Big Ten media day?????

[UM_Addict]

I'm watching RR's media day interview and there are a couple of things that are bothering me.

First, was his response to the rivalry question. I’m not sure if he just constantly downplays the osu rivalry to keep the guys even and focused, OR what I’m beginning to believe is that he just doesn’t get it. His response to the question about should the two teams play every year was essentially…. “yeah, I guess.” And when asked whether or not it should be the last game of the season he said and again I’m paraphrasing…. “it doesn’t matter when the game is played.” WHAT…WHAT????? Coach it’s not called “just another game”… It is called “THE GAME” for a reason. It is the most storied rivalry in all of sports and I for one would have loved to see coach Rod show some passion even some anger about getting his ass whooped yet again last year and tell the world that that game means a lot, and he is going to have the team ready all year long for November 27th in the shoe. Not only that but that it needs to remain the final regular season game that these two teams play until the end of time.

Second, did anyone else catch his response to the QB question? He said it might take a couple of weeks to determine the starter. I hope that means a couple of weeks into camp and not into the season. I don’t like the platoon QB system, it didn’t work effectively last year and I don’t expect it to this year. Coach, I beg you to take the guy that presents the best chance to win ball games and put him behind center… and leave him there.

Finally, I have been a supporter of RR’s since he has arrived at Michigan. But, I was very disappointed today by what I saw. What is wrong with showing a little passion, fire and enthusiasm for what you’re doing? If he can’t get excited about coaching at Michigan he’s in the wrong job. I am SO excited and ready for the start of the season and to see him just go through the motions up there today just left me feeling flat. I pray that it isn’t a sign of things to come.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings…. And GO BLUE

[1OSUNUT]

I have not seen any of the interviews yet - but it sounds like RR has a bit of John Cooper in him. Cooper never "Got it" either. He tried to pass it off as just another game - its not and never will be. Untill RR gets fired up about the game and what it stands for - don't expect the team to. A team takes on the attitude of its coach.

[Wolvrin704]

Interesting. On MGoBlog they reported....


The league can concern itself with divisions and alignment, Rodriguez doesn't know anything about it and is more concerned with planning how to get first downs against UConn. The more important thing is to play Ohio State every year, and he prefers that it would be on the last game of the regular season. The chance for a rematch the following week isn't as big a deal, because Michigan-Ohio State is always going to sell out, even if they played "three times a week."

[amazinblue]

I just listened to the Media Day remarks and I do think that people are taking comments and blowing them out of proportion.

I'm sure that some people want to hear RR say that the Michigan - OSU game will define Michigan's season. Or, that he won't be pleased with anything short of a conference championship, and since the media has picked OSU as the conference champion, that we'll meaure our progress based on a win or loss against OSU.

Wake up folks - drink some coffee. RR is saying the right things - the intelligent things. If Michigan goes 11-1 this year - and loses to OSU - there will be people talking about how Michigan has come up short. Others will be pleased with the progress and hope the streak to OSU will end next season.

RR talked about having compeition at every position - something that we really haven't had the last couple of seasons. This season, having two QB's with game experience - is particularly nice. And, of course, DG will be in the mix too. But, with so much returning on O - and, starting so much youth last year - the last two years - I fail to see how the team will not improve in a significant way. There might be some "sophomore jinx" stuff - and, that may prevent perfection - but, there will be improvement over the performance from last season - if we don't suffer key injuries too early in the year.

RR mentioned there will be challenges in the defensive secondary - with younger players starting at safety.

You can't please all of the people all of the time - but, I like his attitude, candor, and approach.

I can hardly wait until September 4th

[tpilews]

Interesting. On MGoBlog they reported....


Let's not get actual quotes in the way of an argument here.

[Wolvrin704]

Let's not get actual quotes in the way of an argument here.

Awww. you're spoiling all the fun. LOL!

[Blue In Ohio]

I have not seen any of the interviews yet - but it sounds like RR has a bit of John Cooper in him. Cooper never "Got it" either. He tried to pass it off as just another game - its not and never will be. Untill RR gets fired up about the game and what it stands for - don't expect the team to. A team takes on the attitude of its coach.

