THE MICHIGAN FOOTBALL BLOG

Looking Forward to 2010....

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:55:00 +0000

Man was that a roller coaster of a season. Starting 4-0. Finishing 1-7. Awful in the Big Ten. The collapse of the defense. The relative flat-lining of the offense. Just how disappointing was it? According to our fan poll, which closed a few weeks ago on October 29th, only 2% of us thought that the Wolverines would finish 5-7. 47% thought we'd finish 7-5 and 25% thought we'd finish 8-4. Ugh. The excitement. The disappointment. Goodbye 2009.

The good news is Rich Rodriguez will be back for 2010 (barring some crazy NCAA finding). That's good for team unity, stability, and recruiting. We'll need a great class this year, and we know Rodriguez can recruit (except DTs). It looks like we're well on the way to getting a really good class. We obviously need to continue focusing on defensive players.

Assuming Donovan Warren stays at Michigan, we return the most starters of any school in the Big Ten. 18 out of 22 return. That's huge. But the biggest factor for our success, in my opinion, is how the development of this year's freshmen goes heading into 2010. Sure a few guys from the 2010 class will make an impact next Fall, but the biggest impact will be shoring up our 2-3 deep. As Coach has said, we need quality competition at every position. We won't get that unless the frosh develop properly this offseason.

Everyone says the biggest jump occurs between your first and second year. Tate needs to reduce his turnovers and improve ball security. Justin Turner needs to be in a position to compete for a starting corner spot next year. Teric Jones and J.T. Floyd need to be right there. Mike Jones and/or Brandon Hawthorne need to put on some bulk and step up their level of play. As do Vladimir Emilien and Thomas Gordon. We absolutely must have more quality competition at LB and Safety, our two weakest positions in 2009. Anthony LaLota needs to push for the other DE spot (assuming he's not OL). Taylor Lewan, Mike Schoefield, and Quinton Washington also have to have great off-seasons, put on the necessary size/muscle, and push for playing time.

The progression of this year's frosh will be the most important factor in my mind heading into 2010. The vast majority of our 18 starters will improve. But without quality competition behind them, the team will have new weaknesses in 2010. We need quality competition and we need it now. Returning 18 guys is huge, but even more important is making sure that the guys underneath them will be pushing for playing time (and not the kind that occurs by default).

OSU Michigan Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:42:00 +0000

Anyone know Mel Gibson, Al Pacino, or Russell Crowe? Or anyone else who can give a good half-time speech?

Tomorrow's game will rise and fall based on which Michigan team shows up in the second half. Is it the second-half team of the first half of the season or the second-half team of the last half of the season?

I believe the game will be within 7-10 points at the half. And I think we'll have a chance to win the game in the second half....if we don't collapse....again.

On paper, the numbers don't lie. The Buckeyes look scary, particularly on defense. I won't even mention them they're so scary. But they are facing one of the Big Ten's best offenses. Great offense versus great defense could produce another Iowa game....or another Penn State or Wisconsin game.

The Buckeyes historically (and this year) beat you by causing turnovers and playing the field position game very well. If we limit our offensive turnovers, we have a shot to be in this game. If we can turn the tide (Steve Brown picking off Pryor again?) early in the second-half, our defense may gain the necessary confidence to sustain itself for the second half. If OSU comes out and scores on their first drive, look out below.

I can say this much. If the pressure is on, I'd rather have Tate in the pocket than Terrelle. At least at this point in their careers. I don't think Pryor has what it takes to lead a game winning drive on the road against his (second choice?) arch-rival. But I think Tate can and would get it done. Let's hope we're in a game that puts us in either of those positions.

My heart says Michigan 34-OSU 31, but my mind says OSU 38-Michigan 21.

The Game 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:41:00 +0000

Notes from Rich Rodriguez's Wednesday Presser

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:32:00 +0000

Brandon Minor is doubtful for Saturday.

Tay Odoms should be ready to go.

Carlos Brown should be ready to go. Brown, Mike Shaw, and Vincent Smith should be considered co-starters.

Tate Forcier will start, but Denard Robinson will play.

Brandon Smith and Mike Williams are competing for the starting safety spot.

Obi Ezeh and Kevin Leach are competing for starting LB spot, but both will play.

Brandon Graham and Mike Martin are the only two defensive players who graded out highly last week.

