QB competition next season?

[deltguy2]

Call me crazy but I think Threet will start game 1 for us this coming year. I dont think Rod wants to throw Tate to the wolves yet. With an O-Line that has a full year under their belts, and healthy RB's (Minor, Carlos Brown and Shaw) I would expect a heavy dose of running while Threet is in there. I think Rod will use Tate like Tressel did with TP...playing him 5-10 plays until he gets a feel for the college game. I would think that by game 4 (depending on how Threet is doing) Tate will be the starter.

What are your guys thoughts, perceptions on this subject?

I think we can all agree that Sheridan may as well transfer... :)

[rickyleach]

i think threet will start to, and at some point ,feagen or tate . will start

[nc wolverine]

i think it would be a safe bet to say threet will start. You dont want to throw a true freshman to the wolves.

Though a counter argument can be made that if tate is ready and the best option... y not put him in. He seems to be a smart kid, and from his videos very talented. Rod should play the best that hes got. Id start threet. but wouldnt be suprised if we sat Forcier take the first snap.

[tpilews]

I think you are both wrong. I think Tate will start day 1. RR will be able to open up the playbook more with Tate in the game. The run game is significantly limited when Threet is running the show. Triple option, read option, all of it doesn't work with an immobile qb.

I don't think starting Tate would be "throwing him to the wolves". RR just has to tailor his play calling to allow Tate to adapt to the game. Some short passing, basic read option. There are quite a few weapons available for RR to use. Tate will mearly be a distributor of the ball, while keeping the defense honest with keepers. Unless Threet comes out and impresses beyond belief during spring ball, Tate will be the starter. Given that Tate has 8 months to absorb the offense and work with his receivers/rbs, I don't see him not starting.

[nc wolverine]

I think you are both wrong. I think Tate will start day 1. RR will be able to open up the playbook more with Tate in the game. The run game is significantly limited when Threet is running the show. Triple option, read option, all of it doesn't work with an immobile qb.

I don't think starting Tate would be "throwing him to the wolves". RR just has to tailor his play calling to allow Tate to adapt to the game. Some short passing, basic read option. There are quite a few weapons available for RR to use. Tate will mearly be a distributor of the ball, while keeping the defense honest with keepers. Unless Threet comes out and impresses beyond belief during spring ball, Tate will be the starter. Given that Tate has 8 months to absorb the offense and work with his receivers/rbs, I don't see him not starting.

i hope tate is ready i dont know if i can sit and watch another game with threet taking snaps. I was merely commenting on the fact that if tate isnt as ready as much as we hope he would be. i dont think rrod would put him out if he wasnt ready

[tpilews]

i hope tate is ready i dont know if i can sit and watch another game with threet taking snaps. I was merely commenting on the fact that if tate isnt as ready as much as we hope he would be. i dont think rrod would put him out if he wasnt ready

You're right nc. RR wouldn't put him in if he wasn't ready or he didn't give UM the best chance of winning. I really hope RR can get Tate ready in 8 months. With the leadership that UM has coming back in Minor and Mathews, I think '09 could be a great year. Obviously, UM has quite a few other weapons that will hopefully be fully worked in to the game plan. Hell, with better qb play last year, UM probably wins 4 more games. I think the bar is set at 8 wins next year with a tossup for the bowl game.

[1OSUNUT]

If Threet starts - Michigan WILL lose. Then you will have a situation like OSU had where the fans will dictate a QB switch. Then you will have a freshman QB getting thrown to the wolfs while trying to learn on the run. The Buckeyes still had a level of sucess with TP - but the use of the playbook was limited. If the coaches feel Tate is the man he should get the majority of the snaps in the off season and be the starter.

[W0lv3r1n3]

Threet will either start or split time with Forcier early on in the season. As the season progresses, Forcier will begin taking over the reigns.

[ronleflore]

Call me crazy but I think Threet will start game 1 for us this coming year. I dont think Rod wants to throw Tate to the wolves yet. With an O-Line that has a full year under their belts, and healthy RB's (Minor, Carlos Brown and Shaw) I would expect a heavy dose of running while Threet is in there. I think Rod will use Tate like Tressel did with TP...playing him 5-10 plays until he gets a feel for the college game. I would think that by game 4 (depending on how Threet is doing) Tate will be the starter.

What are your guys thoughts, perceptions on this subject?

I think we can all agree that Sheridan may as well transfer... :)

I think you might be right. What's up with Feagen? I heard RR on the radio (Huge Ass) in the midddle of last season and he was not complimentary. Reading between the lines, it sounded like Feagen couldn't learn the play book well enough. At one stage I thought they might red-shirt him. I have a feeling he might be moved to another position. As bad as QB was last year, you gotta believe RR would have used Feagen at QB if he saw some promise!

[justinsane]

Why should Sheridan transfer? He was a walk on and might not even be on the team this season. You go to college to get an education not just to show off for the NFL. Sheridan is not going to walk away from a UM degree.

Tate unless an injury happens will start from day 1. I would dare say that Threet could be #3 on the depth chart by August. Nader Furrha is no one to sneeze at, he may be undersized but so was Dan Lefevour and Pat White till they got in the weight room.

Threet was so inept this past year that unless an injury occurs or a blowout happens his playing days are over. He will be buried so far down the depth chart if we land Denard also and next season if we land Gardner he's going to need a ladder to get out of that hole.

[MAIZEandBLUEsuedeshoes]

I normally don't like being a harda$$ critic....

I would take a starting freshman over Threet-----even if Threet was a senior this year......and EVEN if Threet somehow played in college at QB for 8 years. C'mon! This is the worst quarterback duo I have ever seen, or close to it. I can't sugar-coat it anymore. 30% of the passes I saw this last year were not even close, let's be honest with ourselves----Carl Lewis(olympic runner) wouldn't even be in the vicinity of those passes. This is just my opinion---these two guys Sheridan and Threet(which I give an A+ for effort), would have to improve greatly(based on the skills I have seen)---- only to become at the MOST, slightly better than average in this system.

Things do happen over a years time, and I would be glad to see a huge improvement in either or both of them(they deserve it for their efforts and not giving up).

I'm more interested in seeing who finishes the game, rather than who starts.

[Buzz]

Threat will start at the start of the next season. This was a new system and players for Threat last season. Threat definetly struggled....but RichRod and his staff struggled a great deal implementing this offense at Michigan as well last season.

Unless Threat is hurt during training, he'll start next. Forcier won't be ready, remember he's a freshmen, he won't even start practicing until the spring, Threat's better right now, and will be at the start of next season.

It appears that there's people here who believe that last year's results came largely because of the players and their talent level. I say that last year's results came largely because of a lack of self-confidence, and no leadership, along with the new system and everything.

Those problems won't be fixed by starting another frosh at QB, sorry. Forcier, this coming season will be where Threat was last year....lost in the sauce. Threat will be the starter next year. I've got cash to say that unless Threat is hurt and misses practice, he'll begin the season as the starter....Forcier will be phased in during the season, along with another QB.

[MAIZEandBLUEsuedeshoes]

Threat will start at the start of the next season. This was a new system and players for Threat last season. Threat definetly struggled....but RichRod and his staff struggled a great deal implementing this offense at Michigan as well last season.

