Input: [Date] 1 year 21 weeks ago [Body] B1G is behind the ACC and probably on par with the B12 this season. The B1G has a lot of depth top to bottom but that is overrated IMO. Nobody cares how good your 6-8th best teams are. In football or bball. Sure its great in BBall do to RPI, SOS, and all the metrics used for seeding. But at the end of the year when judging conferences nobody looks at your 6-8th best teams. Its all about how good your top tier is and for that reason I give the nod to the ACC bc their top tier is better than the B1G this season. Last year with MSU, IU, OSU, and UM all legit final four contenders that was not the case. This season only UM really has a chance for a final four run but we can also get bounced by a hot team in the sweet 16 due to our lack of interior O (we had McGary last tourney) nad ok D. I think last year we could whether a cold shooting night better bc Burke could just take over and McGary could bang down low. This year we don't have that. So overall, I think a league is judged by its top tier, top 4 if you will. Hopefully the B1G can get 4 sweet 16 teams and have 1 make the final four (UM). Hard to be the best conference if you don't have a final four team. IMO, its much more likely for the B1G to miss out on the final four than the ACC. [Title]

Output: BIG is way down vs last year


Input: [Date] 1 year 21 weeks ago [Body] This will be huge if ILL can hold on. I think UM will lose one more before the end of the season so this L will offset that. I just think IU at home will be tough. [Title]

Output: haha Izzo face palm


Input: [Date] 1 year 21 weeks ago [Body] just face guard him the rest of the way. let anyone else shoot [Title]

Output: Harris 3s are only way MSU gets back in this


Input: [Date] 1 year 21 weeks ago [Body] finish them [Title]

Output: come on ILL!


Input: [Date] 1 year 21 weeks ago [Body] But these guys are great athletes and more importantly have the best facilties and time to do the PT. I ran a half marathon 8 months after ACL surgery (used my own hamstring for the graft). Granted this is nothing close to playing Div 1 football but I also could only do PT on my lunch break about 2-3 times a week if I was lucky. I had an office job where I would work 9am-8pm so had little downtime. Now I whole heartedly agree on th mental aspect as I still sometimes have that feeling in my head 3 years after surgery. That being said, I always wondered what it would have been like if I didn't have an office job and could have dedicated REAL time and hours to my recovery in PT. Sucked but you gotta pay the bills and I'm not a pro anything so had my priorities. I pretty much do anything now as a "weekend warrior". [Title]

Output: true...but


Input: [Date] 1 year 21 weeks ago [Body] Haven't checked the numbers but I assume he means his PPG avg is highest over the last 9 games. Sounds about right to me. IMO, he has emerged as our best all around player. O and D. also, anyone else worried about IU at home? Let just say I really hope MSU loses one more game. [Title]

Output: assuming he means highest avg over last 9 games


Input: [Date] 1 year 22 weeks ago [Body] Nuss is going for the first major BCS gig he gets. Hopefully he likes what he sees in Shane Morris and sticks around until he graduates. If Nuss is as good as we hope our best chance is that he does well here. Leaves for a solid BCS program and then maybe comes back in 6-8 years when hoke is done. all that is a pipe dream though. I'd be happy with a functional running game next season. [Title]

Output: if Nuss is good he is gone in 3 years tops


Input: [Date] 1 year 22 weeks ago [Body] well I did say as I know they are basically flag football teams. I also tend to think that Oregon's D is overrated. Thats just me though. I feel like it looks good when there O is rolling but when there O gets punched in the mouth the D is usually not able to make up for it. [Title]

