Michigan football team escapes with 42-37 win over UMass
Darryl Stonum, who scored on a 66-yard touchdown reception on Michigan's previous possession, crosses the goal line for a 9-yard score that gave the Wolverines a 21-17 lead over UMass in the final seconds of the first half. Michigan held on to win, 42-37 Saturday at Michigan Stadium.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Editor's note: Updated at 6:30 p.m.
Craig Roh walked out of the locker room and shook his head in frustration. “I’m disappointed,” the sophomore linebacker said, before correcting himself. “More angry. Just a lot of bad feelings.” Cornerback James Rogers sighed. “I’m sorry that we just have to learn the hard way,” he said. Coach Rich Rodriguez was more blunt following the Michigan football team’s 42-37 victory over pesky FCS opponent UMass in Ann Arbor. “We didn’t play well at all defensively,” he said. “Special teams were awful, and on offense we made a few mistakes that killed us.” That about summed it up.
Offensive lineman Mark Huyge (72) congratulates wide receiver Darryl Stonum (22) after Stonum scored near the end of the second half.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
The Minutemen stepped onto the same Michigan Stadium field as Appalachian State did more than three years ago and, with echoes of that historic upset reverberating all day, outplayed No. 20 Michigan for three quarters. “I just remember seeing the Sports Illustrated cover of the Appalachian State game,” said Roh, a junior in high school at the time. “I remember thinking, just, ‘that would be horrendous if that happened.’” It just might have again Saturday, if not for a one-quarter window in which the Wolverines (3-0) scored touchdowns on four consecutive possessions. The Wolverines scored 28 unanswered points between the late second quarter and middle of the third that swung a 10-point deficit into a 35-17 lead. Darryl Stonum led the recovery. On the first offensive play after Massachusetts (2-1) went ahead 17-7, Stonum hauled in a 66-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline and outraced two defenders for the score with 1:17 left in the second quarter. “All I saw was the safety in front of me,” Stonum said. “I didn’t know someone was behind me. We make a lot of cuts in practice, and Coach Rod just says, ‘Trust your speed.’ “In the back of my head, I just heard Coach Rod yelling, ‘Trust your speed.’” He trusted his speed, and Michigan trusted him. After Jordan Kovacs forced and recovered a UMass fumble, the Wolverines turned to Stonum again 61 seconds later, and he caught a 9-yard touchdown pass just before halftime that put Michigan in the lead, 21-17. If one positive emerged Saturday for Michigan, it was the fact sophomore quarterback Denard Robinson developed a supporting cast. Roy Roundtree was the Wolverines’ go-to receiver against Notre Dame, catching eight passes for 164 yards. Saturday, it was Stonum’s turn. He finished with three catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns. “Me and Roy were jumping around on the sideline,” Stonum said. “He was the guy last week. I got the nod this week. We’ll see who gets it next week.” On the ground, Michael Shaw carries 12 times for a team-high 126 yards and three touchdowns. He had a 34-yard touchdown run on Michigan’s first possession of the second half that seemed to give the Wolverines some breathing room. Stonum and Shaw complemented another stellar performance from Robinson, who rushed 17 times for 104 yards and a touchdown and completed 10 of 14 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns. “We know Denard takes a beating week in and week out, so we try to help him out,” Stonum said. “He don’t have to carry the whole load.” Robinson’s 345 yards of total offense were his lowest output of the season, but the performance was nonetheless the 10th-highest single-game total in Michigan history. (By contrast, his 502-yard outing against Notre Dame last week and a 383-yard debut versus UConn are the highest and second-highest totals in team history). It was barely enough to carry Michigan. UMass raced back from an 18-point deficit with 20 fourth-quarter points. But the Minutemen’s chance at an upset ended when Michigan recovered an onsides kick with 2:05 left. Damage done along the way made Michigan look awfully vulnerable. On special teams, Michigan surrendered a blocked punt and fumbled away another. Kicker Seth Broekhuizen, a replacement for ineffective Brendan Gibbons, missed a 38-yard field-goal attempt. On defense, the Wolverines gave up 439 yards, allowing UMass quarterback Kyle Havens to march his offense up the field with ease on multiple occasions. “That simply wasn’t acceptable or the way we’re supposed to play defense here at Michigan,” said Rodriguez, who marched himself into the visiting locker room after the game to compliment Havens and the juggernaut Minutemen. “You can’t be upset with a win, but you can be upset with the way you played, and we did not play well. … It will be about as quiet of a winning locker room as you will ever see.”
Pete Bigelow can be reached at (734) 623-2556 or emailed at petebigelow@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.
Comments
Jaxon5
Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 6:20 p.m.
Great post by GoBlueinNEPA. Defense is the key to championships on a national or conference level.
Sean T.
Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 12:43 p.m.
Dead on GoblueinNE!
GoblueinNE_PA
Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 11:59 a.m.
I went back and looked at the BCS championship games, just to make sure my memory wasn't faulty, and you couldn't be farther from the truth WRT the importance of Defense in those games. With possible exception of the Texas/USC game, every team that won the title put in great to dominating defensive performance. 2010 - Alabama completely shutdown TX. TX got garbage pts late to make it look close 2009 - Florida stuffed the high power OU offense. OU had average 54 pts a game that year. 2008 - LSU spotted OSU 10 points before manhandling them. OSU's only scores after that was after a interception return and a late garbage td 2007 - Florida crushed OSU. OSU returned the opening kickoff for a TD and could only must 7 points the rest of the game. 2006 - TX/USC shoot out. The only game where Defense didn't play a huge role. 2005 - USC shutdown OU. Yes, USC offense exploded, but it was there defense that forced OU to give the ball back in quick succession to USC. 2004 - LSU/OU in a defensive battle on both sides of the ball. 2003 - OSU's defense contains the defending national champs and puts the game into OT 2002 - Miami's defense dominates Nebraska, giving up 2 garbage TD's in the 2nd half. 2001 - OU holds FSU to 2 points. How much more do you want? Sure, the offense in many of those games scored a bunch, but they got the opportunities because the defenses completely shutdown the opposition. It's not like a pick up B-Ball game where they played make it/take it.
ThoseWhoStayUofM
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 11:59 p.m.
"Alabama destroyed Florida AND Texas with defense" ~johnnya That is the exception and not the norm and you know it. Firstly, I never said defense was irrelevant or any such nonsense. My position is that offense and defense are both important and that offense is becoming more and more important with time. I certainly don't agree with the old adage that defends wins championships. Offense is on the rise and defense is on the decline. This is supported by statistical data and any rational observer can take note of that. How about this article from Rivals.com: http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=826755 quote: "Offense-minded coaches have won more national titles in the BCS era (1998 to present) than their defensive counterparts. The count: 7-4" ~Tom Dienhart Admittedly this was prior to Alabama's victory over Texas last year (Who still had a very good offense) so the count would be modified to 7-5. The evidence is still indisputably in my favor... and the trend suggests this discrepancy will widen. Just look at the top 10 teams RIGHT NOW! 2) Ohio State 3) Boise State 4) TCU 5) Oregon 7) Texas 9) Florida 10) Arkansas You can make an argument OSU is a defensive minded team (even though Tressel is an offensive-minded coach) but even with OSU in that category, my argument is still indisputably valid with the count at 7-3 (6-4 if you say OSU is defensive). The reason why this is important to Michigan fans is because if we reject this idea that offense isn't just as important, if not more, than defense, we must in tern reject Rich Rod as a suitable head coach. Rich Rod does not subscribe to that defensive-minded philosophy. He believes in a quick-scoring offense that will take the lead early, that maintains consistent scoring all game, and a defense that can make a couple plays each game to secure a win. If you reject this philosophy, then you must reject Rich Rod as your head coach. It's as simple as that.
jameslucas
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 10:14 p.m.
Jackson5 M may score 35, the opposition will score 42 or better. Did you mean all but Purdue and Michigan State?
johnnya2
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 8:50 p.m.
"I don't know how you can make this argument when, for the last 9 years the winning championship team has scored 21 points or more in their bowl game" Oh really? How about looking at their performance through the season on defense. Alabama destroyed Florida AND Texas with defense. If you want PROOF. Try this stat on for size. Name the top 3 teams in order of finish in the Big Ten last year. Now, tell me the top three teams ranked in defense. Now go back and look the number up for the entire season since 2000. Its amazing how it works out that DEFENSE wins.
spartyisyourlilsister
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 7:20 p.m.
