What's next? Michigan players insist they will avoid late-season swoon
Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs, above: "I think it's easy to say that this is the same Michigan team from the last two years, but I have no doubt in my mind that we're not. We're going to improve, learn from this game and win."
The No. 11 Michigan football team (6-1, 2-1) was upset by No. 23 Michigan State (5-1, 2-0) on Saturday, its fourth consecutive loss to the in-state rival.
The 28-14 setback was demoralizing, especially for the seniors who leave school without ever beating the Spartans. It also leaves them 0-7 against Michigan State and Ohio State, the program's two biggest rivals.
"Today is going to be tough, but you just have to bounce back," senior defensive tackle Mike Martin said. "But the thing about this team is, I know for a fact this team will bounce back."
Now, the question is what do the Wolverines have to do avoid the same kind of precipitous letdown that followed their past two losses to Michigan State?
"I think it's easy to say that this is the same Michigan team from the last two years, but I have no doubt in my mind that we're not," junior safety Jordan Kovacs said. "We're going to improve, learn from this game and win."
The Wolverines entered their past two games against Michigan State 9-0. They lost 26-20 in overtime in 2009, 34-17 last year and finished those seasons 3-13.
They were 6-0 this year, then again lost to the Spartans. Now what?
"I expect them to act like a Michigan football team, and that means that they will come to work," Michigan coach Brady Hoke said.
For the Wolverines, that means two weeks of work. They will be off next Saturday, which gives the players extra time to work out their kinks, get healthy — quarterback Denard Robinson was knocked out of the game on a late hit — and clear their minds.
Kovacs said there's two ways to approach the off week.
"Mentally, I'm ready to move on to the next one," he said. "But, it's probably a good thing we have the bye week, so we can physically get healthy. At the same time, though, I'm ready for the next one."
Michigan will host Purdue in two weeks, a very winnable game, then hit the road for tougher ones against Iowa and No. 16 Illinois.
For Michigan State, the road ahead gets equally tough, but it has the advantage of having some momentum. After all, coach Mark Dantonio treats the Michigan game as Michigan does the Ohio State game: It's the biggest of the year.
"This feels complete," Dantonio said of the win. "I feel very content. ... I feel like it all came to fruition for us.
"When you win, you know there is a lot of excitement about that. This is a big football game. It feels good. It feels complete."
Dantonio added the victory was a "program win," and gives the Spartans a lift heading into tilts against No. 4 Wisconsin and No. 14 Nebraska.
Those are crucial games for Michigan State, as it now is in control of the Legends Division race at 2-0.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
Lorain Steelmen
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.
Sparty 'won the battle', saturday, but 'lost the war'. Hoke has everything he needs, to run the table this year. Sparty must beat Wisconsin and Nebraska, to keep UM out of the title game ...I think UM wins the division , NOT msu. Because I think, Wisconsin beats the crap, out of Sparty this week, and so does Nebraska in two weeks. It won't be pretty for Datonio, as he has lost the 'poor me' facade. The officials will 'get the word', that msu will NOT get any breaks, the next two weeks. Even if there is 'no offical comment', from the league office. msu made the league look bad, on national tv. And the commish, doesn't appreciate that crap....trust me on this one. Meanwhile Dantonio may not beat UM again. As Hoke recruits bigger kids, and more skilled athletes, UM pulls away from msu, program wise. Trust me, Hoke is not about to concede anything, despite his official 'compliments', to Dantonio, in the press, Hoke will NOT have that happen to UM again...ever.
Gang_Green
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 4:28 p.m.
Trust me - do not drink any kool-aid that Lorain serves you. UM is improved this year but - I see 9-3 as the best outcome with your schedule, most likely 8-4 which is better than I thought at the beginning of the season. Next year will be telling without 8 home games and without a cupcake to start the season. But as far as Hoke never losing again to MSU ever - that is a very long time. I think you should be happy if he wins one in the next few years.
GoblueinNE_PA
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.
The resilence of the fans that post on AA.com is ridiculous. You folks act like we're the Titanic and we just hit the iceberg. How many folks at the start of the season thought we'd got 12-0??? No one. How many folks here thought we'd compete for the Legends division title??? No one. It was one freaking game people. Wake up. Was it an ugly loss? Sure it was, but what made it ugly was the play of the deliquents from State. The cheap shots and dirty play, which is par for the course for a Dantonio team, made that loss hard to stomach. I'm a realist here though, MSU right now is bigger and stronger than Michigan. The only way you beat a team when you are in that situation is you have to out coach them and we didn't do that. The offensive play calling was horrible. Despite all that, we were 2 plays from having a tie game (a better 4th down call and no pick six). Worst case was that game should have ended 21-14. I remain optimistic about this team and how they'll play. We may not win all the games going forward, but we'll at least be in all of them, unlike the past 3 years. Back of the ledge folks.
