Mick52

Sat, Dec 11, 2010 : 8:58 p.m.

Ghost, you posted this: "Please note that this is more than RichRod did when he left WVU. When he left WVU he lied about the circumstances of his leaving in an effort to avoid paying the money he owed WVU under the terms of his contract for an early termination he initiated." What was the lie you accuse RR of? And how do you know it was a lie? I searched for news stories and found there was some legal wrangling, but I don't see any confirmed lies. I did find that after accepting the Michigan job he gathered his players and told them he was leaving to coach Michigan. That's no lie. What was the lie?

D21

Sat, Dec 11, 2010 : 6:10 p.m.

Brandon: Could you help me? I'm in a terrible dilemma. RR: Yeah, I don't care much for these foreign players (leftover from the Lloyd era) myself. Brandon: No, I mean I'm stuck... RR: On me? Aw, that's what all the boys say. Brandon: No, silly. Stuck with the $2.5 million buyout of yours starting Jan 1st 2011. RR: Uh, yeah. This modified excerpt above was from the original Three Stooges dialogue between the Girl and Moe: Girl: Could you help me? I'm in a terrible dilemma. Moe: Yeah, I don't care much for these foreign cars myself. Girl: No, I mean I'm stuck... Moe: On me? Aw, that's what all the girls say. Girl: No, silly. Stuck in the mud. Moe: Uh, yeah.

XTR

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 4:17 p.m.

"when BO became coach he had so many kid's transfer out his first year that he put up the sign "those who stay will be champions" can you imagine the people complaining about rr's tranfers if it were 1969. they would be crucifying BO" The difference is night and day. Bo was cleaning the bad and making the team good. RR got the good out and was destroying the team. Proof? Look at Bo's record the first 3 years plus the signature wins against OSU then look at RR's record the first 3 years plus the losses to MSU and OSU. Spare Bo and Lloyd, these gentlemen were classy coaches that stood the test of time without NCAA violations. RR just destroyed everything in 3 years.

missionbrazil

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 3:48 p.m.

PU MSU "Had Carr still be coaching this team, I am sure that (7) DB's in 3 years would have been fine. But take into account the lower than average number (7), the natural transfers from a coaching change, and the unfortuante injuries and the rusult is to have to start a bunch of underclassmen." I would agree with this point if we were talking about a coach's 1st or maybe even his 2nd year, but I really have a problem with the poor performance of the D in his 3rd year. And the stats showing the D going from 24th to 65th to 84th to 110th are really troublesome. I know you do not seem to agree that it is RR and his system, but to many other people there can be no other rational explanation. Everyone wanted RR to succeed. It is not difficult to see that he has not succeeded. What is really bothersome is that he and his fans want to blame everyone else for the failure... it's LC, it's the players, it's the fans, it's the haters,... Because RR is choosing to play the blame game then he deserves everything he is going to get. Period. That is weak leadership.

Blu-n-Tpa

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 3:23 p.m.

Here's my two cents worth. RR is stubborn and unyeilding to reality. He doesn't adapt worth a darn, appears to have no eye for defensive talent, is dreadful coaching or supervising special teams, and can't seem to handle his responsibilities toward the University community at large. And, he lost to Toledo, a school accused of SHAVING POINTS, which was intolerable. He is responsible for not protecting his players from negative coverage, going so far as to sending them to post-game interviews, but letting defensive position coaches hide from their failings. But, really PUMSU, you seem to be fighting a battle that has already been decided. You have already agreed with that so whatever your point is so meaningless that it's getting lost in the verbage. As far as db's are concerned, and this feeds into all of RR shortcomings, if you'rr short on cover guys, why in the hell would you insist, almost to the end of the season, on running a 3-3-5 scheme? That's almost worse than not having a punting/kicking game the last weekend of the season. Finally, don't write you shouldn't have Bo and (current HC) names in the same sentence while having them in the same sentence. (Humor)

ecmichman

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 2:51 p.m.

PUMSU - Why is it that all of your posts seem to be apologetic for RR's poor record? You sure you aren't an RR slappy? At what point is the man responsible for a mediocre offense, this train wreck of a defense and non existent special teams? When will you hold this man accountable for not being able to stand up to the big boys of the Big Ten after three whole years? Stop blaming LC for RR's mistakes.

P U MSU

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 1:45 p.m.

