Oscar Lavista

Mon, Nov 22, 2010 : 3:46 p.m.

The student-athletes are giving it their best, and should be proud of themselves. I trust the leadership situation will be addressed, and the team will eventually return to at least above-average success. The boys have a winning record and the team will be bowl-bound. Not every team can say that. Way to go players!

bluefan18

Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 2:06 p.m.

Rich rod took over the West Virginia program in 2001- 2007 (he did not coach the bowl game against Oklahoma in 2007). In those 6 years as head coach he took the Mountaineers to 6 bowl games, he went 3-3 and had an average of 38 points scored against his teams and only scored an averaged 26 points a game (48 in the Oklahoma game alone. He is an overated offensive coordinator......not a head coach!! He doesnt know anything about defensive coaching, just look at the way we tackle says it all. I dont think replacing Greg Robinson will change a thing, the man knows how to coach,i think the head coach is holding him back. Lets remember that Scott Shafer was our defensive coordinator and was fired after one season....why? because he wouldnt run rich rods bullcrap 3-3-5 defense. He is now coaching a 7-4 Syracuse defense that is much better than ours, Syracuse people!!!! We are suppose to have some of the best recruits in the nation.....we just need a head coach that can teach them!!!

15crown00

Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 12:47 p.m.

OSU 65 UM 3 If u play defensless u got to go Rod.what don't u understand? Hail to the Victors-----not the last 3 years Champions of the west-----not the last 3 years More like the smoke has been in Blue Brains eyes----the Last 3 Years.

heartbreakM

Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 12:33 p.m.

So, NE PA: Is it "t-8 days" now? LOL. I agree with your comments, but a succession plan MUST be in place for DB to make a move. Otherwise, we end up in a vortex again and may end up with someone else's trash.

GoblueinNE_PA

Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 11:59 a.m.

I firmly believe that we'll get blown out next week by OSU. Tressel has to have at least as convincing a win against Michigan as MSU and Wiscy did in order to keep up his chances of getting a BCS berth. They will not let up like they have in past season's because they have something to play for this year. Brandon is a smart guy. He knows that if the football programs doesn't turn around, it will be HIS job on the line, not the head coaches. He won't stand around and watch the University, my University, his University, get embarrassed week after week. After blowout loses to all the good teams in the Big 10 and pathetic performances even in the wins vs the other bottom feeders, Brandon will make the right decision. I agree w/some that we need a plan in order to make this successful. That's where Brandon's experience as a CEO will come in handy. He'll have went through many many management transitions in his career. He'll have this worked out. I don't know if this means Harbaugh or someone else, but it will be a change. Three years of utter futility with ZERO signs of improvement will be enough. (And sycophants, before you point to the 7-4 record, soon to be 7-5 record, that is not improvement over where the program was before the Hack showed up. Being lousy and sucking less than last year, still means you suck this year.) The last stop on the RichRod Farewell tour stops in Columbus next week! All Aboard!!

musthaved

Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 11:29 a.m.

3 years in and there's not 1 above average Sophomore or Junior on defense. The 3-3-5 is a complete joke and everyone knows it. We have the worst kicking game in Division I football. We have the worst defense in Division I football. This is not a football team as much as it is an offensive experiment to promote the genius know as RichRod. I am from Michigan, but lived in Columbus, Ohio during the Cooper years. He made life easy for me cause even though his teams beat everyone else, they couldn't beat Michigan. RichRod's teams can't beat any upper tier Division I teams period. What makes anyone think this is going to change based on what we have seen after 3 years. Does anyone think we are going to beat OSU, Wisconsin or MSU next year with this coaching staff?

johnnya2

Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 10:10 a.m.

"I got people in places, so I know." Yeah yeah, everybody says they have people in places. You do not know squat. If Greg Robinson is allowed to stay as DC, Mary Sue Coleman should terminate Brandon's contract for gross incompetence. You know nothing more than anybody else does. Quit fantasizing about having a "bat phone" to information. "Wisconsin is full of seniors this year, Michigan is full of freshman" So Rich Rod has been here THREE years yet can not find enough upper classmen to play? What was Wisconsin's record when these guys would have been freshman was 9 wins overall. A 5-3 record in the Big Ten. Funny enough this was only their coaches SECOND year at the helm. Let's remember one thing. Rich Rod and GRob decide WHO plays. If they made the decision to play all freshman, than they are saying that is their best talent. I would say, it proves they are poor judges of football talent. It is kind of like the kid who murders his parents crying about being an orphan. Your defense is only filled with inexperience because that is who YOU decided to play them. Who recruited the kickers on the team? Kickers do not need to "learn a system". The kicking is a total failure. Special teams has been worse than the defense. Last but not least, the freshman excuse is stupid. Chad Henne, Jake Long,Mike Hart, Charles Woodson all did fine as frosh. Terrel Pryor won a Big Ten championship. Tim Tebow won a national championship. AND in RR's first year he had SEVEN returning starters. So why are there all these frosh out there now? INCOMPETENCE.

lefty48197

Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 10:01 a.m.

On behalf of all the Badgers, Spartans, Buckeyes, Hawkeyes etc. etc. etc, I would like to thank the University of Michigan for hiring Rich Rod and his retarded "point a minute defense". Rich won two big ten games in a row this year? For the first and only time in three years? NEVER won two big ten games in a row before? Oh my that is absolutely hilarious! Prediction: OSU 408, Michigan 11

frozenhotchocolate

Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 4 a.m.

Wisconsin is full of seniors this year, Michigan is full of freshman. Rich has a plan and will prove people wrong next year because he will be back. Pryor will be off the team next year for his hair cut.

InsideTheHall

Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 3:10 a.m.

It is now time to call Jim Harbaugh home and put this dark era behind us.

3 And Out

Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 2:12 a.m.

