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November 11, 2010April 27, 2012

2010 M Football- Ann Arbor is a….

Change is inevitable and change is coming.

So says Michigan Athletic David Brandon. But all change isn’t progress.

As two of the most popular sports programs in the country both Michigan and Ohio State have made concessions to other Big Ten schools. Surely, both could have held out for a bigger piece of the revenue from the Big Ten Network but to do so may have jeopardized the entire endeavor.

The good old days, playing in November…having a chance to win…

So sometimes you make a concession for the good of the whole. Sometimes you need to look the big picture.

But whenever you head into a negotiation you need to have a firm understanding of what’s in play and what’s not.

From this fan’s perspective, it’s hard to imagine what’s worth trifling with the greatest rivalry in all of sports.

Exaggeration? Not according to ESPN. Not according to most fans of THE GAME.

So let the Big Ten have their made-for-TV, neutral site abomination otherwise known as the Big Ten Championship game.

Let them split the league into two divisions and institute some BS cross divisional protected rivalry scheme where some league games count in the division standings and some don’t.

But leave THE GAME out of it.

To leave the Michigan and Ohio State as cross division rivals, scheduled randomly cheapens the rivalry. It reduces the game to little more than an exhibition with the hope that if everything works out right, maybe, perhaps they’ll meet a several weeks later in a game that really matters.

If the cheapening THE GAME is negotiable what isn’t?

The AD’s at Michigan and Ohio State will tell us that these changes are necessary but some things should be non-negotiable.

What’s worse than losing to Ohio State? Losing to them when they’re wearing their circus uniforms

Meanwhile Ohio State recently announced for the second season in a row, that they would be wearing Nike throwback uniforms for THE GAME.

And the store is open in Ann Arbor…

October 30, 2010October 7, 2013

M Football 2010: Season Watershed Game Lost-M 31-PSU 41

The handwriting on the wall regarding this season’s results is now becoming clearer and clearer with this ungainly 31 to 41 loss to the Lions.

As happened last year, the slide to the bottom of the Big Ten has begun, on the wheels of a familiar defensive scenario. The defense can?t stop the run or the pass to give Michigan?s Denard led, and fairly potent offense, its fair number of chances.

This was a game in which the Wolverines should have been competitive. For example, Penn State was last in the Big Ten in third down conversions but we made them very successful, at least for a day.

Penn State had been struggling offensively and defensively until the Wolverines came to town. The Wolverines let them convert third and longs at will. Saturday the Lions were 10 of 16 on third down conversions. Penn State QB Matt McGloin was a first time starter, and frankly our inept defense made him look like an experienced All American. He had a very nice game.

Denard was nicked early and Tate Forcier replaced him for a few plays, but DRob recovered and had an outstanding effort in toting 27 carries 190-yards for three TDs. He hit 11 of 23 passes for 190-yards and 1 TD, and had a total of 381 total yards. UM had 422-yards, PSU 435. M had 190-yards passing and PSU 250. The Wolverines actually outscored the Lions in the second half, but it was too little too late. The game was not as close as the statistics indicate. Michigan never really seemed to be in control.

Denard set a Big 10 record for QBs. He has 1,287-yards.

Before the game it was almost universally thought that the Wolverines would be able to effectively compete with PSU, but in fact they simply did not compete effectively defensively. Denard did his job, producing several drives ending in TDs that should have put Michigan in position to be there at the end of the game, but silly penalties as well as sporadic defense hurt. Although I thought the late hit call that RR was yelling about extensively late in the last half was a cheap call, mistakes, short KO?s, a critical fumble, and opponent?s runbacks again highlighted the tiresome play of some aspects of the special teams.

Jeremy Gallon miscued deep, and set up an ensuing PSU TD drive from the resulting field position gift. His nice runbacks, including a 47-yard return in the 3^rd quarter, could not quite compensate for that damage. Broekhuizen hit a 37-yard FG. Hagerup handled the KOs for the first time, with mixed results, but had a 55-yard punt.