I am not blaming LC for anything. I am nearly pointing out facts that play into the current situation. Had Carr still be coaching this team, I am sure that (7) DB's in 3 years would have been fine. But take into account the lower than average number (7), the natural transfers from a coaching change, and the unfortuante injuries and the rusult is to have to start a bunch of underclassmen. I have said that championship teams do not start a bunch of underclassman in the defensive backfield. I believe it was Edward who shot out a number of All-Star players, including a Heisman Trophy Winner. Of course there was be great players who come into the system and start right away. But they are anomalies. It is certainly not the norm.

umgoblue47

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 1:38 p.m.

brazil... i'am not comparing rr to bo, imo bo was the greatest coach michigan has ever had in my lifetime. there have been many many post's on here blaming and slaming rr for transfer's. i'am not blaming lc for anything. imo he is the 2nd best coach michigan has ever had in my lifetime. i'am just stating that transfer's happen to bo, mo, lc, rr, and all colleges. some poster's try to make it seem as this only happens to rr... iam not an rr lover or hater and he was not my first choice for coach either, but i do hope he get's one more year. if this time next year we are in the same boat then it will be time to change coach's... GO BLUE...

P U MSU

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 1:28 p.m.

Edward, I'll agree with you on one thing, I do not believe that RR will be coaching this team next year. I find it odd that you compare a life and death matter such as War to the game of football. Sure Patraeus had no room for error. He was responsible for the lives of 100k+ soldiers. "Of course, Carr left our resident narcissist a team that went 9-4, was 2nd place in the Big Ten, beat three top 25 teams, and had 15 returning starters. Hardly a mess parallel to that in A-stan." At least you are willing to admit that you blame RR for changing the system. Try blaming the guy who hired him. Sure this was a 9-4 team, but take into account they were graduating a quarterback. What is the most important position on the field? Quarterback. Who was the only other player player with game experience at Quarterback? Mallet. Did he play on the team that went 3-9? No. So RR came into his first year with a new system and no quarterback. Admit that much is true. I don't see how you get 15 returing starters even counting the kicker and punter. 2008 Starting Roster Mathews - WR Butler - TE Shilling - G Warren - CB Trent - CB Ezeh - LB (a stretch here to give you the benefit of the doubt) BG - DE Taylor - NG Johnson - DT Jamison - DE Count total 10. Add the kicker and punter and you have 12. 7 on defense and 3 on Offense. What were our struggles in that first year? Offense. The offense was terrible. We had no QB. We lost most of our lineman, including the best tackle in the country. Lost a great runningback in Mike Hart. Sure the defense was ranked 50th or so in the country, but had our offense been able to sustain some drives, their ranks would have drastically improved. Again I'll ask, Please show me where all of this is RR's fault.

missionbrazil

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 1:14 p.m.

umgoblue47 - can you imagine the people complaining about rr's tranfers if it were 1969. they would be crucifying BO. No one was complaining that RR had transfers. If you read the comments PU MSU was trying to claim that it is LC's fault that our D is so bad, and not RR's. He tried to show how LC only got 7 DB's to commit to UM in 2006-2008, and that none of them are playing this year. 3 of them left UM during RR's watch, so how is that LC's fault? Sorry but you absolutely cannot blame LC or anyone else except RR for the fact that UM's D went from 24th in the nation in 2007 to 67th in 2008 to 84th in 2009 and 110th in 2010. It is absurd to even try to blame others, let alone to try to show recruiting stats & injury stats and other things to justify the blaming of LC. Absurd. ps - Bo was able to overcome decommits and all else to make UM a winner... right away too. Bo and RR should never even be mentioned in the same sentence... it will make RR look that much worse.

The OSU

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 12:44 p.m.

Calm down everyone... just hold hands, sing "Kumbya" and everyone have a good cry.

P U MSU

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 12:19 p.m.

ec, Yes you struck a nerve. No I don't see myself in your comment. My point is simple. Show me why everything is RR's fault. I have done my research. You come here and spout out but bring nothing to the table. I will analyze any information you bring forth and make a decision based upon all the facts I have gathered. I don't have a problem with admitting I am wrong. Just someone please prove me wrong.

ecmichman

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 12:19 p.m.

UMGoBlue - you are correct. I misread your post. My apologies.

umgoblue47

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 12:05 p.m.

ec... i am not comparing rr to bo, iam just stating fact...

ecmichman

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 12:01 p.m.