I guess a lot of the haters won't be happy until Michigan is hiring coaches every two to three years. Ask Notre Dame and MSU how that is working out for them?
15crown00
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 6:19 p.m.
ok blue and yellow slappies they won and that's all that counts but they were LUCKY to survive and you know it.
Kubrick66
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 4:50 p.m.
3 And Out... Ultimately I have no problem with Harbaugh, Miles, or RR as Michigan Head coach. I'm a fan either way. And common sense says that if RR doesn't win this year he will be gone. Same goes for the next coach. What I have a problem with is all the self-righteous personal attacks on RR as if he's such a horrible person with zero character who wants nothing more than to destroy Michigan Football. And that's just ridiculous. He's been fighting an up hill battle from day one in Ann Arbor. And it has nothing to do with wins and loses. So if you think there's another coach out there with "clean hands" good luck finding him.
Kubrick66
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 4:35 p.m.
3 And Out... You're missing the point. Everyone speaks about RR's lack of character... Yet no one is perfect, and even Harbaugh has character issues, skeletons in his closet, and potential recruiting violations. Twitter story originally came from Sports Illustrated... http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/andy_staples/06/28/harbaugh-tweets/index.html
3 And Out
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 3:25 p.m.
Kubrick: Everyone knows that Coach Harbaugh had a DUI. It is certainly something that he regrets and it happened 5 years ago or longer so its safe to assume that he has rehabilitated. That was a cheap shot on your part...didnt coach Red Berenson have a DUI as well? and he is still going at Michigan. People like you in glass houses shouldnt throw stones. As for the Cal Bear fan posting some garbage about Stanford coach...lol well that link had just about as much validity to it as some Sparty calling Rich Rod D-Rod and you know it... Certainly you have something better than those links? no? of course not.
TrueBlueinOH
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 12:40 p.m.
Win said, "They might have been believing their hype and watching too much ESPN." Not #16. He doesn't even have cable!
TrueBlueinOH
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 12:36 p.m.
Fellas, I don't think we can expect a whole lot of improvement from this defense as the year wears on. Its the same script as the last two seasons. Where I think the team CAN and SHOULD improve is special teams and the kicking game. If it can do that I think U-M has a good year with at least 8 wins.
win
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 11:30 a.m.
@Thosewhostay You have to agree though that defense and special teams help put the offense in position to score those points? I see your point, yes we have a strong offense and it will keep us in games all year long. But our defense and special teams could cost us a couple games too. I still think we'll go 7-5. If the defense and special teams can just be average, we can go 8-4 or 9-3.
ThoseWhoStayUofM
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 11:01 a.m.
"Anyone know why the top rated corner in louisana wants to come to michigan" ~firegregrobinson Because he's smart. When looking at the Michigan secondary, all a smart, talented, corner-back will see is an empty seat for the starting position with his name on it... at a school that receives national exposure and has 113,000 fans at each home game. Teams like, Flordia, USC, Alabama, etc all have the problem that competing for a starting position is rigorous and difficult due to all the talent already at that position. Michigan, on the other hand, has offensive converts who have never played defense in their lives STARTING at DB. That's easy pickings for any lock-down cover-corner. If I'm a DB getting ready to pick a college, I'm thinking Michigan is my number one as well.
ThoseWhoStayUofM
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 10:43 a.m.
"Rich Rod needs to understand you ultimately win championships with Defense." ~NoBowl4Blue I don't know how you can make this argument when, for the last 9 years the winning championship team has scored 21 points or more in their bowl game. I have just as much, if not more, statistical evidence to conclude that ultimately offense wins championships. Look at Florida's 2006, 41-14 win over OSU, Texas' win 41-38 over USC, USC's 55-19 win over Oklahoma, OSU's 31-24 win over Miami. Those aren't exactly defensive battles. Just look at the evidence before espousing an opinion. Defense doesn't win championships anymore. Does it help? Obviously. But ultimately, the winning team is going to be the one that scores the most points. That's true by definition.
Jaxon5
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 10:14 a.m.
All indicators point to another losing Big Ten season. M may score 35 points, but the opposition will score 42 or better.
win
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 8:31 a.m.
Wow, I guess thats why they call us "fans". Short for fanatics. We WON the game! I wonder if all these people are as critical of government or school officials? You know, where really important things are happening. In other words, relax, its a game. Our team is 3-0, and yes we have some issues on defense and kicking, but we won in a poorly played game. This might be the best thing to happen to this team. They might have been believing their hype and watching too much ESPN. This brings them down to earth and helps refocus on the details and fundamentals. I'm sure no one in that locker room was happy with the way they played yesterday. And that is a good thing. A sign that maybe this program is starting to turn the corner. But let's not jump off the bandwagon so quickly folks! Have some fun following the team. We will be 5-0 facing 5-0 MSU at Home in three weeks. I know where I will be! At the BIG HOUSE cheering for our team.
Bob
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 7:53 a.m.
Interesting that no one give Mass any credit for being good.
johnnya2
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 7:48 a.m.
1. This would have been WORSE than APP state. App State would have finished in the middle of the Big Ten the year they beat Michigan. 2. People saying Lloyd had bad defenses proves my point since the beginning. Why did they hire an offensive coordinator for head coach, when the problem had been defenses. 3. Lloyds last year they went 8-4, losing two of those games to QB's who gave everybody problems (the App State kid and Dennis Dixon, who would have won the Heisman had it not been for am injury) 4. The ND win is not a big win. They are a 1-2 team with a win over Purdue. UConn is 1-2 and lost to Temple. UMass beat William and Mary and Holy Cross. Not exactly a resume to be proud of. 5. The collapse this year might be worse than last. Beat BGU and IU. THen MSU, Iowa, PSU (all probable losses at this point) Maybe beat Illinois and Purdue (though I though the same last year), and lose to Wisconsin and OSU. That is the kind of record that Spartans admire, but not UM.
ShadowManager
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 4:20 a.m.
Ah, the universe is righting itself...Wolverine Nation has gone from hoping for some wins, any wins... back to just plain old criticizing the quality of the wins....
AnnArborBuckeye
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 2:44 a.m.
Hey look people, I am a true Scarlet and Gray Buckeye. Yes, I live in 'enemy' territory and have for decades. But here's the thing. During all of that time, Michigan has always been my second favorite team. I only root against them if they are playing the Bucks. Normally I am able to good naturedly 'taunt' my Wolverine friends and colleagues about that game in late November. But is has been no fun for the last 2-3 years. I try to goad them and all they say is something like "Oh God, we're gonna get killed" as they lower their heads in despair. Wolverines, get your mojo back! Good grief, I am a bigger Blue fan than some of you here. The rivalry needs you. Please come back.
Kubrick66
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 2:12 a.m.
3 And Out... Here's some truth for you... http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/9902673/ http://bayarea.sbnation.com/2010/6/29/1542431/jim-harbaugh-the-windtalker Booze and Sanctions just waiting to happen.
3 And Out
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 2:10 a.m.
Thanks Rude...same to ya...funny thing about Stanford people may look at that blowout and think that they ran up the score but Jim took Luck out in the 3rd quarter and they just ran the ball pretty much the rest of the way and still scored. They played like a machine and it will be interesting to see what they do vs. ND next week. He has that team playing disciplined, tough, well coached football.
RudeJude
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 1:54 a.m.
3 and Out, Thanks man. That is exactly what I mean. Stanford is destroying teams on the field, both sides of the ball, and they are still academic giants off the field. Coach Harbaugh has Bo's ethic but seems to understand today's game and can relate to the kids he coaches in a way that doesn't cause them to transfer away. I sure hope he is coaching in Ann Arbor next season. Go Blue!
3 And Out
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 1:36 a.m.
"I learned from a great man named Bo Schembechler that you speak the truth as you know it. It may not be the popular thing, but you speak your mind. Everything I said is supported by fact, but the thing that has come back is the personal attack on me, not looking at the issue whatsoever." -- Jim Harbaugh Excellent words from Coach Harbaugh. Those are the same words and code of ethics that I maintain (as others do, Murrow, GoblueNE, AZwolv etc. around here do) Speak the TRUTH and have the data and facts to back you up. It is unfortunate that some here do not wish to hear the truth, or feel more comfortable turning a blind eye to it....whatever.... the truth will set you free. One thing is certain, should we be fortunate enough to have Coach Harbaugh come back to Michigan as HC one thing is certain... this is a guy who would stand up to Dantonio and stand up to Tressel and not take any crap from them or their programs. He would do exactly to them what he did to Pete Carrol (with far lessor talent to work with btw.).