D21 your photo is proof that Moe was the first soccer style kicker....check out that form...

win

Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 1:27 a.m.

Michigan 24, Ohio State 21. Believe!!!!! remember those 7 win Michigan teams that would ruin OSU's Rose Bowl and National Championship seasons? Let's do it again boys! Beat OSU!!

heartbreakM

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 11:05 p.m.

Those who say Kelly has been a failure at ND: What I see from Kelly is steady improvement from the beginning of the year to end of the year. They have lost a few stinkers (to UM, to MSU, to Tulsa and Navy), but they are getting better, have a backup QB in, and I would think that Kelly gets kudos for this. Additionally, Kelly was coming into a situation where ND has been up and down recently (including a 3-9 year not long ago), and not into a perennial champion (albeit we all think ND has a special place in football lore). RR's teams have gotten worse from the beginning to the end of each season for 3 years, thus his nearly winless October record and nearly as bad Novembers. His teams get outschemed in each second half (after trailing at halftime in nearly all of them). And unlike the other coaches you mentioned above, RR looks lost on the sidelines. Just does not seem like a coach in control to me. And it is reflected in his teams playing out of control. The announcers today were having a field day talking about how poorly Michigan was playing on both sides and special teams. Spielman actually sounded offended, and rightly so. He understands Michigan football and what it should be, and has a certain love for the school. RR does not have that understanding--he has less than Spielman or Tress have in their pinky toes.

OSUbeBetter

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 10:29 p.m.

ManOfBluue ".....I totally agree with Brandon and will be very happy with his coming decision to keep RR 2 more years......" I think everyone who roots for another team in the big ten will agree with you. ".....He is a fabulous AD, we are fortunate to have him." What part of destroying the best pizza franchise in the world makes him a great AD?

stunhsif

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 10:03 p.m.

Three teams, all tied for the Big Ten lead and not one of them is the U of M. Going back 30 years, no one would believe this fact! Sad, very very sad!

rugby67

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 9:54 p.m.

manofbluue Patience may be fine if you are hiring some "up and comer" from the MAC or WAC on the cheap. But in spite of what "Bobby Bowden and others" may say about 5 years to build a program the facts are that the expectations (and results) are very different when you want to play with the big boys for the big money. (Read RR here) Larry Coker won a national championship in his first year as head coach at Miami. Bob Stoops, Jim Tressell and Urban Meyer won NCs in their second year at their respective universities and Les Miles and Nick Saban took 3 years to win a NC. Pete Carrol took 4. So don't tell me it takes 5 years. We are (or were until RRshowed up) a program in the same league as those above. We paid the bucks for a guy who convinced the administration he was ready for the big time. He isn't and never will be. If we are willing to wait 5 years then we are saying we don't belong up there with the top tier programs and I am not prepared to accept that. After 5 years we will be the new Notrde Dame.

stunhsif

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 9:48 p.m.

You'd think the Wolverine's defense was from Wisconsin as they look like "Swiss Cheese". That is, full of holes!!!!

D21

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 9:47 p.m.

Pseudo-nephilim, Never wanted RR at all in first place, period.

3 And Out

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 9:33 p.m.

spin spin spin "man of blue"... Gary Moeller was not taking over the winningist program of all time, one that had not had a losing season in 40 years, with a 33 year bowl streak (only not longer because at the time the BT wouldnt allow other teams to go to bowl games that did not win the conference)...8 straight years of top 12 Rivals recruiting classes... 9 straight vs. PSU, 6 straight vs. MSU.....................when Moeller went 6-21 at Illinois in the late 70s (or whatever it was) and stunk up the place....he was doing it at ILLINOIS not Michigan.... but keep spinning....keep spinning....3 years is enough for this clown RR, seriously want to give him even more chances to destroy our program even further. Wow. I pray that Dave Brandon is not that stupid and can see the FACTS and not go by some dumb, ridiculous and antiquated "5 year new coach" rule.

Mick52

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 9:11 p.m.

Horrible game, hard to watch. Porous defense. I like Harbaugh and if he could be gotten, I would say take him. But I believe he signed an extension and my not be. And I still think RR has done as well as possible with an extremely young team. So for those of you who want too boot him, please name a coach you think could do better. Also, can anyone name a Michigan offense (in modern history) that produced as well as this one. I think the next closest offense was likely run by much more experienced players. Kicking issue is a serious flaw. Turnovers too. I guess I am kind of on the fence in regard to firing RR because the disruption will likely affect next year's team, he has a contract, and heck I am the kind of guy who likes to honor agreements. I would like to see you RR haters name some replacements other than Harbaugh. During the search post Carr, Brian Kelly was named by many as prime candidate. Hasn't turned out so well at ND. The program was failing before RR got here. Carr's last four years 0-4 vs OSU. 2005: 7-5 2006: last exceptionally good year, 2007 Appalachian State, drubbing by Oregon 8-4 regular season. Win over Fl in bowl game, but gave up 35 points. Not as bad as now but no Big Ten championship since 04, no wins v OSU and no Rose Bowl wins. Not sure any coach could have done much better. If the offense were as bad as the defense I would say yeah give him the boot, but find a better defensive coordinator, and RR one more year, but it has to be a championship year to stay on.

Bemused Passerby

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 9:03 p.m.