UMGoBlue - Wrong - Bo took what was left and molded them into Big 10 champions. Comparing RR to Bo is ridiculous. PUMSU - Seems I struck a nerve. Did you see yourself in my comment?

umgoblue47

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 11:54 a.m.

pumsu... sorry i'am not trying to butt in here, but you are 100% correct about transfer's. when BO became coach he had so many kid's transfer out his first year that he put up the sign "those who stay will be champions" can you imagine the people complaining about rr's tranfers if it were 1969. they would be crucifying BO... GO BLUE

P U MSU

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 11:54 a.m.

ec, Show me how it is his fault. I am open to any proof to show that it was his fault. I not calling this guy King. I am not saying he is our savior. I just want to see why it is his fault he took this job. So please show me why this is his fault. I have given you facts as to why I don't this it is. Now instead of spouting off as why im some kind of RR slappy. Show me why it's his fault. I have no loyalty to this coach. My opinion is based off what is right and wrong. I feel that it he came walking into a situation where he was hated from day 1 because he was not a "Michigan Man." I feel that no one will recognize the facts surrounding the situation or even consider them. I do not come here to defend RR. I come here to defend what is right and wrong.

P U MSU

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 11:32 a.m.

Edward, If you are going to blame RR for Mallet transfering than you are a lost cause. There is no changing your mind. It simply man no sence for Mallet to stay. It made no sence for him as a player and no sence for RR as a coach. Sure Mallet is one of the best passers in the country, but he would not succeed in a run-based spread system. Have you seen the kid run? Blaming RR for running his system is childish in my opinion. Yes (again i must say it) he was a bad hire, a bad fit, whatever you may call it. I just feel that it is unfair to him, a true unjustice, to boot him out now. After he finally will have a junior class he recruited. Everyone wants to talk about morals. Well what kind of morals would Michigan have for not honoring his contract or giving him a fair chance to succeed. I don't know if he will be the answer or not. I can't say yes or no. What I can say and what I have always said is that 3 years is not enough for a transition of this kind.

ecmichman

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 11:28 a.m.

This discussion regarding the defensive back situation for U-M is typical of RR supporters. Once again the action of others has dealt him a bad hand. He is repeatedly painted as the innocent victim that is trying to clean up the messes made by others when in fact HE is the one who made the mess.

P U MSU

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 11:25 a.m.

I've said multiple times that RR was a bad hire. I disagree that it weakens my point. Transfers happen all the time there is a coaching change. There are just as many coach loyal players as there are school loyal players. I cannot blame the players for leaving. They came to Michigan to play for Lloyd or the coach that recruited them. I will not blame RR for those transfers either. Just because he runs a different system than what was previously here. That is not his fault. I don't see how you can blame any new coach or players for transfers. It happenes at every school in any coaching change. Look at how many recruits decommitted from Miami when their coach was fired. You can't say that players are not coach loyal.

missionbrazil

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 11:05 a.m.

PU MSU "Ok but how many of the 9 players are still on the team? Or played for their team this year? You are missing the point. Not only was there only 7. Not a single one played for the team this year." This logic weakens your argument, not strengthens it, since they all left during RR's watch. If they had been recruited by LC and then declared not eligible academically (which seems to happen to RR by the way), that is one thing. But if anything this is on RR.

P U MSU

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 9:57 a.m.

Ok but how many of the 9 players are still on the team? Or played for their team this year? You are missing the point. Not only was there only 7. Not a single one played for the team this year. Look at any successful team in the country. You do not start underclassmen in the defensive backfield.

P U MSU

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 9:54 a.m.

2006-2008 Michigan had (7) defensive backs recruited. The number that player for Michigan this year (0). Steve Brown - (2006) Graduated Artis Chambers - (2007) Left the program Woolfork - (2007) injured Mike Williams - (2007) injured Warren - (2007) left as a junior only to go undrafted Cissioko - (2008) Jail Brandon Smith - (2008) Left the team 2006-2008 Flordia had (12) defensive backs recruited. This is what I refer to when I say that LC did not recruit well in the defensive backfield. Look at this and tell me I am wrong. I don't believe you can.

missionbrazil

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 9:32 a.m.

PU MSU: This information is coming from Rivals too. Feel free to look it up: During the same 3 years (2006-2008) OSU had 9 DB commits, as did MSU. Just 2 more DB's than UM, and yet their teams were far better than ours during the 3 RR years. Your point about just having 7 DB's is a good point, but it does not explain how our D has gone from 24th in the nation in 2007 to 110th in 2010. Bad coaching and a bad system is a much better explanation. 2 extra DB's in 3 years does not explain why OSU and MSU are much better than we are in D, special teams, recruiting, overall record, BT record,...

blueincolumbus

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 9:02 a.m.

Theyre are going to have to make adjustments to compete with Mississippi State, but I bet RichRod is going to have some tricks up his sleeve...haha not!

P U MSU

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 9 a.m.

I've never, ever, not even once, said LC was a bad coach.

Blu-n-Tpa

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 8:45 a.m.

