This is Wolverine Football...at this point

[Buzz]

Michigan football is obviously in transition and of late, looking pretty damn bad. I wouldn’t blame it all on the coaching staff, namely RichRod, though. Take yesterday’s game, I thought the offense looked good in the first half, but they had to be disappointed going into halftime with only 13 points. There seems to be some kind of disconnect with the players, and I think it’s the pressure that comes with playing at Michigan. The offense is making more mental mistakes now compared to mistakes made earlier in the season. Something’s just not right with this program.

Carr’s teams never lacked talent, but they did lack intensity, spirit, speed at 1st, 2nd levels on defense, and they didn’t use momentum well. I thought RichRod would add all those intangibles to Michigan football. And it looked as though those things were moving into place at the start of this season; actually Michigan was close to becoming a legit team in September. This team is out of control, that part is on RichRod. I think it was the Michigan drive after the Zooks scored to go up by eight when Tate had his number called on a “Wildcat” styled run; all the Zooks were blocked minus one, where the lead blocker turns the corner; Tate opts for the seam and gets tackled short of the 1st down. Had he did what the play called for (follow your block; play team ball) Brown blocks the LB, Tate squeaks past for a 1st down, and he starts looking like his self again.

I think Tate came ready enough for teams to have make adjustments to him. Now it’s time for him to make the adjustments…and he’s folding under the pressure. He’s a dual threat QB that’s used to making all the plays; like the Rucker park version of football. It’s now time for him to operate inside of a particular scheme…success is going to only come with patience. In hindsight, when Tate came to Michigan he was actually too good for his own good…cause he was able to get away with doing things in his own way. He’s a frontloader, which led to his regression…gotta learn how to be a real QB.

On offense, the scheme is there, the plays are there. Now I’m not saying that every call that the coaches make are all great, but they definitely can succeed with Mcgee analyzing and RichRod play calling. But they can’t win anymore games if they continue to fold under pressure, namely the offensive line and Tate.

Tate was quick out of the gates, and was one of the best frosh QBs playing at an FBS school, but Big Ten competition is a full step ahead of the teams Michigan faced earlier in the year (Less ND), one game not so tough, but week end and week out is too much for them right now. The Wolverines are not prepared to play football in the Big Ten. That falls on the coach, but no, RichRod can’t actually make them step up, his hands are tied in that respect.

I like RichRod’s approach to the game, and don’t tell me the spread doesn’t work cause there’s a ton of teams winning with this strategy. It’s the panic that’s hurting this team. I don’t know where the players get it (the panic) from, but I’m sure the coaching staff knows. If the coaches are on the sidelines panicking, then the players are going to panic as well. Not saying that is what’s happening, but when you’re losing at Michigan people are going to start asking what the fuck is wrong; people are going to start asking questions you don’t want to answer, and things can start to snowball, on and off the field. I’ve never saw so many issues with Michigan football as there are right now. But again, the program is in transition, and there are still changes to be made.

I don’t think for a minute that the coaching staff or strategy is fully in place at this point. The defense is in question. The underneath “slice” coverage is a bad deal. In pass coverage, if you can take something away (i.e., inside, and/or go routes) leaving the outlet valve open for the opposing QB to opt for, then that underlying coverage is a smart move.

The Michigan defense plays with way too much space between them and the people they’re supposed to be defending against. Not saying GERG doesn’t know what he’s doing, cause I’ve seen a couple of really good adjustments. Kind of a cover one look where MW is up, he has a either the QB or the running back, Leach has the other. If the running back stays in to protect then he blitz. The 1st half of the Zook game was good for Michigan, defensively. The problem is that I don’t think the coaches are decided on exactly what they want to be. I say that Michigan is a cover one, eight in the box defense. But the coaches have to get MW and the LBs settled on whom to cover (meaning what position). Kovacs even though he doesn’t have a lot of speed is smarter and hungrier then the rest of the safeties right now, probably needs to play center field; corners w/an inside technique. If they do the same thing every day in pratice, I tell you they’ll get good at it. They're trying to do too many things. The key is to get good at one thing first then branch out elsewhere. The players have to take ownership of their responsibilities, cause right now, they’re completely lost…that’s coaching.

Now say MW’s responsibility is the running back, he runs a wheel; there’s a great chance he beats MW on that route. The only adjustment GERG can make in this situation is through recruiting, that’s why this thing is gonna take some time. Cause although I believe there’s some things Michigan needs to do schematically, a lot of the issues were inherent. RichRod needs time, I think he also needs to take a serious look at his unit coaches, I don’t know that the secondary, or the QB’s coach is ready to coach for Michigan. They still got a good shot at making a bowl, however if they don’t….it’s gonna get real iffy as to whether RichRod stays. It’ll be more of a when, not if they’re will be a coaching change some where in the coaching ranks though….IMO.