Most of the onus for Saturday?s loss belongs directly on a defense that is not improving, consistently allows long drives, too often seems confused, doesn?t looks well coached, consistently misses tackles, makes heady plays to provide third and long, and then fails to stop a run or a pass to allow the opposition?s drive to continue. It seems to have earned and deserves its place at the bottom of the Big Ten barrel. They have given up thirty points or more to all their Big Ten opponents, whether their offense is good or bad. But I don?t have to describe the Wolverines defense to you, you have seen the results for yourself all season long. For this game they have earned another D.

The defense seemed to play harder after Rodriguez waded into them in the second half on the sideline, with a very animated entreaty. Mike Martin spent much of the game on the sidelines because of injury, as did Jibreel Black. That couldn?t be more unlucky for an already thin unit.

They made several changes over the bye week in the defense. Ray Vinopal was moved to safety and Cam Gordon to spur. Vinopal had six tackles, but was “Roystered” a couple of times. Although they both made some plays, unfortunately the overall results were not much improved as the previously anemic PSU offense put up four TDs in the first half and 41 for the game.

PSU deferred and M received the ball but stalled and PSU produced a 14 play, 71-yard drive that was a prototype for the afternoon. Royster ran it in from four and it was rapidly M 0-PSU 7.

After a 15-yard Martel Webb reception, Denard traversed 32 yards for a score and it was 7 up after a 9 play 80-yard drive.

PSU returned the KO forty yards and in 5 plays covered 56-yards with Royster recording a 1-yard TD. M 7-PSU 14.

DRob was hurt at the end of the quarter, and Tate took a few snaps.

M hit a 37-yard FG. M 10-PSU 14.

PSU produced another long drive of 11 plays which covered 74-yards, scoring on a 1-yard McGloin run. M 10-PSU 21

Gallon fumbled the KO on his own two, and PSU subsequently drove 37-yards to another TD in 4 plays, scoring on a 20-yard pass. M 10-PSU 28. The game was out of hand at the half.

PSU opened the 2^nd half with a 10-play, 67-yard drive for a 32-yard FG. M 10-PSU 31.

Denard threw a 62-yard scoring pass to Koger to complete a 5-play 80-yard drive. M 17-PSU 31.

Another PSU 80-yard drive with a 5-yard rushing TD really hurt and made it M 17-PSU-38.

Michigan scored twice more to on short rushes by Denard to make it M 31-PSU 38. but it was not enough

Special teams helped seal the Wolverines fate at this critical juncture by allowing a 30-yard KO return. PSU executed a sucessful fake punt to continue possession and capped the scoring with a 42-yard FG. M 31-PSU 4 and the day was done.

This loss leaves the Wolverines in an undesirable position that should have been avoided. Of the five games they had left on Saturday, the PSU game appeared the most winnable, with the possible exception of Purdue, and it is lost.

So now logic indicates that they will only have one more victory available (Purdue), or maybe two (add Illinois). When and if the Wolverines win another they game they will have established some Bowl eligibility.

Maybe the Wolverines can take Illinois at home next week if Denard and Molk are healthy. Perhaps. But don?t count on it as Illinois is playing some good football right now, and Michigan is not playing well in all three phases of the game. Zook let his entire staff go after last season and it seems to have produced some results. They will be a formidable challenge for Wolverines fresh from a three game losing streak, even if some say Illini statistics show the Wolverines should prevail. So did PSUs.

Last year?s Illinois game was a loss that helped put the final stamp of disaster on that season. The same scenario seems to be looming again with gathering momentum. Someone will have to spike the Kool Aid to restore a lot of optimism after Saturday?s Happy Valley excursion.

I thought 7 and 5 at the start of the season and it is still possible even if Wisconsin and Ohio State are so much better teams that victories over them seem out of reach. But the chances are getting whittled down each week

The Wolverines will return to greatness sooner or later. It will be worth the wait. But the wait continues.

Go Blue!