Honestly thats real funny. I think RR would rather not say a whole lot than rant and rave about how he is going to go beat the Buckeyes. The coop tried it both ways and neither worked. Either this coach can beat the Buckeyes or he can't. We will be seeing in the future.

[1OSUNUT]

I finally watched the interview on the Big Ten Network web site and he sounds just like Cooper - except he was wearing blue. He seemed pretty mono-tone through that whole thing and flat. It does sound like he is tossing the dual QB idea around and that could great or it could be a disaster. It sure sounded like Ohio State is just another game to him.

[blue in pennsylvania]

I finally watched the interview on the Big Ten Network web site and he sounds just like Cooper - except he was wearing blue. He seemed pretty mono-tone through that whole thing and flat. It does sound like he is tossing the dual QB idea around and that could great or it could be a disaster. It sure sounded like Ohio State is just another game to him.

Yeah like tressel is full of energy when he speaks. It doesnt sound to me like he thinks its just another game. I think he is trying to lay low and take the pressure off the players by not putting too much into one game. When Michigan wins this year and RR is back then he will have his fair share of success against osu.

[Gobluerebirth]

Man, I could really tell by the interview that RR doesn't get it... What a joke.

[cincyflintstone]

I just listened to the Media Day remarks and I do think that people are taking comments and blowing them out of proportion.

I'm sure that some people want to hear RR say that the Michigan - OSU game will define Michigan's season. Or, that he won't be pleased with anything short of a conference championship, and since the media has picked OSU as the conference champion, that we'll meaure our progress based on a win or loss against OSU.

Wake up folks - drink some coffee. RR is saying the right things - the intelligent things. If Michigan goes 11-1 this year - and loses to OSU - there will be people talking about how Michigan has come up short. Others will be pleased with the progress and hope the streak to OSU will end next season.

RR talked about having compeition at every position - something that we really haven't had the last couple of seasons. This season, having two QB's with game experience - is particularly nice. And, of course, DG will be in the mix too. But, with so much returning on O - and, starting so much youth last year - the last two years - I fail to see how the team will not improve in a significant way. There might be some "sophomore jinx" stuff - and, that may prevent perfection - but, there will be improvement over the performance from last season - if we don't suffer key injuries too early in the year.

RR mentioned there will be challenges in the defensive secondary - with younger players starting at safety.

You can't please all of the people all of the time - but, I like his attitude, candor, and approach.

I can hardly wait until September 4th

Thanks for the voice of reason of the thread... seeing things get blown out of proportion every time there is news on michigan gets old nowadays... I also can't wait till the season starts so trolls and other clueless people will stop posting incorrect and thoughtless crap on here... its fun sometimes to read it because some of the rational posters with a clue can further explain what really is going on but stuff like this is ridiculous

[amazinblue]

I finally watched the interview on the Big Ten Network web site and he sounds just like Cooper - except he was wearing blue. He seemed pretty mono-tone through that whole thing and flat. It does sound like he is tossing the dual QB idea around and that could great or it could be a disaster. It sure sounded like Ohio State is just another game to him.

Nut,

First, this isn't a recruiting trip - and, I really wonder what you expect of RR - should he be jumping up and down - ranting and raving about how great Michigan's going to be this season? You're part of the hordes that will never be pleased unless someone does things EXACTLY the way YOU think they should be done. I have news for you - it's called professionalism - for what reason in the world should RR - go way over the top - it's the fricking MEDIA DAY - do YOU get it? And, I've got news for you - the media has had a target on RR for a while - what should he do - give them more ammunition?