Output: well I dis say


Input: [Date] 1 year 22 weeks ago [Body] I mean UM is not a great defensive team even when its trying (they have short moments of great D play though). Combine that with little intensity on D to start games and that equals Player X going off on UM in the first half all the time. And for some reason we as fans chalk it up to "that just have that guy going off, if he didn't do that we would be killing them". Of course by now its a consistent theme. Even back a couple years with Ohio U knocking us out of the tourney. This is my biggest fear opening weekend of the NCAAs. UM getting in a big hole vs inferior team and some guy going Yogi Ferrell on UM. We are basically the Oregon Ducks or of bball. As of late we are letting teams score TDs on nearly every possesion to start games only to come back and win 56-42... I'm starting to think it is something we are going to have to expect under Beilein and his wildly efficent Offensive teams. Perhaps the trade off for always having four shooters on the court is that you are just not going to be as good at defense. Although Duke makes it work...I tend to think its bc their shooters are a tad more athletic. My hope is that we can get a legit 5 that can rebound, start the break, and defend the rim at some point to make up for our deficiencies on the perimeter (I think we will always have it). I'd also like for one player out of our 1-3 to be a lock down defender type but its rare to have a lock down guy who is a Beilein quality shooter. All this being said, I would rather an efficient O and free flowing team than a grind it out all defensive team that can't shoot. Even if those teams win championships. O is just more fun to watch, esp in the college game. PLus we will send a pipeline of 1-3 players to the pros with this style. [Title]

Output: somewhat agree. lack defensive intensity


Input: [Date] 1 year 22 weeks ago [Body] Sorry, have to be that guy to bring up football. I want UM to be the best at both. Leave them nothing. Hopefully, with a new OC and maybe a couple suprise players in the front 7 on D UM can make a leap this year. Bball is clearly on the right path, what's even better is the Belien has done it molding 4 star players instead of just brining in 1 and done talent (which may or may not last). [Title]

Output: the scripts have flipped...football and bball...


Input: [Date] 1 year 22 weeks ago [Body] Stauskas is great and All B10 but to me its hard to be POY when you are not the clear POY on your own team...UM is lucky to have this problem and has full control of the Big Ten Tile outright bc of it. Credit to Belien for taking these parts and making it work. We should focus on the team goals and not this type of hardware anyways. Instead people are acting like its a sign of disrespect that Stauskas is getting the award... Stauskas is NOT this years Burke for UM. I think you are over looking the things Levert does bc it doesn't go with the Stauskas "is not just a shooter" meme. Watch Stauskas play defense. For evey bucket he has made this season, every single one, he has costs UM one. Luckily we have a great team with several weapons that we have overcome this woeful deficiency all season. And the team rises and falls on Nik bc yeah we need him to score 15+ points to make up for the 15+ he is giving up. Keep in mind we need Levert to score, run the break, get steals, rebound, get other players involved, guard the best player, play on top of the 131, run the half court O, get into the lane when nobody else can...etc etc. Levert is literally the best on the team in all of those facets of the game (sands Rebs). Stauskas is the best a shooting 3s, getting crazy sports center assists, and TOs. Note Stauskas has more TOs than Levert despite not being asked to create as much. Note, TOs are a frequent grip of people on here about Levert.... Stauskas is a great shooter who is crafty with the ball. Levert is a great all around player. Niether deserve POY recognition. Belien deserves COY for hopefully winning an outright title with a great shooter, great playmaker, and getting all the other pieces to work together. [Title]

Output: Levert will win MVP bc he is the most important player


Input: [Date] 1 year 22 weeks ago [Body] sorry but we we drinking the kool-aid here. Stauskas is not even the most important player on his team (Levert). When things go to hell we give Levert the ball. Levert actually tries to play D and rebounds and still runs the show on offense. He will win MVP at the banquet, book it. The BIG10 player of the year doesn't sit in the corner for about 5 games and get taken out of games. sorry. If Stauskas can somehow get back to leading the league in scoring he might win it bc lets face it the guys is all offense. He needs the scoring stats bc thats all there is. Nobody wins POT awards based on FG%... Its OK if UM doesn't have a POY winner, if all goes well we will have the Banner. IMO, Marble, Petteway, G. Harris could all win it. Should win it. Stauskas is dinged bc he plays zero defense, we have depth offensively and play as a team. You know reasons why we will hopefully win the league. [Title]

Output: too much hype for Stauskas


Input: [Date] 1 year 22 weeks ago [Body] Thats the most atheltic group and most capable of "making plays". Ryan is one of the few with size and speed on our D. Gedeon showed flashes and Ross is an instinctive blur (albiet still small) [Title]