3 And Out
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 1:36 a.m.
"I learned from a great man named Bo Schembechler that you speak the truth as you know it. It may not be the popular thing, but you speak your mind. Everything I said is supported by fact, but the thing that has come back is the personal attack on me, not looking at the issue whatsoever." -- Jim Harbaugh Excellent words from Coach Harbaugh. Those are the same words and code of ethics that I maintain (as others do, Murrow, GoblueNE, AZwolv etc. around here do) Speak the TRUTH and have the data and facts to back you up. It is unfortunate that some here do not wish to hear the truth, or feel more comfortable turning a blind eye to it....whatever.... the truth will set you free. One thing is certain, should we be fortunate enough to have Coach Harbaugh come back to Michigan as HC one thing is certain... this is a guy who would stand up to Dantonio and stand up to Tressel and not take any crap from them or their programs. He would do exactly to them what he did to Pete Carrol (with far lessor talent to work with btw.).
3 And Out
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 1:29 a.m.
Rude you are correct and thank you for posting that article. It has been a long time since I read that and looked at those numbers. Yes, Coach Harbaugh was correct in his statement... and unfortunately the current coaching regime at Michigan has allowed that to slip even further with the ever declining APR score and the large numbers of RR recruits that can not even qualify. It is alarming. What is pretty amazing is how Coach Harbaugh has built a very very strong program at Stanford, despite being a smaller school and having very tough academic standards. If he can do that at Stanford, imagine what he could do at Michigan... especially with his background as a Wolverine and having a bit of "Bo" in him too. BTW Stanford 68 Wake 24.
RudeJude
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 1:23 a.m.
Looking at Coach Rod's Big Ten record and the state of Michigan's D, it seems reasonable to think they will struggle, Mitch.
RudeJude
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 1:13 a.m.
Coach Harbaugh spoke the truth. As the article says, the numbers are on his side. Those that love Michigan speak up when they see the program harmed. Call me a hater, but I love michigan football. Coach Rod is not the answer. I wanted him to be, but after he allowed the program to violate NCAA rules, it was clear to me he was a mistake. Now, it looks like we'll be lucky to beat Bowling Green and Indiana, let alone the rest of the Big Ten. It is time to move on.
RudeJude
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 12:55 a.m.
Refresh your memory regarding Coach Harbaugh's comments about michigan. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2966536&sportCat=ncf
3 And Out
Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 12:19 a.m.
Halftime score from the West Coast: Stanford 41 -- Wake Forrest 10 wonder what Scott Shafer is up to today.... maybe he will write that tell all book now that his hush up money from RR ran out...its true, he was paid off not to make disparaging remarks about RR... maybe G Rob will be forced to sign the same thing next year if RR is still around? hmmmm
jameslucas
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 10:58 p.m.
This is how a Michigan will be judged: 10 years/01 big ten titles/Bump Elliott 21 years/13 big ten titles/Bo Schembechler 06 years/03 big ten titles/Gary Moeller 13 years/05 big ten titles/Lloyd Carr 02 years/00 big ten titles /Rich Rodriguez
A2Dave
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 10:31 p.m.
This team has one too many Robinsons. RR gets a competent Defensive Coordinator, or gets his resume up to date. Defensive scheme: lousy. Adjustments:???? Aggressiveness:????? Get a defensive coordinator worthy of this program, or lose.
jameslucas
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 9:46 p.m.
My point was that a bowl record does not matter, if it did then Gary Moeller was the best coach, if you take Bo and Bump out. I used those three coaches because those were the coaches I saw coach.
Jaxon5
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 9:26 p.m.
Big Ten teams were not allowed to go to bowls other than the Rose Bowl. That explains Bump Elliott (in part) and Bo's bowl appearances. Should tell the whole story.
jameslucas
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 9:23 p.m.
sorry forgot Gary Moeller 06 years/06 bowl appearances/5 bowl wins/1 bowl losses/Gary Moeller
Blueman Rick
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 9:21 p.m.
Setting aside the rah rah bit for a moment...remarking on or criticizing our team's very apparent deficiencies hardly qualifies one as a "hater". Come on fellows. You're losing your heads. Go Blue.
Jaxon5
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 9:15 p.m.
To the "Rome" comment - I find it ironic that "Rome wasn't built in a day" is used a reference to RR rebuilding Michigan football. Before RR, Michigan football was Rome, for the last 40-50 years. Rome wasn't built in a day, it took the last 40-50 years, but it was destroyed in one day. RR was allowed to take itall apart in 2008.
jameslucas
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 9:11 p.m.
Im not sure what bowls have to do with it but this is what I remember: 10 years/01 bowl appearances/1 bowl wins/0 bowl losses/Bump Elliott 21 years/12 bowl appearances/5 bowl wins/7 bowl losses/Bo Schembechle 13 years/13 bowl appearances/6 bowl wins/7 bowl losses/Lloyd Carr 02 years/00 bowl appearances/0 bowl wins/0 bowl losses/Rich Rodrigue
GoblueinNE_PA
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 9:04 p.m.
For full disclosure purposes, I never liked Lloyd either. I thought he was the wrong hire back in 1995. I decided to give him a 1 year reprieve following the National Title and HE promptly blew that by losing to ND in that opening game. I'd been hollering for LC's removal for 13 years, I certainly won't back off this guy with his record any time soon.
amaizenblueballs
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 9 p.m.
I like the offensive coaching - don't want to lose this now. Both Shaefer and Robinson have the credentials. It is the supporting cast. Rich is loyal to his guys, but Tony Gibson is not a Secondary Coach and Special Teams Coordinator. Dump the 3-3-5 and bring back a pass rush. We didn't give up the long ones today, but the diet of short passes was nauseating.
Blueman Rick
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:58 p.m.
I tend to agree w/ 3 and out. The reality is that the D must congeal before the MSU, PSU, Iowa, Wis. and OSU gauntlet or we could suffer 5 straight losses. It's foolish to expect the offense to score 35-45 point every game. We need some balance. I'm sure that is apparent to the coaching staff. At least lets hope so.
GoblueinNE_PA
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:56 p.m.
Kubrick I understand your feelings, really, I do. However, until RR does something to change his results on the field, I'm going to hold him accountable for them. Its that simple.
Kubrick66
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:51 p.m.
GoblueinNE_PA "Blind loyalty to a coach that has done everything he can to ruin the program just doesn't make any sense to me." I have no loyalty to RR. My loyalty lies with Michigan Football. At the same time I realize that complaining about a coach will get you no where. All it does is ruin your game day experience. 3-0 is all that matters to me right now.
Dwinschampionships
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:50 p.m.
To all the haters: RR will win a National Title. Bo was a great coach many, many, many, many (get it yet?) many years ago. I'm pretty sure Gary Moeller got fired or forced to resign (Must be a Michigan Man?) Loyd Carr had some great teams, but all you haters out there can't honestly tell me you weren't screaming for Carr's job after the App St. loss? Carr was old and his style was old. Both are now gone. Les Miles is a Michigan Man, but he declined the job. LSU probably is going to fire him. Do you want him as your coach? Jim Harbaugh is a Michigan Man, but he publicly bad mouthed the UM program. Do you want him as your coach? I will always support UM regardless of the coach. Maybe all you haters should too?
GoblueinNE_PA
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:41 p.m.
Dwayne Les was left off my list because he inherited a National Championship team. The guys I listed stepped into programs in disarray. USC was just 2 games over.500 in their previous 6 seasons, OU was at the bottom of the Big 12 following 3 consecutive losing seasons (sounds familiar), LSU was coming off a losing season, Alabama had been bad for a few years. Those programs were bad before these guys showed up and they GOT it done in short order.
Dwayne
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:38 p.m.
Come on, no one is rationalizing anything. Michigan is really not used to going through any type of change, let alone a transition. Bo was the coach for 20+ years, then one of his assistants, then one of his assistants (Lloyd Carr) takes over and coaches for 13 years. This was a CHANGE and there will be a transition. From here out, it will either get better or it won't. If it doesn't RR will be gone, but don't act like he should have come in here and gone 10-2 in the first season. That's ridiculous and you definitely don't have to rationalize the fact that he didn't. Geeesh.