It's definitely time to start planning next season. Given the strength of the offense (not perfect, but boy, pretty nice), it's unlikely the entire coaching staff will be let go at the end of the season. I imagine that conversations are already underway with candidates for the defensive coordinator position. There's no question that Rodriguez understands the defensive issues but overestimated how much the improving offense would be able to float a troubled defensive philosophy. He doesn't need to be a defensive expert - he needs to have a defensive expert next to him. Fixing this is not as easy as the howlers in here would suggest -- a head coach has to make tough calls but also has to be very deliberate when firing high level managers -- the next defensive coordinator candidates are no doubt sizing up both his approach to the current problem and the likelihood that he'll remain as head coach more than one more year. The same is surely true of defensive recruits currently being courted. GR would be doing everyone a huge favor by quietly submitting his resignation this week so that the RR and the AD can start doing some overnight trips next Sunday. I'm sorry, but in my opinion this season is the turn-around year. Not pretty, but this is simply not a repeat of the 2009 season. The AD should stay the course, Rodriguez needs to realize that the future of his offense (and honestly his job) is dependent on an unflinching, top-to-bottom retooling of the defensive leadership, and the next defensive coordinator needs to be identified now such that they have meaningful input in recruiting decisions. Announcements can be made after the bowl game, but the recruiting deal with the new defensive program needs to be closed quietly now. Go Blue!

man of bluue

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 8:58 p.m.

This repetitive, negative, naive, uninformed speculation and opinion on Michigan football following every loss is the ultimate bore. Dave Brandon has stated many times that nobody on the outside has anywhere near the information base that he does. He is very hands-on in the program, working extremely hard. He is at the practices, on the field at the games, in the film room for play-by-play breakdowns, in the locker room before during and after games, interviews the players, evaluates academics of current players and recruits, etc, etc. He basically says the blogs and talk shows are garbage, and I agree. It is also clear he will keep RR next year and probably 2 more years. Bo hated Illinois because they fired Gary Moeller after 3 years, and said a new coach needs 5 years. Bobby Bowden and many others state that 5 years is the minimum for a new coach. Makes perfect sense to me. I totally agree with Brandon and will be very happy with his coming decision to keep RR 2 more years. He is a fabulous AD, we are fortunate to have him.

Chris

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 8:33 p.m.

This is my humble evaluation of the defense at Michigan. They're not strong enough, not fast enough, and they don't tackle well. Other than that, they're great! Seriously. Defensive back 101: Keep the play in front of you and hit the receiver as soon as the ball arrives. Go in with one hand trying to knock the football loose. I didn't see a single pass broken up by this defense today. There was the one interception but Wisconsin stopped throwing after that and proceeded to amass 350+ rushing yards on the day.

TrueBlueinOH

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 8:25 p.m.

Clearly RR is in over his head in the Big Ten. I have given him the benefit of the doubt for most of these three years. But when I don't see any progress defensively and an offense that revolves around one player exclusively, I can only conclude that a coaching change needs to be made.

Macabre Sunset

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 7:31 p.m.

Edward, I think I've tried to explain that to the Kool-Aid crowd 20 times in the last year. It doesn't work. They don't know anything about football. That's why they keep repeating "spread, spread, spread..." even though they couldn't tell you what Rodriguez does if it were engraved on a jar of their favorite peanut butter.

Macabre Sunset

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 7:25 p.m.

We didn't have this forum then, but three years ago, I was saying that Carr had a difficult season and he needed to step it up, but he had done so well as head coach that he deserved the benefit of the doubt. But if the straw-man argument makes you feel better, go for it.

Nephilim

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 7:08 p.m.

So honestly, how many of you who posted your anti RR sentiments are the same ones who posted your anti Lloyd Carr sentiments??? Do I hear an echo????? Waaaaah ha ha ha ha YOU ALL WANTED HIM 3 seasons ago and YOU GOT HIM.....stand by your man!

saginaw

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:59 p.m.

The RR Kool aid might have something "bad" in it -- we better stop drinking that suff.

hal campbell

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:58 p.m.

No more excuses. Scholarship athletes have to have better tackling fundamentals no mater what the age of the player. Apparently, fundamentals are not recruited. RR has to go and if he remains Robinson has to go along with several other assistants. I have been watching Michigan football since 1957 and this group is the worst. I also can't understand how a major program can come into the season without a kicker. There has to be someone in the country who would love to be the Michigan kicker, but we can't find him. This edition of "Michigan Football" is beyond embarrassing and Mr. Brandon you have no option but to clean house, or become a bottom feeder.

BlueFan97

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:54 p.m.

Can we PLEASE end this debacle of Rich Rod's tenure. This guy is not going to get it going at Michigan. Are we supposed to be excited that we beat Indiana, Purdue, and Illinois. 6 wins in the Big Ten in 3 years, 1 against Minnesota, 2 against Indiana, 1 against Illinois, 1 against Purdue, and one, maybe good win, against Wisconsin in his first year, and soon to be 18 losses. This guy has got to go.....PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! Michigan football has been reduced to nothing different than the likes of Purdue, Northwestern, etc. Now with Nebraska coming in next year, we'll be even more irrelevant, if Rich Rod remains.

marlon glenn

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:43 p.m.

Emotions always run very high for "fan"atics. David Brandon can not afford to be emotional or irrational in his decision-making. RR does appear to be an "odd" fit and more than likely, he was a "panic" choice. He has two years remaining on his contract and a potential Heisman candidate QB in Robinson. I believe Brandon will see where this experiment ends and in two years make a decision on the future of Michigan football. You do not fire him now without a rock solid vision of who you wish to hire and how you want the program to look and run. In my opinion, Michigan panicked on the hire of RR. They can ill-afford another "panic" move.

3 And Out

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:42 p.m.

Wow...who would pay this much for this guy? "Mike Barwis and his staff are experienced motivational speakers and lecturers. Their services can be arranged at your chosen site in various capacities: 1. Motivational Speaker 2. Scientific Lecturer 3. Applied Skills and Drills 4. A Combination of Each Price scale $1000 per hour for Mike or $500 per hour for a staff member other than Mike. Prices may vary upon request and situation. They will be negotiated after contact. shady shady shady....cant wait for that Late Night Infomercial Mike!