Output: exactly what I would pick right now


Input: [Date] 1 year 22 weeks ago [Body] Morgan is just not atheltic enough to make plays against teams with speed IMO. He was good when the action came right at him (unlike Bolden) but when it came to the "make plays" meme outside of a couple big sticks (when the action came to him) and that Uconn pick I felt like he was just a guy out there. I like the idea of JMFR out there being able to make plays on every down 1-3; instead of just using him on 3rd down off the edge (which we could still do as a change-up). Plus if anyone can go sideline to sideline, bust through blocks or go around them its JMFR. He's the only guy on the D with that skill set (until we see it from the younger guys). [Title]

Output: good Ryan move IMO


Input: [Date] 1 year 23 weeks ago [Body] THjr was on fire from three. went at it with waiters one on one for a bit. THjr was the purer shooter but Waiters shook him a few times off the dribble. If THjr can work on the D the sky is the limit for him... [Title]

Output: 36pts for THjr...7 3's led all scorers


Input: [Date] 1 year 24 weeks ago [Body] Defenses know they have 10secs to sub now no matter what. How fast can UM get a FG unit on the field again? pretty fast. UM should be able to have some kind of sub package now that is realistic vs. the super fast spreads teams. [Title]

Output: exactly


Input: [Date] 1 year 24 weeks ago [Body] Not so much for Oregon and IU. Don't think it hurts Urban and OSU much. [Title]

Output: postive for the UMs and Stanfords of the world


Input: [Date] 1 year 24 weeks ago [Body] Not unless they have an epiphany on offense. Note I don't say defense bc there simply are zero defenders on this team outside of Walton so to expect a leap their is false hope. This team goes as its offense goes. The offense at least as the potential for greatness. Unfortunately, the half-court O we have seen all year will fail to score 60 points against OSU. Unless there are some signifcant new wrinkles or Irvin (yes Irvin) goes off like THjr did back in the day vs. OSU at home. OSU will do everything they can to make our half court D look good by throwing up bricks but I think there D will lead to just enough transition buckets for the win. OSU WILL come into this game with a chip on their shoulder... they rise up for UM. The entire game relies on UM O in the half court. They get buckets and they force OSU to play a half court O and UM has a chance. Over/Under: Stauskas 12 pts (over) Irvin 15 pts (over) GRIII 8 pts (under) honestly were would you put your money? Here's to Irvin going WAY over. [Title]

Output: Hate to say it but no way UM wins this game...unless


Input: [Date] 1 year 29 weeks ago [Body] I don't care you your DBs are, nobody can cover forever. Sure they've had good RBs, WRs, OL, LBs but other conferences have that. Nobody else has these DLs... [Title]

Output: the DL is where its most damaging IMO


Input: [Date] 1 year 29 weeks ago [Body] It's all about the front 7 especially the DL. Every single SEC team in the championship has among the best DL in the country that can consistently blow up plays. man UM has got to get the DL going. Watch these teams dominate the LOS its like UM is light years away.... Sure they are doing press coverage but the DL for Aub was/is blowing these plays up..very few "coverage" sacks or hurries against FSU. Meanwile UM. Hopefully Taco and Henry can make a leap next season. Pipkins was just a guy with weight issues before the knee injury. I think it takes him a full season to recover and even potentially be good. [Title]

Output: Difference between SEC elite and everyone else..DL


Input: [Date] 1 year 33 weeks ago [Body] I think he can be a starter on a team with an good PG (he can't carry a teams back court). He can be a good number 3-4 option IMO on a playoff team. He stroke is that good and he can get a shot off virtually anytime he wants. Plus, with the 3pt threat he forces teams to close out in a hurry but has the ability to drive all the way in for a dunk. ie you run him off the 3pt line he can still make you pay. If a team has a Big 3 he would be a great #4 option on a playoff team. That will probably be his best shot at a ring down the road. Burke IMO will be a very solid starting PG. Not sure if he can make all star level consistently. More of a Chauncy Billips "big shot making" type player but not the #1 option. [Title]

