Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges says handling expectations in 2012 will be tough
Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges says handling high expectations next season may be impossible.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
During his first year as an offensive coordinator at Auburn in 2004, Borges helped the Tigers go 13-0.
The minute that season ended, the talk wasn't so much about how amazing the previous campaign was, but more about what the encore would be.
"When I was at Auburn, we started 13-0, which was absolutely awesome, 99.9 percent of it was great," Borges told Birmingham, Ala.'s Jox 94.5 FM on Thursday. "But there was the one percent that was like 'Oh my God, where do we go from here?' "
Michigan started the Brady Hoke era in 2011 with an 11-2 season and a BCS bowl victory to boot, accomplishments that went above and beyond all expectations entering the year.
Now, though, the heat's about to ramp up.
Several publications have picked the Wolverines to win the Big Ten in 2012. The Wolverines are a 2-to-1 favorite to win the league next season, according to betting site Bovada.com.
Bovada also pegs Michigan as a 20-to-1 favorite to win the national title.
Can Michigan find a way to quell those massive expectations next season? Borges says no, probably not.
"I don't know if it can be done, I don't know if you can, particularly when you start off 11-2," he said. "Here at Michigan, the expectations are high. And that's why you coach at these places. You'd rather have that than have the fans be apathetic.
"So you go out and you win every single game you can win and if it doesn't turn out, you go to the next game."
Borges' Auburn team wasn't able to recapture perfection in 2005, going 9-3 the next season, and eventually resigning after the 2007 campaign after multiple years of declining performance.
As for Michigan's 2012 season? Borges says he can't predict the future, and tempering white-hot expectations will be next to impossible.
But if anyone can do it, he says, it's Hoke.
"Brady does a fabulous job of keeping the team at an even keel," Borges said. "And trying desperately not to let your fanbase influence too much on how you think."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Comments
blueinwestpenn
Sun, Jul 8, 2012 : 2:30 p.m.
Though this article is about Al Borges, let's look back at 2012 and acknowledge that much, if not all, of the 11-2 record can be attributed to the coach on the other side of the line of scrimmage... of course that man is Greg Mattison. The Michigan defense went from being basically the worst in the FBS on at least a dozen categories, to top a top 10 defense over the courses of two seasons 2010 and 2011. Michigan's defensive secondary and linebacking crew continue to strengthen and though we have interior defensive line question marks for this upcoming season, I expect 2012's eventual W-L record will remain more about how well the defense plays. Oh, and BTW, the oft forgotten reason why we beat VT was our stone cold red zone defense... How many times in the 2011 season did that much improved michigan defense stone opponents in the red zone. Look it up. Defense was huge last year. it will be in 2012 too.
ted
Tue, Jul 3, 2012 : 4:40 a.m.
I just don't see us repeating the good fortune (luck) we had last year. There is no doubt ND, VT were games that Michigan was severely outplayed. In both games Borges was to blame.
OldBittyBates
Sun, Jul 1, 2012 : 2:54 a.m.
The offensive and defensive line are too porous for the kind of success Michigan fans are expecting. It will probably take two more years to finally reach perfection. They also need a better QB (passer) and receivers.
7718
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 12:46 a.m.
Borges won't get a more dangerous Qb than the one he inherited. Why should we have to wait a few more years? Then in three years, are we going to give him a few more?
leo
Sun, Jul 1, 2012 : 2:28 a.m.
frankly i think michigan is still a few years away. a few poor recruiting, high turn-over classes by RR i think depleted the depth. what i can expect is that they'll be well coached, in shape and will compete in every game. 20-1 i think is extremely generous. 2-1 for big ten i think is also unrealistic based on the schedule, but i'll gladly take it!
leo
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.
how is that a free pass?? if hoke were to lose 7-9 games/season for the next two years, i'd want him gone too. 11-2 is a great start with the talent he had...
7718
Mon, Jul 2, 2012 : 12:44 a.m.
Why does Borges and Hoke get a few years free pass?
braggslaw
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 11:26 a.m.
People get a littly slappy at times... With this schedule I predict 8 wins. The personnel in the trenches is a bit light this year.
Hailmary
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 12:19 p.m.
Braggs, one thing we do know for certain, not one game in the 2012 season has been played yet. Right now we are in a dead even heat with every team in the country.
Rejw
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 11:22 a.m.
Is Borges saying "expect failure" this year?
Rejw
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 11:44 a.m.
Yes, he is saying don't expect an undefeated, NC season in year two with existing players. It is safer to try to downgrade expectations now. Or is he saying we were lucky last year and may suck this year?
braggslaw
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 11:27 a.m.
I think he is trying to temper expectations. Michigan has very little depth on the DL and OL. It will be a problem this year.
redceder1
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 5:31 a.m.
Getting back to 3rd place will be tough.
