through what hes going through, hes a great coach. I just like the whole coaching staff. We already tallked about what would happen and (Jackson) said hes not going anywhere. I know hell be there and be my coach for four or five years.

Tally10

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 6:23 p.m.

If Michigan Football becomes a mediocre program, it will not be because of RR, but because of we the Fans. All season, regardless of the team's performance or the Article's topic the posts become lobbies for fire RR, get a new coach and bring back Harbaugh. If M fired RR and brought in JH next year would that solve M's position? No. It will only make some fans happy, and put JH in the same position that RR is in now. Because, believe it or not JH will not turn M around right away, it's going to take 3-4 years, not because he's not a good coach but because of the stage of the program when he came in. Now the precedent you current complainers set for firing RR will then be used by the group that wants JH gone... and then the next coach. A hire/fire system is not a good way to rebuild a program, just look a few miles across the MI/IN border at ND. Once a top program as M, second behind M in total wins but struggling to get back to the top, after how many GREAT COACHES ( before they went to ND )was going to turn the program around? Sorry folks, it's not always the coaches that hurt the program but us unrealistic and selfish fans that will only support M if they play only their football with the coach they want, and with as many diverse fans as UM have RR or JH will not make all happy with their style of play. But the teams is about the kids. Do they want RR fired? Do they want JH? These kids come to M to mature in the class room, on the field and as young men, not to be belittled by some fans just because they hate the coach. Be a real fan - FAN: enthusiastic follower or supporter

beanie wells

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 5:30 p.m.

@3 and out: good points. there's been so much "fun" during the richrod era, that i tend to forget about some of it. can't wait to see what comes out of the WVU investigation... those folks wouldn't hang richrod out to dry, would they!?!

3 And Out

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 5:16 p.m.

Whatever you think about Harbs comments and his motivation behind it...fact is he does have a good point... our NCAA APR score dropped well below 900 last time and that is not good, we are getting closer and close to the bottom of the Big Ten in APR too!.... and meanwhile 1/4 of Rich Rodriguez's last recruiting class of 10 can not even qualify and bounced out before they even touched campus....and the university is sanctioning junkets to bowl games for facilty members that approve eligibility! not to mention the old Prof Hagan / AA News expose a couple of years ago...remember that? yeah it may have been a little overblown but at the same time you'd have to admit that there was some truth to it... And then you had Rich Rod pretty much lying about how the team and the highest GPA in school history under his tenure last year...which was proven untrue and then he had to back track and make up more lies to try and cover his first lie. So you have all of that + Bill Martin's bank securing million dollar lines of credit to Rich Rodriguez and his entire staff... which is a bit shady to say the least... Fraudriguez defaulting on 2 million dollar loans with other investors leading to other lawsuits etc.. so not only do you have the makings (or the reality, depending on how you want to look at it) of some pretty SHAKY academic issues in our program....but you also have a coach who has demonstrated some pretty SHAKY financial acuity as well....and you wonder if character matters? yes it does! Kudos to Harbs for pointing this out (about the academics)...he will not only reform us on the field to being a tough, physical, winning Big Ten team again but we can be proud of the kids in the classroom as well because Harbs has already set a standard for which he will strive here with his comments from 07 + his 4 years of experience leading one of the highest academic achieving programs in America (Stanford) to glory.

umgoblue47

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 4:31 p.m.

justice hayes is apparently coming in as an athlete and will get a shot at tail back but could also play slot and or kickoff's and punt returns... welcome to michigan... GO BLUE...

beanie wells

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 3:48 p.m.

can't you all be happy about getting a quality recruit? jeesh! at the same time, you richrod supporters shouldn't read too much into this...

Ben

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 1:56 p.m.

I still don't see how this could ever be "Lloyd's fault"

I love Michigan Football

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 1:30 p.m.

So let me see, controversy with the papers, excuses, what if's, it's the kids fault not the coaches, injuries, more excuses, it was Lloyds fault, etc. It just doesn't stop.....

ssAA

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 12:31 p.m.

