Joe

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 5:32 p.m.

I'm beginning to believe more and more that the AD is going to wait until after the NCAA sanctions hit before he fires RR. That way he saves UM a LOT of money that can be used for the next REAL coach and his staff. If what I read is true, that will be Nov 17th, 3 days before Wisconsin. The question then becomes does UM have an interim coach, or 2 for Wisconsin and the Puke-eyes, or will he wait until right after the 100-0 Puke-eye win??

Yelmonian

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 1:58 p.m.

Jim Pryce, I don't understand the rationalization that it will take more time if a new coach is brought in. Now... it may not be a 10-2 season next year, but a 7-5 competive season in the Big Ten is better than what UM fans have been getting the past three years. (Beating Indiana is not competitive). MSU fired John L Smith (spread coach) and hired Dantonio. Took a 3-9 team to 7-5, and a bowl game. Has gone to three straight bowl games. 8-1 in his fourth year (only one year ahead of RR). A fundemental, solid coach can turn things around. Don't look for perfection in year one, but just being competitive. MSU was able to turn things around after having a mentally beaten and much less talented team. There is no reason a solid coach can't do the same thing for UM. Right now... nobody sees that hope with RR.

Brad

Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 7:23 a.m.

A comment that violated our conversation guidelines was removed. We don't allow swearing or masked swearing. Thanks. And so was a second one that had no such "masked swearing". Thanks.

Jim Pryce

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 10:06 p.m.

I'm not a fan of Goober Rodriguez, but if you change things up it's still going to take MORE time to bring in the Big studs Michigan used to recruit to replace all the finese guys that are there now. Offense is decent, we need to recruit defensive players who are smart enough to be at Michigan & stay out of jail. I best defensive player is Kovacs who was a walk-on.

classof81

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:32 p.m.

Tom Harvey, Good call- coop always wins for UM. But i really hope we give RR several more years to improve his team with his own players.

Oscar Lavista

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:27 p.m.

Instead of complaining, we should be grateful we were strong in football for such a long time. Things don't last forever. It's still a great university!

classof81

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:25 p.m.

go blue!!! where's Mitch?

tim

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:15 p.m.

OSU BUCKEYE if Denard Robinson had been on OSU a few years back OSU would have beaten Florida for the national championship. Troy Smith always gave Michigan problems but if Denard would have been your QB you would have won by 3-4 touchdowns in those close years. I do agree with you however that when QBs run alot they eventually get hurt ( remember Dixon for Oregon)) I thinks that why we have the depth at QB. If our D was as good as our O we would be a top big 10 team

buckeyebob

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 8:04 p.m.

After the UM AD returns from his round the world tour ( he can't be anywhere near a TV) and discovers he needs a new football coach; I recommend one of the most popular BigTen coach among AnnArbor residents- John Cooper former OSU coach. He's available, willing to move, highly experienced and (unlike the current UM coach) has a history of honoring contracts he signs.

OSUBuckeye

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 8:04 p.m.

B.S. Tim, that scat back, and that's all he is, just taking the snap direct in the shotgun is one big blind side defensive end hit away from ending his Big Ten career. That coach of yours is going to get some kid seriously hurt, by exposing him wide open to get drilled. Regardless of what you think, he's one missed assignment from getting seriously hurt in this league. Big Ten teams aren't little panzy ass Big East teams, these defensive ends are big, strong and fast. He's put up big numbers against weak teams. Now that the big teams are moving in, what has he done against Wisconsin, MSU, soon Iowa, Purdue, Illinoise and Ohio State. Seriously, that man is going to get some young kid badly hurt.. If you want to play ball like this, move down to the MAC or Division II. Thanks

clarklaker

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 6:56 p.m.

Its halloween and rich rod is still the coach,what a friggin nightmare.Brandon i hope you are doing your homework.

saginaw

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 6:01 p.m.

Illinios is starting to look like an extremly tough game....

tim

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 5:14 p.m.

Denard is not a gimmick no one in the 40 years I've watched in the big ten has put up numbers like he has but any big ten team that has to score 50 points a game to win is doomed.

OSUBuckeye

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 2:08 p.m.

Just keep losing... But realistically, this guy isn't a quarterback... He's a gimmick in a gimmick offense.. Look, I am what I am, I am an OSU Buckeye here in Michigan... I just want to be straight up honest here, not that I love UM, I could care less, but there was a day that I did love the rivalry, and in some warped way, I miss the days when an 11 - 0 UM or 11 - 0 Buckeye squared up with a 9 - 2 or something like and had dreams if a Rose Bowl smashed. That's a RIVALRY!! This crap you have now, is crap. It's a fraud, get back to to what made you once great!! Big bruising running backs, big defensive linemen. Big offensive bruising lines!! Get rid of that fraud and that fraud quarterback, get back to Big Ten Football and get back to some respect!! That's all I have left. I'm here not that I love you, we'll find another rivalry, but it will take time, and honestly it may not be as much fun. If you want to keep RR, that's fine. But then give up your last game spot on our schedule and we'll beign anew with MSU. At least they have a Big Ten coaching, who gets Big Ten...

tim

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 2:07 p.m.