Output: THJr will be a starting SG soon enough


Input: [Date] 1 year 33 weeks ago [Body] I agree with what your data is showing in that a good coach makes the team better, great coach makes the program better. Before I started reading I thought to myself he really needs 20 wins over the next two years for all "hot seat" talk to go away. Funny that the data says that 20 wins pushes his 5 yr winning % to that of UM's historical average. I would cut him some slack given that he came after what the data says is the "worst coach in the modern era". That is going to cause some growing problems that we saw this year and last. Probably enough to account for ~2 losses. Given that, I think he needs the 20 wins less the 2 outlined above. So basically to answer your question, if he has <=18 wins then i could see a legit case being made for a firing (esp if at least 1 of the 9 wins isn't against MSU or OSU in each year). 20 wins and this isn't a discussion anymore. Consider though, If UM splits with MSU and OSU (soon to be division rivals) over the next two years we will be 4-6 vs them through 5 years of Hoke. By splitting we also hurt our chances of even winning the division. Lets face it, OSU is not losing to anyone in the Big Ten outside of MSU, UM, or perhaps Wisky on the road. UM can only afford 1 BIG loss a season if it ever wants to win the division going forward. 5 years of Hoke without winning the division I think mean trouble. That why I think two 9 win seasons still gets hoke in HOT water. maybe fired, 20 wins means there is a chance he probably made at least 1 BIG title game. [Title]

Output: Great Diary


Input: [Date] 1 year 34 weeks ago [Body] Been waiting to see some improvement but he has actually regressed from last year as there is no Burke to feed him. At this point I think Irvin needs as much PT as GRIII if not more. GRIII probably needs to start as I feel like he is the type of kid who will have no confidence (even less than now if possible) if he is benched. Time to see what Irvin can do with more PT. Irvin D = GRIII D if not better. GRIII also can't rebound much better. Irvin can actually drive without turning it over Irvin has a better stroke from 3 (if not a better %, too lazy to look). GRIII is shooting 3s with ZERO confidence. teams are actually playing off him on the perimeter and its hurting our other wings. [Title]

Output: GRIII is officially a liability on the court


Input: [Date] 1 year 35 weeks ago [Body] Hopefully there will be plenty more similar pieces leading up to the Game. More pressure on DB and Hoke to make changes to the O. It's going to be impossible not to compare the "state of the program" between UM and OSU and the gulf could not be any wider at this point. http://espn.go.com/ncf/notebook/_/page/gamedayFinal1124/week-13 "If they lose, the Wolverines will finish 3-5 in the Big Ten this season -- the same record Rodriguez finished with in his third year at the helm of the team." [Title]

Output: ESPN non-paywall article by Chantel Jennings as well


Input: [Date] 1 year 35 weeks ago [Body] Since its Senior day I would say don't boo. But seriously, take a Fire Borges sign and hold it up. If we can get 3-4 of these in the place and get the cameras on it that would be great. Gets the message across without affecting the players. [Title]

Output: Its Senior Day. Don't Boo. Seriously, take a Fire Borges Sign


Input: [Date] 1 year 35 weeks ago [Body] I think it's gotta come from the AD. I can't see hoke doing it on his own. They have some history and hoke obviously trusted him with his dream job (UM). We need external pressure. Lots of it. [Title]

Output: That's logical but I dunno man


Input: [Date] 1 year 35 weeks ago [Body] Hoke also won't fire Borges unlessed forced to. What can we do as fans to get the fire Borges movement going? Seriously, with enough fan uproar to Brandon maybe we can get Borges out. I'm going to start tweeting Desmond. Hopefully he speaks out again. Should we all tweet DB? We gotta do something. We have the largest alumni base in the country. [Title]

Output: Brandon not going I fire hoke. His guy.


Input: [Date] 1 year 35 weeks ago [Body] ! [Title]

Output: damn! scoop and score was there!