54, glad to see we are on the same page regarding UM. It's not just football with me either. And, although you were anxious about losing games late in the 4th quarter, (a quote from the movie "Big Chill"?), you needn't worry about that anymore. Nowadays we are out of half our Big Ten games in the first 30 minutes, not the last 15. I don't see that as an improvement and I don't think it will change with the current coaching staff. Sorry but there are too many signs of bad coaching. Defense, special teams and recruiting all scream of lack of preparation. Michigan can and deserves better and if DB can get a quality coach now is the time. By the way, GREAT WIN for the Women's BB team last night, coming back from 13 down at half to beat an undefeated Kansas team. That to me is coaching. Now win men's soccer and the hockey game tomorrow and life will be pretty good. GO BLUE!

golfer

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 8:10 a.m.

with all the kids thinking again about decommitting from fla. michigan might have a crack at them. now is the time for db to do something about rr. the longer he waits the same stuff will be next year. in business some times you have to switch your business plan. now is the time. unless he has someone in the bag that is playing in a bowl. i sure hope he know what he is doing. right now it seems just plain STUPID to hold off.yes we do not know the big picture. i will give him that. trying to save money by waiting is ok. loosing kids is not worth it. just do not build another new building on campus use that money to pay rr off. then hire someone or put his name out. if i was coming to michigan. i would say the heck with the bowl.

I love Michigan Football

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 7:05 a.m.

Michigan Football > Michigan Basketball. That's the difference. The football program is what makes or breaks Michigan whether you want to believe that or not. I never wanted Bo or Lloyd to leave and I want Rodriguez booted. Not understanding the point you are trying to make Mick? Everyone that I know doesn't want Rodriguez here and knew from the start that it was a bad idea to hire him in the first place. Rodriguez has done nothing for this program to get another year. It makes perfect sense to cut our loses and get this god aweful experiment overwith. We are horrible on 2 of the 3 phases of football, defense and special teams. 2 defensive coordinators soon to be 3 if he stays will not fix this defense overnight. Sure the offense can roll up yards against Bowling Green and Delaware States of the world, but did nothing against teams that had a decent defense. We are not out anything by starting over. It's time to build the foundation and cut Rodriguez loose.

3 And Out

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 3:16 a.m.

Mick52...I can assure you that I am not a supporter of RR but I was a huge support of Lloyd, Mo and Bo...and I can also assure you that the large majority of MSU and OSU fans WANT RR to stay! Wouldnt you after going 6-0 vs. RR's version of "Michigan" and most games were not even competitive....LOL...come on man!

Mick52

Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 2:45 a.m.

DB to me is no where near brilliant. Giving Beilein support makes no sense to me, comparatively his teams have done hardly any better then RRs, especially in the Big Ten standings. This year could be a huge disaster. The team is fun to watch, but the coaching makes no sense. Four small guards and no players big enough to compete in the Big Ten. Almost got beat by Harvard and had trouble with Concordia. So if DB likes this, I question his judgment. Too many 3 pointers (missed)while passing up short open shots and poor defense. Watching BB is as painful as watching football. And there is no indication of improvement in the future based on recruiting. Beilein should be on whatever chopping block RR is on based on the same thing: performance. It makes no sense to change coaches now, a huge risk for DB if the change results in a bad year next year. After next year, if RR has not done a significant improvement, then his dismissal will look fine. No other coach would have done better than what we have seen with these players. And there has been improvement. He deserves another year, but it has to be a great year. The people calling for RR's removal are the same one that wanted Bo and Lloyd booted along with all the assistants that have left. Its makes so little sense I am convinced they are all MSU and OSU fans fearing what is happening and want to keep the program down.

RobbiesBoyfriend

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 8:18 p.m.

If roundtree's gonna talk dropped balls, Hes gonna be talking for a while.

Lemansblue

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 7:34 p.m.

54, Coach BO,Mo and Carr never cared about mythical National Championships they said the same thing at the start of the season. Our goal is to win the Big Ten and go to the Rose Bowl. Why hold that against them?

lawrencelaundry

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 6:55 p.m.

Too much quietness among JH and DB. Leads me to believe our savior is coming to AA. As far as Urban Meyer, he not coaching for a while and I would rather have JH anyway. I just hope the NFL doesn't snag him first with all the openings available. If he goes to DA Bears, I wont be so mad. But AA is where I hope he ends up.

Theo's Brother

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 6:22 p.m.

@Theo212 I need a Wolverine victory poem for the Gator Bowl to present to my Miss State friends. And of course I will credit you. Thanks!!