Unless Threat is hurt during training, he'll start next. Forcier won't be ready, remember he's a freshmen, he won't even start practicing until the spring, Threat's better right now, and will be at the start of next season.

It appears that there's people here who believe that last year's results came largely because of the players and their talent level. I say that last year's results came largely because of a lack of self-confidence, and no leadership, along with the new system and everything.

Those problems won't be fixed by starting another frosh at QB, sorry. Forcier, this coming season will be where Threat was last year....lost in the sauce. Threat will be the starter next year. I've got cash to say that unless Threat is hurt and misses practice, he'll begin the season as the starter....Forcier will be phased in during the season, along with another QB.

You may be right, but I'm not even sure if Threet will be ready---to be honest with you....

[Sten Carlson]

Unless Threat is hurt during training, he'll start next. Forcier won't be ready, remember he's a freshmen, he won't even start practicing until the spring, Threat's better right now, and will be at the start of next season.

It appears that there's people here who believe that last year's results came largely because of the players and their talent level. I say that last year's results came largely because of a lack of self-confidence, and no leadership, along with the new system and everything.

Better than whom, Buzz? Forcier? I doubt it! As much as I loved to see Steve's heart and determination last season, I couldn't help but also notice that he struggled throwing the ball accurately anymore than 11 yrds down field, and although he did run well at times (ok adequately), he was never really considered a threat with his arm nor or his legs by opposing defenses. I think Tate was a better QB last season in High School than Threet may ever been. I am not dogging on the kid, as I said, I liked his heart and his attitude, but heart and attitude obviously didn't get the job done.

RR is not afraid to start a freshman, especially one that is as groomed as Tate is. I cannot see how anyone on the Michigan coaching staff could, with a straight face, say that they're going to start Threet over Forcier, unless he is either a complete bust (doesn't seem likely) or he gets hurt (which is always a possibility), in which case, he may very well start another freshman (if we get another one). I think he's going to take the same attitude the he expressed in one of his interviews recently -- he'll do what is best for the program first, and the particular team second. Which, IMO, would mean that unless Tate is simply inept (but we all saw inept last year, could he be that bad?) why not get him in there and let him make his bones, cut his teeth, get his feet wet, whatever cliche you'd like. At least he'll know that by 2010 or 2011, he'll have himself a VERY experienced QB. Also, it will show QBs around the country thinking about coming to Michigan a). what kind of QB he is looking for, and, b). that if you can beat out my starter, the job is yours! Kids wanna play right away these days, and I think its a good thing to allow them to, if they're ready (and especially when last years starter(s) were perhaps the worst in school history).

RR has already shown that kind of foresight and willingness to struggle now, for a better future tomorrow. So, why would you think that the QB decision next season will play out any differently?

I for one, don't -- Tate starts from day one!

[Shane Falco]

Threat will start at the start of the next season. This was a new system and players for Threat last season. Threat definetly struggled....but RichRod and his staff struggled a great deal implementing this offense at Michigan as well last season.

Unless Threat is hurt during training, he'll start next. Forcier won't be ready, remember he's a freshmen, he won't even start practicing until the spring, Threat's better right now, and will be at the start of next season.

It appears that there's people here who believe that last year's results came largely because of the players and their talent level. I say that last year's results came largely because of a lack of self-confidence, and no leadership, along with the new system and everything.

Those problems won't be fixed by starting another frosh at QB, sorry. Forcier, this coming season will be where Threat was last year....lost in the sauce. Threat will be the starter next year. I've got cash to say that unless Threat is hurt and misses practice, he'll begin the season as the starter....Forcier will be phased in during the season, along with another QB.

I assume this was pasted from a newspaper article! If so then I would not worry too much about what this guy says considering he can't even spell Threet. Once is a mistake but to keep writing Threat is poor journalism.

By the way, I say Tate from day 1. He is already enrolled, has playbook and is conditioning with Barwis. Tate is a smart kid who eat, drinks and lives football.

[bluefan]

I assume this was pasted from a newspaper article! If so then I would not worry too much about what this guy says considering he can't even spell Threet. Once is a mistake but to keep writing Threat is poor journalism.



I took the incessant use of Threet's name as this guy trying to hint to us how confident he was that we were misspelling the name. Seriously, how many times does one need to put the main subject's name into a post. That's bad writing.

[tpilews]

Sten and Shane, agreed 100%

Threet will more than likely be the #3 behind whoever else signs. Apparently, Stallworth loved his visit, and RR said he'd give him at shot at qb.

[Buzz]

I assume this was pasted from a newspaper article! If so then I would not worry too much about what this guy says considering he can't even spell Threet. Once is a mistake but to keep writing Threat is poor journalism.

By the way, I say Tate from day 1. He is already enrolled, has playbook and is conditioning with Barwis. Tate is a smart kid who eat, drinks and lives football.

Well jack ass you assumed totally wrong....and who cares that I didn't spell his name right....you knew exactly who I was talking about right? But look at everyone one of my posts I've made here and I'm sure that my posts makes much more sense then any one of yours, and are written very, idiot.

Go ahead and search the internet for a writing for which I copied and paste first, fool because you won't find one.

[Buzz]

Shane, you punk....since you don't believe me, why don't you put up a couple grand in opposition to my post.

[Rockie]

who was a walk-on qb at Michigan in the late 80's
You know, he's (Threet) taken a lot of crap from fans, but I'd like to see Threet do really well. AGAIN, I go on record as saying that the very best thing for UM is if Threet is the starting QB in Week1 for us. Whether he holds the starting position all year or not doesn't matter. But if Threet improves enough, and is competitive enough that he can hold off Forcier and retain the starting job at the begining of the year, then it will only make Tate better in the future by allowing him to work in slowly and get some game experience.

There is NOTHING like game experience for a college QB. The thing that people forget is that it can go either way with a true freshman QB. Either they can get valuable experience and 'learn on the job' (because sometimes it's better to start playing for the future), OR it can absolutely crush a young kid's confidence. Then there is also the potential plateau caused by frustration in a player's Soph (and sometimes Jr) years as we saw with Henne.

Anyway, I'm glad that Steve is keeping his head up, knows he has to work hard to keep his position, but also knows that he's got the skills to be "the guy".

[Sten Carlson]

Shane, you punk....since you don't believe me, why don't you put up a couple grand in opposition to my post.


Tsk tsk Buzz!

Gambling is ILLEGAL at Bushwood, and I NEVER SLICE!

LOL!

[Buzz]

Yeah you too Bluefan, look at every one of my posts, then look your sorry posts. I can guarantee that I write much better than you. You don't even write about anything.....you agree with others. You're nothing but a weak follower.

[Shane Falco]

Well jack ass you assumed totally wrong....and who cares that I didn't spell his name right....you knew exactly who I was talking about right? But look at everyone one of my posts I've made here and I'm sure that my posts makes much more sense then any one of yours, and are written very, idiot.

Go ahead and search the internet for a writing for which I copied and paste first, fool because you won't find one.

Whoa, easy there killer. The title of your thread made it look to me like it was written from a newspaper report.
And I still say Tate will start over Threat, I mean Threet from day 1. Freshman or not he is a better passer than Threet and much more athletic.
But, you make much more sense than I do so I guess Threat, sh*t I mean Threet will start next year and we will continue to struggle on offense.