Donovan Warren Should Explore NFL Options

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:39:00 +0000

I think Donovan Warren is smart to explore his NFL options at the end of the regular season. He's been a NFL talent in waiting since his freshman All-American year. While injuries hampered his ability last year, Warren has been a bright spot on a poor Division 1 defense this season. Of course, he has committed his share of missed tackles and poor angles, but overall, he is in the right place at the right time 9.5 out of 10 times. And even when he is out of place, he rarely gives up the big play. He has fluid hips, a quick burst, above average cover skills, above average tackling ability, and above average height for the position. Add a tough demeanor with a positive, aggressive attitude, and you can see why he'll be playing on Sundays.

But the question remains: is this the time to go? The so-called experts are all over the place on his projected draft positions. You'll see everything from second to fifth round.

Part of the reason Warren hasn't been able to dominate at the corner position this season (although he's tied for second in the Big Ten with four interceptions) is because he's been asked to participate in a new scheme that puts him in a sort of hybrid-safety/corner position due to Michigan's weakness at safety. Yet he's been all over the field. During the Wisconsin game, I couldn't help but notice him making several tackles of Bucky's tight ends that should have been made by others. Even though Warren is performing at the position, the spot duty has limited his evaluation and precluded him from solidifying himself as a lock-down corner. Michigan's defense is young and bad, but will progress from this year to the next. That development should allow Warren to stay at corner and improve his stock. Should Warren have a breakout game against OSU this year, his projected stock could rise even further.

That being said, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly the areas that Warren needs to improve upon. If he truly believes that he's playing at his best, he should go, even if that means sacrificing a round in the draft (absent the first round, of course). NFL scouts would have a full display of his skills from which to evaluate him. Of course, there's always room for improvement, but if he doesn't think he can get much better in the next year, it may make sense to go to avoid risking injury. He knows all too well the limitations caused by injury and may not feel the same sense of invincibility that other players who return for their senior year may feel.

All this leads me to the final point: there's nothing wrong with exploring your options. He ultimately will make the decision that is best for him and his family. I am of the opinion that Warren will be in a Wolverine uniform next year. But you can't and shouldn't knock the kid for seeing what's out there.

Here's Hoping....

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:22:00 +0000

That the finger pointing, if any, is at a minimum this week.

That the coaches can come up with one solid game plan that pulls all of the positives together and puts the players in a position to succeed.

That the players give it their best this week in practice.

That Brandon Minor, Carlos Brown, and the other Seniors are in a position to play this Saturday.

That Brandon Graham destroys Justin Boren at least once in a head to head battle.

That Tate Forcier doesn't try to do too much and just throws the ball away when needed.

That our LBs and Safeties make the correct reads.

That Coach Rodriguez inspires the hell out of his players before the game.

That Coach Rodriguez inspires the hell out of his players before the second half.

That the players play a complete second half.

The program needs this win. Badly. Expectations are low, but it can be done.

Fight Song Friday!!

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:53:00 +0000

Let's try this one more time folks. If we all do it, maybe, just maybe, we'll pull out a victory in Madison!

Concerns About Wisconsin's Offense

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:09:00 +0000

I think we'll be able to put up some points against Wisconsin. What I'm worried about is - no surprise - our defense. In particularly, Wisconsin's power attack is designed to pound away play after play at the defense. Although we have an undersized line, I think we're capable of stopping the run in general. But Clay will be the biggest back we've faced all year. Like his predecessor P.J. Hill, Clay falls forward on every play, and he weighs more than all but three of Michigan's starting defenders. Expect to see more Ezeh than Leach this game given our need to match Clay's size.

But if you're Wisconsin's offense, you're sitting pretty. Play action passes, off tackle runs, carefully placed tight end deep routes, and a few shots to the outside will all be in Saturday's repertoire. The thing that scares me the most is that this offense is designed to target the LBs and Safeties and make them make plays. Our LBs will be asked to choose among several potential rushing lanes. Safeties will be asked to respect the deep ball while keeping their eyes on both the RBs and TEs. We're not incapable of doing these things, as our performance against Iowa showed, but we haven't shown much potential of doing them of late. I'm concerned.

Link to Rich Rod Press Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:08:00 +0000

Here it is. No huge developments, although Minor is still dinging up. It looks like Carlos Brown will get the nod, and Patrick Omameh will get the start at RT.

Bill Martin Supports Rich Rodriguez

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:48:00 +0000

Bill Martin has told fans that Rich Rodriguez's job is safe. "He's not going anyplace," Martin said of Rodriguez. Rich is an outstanding coach. There is no question he's got my total support. I think the world of that guy. Is he perfect in every respect? Nobody is. But he works hard. He'll get it right."