3 And Out

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 5:49 p.m.

ecmichman...good point... Harbs would definitely build recruiting back up again. No more blind offers to kids who wont qualify academically, no more deemphasis on defense and over emphasis on 5-7 slot WRs and 5-7 RBs... no more deemphasis on the kicking game... etc. Harbs would immediately bring in NFL type talent and use his connections to the NFL as well as his insistance on academic success to bring in a) kids who can play ball and b) good quality kids who are leaders and best.

Theo's Brother

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 5:40 p.m.

@ecmichigan True. But my best of friends go there and they'll always remind me of that game lol. I'll be ok I guess. I think it is yet to be seen what happens with Rich Rod or any other potential coach for that matter.

ecmichman

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 5:26 p.m.

WolverineinSEC.... Fret not over another RR loss should it occur. Short term pain for long term gain. If Jimmy H makes the return trip to AA, U-M and Miss State may never meet again in bowl season. If he comes, a strong case can be made for U-M making annual appearances in upper level or BCS bowls. The same can not necessarily be said for Miss State.

Theo's Brother

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 5:14 p.m.

@heartbreakM Good point. Croom wasn't a bad coach though. He just took them as far as he was going to. Mullen was just a perfect fit for Miss State. Gosh I want this one in the worst way. I have so many friends at State and a few on the team. We'd better pull this one out or I'll be hearing about this for a long time haha

Sean T.

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 5:05 p.m.

"Ghost" has been spot-on all year, maybe his predictions may have been off a bit but so has many of us. The worst predictions have been by Kool-aid drinkers with ridiculous or laughable finishes like; 10-2, 9-3 and a whopping 12-0. We also got thumped by our conference rivals and had shootouts and nail-biters with the conference bottom-feeders. Eventually this will play itself out but attacking "Ghost" in the meantime will not make RR a better coach.

XTR

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 5:04 p.m.

"Andrew Luck also seems to be on DB's timetable. The end of bowl season will be quite interesting...." Jim to AA is still "good" as we speak and both JH and DB are strangely silent and calm this late in the season. Strange that Jim has yet to say that he is not coming back, while DB has yet to say that RR will be back. lol! It is like both are waiting for the bowl games to be over.

GoblueinNE_PA

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 4:56 p.m.

A tribute... When we are down and, oh our souls, so weary; When troubles come and our hearts burdened be; Then, we are still and wait here in the Big House, When Jim comes and makes Rich a memory. Jim raises us up, so we can stand on Buckeyes; Jim raises us up, to kick Spartan backsides; We are strong, when we are on his shoulders; He raises us up: To more than we can be.

D21

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 4:52 p.m.

Bowl Prediction: MSU 38 UM 17

D21

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 4:50 p.m.

A Ghostian quote: "That is why we have a brilliant AD who will make the right call, so fans get over it RR will be in AA for a long time." So why not announce NOW that RichRod is staying? Why not end the speculation now? Why potentially harm recruiting by waiting until Jan. 2 if DB is going to announce that we are keeping our cheating incompetent narcissist? Please tell me the logic of our "brilliant" AD. I agree in that it is brilliant if RichRod is gone. In that case it makes all the sense in the world to wait. But it makes no sense whatsoever to remain silent on the subject if DB intends to keep him. RR supporters, you is so foolish and hardheaded for NOTHING, snicker. Buh bye RR. Urban Meyer committed a far greater sin than Harbaugh did when the slick Urbano told the BCS that Michigan doesn't deserve a spot in the title game against Ohio State after the 2006 season and succeeded in getting Florida in against OSU (an easy blowout). Say NO to UrbaNO.

michman54

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 4:46 p.m.

Not trying to compare him, just pointing out the fickle fans. I love U of M and not just the football program, (definetly will be watching the soccer game tomorrow even though not much of a "soccer" fan). I will support our coach and team to the end. I hate losing, that being said I can all to well remember too many gut wrenching 4th qtr losses under previous conservative coaches offensive approach and a defense that couldn't stop the other team when needed the most. The fact is the last 3 coaches averaged about 9 wins per year and did win B10 titles but how many times were we actually in the hunt for Nat'l Championships? Maybe RR won't be able to get it done but an offensive philosophy change was definetly needed. Not putting down Bo, Mo and Carr, just saying last 40 yrs 1 Nat'l Champ. (Thankyou Woodson)!

heartbreakM

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 4:43 p.m.