I suppose it's open to interpretation, but the way I read the detnews article, Brandon said that being a coach at Michigan means you are not moving sideways, Henning, knowing that the basketball team is expected to be terrible this year, tried to box him in and asked what that means about Beilein. Brandon then pulled out his pimp hand and slapped Henning with it.

I love Michigan Football

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 11:56 a.m.

Lorain FWIW: http://detnews.com/article/20101123/SPORTS0201/11230321/Dave-Brandon-relishes-keeping-U-M-great sounds like David Brandon is 100% confident in Beilein, not so much with Rodriguez.

Chris

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 11:56 a.m.

In David Brandon interviews hes saying hes in the locker room before games during halftime,after the game. He's keeping a watchful eye because he's concern about the direction of Michigan football.Rich Rodriguez is as good, as gone.Well go back to a pro style offence and a traditional 4-3 defence.David Brandon will do whats right for Michigan,I really believe that.

1989NCAACHAMPS

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 11:24 a.m.

Justice Hayes could also turn out to be a great defensive back!!

Lorain Steelmen

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 11:19 a.m.

ssAA...great post! Thanks for telling it 'like it is'. Harbuagh can stay at Stanford or go to the NFL...I could care less. Miles can stay at LSU, or go to the NFL....I could care less. Meanwhile, this Michigan coachng staff, players, and future recruits will stay focused, stay working, and WILL, turn this program into an annual NC contender.

I love Michigan Football

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 11:19 a.m.

Jim was bitter about not getting the chance to come in and be the Offensive Cord. for Lloyd and everyone knows that. That's exactly why nothing else came out of that situation. Michigan tooks shots at him saying he was not even close to being ready to coach here. Jim has proved them wrong by all means. So what he made a comment about wanting Michigan to exceed and not have to steer kids into general studies. Wow he wanted Michigan graduates to get an actual degree in something that could help them outside of football, god forbid.

truebluefan

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 11:17 a.m.

wvtroll -- if Justice simply loved Michigan so much and it didn't matter which coach would be in charge, then why did he commit to ND first? He just likes to play games? Please. Trust me, this speaks VOLUMES about RR's job status. 3 and out is trying to paint the same picture -- that it is November 23 and it's a foregone conclusion that Harbaugh is coming to Michigan. Read between the lines, guys, there is no riddle here. I am just trying to soften the blow for you when Mr. Brandon announces that RR remains as Michigan's coach.

ssAA

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 11:09 a.m.

Harbaugh, in 2007, told the San Francisco Chronicle: "Michigan is a good school and I got a good education there, but the athletic department has ways to get borderline guys in, and when they're in, they steer them to courses in sports communications. They're adulated when they're playing, but when they get out, the people who adulated them won't hire them." Lloyd Carr's Response: Harbaugh's comments were "elitist," "arrogant" and "self serving." Mike Hart's Response: "He's not a Michigan man.... I wish he had never played here, but it is what it is." Jamie Morris's Response: "I said, 'Jim, here's my question for you do you really believe the comments you said, or are you saying them to make you look good?' He said, 'I believe them.' And I said, 'Would you have said it if Bo was alive?' He said, 'That's not the point.' And I said, 'That's exactly the point. You didn't hurt Michigan, you hurt your coach, and you hurt the guys you played with. These are the teammates you turned your back on.' We said, 'We're not friends anymore, you lose my number, I lose yours.'" Also from Harbaugh: "There is no general studies at Stanford. In my opinion, that major does not give you the skill set to compete [in the working world]." Great point Jim! Rick Snyder graduated from Michigan with a degree in General Studies and he sure had a hard time competing.

I love Michigan Football

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 10:56 a.m.

agreed iam4blue. The person we as a fan should be worshiping is David Brandon, not Rich Rodriguez. But for some reason, Rich has people conviced to keep giving him more and more opportunities. My dad from day one has said Rich is like a really good car salesman that people fall in love with....

iam4blue

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 10:48 a.m.

