The Diag

Psych-analysis, Slippery Slopes and "Fire RichRod"

2009-11-03T18:28:15Z

If you watch the replay of either of the last two games, there's distinct turning points that show the weak level of mental toughness that runs rampant through this team. Last year's team knew they were bad, and it was clear to everyone. This year's team had high hopes, and the realization that they're mediocre is seriously affecting their play.

It's Preview Time: Michigan tries to box up the Juice in Champagne on Saturday

2009-10-30T20:57:42Z

Too many beverage-related puns in that headline? Nah. This Michigan team is one that I would hope, is desperate for a Big Ten victory. Two devastating victories and a demoralizing one in conference doesn't do a lot for the morale of a team. But if there's going to be a victory, it's going to be this week on Illinois' next stop on the Ron Zook Farewell Tour.

Breaking News aplenty: Boubacar Cissoko kicked off team, Molk heartbreakingly injured for season

2009-10-27T22:33:01Z

According to a report from Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press, sophomore cornerback Boubacar Cissoko has been kicked off the Michigan football team. The report comes from his high school football coach at Cass Tech in Detroit, and I can't say at all that I'm surprised.

Matt Millen at UM game: The sight made most sports fans sick in the State of Michigan

2009-10-26T04:45:49Z

A picture of the man many people in the State of Michigan despise thanks to his tearing apart of the Lions franchise. Under Millen's guide as Lions President and CEO, Detroit was abysmal in every sense of the word. After...

UM looking for its biggest win of the season against the Nittany Lions Saturday

2009-10-23T14:10:54Z

AP PhotoWolverines defensive end Brandon Graham sacks Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi back on Oct, 10, 2009 in Iowa City where Michigan lost 30-28. Graham has been the one consistent player on the defensive side of the ball this year and...

Quick notes: Molk set to start, Hockey opens at home tonight

2009-10-22T21:58:28Z

-I can't describe how key the first part of that headline is. With David Molk in the lineup, I distinctly believe that the Wolverines have a chance to upset the Nittany Lions on Saturday. Molk is a key piece of...

AD Bill Martin set to retire in 2010

2009-10-21T17:17:12Z

Michigan athletic director Bill Martin will retire Sept. 4, 2010 after a decade in that role. Martin made the decision official Wednesday, according to University of Michigan athletic department sources. He sent a letter to U-M president Mary Sue Coleman and was to inform the athletic department at an all-staff meeting at Keen Arena.

Reviewin' Michigan's 63-6 blowout over Delaware State or How I learned to stop worrying and love the FCS

2009-10-19T00:02:55Z

Admit it, you heard FCS and shuddered a little bit. I don't blame you. But this one wasn't close as soon as the team came out of the tunnel. The Delaware State band was the high point for the Hornets. Video highlights after the jump.

Michigan Football's Midseason Report Card (Part 1): The Offense

2009-10-15T00:18:43Z

So it's about that time of year. And what better week to evaluate talent than the one with the season's most irrelevant game. With last year in mind, a 4-0 start seems to have been the best possible outcome from...

Tate Forcier injury worse than expected?

2009-10-13T05:47:24Z

Forcier's brother and roommate, Jason, said Monday that the shoulder may be a bit more of a concern than it has been thus far.

Cue the QB questions: Reviewin' Michigan's 30-28 heartbreaker in Iowa City, and questioning what RichRod was thinking

2009-10-12T21:36:44Z

But even I can't stand by Rodriguez's decision to put the ball in the hands of Denard Robinson with under two minutes remaining against Iowa on Saturday. Yes, Denard had just led a wonderful drive powered by his playmaking legs and his athletic ability. And yes, Tate Forcier was busy doing his best Nick Sheridan impression all game. But, coach Rod, Tate Forcier has already shown you his ability to shake off a bad game and lead an amazing game-winning drive. This time, he didn't even need a touchdown. Just a field goal.

It's Preview Time (Abridged Version): Michigan takes on Iowa under the lights

2009-10-10T14:41:40Z

With a busy weekend, there's no time for a full preview. But that doesn't mean I can't show you how Michigan can win. Here it is, in video form. If Michigan can do this, expect a victory. I know, dream...

Michigan Daily: Denard to see snaps at running back??

2009-10-08T06:00:59Z

From the Daily: "Robinson’s speed — coupled with Forcier’s quick success and the fact that the country’s No. 1 quarterback recruit, Devin Gardner, is poised to join the Wolverines next season — has constantly raised questions of if Robinson may eventually move to slot receiver or running back."

Who wants that ugly trophy anyway? Reviewin' Michigan's 26-20 OT loss to Sparty

2009-10-06T17:42:24Z

And that's exactly what this game was. A disappointment. The Wolverines had no business in tying up the ballgame with two seconds remaining, and they had no business in having an opportunity to score a touchdown in OT. There were too many mistakes, and when you make those mistakes and somehow are in the game, either a) the other team sucks and/or b) there must be something/someone that kept you in the game.

Wolverine Blitz Podcast: The Ultimate UM vs. MSU Preview

2009-10-03T05:35:04Z

The anticipation for the big showdown between the Michigan Wolverines vs. the Michigan State Spartans is only hours away.The Diag's Justin Hoff previews this game in the first edition of the "Wolverine Blitz Podcast."Inside the podcast, Justin Hoff discusses the...

It's Preview Time: Michigan takes Little Brother out to lunch in East Lansing

2009-10-02T17:43:18Z

For Michigan, Tate Forcier is banged up and Denard Robinson should get a lot more looks. I have to imagine that Rich Rodriguez has tried to prepare both quarterbacks as much for the hostile environment, especially Denard since he's had trouble passing under pressure. But this is two freshman's debut on the road, and it could get interesting.

Thank goodness 'Tate the Great' will be on the field against MSU

2009-09-30T21:29:10Z

AP PhotoMichigan quarterback Tate Forcier shows off his leaping ability as he jumps over teammate Kevin Grady (24) and Indiana safety Austin Thomas (20) for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of Saturday's Big Ten opener against the Indiana Hoosiers.There...

Blue Bits likes that old time Rock n' Roll in The Big House, Denard in East Lansing and says Hello, Will Hagerup

2009-09-29T05:05:16Z

Before we get too anxious about this whole Tate Forcier being questionable business, let's hear what the old ball coach had to say: Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez says freshman quarterback Tate Forcier's shoulder is sore, but it won't keep him out of Saturday's game against Michigan State.

Forcier questionable for Michigan State game?

2009-09-28T06:06:07Z

Curse you football gods.This in from the mothership: I talked to him last night at the Fifth Quarter and he said he has a AC joint sprain and a big bruise. He said he injured himself like this before in...

Tate Forcier makes Anthony Carter and John Wangler proud, orchestrates late 36-33 victory over Indiana

2009-09-27T20:02:38Z

He made former Wolverines John Wangler and Anthony Carter as happy as they could be on the 30th anniversary of their own memorable Homecoming play.

At that moment, even I couldn't help look at Forcier and see him as the hero of the Michigan Wolverines.