October 14, 2010April 27, 2012

Spartans- What is your profession? Minor rivals…at least for now

The debate rages.

Where does the UM/MSU rivalry rank among Wolverines fans?

The answer is third.

First is UM/Ohio State. Ranked as possibly the greatest rivalry in all of sports it is the undisputed top rivalry for Michigan.

Second is UM/Notre Dame. Both teams are near the top of the all-time wins and winning percentage list with unmatched history and tradition to match.

Which leaves the UM/MSU as the third most important rivalry for the Wolverines.

But don’t shortchange the Spartans.

With three consecutive wins not to mention the emphatic thumping of the Wolverines 34-17 in the most recent contest, MSU backers definitely have a lot to be excited about.

Who knows at thus rate Coach Dantonio might even lead the Spartans to a bowl victory some day.

But one thing is for sure. Give the Spartans credit- they have solidified their position as the top football program in the State over the last three years. And unless Michigan can beat the Spartans next year in East Lansing the Spartans may be making a play to to be the top rivalry of the next 100 years of Michigan football.

Coach Rodriguez is fond of saying that he doesn’t worry about the past. Video Clip

But the past can be a great motivational tool for athletes. Watch the Spartans celebrate and listen to their fans at Michigan Stadium.

The score of the game and memories of the Spartan jubilation should rile up every Wolverine fan.

But we can’t do anything about it.

That’s up to the Wolverine players and Coach Rodriguez.

It’s time to remember, not to forget.

October 3, 2010April 27, 2012

Denard Robinson- The Natural?

I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s incredible! Anything he wants to do, he does!

-The Natural

The above quote is from “The Natural” one of the best baseball movies ever made. What does a baseball movie have to do with Michigan QB Denard Robinson? Well, the last several weeks this quote comes to mind when I watch him play.

I’ve seen some remarkable athletes perform their magic on the gridiron. Sometimes it’s a once in a million event like Jon Vaughn torching USC for 288 yards or Tshimanga Biakabatuka rolling for for 313 yards over Ohio State. Other times it’s an athlete announcing their presence with an overwhelming performance like Donovan McNabb, Troy Smith, Braylon Edwards or more recently Dennis Dixon. Rarer still are the Heisman winning seasons we’ve seen from the likes of Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson.

We don’t know how far Denard Robinson is going go. College careers are fragile. In every game this season we’ve seen “Shoelace” get dinged up.

The more he runs, the greater the chance of injury.

Lost in the discussion of the 3-3-5 defense, and whether this year’s team is better than last year’s team is that Denard Robinson is putting on a display the likes of which we will never see again.

Roy Hobbs, the tragic hero of The Natural, bemoans the fact that he wasn’t play long enough to “break all records” and be recognized as “the greatest hitter who every played the game.” He’s comforted by impact he had on the people who did see him play.

I don’t know know if Denard Robinson is going to win the Heisman trophy.

I don’t know if the Wolverines are going to beat the Spartans on Saturday.

What I do know is I’m not going miss one second of any game that Denard Robinson plays in. He is most amazing football player I’ve ever seen. Whether he’s running 75 yards for a TD, throwing 60 yards for a TD, or engineering a last minute game winning drive.

Denard Robinson Highlight Video

Robinson is the rare player who shuns the spotlight, puts the team first, and exemplifies the attitude that Coach Rodriguez tries to instill in his players, “…of staying humble and hungry.” Last season as an backup he was supportive of his teammates and worked hard to improve his game. When backup QBs Tate Forcier and Devin Gardner played well this season Denard was their biggest cheerleader on the sidelines and he to congratulate and encourage as they came of the field.

Denard Celebrating at the Big House

Denard Robinson’s performances are making an impact that will be felt for years to come. Young football players on playgrounds across the country are insisting that his trademark untied shoelaces make them faster and are imitating his moves.

The last two seasons have embittered many Wolverine fans and many remain skeptical about whether the team has finally turned things around.

But it would be a mistake for fans to discount the performances Denard Robinson has put together so far.