Macabre Sunset
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:35 p.m.
There is no national championship in major college football. It's the only NCAA sport that does not have a playoff system. What Bo, and Gary Moeller and Lloyd Carr did was produce a team that, for 40 consecutive years, was always in position to qualify for a playoff, if there was one. The current coach has not. And would not this year unless the defense magically discovers a pulse. As evidenced by the enormous number of Michigan players who have met success in the NFL, Bo, Gary and Lloyd had relevant, modern systems, and they never went into a game without at least a good chance of victory. Michigan was 360-101-3 while they coached. They won outright or shared 21 Big Ten championships. They took us to 35 bowl games (and Bo was 39-3 in the years he did not go to a bowl game).
GoblueinNE_PA
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:35 p.m.
Sorry Kubrick, what's been happening on the field these past 2+ seasons simply isn't acceptable. You claim to not care who's the coach as long as we're winning, well let me remind you, we are 11-16 since he's been here. You can't be a fan of Michigan and be ok with that. It's simply impossible. Root for Michigan all you want, I know I do every weekend. Once the seasons starts, my Michigan flag goes out on the front of my house and stays there all season. It kills me watching us play like this. I don't hope they lose each week, I want them to win. The facts are, though, this guy ain't getting it done, period. Blind loyalty to a coach that has done everything he can to ruin the program just doesn't make any sense to me. Oh, BTW DWins, how many losing seasons did Bo have? Here's another one, how many Nat'l championships has RR won? PSST, the answer to both question is zero. 2 Tiny running backs and a 3 yard loss will soon be history too.
Jaxon5
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:30 p.m.
This is Michigan football for pete's sake. Listen to all of the rationalization - talking ourselves up to a 6-6 or 7-5 season and maybe the Pizza Bowl - as if that's an accomplishment. The whole thing is disgusting.
Dwayne
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:27 p.m.
Hey, BlueinNE. We might as well add Les Miles to that group: 1st season at LSU 11-2 2nd season at LSU 11-2 BCS Bowl 3rd season at LSU 12-2 BCS & NC Great coach, we should have him here. Oh, that's the 'Michigan Man' that said thanks, but no thanks.
Dwinschampionships
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:23 p.m.
UMASS is ranked #15 in the FCS. They also beat a top five team earlier this year. They are a very good team. They are equal to a quality MAC team. That being said UM should have beat them more soundly.
GoblueinNE_PA
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:19 p.m.
I'd have been more optimistic if there had been a few broken plays that ended up as long touchdowns. At least then we could have said we have a few correctible issues. Instead, an FCS school took the ball and rammed it down our throats in methodical, clock chewing drives. If you think that the better teams in the Big 10 won't do the same and worse, then pass me whatever it is that you're smoking. As for the needing 3 to 5 years to implement the program, that's a fallacy that even the RR supports didn't come up with until the first 2 years stunk. At the time of the hiring, the kool aid drinkers were talking National titles in 2009. Let's see what happens when the right guy gets hired: Pete Carroll: 2nd season 11-2, 3rd season Nat'l Champs Bob Stoops: 1st season 7-5, 2nd season Nat'l Champs (They implemented a new spread offense too) Nick Saban(LSU): 2nd season 10-3, 4th season Nat'l Champs Nick Saban (Ala): 2nd seaons 12-2, 3rd season Nat'l Champs Sure plenty of other schools don't make the jump that quickly, but do we really want to be these other schools? I hope not. We're Michigan, the winningest program in college football.
Dwayne
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:18 p.m.
Dwins, I hear you. I did not get the impression that RR was a happy camper. This will be a very tough week at practice for those fellas.
Dwinschampionships
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:13 p.m.
I was at the game today. I will agree with all the haters out there. The defense looked awful. I'm not sure why the secondary plays 10 yards off the ball every play? Greg Robinson sucks. RR needs to spend more time on his defense. He has proven he can coach an offense, but a good defense will lead to the NC. And I do believe they are on the path to the promise land. RR will win a National Title if given time. The team is 3-0. Their offense is good enough to win every game, but their defense is bad enough to lose every game. Only time will tell... By the way. All you RR haters. Please turn in your season tickets so the true fans can fill the stadium. How many national titles did Bo win? 3 yards and a cloud of dust is history...
Dwayne
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:13 p.m.
Edward, so is Harbaugh the standard? Just curious because here's how the two compare: Season One: Harbaugh 4 - 8 RR 3 - 9 Season Two: Harbaugh 5 - 7 RR 5 - 7 Season Three: Harbaugh 8 - 5 RR TBD Interesting though, isn't it? So, to follow your logic, Harbaugh lost the Sun Bowl in his third year with Standford. Do I take it that you'd celebrate RR as Michigan's Coach, if we can pull out a Sun Bowl loss?
Kubrick66
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:12 p.m.
Ghost... "It took Harbaugh two years at Stanford." Took two years for what? Here's what he's done at Stanford... 4-8, 5-7, 8-5. Went to a bowl in his 3rd season and lost. Not convinced he's a good example.
Kubrick66
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:05 p.m.
GoblueinNE_PA... " Thats what I just do not understand. How you guys can just roll over for this pathetic display on the field." There's an easy answer... Because we're Michigan Football fans. I don't care who the head coach is as long as we're winning and last I checked we are 3-0. It's not my job to hire or fire the coach. If it were there'd be a new coach after every loss... and that's because fans like us are most often completely irrational when it comes to our team. Am I not suppose to root for Michigan because I don't like the coach? Never. It may be a case where I root in spite of the coach... But be realistic, what's more important to you as a fan... Winning? Or who the head coach is? In a perfect world you, I and the other guy could have it all but that's not the way life works. If RR doesn't win this year HE WILL BE GONE. If you want to watch Michigan lose just so you can see a new coach next year that's your choice. Me, I wanna see Michigan win and don't care who's steering the ship. If that makes me a Kool-Aid drinker then pour me another glass... and add a couple shots of Vodka.
Dwayne
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 8:05 p.m.
Edward, That was the issue, those expectations weren't met. We couldn't take that next step. Before RR, when Lloyd was running this ship, if there was a NC conversation, it was USC, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, LSU, even OSU, but Michigan wasn't part of that conversation. Why not? Facilities? Maybe. Recruiting? I don't think so, we had very highly ranked recruiting classes. The first talk of Michigan in the National Championship conversation, since 1997 came when Henne and Hart and a few others decided to come back for their senior year and were devastated in the very first game. I hear what you're saying and don't think that I love going 3 - 9. It's not a blind faith thing or some type of RR worship. It's just an approach that says you have to be fair and actually give a guy a chance to implement his system. You don't hire a guy and then tell him to run Lloyd's system with Lloyd's recruits. Michigan hired RR for who he is and what he has accomplished over his coaching career. My expectations are that Michigan fans should embrace that and give the guy time to implement his system and see where things go from there.
Blueman Rick
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 7:59 p.m.
Whew. Blessed to get the victory. Defense? What defense? I shake my head. D was once a hallmark of UM. Kickers? What kickers? Sure isn't like the old days with Bo.
Dwayne
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 7:50 p.m.
I'm not going to try and talk about how good the defense is. Obviously, there are issues, but they didn't give up any big plays. I think the longest play that they had was 19 yards, but no broken plays that gave up quick scores. If they wouldn't have started the collapse with the failed 3rd down conversion and punt block, it wouldn't have been that close. I know, ifs, buts, candy and nuts. Again, I'm not saying that they did great, obviously there's work to be done, but it's work that can be done. BlueinNE, I hear you, I do. I'm not an RR slappie, but I don't think that it's fair to any coach to start saying he's not the right guy for a school after one or two seasons. That began for RR before he even got started and obviously that contingent got bigger after the 3-9 season. I've heard it said a thousand times that it takes 3 - 5 years for any coach to truly implement their program. A lot of times, most schools aren't that patient and they start the coaching carousel. I don't want that for Michigan. Everyone is always wanting to talk Michigan Tradition, well Michigan typically doesn't play the Coaching Carousel game.
GoblueinNE_PA
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 7:41 p.m.