The DetNews article on Dave Brandon was pretty telling. Ive gone back and forth on whether RR will be gone or if DB will give him one more year. After reading that article and analyzing what DB didnt say about RR and what he did say about JB, I think DB is leaning more towards making a change. The only way RR stays is if there is some sort of divine intervention and we actually win this weekend. Heres my predictionDave keeps RR through the bowl game so Harbaugh has a chance to take Stanford to their BCS bowl. Harbaughs Michigan contract will be signed with 24 hours of Standfords win. Say what you want about Michigan, but we now have the best AD in the NCAA. Hes a brilliant man who loves Michigan. Although I hate where we are now, he will ensure we get to a better place. Hes too smart and he loves Michigan for anything else to happen.

J. Dean

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 10:41 a.m.

Good to see this, but we do need more defensive recruitment. Truth be told, with Stephen Hopkins doing well, and the others healing up after this year, running back isn't one of my big concerns.

WWBD?

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 10:12 a.m.

I can't speak for tater, but it does come down to loyalty and the objectivity of keeping one's eye on the prize. This whole defensive scenario can turn around and college football naturally recycles so it's looking better than ever for the team next year. Good offenses are so much harder to come by than good defenses and this offense doesn't even need a good defense to contend. Just a half-ways decent one. A kicker is just one guy. And in regards to recruiting, it's about style and uniforms and the conference reputation that matters most and we're getting some really good players. Michigan's past traditions and what fans think about the coach equates to zero pretty much in the mind of most star high school players. All the great schools have all that stuff. The wolverines are wide open soon the recruiting front will rank there with Ohio State's and then BCS victories. Has the team lived up to expectations of the fans? No. But to quit on the Coach now would cause irrepairable damage to the team, and a knee jerk reaction.

D21

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 10:08 a.m.

3 and out, Preach on, brother!

evenyoubrutus

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 9:48 a.m.

To all of you making jokes about the defensive recruits: just look at the last two years, and you will see them. Problem is, recruiting rarely has an immediate effect; those guys are freshmen and sophomores. Recruiting takes a couple years to pay off. But I'm sure you don't care about that because it is an opposing fact that doesn't support your position.

WWBD?

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 9:27 a.m.

Me too Tater. The pleasure follows pain and the two upcoming seasons will be the sweetest ever.

I love Michigan Football

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 9:22 a.m.

Tater you've been saying that since day 1. What is with you and Rodriguez? Does he wash your car every Sunday, mow your yard? Why are you so facinated with this guy? We all gave him a chance. I myself took ALOT of heat backing this guy. Well after year 3, and can no longer do this, we need change and need it now.

InsideTheHall

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 8:43 a.m.

Jim Harbaugh, Les Miles, Brady Hoke...that is the short list.

I love Michigan Football

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 7:56 a.m.

I agree RJ and I myself said the same thing. Going on 3 years now everyone on here has said, wait, it will get better, how can it not? Well look at the special teams, defense, and I will go to say, the 1st half of teams that actually mattered. We all watched one of the most exciting QB's in college football break the All-Time rushing record and he didn't get any respect doing it. They didn't flash 1 thing on the screen saying what Denard has accomplished, but only to have Spielman talk trash and laugh at our program. We are not respected or feared at the Big House anymore, I hate seeing this program treated like this and being the butt of jokes anymore. Someone, (alot of us want Harbaugh) needs to come and fix this ASAP before we get to far in debt.

RJ12688

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 7:39 a.m.

I wouldnt mind seeing harbaugh in AA one bit. I think that there would still be a year or two where he is going to have to get his players there.. so there wouldnt be much improvement anyways. But I dont think that the team would drop off like it did when RR took over... I think it would just stay as a middle of the road B10 team until harbaugh (or whoever) gets settled in. But the question is, if RR is given another year will he get this team back to competing for the B10? I think anyone could see that the team will improve next year, since the team is young and most key players will return with some much needed experience. I understand that people are tired of hearing the "next year" excuse, but by bringing in a new coach your also bringing that excuse back

BlueGator

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 7:31 a.m.