Input: [Date] 1 year 35 weeks ago [Body] Nice mix of blitz and coverage. couple nice cb blitzes there [Title]

Output: Mattison definitely earning his paycheck today. great calls


Input: [Date] 1 year 36 weeks ago [Body] The play effectively isolated Gallon and it would have isolated Funchess too..who btw is a BIGGER TARGET. ie easier throw for Gardner. As we saw Gardner threw it too high and it was uncatchable for Gallon. Maybe Funchess makes that play... Not saying throwing it to Gallon is bad. Just saying NOT throwing any fades to Funchess in the endzone IS bad. maybe Funchess sucks at it in practice. If he does then its an easy question for Borges to answer. Just say Gallon is better at them. To me it would seem like Funchess makes the throw an easier one for Gardner. [Title]

Output: how many fades have we seen to Funchess?


Input: [Date] 1 year 36 weeks ago [Body] Borges: What is the thought process behind throwing the fade endzone route to Gallon vs. Funchess? Is there something there in terms of matchups that you prefer with Gallon over funchess? [Title]

Output: #2


Input: [Date] 1 year 36 weeks ago [Body] ppl need to cut this kid some slack. He has been getting hammered these past few weeks. Repeated hits and pressure is going to make anyone feel jumpy in the pocket and miss a few throws. That happens to both Manning brothers too. Hopefully some of the quik passing continues and helps get Devin in a rhythm. Also, do people not realizr there was horizontal rain in the NU game. Not ideal conditions. [Title]

Output: exactly


Input: [Date] 1 year 36 weeks ago [Body] For Borges: You seemed to have a focus on spreading out NW with the horizontal passing game and then using the fake out-wide to open up the inside running game. Is this something you felt more comfortable running vs. NW then Nebraska and MSU? Or was it more about the weather conditions and/or UM personnel in this game? What is the rationale behind the PA on 3rd and long late in the game? Mattison: Seems like teams have consistently picked on the space between the LBs and safetys over the middle. Is there anything scheme-wise that can m inimize this vulnerability or is it just a lack of execution by some of the LBs in their drop backs. We have seen some success in this area (Morgan vs. UCONN) but also several blown plays. [Title]

Output: For Borges


Input: [Date] 1 year 36 weeks ago [Body] from what I'm reading on the blog it sounds like it was awesome [Title]

Output: man I missed it. anyway he can get a video of this?


Input: [Date] 1 year 37 weeks ago [Body] Still finds a way to move the ball... On the road. UM has no excuses... [Title]

Output: Neb short both starting guards, QB


Input: [Date] 1 year 39 weeks ago [Body] I agree with the MSU guy that they look to the short dump-off pick plays all the time. Combined with our so-so front 4 against the run (and two deep safety behind it) and you have a recipe for lots of 3rd and shorts.. I don't expected Mattison to deviate from his two high safety look much this game. But when he does bring heat (Jake Ryan or Corner Blitzes) they gotta be effective. UM forces 3rd and long and they WILL get off the field. Don't see MSU executing very well at all in long down and distance.That being said I foresee plenty of long marches for the MSU O. Hopefully UM can force a 3rd and long before the red zone... On the flip side, we all know the story UM O vs. MSU D. UM needs ND Gardner to step up. Plain and simple. [Title]

Output: Mattison is going to have to work some Blitz magic


Input: [Date] 1 year 39 weeks ago [Body] He has the second highest ceiling on the team. Higher than McGary, only behind GRIII...maybe. His skill set is THAT good. If he makes the leap and starts realizing that potentila he will be a top 3 player on the team and should get those mins accordingly. At the expense of Stauskas and Irvin..somewhat Walton at PG duties. Levert will get 30mins people one way or another. He is D Mo but a better shot and more defensive hustle (mainly bc he uses less energy on O). [Title]

Output: Levert appears to be making the leap


Input: [Date] 1 year 39 weeks ago [Body] SC just needs to do a weekly diary a counterpoint to Brian on Tues or Wed and leave it at that. Some weeks he might agree with Brian, others he may not. Either way he can say his piece in one post, perhaps respond to comments in that thread and leave it at that. or he can just leave. The internet will go on. I have gone back and forth with him in the past bc we disagree on something. It happens. I don't take it personally and he shouldn't either. Going around trying to change 100 posters mind every week one post at a time will drive you crazy. so stop doing it. [Title]