[Buzz]

Tsk tsk Buzz!

Gambling is ILLEGAL at Bushwood, and I NEVER SLICE!

LOL!

Sten....let that weasel shane, or bluefan respond to my comments I made about him.....so I can get at them.

They've been reading mgoblog and saw where a guy copied and pasted an entry there. shane's dumb @ss and his weakling follower bluefan though it was cool when people drill the guy for pasting info as if it were his own. That's not the case with me.

They're weak and I smell blood.

[Buzz]

Whoa, easy there killer. The title of your thread made it look to me like it was written from a newspaper report.
And I still say Tate will start over Threat, I mean Threet from day 1. Freshman or not he is a better passer than Threet and much more athletic.
But, you make much more sense than I do so I guess Threat, sh*t I mean Threet will start next year and we will continue to struggle on offense.

The title and the read made it look like I took it from a newspaper, but you say that it was bad writing. Get your lie straight jack @ss, you can't have it both ways....fool.

Here's the thing....Michigan is will not be very good next year. It appears that by writing that post, I offended your delicate sensibility and your weakling buddy bluefan.

You must be able to lead among other things, in order to play QB, there's book answers, then there's real world solutions. Forcier doesn't have the latter and he won't start to improve in that area until he start playing, in real games, knuckle head.

Threat's better right now, he'll start the season and Forcier will be phased in. Look at some of my previous posts.....I'd run circles around you, cause I can see that you're not very sharp shane.

You're talking, put up some cash and we'll see. What you should try to do is not screw yourself, you just screwed yourself.

But wait.....that sounds like I copied it from some newspaper or blog, huh?

[Shane Falco]

Sten....let that weasel shane, or bluefan respond to my comments I made about him.....so I can get at them.

They've been reading mgoblog and saw where a guy copied and pasted an entry there. shane's dumb @ss and his weakling follower bluefan though it was cool when people drill the guy for pasting info as if it were his own. That's not the case with me.

They're weak and I smell blood.

Dude, you need to lay off the juice. O.k. one more time and this time I will go very slowly so you understand. Looking at your title, I thought you were pasting a newspaper article. Pasting info is no big deal, I do it all the time if I see info I thought posters would like.
No one is calling you a paster. We know you keep it real. When you read an article or hear something you do not copy and paste. You use your own words. I give credit to where credit is due.

[Silver Bullet]

Threat's better right now, he'll start the season and Forcier will be phased in. Look at some of my previous posts.....I'd run circles around you, cause I can see that you're not very sharp shane.

I don't mean to get in the middle of your lover's quarrel there Uncle Rico, but could you please explain to everyone how your physical aptitude has anything to do with being able to write better than somebody?

[bigboyBlue]

I don't mean to get in the middle of your lover's quarrel there Uncle Rico, but could you please explain to everyone how your physical aptitude has anything to do with being able to write better than somebody?

I think it means he can do this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shzi3PnzIjE

Sorry, couldn't help it :D.

[Silver Bullet]

I think it means he can do this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shzi3PnzIjE

Sorry, couldn't help it :D.

Yep, that is pretty much how I pictured 'Buzz.' It's even a dog-appropriate name.

[Buzz]

I don't mean to get in the middle of your lover's quarrel there Uncle Rico, but could you please explain to everyone how your physical aptitude has anything to do with being able to write better than somebody?

I wouldn't respond to idiotic question, but this is funny and stupid both at the same time.

Who said anything in the area of physical apititude? I used "run circles around you" to serve as a mental image, there genius.

and one other thing....when you want to ask me something, have it directed towards you. Don't say "could you please explain to everyone how your physical aptitude has anything to do with being able to write better than somebody?" You sound just as weak as those two.

Why don't explain to me how did you come to think I suggested to the guy that I was more physical than him?

This is how I want you to ask questions of me, or address me. Ok, retard?

[Buzz]

I think it means he can do this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shzi3PnzIjE

Sorry, couldn't help it :D.

Oh.....you're lost as well, huh?

[Silver Bullet]

Who said anything in the area of physical apititude? I used "run circles around you" to serve as a mental image, there genius.


And oh what a mental image it was! I pictured some fat kid with a helmet on running around his parent's yard, carrying a laptop.

[Buzz]

You two guys are pretty darn slow, and no I don't know what your 40 times are.

[Buzz]

And oh what a mental image it was! I pictured some fat kid with a helmet on running around his parent's yard, carrying a laptop.

You're a piece of work, and no that's not a good thing. You've already pointed out the fact that you had no clue as to what I was talking about.

Like I said earlier, you don't want to screw yourself or make yourself look like a complete idiot, but you're doing a job at it.

[Silver Bullet]

You're a piece of work, and no that's not a good thing. You've already pointed out the fact that you had no clue as to what I was talking about.

Like I said earlier, you don't want to screw yourself or make yourself look like a complete idiot, but you're doing a job at it.

I get it...you're using physical fitness as some sort of insane metaphor for your ability to misspell words and create sentences. Everybody gets it, but that doesn't make it any less stupid.

[Buzz]

I get it...you're using physical fitness as some sort of insane metaphor for your ability to misspell words and create sentences. Everybody gets it, but that doesn't make it any less stupid.

Alright, you get it now.....that you're a retard. and I told you already to respond to me directly, don't say everybody. You're generalizing, appearing to be a weazel, a weakling, like you don't want your true opinion to be noticed. You would rather have someone else speak on your behalf, a timid individual.

[Silver Bullet]

Alright, you get it now.....that you're a retard. and I told you already to respond to me directly, don't say everybody. You're generalizing, appearing to be a weazel, a weakling, like you don't want your true opinion to be noticed. You would rather have someone else speak on your behalf, a timid individual.

I aspire to one day be as internet tough as you. In fact, I am going to enroll in an online, writing class so that I can get my 40 time down. Since you're so bold and all, I should assume that Buzz is your real name?

[Shane Falco]

The title and the read made it look like I took it from a newspaper, but you say that it was bad writing. Get your lie straight jack @ss, you can't have it both ways....fool.

Here's the thing....Michigan is will not be very good next year. It appears that by writing that post, I offended your delicate sensibility and your weakling buddy bluefan.

You must be able to lead among other things, in order to play QB, there's book answers, then there's real world solutions. Forcier doesn't have the latter and he won't start to improve in that area until he start playing, in real games, knuckle head.

Threat's better right now, he'll start the season and Forcier will be phased in. Look at some of my previous posts.....I'd run circles around you, cause I can see that you're not very sharp shane.

You're talking, put up some cash and we'll see. What you should try to do is not screw yourself, you just screwed yourself.

But wait.....that sounds like I copied it from some newspaper or blog, huh?

Lying? I never said it was bad writing. I said bad journalism. But since you were the journalist, well oops.

Offended me? I have never said if Michigan would be good or not. I think they will be better than last year.

I did not realize real world solutions were settled on the college football field. I thought that is what are new President is supposed to be doing.

IMO, by the way IMO stands for in my opinion, Tate will start the opener next year. Sure he is a freshman and Threat, I mean Threet has more expeirence but this offense will not work if you don't have a QB that is a threat to run the ball. Threet is not even close to being a threat to run the ball that's why the RB's were getting killed last year.
And it ain't like Threet is 4 year junior or something.