@SECcountry: I never said MSU was a bad school. I was quoting another person. But if Croom 'laid the foundation', then he was not a good coach because he was not getting the results. I know nothing about that team, other than that they play in the SEC and beat a few teams this year. I actually am impressed that their coach, Mullen, turned things around in a tough conference, much quicker than RR has turned things around. It's not like MSU had a 4 decade run of excellence. In fact, MSU's prior record got a few coaches fired for not performing well enough. I think Mullen just proves what we all are saying, and that's that RR has not coached well, and is a bad fit with Michigan. RR may be a good coach elsewhere, but he has not done it at Michigan. He has proven that with poor results, with actions (think: banquet and blaming everybody else for his own problems) and crazy statements showing how he does not understand M's rivalries or its history. He also showed how he did not do his homework before he came here, by continually saying that he was surprised... Somebody blamed M's poor record compared to MSU (SEC) because of academic reasons. I think that's nonsense. Bottom line--Mullen took a team, with largely other coaches recruits, and molded them into a good but not great team, with a better record in 2 years than RR has managed to get in 3 years. And in a tough conference. That's impressive, but the same type of standard that we expect, and which we are not getting.

missionbrazil

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 4:25 p.m.

michman54 "I have looked at their schedule also and believe the first 10 games are winable, not saying they will win all ten but winable and we do get OSU and Neb. at home. With another year of spring practice and strength conditioning, getting Wolfolk and Floyd back (and by the way we have 3 of the top 30 CB's of ESPN top 100 at each position coming in next year) the defense will be much improved. We already know what the offense is capable of. So I don't see where 9-10 wins are out ot reach." 1. We had MSU, Iowa, and Wiscy at home this year and that did not help us at all (the best result of these was a 10 point loss, to a 7-5 team). At home or away, we cannot beat the good Big Ten teams with RR. We could barely beat Indiana & Purdue for that matter. 2. With another year of spring practice & strength conditioning... we have already had 3 years of RR spring practice and strength conditioning... 1 more and we'll magically be so much better? 3. "... the defense will be much improved."... first off, it can hardly get worse. Our D is already down to 110th out of 120 teams. This is one thing that I actually have any confidence left in RR - I am confident that he can somehow make our D drop even lower than 110th. Per a Ghost post in another article, the D has gone from 24th in LC's last year to 67th to 84th and now to 110th. There just is no excuse for this to happen at UM. 4. " We already know what the offense is capable of."... it's capable of being the 4th best scoring team in the Big Ten. Most of that is due to the fact that we scored tons of points against Illinois (6th best in BT) and had a good showing against Indiana (last in the BT). Against the best 4 teams in the BT we scored and average of 20 pts. per game and were out of most games by halftime... not really even exceptional at all. It is exciting at times, but that was mostly when we were 5-0 early in the year. There is not much hope for a good year if RR stays, unless you are totally in denial still or unless you think even more highly of RR after singing "You Lift Me Up" like Theo. I agree with Ghost's prediction for next year if RR stays: 5-7 (maybe 6-6 if we steal a game). That prediction is more based on facts and RR's 3 year track record.

ecmichman

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 4:18 p.m.

Murrow - keep up the good work. You defend your position with zeal and factual information. Those that come at you are only armed with excuses and wishful thinking.

I love Michigan Football

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 4:03 p.m.

exactally ecmichigan....What we do is what Jim and Andrew decide to do after their bowl game. Everyone knows that's what DB is waiting on.

Theo's Brother

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 3:59 p.m.

Also @heartbreakM: Mississippi State is a lot better school than you think.

Blu-n-Tpa

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 3:59 p.m.

@54 Bo's '84 team was an anomaly, a blip on the screen, a bump in the road. Please tell me if you would take a first and second place Big Ten finish the two years before and two years after Bo's little dip of 6-6, compared to what we have had lately? So please try to keep these "examples" within historical reference. The year after the Holiday Bowl the defense allowed 98 points, and beat MSU, UW, OSU and Nebraska in the bowl game. Coach Carr took over as interim HC his first year, was 8-4 the next year and then won or finished 2nd in the conference the next 8 years, including the NC in 1997. The guy was cooking and for that people still don't give him the credit he deserves. 54 how about a little respect for coaches and AD's that did their jobs and a lot less wishful thinking. The current AD played for Bo. Do you really think bringing up the one bad season, relatively speaking, out of two decades Bo coached is good? Bo lost to BYU by 7 points, 24-17. If that's getting "smoked" what would you call RR's last two games? Unacceptable, that's what I'd call them.

Theo's Brother

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 3:57 p.m.

@heartbreakm: Sylvester Croom laid the foundation for that program. He cleaned that program up and built it back up with upstanding young men who might not have been blue chip recruits, but they had discipline. Dan Mullen is simply reaping the benefits of Croom. Except for a handful of skill guys, all the rest of those guys are Croom's recruits. My best friend (a RS Freshman) was recruited by Croom. All Mississippi State lacked was an offensiice identity, and Mullen provided it. Just imagine if they had a difference-making QB, like Cam Newton. We have to play well to beat this Bulldog team.