Output: SC just needs a weekly diary, leave it at that


Input: [Date] 1 year 39 weeks ago [Body] Q: Which coach needs to have a good November??? Rittenberg picks HOKE There are some big-picture questions to be answered about Michigan in November. What is the state of the program right now? Where are the Wolverines headed under Hoke? The recruiting success is undeniable, but it doesn't matter much if it doesn't translate to championships. The great thing about Hoke is he has made the expectations so clear for the Wolverines: Big Ten title or failure. By Hoke's own standards, he has failed for two seasons and the program has failed for nearly a decade. The Sugar Bowl championship in Year 1 was nice, and so was the streak-ending win against Ohio State, but Michigan benefited in both cases from extremely favorable circumstances. This is the month for the Wolverines to truly show they're taking the next step. They'll have a very hard time winning the division without beating Michigan State on Saturday. They could be challenged by Nebraska, Northwestern and Iowa before facing arguably the best Ohio State team they've seen since the 2006 season. Hoke isn't coaching for his job, a national championship or a dramatic turnaround from a long losing streak. But he needs to show in November that Michigan is taking steps toward a championships on the field, not just on the recruiting trail. http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/87727/take-two-b1g-coaches-seek-strong-finish [Title]

Output: ESPN had a timely article on this very topic today


Input: [Date] 1 year 39 weeks ago [Body] why do you need UM to check into a play you want when you know that they will "establish the run" into your loaded box many many times. Stacking the box and forcing Gardner to throw is as simple as it gets for D coordinators. No chess match needed. I have hope that we will air it out more like we tried to in 2011 though. The recent good performance by MSU offense is a blessing bc UM coaches hopefully won't think they can just play field position and get FGs. we should be targeting 24-28 points for the W. [Title]

Output: wayy to much credit to Borges IMO


Input: [Date] 1 year 39 weeks ago [Body] I agree completely. Tired of the lack of experience excuse for everything on this team. Lets not pretend Gardner is an 18yr old frosh. Btw, last year a RS Frosh QB won the heisman. This year Winston is the front-runner. You don't need to be a RS senior to be a good QB... sure as hell don't need it to be able to check plays. If the O could get to the LOS before 5 secs on the clock maybe we could give Gardner that chance but thats another thread. [Title]

Output: exactly the line I did not like


Input: [Date] 1 year 39 weeks ago [Body] agree on all accounts. [Title]

Output: agree with this assesment


Input: [Date] 1 year 39 weeks ago [Body] So everyone here who says MSU is just one game it and doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things... So if we were to beat OSU this year and snap there 24 game or whatever win streak I GUARANTEE every last one of you would say that was a program win. A sign that Hoke "gets it" and that the program is in the right direction. We all would bc its true. But if we lose to MSU this week then "its ok, its just one game". "it wouldn't mean anything or be a sign". "the loss wouldn't cause me to question any coaches". You can't have it both ways. and btw, based on the Big 10 format, the MSU game IS bigger than the OSU game. UM needs this to make the Big Ten Championship. You know that game Hoke always talks about and says anything but is a FAILURE. We lose this game and its next to impossible to even PLAY in the B10 title game much less win it. This IS the biggest game of the season and will clearly set the tone for the final stretch. [Title]

Output: MSU is just one game. But OSU isn't??


Input: [Date] 1 year 39 weeks ago [Body] We had upperclassmen along the line last year and it still sucked. Every year there is a new excuse for this program...some people are just tired of it. At a certain point you have to perform. This team has had an incredibly EASY schedule to date and now TWO BYE WEEKS...if we can't come up with a good game plan based on what we have personnel wise then ITS ON THE COACHES. At this point you know what you are and what you are not. Time to gameplan accordingly. [Title]

Output: how experinced was our line last year?