[Buzz]

Silver Bullet, who are you anyway to be asking me about a response that I made to someone else?

[bluefan]

Wow, Buzz, you are an absolute psycho. Did you just spend the last few hours back reading posts? Someone needs a job - and a Xanax. That first x is pronounced like a z by the way there, Rhodes Scholar. Why don't you calm the fuck down. Stop worrying about the fact that an internet community that just thought you weren't real bright at first now has seen your true colors and realizes that you're the message board version of the Mansons. Oops, I just agreed with everbody here again. Damn this weak spine.

[Silver Bullet]

Silver Bullet, who are you anyway to be asking me about a response that I made to someone else?


Why,I'm the guy that just made you look like a complete moron of course! No hard feelings though, just having a little fun. Now go get your shine box!

[Buzz]

Lying? I never said it was bad writing. I said bad journalism. But since you were the journalist, well oops.

Offended me? I have never said if Michigan would be good or not. I think they will be better than last year.

I did not realize real world solutions were settled on the college football field. I thought that is what are new President is supposed to be doing.

IMO, by the way IMO stands for in my opinion, Tate will start the opener next year. Sure he is a freshman and Threat, I mean Threet has more expeirence but this offense will not work if you don't have a QB that is a threat to run the ball. Threet is not even close to being a threat to run the ball that's why the RB's were getting killed last year.
And it ain't like Threet is 4 year junior or something.

"I thought that is what are new President is supposed to be doing". You want to correct me after putting together a sentence like that? Come on.....dumb @ss. What exactly are you trying to do here? You're not putting the entire concept together here....go read a book or something.

There's things that are done inside the classroom, there's things that are done, in the real world. You don't understand that football is these players' and the coaches' job. Real world solutions meaning that this is what's done to actually reach objectives. I see you have issues with your comprehension skills, along with the dumb @ss bucks fan.

You think that in order for Michigan to be better than last year, they need a QB not named Threat starting next year. Well, sorry that won't be the case just yet.

"I mean Threet has more expeirence...." You're kidding me right?

shane you better go home and sharpen your skills a bit more before you try challenging me again, idiot.

[Shane Falco]

[QUOTE=Buzz;4816]"I

You think that in order for Michigan to be better than last year, they need a QB not named Threat starting next year. Well, sorry that won't be the case just yet.

QUOTE]

Once again, Michigan does not have a QB named Threat.

[Buzz]

Wow, Buzz, you are an absolute psycho. Did you just spend the last few hours back reading posts? Someone needs a job - and a Xanax. That first x is pronounced like a z by the way there, Rhodes Scholar. Why don't you calm the fuck down. Stop worrying about the fact that an internet community that just thought you weren't real bright at first now has seen your true colors and realizes that you're the message board version of the Mansons. Oops, I just agreed with everbody here again. Damn this weak spine.

I don't read your post, I'm referring to your resonse to mine. I may not be the brightest, but I'm sure I'm smarter than you bluefan.

We'll see what happens when the season starts. We're moving on now.

[Buzz]

[QUOTE=Buzz;4816]"I

You think that in order for Michigan to be better than last year, they need a QB not named Threat starting next year. Well, sorry that won't be the case just yet.

QUOTE]

Once again, Michigan does not have a QB named Threat.

First learn how to quote, then respond. Yeah, it's a bit of humor, like I say you're pretty slow, and no I don't know you're 40 time.

[Silver Bullet]

[QUOTE=Shane Falco;4817]

First learn how to quote, then respond. Yeah, it's a bit of humor, like I say you're pretty slow, and no I don't know you're 40 time.

What a maroon!

[Buzz]

[QUOTE=Buzz;4819]

What a maroon!

You haven't responded with anything that shows even remotely that you know what talking about. What is your reasoning in response to my posts anyway? Next....moving on.

[nc wolverine]

just a thought on this qb battle......

how much of rr's inteded playbook did he even use this year. If he knew he didnt have the qb to fit his system do you think he actually used the playbook he used at wvu or even something close. With the players that he is getting to fit "his" system what we saw last year didnt remind me of what he was so successful with at wvu. It looked like a modified pro and spread put together.

i think this years offense will look even more different. so would it be safe to assume that it is possible threet and forcier are both going to be on the ground floor... and it might even be a little more favorable to forcier since he ran it in highschool.

other thought.... after watching tates highlight videos .... the talent that he played against looked a little weak even for highschool... i think it may take a little more time than we think to get use to the speed of the college game

[rickyleach]

doesnt it seem strange that michigan has a solid opening at qb and we dont seem to be drawing much interest, i mean tate seems like he might fit the bill, but why in the hell arent people knocking down the door at michigan to compete for that position.. and nut or donny worthless please dont respond to this...

[nc wolverine]

doesnt it seem strange that michigan has a solid opening at qb and we dont seem to be drawing much interest, i mean tate seems like he might fit the bill, but why in the hell arent people knocking down the door at michigan to compete for that position.. and nut or donny worthless please dont respond to this...

to me it seems that the qb position is starting to mold around dual threat qbs, and michigan has always had pro style qbs. It is also possible that players are looking to see what RR is going to do with the program.

but then again we are michigan if i was a top ranked qb i would have committed :cool:

[bigboyBlue]

doesnt it seem strange that michigan has a solid opening at qb and we dont seem to be drawing much interest, i mean tate seems like he might fit the bill, but why in the hell arent people knocking down the door at michigan to compete for that position.. and nut or donny worthless please dont respond to this...


I think the "we are Michigan" argument only survives so many bad seasons though. Memory is increasingly short, and people mostly remember 3 shitty seasons (2008, 2007, and 2005) in the last 4 years.

I use Notre Dame and Nebraska as examples of two traditionally strong schools at par with Michigan. ND pulled in a fantastic class last year, but recruiting has been pretty mediocre this year. Nebraska recruiting (looking at Rivals) has been in a steady decline since 2005, and they're mostly pulling in some 4*s and a bunch of 3*s now.

Basically, as much as you wouldn't like it to "Because its Michigan", last season's 3-9 record will take its toll, and increasingly so if things don't get better fast enough.

[nc wolverine]

but we have the coolest helmets!

[MoellerLover69(LloydCarr)]

I understand being positive, but did some of you even actually watch the games last year? Many seem to have a positive impression of Threet when he has been the worst qb in Michigan history. Sheridan had the best game of all the qb's against Minnesota and was much better at completing the incomplete screen pass offense which Threet ran consistently. If either of those two start we are doomed. We better pray Forcier is the man from day one!!

[MAIZEandBLUEsuedeshoes]

I'm curious as to how long it actually takes for a QB to catch on in this system---to learn it all, to have the ABILITY to learn more plays that RR incorporates in to this offense.

I'm speaking about the future here: Once we do FINALLY have a senior QB that has graduated and played under RR's offense, I'm curious about the next one that takes over AFTER that-----how long will it take for him to be ready?

I know it's not just the QB learning this offense, but are we going to have to go through this crap every time a starting QB graduates/transfers? I highly doubt it would ever be this bad for a long time, in the NOT so near future---which will be a good thing.