At least Lloyd got us to bowl games. RichRod hasn't even put together a winning season. You do see the difference there don't you Dwayne? This guy has done absolutely nothing to earn this loyalty. Thats what I just do not understand. How you guys can just roll over for this pathetic display on the field. It makes no sense.
Dwayne
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 7:36 p.m.
Edward, are you serious right now? Lloyd had lost five of his previous six bowl games before that one. Yes, great job beating Florida, finally won a bowl game, but that was supposed to be a National Championship team! We came into that season ranked #2 and there was nothing buy National Championship expectations and we lost to App State a Div II team, at home, right out of the blocks. You want to talk about a coaching failure? BlueinNE... Yeah I saw your kool-aid post, too. I thought it was funny. I even had a funny reply, but apparently it was too far off topic, because it was deleted, as well.
BornInA2
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 7:31 p.m.
"They're all pretty young, so it wouldn't be surprising to see them improve with each game." Which game did you watch today? We gave up 24 to ND and 37 to UMass. I've pulled a tendon in my brain stretching to see an improvement there.
RudeJude
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 7:28 p.m.
@ James That's what I thought about last year's schedule. Don't look at the schedule, look at the defense this coach has presented on the field and tell me if you see eight wins, or even seven. This guy is ruining the program inside and out. Even if we went undefeated, with the violations, I'd still believe that. Bring on Coach Harbaugh.
3 And Out
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 7:25 p.m.
We will not back down. We will continue to tell the truth and back those with the overwhelming stats and record of this current coaching regime. You can attack us, call us names blah blah blah but we will continue to post here without attacking you personally. We have class...you dont.
GoblueinNE_PA
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 7:24 p.m.
JL We'll know in 2 weeks if you're right. They have to beat IU because they won't beat any of the good teams, OSU, Iowa, Wisc., or PSU, so they have to sweep the rest. Won't happen.
jameslucas
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 7:18 p.m.
Anyone who after looking at the Michigan schedule at the top of this page, and does not see 8 wins, is not a fan. I agree with this current defense Michigan is not a championship team, but with this offence Michigan wins 8 games and goes too a good bowl.
Dwayne
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 7:11 p.m.
BlueinNE you make my point for me. You don't give a coach a chance and then say he blew it for you after one season. You don't give a coach and chance and say that he's had three seasons, when he's just finished his third game of the the 3rd season. You don't give a coach a chance by saying that he's had 3 full recruiting seasons, when he's only had two. What you really do is pretend to give him a chance, so that you can pretend to be objective. Then you accuse truly objective fans of being slappies and kool-aid drinkers, but that's okay, I think I know pretty much where you stand.
Dwayne
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 7:07 p.m.
Shadow, That is one of the fairest descriptions of the game that I've seen to this point.
GoblueinNE_PA
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 7:06 p.m.
I gave RR a chance, he blew it with that pathetic 3-9 season. He gets NO SLACK until he puts a winner on the field. NONE. ZERO. This game was no different than anything else we've seen in his tenure here at UofM. Rinse and Repeat. The folks supporting RR blindly are the ones that aren't true fans. You can't be a fan, can't bleed maize and blue, if you support the horrendous coaching job we've witnessed over the last 3 years. The two are mutually exclusive.
ShadowManager
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 7:02 p.m.
Most painfully wrought shakiest "most exciting" "gimmee" game I ever did see. I think this UMass game qualifies more as a "non-loss" than an actual W in actual quality points, but ah, the points on the scoreboard is what matters, and in this titanic match-up betweem the winningest program in college ball and a medium strength Divison 1AA program, the score was 42-37.... But, ah, there's an awful alot of nervous voices on sports radio saying a win's a win, so I guess so.
Dwayne
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 6:54 p.m.
Hey GoBlueinNE, I'm going to go out on a limb here. You don't like RR though, right? Wasn't a 'Michigan Man'. Haaa. I know a few Michigan Alums that are not Michigan Football fans. Actually hated the football program and the athletic department, for the most part. So being an alum doesn't necessarily mean you are a fan. Oh, and as far as the recruiting class thing goes. I don't think you'd have anyone saying anything about it, if RR Haters weren't saying things like, "He's had 3 FULL recruiting classes". That's just false, it's not an excuse.
Gary
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 6:38 p.m.
OK..had to create sign in and comment. Today was very frustrating with the D. Most is blamed on coaching and not being properly prepared. Poor communication between the secondary led to several big plays. I get so frustrated watching the linebackers dancing up in the line presnap, only to be caught out of their gap and not able to flow down the line to make plays; everyone knows they're not a threat to blitz anyways. Ezeh is like Velcro Man and can't get off a block. I'd rather see Moundros a least he plays with fire.
GoblueinNE_PA
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 6:37 p.m.
I love it when folks try to disavow that first recruiting class of RR in order carry more of his water. NOTE TO RR FANS: RR's best recruiting class what that first class, yeah, the one Lloyd donated to him. The recruiting has been sliding down hill every year afterward.
GoblueinNE_PA
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 6:30 p.m.
This team will not win more than 5 games this year. The ludicrous idea that we'll some how outscore opponents is just that ludicrous. First, this defense is horrible. You don't take your weakest part of your team and emphasize, like this fool of coach RR did w/this pathetic 3-3-5 defense. Any one who knows anything about football and the Big 10 knew immediately this would not work and what we saw today is simply a preview of what's to come. Everyone we come up against in the Big 10 will have bigger more physical O-lines than what UMass used to manhandle us today. I cringe at the thought of what it will look like when we run up against Iowa, Wisc., and OSU. Second, there is no way the Offense will have any where near the success in the Big 10 that's its shown so far. First off, the defenses we've played against so far were bad, not as bad as ours, but pretty close. We start playing a big physical defense, we'll get knocked around. We'll lose the TOP battle and have to get into a passing game to catch up. Mark me down as not convinced. If you aren't paying attention, this is the EXACT SAME script we had last year. We'll win 4 nonconference games and maybe 1 Big 10 game, if we're lucky. And let's get this out of the way, shall we? I'm a UofM alum, graduated in 1988. Been a fan for years before then, so put the "not a fan" stuff to bed.
Dwayne
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 6:07 p.m.
No, Edward. I think you get those comments, because Lloyd and Ron get a pass for the App State loss. If I remember correctly, that was a #2 ranked UofM team that had seniors returning for the sole purpose of winning the national title. Yet, RR and G-Rob are the end of Michigan and need to be run out of town because of a UMass win. And enough already with the 3rd recruiting class crap. His first class was basically all Lloyd recruits and I'm not making excuses, I'm just saying. It is what it is. The defense will either get better or it won't. They're all pretty young, so it wouldn't be surprising to see them improve with each game. I look forward to it. You can call it kool-aid if you want. I drink it in the same quantities and from the same glass as I did when Lloyd was the coach. Go Blue!
Yelmonian
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 6:07 p.m.
I think we should quit blaming Carr, RR, English, Robinson....and blame the real culprit...Bo! If he hadn't established hard nose power football and won all those games... Martin wouldn't have had to scrap that awful style and hire RR. Bo should have had enough forethought to play real football...so a transition wouldn't have been needed. Tongue planted firmly in cheek.
Dwayne
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 5:54 p.m.
Well, that was 28 @ Notre Dame, but that was pretty much ALL Denard. Seriously, we've seen bits and pieces of the offense at different times. Today was the closest that we have seen to being an offensive showing, as opposed to, the D-Rob show. I mean, it's pretty much always going to all about D-Rob, but if he continues to make defenses pay for stacking 8 and 9 in the box (like he did today)and Shaw averages 9 yards a carry, that is when we see the full potential of the offense.
BornInA2
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 5:44 p.m.
"3. This offense can put up 30+ on ANY team and it keeps getting better." Except unranked Notre Dame?
Yelmonian
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 5:31 p.m.
Did you guys expect anything else from the D? The D coordinator admitted that he and the rest of the defensive staff did not use the same terminology which confused everyone. There is no depth on defense after three years of RR recruits. And the defense was awful last year... so an improvement gets you to bad this year. Really...you could see this coming. Lost in last weeks denard performance was the fact that ND racked up over 500 yes on this D. And the performance against UConn is looking less impressive as they got beat by Temple today.
Dwayne
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 5:27 p.m.