Second, I checked with the Big 10 conference - and, I must apologize - you are right - the OSU game has changed in value - it will not count the same as the other eleven games in Michigan's schedule. This year - every year - the OSU game counts against the win / loss total the same as any other game - it's one win, one loss, or one tie. Obviously, most of us understand the rivalry -and, NUT, I've got news for you - RR does too. I'm wondering - how much college football did you play? How many games were you actually in? How many times did you dress? I believe that RR realizes how tight (closely knit) this team is - he raised that point over and over - the key is not to be "overly tight" - which I believe caused a LOT of our turnover problems in 2008. And, as Blue in Pa mentioned - why add more pressure to the players - the team - the staff - every game is important this season - EVERY one of them. If RR creates a "must win every game" environment on the team - there are other forces he'll have to face - and, most importantly, there is no reason to do that right now. If Michigan is 11-0 going into the Shoe in November - RR can then describe how important he feels The Game is.

[NCBLUE]

Hard to tell from his interview. Until he fields a competitive team maybe he is keeping low key. I will give him a pass on it but I hope he embraces the importance of the rivalry. While I truely beleive the game has always meant a little more to oSU because of their inferiority complex (how else do you explain the gold pants tradition) it is still our biggest game of year every yeat as well.

oSU fans are the most obnoxious on the planet and I am growing weary of their attitude during this run. This stretch is getting close to the 2-10-1 stretch that Copper marked.

[amazinblue]

Hard to tell from his interview. Until he fields a competitive team maybe he is keeping low key. I will give him a pass on it but I hope he embraces the importance of the rivalry. While I truely beleive the game has always meant a little more to oSU because of their inferiority complex (how else do you explain the gold pants tradition) it is still our biggest game of year every yeat as well.

oSU fans are the most obnoxious on the planet and I am growing weary of their attitude during this run. This stretch is getting close to the 2-10-1 stretch that Copper marked.

NCBLUE,

RR is out there recruiting against OSU - in Ohio. Without doubt - he realizes the tradition and the importance of The Game. Honestly, you cannot be on the field for a Michigan / OSU game (in either stadium) and not realize that it's a bit different. So, RR realizes that IF Michigan defeats OSU - recruiting in Ohio will be easier (maybe not a whole lot easier but, just a bit easier). And, RR also realizes that if he places too much importance on the OSU game - how will his team perform in the 11 games preceding that one? With that - if RR places the "sky is falling" and unlimited pressure and importance on the OSU game - do you think Michigan will play loose and quick - which, IMO, is EXACTLY what they'll need to do to win in Columbus this fall.

And, though the stretch is bad - I completely agree - the stretch is not RR's fault. Carr got this stretch off to a pretty poor start against Tressel.

[shirc]

I have not seen any of the interviews yet - but it sounds like RR has a bit of John Cooper in him. Cooper never "Got it" either. He tried to pass it off as just another game - its not and never will be. Untill RR gets fired up about the game and what it stands for - don't expect the team to. A team takes on the attitude of its coach.

You stole my thunder Nut. I did see the RichRod segment of the B10 media day and I thought for a second that John Cooper stepped in and answered the "rivalry" question.

[1OSUNUT]

RR looked very uneasy and uncomfortable during the news conference. Im no expert but his body language made him look a bit nervous. While other coaches looked concerned but confident - RR was not one of them. I just hope RR keeps on thinking OSU is just one of many rivalry games for Michigan. I think its real hard unless you were born into it and lived it to truely have the passion toward that game that you need - outsiders seem to have a hard time getting a grasp on the game. Im not complaining in any way shape or form - I'm actually happy.

[amazinblue]

RR looked very uneasy and uncomfortable during the news conference. Im no expert but his body language made him look a bit nervous. While other coaches looked concerned but confident - RR was not one of them. I just hope RR keeps on thinking OSU is just one of many rivalry games for Michigan. I think its real hard unless you were born into it and lived it to truely have the passion toward that game that you need - outsiders seem to have a hard time getting a grasp on the game. Im not complaining in any way shape or form - I'm actually happy.

Nut,

Tell us - how did JT look? Very confident? A coach who expects his team to win the conference and play in the MNC game? Was JT arrogant? Self-assured? Positive that there will be no gaps in the OSU defense this season?