Lorain Steelmen
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 8:10 p.m.
NE_PA. I totally agree with your post. I was one of the few here, that said I thought 10-2 or 11-1 was a possiblity. I even thought the key game was msu in E Lansing, because I knew Dantonio was dirty. It all played out exactly as I thought it might. BUT, despite having an undersized team, physcially, UM DOES, have the ability to 'win out'. If we get help from Wisc and Nebraska, and I think we will, UM can win this division. Sure we may get PSU or Wisconsin in the title game, but I'll take that challenge, when we get to it. For now, it will be a lot of fun to see this 'close knit' bunh of kids, take a BIG step forward, and run the table. It CAN be done. We have great kids, and they are determined to make a statement . Don't bet against 'em....we must stay realitively injury free, of course, but it IS, within our reach. Title #43 is stilll there to be won.... Go Blue!
RJ12688
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 5:27 a.m.
Its time to face the music, Denard isnt going to lead this team to victories over top B1G teams. The good teams are not going to let him run and make him throw. For the last two years now, he's proven that he is a below average passer at best. With the bye week coming, and Purdue following, its time to start Gardner. He has shown glimpses of the kind of arm he has, and he is still very athletic and can create plays. Keep Denard on the field most plays,and get him 15-20 touches per game on hand offs or quick passes. The Defenses are still always going to have to account for him getting the ball and at the same time, Gardner would actually pose a passing threat. Gardner is going to start at some point this year, might as well be now IMO..
mun
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 3:29 a.m.
Of course there won't be a swoon. Rich Rod is not coaching this team. Brady Hoke is far better than Rich Rod. Michigan is actually playing defense, unlike the previouse 3 years.
Jaxon5
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 1:10 a.m.
Late season swoon is the "M.O." for UM. Until they actually prove it on the field, they will remain a team that loses in the Big 10 and sits in the bottom tier. Not out of the bottom tier yet. Didn't win the games yet!
Enforcer
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 5:30 p.m.
There was a lot of blame to go around for the loss, but what stuck out to me the most was Michigan's inability to block MSU's D-line. It is hard for any QB to make positive plays when you have RB's and O-linemen missing blocks and running unabated to the QB. In my opinion, that is where the changes need to take place first
azwolverine
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 7:28 p.m.
Yes! All this talk about pulling Denard, from a team that is currently 6-1 with it's only loss coming on the road to the defending B10 champs is way premature. The blocking yesterday was awful, the wind was blowing crazy, and it contributed a lot to Robinson's poor performance. Rather than going overboard and changing the QB at this late juncture, improve the blocking schemes, focus on blocking technique with the line and RB's, and work on using a shorter passing game that works to Robinson's advantage. Like you said, those are the changes that need to take place first.
Tru2Blu76
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.
Another collapse? No way - forget it. This coach has proven a lot of things in his 9 months at Michigan. He LOVES Michigan with all of his heart and soul. This coach has no quit in him. This team: is a year older and has another year to further mature a develop. These are not the same collection of freshmen and sophomores (18 and 19 year-olds) they were. These are now seasoned veterans who still have potential to improve. Why would anyone think of giving up on this team now? Denard:a stellar athlete who still has trouble calming his nerves and his feet. I am an expert rifle competitor and know how dangerous it is to let nervousness become a habit - it's very hard to break that habit once it takes hold. Same applies to any quarterback, not just Michigan's No.16. Yesterday's game saw Michigan's O-line facing what is rated the nation's No.1 defense: would that make a QB nervous? Just a clue: YES, it would. Just look at the average age, size, weight and AGE of MSU's defense: it's "impressive." No wonder the Spartans were able to penetrate multiple times with multiple players. I confess: I badly over estimated Michigan's Offensive unit. Yesterday "brought that to my attention" but I still say this offense will be good enough to get Michigan more wins this season. Our defense: not No.1 but they've improved AT LEAST 74 levels in the rankings. Yesterday's loss hurt - but it wasn't a blowout by any means. It wasn't a blowout because we have a good team getting better - and really good coaches who've been very effective in the face of great challenges. Go Blue!