Guess I really can't complain about getting another highly rated, although light, RB. Seems versatile, too. Can he kick?

wvtroll

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 7:31 a.m.

I see two different sides to this story. Either someone really loves UM and would play there no matter what, or someone sees a really bad team that is constantly starting freshman and they feel they'd get a chance to play a lot. I'm not sure what a recruit who wanted a championship would do. In today's game, most recruits know that if they're a top notch player and get some playing time, they'll get noticed even if they're on a team that's not doing all that well. Case in point - DR.

I love Michigan Football

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 7:23 a.m.

I know you are sick of all the Harbaugh lovers, but we are sick of the people defending Rich and making him to be this God in AA. He has done absolutey nothing to get that status, and can't believe anyone in their right mind would support it. He has absolutely ruined every bad record in this town. We want a Michigan Man, defense, power football, and a coach that doesn't throw his players under a bus. If that person is not Jim Harbaugh so be it, but it is hard not to want this man in AA.

Macabre Sunset

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 7:19 a.m.

Rodriguez is having a difficult time getting the top high schoolers in here. It looks like a second straight season on the fringe of the top 20, when Carr had top ten classes every year. So far, running back is the obvious strength of the class. It looks like defensive end may be a strength if he can finish on Zettel - the in-state talent was high here. Linebacker has been a major fail. He lost the Detroit standout Lawrence Thomas to Michigan State. Thomas is a difference-maker. He's in on a few other interesting players, but it will take some considerable luck to land them.

RJ12688

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 6:51 a.m.

Its getting old listening to all these harbaugh lovers... Your all acting like theres talk of him coming here or something. I wouldnt mind seeing him take over at UM one bit, but until theres actually reason to believe that you all need to wake up from your little harbaugh wet dream. If anything, I think RR will be back next year.. Not that im thrilled about that, but if he is back, they better do whatever is necessary to fix our pathetic defense.

I love Michigan Football

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 6:48 a.m.

Jim Harbaugh is NOT going to the NFL...start watching at 13:35. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1NQAPTxnvE I myself do not hate Rich, but he really needs to be just an offensive cordinator somewhere, I think he would do fine then.

3 And Out

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 6:28 a.m.

BTW...Lynn Henning has an interview with Dave Brandon over at the Det News. It is actually pretty good...covers all aspects of the UM athletic program. Note how Brandon just gushes all over about John Beilein saying "he is the perfect coach for Michigan"...while staying very mum and unclear about Rich Rodriguez...LOL...he even says quite pointedly "If you wake up and see that we're moving sideways, and you don't see a clear path to success, that's when you think about making changes." and we all can agree that our program is not moving sideways, it is stuck at the bottom....

KeepingItReal

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 6:05 a.m.

Another small running back. I guess we need a lot of them since they always seem to be hurt. Wisconsin have three running the smallest breaks weight at 200 lbs. There is no way these small backs are going to survive the rigors of the B10.

3 And Out

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 6:05 a.m.

mike bush did you talk to Harbs lately? you "get over it" and if you are a true Michigan fan, then you will appreciate him because he will turn this sad program around. BTW which 2 NFL teams will snap up Harbs? Dallas, nope Jason Garrett has that one...Buffalo? Harbs would never go there and he hates Jim Kelly, Detroit..no opening...Minnesota? keep dreaming. If you don't believe that Harbs would give SERIOUS consideration to an opening at Michigan...then you need to "get over it" and stop smoking the strong stuff. To Quote Jack Harbaugh: Of Jim Harbaugh's name cropping up in recent coaching rumors, Jack Harbaugh told Dave Birkett of AnnArbor.com earlier this year: "I think he's very, very happy at Stanford and Stanford is where he wants it to be. But I would say this: that still Michigan is the place that he loves, the place that for him was his foundation. It's where, the five years he spent there, his education there at Michigan and his associations with Bo and the other coaches on the staff, that' the place that he will always call home." Following Stanford's win over USC, the elder Harbaugh also said: "I can just see Bo up in heaven, he's talking to Woody (Hayes) and he's got a big old cigar and he and Woody are looking down on the game and he looks over to Woody and he says, 'That Jimmy Harbaugh, that's the way the game's supposed to be played,' taking real pride in it, and I truly believe that he does take pride in it."