Perception is reality - and you live in a Scarlet and Gray world - everything OSU is perfect - and everything Michigan "needs to be better" - and "RR can't cut it". My perception of RR is that he's direct and actually has a pretty good sense of humor. RR isn't an actor - he calls it like he sees it - and, I think he addressed all of the questions in a professional manner - he wasn't arrogant - he wasn't "flip and quick" with his answers. RR understands what has to happen - and, he'll be showing the conference how strong of a team Michigan has in about four weeks time.

I'm glad you're happy about RR. I'm happy about RR too - and, I can only imagine how sweet it will be when RR and Michigan take one back from OSU - either this season, or next - it's coming, and it will be wonderful to see how you and your Buckeye Brethren react.

And - I'm sure that you - Nut, were expecting more from RR. After all, RR didn't offer his perspective on whether the cap on the BP well will hold, and whether the kill procedure that BP has put in place will actually work. RR didn't talk about the Michigan economy and the personal steps he's taking to ensure the economy recovers. RR didn't even introduce his perspectives on the national health care bill. RR also failed to mention anything about the upcoming mid-term elections - and the fact that the election will occur during the football season - and whether the Republicans will take over control of the House and / or Senate. RR didn't even bring up the lack of a US Energy Policy and Strategy - or discuss how additional research on North Campus could reduce the US dependence on foreign oil and oil in general. And, most appalling - RR didn't even say anything about Chelsea Clinton's wedding over the weekend - or share his views on the dress she wore, the location of the ceremony, and where she and her new husband will be honeymooning.

[1OSUNUT]

I thought Tressel looked - well like Tressel always looks. He was calm and was not afraid to say that his team expects a lot from itself this year. He spoke of having to play hard every week and about putting the work in that will help you to reach your goal. He is NEVER over confident. Tressel is great at taking one game at a time. He had praise for the conference - but he did not side step the questions about Michigan. He came right out and said how important that game is to everybody involved - inside and outside of the program. It will never be just another game to Tressel. Sure Michigan is bound to win one against Ohio State but I will take 8 wins to every one loss all day long. I don't see Michigan beating Ohio State this year or next year. Next year TP and his outstanding class will be Seniors and that team should have as much talent or more then this years. I think in three years when Tate and DR are Seniors and Ohio State is breaking in Miller - that will be Michigan big chance to beat Ohio State.

[Wolvrin704]

And once again we are told by NUT how great OSU is going to be this year.

Tell me NUT, why is it when RR talks of taking it one game at a time its negative but JT does and it the greatest thing in the world. As for UM beating OSU, I'll let my team do their talking on the field. When they do beat OSU it'll be a glorious day here.

[Mich97c]

Thanks a lot to whoever posted mgoblog articles. I've gone to that site twice now and it's nothing but depressing. From what Troy W. said about Tate not showing up for summer practices to what Colin Cowherd said about R rod hating it at Michigan and wants out, it sucks out so much fun of the upcoming season. Thanks a lot jerks.

[Wolvrin704]

Thanks a lot to whoever posted mgoblog articles. I've gone to that site twice now and it's nothing but depressing. From what Troy W. said about Tate not showing up for summer practices to what Colin Cowherd said about R rod hating it at Michigan and wants out, it sucks out so much fun of the upcoming season. Thanks a lot jerks.

You must have missed all this then....


* The main difference in this year's defense is that it's simpler. That will be a help because a lot of young guys will be able to catch on more quickly. This year's schemes have more of a zone emphasis than man.
* It's a little difficult to switch defensive schemes so frequently. there's been a different scheme or coordinator every year Troy's been at Michigan. The players have to make an effort to forget some of the old stuff to absorb the new stuff.
* A lack of defensive depth and injuries helped undermine the defense last year, but there are no excuses for how they performed. Troy had knee and shoulder injuries last year that might have hurt.
* Stopping the ground attack will be important this year, and it's up to the big guys up front to help with that. There's enough size there to do it.
* Everyone's "All-in for Greg Robinson," so the team will band behind him and perform well on D.