RudeJude
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 1:12 p.m.
Agreed. Remember it was 21-14 on that 4th-and-one in MSU territory. I saw a number of Spartan fans holding their heads in their hands when we got the interception leading into that drive. Things weren't so certain of their victory as it'll be remembered. This team is marching ahead and will improve. This one hurts more because it is against a rival school whose alumni many Michigan fans see on a daily basis, who are more than willing to rub it in, and also our first loss. But it's just one loss in the end. I figured 8-4 at the beginning of the year, and a 6-0 start is no reason for me to expect more. Short term, Michigan may continue to struggle, but long-term, under Hoke, Michigan will flourish. Remember, every coach after Oosterbaan lost to MSU in their first game, including Schembechler and Carr. Things turned around for those guys. Give credit to Sparty, let them enjoy their first 4-0 stretch since the 50s. I'm no less excited about Michigan's future, this and any other losses experienced this year are just bumps (though painful ones) in the road. Go Blue!!
azwolverine
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 7:22 p.m.
Good post.
amzack
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:43 p.m.
XTR: Agree with your comments. UM should consider using RR's other very talented QB who has all the primary skills a QB needs - while still getting DR his touches. Unfortunately, Hoke will be criticized like RR was for using Denard, and his small frame, too frequently in other ways. Looking at the performance of our juniors and seniors shows that Carr checked out early in the recruiting area. Current coaches need three more recruiting years before we get to see their product. At least it looks like the defensive coaches can do more with what they have than the previous staff. Until then, UM fan will need to manage their expectations.
AAbob43
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.
"For Michigan State, the road ahead gets equally tough, but it has the advantage of having some momentum. After all, coach Mark Dantonio treats the Michigan game as Michigan does the Ohio State game: It's the biggest of the year." Thank you Wolverines. If the MSU game matters not to you, I gather it's ok if we Spartans keep kicking your butts in perpetuity? It's this kind of disrespect for opponents that helps build the Wolverines' reputation for arrogance. Granted, U of M has dominated this matchup. But some things have in fact changed. Among them, I believe: weren't football rosters once at 100+ players, but they're at 85 now? At one time, U of M and OSU were able to "warehouse" many players who had no PT and who weren't on some other team's roster. No longer. Parity is happening. Boise State. Applachian State. Toledo. When I coached D-1 sports, the most important game was the next one. Whomever was the opponent. Maybe Michigan is so focused on its last game each year, that it eats the cupcakes early, and then disrespects everyone else till it's time to lose to the Buckeyes.
Bruce Kennedy
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:36 p.m.
Ann Arbor.com wusses.
allergictobs
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:18 p.m.
I don't see anything with this team that leads me to believe they can keep it together for the stretch run. They'll be LUCKY to win 2 more games, EXTREMELY lucky. They have played 2 REAL teams so far. ND B-slapped them all over the field for 3 quarters before they self destructed. And MSU just man handled and intimidated them. Make no mistake about it Michigan did NOT beat the Irish, The Irish gave them the game! MSU was not so generous. And ND Slapped the snot out of MSU. I say to all my fellow U of M fans. Have the great memory of the ND gift as the everlasting feel good moment for 2011. Lets hope Brady builds for 2012 and beyond. His honey moon lasts until September of 2012.
azwolverine
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 9:29 p.m.
allergic, Are you still sold on ND after they got their hat handed to them by an iffy USC team in their own stadium? I certainly don't see them being "light years" ahead of us by Jan. 1 or any time in the near future, for that matter.
RudeJude
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 1 p.m.
I think Michigan will be the favorite to win against Purdue and Iowa, although by only a few points. Nebraska, Ohio State and Illinois will be tough. I think michigan will go 8-4 or 9-3. That's about where I saw it at the beginning of the season. If Gardner sees more playing time, I think we'll see vast improvement. Now it's up to the coaches to make that decision. In regards to the ND game, while they made the turnovers, it was Michigan who took advantage of them. Notre Dame didn't score those touchdowns on themselves.
mun
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 3:09 a.m.
U-M beat Notre Dame. Those turnovers by ND are a credit to the U-M defense.
Jaxon5
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 1:07 a.m.
Agree with allergic. The win over ND was not a quality win. In fact none of the first 6 wins were quality wins. Until this team proves it can win consistently in the Big 10, it remains a bottom tier Big 10 team. That's where they remain, until they actually win the games. Must win the games.
allergictobs
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 8:10 p.m.