3 And Out

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:40 p.m.

lol @ Jaxon's Barwis reset...yeah he makes such an impact in our team...btw, have you seen the Barwis Methods website? You can rent him for a day to speak to your group for something like $1400 or rent a personal training session from him for about $400 per hour! wow all of that for an S&C coach who has been partially responsible for the worst teams in Michigan history. BTW...has any Michigan S&C coach ever pimped himself outside of his job like Barwis does? What is up with that...its so shady imo for him to try and capitalize on his position at Michigan for outside work. Barwis is just another reason to can RR...this whole group was nothing but hype and flash and personal gain, not team or program gain...and it fooled Bill Martin in to hiring them.

H.

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:39 p.m.

As an MSU fan, I am pulling for you guys v. OSU...and a 10-year contract extension for Rich Rod!

3 And Out

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:36 p.m.

wow OSU looks like they will win this game...they play tough Big Ten football like our team used to. Cant wait till next year, cause next week those OSU seniors are going to get another pair of gold pants unfortunately.

Jaxon5

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:31 p.m.

Guys, but we have the Barwis Advantage. LOL

3 And Out

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:30 p.m.

Stanford 48 Cal 7. Stanford has a better offense than Rich Rod's.

Larry Weisenthal

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:30 p.m.

OSU wins. Regardless of who the coach is the next year, it's now officially M/tOSU week. Game on! RR has one Hail Mary to keep his job. tOSU needs to win big to end up with an higher BCS ranking than Wisc. Who's up for it?

Greggy_D

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:28 p.m.

@Dave66 "I'm waiting for one of you SuperFans to concoct an elaborate, improbable version of events that explains how this is really a "moral victory" for Michigan." Exactly. I'm still waiting for Mitch to show up and say this was another "Manageable Loss". lol

Jim Pryce

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:27 p.m.

Expect more of the same next week. Quality opponets get big lead then let Goober Rodriguez's offense score to make it look respectable by taking their foot off the gas, & that way the team from Mayberry(coaching staff) stays & endures more losing seasons.

3 And Out

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:26 p.m.

uh 9-3 every year IS pretty elite in this day and age of college football...it puts you in the top 10-20 programs every year... Lloyd Carr averaged almost 10 wins a year for his 13 years as a head coach...122 wins in 13 years is very impressive and qualifies him as a great coach and elite status.

Macabre Sunset

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:24 p.m.

Why would anyone say Michigan wasn't an elite program throughout the last four decades? 1970s: 96-16-3 (3rd in major college football) 1980s: 89-29-2 (9th) 1990s: 93-26-3 (7th) Only Nebraska was also in the top ten each of the three decades. Carr would have been right on the line for 10th had he maintained his average over the 2000s. Nebraska just missed. What Michigan has done over the last 40 years is consistently put itself in a position to win the National Championship with a couple of breaks. Only once did the Wolverines get those breaks, but what resulted was shares of 21 conference titles in 39 years. Michigan never went into a game without a good chance of winning. That's an elite program. That's why Michigan has won more football games than any football team at any level in the history of organized sports. Rodriguez had big shoes to fill. We expect more than 7-5 here. We expect to beat Ohio State more often than not. We expect to win every game at home. Rodriguez has lost 11 home games in three seasons. Carr lost 12 in 13 seasons. Schembechler lost 16 at home in 17 seasons. Rodriguez failed. It's not about what scheme he chose (though his version of the spread concept is very different from the versions that are succeeding elsewhere). It's about having a team that gives up more points than it scores. It's time to get a coach in here who can keep the tradition strong, who can coach the players on the roster and recruit the elite talent. Rodriguez cannot and his tenure must end next week.

Jaxon5

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:23 p.m.

Right Tulsatom, the apologists will find the words to articulate their lame excuses. Their problem is there are no words or excuses that haven't been used already. Michigan has lost its recruiting edge. Why would any great player want to come to Michigan? There is no pipeline to the NFL and there is a firmly established losing tradition.

3 And Out

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:19 p.m.

LOL! Just watched Posey drop a wide open bomb in the end zone and OSU may now lose...if they lose they are gonna be fired up even more to kill Rich Rod next week at home.

3 And Out

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:17 p.m.

rellez....your question about why Harbs would consider leaving Stanford...well Michigan is a much bigger stage than Stanford...and Jim has a history at Michigan going back to when he was a ball boy for the team in the 70s as a kid. To quote his father 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." The other day on CNNSI, Stew Mandel speculated that Harbs would leave Stanford for Michigan. Last week's Stanford game didnt even sell out the stadium there....football is no big stage there, and Harbs wants the big stage. He also HATES OSU and MSU and would put the fear in to those teams again....right now those teams just LAUGH at Rich Rodriguez. Dave Brandon you listenin'?

clarklaker

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:16 p.m.

The sooner rich rod is gone the better.

tulsatom

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:13 p.m.

The Good: The way the offense played in the second half (28 pts against a good Wisconsin defense). Also, I liked the choice to go for the onside kicks -- they were close to being successful. TulsaTom observation: RR is a good offensive coordinator. The Bad: Wisconsin getting almost 600 yards of offense and how U-M knew what was coming (the basic run off tackle) and still couldn't stop it. TulsaTom: The concept of needing a good defense in order to be a contender is lost on RR, whose defenses at West Virginia weren't very good either. With him, defense is just the thing you do after you score to give the offense some rest. The Ugly: Comments by national commentators: Lou Holtz: "This may be the worst defense in the country" Chris Speilman: "There is a lack of talent on defense that can only be fixed through recruiting." (paraphrased) TulaTom comment: Before RR, U-M used to win their share of recruiting battles with Top Ten teams for defensive players (Lamar Woodley, Larry Foote, David Harris, Charles Woodson,etc). Now they fight with teams like Bowling Green and West Virginia for leftovers and have starting players like the walk-on overachiever (Kovacs) who talent-wise would be a special teams player on most Top 25 teams. ESPN play-by-play guy (paraphrased): "You would think that at a place like Michigan they would have their choice of good kickers and punters wanting to play there, but they don't". Parting shot: RR apologists will be satisfied by how the offense played in the second half and will talk about how many yards the offense made, how exciting Denard Robinson is, and how U-M didn't give up as many points to Wisc as Indiana did. They will also conveniently blame the defensive woes on Lloyd Carr. The fact is that the best non-lineman is Mouton, who was recuited by Ron English under LC. Mike Martin may have been a RR recruit, but he was a lifelong U-M fan who would' ve come to Ann Arbor even if Captain Kangaroo was coach. RR's Big Ten record: 6-17. That about says it all.