The Team

* "The Team. All-in for The Team" is the rallying cry this year. The players have to play for each other, not worry about fans and other external pressures. There's also a "we can" attitude instead of a "we'll try" attitude. There are senior leaders at every position group except wide receiver. Roy Roundtree and Martavious Odoms have stepped up as the leaders there.
* This is probably the best leadership group since Troy's been on the team. They're the last group of Lloyd Carr-era players, so it means even more that they've all bought in to the new regime.

[Mich97c]

I did read all of it. I meant it was depressing for me. I like it when teams open up offenses and throw the ball. I always thought Tate would be better suited for that then D Rob. But whatever, as long as we have a QB we can win with and it sounds like the work ethic is in D Rob's favor so I guess the traditional run read option is where it's at. I just wanted to see us throw the ball better. On his other quotes, I'll take a wait on see on Obi and Mouton cuz I think they flat out suck.

[bleed maize & blue]

Colin Cowherd is a stupid ass hole! That guys has one topic per show and repeats himself twelve times in the same segment. That guy knows as much about sports as my 3 year old daughter does. Yeah I am sure that he has the insider informtion that Rich Rod hates it at Michigan cause they are old friends and Cowturd is over to his house all the time for dinner.

[Swoosh]

What the heck, i just watch it, he looked and sounded fine.

He talked football, he talked about his players, what more do you want him to talk about.

[Sten Carlson]

I did read all of it. I meant it was depressing for me. I like it when teams open up offenses and throw the ball. I always thought Tate would be better suited for that then D Rob. But whatever, as long as we have a QB we can win with and it sounds like the work ethic is in D Rob's favor so I guess the traditional run read option is where it's at. I just wanted to see us throw the ball better. On his other quotes, I'll take a wait on see on Obi and Mouton cuz I think they flat out suck.

I just read the article detailing Troy Woolfolk's comments and here is my take:

1) I think Tate was TOLD not to work too hard this off season by the training staff. The last thing that Michigan needs is for him to re-injure his shoulder and be FORCED to start Denard. I am not saying that Denard shouldn't be the starter, but we want to go into the season having every option available to us. Although I agree with some of the comments on MGoBlog about Tate needing to show leadership, I think the necessity to keep himself academically eligible AND healthy supersede the necessity of those workouts. I am willing to give Tate the benfit of the doubt at this point, and NOT assume that he is a slacker.

2) I am VERY glad to hear that Denard is reported to be stepping up his game, and gaining the confidence and respect of the other players. He is he kind of player, IMO, that MUST put in the extra work (not that Tate doesn't need to, but Tate was a lot more polished coming into Michigan). If he continues to work as hard as he has/is, we're going to be in a very good position in 2 years when Tate and Denard are Seniors and Devon is Junior (plus, isn't there another dual-threat QB on the recruiting board for the 2010 or 11 class?).

3) I am a bit concerned about the fact that Troy W. decided to call out Tate in public the way that he did. I would like to believe that I understand his intent, but at the same time, it should be very easy to call him, or go see him, and talk to him rather than make it a public issue. I hope that the coaches talk to Troy about his tack, and make him understand that right now there is an INTENSE amount of pressure and scrutiny on the program as a whole, and on Tate. He knows how hurt he was, and he gutted out the season like a warrior. He DOES NOT want to go through that again, and although these summer workouts are helpful, he IS MOST DEFINITELY thinking about his role on the team by not going and letting his body rest and heal. Again, I am not saying that he should slack off, but it's a judgment call -- workout and maybe re-injure, or rest? I defer to Barwis, the team Drs., and the kid himself -- he knows his body, and knows what he needs to do to prepare.

4) I like what I hear about Obi and Moutton -- and I agree, they weren't all that great last season.

[shirc]

RR looked very uneasy and uncomfortable during the news conference. Im no expert but his body language made him look a bit nervous. While other coaches looked concerned but confident - RR was not one of them. I just hope RR keeps on thinking OSU is just one of many rivalry games for Michigan. I think its real hard unless you were born into it and lived it to truely have the passion toward that game that you need - outsiders seem to have a hard time getting a grasp on the game. Im not complaining in any way shape or form - I'm actually happy.