Obviously AZ, we won the ND game. The point is That if not for a complete collapse by ND with unforced turnovers, insane drive killing penalties, and stupidity on pass coverage, we would have not been close to winning this game. Ask the bandwagon fans that left in droves at the end of the first half, end of the 3rd quarter and when the Irish went ahead with 30 seconds to go. The ND game served to give us a false sense of security. NOTHING MORE! The Irish Crushed MSU and Crushed us for 3/4's before they gave us the game. A win is a win but recognize it for what it is, not something to strut around crowing about like we dominated and crushed them. Thank God we don't have to play them next week. Like last year by January 1 the Irish will be light years better than us, while we struggle with 4 straight loses and another embarrassing bowl loss.
azwolverine
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 7:10 p.m.
UM did beat ND. No matter how you want to slice it, UM won that game by making plays they needed to make to get it done. Also, UM is 6-1. What were you expecting, 13-0 in year 1? If this team wins the 2 more you suggest, that will be 8-4 for the season which will be pretty good for his first year, especially when you consider Pete Carrol and Nick Saban went 6-6 in their first seasons at USC and Alabama, and Tressel went 7-5 at OSU...while RR went a grand 3-9. Hoke is building for the future while trying his darndest to win now with players who don't all necessarily fit what he likes to do. That said, Hoke doesn't need any "honeymoon' because he's doing a VERY GOOD job right now, and one loss to last year's B10 champs doesn't take anything away from that.
Bruce Kennedy
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 3:22 p.m.
trigg7 at 11:01 PM on October 15, 2011 "yea, and i guess you picked UM over STATE too. So you might as well keep it to yourself.that was such a poor coaching job I'm even in barest for you! ouch what a beat down". What is "in barest"? Are you trying to say you're nude? Schooling wasn't wasted on you, was it? Obviously an MSU grad. Great at football, lousy at grammar.
RudeJude
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 12:51 p.m.
"Great at football, lousy at grammar." Let's give MSU credit, but not too much credit. They are better than us at football currently, but they are far from greatness. I think you nailed the grammar part just fine, though.
Rufus
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
It's a loss. Can't change that. Michigan State's defensive line dominated Michigan's offensive line. It would be easy to blame Denard but it's hard to play ball control offense when your RB's are getting hit in the backfield every time. This coaching staff has done a great job, but it's unrealistic to expect a complete turnaround in one year. Also, give Dantonio and MSU some credit. They have a tremendous defense, an experienced quarterback, and some exceptional running ba
Doug Kennedy
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 11:40 a.m.
I think it is time to make D-Rob a slash player and let Devin become the full time QB. If our goal is to win a Big Ten Title next year, this is what Brady and his staff have to convince Robinson to do.
unclefred
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:22 p.m.
Devin is a good QB but our problem is NOT at QB. Our problem is the OL. Doesn't matter whose back there if the defense is in their face all day. XTR - Denard spent two years being miss coached. He's had 7 starts under a very different system. Hoke could have made the choice you suggest back in January, clearly he sees potential in Denard you do not. I trust his judgement. We all knew this was going to be a rebuilding year. At least we aren't looking at 3-9 or 5-7 and realistically we are all thinking about 8-4 or better. This was an ugly game and a tough loss, but you can't fairly hang it on Denard. They played as a team and got beat as a team. Assuming they bounce back, I want to see how they play down the stretch before I dump Denard.
azwolverine
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.
Agree with Don. If moving DRob is even a consideration, it won't happen until next season.
DonAZ
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.
Not going to happen, at least not this year. Probably not next either.
XTR
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 11:46 a.m.
At this point, that is the most logical thing to do. DRob already started 20 games it is what it is for him at QB. If Hoke wants to contend for the Big 10, he should use a new QB and make shoelace a Percy Harvin. Shoelace will not win in the Big 10 as a QB.
Engineer
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 5:01 a.m.
I expect this year to look a lot like last year. moo u is not all that great (look at ND or Alabama) and we are worse. We will have a shot against purdue but rest is down hill till Hoke recruits Michigan men that realize letting sparty win more than 1 every 5 years is totally unacceptable.
azwolverine
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.