This is not last year's offense. I guess the jury is still out on whether this is last year's defense. Even optimistic fans have stated that we'd need to outscore opponents to win. I'm still hoping that we can continue to improve enough defensively to be competitive with Iowa, Penn State, Wisconsin and OSU. We'll see. Oh, I don't think that I said they will put up 30 on every team. I said that they are capable of putting it up on ANY team. Meaning, if this defense were to sort itself out over the next two to three games, Iowa, PSU, Wisconsin and OSU better not get complacent.
mcflies
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 5:13 p.m.
I don't think you can assume the offense is going to put up 30 points on everyone. Big Ten teams held UM to 22 ppg last season. Michigan gave up 430 ypg and 33 ppg in the big ten last season. They are currently giving up 440 ypg.
jameslucas
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 5:13 p.m.
Mitch called it, at least Greg Robinson did not lose today, like Ron English did to Appy State. Ron had a lot more upper classmen on his team then does Robinson. Everybody is aware that the defense has been the weak link for Michigan since Ron, as a whole when you consider what Greg Robinson has had to work with he has done a good job.
RudeJude
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 5:01 p.m.
Bring on Coach Harbaugh.
clarklaker
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 5 p.m.
that was the quietest crowd i have ever been a part of at michigan stadium.
Kubrick66
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 4:58 p.m.
3 And Out... You seem to have it all figured out. I suggest you start betting heavily against Michigan, win millions... Donate those Millions to the Michigan athletic department whereas you gain enormous influence to the point where you can basically name your own head coach. Seems simply enough, right? Good luck and GO BLUE!
Dwayne
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 4:51 p.m.
Couple of things that I take away from today: 1. 3andOut, JCJ, NoBowl, Jaxon5 and Macabre were not going to have anything good to say, no matter what. If we had blown them out, it would've been, "well, cup cake schedule, wait until we get into the big ten". So, seeing these comments is not surprising, but expected. Oh, and look at that, 3andout is pounding his chest a little. What a surprise. 2. Yes, the defense is in question, but is that surprising? That's kind of been known for awhile now, otherwise there might be a lot more talk of 10+ wins and a January 1 bowl game. 3. This offense can put up 30+ on ANY team and it keeps getting better. It was nice to see the RBs and Receivers step up and be a bigger part of the offense. It was also nice to see the offense shake off the little funk that they started with in the first quarter. I'd like to see the same kind of improvement from the defense. When you look at 37 points to UMass, that by itself looks pretty bad, but it's not quite that bad when you look at it. They didn't really 'gash' us. I mean, we didn't stop them, but those drives were very long possessions drives with a couple of 16 yard plays here and there, but no BIG plays. We did have a few key take aways and a couple of good stops to allow us to build a multiple score lead. The blocked punt was not good, the turnover during a take away was not good, and yes the kicking game still struggles. I don't know, I guess I wouldn't pop a champagne cork just yet, but it is a win. I didn't pop one after the UConn or ND game either. This was a game that we might have lost last year. Look, it was a win. It wasn't pretty, but you take the tape and you use it as a teaching moment. Hopefully there's improvement next week and we keep pushing forward. Oh, look at that, 3andout is pounding his chest a little. What a surprise.
maizenbluedoc
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 4:47 p.m.
firegregrobinson This debacle did not start with Robinson. It was there during the Carr era. Missed angles, missed tackles, and missed assignments. Ultimately, this is the head coach's responsibility.
Kubrick66
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 4:46 p.m.
As horrible as the defense was today there is always the chance that we simply "played down" to our opponent. It wouldn't be the first time. Last week ND had 16 possessions and scored on only 4. Week one UConn managed only 10 points. Sometimes teams have a tendency to do just enough to win... and that falls squarely on the coaching staff. I'm not going to completely write-off the defense because they gave up 37 to UMass. If it happens again to Bowling Green... all bets are off. Either way I still root for Michigan. GO BLUE!
maizenbluedoc
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 4:43 p.m.
Deja vu 2009. Michigan gets off to a 4-0 start and many think the team has improved. Unfortunately, that is not the case. A few players have improved and show promise, but the majority of the defense, special teams and kickers is suspect and ineffective. It is really bad when Michigan fans have to be concerned about Indiana.
3 And Out
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 4:42 p.m.
Here how the season will likely play out: BGreen - close win - 4-0 IU - loss - 4-1 Sparty - loss - 4-2 Iowa - loss - 4-3 PSU - loss - 4-4 panic sets in Illinois and Purdue...key here is to try to win both to be bowl eligible.... 6-4 if the weather is good and we can execute our offense. Wisconsin - loss 6-5 Ohio State - loss 6-6 Pizza Bowl here we come.
aareader
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 4:38 p.m.
A win is a win. The defense needs a lot of work. Most of us know that already. In fact many times it has been stated the real defense may be the offense scoring enough points to offset the defense deficit. Not a decent option in my opinion. The defense has been "ok" in the past but they need to make great strides in the next 2 weeks. Hopefully I am not dreaming. Too many players, especially the secondary, are just plain missing assignments. They are are smart kids and need a lot of experience fast. In spite of that this we could still have a very fun season. GO BLUE!
mcflies
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 4:26 p.m.
fortunately michigan won its first two games, which were huge swing games in the quest for a bowl bid. i think they will win enough to become bowl eligible, but im not sure about any more than that. the defense is as pathetic as feared. it is worse than last year. robinson makes the offense more explosive than last year though so its a wash. they just need to beat bowling green and win a couple games in the big ten. they should be able to do that.
azwolverine
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 4:13 p.m.
Mitch, I agree with you that the team is getting 'better,' but it appears to be so incremental at times that it's hard to detect. Yeah, they're better than the 3-9 team of two years ago (every Michigan team in history was better than that one), but by how much? Denard is an outstanding QB, no doubt, but the defense appears to be no better than it was. Coaches like Saban, Carrol, and Tressel would have had this thing in high gear by now with UM competing for a National Title already. All three of them turned around programs that were far worse then Michigan and had them winning NC's in only three years or less. RR is not in that league. Further, to compare the defenses under RR to what Lloyd had is absurd. True, UM lost to App. St and got blasted by Oregon, but they then went on to shut down most of the B10 enroute to a 9-4 season and bowl win over Florida. The year before, the defense was impenetrable outside of OSU and USC. Those teams are a FAR CRY better than UMass, rendering your argument moot. I do agree that this team will still win more than it loses (I'm sticking to my 8-4 prediction), but this defense is not very good. In fact the only fair comparison to make is to RR's previous two defenses.
kti
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 4:10 p.m.
"3 and out, this defense was bad under Ron English too. Don't forget... Ron English's D lost to Appy State at home and consistently got burned by spread QBs. The offense now-a-days is good enough to make up for the shortcomings on defense... they won't win every game, but they should be able to get 8" mitch Uhh, have to disagree with you there, my friend, if you're seriously comparing this D to either of the 2 D's under English. The '06 defense was pretty good, don't 'ya think,with Woodley, Harris, Hall, Branch, et al? The '07 D did start poorly with Appy St., but improved enough to be the difference in the PSU win and acquitted itself well, IMO, against Florida in the bowl game against a decent "spread" QB. I think we can all agree this year's D likely won't be the difference in a win against a good team. There is NO comparison to either of English's defenses and what UM fans are seeing now. Big difference in a D having a bad game(s) (Appy State in '07, Ohio St. in '06) and being a bad defense (UM '08 thru the present) and, what I think makes this D even poorer than the last 2 is there isn't a high level playmaker out there, a la B. Graham or, to a lesser extent, Warren. The worst part of it, even more so than the decision not to cover the TE on a 1st & goal, is the fact that UMass just lined up and ran it right down UM's throat. And UM really never stopped them. Some will panic (understandable) and spout stuff like UMass is only half the team UM will see in the Big 11 season (nonsense), but this is one of the better O-lines they will see. But it's not the best or even close. Plus, as well as I thought Mr. Havner and Fernandez played today, much better & more explosive skill position players are on the horizon. IMHO, the D is in for a long season. I know being so young one would think they would get better, but the D as a unit hasn't improved in 2 + seasons, heck, a couple of players who've been around all that time seem to have regressed to a degree (a certain LB who I don't want to slam but it should be obvious to all), so I really wouldn't have any reason to expect this D to improve other than the same kind of hope I have when I play 10 game parlays or buy lottery tickets. Throw into the mix an average punting game, poor special teams coverage, and an almost laughable kicking game, and this D will not get consistent help from those areas which can often "help" a soft defense. I think this offense is 9-10 win caliber, but this is a 3-9 defense, at best. So right now, to me, assuming DR, Molk, Schilling & the o-line stays healthy and the other young offensive guys continues to improve, it looks like 7-5 at best, maybe 8-4 with some luck.
