Can RR keep this team together after a loss?

[FLex500]

Last year, although UM started 4-0, the team was totally different. You could just feel we won those first 4 with some luck and the lack of confidence was palpable. Last year with a young QB and still in the 2nd year of a new system you just had a feeling when a loss happened or something bad the team would just collapse and not recover (hence second half of the season...also see illinois game).

This year is different. This team, even with a loss to ND could go on to beat at least another 5 to 7 teams on the schedule.

My worry is I don't want this game to become "win or bust" because that is not the case they could lose and go 8-4 and have an overall successful season.



This is going to require some coaching. Let's hope for a win...but if not do you guys have this same worry? Or do you think the players and coaches are better able to handle some adversity this year?

[amazinblue]

This year is different. This team, even with a loss to ND could go on to beat at least another 5 to 7 teams on the schedule.

My worry is I don't want this game to become "win or bust" because that is not the case they could lose and go 8-4 and have an overall successful season.

This is going to require some coaching. Let's hope for a win...but if not do you guys have this same worry? Or do you think the players and coaches are better able to handle some adversity this year?

Flex,

To a degree, I agree with your perspective about last season. However, I feel what impacted Michigan's 1-7 finish were the injuries to both TF and Molk (especially Molk), and the relative infamiliarity / inexperience on both sides of the ball. The comments I'm hearing and reading is - "it takes a while to understand the offense", "we're much more comfortable with what we're doing", "we're doing and reacting - not thinking about where we should be or what we should be doing." So, the team has a LOT more experience / familiarity with what they are doing.

Regardless of the outcome on Saturday, I do believe this team can win 7 or 8 games this season. Most people have the record through five games as either 4-1 or 5-0. I do believe UMASS and BG at home will be wins. Indiana will be a challenge, but that game is also very winnable.

I think the coaching staff has been ridden hard - unfairly hard, IMO. They have been building a TEAM. The attitude of this team is very good. The chip on their shoulders -winning when "they deserve to win" is an overarching theme. These young men seem to be quite focused on execution. Last week was only one game - and, if they EXECUTE well, the team can achieve a great deal. Again, they need to relax, maintain their focus, play loose, execute, and have fun - if they do that, the wins will come.

RR and the staff know what they are doing. It appears the media suddenly is believing that RR is doing "some good things" - even Cowherd suggested that Michigan's alumni and AD need to be patient if things don't go as well as expected this season because the team is so young.

We're looking at so many things and the one thought I have is this - this was DR's first start. His first start. DR and the team will have ups and downs, that's the nature of the game. But, the staff are motivators - just look at how consistent the remarks are from the players - how focused they are on demonstrating their ability on the field - how, despite all the negative press, the team is focused on demonstrating their football prowess.

A win Saturday would be great - it's one game - I've checked the schedule, there's no "double or triple win" for this or any other game on the schedule. So win or lose - it won't define the season - but, a win would definitely build the momentum for the team and help them prepare for the Big 10 season.

[blueisbetterthanred]

I think a win would be great Saturday of course, but a 1-1 UM team, if they play ND close, is still a good team moving forward. You have to remember we had ZERO turnovers against UConn. That's amazing but we can't expect that every week. I expect a few mistakes against ND and losing by 3.

ND - 38
UM - 35 :(

Hope I'm wrong!

[Sten Carlson]

Flex, and Blueisbetterthanred...

Although I understand why you'd think about this question, I have to wonder why you feel the need to post it. One of the things that has made me most upset about the last few seasons of Michigan football has been the amazing amount of pessimism and "doom and gloom" that has been pervasive among Michigan faithful. I am certainly not indicting either of you, but I just think that Michigan as a whole MUST remain positive. I know there has not been all that much to be positive about, but the team's performance vs. UCONN should show everyone that RR has us on the right track, the team is still very young, but has BLAZING speed everywhere, and as these kids mature, they're going to be very very hard to beat. They've been through a lot is such a short period of time, and that kind of adversity builds character, unity, and strength.

But, to answer your question (I cannot bring myself to type the words you did), I think RR handles it with strength, poise, and will get the sqaud ready for the next game. ND is a big game, and a big rivalry, no doubt...but it is one game, just like UCONN was one game. But, on the flip side, if Michigan comes out and delivers a dominating performance, which I know they can and don't see any reason why they shouldn't, people everywhere are going to sit up and really take notice of what RR has done in Ann Arbor, and I think a lot of the doubters will slither away.

Go Blue, BEAT ND!!!

[Wolvrin704]

I think this years team has far more confidence than last years, it shows in their play and with what they say. A loss will be a setback only if they lose badly or the secondary gets blown up. That is the one position I worry about a bad loss affecting badly.