XTR

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 3:46 p.m.

"Thank goodness DAB will make the decision about RR, because if the fans were to make the call Carr never would have won a Nat'l Champ. because the fans would have fired him after his first seasonand, Bo would have been gone after the 6-6 season getting smoked by BYU in the Holiday Bowl. If it were up to the fans Mich would go for it on 4th and 1 from our their own 10 yard line. That is why we have a brilliant AD who will make the right call, so fans get over it RR will be in AA for a long time." Did Bo or Lloyd have a 3-9, 5-7 and 7-5 seasons back to back to back? Did they have a 0-3 against MSU and 0-3 against Ohio State record in a season back to back to back? Did they have a single NCAA violation? Did they have below average defenses and one trick pony offenses? Spare Bo and Lloyd. These gentlemen should not be compared with a failure and a NCAA violator like RR. RR is here only for a couple more weeks. RR lovers should enjoy having him around.

I love Michigan Football

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 3:43 p.m.

I do not understand why everyone tries to disagree with what Ghost says. He hits it on the head everytime and most us have a clue what is going on with this program. The posts that Rich Rod will be here for 15 years....bwahahaha.

ecmichman

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 3:40 p.m.

Theo - it is an honor to have you presiding over these boards. Your leadership is greatly appreciated.

ecmichman

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 3:32 p.m.

Andrew Luck also seems to be on DB's timetable. The end of bowl season will be quite interesting.... http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/12/09/any-luck-at-all-in-11-stanford-to-find-out-post-bowl/

michman54

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 3:08 p.m.

I do agree with you that Brandon should just say what his intentions are, it would certainly calm everything down. I have looked at their schedule also and believe the first 10 games are winable, not saying they will win all ten but winable and we do get OSU and Neb. at home. With another year of spring practice and strength conditioning, getting Wolfolk and Floyd back (and by the way we have 3 of the top 30 CB's of ESPN top 100 at each position coming in next year) the defense will be much improved. We already know what the offense is capable of. So I don't see where 9-10 wins are out ot reach.

heartbreakM

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 3:03 p.m.

@art: Given that Mississippi schools are bad, you can only coach up who you have on your team. And based on Michigan's relatively poor showing in the B10 all academic team and graduation rates, I don't know if that "academic excuse" is valid. Are you saying that it is difficult to win with academic qualifications? OK, fine. But the predecessor coaches for 100 plus years have done it, and there is a certain coach at Stanford (a school with real academic qualifying limits) who has done quite well.

umgoblue47

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 2:39 p.m.

from the poster that dident give michigan a GHOST of a chance to go to a bowl early on, then predicted michigan would go to the poulan weedeater bowl in shrevport, la. howed that prediction work out for you... i will archive your post and maybe you will be right? but who ever the coach is next year i will support them, will you? GO BLUE...

Art

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 2:10 p.m.

heartbreakm, Mississippi has the worse education system in the nation. 50% of that team would not qualify in the Big Ten & the other 50% would flunk out of Michigan after the first semester. At Michigan you actually have to show up for class & work.

michman54

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 2 p.m.

Thank goodness DAB will make the decision about RR, because if the fans were to make the call Carr never would have won a Nat'l Champ. because the fans would have fired him after his first seasonand, Bo would have been gone after the 6-6 season getting smoked by BYU in the Holiday Bowl. If it were up to the fans Mich would go for it on 4th and 1 from our their own 10 yard line. That is why we have a brilliant AD who will make the right call, so fans get over it RR will be in AA for a long time.

clarklaker

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 1:23 p.m.

I bet Jim Harbaugh could get it right with DR.And btw i bet he could coach up our defense and special teams too.

Lorain Steelmen

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 1:22 p.m.

Hey, if Mullen gets the Florida job, great for him! It's not a slam dunk by any means. Meanwhile Urban's NOT going anywhere.....at least for now. He may take the osu job when Tressel retires. As far as the UM job, it isn't open now, and it won't be open, for the next 15 years. Rod is here to stay. Meanwhile out ibn sunny california, Harbaugh picks up a huge pay increase for staying at Stanford. Turning to 'tree'. I think when Junior Hemmingway was injured, more of the load, and pressure fell on Roy. He reacted by trying to make the 'big play', rather than the 'safe play'. Gotta have the ball BEFORE ya run, guy. Not worried about either of them for the bowl game. UM will be fine, and look great on national TV! Result; The UM coaches will increase their recruiting presence in the sunshime state. Go Blue!

mgobluealways

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 1:18 p.m.