The Purdue loss was particularly hard. "It was a very emotion-filled time for Rich and myself after the game," said Martin. "He helped me, I helped him (after the game). I think this loss was hard on all of us. It was hard on Rich, it was hard on me.

"But this guy is a winner. This guy's not used to losing."

Florida Making a Run at Devin Gardner

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Urban Meyer and former Michigan QB coach Scot Loeffler are making a run at Michigan's top 2010 prospect, Devin Gardner. Loeffler recently visited Gardner at Inkster.

All I have to say is good luck. Meyer seems to know the difficulties of landing a second quarterback in this class, not to mention one of Gardner's caliber.

“It’s hard to sign more than one,” Meyer said. “It’s unusual because they usually ‘X’ each other out. We haven’t made that decision yet. Would like two, but I don’t know if there are two we could get.”

Forcier Discusses Losses

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:39:00 +0000

"I'm trying to do what I was doing at the beginning of the season, that's getting the athletes the ball (and) let them be athletes," Forcier said Monday. "It's hard when things aren't going right."

"You want to be the guy to answer that question. It's me being as competitive as I am I want to be that guy who helps his team. So far it hasn't been working too well, but I'm sure we'll be back next week (against Wisconsin)."

His body has also taken a beating in Big 10 play. "I expected it," Forcier said. "I'm a freshman. I'm not fully developed. I'm young, so I expected it and it's the Big Ten. You're playing against a lot of big people. It's no joke, this conference -- they know how to play."

Wolverine Injury Report

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:33:00 +0000

Brandon Minor - high ankle sprain and bruised shoulder - status unknown

Carlos Brown - tendinitis in both knees - status unknown

Martavious Odoms - knee - day-to-day

Tate Forcier - twisted knee - will be ready

Don't Blame Rich Rodriguez for Our Defensive Woes...Yet

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:28:00 +0000

There's plenty of blame to go around right now for Michigan's defensive struggles. I'm really at a loss trying to figure out who to blame. You can blame Greg Robinson's system for being too confusing (and many players third defense in three years). You can blame Jay Hopson because two of our former starting LBs seem to be regressing as the year goes on. You can blame Tony Gibson for failing to develop players at safety who have not met expectations coming out of high school. You can blame Lloyd Carr and company for leaving the cupboard empty at safety (but not linebacker). Or you can blame Rich Rodriguez for everything since he's the head coach.

Here's what I think. One, I'm still very pleased with our offense, particularly given our youth and inexperience. Yes, it was horrible at Illinois (13 points) and against PSU (10 points), but every offense has its poorer days (especially one this young) and our offense has been pretty fantastic otherwise. The only other game under 28 points was at Iowa (20 points) when we turned the ball over five times! I think this is a credit to Rich Rodriguez and company for getting the players he needs and teaching them the system as quickly as possible. He's an offensive guru, spends most of his time working with the offense, and it has resulted in the Big Ten's best offense. That's impressive and a strong positive.

Two, but our defense is a mess. I give tremendous credit to our opponents who have figured out and honed in on our primary weaknesses at LB and Safety. Case and point was Purdue's play bringing Cortez Smith out of the backfield for a wide-open 54 yard TD pass. A brilliant play call that certainly had the Purdue coaches snickering at the Wolverines.

I'm not sure where to go from here. People calling for us to play Justin Turner are idiots. You don't burn a full season for 2 or 3 games of play. He won't solve all of our problems. Nor will putting Woolfolk back at safety, which would expose our weakness at corner on one side of the field.

The only way out is recruiting. We need kids at corner who can play next year so we can move Woolfolk back to safety. We need safeties who can play safety. And we need linebackers who can play linebacker. Achieve these goals (which it looks like we're on track to do for this year) and we'll be okay, but probably not for another two years until the players develop.

All of this leads to my final point. If you think getting rid of Rodriguez now will somehow magically improve our defense and magically make our LBs and Safeties better, you're nuts. It would be exactly the wrong call at this moment because blowing up the program a second time in three years would severely hamper our ability to recruit those two defensive positions. There's only one way out of this mess, and it's recruiting, recruiting, recruiting.

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:48:00 +0000

Well, I was a little closer to getting it right this week, correctly predicting that Purdue would put up 38 points, but I was 6 off for the Wolverines.

The majority of fan poll voters (58%) correctly predicted that Purdue would beat Michigan. Congrats, guys...er, sort of. Maybe this week's poll should only include one option....