Michigan will win 2-3 more games and compete in all of them, imo. No, we don't have the talent in the trenches needed to beat OSU, Iowa, Nebraska, or maybe even illinois. But, we didn't have the talent there to beat ND, either (yes, ND really is 31-13 better than State), and yet we did it. You're right, though, it will take some time through recruting and strength training with the new staff to get Michigan back to truly being Michigan again. In the meantime, rest easy in the fact that Pete Carrol and Nick Saban both went only 6-6 in their first seasons at USC and Alabama, while Tressel went only 7-5 at OSU. Hoke is already doing at least that well, and may do even better before this season is over. And don't worry, this team KNOWS it's not ok to lose to State and will get that problem fixed.
trigg7
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:53 a.m.
News flash, you need a QB to win games. Pride before the fall. Wile ur at it why dont you guys burn those God awfull rags you call uni's UM will be lucky to win two more games. What a bad coaching job. DR new nick name is "pick six." what a joke!
Thomas Strode
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:07 p.m.
"Pride before the fall" The actual quote is: "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" -- Proverbs 16:18 Please quote correctly!
DonAZ
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.
@azwolverine -- seriously, what's up with the trigg7? And I wonder what the "7" stands for. I have my theories.
azwolverine
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 3:40 a.m.
If you are a State fan, why do you come across as so angry? Cheer up, ma'am...your team won.
XTR
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:57 a.m.
If UM continues to use RR's QB in the same way RR used the QB, Michigan will have the same fate of RR's team last year. Against weak teams, he is awesome, against strong teams like MSU etc etc, Michigan will lose. They just stop the run, and the pass is gone and the offense is one dimensional. Be prepared, if UM insists in using that QB, UM will lose all games with strong defenses.
DonAZ
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:26 a.m.
I agree with your basic argument ... but I don't agree that Denard is without the ability to play that position effectively. I think he *can* ... but it's a long uphill climb from the style he played before. Devin Gardner would be a good QB for this team *if* they had a solid running game, which they don't. You can't consistently win football games with a one-dimensional offense.
XTR
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:14 a.m.
Nice article. The loss right here looks exactly like the loss last year with the same MSU team. Michigan used the same QB in the same way RR used that QB with the same result. When the running play of the QB is jammed, the offense automatically sputters and that fact is now on its second year. Is Denard really a QB that could win with Michigan in the Big Ten conference? lol With the performance now, Michigan is not favored to win at the Illinois, Nebraska and Ohio State. That is another probable 3 losses.
unclefred
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:10 p.m.
Assuming that Denard is healthy for the next game, whether we are 7-5 or 9-3 comes down to the OL. The defense player pretty well and put the offense in position to gain control of the game. The offense came up short each time. You can neither run nor pass when the OL fails to control the line of scrimmage. The OL has shown that when they execute they can do that well enough for the offense to be effective. While not a traditional Big Ten QB, Denard has shown that with protection and the line doing its job he can do his.
azwolverine
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:40 a.m.
I halfway agree with you. I disagree, however, in that DR is CAPABLE of big games through the air. He's extremely inconsistent, and it's like gambling in Vegas, but he's shown that he CAN win games through the air, such as the ND game and the Northwestern game. Is that a reliable way to win B10 titles and consistently beat the big boys? No. But the coaches had to go with who was here, and DR was the QB that was here when they arrived. Michigan will improve when these coaches have time to integrate their players into the pro-style offense, but right now they are kind of stuck with what's here. If your concern is that they should start Gardner...maybe so. But it almost seems to me that that is a situation to be dealt with next season since making a wholesale switch this late in the season could cause more harm then good. That's just my opinion, but I feel like the coaches are doing their best with what they have.
MRunner73
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:07 a.m.
Most folks thought this 2011 Michigan team would have a 7 and 5 record, preseason. My thought was 8 and 4 with a loss to either ND or SDSU then a 1 and 1 first road trip (NW & MSU), win vs Purdue then 1 and 1 next road trip (IA & IL) then 1 and 1 at home (NE & OSU). That would give them a 9 and 3 record. I will call that very good if that were to happen Many us of fans thought MSU would be a better team than Michigan preseason but this is a bitter loss. Michigan has surpassed my expectations thus far. I am no genious, just trying to be real. The bye week should be very helpful and comes at a great time. We all need a break. Better get the search team out patrolling the Huron River for all of those ledge jumpers after this loss to Sparty.
Lorain Steelmen
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 7:45 p.m.
MRunner. UM can go 11-1, IF they stay healthy. And if UM gets help from Wisc, and Nebraska, they can still make it to Indy. Beating Wisconsin, is a tall order, but I can see UM at 11-2, and playing in a nice Bowl game.
Rufus
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 3:19 p.m.