NoBowl4Blue, You really want Urban as the coach? Hasn't Florida let the NCAA in number of players getting arrested for the majority of Urban's tenure? I doubt Michigan would be willing to risk that, nor do I think most Michigan fans would put up with it. If fans can't put up with Rodriguez's, no way would Urban last.

P U MSU

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 1:08 p.m.

The OSU Put D Rob in Pryors position and you guys are undefeated. DR did everything he could to win games. He lacks a supporting staff. That does not take away from the talent of the kid.

heartbreakM

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 1:02 p.m.

@the OSU: I agree with you. DR was not one of the top 2 or even 5 QBs in the B10. He did not manage the game well in too many B10 games. He is exciting, quick, and much better than last year, but did he lead M to any victories they were not expected to get, like the NW quarterback? I think RR's comments are out of place. Re: Kovacs: I am surprised Spielman is critical of him. I actually see a lot of Spielman in the way Kovacs plays--hard nosed, always around the ball. But I think Spielman's points are not way off. To me, though, it is much less about talent and much more about coaching. Only a few schools get the "top talent" year in and year out. But many schools coach their D to play much better than ours has performed for the last 3 years. I'm surprised Spielman did not recognize that.

heartbreakM

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 12:56 p.m.

@michboy: many people around these parts would not necessarily consider that a Michigan advantage, you know..... But it also begs the question: Mullen has turned around Mississippi State in his second year, with a better record in a tougher conference. What's the deal? Is he just a wonderful coach? Does the other MSU have that much more talent than old slow Michigan?

The OSU

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 12:56 p.m.

Rich-Rod can't figure out how DR didn't get 1st or 2nd team honors at his position. The simple answer is, "He's not that good." What's a QB's main job? It's not passing. It's not rushing. A QB's main job is leading his team to victory. In that DR failed. Yes, he's a gifted athlete and posted some individual accomplishments in a TEAM sport, but accomplishing the main goal of winning... well, I'm afraid not.

rensational

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 12:55 p.m.

I remember those comments about Kovacs. I mean, Kovacs is actually one of our best defensive players, but I do think it's sad that a former walk-on is one of our best. On the flip side, anyone else notice how, like, on the 5th we heard this stuff about Stanford offering Harbaugh a new contract...and haven't heard a thing since? I'd say advantage Michigan there, too.

michboy40

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 12:52 p.m.

I agree with 81W regarding Kovacs. Screw Spielman, he was one of our better defenders this year. There is a lot to pick on with our D, but Kovacs is not one of them.

tulsatom

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 12:50 p.m.

Kovacs always gives 100% effort and I like his attitude and work ethic. Spielman even acknowledged that. I think Spielman's point was that Kovacs would be a reserve and special teams guy on a good defensive team, not a starter who is counted on to make key stops like he currently is at U-M and speaks to the current talent level of the U-M defense. As far as Urban Meyer is concerned, it would be great if he was interested in the U-M job but something tells me that the rigors of coaching in the pressure cooker of a big market team has taken its toll on him and we wants and needs a break, not just a change in venue.

michboy40

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 12:48 p.m.

It just dawned on me last night that there is a good chance Dan Mulolen will end up getting the Florida job, which will leave the Bulldogs wihtout a head coach for the bowl game. Advantage...Michigan

NoBowl4Blue

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 12:32 p.m.

Spielman was without a doubt one of the toughest college and pro linebackers ever to play. He'll always be my favorite Lion. The fact is he was right about the defense. It was and is pathetic. Now on another front, drop all the Harbaugh talk and open the bank for Urban. It would be like Woody and Bo all over. Urban always coveted the OSU job and knows all about the rivaly. He also knows the spread and can, I repeat can recruit defensive players.

TrueBlue95

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 12:20 p.m.

oops..meant to say "RR made a judgement call.."

81wolverine

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 12:02 p.m.

Roundtree had a good year, but needs to step up his game next year by not dropping NEARLY as many passes. Braylon Edwards had (has) the same problem and if not corrected, can really hurt the team. I think he'll be able to do it and looking forward to seeing him play in the Bowl game and next season. Jordan Kovacs should completely ignore Spielman. Spielman's been known to be a jerk at times and obvioulsy has not watched Kovacs play very much. Of all the defensive players this year, I'd say Jordan was one of the very toughest, most consistent guys out there. He's earned his starting job and scholarship.

tulsatom

Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 11:58 a.m.

Roundtree had a pretty good year overall and appears to have a lot of talent, although it appeared that the pressure of playing against the top teams in the Big Ten might've gotten to him toward the end of the season, either that or the colder weather. Whatever the case, he has another chance to make some clutch catches against Miss State and I hope he rises to the occasion.