[Blue In Ohio]

That is the question of the year so far and still remains to be seen. I sure hope the team doesn't turn into a John L Smith or Bobby Williams MSU team after a loss. Last year you would have thought we had Bobby Williams on the sideline for the second half meltdown. I sure hope we can move past that and this team can handle adversity and bounce back and win games it should rather than fall off a cliff.

[1OSUNUT]

This team should be more mature based on past experience - we will see. Injuries and losses have a way of demoralizing a team. I think the secondary was a concern to begin with - now you lost another player. That cannot be good. I expect a good game against ND - I think both teams are pretty even. The Michigan secondary will be the weakest unit on the field Saturday. If Michigan can eat up clock and keep them off the field - it will without a doubt increase their chance at victory.

[FLex500]

Flex, and Blueisbetterthanred...

Although I understand why you'd think about this question, I have to wonder why you feel the need to post it. One of the things that has made me most upset about the last few seasons of Michigan football has been the amazing amount of pessimism and "doom and gloom" that has been pervasive among Michigan faithful. I am certainly not indicting either of you, but I just think that Michigan as a whole MUST remain positive. I know there has not been all that much to be positive about, but the team's performance vs. UCONN should show everyone that RR has us on the right track, the team is still very young, but has BLAZING speed everywhere, and as these kids mature, they're going to be very very hard to beat. They've been through a lot is such a short period of time, and that kind of adversity builds character, unity, and strength.

But, to answer your question (I cannot bring myself to type the words you did), I think RR handles it with strength, poise, and will get the sqaud ready for the next game. ND is a big game, and a big rivalry, no doubt...but it is one game, just like UCONN was one game. But, on the flip side, if Michigan comes out and delivers a dominating performance, which I know they can and don't see any reason why they shouldn't, people everywhere are going to sit up and really take notice of what RR has done in Ann Arbor, and I think a lot of the doubters will slither away.

Go Blue, BEAT ND!!!


Well I tend to be more pessimistic but I do have faith this team can stay positive and push on even if there is a loss. I remember until lloyds last year whenever UM lost I thought "holly sweet Jesus that next oppenent better watch out because UM is going to go apeshit on them" I haven't really had that kind of "feeling" for UM after a loss in a few years...I think UM gets that killer instict back this year.

[amazinblue]

...I think UM gets that killer instict back this year.

Flex,

I understand your perspective - it's been a while, far too long, since Michigan drove aggressively for an entire game - or bounced back with a vengeance after a loss - I believe those days have returned.

On Saturday, late in the fourth quarter, I was glad to see DR under center (eliminating or reducing the chance for a bad snap) and see the offense run the play clock down to 3 seconds (despite being lined up with over 20 seconds left on the play clock).

I think this team will be very productive - it will put up a lot of points - it will win a number of games - and, it will be great to see them play - they'll be a ton of fun to watch. They've got the attitude and work ethic.

[Mike Furley]

Last year, although UM started 4-0, the team was totally different. You could just feel we won those first 4 with some luck and the lack of confidence was palpable. Last year with a young QB and still in the 2nd year of a new system you just had a feeling when a loss happened or something bad the team would just collapse and not recover (hence second half of the season...also see illinois game).

This year is different. This team, even with a loss to ND could go on to beat at least another 5 to 7 teams on the schedule.

My worry is I don't want this game to become "win or bust" because that is not the case they could lose and go 8-4 and have an overall successful season.



This is going to require some coaching. Let's hope for a win...but if not do you guys have this same worry? Or do you think the players and coaches are better able to handle some adversity this year?

This was a concern I raised before the season started because it was a young team but others on the board dismissed that out of hand saying RR has a good hold on this team made up mostly of his guys. To answer your question, I think it may depend upon who Michigan loses to, when it happens, and how the loss occured.

Losing a nail biter to Iowa wouldn't be a threat to team focus as say a big loss to Indiana might. I don't think a loss to Notre Dame this weekend (which I don't think will happen) would cause the team to lose focus. If anything, it might sharpen the focus over the next three weeks leading up to the MSU game.

[blueisbetterthanred]

Sten, I have nothing but 100% confidence in UM and RR running the show, as I have from day 1. I'm just trying to be realistic in my view of what was on the field the last 2 years and what we have seen so far this year. I think UM can again compete in every game this year, which is a big step, but I don't think they are going 12-0. I will be cheering hard for them to beat ND but I agree with vegas in my gut, just being honest. Like I said, I hope like hell I'm wrong. :)

[FLex500]

This was a concern I raised before the season started because it was a young team but others on the board dismissed that out of hand saying RR has a good hold on this team made up mostly of his guys. To answer your question, I think it may depend upon who Michigan loses to, when it happens, and how the loss occured.