Finally a realist. Go Blue. 6 and 1 ain't so bad. Next up Purdue.
UlyssesSwrong
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 12:25 a.m.
This Michigan team won't collapse like the other ones thanks to a defense that actually gets stops and makes some plays. I can't express enough how good it is to see Michigan improving even a little, but I don't think they're so bad as to have another epic collapse.
UlyssesSwrong
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:04 p.m.
In the past few years, we would have been totally thrashed on defense. This game could have potentially seen MSU have 42 points instead of the 28 they got. Our defense is budding though and that's one good thing we can take from this. Blake Countess baby!
azwolverine
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:08 a.m.
xtr, I'm not sure OSU was ever a 'sure win' to begin with. After watching both Michigan and OSU today, and knowing OSU will still get more players back before that game, I don't know that OSU will be a win at all for this team. OSU is strong in the trenches...Michigan is not. Some people got too carried away with the 6-0 start and didn't believe coach Hoke when he said this team was overrated. We'll see what this team is truly made of over the next 5 games where none of them, not even Purdue, will be gimmes.
XTR
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:19 a.m.
As of the performance as of now, the improvement is with weaker teams on both offense and defense. Against the usual Big Ten teams with big and solid defenses like MSU, the offense sputtered, Denard sputtered and the defense could not stop the rushing attack, there was only a small improvement against strong teams. Ohio State beat Illinois today with starters back, that is not a sure win anymore this year.
azwolverine
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1 a.m.
I agree. This defense will keep us in games and our offense is still capable of getting us over the top in games the defense keeps us in. I also think Borges is a smart guy and will correct whatever mistakes he made today moving forward...as will this entire staff. Michigan is getting better, we're just not there yet.
DonAZ
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 12:17 a.m.
"Dantonio added the victory was a 'program win,' and gives the Spartans a lift heading into tilts against No. 4 Wisconsin and No. 14 Nebraska." Prediction -- 0 and 2. Wisconsin +24 at least on MSU. Nebraska +14 on MSU. They learned lesson with OSU ... take nothing for granted.
Lorain Steelmen
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 7:41 p.m.
DonAZ. I agree. UM SHOULD have won that game. The UM defense pretty much held msu in check. Cousins didn't do any better than DRon, and Cousins had much less pressure to deal with. UM will need to address the corners on run support. But, if the Wolverine defense continues to improve, Mattison will have them ready to handle osu and Nebraska at home, and Iowa and Ill on the road. msu on the other hand, has been exposed as a pedestrian offense. Both Wisc. and Nebraska WILL score on the msu defense. msu will go 0-2 over the next two games. The message from Hoke is that UM has their future in their own hands. And if they want to grow from this experience, can be, a VERY good team. I think they'll run the table ,IF, they can stay healthy. Time will tell.
AAbob43
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 5:39 p.m.
Well, the Wolverines couldn't beat Sparty, so you look to others to handle the job? (1) any time MSU beats U of M 4 straight (or vice versa), that's a program win. MSU isn't your rival? That's cool. We'll just keep kicking your butts annually, and we'll accept that you dont' care. (2) you're likely correct on Wisc and Neb. Two great squads. Wisc has beef and skill, and Neb is just plain strong. But (as no one has noted, not even the pro pundits), MSU got this win coming off a bye week, which is tough. Winning ugly out of a bye is still a win. I hated coaching in college after a layoff. How about you Don? There may be a shot against Wisc. State won last year. But in any case, why are you worrying about State's future?
DonAZ
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.
@trigg7 - "yea, and i guess you picked UM over STATE too." Actually, no I did not. I had doubts Michigan had the talent this year. My hope was that even in loss Michigan would comport themselves well. To a point they did; in some ways they did not. @edjasbord - "We have to look to other teams to beat our rivals. Awesome." Not at all ... just a reminder to those from MSU who might think their team has some special place in the top tier of football that challenges face them. Wisconsin is a complete football team. Plus, they come with a chip on their shoulder about last year's loss to MSU. @trigg7 -- "So you might as well keep it to yourself.that was such a poor coaching job I'm even in barest for you! ouch what a beat down." Really? Really? Sure you don't want to go back and reformat the structure of that post ... just a little?
edjasbord
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 4:16 a.m.
We have to look to other teams to beat our rivals. Awesome.
trigg7
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 3:01 a.m.
yea, and i guess you picked UM over STATE too. So you might as well keep it to yourself.that was such a poor coaching job I'm even in barest for you! ouch what a beat down.