[Motown74]

Buzz,

This is a good post and I agree with you on most of it. The question I have for you is this: What does Michigan do well since RROD came here? What play? Is it the zone read? The slip/bubble screen? Punt Return? Kick Return? The ONLY thing I have been impressed with is Punt Block. We do that very well.

But the great thing about Michigan was when they lined up, the lineman would tell the defense we are going off tackle, and the DL knew there wasn't anything he could do to stop it. We did it well. It was not glamourous or netted a TD every time but we damn well got three yards each time.

I don't understand why after one and a half years we don't have one play that we do well. Please don't say he doesn't have his players in either. I run the spread with a percent of a quarter of the talent that Michigan has and we have one play we can run over and over again well. Why can't the great Michigan have that whether its a new system or not?

[GoBlue21]

Buzz,

This is a good post and I agree with you on most of it. The question I have for you is this: What does Michigan do well since RROD came here? What play? Is it the zone read? The slip/bubble screen? Punt Return? Kick Return? The ONLY thing I have been impressed with is Punt Block. We do that very well.

But the great thing about Michigan was when they lined up, the lineman would tell the defense we are going off tackle, and the DL knew there wasn't anything he could do to stop it. We did it well. It was not glamourous or netted a TD every time but we damn well got three yards each time.

I don't understand why after one and a half years we don't have one play that we do well. Please don't say he doesn't have his players in either. I run the spread with a percent of a quarter of the talent that Michigan has and we have one play we can run over and over again well. Why can't the great Michigan have that whether its a new system or not?

Are you seriously comparing High School Football to Div. 1 College Football? Man, I've heard it all...Haha

[Motown74]

Are you seriously comparing High School Football to Div. 1 College Football? Man, I've heard it all...Haha

GoBlue21,

There are thousands of high school teams across the country running the spread offense and most if not all of them have one play in their playbook that they run well. Can you tell me what that play is with our Michigan team? That is the point I am trying to make. If thousands of high school teams across the country can do it, why can't Michigan? Right, I forgot, RROD hasn't gotten "his players" in yet. I will make sure I tell that to my players (who most will never play football after this year's playoff). :rolleyes:

[Buzz]

Buzz,

This is a good post and I agree with you on most of it. The question I have for you is this: What does Michigan do well since RROD came here? What play? Is it the zone read? The slip/bubble screen? Punt Return? Kick Return? The ONLY thing I have been impressed with is Punt Block. We do that very well.

But the great thing about Michigan was when they lined up, the lineman would tell the defense we are going off tackle, and the DL knew there wasn't anything he could do to stop it. We did it well. It was not glamourous or netted a TD every time but we damn well got three yards each time.

I don't understand why after one and a half years we don't have one play that we do well. Please don't say he doesn't have his players in either. I run the spread with a percent of a quarter of the talent that Michigan has and we have one play we can run over and over again well. Why can't the great Michigan have that whether its a new system or not?

They're spotty everywhere; The coaches have to decide on what exactly they want to be. The run; the zone stretch is a play the Wolverines can run against any team on their schedule with success. Also they're pretty good with the run from the "I". But it pretty much has gotten to the point (with the parity) where a team can't run the same play consecutively and expect to gain positive yards.

With spotty execution...and I'm sure you know, somewhere (in this case, everywhere) a breakdown has occurred, and you end up not doing anything well, at the end of the day. I think he does have enough players to compete in the Big Ten...right now. But the players can do a better job of actually doing their job. But it's funny how some players have a good understanding, while most are in trouble.

RichRod and his staff needs to do a better job of organizing this football team, cause it don't look like the players fully understand what they're supposed to be doing; they kind of look like the Wringling Brothers. The only people I see talking on the sidelines are RichRod and GERG...you perform like you rehearse, and/or train. I don't think there's enough involvment with the unit coaches...same as last year. One guy can't turn around, or build a football program...especially Michigan's.

[GoBlue21]

GoBlue21,

There are thousands of high school teams across the country running the spread offense and most if not all of them have one play in their playbook that they run well. Can you tell me what that play is with our Michigan team? That is the point I am trying to make. If thousands of high school teams across the country can do it, why can't Michigan? Right, I forgot, RROD hasn't gotten "his players" in yet. I will make sure I tell that to my players (who most will never play football after this year's playoff). :rolleyes:

What you fail to realize is in college it's takes 11 guys to run an EFFECTIVE spread. In high school, you need 1 great athlete and he can literally do it on his own. I can pull up some youtube videos of Sam McGuffie, Reggie Bush, Joe McNight, Percy Harvin, Terrelle Pryor and watch these kids RUN CIRCLES around high school players. Though these kids were good in college, the talent level is TOTALLY DIFFERENT. It takes better athletes AND execution at the collegiate level to run it EFFECTIVELY!

Do you still want me to show you those youtube clips?