3 And Out
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 4:03 p.m.
UConn got beat today by Temple. Other than maybe Purdue, every BT game will be a very probably loss unless D Rob can continue to carry the team on his back. 5-7 or 6-7 with the bowl game loss are very likely for this team. The September offense looks good now in the non conference....but that will not happen so much in the BT and this defense is the worst in the BT by far.
81wolverine
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:53 p.m.
This was a very sobering victory. It showed how shaky Michigan really is despite the much improved offense. Our defense was horrible from beginning to end in this game. We are NOT ready at all for the Big Ten season. We will not do well in the conference games if we continue to play like this. The run defense was REALLY bad today. They never sealed off the outside the entire game. Whatever happened to making adjustments? I can't accept the wide open receivers on many plays either. Guys just aren't reading and not reacting at all. The really infuriating thing was when the whole team quit playing with about 5 or 6 minutes left. The offense couldn't convert an easy 3rd and 1 when someone came unblocked from across the field to throw Vincent Smith for a 2 yard loss. Then the punt team imploded. And the defense completed the cave-in. Thank God U-Mass kicked the on-sides kick out of bounds is all I can say. Get ready for some tough games. At least Denard is fun to watch.
Paco12054
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:51 p.m.
Is there any evidence out there that indicates that RR has the capability of hiring good assistants? Is there any evidence that once hired RR will let them teach/scheme anything other than his own ideas? I've seen none at UM and none at WV. Don Coryell proved that all O and no D gets you a lot of buzz but no championships.
firegregrobinson
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:48 p.m.
Well 3 an out it is the defensive cords job to have his defense ready clearly hes not doing job.If u look at wv defense under rr it was never this bad and like i said two guys who could be helping right now left because of robinson
blue82
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:38 p.m.
Win is a win but I have seen enough no defense from coach Robinson and he has to go. There is no way this defense can survive the big ten season with that pathetic display which we all saw last year as well. Most folks would say it doesn't make sense to change during the season, but their so bad I don't think it could get worse. Change now!
3 And Out
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:36 p.m.
Well you guys using Robinson as the scapegoat here is eerily similar to everyone using Shafer as the scapegoat 2 years ago...i guess y'all need some scapegoat for Rich Rod...if he survives this year he will probably can Robinson like he did for Shafer to deflect responsibility even more.
jcj
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:35 p.m.
As BAD as the coaching is. No argument here. That only gives the defensive backs an excuse for not making the plays. I keep hearing how talented we are. That has not been proven!
Keiffer
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:32 p.m.
I really think it would too early to start predicting their W vs L season. I think a better idea on this Mich team will be what the score will be after the MSU game. They have the talent to definately go 8 - 4 and maybe a 9 - 3 this year. Its just that they are playing with a 4 - 7 coaching staff. My hope is yes at least they go 6 or 7 wins and get back playing a bowl and a top 20 come the end of Jan 2011.
Macabre Sunset
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:30 p.m.
Mitch the MSU fan, the schedule is loaded at the back end. Michigan's weakest five opponents lead off the year.
Kubrick66
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:28 p.m.
rightmind250,,, I know why they're doing it I just don't agree. Plus it's not working. They were beat constantly underneath. How come they can challenge ND receivers at the LO but give Umass 10 yards? He called a horrible game and didn't make any adjustments. It was a complete fail on Robinson's part. Inexcusable. I guarantee RR is going to ride him hard this week. I don't care how bad the safeties are you have to challenge the LOS and MAKE THEM BEAT YOU DEEP.
musthaved
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:28 p.m.
If our goal was to squeak by Junior College teams, then goal achieved. Big Ten teams will have a field day against Greg Robinson's "Bend-Over then Break" defensive schemes. No excuse that the winningest team in College Football can't find a division 1 placekicker or punter. Add 3 years of Robinson's Big Ten worst defenses and Rod is begging to get fired. The over/under for yards in the OSU game is now at 800 and that's just for OSU. Get ready for another embarrassing, record setting Big Ten season. The good news is the new coach will be hard pressed to do any worse.
3 And Out
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:25 p.m.
mitch...with all due respect.... you are wrong.... these 3 defenses under Rich Rodriguez, statistically have the the 3 WORST in 131 years of Michigan football. That has nothing to do with Lloyd Carr, Ron English, Jim Herrmann etc..and frankly that is starting to get to be quite a tired argument isnt it?
jcj
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:23 p.m.
@Mitch They have 3 wins now! Lets talk about 7 or 8. LOL. After they get to 5! "This is why I question whether or not you're a real Michigan fan." Take the blinders off! Not being realistic makes you no more of a Mich fan than Sparty!
3 And Out
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:23 p.m.
Steve Threet looking good for ASU so far vs. Wisk
Macabre Sunset
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:16 p.m.
Well, back to earth after a very undeserved national ranking. Martin was good. Kovacs had a couple of moments. The rest of the defense was scary bad. Depth is an issue, especially at linebacker. The secondary remains one of the worst in the FBS. On offense, Stonum saved the game. Robinson was generally good, coming back from a tough first quarter. Can't forget how little experience he has, so that's not necessarily a bad sign. Hopefully the Heisman talk is a little softer - he won't be able to keep up the gaudy numbers once the Big Ten comes calling. This is a 5-7 team, really. The offense is probably good enough to challenge anyone but Ohio State and Iowa. But the defense will lose a lot of games this year. Oh, well. All wins count.
Kubrick66
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:14 p.m.
Robinson called a horrible game. How do you expect the secondary to make plays when they are giving the receivers 8 to 10 yards off the LOS on nearly ever play?
rightmind250
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:14 p.m.
You don't win a heisman playing on a crappy team. If UM somehow can assemble a defense in a couple years then Denard may have a chance at a heisman. RR needs to keep enough guys from transferring to put together a defense. This is his third class and we still hear the same excuses.
Keiffer
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:13 p.m.
Over the last 3 games it shows you that Michigan is still a young team that really hasnt "jelled" together yet. You would think that after the ND game you would see that. But its not happening. Usually its related to poor coaching. Especially when you have the multiple talent the Mich. has. The defense will not be (as it is right now)able to beat any Big Ten team with the inconsistant plays. The kicking game (as it is right now) cannot take us past a 6 and 6 record. Lots of improvement needs to be done. Mich really as it is right now is way overrated and shouldnt even be in the top 25 let alone top 20.
Rick M
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:12 p.m.
Michigan's offense is very exciting to watch. The defense, however, will cost us many games. Folks, this was a D-2 school pretty much. If our secondary can't man up with their receivers what do you think is going to happen in the Big 10? No pressure on the quarterback & they ran at will. Someone tell me how we can win a Big 10 game without scoring 40 points? If our secondary doesn't start playing some tough man to man defense so our linebackers can defend the run, I don't see us winning more than 1 or 2 Big 10 games.
firegregrobinson
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:09 p.m.
Anyone know why the top rated corner in louisana wants to come to michigan Daren Kitchen has said on scout,com that michigans his first choice and we havent offered yet
BornInA2
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:07 p.m.
At this point I'm not buying that this is about the potential of the athletes. This is beyond bad and I know these kids *can* play better. As with the past two seasons, we are not getting better as the season progresses, and that's about coaching, not the ability of the kids. Take away one fumble or either of two long passes and we lost. Yeah, it's a W and I'll take any W, but there is no way I'm breaking out my party hat over another close win over an unranked team.
firegregrobinson
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:05 p.m.
Know at least two of the defensive players that left said they had better pee wee defensive coaching than what robinson has to offer am i the only one who notices that most of the guys leaving are defensive players and robinson hasnt had a defense higher than 90th in 10 yrs
a2citizen
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:04 p.m.
Wonder if Woolfolk (RIP) has looked in the mirror. The defense is the weak link. Weren't they practicing enough over the summer? They should have been worrying about their own laundry instead of Forciers practice habits.