MichFanTex

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:07 p.m.

Larry W, I think you're wrong about the NFL, and here's why. Michael Vick is a freak of nature but he's still mortal. And because he's mortal he's vulnerable to being injured. Now you can say that any QB can be injured, and that's true. But, if your back up is in the mold of your starter you don't have to have two different offensive packages. The Eagles are doing well with Vick, and next year they'll be even better. What happens though, when, not if, Vick is hurt. Can Kevin Kolb step in and take over the same offensive game plan? Answer, no. There just aren't enough "freaks" of nature for the NFL offensive system to flip to a predominate spread offense. But there are enough pocket passing QBs and big running backs to keep the NFL well stocked with Pro-style players. Why do you think Terrell Pryor has worked the last three years to remake himself into a pro-style QB?

XTR

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:06 p.m.

Heart - you're right. JH's teams are disciplined like Bo's teams, only that their offense are a bit more aggressively creative. JH gets paid half of what RR is paid here at Michigan and JH's top ten team cannot fill their 50,000 seat stadium at Stanford while RR's comedy team gets 110,000 house filled every game.

Do Better

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:04 p.m.

Rellez, I agree the SEC is the best the last four champions have come from the conference. I am just saying when i watch NFL games where are the elite player Michigan? Before anyone names any players I would like for that person to have drafted in the last seven years.

XTR

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 6:01 p.m.

LOL! If RR's team is gonna turn the tables next year, the games should have been closer against good teams and there should'nt be glaring errors on both sides of the ball, kicking teams included. RR's style is obvious now after 3 years, he wins big against weak teams and then loses badly against good teams. That will be the same next year if he returns.

heartbreakM

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:56 p.m.

You know, if Harbaugh was hired into Michigan (and the San Jose Mercury Post says in paper yesterday that Harbaugh is leaving Stanford at end of this year), why in the world would he want to keep Rodriguez anyway? His offense is laying it hard on Cal, the same team that shut down Oregon big time last week. His offense is tough tough. His line plays mean. His RBs run like they have something to prove. His TEs catch the ball. His defense isn't too bad either. And they know how to tackle. And they don't make many mistakes over and over. In fact it looks like a Bo-coached team with more offensive imagination. I think he would be a perfect fit at Michigan, with or without Forcier, Gardner, DR. I hope that it happens next week after the OSU game.

nhopenwheeler

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:52 p.m.

Anyone who REALLY expected a different outcome doesn't know much about football. Anyone who REALLY expects an upset next week is a dreamer. Anyone who thinks another coach could do better with these kids should look at who was available when RR was hired and how they've fared. Even Miles hasn't won the SEC with seniors he recruited. If RR goes, who's going to replace him, realistically? Is there a winning BCS coach available? I'd rather see what these kids do next year. And for those of you who think the spread has no place in the Big Ten - No.1 Auburn, No.2 Oregon, No. 3 TCU.....nuff said.

7718

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:52 p.m.

Let's see some hands...how many actually thought Michigan was going to win this game? The outcome didn't surprise me, but I'll still support my Wolverines.

rellez

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:50 p.m.

Do Better, I am a huge Michigan and a loyal Big Ten guy. The Big Ten turns out great NFL talent every year. Yes they have busts every now and then but what conference doesn't? I am not sure a sample size of two players really proves anything? In my opinion, the Big Ten is only behind the SEC in college football. Anyway, my point is that Michigan should not settle for this way below average decade of football...and the worst three year stretch in the history of this program! Yippee, we had one really good year in the past 10. Tear off the band-aid...don't let a 3 year trend turn into a 4th and beyond.

Jaxon5

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:44 p.m.

Larry W, you may want to rethink your position and come back from the Dark Side. It is tempting to fall to the Dark Side and focus only on the offense. That's the mistake made by this Michigan football team. It totally ignores defense. Defense is the key. It doesn't matter what you do on offense, if your defense allows a score on almost every possession.

BlueGator

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:40 p.m.

Rocketron, If Brandon ditches RR this year, I sure hope he doesn't wait until after the bowl game. You can't start your coach search in January! That would just kill your recruiting.

XTR

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:39 p.m.

Guys, on the positive note, we scored well against Wisco and we were more exiting to watch than the winner of the game! Denard, Roundtree and Stonum are all coming back for the national championship next year! What is to be sad about? Rich Rod is a good coach who needs more time to develop his offense and defense, he needs more time and he will take UM to the promised land of national champions. C'mon guys, support the Maize and Blue, In Rich Rod We Trust and All In for Michigan! LOL!

Do Better

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:36 p.m.

Rellez, You are right going 9-3 every year is not elite in college football but in the big ten it is elite football. What I funny is Michigan fans always say the big east is wack conference but the school's all time leading rusher is a back to a big east player from uconn and chad henne got benched for a mac player.

Rocketron

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:34 p.m.