[Motown74]

What you fail to realize is in college it's takes 11 guys to run an EFFECTIVE spread. In high school, you need 1 great athlete and he can literally do it on his own. I can pull up some youtube videos of Sam McGuffie, Reggie Bush, Joe McNight, Percy Harvin, Terrelle Pryor and watch these kids RUN CIRCLES around high school players. Though these kids were good in college, the talent level is TOTALLY DIFFERENT. It takes better athletes AND execution at the collegiate level to run it EFFECTIVELY!

Do you still want me to show you those youtube clips?

Are you dense? Answer my question. I will type it slow for you -- w h a t p l a y r i g h t n o w d o e s M i c h i g a n r u n w e l l ?

I don't even know why I am responding to you. Thanks for clarifying that it takes 11 players to run an effective spread at the college level. I will make sure I add that in the next time I speak at a clinic! I don't have a single DI kid playing on my team right now. Most are D3 with a couple of D2 kids mixed in. They play hard and can run at least one play well. Why is it that Michigan can't do this?

[Mich97c]

Are you dense? Answer my question. I will type it slow for you -- w h a t p l a y r i g h t n o w d o e s M i c h i g a n r u n w e l l ?

I don't even know why I am responding to you. Thanks for clarifying that it

Is fumbling a play? We do that one real well. Oh and don't forget dropping punts. And also giving up third and longs. Yep, we got those down pat.

[Run The Ball]

Is fumbling a play? We do that one real well. Oh and don't forget dropping punts. And also giving up third and longs. Yep, we got those down pat.


Yes, and what about being "nice"? That's the Dikkster's bread-and-butter play. This is perhaps the nicest football team in the history of Michigan football, with last years squad a close second. Hell, at the end of the Illinois game, those kids thought the Michigan team was polite as hell. We don't fire off the ball, we don't attack, we don't hit, we don't fight. Our team has made life long friends out of both Penn State and Illinois players.

The good news, though, is that now other teams in the country are going to want to schedule Michigan for their homecoming games, and thus our "nice" guys can make even more friends, perhaps even joining the festivities. I think it's refreshing that the Dikkster doesn't like and doesn't promote violence.....who needs a team full of meanies anyway! This is the new Michigan - we must be nice to others!!!!

[TheJTF]

Motown I have a few questions for you.
1. Are you the head coach or an assistant?
2. How long have you or the head coach been at that school?
3. Did you or the head coach coach have instant success installing the spread offense?
4. How successful has your team been with the spread?
5. Have you had to start a freshman qb?

If you really want to compare the two teams these are legit questions.

As a coach, especially a high school coach, you should know how important senior leadership is A MUST to have a winning season. I bet if you look up the teams who have won championships in your state most of them had a large senior class with seniors in the key positions. Michigan lacks this much needed senior leadership. In the last two years only Brandon Graham has stepped up.

[Motown74]

Motown I have a few questions for you.
1. Are you the head coach or an assistant?
2. How long have you or the head coach been at that school?
3. Did you or the head coach coach have instant success installing the spread offense?
4. How successful has your team been with the spread?
5. Have you had to start a freshman qb?

If you really want to compare the two teams these are legit questions.

As a coach, especially a high school coach, you should know how important senior leadership is A MUST to have a winning season. I bet if you look up the teams who have won championships in your state most of them had a large senior class with seniors in the key positions. Michigan lacks this much needed senior leadership. In the last two years only Brandon Graham has stepped up.

JTF,

Remember, I am not comparing the two teams. I am making a point that Michigan does not have ONE play that they run consistently well and that is unacceptable after a year and a half. To answer your questions though I am an OL coach. We have been there five years and went from a losing season before we came to a 6-6 season our first year installing the Spread. We started a sophomore qb but not a freshman. I agree with you on the point you are making about senior leadership but that is not where I am going. Whether you have seniors and coach at the all time winningest program in football or coach freshman football -- you should have at least one play that you run well. I don't see that at Michigan and that is not a good sign.

[TheJTF]

Motown,

First off, I am also an OL coach. What type of blocking scheme do you guys us? We brought in zone blocking two years ago and are starting to see great results. Also, did you guys make the playoffs?
Secondly, I agree they do not have one play they can run well. But a college offense needs more than one play as they see better defenses week in and week out. I also agree the last few games have been frustrating to watch, but you have to give rodriguez a chance.

[RADRACING]

Motown I have a few questions for you.
1. Are you the head coach or an assistant?
2. How long have you or the head coach been at that school?
3. Did you or the head coach coach have instant success installing the spread offense?
4. How successful has your team been with the spread?
5. Have you had to start a freshman qb?

If you really want to compare the two teams these are legit questions.