The Denard show is AMAIZING.

Don’t miss it…

September 12, 2010October 14, 2013

M Football 2010- Michigan 28, Notre Dame 24 Magnificant Effort And Outcome

Michigan’s Wolverines ended a nasty lack of away from home wins in Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, when they produced an astounding and outstanding come from behind victory in their first competition with Brian Kelly’s Irish. This was a hard fought football game. Neither team quit, but finally the Wolverines prospered and the Irish didn’t.

Denard Robinson was even better Saturday than last week against Connecticut, and now totals a stunning 502-yards rushing in just two games. He will surpass Brandon Minor’s entire production for last year soon, and even though I have seldom, if ever, seen one player put the Wolverine’s fortunes on his own back like he has, he is not the only Wolverine that should be credited with this victory.

The defense hit, the OL line blocked reasonably well, and the receivers took some real punishment, but for the most part they were able to hang onto the ball. Roy Roundtree had 8 grabs for 82-yards, which included a 31-yard TD. Suffering internal bruising last week I was surprised to see him in action this week. Martavious Odoms had 91-receiving yards. Stephen Hopkins got his first collegiate carry on a two-yard TD run early in the game.

With the exception of a few notable penalties, and a big play at crunch time, they played with enough poise and precision on offense, and surprisingly on run defense, to prove they were the best team on the field. Three interceptions helped make that decision. Jonas Mouton got his second career interception, and finished the day with 13 tackles, and Jordan Kovacs had ten. The defense stumbled at times, and let out a late fourth quarter 95-yard pass play for a TD after the defense had the Irish pinned deep in their own territory.

It was a dispiriting and potentially back-breaking play at crunch time. Cameron Gordon let the receiver Kyle Rudolph get behind him, and the down three got inadequate pressure on ND QB Crist. Crist hit the receiver in stride, it was 24-21 and it appeared that it was Notre Dame?s day. But there were a few minutes left. There was enough time for some Robinson magic. ND?s pass offense was effective but the Wolverines suppressed the run reasonably effectively. The defense protected the lead at the end of the game, with Crist?s last desperation heave sailing harmlessly into the endzone.

Denard produced the 12-play, 72-yard drive to get the winning score, scampering in from 2-yards out for the Wolverines first and final score of the second half. It was just enough to produce the much needed 28/24 win. Two key plays were when he calmly picked up a crucial first down at the ND 35, and then on third and five from the seventeen, he hit Roy Roundtree who was downed at the two. Denard ran it in for the winning score.

It is simply impossible to ignore the tour de force provided by Robinson Saturday. In the spring, I kept thinking that Denard might be chewing up M?s defense because it was our own perhaps inadequate defense, and therefore things could change when the actual games and hitting started. I kept thinking, and wrote, that Tate Forcier might rise to the top because of his experience in starting 12 games last year, and that he would overcome his slow start.

It was a little startling to see that freshman Devin Gardner has truly surpassed Tate on the two deep. When Denard was a little shaken up, and out for a play, it was the talented Devin that that played the understudy again this game.

I am happy to admit I was dead wrong. I can sympathize with Tate, and we still may need him, and he could still contribute, but on the basis of just these two games, Denard has been nothing short of phenomenal. His domination of the playing field is exceptional. Also, any four-leaf clovers belonged to him and his Wolverines on this day and to not the Irish, as Shoelace was stripped of the ball on one sojourn into the ND secondary, and the Wolverines gobbled it up. Luck of the Irish? Not Saturday, but the Irish did get a favorable call. On TJ Jones TD, tape clearly shows he released possession of the football before he crossed the goal line. The ball never broke the plane. Should have been Michigan’s ball at the twenty.

DRob was responsible for 502-yards rushing and passing against ND in the unfriendly confines of ND Stadium. He has been credited with 885 yards running and passing in just two games. He is only the 9^th QB in NCAA history to rush for 258-yards in a game, and pass for 244-yards in a game. The 258-yards rushing on 28 carries is 5^th in Michigan single game history records. He was 24 of 40 passing. He broke an 87-yard run for a TD which is the longest in ND Stadium history, and second longest ever against ND. He set a single game Michigan record for rushing and passing by a QB for the second week in a row, and a B10 record. He had 152-yards rushing in the second quarter.