Losing a nail biter to Iowa wouldn't be a threat to team focus as say a big loss to Indiana might. I don't think a loss to Notre Dame this weekend (which I don't think will happen) would cause the team to lose focus. If anything, it might sharpen the focus over the next three weeks leading up to the MSU game.

Well I didn't really think it would be an issue this year until I keep hearing more and more from the media how important this game is. I mean yes it is important I want UM to win very very bad...but this isn't a "win or bust" game.

I'm sure it's me just being paranoid as RR and the staff are probably helping them stay grounded and keep everything in perspective.

[number2]

But, on the flip side, if Michigan comes out and delivers a dominating performance, which I know they can and don't see any reason why they shouldn't, people everywhere are going to sit up and really take notice of what RR has done in Ann Arbor, and I think a lot of the doubters will slither away.

Go Blue, BEAT ND!!!

I totally agree...obviously this is not a win or die situation but it would be a momentum killer (what little we have after one win) to lose at ND...
I think we go into ND and win handily...I just feel it.
And if they do...if they win with authority...I dont really see why (looking at the schedule game by game) they cant go undefeated into osu. I know what I saw last week was just one game against an overrated BigEast team but I also think that we did not see a lot of plays that RR has waited 3 years to have the right guys to run...and those guys are here and have been here learning...maybe I missed it but dont you feel like we only saw a few plays over and over with the occasional re-direction pass play thrown in? I know DR ran the ball 29 times but...I have to believe RR has something up his sleeve for the Irish

[bighousemike84]

I think this team can very easily survive a loss. The players are really bonded together as a family and that kind of atmosphere is what gets a team through the tough times. Michigan will be fine even with a bad loss.

[number2]

I think this team can very easily survive a loss. The players are really bonded together as a family and that kind of atmosphere is what gets a team through the tough times. Michigan will be fine even with a bad loss.

yeah...but I wont be lol...Ill be down in the dumps if Michigan loses bad to ND

[Blue In Ohio]

I agree with everyone on here that the roster we have had the last two years has been very light on experience and talent but I can't help but have the worries in the back of my head. I've witnessed Michigan fall apart two straight seasons. I sure as hell hope that all that is behind us now.

[Bighouse]

But, to answer your question (I cannot bring myself to type the words you did), I think RR handles it with strength, poise, and will get the sqaud ready for the next game. ND is a big game, and a big rivalry, no doubt...but it is one game, just like UCONN was one game. But, on the flip side, if Michigan comes out and delivers a dominating performance, which I know they can and don't see any reason why they shouldn't, people everywhere are going to sit up and really take notice of what RR has done in Ann Arbor, and I think a lot of the doubters will slither away.

Go Blue, BEAT ND!!!

Fantastic post Sten. Colin Cowherd said yesterday that Michigan's still a year away from being a BCS team. He also believes that RR will be fired this year and that it would be a big mistake. I just hope people can see the improvements being made. Lets pray it doesn't happen. Go Blue!

[bluefan]

Herbie on Mike and Mike this morning not only said that UM would more than handle ND this weekend, he said as far as two historically good programs that had fallen off a bit Um is closer to being back than ND.

[1OSUNUT]

I don't think the question should be if RR can hold the team together after a loss - but can he hold them together if they suffer losses. The odds are if you play enough tough teams your going to lose a game - it happens to almost every team / every year. Its the unexpected losses - Indiana, Purdue, Northwestern, Minnesota, UMass, Bowling Green, Toledo - somebody like that. When losses pile up against teams that you assume your better than - that is when a coach has problems. Im sure the last two years some of the kids did quit. It looked that way a few times last year. Winning is the only cure for many of the problems a football team encounters during the course of a season.

[rickyleach]

herbie sucks and so does college game day , eddie george thought ucnn would hammer michigan and this week he is having a love affair with the maize n blue, we got alot of fence riding balless prick buckeyes out there, so who gives two shits on what herbie says..

[bluefan]

I just like pointing out to the uos douche bags that their media stooge wishes he could be a UM alum.

[Panzer]

Michigan will be just fine. When you have as gifted a player at the helm as we do in Robinson, he makes everyone want to play better. That includes the defense. Opinions are like well you know and Ram Rod proved it to the whole world last weekend.

[1OSUNUT]

Proved what to the whole world ?

[Wolvrin704]

My hope is that UM wins 8- 10 games this year so we don't have to hear all the garbage from certain posters that UM will never improve, RR sucks, OSU rules all or RR's offense can't survive B10 play.

Until that time its just a continous circle of arguments. Its getting old.

[amazinblue]

704,

I hear what you're saying. I'm sure there will be plenty to talk about on Monday - and, I can hardly wait for Saturday to pass and find out what the latest conversation regarding Michigan football will be.