Please tell me that Dave Brandon is not seriously considering retaining RichRod and GregRob next year. This team isn't showing any improvement whatsoever. As the defense and the special teams seem to be getting worse with each passing game it now seems that the offense is regressing too. I know that he will not do anything until the season is over, including the bowl game, but I can so no earthly reason to give this coaching staff another season. Please Mr. Brandon please go get Jim Harbaugh. I'll take good ol' I-formation football with hardnose physical defense any day of the week compared to what we have now. Not only is this guy not challenging for a Big Ten title or BCS Bowl berth but he is also allowing MSU to take over the State of Michigan. They already own us in basketball. Are we going to add football to the list too?

Larry Weisenthal

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:33 p.m.

I've criticize RR in several previous comments, but I've now got a new perspective. He's made some big time mistakes, no doubt. A great coach would have modified his offensive scheme to fit the talent he inherited. For gosh sakes, he had an NFL QB returning in Mallet. A great coach wouldn't have had the revolving door of defensive coordinators. RR is not a great coach, but he's a good coach. He's educable and he's young enough to learn and take it from there. I thought that the hurry-up/spread was a gimmick. I now see it as the vanguard of the future -- pro as well as college. The current "pro" offense" is going to go the way of the single wing. An extra blocker on offense makes all the difference. It's like having an permanent power play in hockey. Future pro QBs are going to be Michael Vicks, not Brett Favres. I guess I saw something on the field today that the other commentators didn't see. I'd give him one more year. And support him and the kids during that year. I haven't given up on M-OSU. I could see an upset happening. Two turnovers for OSU; none for M and I see M winning.

mrd

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:29 p.m.

Dave Brandon as Head Coach (Interim) and Rich Rod as Off. Coord. Get a new Def. Coordinator. The world must see that We recognize and will not tolerate this mistake any longer.

rellez

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:17 p.m.

Macabre, By no means am I defending RR...like I said it is time to make a statement and get rid of RR. My point was Michigan has been an elite program. An average of 3+ losses per season does not make an elite program over time. In the 70's, 80's, and 90's, Michigan was a top 10 winning program each decade. If 3+ wins and an occasional shot at a big title and a final ranking in the high teens is what you want, fine. That is what they had become under Lloyd. All I am saying here is that Dave Brandon now has a chance to go out and put his stamp on the Michigan program. Hire a coach who knows how to win in a major conference. I for one am tired of waking up on Saturday mornings hoping for a Michigan win...I am ready for the days when I wake up expecting a Michigan win.

BigWolverine13

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:13 p.m.

There can be no excuse for having to play so many freshmen on defense. RR has three years to recruit. Get him out of there!

D21

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:09 p.m.

Kim De, It won't work (Harbaugh as HC and RR as OC) but it is a nice suggestion that some of us as thought about before. RR would be better off somewhere as the OC with Theo212 as RR's gopher boy.

Jaxon5

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:07 p.m.

We were waiting for it, and iamcris served it up on a platter by taking a totally delusional position on a hopelessly lost program with little chance of competiting in the conference on a serious level.

AZ Badger

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5:06 p.m.

I almost hate to give Michigan the formula, but here goes. It's leadership, management, coaching and recruiting. Pat Richter was hired at UW in 1990. Pat was a nine letter winner at UW and NFL tight end and played for Vince Lombardi. He was succesful in business. He hired Barry Alvarez who trained under great coaches at Nebraska, Iowa, and Notre Dame (Lou Holtz) and was a national champion. Alvarez in now the A.D. He hand picked Bielema who trained under great coaches at Iowa (Fry), K-State (Snyder) and then Alvarez. I cheered when MI hired RichRod. WVa and the Big East are not powerhouses. Power running and defense wins in the Big Ten. You folks have assesed it correctly - RichRod doesn't get it.

Kim De

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 5 p.m.

Mr. Brandon, please be creative: Hire Mr. Harbaugh as head coach and keep Mr. Rodriguez as the offensive coordinator. Mr. Rodriguez, you seem like a good guy. Please take the ego hit, the pay reduction, and keep bringing your creative offensive mind to the team. Mr. Harbaugh, please clean up the D and Special Teams and bring that physical toughness that your team seems to emanate. Mr. Brandon please send me a check for consulting. Everyone wins.

D21

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:52 p.m.

Macabre Sunset, thanks and hope AD Brandon will see those UGLY stats online tonight.

Do Better

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:51 p.m.

Once again I am not a fan so I do not care if you keep him or if you fire him. However Michigan was terrible on defense when we showed up in ann arbor. I think RR made it worse by not recruiting defense when he first got to ann arbor. So if they you are going to fire him you better go get chris peterson from boise state because he is the best coach in college football.

iamcris

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:47 p.m.

Hai guys! Was a tough loss today and unfortunately the offense couldn't get it cranked up in the first half. Was hoping for a more competitive outcome but hey, Wisconsin had FIFTEEN 4th and 5th year SENIORS starting today. Even Ohio State got slapped around by them. Optimism. Last year Michigan had a great defensive performance against Ohio State. Let's hope for the same this year or at least the offense is effective from the start and the receivers can hold onto the ball from the onset. Go Blue!

Macabre Sunset

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:46 p.m.

From 2000-2007: 73-27, 50-14 in the Big Ten. Yeah, I can see the decline. It started in 2008. Since then: 15-20, 6-17 in the Big Ten. To match Michigan's "decline," Rodriguez would have to go 58-7 overall and 44-(-3) in the conference over the next four years. Fortunately, he will not have that opportunity.

chiro19

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:35 p.m.