3 And Out
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3 p.m.
firegregrobinson....I have to disagree with you...this defense was just as bad under Shafer/Rodriguez and that one had 7 returning starters from Lloyd's last year. The common denominator here, other than Rodriguez of couse, is that any DC that comes is has to be saddled with Rodriguez assistants, such as the much maligned Tony Gibson. Even a guy like Rex Ryan couldnt fix this defense without being able to get his own staff in there....
firegregrobinson
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:59 p.m.
Has robinson been fired yet
Skid vidosh
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:58 p.m.
Defense is just horrid. I was completely aghast when Moutan let up on the UMass qb when he walked a tightrope along the sideline and scored the td in the beginning of 4th quarter. He should of crushed him.
win
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:56 p.m.
hey folks, before this too negative. WE WON! Yes, the defense is bad, very bad. So, let's just plan on 45 to 50 points a game the rest of the way. still think we can get 7 wins! Maybe 8.
3 And Out
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:56 p.m.
PS: Threet playing vs. Wisky right now on the duce.
3 And Out
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:55 p.m.
PS: Im sure we will agree that Denard is the most valuable player to his team of just about any team in the BCS to this point.
Gillete
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:55 p.m.
Athletes on the offensive side of the ball look very good, having converted ofensive guys on Defense should be good however they seemed to be out of position alot. I'm not an X's & O guy so please tell me if I'm seeing the results due to poor schemes/positioning &/or sub-par athletic talent on Def?
3 And Out
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:54 p.m.
The Uconn fumble just before the half was the key play of the game. For an FCS opponent to control the line of scrimmage vs. us all day and have wide open WRs all day is very alarming for our defense. IU and Sparty will gash us no doubt.
chosen1
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:54 p.m.
Great game by Shaw, D-Rob, Kovacs (with big FF and INT), and Stonum. Vincent Smith looked good in his few carries. Lewan looked good blocking. Martin, Roh, and Mouton made some great stops. Just need to get rid of GERG!!!!!!!!!!
orlandomichfan
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:53 p.m.
robinson has got to go....
Keiffer
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:51 p.m.
It was a win but it was an ugly win. If the Big ten were to start today, Michigan would not be prepared to even play the likes of Indiana or Purdue. The Defense is inconsistant and still missing key tackles. The secondary. Well you can figure that out. Also what about that kicking (or the lack thereof)? This game didnt have to be a blowout. But Michigan looked extremely sluggish and really not a solid game. Echos of App. St. rang in the seats. Denard put some solid numbers again that will pad the votes for the Heisman. It was finaly good to see what the backfield could do without Robinson's help. There has to be a whole lot of improvement overall if Michigan is even going to be able to compete against Indiana in 2 weeks.
jameslucas
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:51 p.m.
Notes on Michigan's 42 over Massachusetts 37 with a to close for comfort Michigan win Quarterback Advantage Michigan Offensive Line Advantage Michigan Defense Line Advantage Michigan Linebackers Advantage Massachusetts Secondary Advantage Michigan Running Backs Advantage Michigan Receivers Advantage Michigan Special Teams Advantage Massachusetts Coaching Advantage Michigan Home Field Advantage Michigan The good the bad and the ugly Shoelaces had a good day, made good decisions Denard had some good long passes Over 520 yards of offensive First sack on Shoelaces this year Michigans running backs had a best day of year, thanks to the offensive line and Shaw running Shaw had 12 rushes, 126 yards, and 3 touch downs Stonum had a good day 3 receptions, 121 yards, 3 touch downs Martin had a good day Michigans 1st turn over this year was an interception thrown by Denard Michigans only sack on Massachusetts quarterback was with a three man rush Michigans scored 14 points in less than 1 minute to go ahead at the half 21 - 17 Penalties against Michigan improved this week over last week Some bad decisions are still being made by Michigan on kick returns Michigan had a punt blocked Michigan field goals are still problem, missed only attempt 1 today Michigan secondary showed some weakness this week, but still had good moments, improved over last year, but gave up to many points. Michigan remains undefeated at 3 and 0
firegregrobinson
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:51 p.m.
Fire greg Robinson today mark may on espn said same thing his track record is horrible.So rich if u want to save ur job remember two words your fired
umgoblue47
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:49 p.m.
close game... must have been because of all those player's that transfered to umass from other colleges? i thought only michigan had player transfer problem's? GO BLUE...
chosen1
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:48 p.m.
1. Our defense still sucks....time for GERG to get shown the door. 2. Gallon got lucky we recovered his botched punt return attempt. 3. Our offense will lead us to many more wins than our defense leads us to losses. Aside from Iowa and Ohio State we won't play alot of shut down defenses. Watching other Big 10 teams today we shouldn't be melting down over any of them. 4. 9-4 record (including a Jan 1st bowl win)
firegregrobinson
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:47 p.m.
Its time for Greg robinson to go. This is embarassing guys cant tackle and why on third or fourth down and less than 5 hes got are corners 10 to 12 yrds off line of scrimmage.If rodgers and floyd are that bad then go with freshman. Its time wolverine fans to get rid of garbage and if u look at his defenses the past ten yrs you will laugh and wonder what rich rod was thinking. I think robinson is the reason were losing so many players.
Sparky79
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:45 p.m.
Shouldn't have been that close, but late dumb mistakes nearly cost us. Cam Gordon's interception...great! That should have sealed the deal right there. But then fumble...ugh! Then Hagerup botching the snap and having his punt blocked. Ugh! A win's a win, but that was ugly. At least we avoided a sequel to The Horror. Sean, I think the offense is good enough for the Big Ten schedule. Nice to see Shaw break out today and the passing game made a lot of big plays, too. The defense, on the other hand... lets just say the best defense is a good offense. The guys up front like Roh and Martin can only do so much. The secondary is horrible, but we all knew that would be the case coming in to the season. Unfortunately, they're still a few years away from having the true kind of depth and experience they need back there. As a result, I have a feeling we're going to be in for a lot of shootouts, like those Northwestern teams from a few years back where the games were always like 50-48. Any time you come off a big emotional win, the following weekend always has that let down potential. I just hope the Michigan players learned today you can't take any team lightly.
newe82
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.
Here comes the collapse. This team is going to get killed in the Big Ten. I don't see them winning a game in the big after seeing the regression in their defense. The team did not look ready to play and this defense looked like it did back in 08 and 09. This team is going to struggle to make a bowl game this year. It has been three years and the Michigan defense is still horrific. The UMASS game feels like a loss because this is a glimpse of what is coming. Big Ten play is going to be ugly and if the defense plays this poorly the rest of the year then RR is gone after another year of no bowl game. If UMASS gets that Onside kick Michigan loses. Embarrassing!!!
Sean T.
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.
The funny this is UMASS didn't even do anything special defensively and competed with our superior athletes. I like how Cox stepped up today but I"m not quite sure if he's "ready" or was this a very good game for him. We'll find out soon enough, on to next week!!!
orlandomichfan
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:42 p.m.
lets not forget the kicking game..words cant describe how terrible it is...are you telling me that we cant find a kicker anywhere?????? its nice being 3-0..but a game sooner or later will come down to needing a field goal to win. how confident will everyone be???
BornInA2
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:42 p.m.
Defense=stink. Special teams=stank. Coaching=STUNK. Year three of the RR debacle. I'm ready for the curtain to fall on this farce.
orlandomichfan
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:37 p.m.
a win is a win..but how can a win feel almost like a loss??? i am a die-hard fan, but we should not be ranked after this game..what happen to our linebackers today?? no no, what happen to our entire defense??? hope they figure it out this week during practice..goooo blue
NoBowl4Blue
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:36 p.m.
Are we good enough for the Big Ten schedule? Not with this Defense.......UMASS 37 points? Rich Rod needs to understand you ultimately win championships with Defense.
Jaxon5
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:36 p.m.
First two Big 10 games. Indiana will light up the secondary and make it another exciting close game like UMass and like last year's Indiana game. MSU will put up a good effort against this team and could win it. It's really hard to say without having played any conference games yet. This defense could be really bad in the Big 10.
KeepingItReal
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:34 p.m.
Michigan lack of an effective kicking game and its poor defense is going to haunt them in the near future. There is absolutely no reason or excuse why M should not have good kickers on the team.
Sean T.
Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:31 p.m.
Gladly, we survived! It's good to see someone else carry the ball. Are we good enough for the Big Ten schedule?