Somthing is wrong compared to past teams. I can't remember a D that did not show constant improvement during the season. Eather what they're teaching is wrong -- how their teaching is wrong -- the team ethos is wrong, I don't beleave their not working hard enough.

Bemused Passerby

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 1:50 p.m.

Hate to ask, but could Denard Robinson be poached by another team? He's an amazing talent, and if I were leading another Division 1 team, I'd sure be looking for a way to whisper in his ear. Haven't seen it mentioned here before, but does anyone think it's possible for DR to jump ship? What would be involved?

MjC

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 1:50 p.m.

My fear now is that Michigan will no longer be able to recruit and attract the best football players. College football is a huge business now - no one wants to play at a second rate college, doesn't matter how great the "tradition" was. It's just a frustrating situation all around and I don't see it getting better anytime soon.

OSUBuckeye

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 1:17 p.m.

Tim, you and your family are more than welcome here in Columbus.. I understand...

tim

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 1:13 p.m.

Bottom line --- My kid is now embarrased to dress up in her UM fan football garb for halloween. If you loss the kids you loss the future.

David Briegel

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 1:12 p.m.

Bill Martin is a great sailor but Michigan could not afford a satelite phone. Bo would be embarrassed!

OSUBuckeye

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 1:11 p.m.

John!! Noone, absolutely NOONE, could have put your joke of an institution and football program any better. You are truly the laughing stock of Big 10. Actually, we would like for you all to leave, so so we can bring in a more formidable opponent. EMU would be a good trade. Anyway, we can get you all off our schedule as the last game of the year. Michigan football ----peeyew Keep RRod, we love him here in Columbus!!!

superbuck

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 12:56 p.m.

Well I must say with RR Michigan is an embarassment to the Big 10

Bablat

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 12:55 p.m.

Time to hire Virg Bernero as Head Coach, hell be looking for something to do.

Satch

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 12:44 p.m.

I see even Tater can't paper over this disaster. If Brandon isn't already on the phone he's just as clueless as Martin, the destroyer of Michigan football.

azwolverine

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 12:41 p.m.

I think the toughest part of this loss for fans to take is the fact that PSU is not very good this year. They are a mediocre B10 team, with a suspect defense (gave up a ton of yards to Minn last week) and 99th ranked offense. They kicked our tails like a top 10 team. That is NOT a sign of progress in any way, shape, or form.

GettingBluer

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 12:03 p.m.

Also, though I like watching him play, I believe that for his own good Denard Robinson ought to consider transferring to one of the SEC schools where he would still be a very valuable player but without getting injured weekly by Big Ten defenses. He seems to be about as nice of a young man as you'd ever meet and is scary fast, but there really isn't going to be much left of him at this rate.

John

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 11:52 a.m.

Two weeks to prepare? Guess that didn't work. What we need is extra practice time. Oh crap, guess we tried that too without success.

GettingBluer

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 11:52 a.m.

RR: "We just have to play better." Translation: "I have absolutely no idea what needs to be adjusted." Regarding firing RR and GR now or at the end of the season: What's the difference? This season will be the same either way.

John

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 11:46 a.m.

What's a guy gotta' do to get fired around here?

maizenbluedoc

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 11:43 a.m.

groland: I believe the reason RR was hired was an ill-thought, knee-jerk reaction to Lloyd Carr's retirement.To be simplistic, Neither the AD or university president knew what they were doing. And, unfortunately, I'm not sure the people in charge know what to do. I realize it is a critical decision, but if I were a player at Michigan, I would relish the idea of a coach replacing RR who could show promise and committment to the football program. Sure, the program may have to adjust, but it can be done. The longer this poor excuse for coaching exists, the harder it will be to right the ship. The constant poor play definately affects recruiting which Michigan desperately needs at this point. Mr. Brandon....DECISION TIME.

azwolverine

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 11:37 a.m.

If JoePa is indeed retiring after this season, then RR will have gone 0-fer Joe.

A2D2

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 11:31 a.m.