The only positive out of this game Dave66 is that michigan forced a fumble which was wisconsins 3rd lost fumble of the year. Michigan was very bad in every aspect of the game today! I think Colin Cowherd is 100% accurate in what he predicted (Michigan gets crushed by Wisc. and unless they beat OSU, RR is gone!). I think it has nothing to do with losing, but the way they lost these games! I think he would be around another year if these games where competitive but really all of there loses are blowouts made to look a bit more competitive because of soft prevent defense after the other team has dominated Mich. in the first half. Just a note as well if Mich gives up 31 points against OSU which I fully expect that will be 400 points given up in the year! It is safe to say RR is a horrible coach and so is Greg Robinson! As well I am sick of hearing these people say that criticizing RR means your not a mich fan. I want to see this team win, unlike you folks that support RR who want to see this team lose and suck in every aspect of the game on and off the field!!!

D21

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:28 p.m.

Most of us feel that Jim Harbaugh will come back home to coach the Wolverines. Heck, even the Three Stooges: Curly, Moe and Larry would rout RR and UM. Pix: Moe seen kicking his 14th and final FG of the game against UM (42-0).

rellez

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:21 p.m.

I took me longer than most, but I have finally gotten off the fence. I wanted this to work...I hoped it would work. Based on a 7 - 3 start I hoped they could at least play with Wisc. to show that true progress was being made. Today showed just how far they have to go to become an elite football team. Make no mistake, this program has been in decline since 2000, finishing with less than 3 losses only 1 time. To me, that does not qualify for an elite program. We can all sit here and saw RR is horrible, but the fact is, Lloyd did not have Michigan playing at an elite level either. Dave Brandon needs to step up. This is his chance to make a major move early in his AD career. No hard feelings to RR...but it simply did not work. So what, you are going to bring him back next year on an even hotter seat??? I am sure good recruits will rush right on over to Ann Arbor and sign up for that train wreck! For all of the people who might scream for Harbaugh to come back to Michigan, I ask you one question; why would he leave Stanford? I am sure Stanford can come up with money to keep him and he has that program rolling. USC is going is falling off and UCLA is terrible. The PAC 10 is essentially a 2 horse race b/t Stanford and Oregon. Harbaugh is recruiting like a mad man at Stanford so you would think he can keep that program at the top of the PAC 10. That brings me to something I never imagined I would say. Reach out to Les Miles and bring him home to Michigan. He does some crazy things from a coaching standpoint, but he gets results in the toughest conference in college football. He is 57 years old, so he still has some coaching left in him. He has had success in a true major college conf., the SEC.

a2badger

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:20 p.m.

The better team won, period! First win at the Big House by Wisconsin since 1994. About time. Especially after last year.

D21

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:14 p.m.

Well said, ShadowManager

TXteacher

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:12 p.m.

There's a new "clutch" in the state! MSU is clutch city! Even when they have a bad game, they find a way. RR forever, and GO Green, Go White! Victory for MSUUUU!

D21

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:10 p.m.

Despite giving my lopsided prediction in favor of OSU against UM, Tressel may try to keep the score closer since he'd want RR to stay forever in UM.

ShadowManager

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:09 p.m.

@ kubrick, I think you mis-read what I implied, so I'll just say it boldly: The only reason UM is getting all the media coverage it still does is... a) when they gonna fire the coach? b) look how the mighty have fallen aka :UM's woes continue. c) that Denard sure can run, eh? Emphasis is always on a) of course. No one talks about UM actually beating OSU next week. No one talks about the team contending for, well, anything. No one cares other than illustrate, well, things ain't what they used to be. Does any media cover UM with the idea that they are going places, a successful program or doing great things? No. No one does. Is that clear enough of a definition of irrelevancy for people?

D21

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:07 p.m.

OSU 45 UM 13 Even the Buckeye fans are upset that UM no longer brings special meaning to them. Borrowing a line from the TV show, "Married with Children", Al Bundy (RR & Theo212) is often reminded of his incompetence whenever his wife, Peggy, and his kids, Kelly and Bud, utter in unison, "THANKS DAD".

Yelmonian

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:06 p.m.

3 and out, You can take comfort knowing that UM has 1 more big ten win in three seasons than MSU has in this year. Long live RR!

The Fan

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:06 p.m.

You people can whin and cry all you want but its not going to help. RR is going to be in Michigan for at least another year.

aarox

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:06 p.m.

ummm, who wants to sit through watching us in a legitmate bowl game?

riverraisin

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:03 p.m.

This is getting ridiculous. Michigan needs to make some big changes at the end of this season. How 'bout we move to the Big East? Or the FCS? I can't think of another solution... Any suggestions?

3 And Out

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 4:02 p.m.

1. OSU will roll us in the shoe next week. Tressel does not call off the dogs vs. Michigan at home. He will lay another beat down on RR. 2. Any decent team we play in a fleabag bowl will put up at least 40 points on us and we will probably lose that one to finish up 7-6 with 3-5 in BT and a fleabag bowl loss. 3. 10 wins next year? lol... lol...lol.. next question

Sallyxyz

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:59 p.m.

I hope Brandon is making phone calls right now for a new coach as soon as this terrible season is over!

Kubrick66

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:57 p.m.

ShadowManager... With all due respect you couldn't be more wrong. "Even more hurtful than "we care alot" is "who cares?" Certainly not the national sport's media." Michigan still gets tons of press from all the major outlets. It's not even something you can question.

aarox

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:54 p.m.

Guys, we're still over.500 This is the new Michigan. Get over it. Put the arrogance in a jar and save it for another era. I think I've got it now.

D21

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:53 p.m.

Dave66, Don't hold your breath since no one (not even the long discredited Theo212) will come up with a logical and rational one for you. Just enjoy watching the old UM tapes and reading this great stuff from Det News if you haven't read it yet: http://www.detnews.com/article/20101119/OPINION03/11190419/1131/sports0201/How-Wisconsin-fumbled-its-chance-to-hire-Bo-Schembechler

johnnya2

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:52 p.m.