Tate Forcier will be light years ahead of Threet when comparing certain time frames of their college careers. This isn't pee-wee league football anymore this is Michigan football. When your 18 or 19 years old, its time to start learning how to be a man---these kids are bigger and stronger than I ever will be. Time to get the feet wet boys.

[tpilews]

doesnt it seem strange that michigan has a solid opening at qb and we dont seem to be drawing much interest, i mean tate seems like he might fit the bill, but why in the hell arent people knocking down the door at michigan to compete for that position.. and nut or donny worthless please dont respond to this...

I wouldn't say there is a solid opening at qb. There is a small opening, but the role is being filled with a very good qb in Tate. Most highly recruited guys won't want to risk losing the battle and end up sitting for four years. If Tate has a good year in '09, look for UM to have a tough time landing a top recruit in 2010. Again, they're not going to want to sit three years in order to play two.

I also think part of the problem is that when all these recruit think of RR's offense, they think of Pat White, and running the ball 75% of the time. That doesn't get them into the NFL. We know from researching RR, that he likes to be more balanced, but PW didn't have the arm to throw when he was younger. I think we will see a more balanced attack with Tate; he's got as accurate an arm as any qb UM's had the last 20 years. There's no reason to think Tate won't be successful.

I still think we'll be able to land either Stallworth or Robinson as our backup qb.

[Swoosh]

IMO you go with your best talent, to me Tate has more way more than anybody else at MI.

[GoDeepHammer]

I say see where everyone is at the end of the Spring game and prior the first game, then give it to the person that is going to give us the best chance to win. Make them compete week to week, that will seperate them.

[number2]

I think the "we are Michigan" argument only survives so many bad seasons though. Memory is increasingly short, and people mostly remember 3 shitty seasons (2008, 2007, and 2005) in the last 4 years.

I use Notre Dame and Nebraska as examples of two traditionally strong schools at par with Michigan. ND pulled in a fantastic class last year, but recruiting has been pretty mediocre this year. Nebraska recruiting (looking at Rivals) has been in a steady decline since 2005, and they're mostly pulling in some 4*s and a bunch of 3*s now.

Basically, as much as you wouldn't like it to "Because its Michigan", last season's 3-9 record will take its toll, and increasingly so if things don't get better fast enough.

I couldnt agree with you more...the decline of the Michigan brand (if you will) has been going on now for more than we (fans and alumni) would like to admit. We need a jolt, not a long drawn out rebuild. I hope against hope that next year we surprise everyone. No one is talking about Michigan anymore. Amazing how a late season loss in 2006 to uos, when we were number 2 in the country has put us into this tailspin. That was a great game but that in my eyes was when it really started. Then we got smashed (again) by USC. We all know how 2007 went though we finished with a great bowl win against the Gators.
Anyway my point is that even I dont see the word "Michigan", the name "Michigan", the same I used to...it would catch my eye on the espn bottomline no matter what sport...it still does...I dont know, its hard to explain...its like Michigan has fallen back even as far as the bottom portion of the 2nd tier programs behind Nebraska and Notre Dame...and it makes me sick.
Like I said...We need a jolt...a monster season...beat schools we used to but shouldnt at this point in the rebuild...and we cannot lose to the Purdues, Wisconsins and MSU's of the world...and like Ive said in a past post...I dont think a 9-4 season will cut it if we lose to MSU, uos, ND and the bowl game...we might need 11-2 (with a win in the bowl game) to open some eyes and thrust ourselves back into the upper tier of college football...

anyone agree??

[number2]

I wouldn't say there is a solid opening at qb. There is a small opening, but the role is being filled with a very good qb in Tate. Most highly recruited guys won't want to risk losing the battle and end up sitting for four years. If Tate has a good year in '09, look for UM to have a tough time landing a top recruit in 2010. Again, they're not going to want to sit three years in order to play two.



Youre absolutely right

[GoDeepHammer]

I couldnt agree with you more...the decline of the Michigan brand (if you will) has been going on now for more than we (fans and alumni) would like to admit. We need a jolt, not a long drawn out rebuild. I hope against hope that next year we surprise everyone. No one is talking about Michigan anymore. Amazing how a late season loss in 2006 to uos, when we were number 2 in the country has put us into this tailspin. That was a great game but that in my eyes was when it really started. Then we got smashed (again) by USC. We all know how 2007 went though we finished with a great bowl win against the Gators.
Anyway my point is that even I dont see the word "Michigan", the name "Michigan", the same I used to...it would catch my eye on the espn bottomline no matter what sport...it still does...I dont know, its hard to explain...its like Michigan has fallen back even as far as the bottom portion of the 2nd tier programs behind Nebraska and Notre Dame...and it makes me sick.
Like I said...We need a jolt...a monster season...beat schools we used to but shouldnt at this point in the rebuild...and we cannot lose to the Purdues, Wisconsins and MSU's of the world...and like Ive said in a past post...I dont think a 9-4 season will cut it if we lose to MSU, uos, ND and the bowl game...we might need 11-2 (with a win in the bowl game) to open some eyes and thrust ourselves back into the upper tier of college football...

anyone agree??

No, I don't agree. 11-2 from a 3-9 season? I think that I would be fine with a 9-4, in RR second year. We have to understand that the pieces are just getting back into place. Time is what we need and I don't think a single year is enough time. I think that RR and the team will be better this year, but I think that 9-4 is even lofty.

I think the reason for the "so-called" Michigan brand decline is due to the fan support waning in the past years and the media not being big on Michigan and the Big Ten. I feel that is mostly from the Big Ten's bowl losses. The media is so pro SEC and lets face it, the Big Ten isn't doing themselves any favors by going out an not winning the big games.

[number2]

No, I don't agree. 11-2 from a 3-9 season? I think that I would be fine with a 9-4, in RR second year. We have to understand that the pieces are just getting back into place. Time is what we need and I don't think a single year is enough time. I think that RR and the team will be better this year, but I think that 9-4 is even lofty.

I think the reason for the "so-called" Michigan brand decline is due to the fan support waning in the past years and the media not being big on Michigan and the Big Ten. I feel that is mostly from the Big Ten's bowl losses. The media is so pro SEC and lets face it, the Big Ten isn't doing themselves any favors by going out an not winning the big games.

I think you missed my point...and maybe I didnt get it out there for you and others properly (I stated it was hard to explain my feelings)...Ill say this first, my support for Michigan has never "waned"...I simply see the aura of Michigan athletics (academics is not an issue) being destroyed and what I was trying to say is that a slap in the face to those who think Michigan is gone and out of the picture would be great. Make guys like Mark May and the other talking heads really take notice. I would be happy with a 9-4 season next year but it wouldnt change peoples opinion of Michigan in one swoop. Thats what I want to see (though unlikely I agree) I want these guys to have no reason to say "well Michigan looks a bit better this year, but lets face it, theyre still a season or two away. 9-4 is ok if youre in the SEC but you cant go 9-4 with a bowl loss to the SEC (hypothetical) playing in the BigTen and expect high praise."

[LAMfan]

No, I don't agree. 11-2 from a 3-9 season? I think that I would be fine with a 9-4, in RR second year. We have to understand that the pieces are just getting back into place. Time is what we need and I don't think a single year is enough time. I think that RR and the team will be better this year, but I think that 9-4 is even lofty.