Hailmary
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 12:15 p.m.
Rejw, I think Sparty is for real. The difference is, Mich. is an elite program that has boo coo money, great supporting casts, lots of television exposure even on the W. coasts and gets the cream of the crop when recruiting. Now there was about 4-6 down years before Brady Hoke got here but I believe that's a thing of the past. In terms of cycles and the changes in college ball in general I think those down years were needed for the Administration to get up to speed and adjust to the changes such as salaries in college football. The stadium got a facelift, I think the fans appreciate all the changes such as the coaching changes. Ya, they spent a chunk of change but better now than later when that chunk of change might not be there. Later a lot of the money from the football and basketball programs might have to be diverted to help the University and students, (tuition) in general. Dave Brandon was a student at Mich. and I think Dave is more sensitive to the plight of students than some folks would have us think. If the football program falls in disrepair and goes down the toilet there won't be money for anything let alone a recovery. RR proved or should have proved how fast things can turn arounnd.
Rejw
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 11:46 a.m.
But this will be the year that the theory that Sparty is for real wil be shown false.
7718
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 1:34 a.m.
No excuses Al! You've got a lot of returning starters coming back. Expectations should be extremely high, I've read all the posts here that say you, Mattison and Hoke are THE BEST in the country. With that kind of loyal support here you can lose a few games and the fans will look the other way. You've got it made here at Michigan just keep telling the alumni and fans what they want to hear.
jeff blue
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 1:21 a.m.
Hi All, I think that this is a very good article and Borges is a smart coach. It is better to say this now; the fan base is way ahead of the ptogram right now. Yes, we are coming along, but 2012 is not the year to talk about a Rose Bowl or national championship. Here is my rationale: 1. 2011 was a great season, but we had many things in our favor: a) we had ND at home, we do not win that crazy game in South Bend b) we did not play Wisconsin or Penn State in the B10 c) we got OSU at home and had a lot of trouble in winning against a very poor OSU team d) and most important, we had some very strong and physical players, and they are now in the NFL 2. 2012 will be a far tougher season. a) we open up with Alabama and I think an 11 point spread in Las Vegas b) some tough road games: ND, NEB, OSU c) the MSU game will be no walk in the park, but we really should win that home game with our senior QB d) and once again those highly physical players are gone So I expect that we will lose 4. And I really pray that we don't have to a tough and physical SEC Team in our bowl game. I will be happy if we win all of our home game -- really. JEFF
braggslaw
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 11:28 a.m.
Yep, that is exactly how I see it. I think they lose four this year.
Hailmary
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 11:27 p.m.
I'm highly anticipating this coming season, 2012. I think just like last year, this is another season for building to get Mich. back to their rightful place among the elite. It's very likely that this could be a tough bruising season but make no mistake, Brady and staff will use whatever comes at us such as Alabama. There is much more positive for a program like Michigan's to play the elite among the nation. The RR era and those ridiculous losses are a thing in the past and I doubt in the Brady Hoke era we're going to see that nonsense again. If we do I for one will be very surprised. Yes, I like what's coming down the Pike at Mich. this season. The boys will either toughen up or, They better get out of Dodge.
umgoblue47
Sat, Jun 30, 2012 : 4:02 a.m.
if we can avoid the injury bug and keep mistakes and turnover's to a minimum we should be ok and compete with every team we play. the RR years are now in the rearview mirror and looking down the pike the road looks pretty clear as to the direction MICHIGAN is headed. . . GO BLUE!!!!!!
Howard the Duck
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 9:11 p.m.
Geez.. it's only June and he's whining already.
Hebner
Sun, Jul 1, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.
Talking real is refreshing. Man, this is not whining. We are up against a demanding schedule this season, and to repeat last season's record is challenging, and may not be repeated. However, there is excitement in the air about this season. It is nice to have a tough schedule, and good for recruiting. This is why great players want to come and play for big blue!
Hailmary
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.
I don't think he's whining, I think he is catching his breath after an incredible season.
Hailmary
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 9:10 p.m.
This is how the game goes, from the top of the mountain to the cellar and it can happen overnight. If the team descends after a stellar season it's always a possibility after graduation and or injuries or transfers. Look at ohio and the Tressel debacle. If it ain't one thing it's another and it's just part of the game folks. If any of you have been to Vegas then you know about gambling and the highs and lows of it, well, that is college football in a nutshell, you win some, you lose some.
JamesF
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.
Al Borges has his work cut out for him this season. Starting off with Alabama with Game 1 to the last game of the regular season with Ohio at the Shoe is one tough schedule. However with the returning coveted player, Denard "Shoelace" Robinson, and Fitz Toussaint, he has a good enough chance as any OC to make this team special. Let's just hope he gets creative and uses some great plays. Can't wait. Should be an interesting year. Go Blue!!!