I think it's evident to almost every Michigan fan that RichRod is in over his head at UM. I just think that many are in denial.

[amazinblue]

I think it's evident to almost every Michigan fan that RichRod is in over his head at UM. I just think that many are in denial.

Shirc,

I, for one, do not believe RR is in over his head. I actually believe the following - there are very few coaches / teachers around today that can really drive an individual to develop, grow, and perform at the highest levels. There is SO much exposure, media spotlights, You tube videos, rankings and analysis of prospects / players that the 5* players tend to be coddled - just look at the approach to announcing their commitments to the school "fortunate enough to have won the recruiting battle and have them on their sidelines for a few years."

The coaches I like are "old school" - they are themselves very driven to succeed and demand excellence in all pursuits - academic and athletic - anything worth doing is worth doing to the best of your ability. These coaches are (or were) very hard-lined individuals - and, in today's day and age - not many coaches can drive and motivate their players effectively while maintaining a focus or balance on life and academics. I do believe that RR is one of the coaches that does that - and, he does it well. I also believe that Woody and Bo did it well too.

[shirc]

The coaches I like are "old school" - they are themselves very driven to succeed and demand excellence in all pursuits - academic and athletic - anything worth doing is worth doing to the best of your ability. These coaches are (or were) very hard-lined individuals - and, in today's day and age - not many coaches can drive and motivate their players effectively while maintaining a focus or balance on life and academics. I do believe that RR is one of the coaches that does that - and, he does it well. I also believe that Woody and Bo did it well too.

Yes, but Woody and Bo won on the big stage. RichRod hasn't even come close to a bowl game in his first two years. The talent at OSU was dramatically lower when John Cooper took over for Earle Bruce but he managed a bowl game in his second season. I don't think the Rod is gonna do anything but take Michigan to all new lows. I'm in the minority for buckeye fans in that I don't want to see that happen. I hope he's fired soon and you guys find the next great Michigan coach.

[amazinblue]

Shirc,

I believe that an RR coached Michigan team will give the Buckeyes all they can handle sooner than you think.

And, though Cooper may have inherited less talent from Bruce than Tressel inherited from Cooper - there is no comparison as to the roster size that RR inherited from Carr.

Michigan will return to the post-season this year - I don't know which bowl it will be, but Michigan will go bowling.

[michiganfancory]

Yes, but Woody and Bo won on the big stage. RichRod hasn't even come close to a bowl game in his first two years. The talent at OSU was dramatically lower when John Cooper took over for Earle Bruce but he managed a bowl game in his second season. I don't think the Rod is gonna do anything but take Michigan to all new lows. I'm in the minority for buckeye fans in that I don't want to see that happen. I hope he's fired soon and you guys find the next great Michigan coach.

I don't care what you say, Rich Rod was a whole lot closer than you remember to making a bowl game last year. Don't tell me you expected Michigan to totally tank after starting off 4-0 with MSU, Delaware State, Illinois, and Purdue still on the schedule. Don't say you expected Tate to get hurt and the season head for the worst after a tough overtime loss in East Lansing. And you are not in the minority of fans that want Michigan to succeed. Everyone loves this rivalry. Rich Rod will be at Michigan for another decade and you will be eating your words after Michigan starts beating your sacred buckeyes.

[GoBlue21]

I don't care what you say, Rich Rod was a whole lot closer than you remember to making a bowl game last year. Don't tell me you expected Michigan to totally tank after starting off 4-0 with MSU, Delaware State, Illinois, and Purdue still on the schedule. Don't say you expected Tate to get hurt and the season head for the worst after a tough overtime loss in East Lansing. And you are not in the minority of fans that want Michigan to succeed. Everyone loves this rivalry. Rich Rod will be at Michigan for another decade and you will be eating your words after Michigan starts beating your sacred buckeyes.

All i can say is...WELCOME TO THE BOARD, i like it!

[michiganfancory]

Thanks GoBlue21. I have been reading for a while, but I finally joined. I should be posting a lot. Go blue.