Here's my UM history. i moved to AA a few months before Lloyd's last season. I was excited about being so close to such a storied program! Then App State happened, then Lloyd retired and then R was hired. I went to 2-3 games Lloyd's last year, and then I went to RR's spring "game" at Saline High, while the Big house was torn up. I remember calling my retired Dad and telling him that I was no expert, but I thought they really looked BAD in the Saline Spring game. Bad like not being able to do even the most basic things right. Then UM went 3-9 and I went to 5 games. I thought they would come back to being MICHIGAN, for goodness sakes, so I bought 2 season tickets for last year, and at least the early games were fun. By the end of the year, I saw a desperate coach taking advantage of a lost freshman QB and indirectly blaming him for almost everything. I still had faith. I bought 2 season tickets again this year. This was going to be the breakout year. And gain, at least the early season was fun. I am going to be out of town for the Illinois game, and to be honest, I am glad I am not going to be there. How sad this must be for the students, who will forever refer to their time at UM as "the years we were really bad". How frustrating/embarrassing for the alumni, who have to go to work Monday and take abuse from their MSU and OSU-loving co-workers who are like carnivores circling a dying animal. How disappointing for the 90 or so kids who won't be able to tell the stories about their titles, and bowls, and big wins while they were UM players.. I'm just a relatively new fan. A local who has lived here 4 years and wanted to be part of something great. I'm done now. I have 2 tickets to the Wis. game- the last of my season tickets. I'll be glad when it's over, to be honest. Last night I even switched channels during the game and saw a segment of Mythbusters. it was funny; in the segment I watched, the two guys were trying see what happened when "poop hit the fan". They had walls set up and a radar gun to measure impact, etc...... They could have done it a much simpler way. They could have just watched the Rich Rod story unfold here. Because, brother, it has really hit the fan here in Ann Arbor.. 'bout time.

groland

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 11:10 a.m.

RR reminds me of a high priced CEO who is getting rich while the company tanks. We chased RR because he was big name, regardless of whether he was a good fit and despite his ethical issues. Now we are paying the price. I would love to see Michigan find a relative unknown coach, from a low profile program, who has leadership skills and the desire to prove himself on a national level. I am sure they are out there. Just look at Jim Tressel and what he did at Youngstown State.

scotty

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 11:02 a.m.

Watching Michigan Football the 1st part of the season gives me hope of a turn around. Then the heart of the big ten season is a real disappointment. Rich Rod is a Great offense coordinator, but the defense is the worst I have seen for 20 years....500 yards to Umass, 117Th in pass defense. This is not Michigan Football....

Jaxon5

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 11:01 a.m.

Photo caption: "RR greets Joe Pa for the last time as a Big 10 coach."

clarklaker

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 10:55 a.m.

i wonder when they will put up a billboard in ann arbor to fire charlie weis(rich rod)

UMfan2001

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 10:15 a.m.

I think I should not considering myself a "UM fan" and root for the football team until they get the house in order. Anyone wants to buy a ticket for the Illinois game?

jaxie

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 10:08 a.m.

Mr. Brandon, if you can get your hands on a replay of Saturdays game watch it from a different prospective. Forget about the play on the field, its already apparent that Michigan is playing with half a team at best. Watch the sidelines, particularly the coaches. Joe Paterno appeared very thoughtful this is where we are and what should we do next. RichRod went from one temper tantrum to another screaming at players and refs. Obviously he trying to win, but is such immature behavior the way to win. His behavior is an embarrassment to Michigan. Isnt it time to recruit a coaching staff who Michigan can be proud of: a coach that can develop a whole rather than half a team; a coach who behaves like a mature adult rather than an immature middle schooler?

Rik Pfenninger

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 10:04 a.m.

Carbon copy of last year! Here we go!!

GoblueinNE_PA

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:53 a.m.

Heartbreak I'd like to see Harbaugh here as well. Back when he was at San Diego, I kept watching him thinking, "That's our next HC". Alas, we had an even bigger idiot as our AD than what we now have as our head football coach. Honestly, this is all Bill Martin's fault. RichRod simply took a job offer worth a lot of money at a place that was a step up. He had no idea that he would be a miserable failure and totally out of his depth. Bill Martin should have known this, but not RichRod. Bill Martin ruined atheletics at Michigan. Twenty years from now, people will look back at what Martin has wrought and will stare in wonder. From top 5 overall athletic program in the country to a bottom feeder across the board, in less than a decade.

heartbreakM

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:38 a.m.

Go blue in NE PA: I have asked all to consider in the last few weeks. Mike Bellotti (Oregon's former coach who whupped up on us a few years ago). If not, then let's get Harbaugh. But getting Bellotti will be much easier as he is not coaching right now. Look at what Harbaugh is doing to the Pac10 though. Pretty tough coaching, especially on the toughness scale. That win over ND is looking less and less meaningful, and in 3 years, the only non comeback or close wins RR has had are: Minnesota first year, maybe Miami OH first year (though that was close), Del State last year, BG this year and Uconn this year. Look at what Harbaugh has done--not too many almost losses in his wins. RR has got to go. He looks lost out there as does his team. As the weather gets colder, ball gets harder, and the lack of help for DR is getting more obvious. I think even David Brandon knows at this point.