I think the reason for the "so-called" Michigan brand decline is due to the fan support waning in the past years and the media not being big on Michigan and the Big Ten. I feel that is mostly from the Big Ten's bowl losses. The media is so pro SEC and lets face it, the Big Ten isn't doing themselves any favors by going out an not winning the big games.

I mostly agree, and even think just a winning record next year is enough improvement from the disaster of last year. However, I think the scenario that number2 describes applies to year three. We need to beat someone good and become relevant again. If it happens next year, great, but the reality of what the hole we are crawling out of makes that unlikely.

I disagree about fan support waning and the media playing a role. I think it is just human nature, when the beast (the tradition of M football) is down, people gloat and some say I told ya and others become hindsight analysts. Let's face it, 3-9, losing to Toledo, these are big stories that we brought upon ourselves. M's fanbase is huge, like ND, but also like the domers, there is a large group that hates M and loves to run dirt in our face if given the chance. If we have a team that is worthy of the winged helmet (ja und auch helmut), all this negative press is motivation, and maybe we do catch someone next year!

[tpilews]

I think we are all saying the same thing here. "We want to see UM as an elite program again." That is fine, we just need to be realistic about expectations. As much as I hate to say it, 6-6 is a possible reality for next year. With an offense that is returning 10 starters, but will have a true freshman running the show, UM should be able to put some wins together. The offense started to look better at the end of the year. We are better off at every position in '09 than we were in '08. QB - no doubt TF is a step up. Even if Tate doesn't start, Threet year 2 has got to be better than Threet year 1. RB - UM is solid. Should be the shining point of the offense. WR - Plenty of new weapons on the inside. Lots of speed. Mathews could have a great year if the qb is able to get him the ball more. O-Line - started to gel as the season moved on. Some new faces (6 redshirt freshmen). This is a definite upgrade over last year. The depth at oline should be a huge plus.

I think setting the bar for the regular season at 8-4 is completely warranted. New defense with a lot of new guys - no experience.

[number2]

I think we are all saying the same thing here. "We want to see UM as an elite program again." That is fine, we just need to be realistic about expectations. As much as I hate to say it, 6-6 is a possible reality for next year..

This is one of my points right there...no one ever had to "realistic" about expectations in the past...regardless of how bad Michigan's seasons have been in the past I would never (including last season) think that Michigan would be sub par the following year...I always figured, "its Michigan, theyll be back next year"...and they always were...for the most part in everyones preseason top 10 every year...we've been broken by this whirlwind of mediocrity...I think 6-6 was there for the taking this past season...they lost most of those games, they didnt get beat...they shouldve been 6-6 this past season even with all the young and experienced players, lack of talent at key positions, etc...in the past Michigan has always had new guys coming in to fill key positions (running back, qb, WR, O/D Line, etc) and the machine just kept running...I dont want my mindset from now on to be "well we lost a couple key guys, looks like its gonna be a 6-6 year if we're lucky"...thats not how the fans of the Florida's and USC's of the world think...and thats not how we used to think either...they know that one guy leaves then there is another player to step in with little to no drop off...I understand thats not the case right now at Michigan but I wont admit that Michigan will have a tough time with the mediocre (at best) BigTen next year...We still have big time talent...its just young talent...reality may be something totally different but just like last year before the season started I see no reason why Michigan cant win 9 or 10 games...they may get the shit kicked out of them in a bowl but...ya never know

[GoDeepHammer]

I think you missed my point...and maybe I didnt get it out there for you and others properly (I stated it was hard to explain my feelings)...Ill say this first, my support for Michigan has never "waned"...I simply see the aura of Michigan athletics (academics is not an issue) being destroyed and what I was trying to say is that a slap in the face to those who think Michigan is gone and out of the picture would be great. Make guys like Mark May and the other talking heads really take notice. I would be happy with a 9-4 season next year but it wouldnt change peoples opinion of Michigan in one swoop. Thats what I want to see (though unlikely I agree) I want these guys to have no reason to say "well Michigan looks a bit better this year, but lets face it, theyre still a season or two away. 9-4 is ok if youre in the SEC but you cant go 9-4 with a bowl loss to the SEC (hypothetical) playing in the BigTen and expect high praise."

What I am saying is that for Michigan to get the respect back, the Big Ten needs to as well. Case and point is two years ago, Michigan beats Florida and they are still ranked behind Florida in the final polls. I think that that Big Ten as a conference has to get better, no matter how good one team does in the Big Ten, as a conference we need to start winning bowl games consistently.

[GoDeepHammer]

This is one of my points right there...no one ever had to "realistic" about expectations in the past...regardless of how bad Michigan's seasons have been in the past I would never (including last season) think that Michigan would be sub par the following year...I always figured, "its Michigan, theyll be back next year"...and they always were...for the most part in everyones preseason top 10 every year...we've been broken by this whirlwind of mediocrity...I think 6-6 was there for the taking this past season...they lost most of those games, they didnt get beat...they shouldve been 6-6 this past season even with all the young and experienced players, lack of talent at key positions, etc...in the past Michigan has always had new guys coming in to fill key positions (running back, qb, WR, O/D Line, etc) and the machine just kept running...I dont want my mindset from now on to be "well we lost a couple key guys, looks like its gonna be a 6-6 year if we're lucky"...thats not how the fans of the Florida's and USC's of the world think...and thats not how we used to think either...they know that one guy leaves then there is another player to step in with little to no drop off...I understand thats not the case right now at Michigan but I wont admit that Michigan will have a tough time with the mediocre (at best) BigTen next year...We still have big time talent...its just young talent...reality may be something totally different but just like last year before the season started I see no reason why Michigan cant win 9 or 10 games...they may get the shit kicked out of them in a bowl but...ya never know

Michigan hasn't been in the position in many years that they were in last year. They not only had to replace many starters from the previous year, they had a completely new scheme and all new coaches. That is a ton to have to install in a short amount of time.

[number2]

What I am saying is that for Michigan to get the respect back, the Big Ten needs to as well. Case and point is two years ago, Michigan beats Florida and they are still ranked behind Florida in the final polls. I think that that Big Ten as a conference has to get better, no matter how good one team does in the Big Ten, as a conference we need to start winning bowl games consistently.

Im not sure thats true...think of it this way...if OhioSt had won both (or at least one) of the NC games they were in and maybe this years bowl against Texas...would it really matter how good the rest of the BigTen was...they would have everyones respect regardless of the strength of the BigTen

[number2]

Michigan hasn't been in the position in many years that they were in last year. They not only had to replace many starters from the previous year, they had a completely new scheme and all new coaches. That is a ton to have to install in a short amount of time.