So Rich Rod has a great offense? Lets look at the numbers. In the Big Ten (which is a TRUE test since it is the league they are both in), Michigna has averaged 34.29 points per game. Wisconsin with their "old school" pro style offense has averaged 41.71 per game. That is more than a touchdown better. So Rich Rod is not even a top offensive coach on the Big Ten. Ok, maybe he is better on defense. The team is giving up 39.57 per game. Wisconsin is averaging 23.71 Special teams. Wisconsin scored 12 Michigan 4 (plus a missed field goal and TWO onside kick failures. There is no excuse for a performance like this. The team was out coached, out played, put toughed and dominated in every aspect of the game. Guess what people, Wisconsin has most of their players coming back next year. Unfortunately, it looks like Michigan does as well. The whole experience argument is a straw man argument. Charles Woodson played as a freshman, and did not have these issues. He got better over time, but NEVER in the history of Michigan football have they been this bad on defense. Why would a year make them suddenly on par with the elite teams? Returning lousy players is not something to be excited about. I would submit when the best player on your defense was brought on not from recruiting, but from campus wide tryouts, you have made HORRIBLE decisions on your coach. All this along with PROBATION, and anybody who is insane wants Rich Rod to stay. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

ShadowManager

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:51 p.m.

This loss really hurts the faithful for the obvious reason that a win would've mattered: it made UM's season truly irrelevant. I watched ESPN and Big Ten Game Summary shows after the game and there weren't even highlights. State's comeback and some action about the NW/Illinois game at Wrigley were more important, mediawise, than another UM blowout loss. Even more hurtful than "we care alot" is "who cares?" Certainly not the national sport's media.

musthaved

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:50 p.m.

Once upon a time, we used to be on the other side of these beatings. The 3-3-5 is the biggest joke in football and yet the only people who don't see this are RR and GR. Bad recruiting, bad coaching, bad game plan, bad special teams. Yep, the future looks real bright. The over/under for OSU scoring is at 100 right now. No reason to believe that they would take it easy on us just because we are a high school team with pee wee coaches.

Macabre Sunset

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:46 p.m.

The RR Koolaid drinkers are worse than Brooklyn Dodger fans in the 1940s with this "wait 'til next year" rubbish. You said it after his first disaster of a season, you said it last year and you're saying it again now. It was a bad hire, and your boy can't coach in a major conference. What's so hard to understand about that? He doesn't get defense. It's that simple. And as he has gotten his own recruits in here, his defense has gotten even worse. Either he wins next week, or the Fraud Era ends immediately.

Dave66

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:44 p.m.

I'm waiting for one of you SuperFans to concoct an elaborate, improbable version of events that explains how this is really a "moral victory" for Michigan. Come on, don't disappoint... I know you can do it.

Dirtgrain

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:44 p.m.

That Wisconsin offensive line looked damn good. Robinson should have tried something different to get pressure on their quarterback (blitz more--they broke big plays anyway). I watched the end of the MSU game, and they blitzed so many times (different scenario, talent--but still).

Kubrick66

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:44 p.m.

As expected the defense did what it has done all season longgive up tons of yards and the points to go with them. That is not going to change this season. The only way this team wins is outscoring their opponent in a shootoutyet this offense is not consistent enough against quality teams. The offense for the most part is an illusion, it puts up yards and points when the game is already out of reach Down by 17 against MSU Offense comes alive. Down by 21 against Iowa, same story. Down by 21 against PSU, again. Down by 24 against Wisconsin You guessed itoffense shows some life. So you have to ask the question... Is this offense capable of coming out strong, scoring quickly and consistency against a quality team? If you think Illinois is a quality team then yes, they did it once Once. If you dont Then we have an offense that simply takes advantage of a soft defense holding a large lead. No matter who the head coach is next season this team has the potential to be very good. I say potential-- because as we've all seen coaching is everything when you're dealing with young men with helmets. What does the future hold? Go Blue!

aarox

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:43 p.m.

hopefully after our performance today BVO will retract his article saying that RR is done. Clearly he was wrong and we were right!!

D21

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:43 p.m.

OSU 45 UM 10 This is the end (omega) of RR's infamous reign. How we no longer lament the demise of Theo212, the talented yet wayward ex-prodigal son of UM who reminds us of Joe Jackson. Say it ain't so, Theo212.

D21

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:38 p.m.

Theo212, Time for you to recant your unholy allegiance to RR or perish along with him.

Jaxon5

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:36 p.m.

What is everybody complaining about? We're Champions of the state of Indiana; we've got that going for us.

D21

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:34 p.m.

Don't believe that any true blue fan except MSU and the anti UM fans truly supports RR. Including the blue turncoat, Theo212.

Doug

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:34 p.m.

When we get killed next week and in our bowl game that will be the end of the Rich Rod and Greg Robinson show. Another embarassing loss. As a Michigan fan I never seen this coming. Who would of thought we would sink this far. Dave Brandon.... work you magic

aarox

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:30 p.m.

The line was quite $ati$factory to aarox.

Howard the Duck

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:28 p.m.

Well...they didn't drop 83 on the home team!

orlandomichfan

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:27 p.m.

i try so hard to stay positive week in and week out, all season i have supported richrod, but my god this defense couldnt stop my grandsons pee wee league teams offense, i just dont know what to think anymore, it cant keep on like this, no way will we beat ohio st next week...i cant even envision that..if richrod comes back, if he doesnt turn this d around then even i, who has supported him all year knows he has to go..

Sallyxyz

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:26 p.m.

The sooner RR is out of A2, the better.

aarox

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:25 p.m.

I never saw this coming. Never thought that we would finish within 20 of Wisky. Progress!!

3 And Out

Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:23 p.m.

3AndOut Girl was close with her vision: 54-28.... close... Another defensive Gem in the Rich Rod Error. This head coach has had more 30 and 40+ beat downs against his team, than any other Michigan coach in over 131 years of glorious Michigan football.