GoblueinNE_PA

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:26 a.m.

For those of you calling for GRob's head right now, who would you replace him with? You're not going to bring some one in from the outside, that would leave promoting some one else. Tony Gibson? Give me a break. He's a bigger part of the problem than Robinson. He's the Hack's buddy, not GRob. For better or worse, we're stuck with this bunch of idiots running the team until the end of the season. As for who's next, I don't think we'll get Harbaugh. I think he has NFL aspirations. Les is a possibility, as the LSU fan base would like to see him gone. I like the coach out at Utah, but with them now moving to the Pac10, he has less incentive for leaving. Mark Richt would bring SEC football to Michigan and I think GA would part with him. Hoke isn't the guy, never was. Maybe we look at assistants, like the D Coordinators at TX and Ala.

Tex Treeder

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 9:19 a.m.

RR: "We just have to play better." Thank you, Captain Obvious.

Sean T.

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 8:58 a.m.

Some folk claim if you don't support the coach, you don't support the team. So we should just remain calm and hold each others hands and sing Kumbaya until 2018 when we finally get 3 Big Ten wins. Don't you people understand that it's youth, Lloyd Carr and Greg Robinson's fault? Fundamentals, shmundamentals, who needs that when our King will score 300 points the rest of the season. I hate you whiners and complainers, so maybe I'll just attack you guys because I know you are right about RR being a horrible coach. I know if I click my heels together RR will get us that 9-3 record I predicted at the beginning of the season. Sorry Fellas this is Sean's wife and I am sending him to the Hospital because he drank the RR Koo-laid on a dare this weekend. I'm not sure how long he will be away from the computer because of the long-lasting effects of vision of grandeur and being completely of your mind. Please pray for him, Michelle

SaveMichiganFootball

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 8:47 a.m.

Boring WINNING football trumps exciting losing football.

Geoff

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 8:36 a.m.

I would love to see Harbaugh bring his coaching skills to Michigan. RR is not Michigan! This football team is not Michigan! I hate watching this team and the style of football they play. This d-fence sucks! How long is it going to take RR to realize that? HARBAUGH! HARBAUGH! HARBAUGH!!!

Sean T.

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 8:18 a.m.

At least Sparty lost, right Tater?

tommyf0412

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 8:06 a.m.

I almost can't wait till the end of this season. Even with a bye week, this defense looks worst then it did in any previous game this season. Easy fix, the only solution is that you need to fire the entire defensive coaching staff. Yea Rich, that mean's your buddy Greg Robinson. What a joke, let's blame it on the youth, or injury's. This all come down to that Rich has enjoyed his 3 year internship in Ann Arbor, and if things don't take a dramatic turn in the off season then Dave Brandon will send him a packen. P.S. If any of the defensive coaches need help packing, i'm available 24 hours a day, 7 day's a week.

maizenbluedoc

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 7:48 a.m.

I really believe RR knows he is in over his head, but is too obstinate to admit the fact. He is collecting a ridiculous salary for a loser. I do't think he or his assistants know how to coach. Much may be because RR is the boss and everything has to be done HIS way. I was willing to support him for three years if improvement was evident, but that hasn't happened. Mr Brandon....decision time.

Jaxon5

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 7:42 a.m.

The only thing RR has proven is that he cannot win in the Big 10. At the end of this season it will be 4-20 or 5-19 over 3 seasons. Bottom rung, bottom of the barrel, bargain basement, last place, worst team in Big 10 history, embarrassment to all. Enough.

mizejoe

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 6:50 a.m.

At this point I agree with Ryan, get rid of the defensive coordinator and RR should coach the D. In the end he is the head coach and needs to show that he is actually a coach. The offense is good, the defense horrible. I think that the way this season has gone, RR needs to prove he can win Big Ten.

trigg7

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 5:44 a.m.

What about all in for Michigan?

clarklaker

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 5:13 a.m.

That was an ugly display of coaching on both sides of the ball. The whole coaching staff needs to go.

coldtoes

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 4:32 a.m.

Hey Ryan,,,,,, RR went out and got GR. The correct thought should be that both need to get fired.

BlueGator

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 4:01 a.m.

I've been a loyal fan for 50+ years and have never been so frustrated with the team. The D is a complete joke. And, when you break down the O, it consists of only an okay OL plus DRob (who's slowly being physically worn down like Forcier was last year). We don't have many real playmakers, even on offense. C'mon Dave Brandon, don't we need a head coach with more vision than RichRod?

Ryan

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 3:25 a.m.

I think Rich Rod needs to FIRE GREG ROBINSON NOW HE SUCKS BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3 And Out

Sun, Oct 31, 2010 : 2:15 a.m.

Actually the answer is C) Penn State was fortunate enough to face a Rich Rodriguez Error Michigan team.