Meyer did it at Fla (though he apparently had better talent in the cupboard)...sh*t RR did it at WV...Saban at Alabama (though Im not sure he implemented a totally different system)

[number2]

Im not sure thats true...think of it this way...if OhioSt had won both (or at least one) of the NC games they were in and maybe this years bowl against Texas...would it really matter how good the rest of the BigTen was...they would have everyones respect regardless of the strength of the BigTen

do we all agree that for the most part the reason everyone thinks this way about the BigTen is mainly due to the performance in recent bowls of Michigan and OhioSt...if Michigan hadnt lost to USC so badly...and Texas (even though it was a good close game) in recent bowl games (even the Nebraska loss) and uos couldve mustered a win in one of the NC games I really dont think people would be so down on the BigTen...I honestly believe it all has to do with the past 5-6 yrs of bowl losses for Michigan and uos...no one else...as they go, the BigTen goes (or something like that)

[NCBLUE]

Michigan will not be 11-2 next season. This is setting us up for more disappointment. From what they are losing on D, to breaking in a new QB and having a new DC. They will be bowl elegible and improved, but 11-2 from 3-9 is not going to happen.

I think we will struggle at QB again next season but what is in the best interest long term would be to ride the upside potential of Tate. Last year's QB play was probably the worst in the entire country. I say let's sink or swim with Tate.

[MAIZEandBLUEsuedeshoes]

do we all agree that for the most part the reason everyone thinks this way about the BigTen is mainly due to the performance in recent bowls of Michigan and OhioSt...if Michigan hadnt lost to USC so badly...and Texas (even though it was a good close game) in recent bowl games (even the Nebraska loss) and uos couldve mustered a win in one of the NC games I really dont think people would be so down on the BigTen...I honestly believe it all has to do with the past 5-6 yrs of bowl losses for Michigan and uos...no one else...as they go, the BigTen goes (or something like that)
I have similar feelings about the last few posts.
I agree and I am sure it's safe to say last years performance(UM) didn't help. When I think of the Big10 I think of UM, Penn St., Wisc., and Ohio St. I think 8-4 is realistic(even 9-4). Who else to we play--- that's exactly where my problem is(due to last year) because we should be beating everyone else, with an occasional loss.

[MAIZEandBLUEsuedeshoes]

I say let's sink or swim with Tate.
I hope RR feels the same.

[Silver Bullet]

I have similar feelings about the last few posts.
I agree and I am sure it's safe to say last years performance(UM) didn't help. When I think of the Big10 I think of UM, Penn St., Wisc., and Ohio St. I think 8-4 is realistic(even 9-4). Who else to we play--- that's exactly where my problem is(due to last year) because we should be beating everyone else, with an occasional loss.

The B10 did combine for 1 bowl win this year and we generally finish sub .500 in the postseason so the stats don't help your argument. I was somebody that didn't want to admit it either, but if you watch the SEC or upper Pac 10 or Big 12 teams you can see that they play a different style of football. They have bigger, faster athletes. I think our mid-tier teams are as good as anyone's but the top of those conferences are better the top of the B10.

[MAIZEandBLUEsuedeshoes]

I have similar feelings about the last few posts.
I agree and I am sure it's safe to say last years performance(UM) didn't help. When I think of the Big10 I think of UM, Penn St., Wisc., and Ohio St. I think 8-4 is realistic(even 9-4). Who else to we play--- that's exactly where my problem is(due to last year) because we should be beating everyone else, with an occasional loss.
.....it's somewhat safe to add in the turnaround factor---RR's history as a 2nd year head coach.

[nc wolverine]

this season is going to be up in the air.,.. but i think if we are not aiming at 11-2 or better than we are not doing our selves justice... We will have in my opinion a solid football team... with a pretty weak out of conference. I know we may slip in a big ten game and osu will be tough..... but accepting 4-5 losses is just a not good enough for me.
western M...... could be tough if their qb stays (dont know if he is)
nd.... lots of returning players....would have been close if we didnt have
7 turnovers
eastern M... should have won
indiana..... no reason we lose
msu... ringer gone? tough game?
Iowa.. running game is gone should be a win
Psu... tough game... could accept a loss
Ill.... 50/50 ?
purdue... their qb is gone... they barely beat us last year
wisc. another 50/50
osu i could see a loss even though they are losing a lot of players

so i dont see how 4 losses is acceptable... if we are not aiming high while being realistic i dont see how 4 losses would be good... 11-2 is not that outlandish

[MAIZEandBLUEsuedeshoes]

so i dont see how 4 losses is acceptable... if we are not aiming high while being realistic i dont see how 4 losses would be good... 11-2 is not that outlandish
4 losses is a possibility, whether or not that is acceptable(or good), is up to the person......and when comparing to last year, that's another factor in itself.

[nc wolverine]

4 losses is a possibility, whether or not that is acceptable(or good), is up to the person......and when comparing to last year, that's another factor in itself.

yeah i know.... 4 is a possibility and a heck of an improvement from last year.
as long as we start the season out 1-0.... 3-0 and ill be thrilled.

but wouldnt an undefeated season just be amazing......

[MAIZEandBLUEsuedeshoes]

yeah i know.... 4 is a possibility and a heck of an improvement from last year.
as long as we start the season out 1-0.... 3-0 and ill be thrilled.

but wouldnt an undefeated season just be amazing......
I (and many others) would be on top of the world!!! I won't rule it out, just like I didn't last year...LOL

[NCBLUE]

We can aim as high as we want, why not 12-0 but when it is all said and done we will not be 11-2. We lose a lot on D and we will have a true freshman QB.

11-2 would put us in the top 10 in the country, maybe even top 7, does anyone really think at this point in the transition we are one of the best teams in the country ?

Nothing wrong with setting the bar high but college football is full of delusional fan bases that think their teams should be in the BCS every year. Being in the south I listen to Georgia & Clemson fans all the time that think their teams should be winning national champions on a regular basis.

I want to see steady improvement from last year. I want to see that RR's offense is working and moving ball, I would like to see a defense that is consistant and not consistantly giving up big plays. I want Michigan back into a decent bowl in year 2, beat oSU within the first 3 years, win the Big Ten within 4 years and be in the national championship picture in 5.

Hopefully RR can deliver.

[number2]

We can aim as high as we want, why not 12-0 but when it is all said and done we will not be 11-2. We lose a lot on D and we will have a true freshman QB.

11-2 would put us in the top 10 in the country, maybe even top 7, does anyone really think at this point in the transition we are one of the best teams in the country ?

Nothing wrong with setting the bar high but college football is full of delusional fan bases that think their teams should be in the BCS every year. Being in the south I listen to Georgia & Clemson fans all the time that think their teams should be winning national champions on a regular basis.

I want to see steady improvement from last year. I want to see that RR's offense is working and moving ball, I would like to see a defense that is consistant and not consistantly giving up big plays. I want Michigan back into a decent bowl in year 2, beat oSU within the first 3 years, win the Big Ten within 4 years and be in the national championship picture in 5.

Hopefully RR can deliver.

5 years in this day and age is too long to have to wait...its a "win now" world...

[tpilews]

We lose a lot on D

I guess when you look at the defense anything can happen. Mouton and Ezeh will be back at LB, so that should be better. The d-line is being overhauled. Hopefully, Graham can have a great year. Martin showed some promise at tackle. The secondary, can it honestly get any worse? There's really no where to go but up. So, IMO, this '09 defense has the ability to be much better than the '08 defense.

[nc wolverine]

We can aim as high as we want, why not 12-0 but when it is all said and done we will not be 11-2. We lose a lot on D and we will have a true freshman QB.

11-2 would put us in the top 10 in the country, maybe even top 7, does anyone really think at this point in the transition we are one of the best teams in the country ?