As a coach, especially a high school coach, you should know how important senior leadership is A MUST to have a winning season. I bet if you look up the teams who have won championships in your state most of them had a large senior class with seniors in the key positions. Michigan lacks this much needed senior leadership. In the last two years only Brandon Graham has stepped up.

I have heard many head coaches make the comment "every team has to have a couple plays they can hang their hat on" That means when they need a first down or big play in crunch time they can execute that play. That is exactly a correct comment what he said.

You people are ignorant to ask his coaching experience, and say his question doesn't apply to College football. I like the comment it takes 11 people to make a play work in College football, that means about nothing, you people act like it is nuclear engineering, and you are clueless about it. You are inferring some college players are not better than others with that comment, which is absolutely wrong, dead wrong.

[GoBlue21]

Are you dense? Answer my question. I will type it slow for you -- w h a t p l a y r i g h t n o w d o e s M i c h i g a n r u n w e l l ?

I don't even know why I am responding to you. Thanks for clarifying that it takes 11 players to run an effective spread at the college level. I will make sure I add that in the next time I speak at a clinic! I don't have a single DI kid playing on my team right now. Most are D3 with a couple of D2 kids mixed in. They play hard and can run at least one play well. Why is it that Michigan can't do this?

I don't know why I respond to you either, you CLEARLY don't understand the difference between high school and college. Michigan HAS done a lot of things RIGHT to be average over 30 points per game, does your HIGH SCHOOL team average that? The execution HAS to be A LOT better in college than high school just based on the caliber of players on the field.

I'm not going to pick out a SINGLE play because that's ridiculous. You need to be able to execute more than ONE play. Apparently they are doing SOMETHING right to average over 30 points a game. Your argument is flat out ruh-tarded!

Keep stabbing at RichRod!

[Motown74]

Motown,

First off, I am also an OL coach. What type of blocking scheme do you guys us? We brought in zone blocking two years ago and are starting to see great results. Also, did you guys make the playoffs?
Secondly, I agree they do not have one play they can run well. But a college offense needs more than one play as they see better defenses week in and week out. I also agree the last few games have been frustrating to watch, but you have to give rodriguez a chance.

JTF,

Good to hear you are a fellow OL coach! Sorry I didn't respond sooner but I have been busy as hell. We run zone blocking as well. Have been running it for 5 years. I love it but sometimes the kids think it is the hardest thing in the world. I think the people who have the hardest time with it are our RBs. We have one with great vision who sees the natural cutback lanes and then we have a couple who almost have blinders on! We run a lot of counters, have you taught the gather-pull method for your guards and tackles or are you using the bucket step? The gather-pull is awkward at first but once a kid gets it down it is a great technique.

I am not a fan of RROD but I will give him a chance if he starts recruiting size over speed. His idea of the spread is great for Big East football but not the Big Ten. He better figure that out quick or we will have a Nebraska on our hands and no one wants that.

[Motown74]

I don't know why I respond to you either, you CLEARLY don't understand the difference between high school and college. Michigan HAS done a lot of things RIGHT to be average over 30 points per game, does your HIGH SCHOOL team average that? The execution HAS to be A LOT better in college than high school just based on the caliber of players on the field.

I'm not going to pick out a SINGLE play because that's ridiculous. You need to be able to execute more than ONE play. Apparently they are doing SOMETHING right to average over 30 points a game. Your argument is flat out ruh-tarded!

Keep stabbing at RichRod!

GoBlue21,

I didn't ask if Michigan does a lot of things right, I asked is there one thing they do consistently well? You can be a jack of all trades and a master of none, and that is what Michigan is right now. We used to be the master of the off tackle. No matter what you did, we could line up a run it over your face. We are losing that with the current direction we are going.

[Bleed Blue]

Are you dense? Answer my question. I will type it slow for you -- w h a t p l a y r i g h t n o w d o e s M i c h i g a n r u n w e l l ?


We seem to run the screen pass of the edges pretty well to Carlos Brown - we've run this a number of times this season with a pretty decent pick up per attempt. Also when ever we run the TE down the center of the field we usually have great success...here recently however Webb and Koger have just fail to make the reception.


I just finished watching RR's press confrence on mgoblue, it's pretty good. He says everyone is playing "tight" and the only player that seems to be playing loose is Brandon Graham and it shows by his play. He feels this is do to lack of experiece.

Also touched base on yelling at Tate - pretty comical also if you ask me. He said if you make a bad read and throw to the wrong receiver from how the play is drawn up you can't expect him not to get in the players face. He was a smart ass about it which is what I love the most about his interviews. He is blunt and doesn't care.

[Buzz]

I am not a fan of RROD but I will give him a chance if he starts recruiting size over speed. His idea of the spread is great for Big East football but not the Big Ten. He better figure that out quick or we will have a Nebraska on our hands and no one wants that.

I like RichRod but still, what you're saying is true. He's made some adjustments thus far...now he just gotta keep 'em coming.