Game Preview: Michigan vs. Purdue

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:29:00 +0000

I'll be honest. I, like most Wolverine fans, have no idea what will happen. It depends on which Michigan team shows up. Will it be the team whose electric offense and big play quarterback had fans salivating to play anyone, including OSU? Or will it be the team whose awful defense dishes out big plays and yardage like candy and whose offense looks like the offense of dare I say 2008? The same team who made you not want to watch Wolverine football.

Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. If we can somehow manage to a) not register any on offense and b) create some on defense, Michigan will win. But if we play careless football in the pocket, punt return game, and running game like we have the last few weeks, the Big Ten losing streak will continue.

I'm done trying to predict what will happen, but I have to go with my team. Last year, these two battled to see who could score the fastest in a true Big 12 shootout. I'd like to think something similar will happen this year, which is why I'm officially going with 42-38 Michigan, but because I think it's going to be a shootout, it's more likely the score will be 3-0 on another late field goal. Stay tuned to see who registers 3 points.

Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:26:00 +0000

Wolverine: Michigan 42-Purdue 38

Vegas: Michigan by 7

Adam Rittenberg/ESPN: Michigan 37-Purdue 31

Zoltan Mesko and Jon Conover Named to Academic All-District Teams

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:23:00 +0000

Zoltan Mesko and Jon Conover were named to the Academic All-District first and second teams, respectively, yesterday. Mesko will automatically advance to the Academic All-America ballot, and a national team will be announced on November 24th.

Michigan Purdue Team Captains

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:22:00 +0000

Stevie Brown

Tim North

Mark Ortmann

Ricky Reyes

Michigan Purdue Injury Report

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:21:00 +0000

Out

David Molk

Martavious Odoms

Questionable

Greg Banks

Probable

Zac Johnson

Devin Gardner Reaffirms Commitment to UM

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:21:00 +0000

Nice article by Sam Webb today discussing Gardner's recent exploits. He's in the thick of it in the playoffs, beating teams that his team shouldn't beat, and rolling. Most importantly, Gardner hasn't wavered in his commitment to U of M, despite receiving attention from the likes of Florida.

"If I didn't see the opportunity (to compete right away) I never would have committed to Michigan," explained Gardner. "I talked to the coaches and they said it is wide open. Obviously I'm going to be behind, but if I can come in and get it done they're going to give me a chance."

He's still trying to enroll early.

Rich Rodriguez Presser Notes

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Brandon Minor practiced more this week and is expected to start.

Mike Shaw is practicing and is expected to play.

Patrick Omameh has been playing at right guard with Mark Huyge at right tackle. Perry Dorrestein has been limited with a back problem.

Mark Ortmann will not be suspended by the Big Ten.

Martavious Odoms has been limited and it is unclear whether he will play.

Kevin Leach will start at MLB over Obi Ezeh.

Tuesday's practice was spirited and physical.

Tony Jefferson Back from Oklahoma Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:16:00 +0000

Here are some quotes from TJ after taking his Oklahoma visit. He says he's still committed to UCLA, but he enjoyed the Oklahoma visit, which has given him something to think about.

Let's hope he has a fantastic visit for the OSU game.

Safety Carvin Johnson Commits to Michigan

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:11:00 +0000

New Orleans safety Carvin Johnson (6'0", 180, 4.7) committed to the Wolverines on Wednesday. He is the 20th commitment in the 2010, and one that falls at a much needed position. We need depth at safety...badly.

Carvin's high school coach said he's as good a kid off the field as he is on the field. “First of all,’’ his coach said, “everybody who knows Carvin or who has been around him knows that he’s as good of a person as he is a football player. That’s a compliment to him and his momma. Football-wise, he’s a ballhawk. He’s always around the football making plays.’’

Welcome to the Wolverine family Carvin.

Woodson Knocks Michigan Football

noreply@blogger.com (Wolverine) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:05:00 +0000

Charles Woodson says "it's hard to watch" Michigan football. He's upset because teammates are teasing him about Michigan's struggles, even....gasp....a Cincinnati Bearcat alum. "Can you believe that?" Woodson asked. He and former teammate Marcus Ray exchange text messages about the program. "I won't share the texts with you," Woodson said.

Poor, poor Charles. He's getting teased by some of his current teammates. Sniff sniff, boo hoo. I wonder if it was just as hard for Charles when the team went 8-4 in 1994, 9-4 in 1995, and 8-4 in 1996 before winning the national championship in 1997. Granted, those years aren't compareable to 3-9, but at 5-4, give the team a break.