Mike

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 5:06 a.m.

harbaugh not comming get over it. hes going pro.hes on the list for 2 teams in the nfl so far. so get over it.

RobbiesBoyfriend

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 5:04 a.m.

TrueBlue ".....The fact that yet another Rivals top 100 guy committed to Michigan speaks volumes about RR's job status....." Actually, The fact that Michigan signs a kid who grew up not 30 minutes from Ann Arbor means very little about RR's job status. Great pickup if he decides to stay with us, but ill be willing to bet this kid has a whole closet full of michigan gear and a desmond howard poster on his wall. I would imagine this kid's dad is a michigan fan, his mom is a michigan fan, his uncles and cousins and grandparents and friends are all michigan fans. so why wouldnt he want to come here? Ill bet hes been to a bunch of games as well. Signing a kid to his favorite school is easy, even when your program is in turmoil.

3 And Out

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 3:16 a.m.

we will get rolled by OSU keep dreaming...our team sucks in the Big Ten under Rich Rod. Finesse team, soft, small, under performing joke.

The Fan

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 3:02 a.m.

Ya know Michigan could win next weekend and there still would be people complaining about something.

RJ12688

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 2:45 a.m.

Is there seriously people complaining about this..? Where all aware that our defense blows but since when does that mean you need to cry about bringing in the #3 RB in country... Im happy to see it.He seems like a he's got a good head on his shoulders and is a top notch recruit. Not to mention i think our RBs this year have left a lot to be desired.

XTR

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 1:37 a.m.

Justice already backed out from a verbal commitment and would likely back out if he wanted to again. This guy can just leave at the last minute before signing day... just like Roy Roundtree. Sign up first before you become a Wolverine. But even if he signs, JT Turner just left the program without playing.

Sean T.

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 1:20 a.m.

Another RB?

3 And Out

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 1:04 a.m.

Great move for Justice...he knows what is coming and how well that he would fit in to Jim Harbaugh's pro style offense. It is pretty cool for him that he will be the feature back in a downhill style smash mouth running game.

lawrencelaundry

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 1 a.m.

Nice to see that. Except thomas Rawls sounded better with about 40 pounds more bruising power. Something Michigan does not have.

2sweetblue

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 12:59 a.m.

Right Trueblue.......... I highly doubt RR said anything about the coaching situation........... Or maybe he said the new coach would love to have you run the ball 20.. Justin wanting to come makes little sense unless Brandon did talk to him and said new coach and Hart won"t want to come. Between Drob, Hart, and now Justin that sure is a lot of carries to make everyone happy....

truebluefan

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 12:57 a.m.

Ben and Yelmonian -- 7 of 13 verbal commits are on the defensive side of the ball. There are at least five more highly touted kids that have Michigan in their final lists. The 2011 class will be comprised of mostly defensive recruits.

truebluefan

Tue, Nov 23, 2010 : 12:37 a.m.

The fact that yet another Rivals top 100 guy committed to Michigan speaks volumes about RR's job status. Mr. Brandon must have had a talk with Justice and told him RR would be Michigan's coach next season.

Yelmonian

Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 11:58 p.m.

Great! That will improve the defense!

Macabre Sunset

Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 11:47 p.m.

That question would imply Michigan has a defense.

Ben

Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 11:45 p.m.

Where's all our stand out defensive recruits?

Marshall Applewhite

Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 11:29 p.m.

This is great news. No longer will RB injuries be able to hamper our offense in the future! Welcome aboard, Justice.