When you paste your name into the record books in a winning cause against ND, your accomplishments get recognized nationally. Denard will have to learn to live with and deal with football fame. He has hit the big time without question, and seems to be aiming the Wolverines in that direction.

Notre Dame opened the scoring on their first possession by producing a 71-yard TD drive aided by a favorable review, and a 15-yard personal foul by Michigan. ND QB Dayne Crist punched it in from a yard out. M 0- ND 7. All EPs in this game were good. Somewhere early in this quarter Crist took a blow to the head that that took him out of the game until the second half. Michigan?s defense abused his inexperienced replacements, including Nate Montana, Joe’s son.

Mouton intercepted ND QB Rees pass, and Denard turned it into points with a 31-yard TD pass to Rountree. M 7-ND 7.

Then it was a 65-yard, 5-play drive to pay dirt, based on Robinson to Odoms passes. Stephen Hopkins scored from the one. M 14-ND 7.

Then Denard was off on his 87-yard jaunt late in the second half. M 21-ND 7.

Crist came back as QB in the second half and heaved a 53-yard TD pass to TJ Jones. M 21-ND 14, and it was getting a little scary again, which was aggravated by an 8-play 66-yard drive culminating in a 24-yard FG. M 21-ND 17. Meanwhile the Wolverines are practicing punting and missing a FG that should have been hit. Fortunately Michigan picked off another pass off to stop a drive, and the miserable quarter ended, but some of the misery endured. The pass protection in the 4^th was not much better at times, and another FG was missed. At the 4:15 mark Crist stunned the Blue with the 95-yard bomb described above to make it M 21-ND 24.

It looked like it was over, but no one told Denard Robinson. He engineered the 12-play, 72-yard winning drive that will become the stuff of legend, and linger a long while in the memories of ND and Michigan fans alike. Seth Broekhuizen kicked the EP.

Suddenly a little ray of optimism is breaking thought the shroud of pessimism, for the team and for Coach Rodriguez. Some fans may now think that maybe he can coach after all, and just maybe his teams will be able to compete, even away from Michigan Stadium.

This is nothing more than a good start to the most important football season in recent memory. Last year the Wolverines also beat the Irish and nailed some early opponents, only to lay an egg in the last half the season. With the poise, and confidence of this season?s team, and with Robinson rapidly gaining experience, that seems less likely to happen than last year.

It is a fact this was a very important game for the Wolverines against a rejuvenated Irish team that has the wily Brian Kelly as its new coach. He will load up with first class talent that matches his system, and he will know how to use it, so this was an excellent year to grab a victory there. This victory will build Michigan confidence, experience them in winning away from home, and raise expectations, as well as gaining the Wolverines some football notoriety of a welcome kind. It will bring smiles to the players, coaches and fans, with the drama not forgotten, but pushed to the background for a change.

This is not to imply that the Wolverines are a complete football team at this time. They need improvement. They are still a work in progress with dumb penalties, and with some critical mental lapses (the two long pass plays, for example). The kicking and punting aspects of special teams need to improve in a hurry. The two missed field goals are blisters, the KOs too short, and they often give opponents good field position. The punting has not been up to Mesko level as yet. I thought this might be costly in the ND game but it proved a non-factor this time but later it might catch up with us.

As predicted the pass defense is a work in progress, but bring on the Minutemen.

The only sad note of the day is that Ron Kramer is no longer with us. He passed away Saturday. He was a great athlete at Michigan in the mid-fifties, a nine-letter winner. He carried his team on his back, and had a great pro career with the Packers and Lions.

It was Ron who revived my interest in Wolverine Football in the fifties, and I shall never forget his accomplishments and his respect and appreciation of all things Michigan.

Go Blue!

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