Nothing wrong with setting the bar high but college football is full of delusional fan bases that think their teams should be in the BCS every year. Being in the south I listen to Georgia & Clemson fans all the time that think their teams should be winning national champions on a regular basis.

I want to see steady improvement from last year. I want to see that RR's offense is working and moving ball, I would like to see a defense that is consistant and not consistantly giving up big plays. I want Michigan back into a decent bowl in year 2, beat oSU within the first 3 years, win the Big Ten within 4 years and be in the national championship picture in 5.

Hopefully RR can deliver.

ncblue.....
do i think we are one of the best teams in the country ... not yet.
but to be ranked in the top 10..... i think it is possible... some favorable games at home, and a weak non conference.... i could see a loss to nd early and a loss to psu osu late.... big ten teams are also losing a lot, especially big playmakers (greene and ringer)

time will tell. i just hope it tells me what i want to hear!

GO BLUE
(sorry for being so optimistic)

[Buzz]

You want to aim as high as possible in an effort to win all games. I think the program will be next year where most people thought Michigan would be last season.

We're still in transition, the B10 isn't very good right now, but I think it will be during the 2010 season where the program will have the ability to compete with true top ten competition, if they can get the most of this coming season.

[MAIZEandBLUEsuedeshoes]

We can aim as high as we want, why not 12-0 but when it is all said and done we will not be 11-2. We lose a lot on D and we will have a true freshman QB.

11-2 would put us in the top 10 in the country, maybe even top 7, does anyone really think at this point in the transition we are one of the best teams in the country ?

Nothing wrong with setting the bar high but college football is full of delusional fan bases that think their teams should be in the BCS every year. Being in the south I listen to Georgia & Clemson fans all the time that think their teams should be winning national champions on a regular basis.

I want to see steady improvement from last year. I want to see that RR's offense is working and moving ball, I would like to see a defense that is consistant and not consistantly giving up big plays. I want Michigan back into a decent bowl in year 2, beat oSU within the first 3 years, win the Big Ten within 4 years and be in the national championship picture in 5.

Hopefully RR can deliver.

I agree with you totally. I think we all crave(deserve) improvement---because I really don't think the overall improvement last year was sufficient to most of us fans. This should be our biggest concern, really.

There has been a lot of talk about RR's abilities(the good talk), and it's what I(and I assume all of us..LOL) have been waiting to see----but we truly haven't yet. High hopes or not, the bottom line is it isn't down on paper yet----and after last year(tough times or not) I think it's natural that we all should be at least a little skeptical(even if it's .o1%)----yet still have hope and give RR a chance.

[Buzz]

The secondary, can it honestly get any worse?

Now that the program has a new DC....my biggest concern for them this coming season is how will that peculiar secondary perform.

[bigboyBlue]

Now that the program has a new DC....my biggest concern for them this coming season is how will that peculiar secondary perform.

Belive it or not, this will be the first time in 4 years they will have a returning Secondary Coach. Gotta be better! The one thing that worries me, though, is safety play; Stevie Brown is a disaster!

[Buzz]

Belive it or not, this will be the first time in 4 years they will have a returning Secondary Coach. Gotta be better! The one thing that worries me, though, is safety play; Stevie Brown is a disaster!

The corners does seem to be fine. Coach Rob has some work to do with those safeties.

[StevieBrownforHeisman]

Belive it or not, this will be the first time in 4 years they will have a returning Secondary Coach. Gotta be better! The one thing that worries me, though, is safety play; Stevie Brown is a disaster!

Umm... Excuse me???

[bigboyBlue]

Umm... Excuse me???

I meant that in the most endearing, slap on the wrist kinda way possible. I truly love SB the way I would a rotten, red-headed stepchild.

[bigboyBlue]

FWIW, reports from the players are that so far Forcier has looked like the real deal, and confident :).

[tpilews]

FWIW, reports from the players are that so far Forcier has looked like the real deal, and confident :).

This is great news to hear. I can't wait to see some video of the offense with Tate at work. Man, I'm pumped for next season. I wish it was September already.

[Sparty23]

This is great news to hear. I can't wait to see some video of the offense with Tate at work. Man, I'm pumped for next season. I wish it was September already.

Why so you can get slaughtered by all three rivals once again in the same season?

[tpilews]

Why so you can get slaughtered by all three rivals once again in the same season?

Hahahahaha

[bleed maize & blue]

I bet you Michigan State gets their dicks handed to them by CMU this coming season.......AGAIN!

[tpilews]

It's alright BMB, they (msu) get their once-a-decade win over UM and they think they're good again. Things will return to the way they should be very soon.

[The Michigan Man]

Why so you can get slaughtered by all three rivals once again in the same season?

MSU trolls are just adorable - poor little insecure Lil' Brother, go get your shine box...

[Swoosh]

Why so you can get slaughtered by all three rivals once again in the same season?

By the way Northwestern just called :p

[Sparty23]

By the way Northwestern just called :p

I believe that you were the ones who got blown out by penn state should have lost to indiana and havent made the tournament in the 21st century.

Yeah you guys are real impressive.

[bigboyBlue]

6-2, Sparty gets bitch slapped for the third time this season. Pls take that disgrace of a hockey team and stick it up yours.....also where your head belongs.

[Sparty23]

Geeze hit a cord there didn't I? Maybe you're just a little upset because we are far Superior to you in BOTH sports. :p

[bigboyBlue]

Geeze hit a cord there didn't I? Maybe you're just a little upset because we are far Superior to you in BOTH sports. :p

Not really, this is my normal disposition. I love how after beating us once every blue moon we get Sparty fans talking trash, especially when it comes against the worst team in UM history. I am yet to see PSU or Irish fans show up at one of these talking smack.....maybe going to a quality school really does have something to do with common sense, and having a life in general that is better spent than trolling your generally superior rivals' discussion forum. I give you guys a year before Dumbtonio either slaps himself in the face or sucker punches a random kid thinking its Mike Hart.

[StevieBrownforHeisman]

Maybe you're just a little upset because we are far Superior to you in BOTH sports. :p

if you are superior than why are you on this website telling us how superior you are? that in itself disproves your post.

also, there are more than just 2 NCAA sports. remember hockey? baseball? Water Polo? Track? Soccer? just a few sports UM owns MSU. sorry to burst your bubble, pal.

[GoGreen23]

if you are superior than why are you on this website telling us how superior you are? that in itself disproves your post.

also, there are more than just 2 NCAA sports. remember hockey? baseball? Water Polo? Track? Soccer? just a few sports UM owns MSU. sorry to burst your bubble, pal.

I wouldn't say that you guys own us in hockey, this year I'll give it to you but every other year its usually very competitive. Didn't you go 1-2-1 against us last year? So throw that argument out.

Haha, oh and soccer we did beat you in AA this season too. I'm talking about men's soccer though, I honestly don't pay attention to women's sports (except for volleyball). As for baseball, well I don't care about college ball but I do know that UM does have a good team and MSU does not.

I could sit here and go farther but I got some drinkin' to do! Haha, finally got some time for fun.

Oh, BBB I don't think that most MSU fans have an inferiority complex. That's like saying all UM fans are arrogant pricks. C'mon you're a smart guy, you know what I'm saying is true.