Input: [Date] 1 year 40 weeks ago [Body] this despite having TONS of time to throw since most of these were off PA in the IU game. also gallon was WIDE WIDE open. niether of those to will happen vs MSU on a consistent basis. now gardners lower % can be attributed to the length of these passes (further throw, lower comp%) but we know he will not have this amount of time vs MSU like he did IU. hence my aprehension to go to the iform "PA go DEEP" well toooo much. don't get me wrong, we have to do it several times... 5-6 bombs at least. I'd say once we approach mid field the bomb should be firmly in the 1st down playbook. also, IMO it seems like gardner does worse in the short passing game on drop back passing. perhaps sees the field less. Also, his 16% higher comp% in shotgun vs IU tells me he is more comfortable there. as well as the entire ND game. The MSU game has to be all about moving the chains. I actually agree with the coaches that it will be about field position and points will be a premium. I just know that we cannot move the chains and get goof field position, or flip the field after an MSU drive by running under center with the RB. this will directly lead to TFLs, 3rd and longs, and INTs. at this point its a fact IMO. shotgun, dink and dunk. 1st down PA bomb 5-6 times is the way to go. that will move the chains and loosen it up for Tousiant runs. Garder will have 10-15 carries hopefully to move the chains on critical 3rd downs or get to the endzone in the redzone. [Title]

Output: bc his completion % was lower from under center


Input: [Date] 1 year 40 weeks ago [Body] I think this is exactly how the coaches feel. I happen to think its wishful thinking to believe that this team will go on the road and have zero turnovers vs an aggressive D. conservative gameplan or not. What some are missing is that two safe runs for a total of 2 yds on 1st and 2nd down leads to a 3rd and long. prob more like 3rd and 14 with our OL and running game. There is NOTHING safe about 3rd and longs. Those generate TOs... Not first down passing. To your point, I am confident that if UM scores 24-27 points they will win the game. so long as TOs are under 3 and none of them go for pick six or sack-fumble-TDs. big IF but I really don't see MSU scoring 28pts without at least 1 defensive Touchdown. so IMO, our goal should be get to 24 pts... so to me, the answer is play it safe inside our own 40. Open it up once we approach midfield. Hopefully our D and the special teams will be good enough to limit our O plays inside our own 20. [Title]

Output: great way to look at it


Input: [Date] 1 year 40 weeks ago [Body] play close to the vest and grind out a win with field position(using our Iform RB running weakness). Or play to our offensive strength (shotgun, gardner, make plays). btw,you can't blanket funchess and gallon as well as commit #s to the run (which is what MSU does). Not enough players on the field. Given the gallon explosion they will shade a safety to his side, load the box to stop the run, and let the dice roll on our other WRs. This IS EXACTLY what they are going to do. We know it, coaches know it, my gf probably knows it. How Borges attacks this will determine the game. When they are not doing the above, they will rush less and player quarters behind it. They will switch between both hopping to catch gardner offguard and get a INT or 2. [Title]

Output: fair points but its about what the O mindset will be


Input: [Date] 1 year 40 weeks ago [Body] I fully expect Borges and Hoke to go conservative and play into MSU's hands by doing I form runs up the gut. Hoping to manage field position with our D and score on a short field vs. MSU (and minimize turnovers). That all sounds good in theory BUT... it's asking the UM O to play to its own weakness. Undercenter RB carries vs good DLs. MSU is more PSU then it is MINN. We should have learned from that game but I'm sure we did not. Now MSU secondary is >>>> than IU but IMO playing our weakness against MSU strength (UM RB carries vs MSU run D) is a mistake. Now I HOPE Borges decides to spread the field more and let Gardner operate out of the shotgun.We turn to this when the shit hits the fan and we have to score anwyays. A nugget from ESPN: -Gardner’s completion percent out of the gun against Indiana was 16 percent higher than it was when he was under center. -Gardner completed 9 of 14 passes when he was under center and averaged 35.7 yards per completion. -All four of running back Fitzgerald Toussaint's touchdowns came while Gardner was under center, though his personal average per carry under center is nearly half of what it is when Michigan runs the shotgun. -Michigan rushed the ball 23 times for 118 yards (5.1 yards per carry) out of shotgun. http://espn.go.com/blog/colleges/michigan/ What do those stats tell me? Gardner is more comfortable passing in shotgun and we stand a better chance to move the change (esp against a team committed to stopping the run) via shotgun passing. Use our offenses "change up" effectively like we did vs. IU. By that I mean: 1] Use i form packages for PA, especially on 1st down. These are where the homerun plays to Funchess and Gallon will come. These are how we flip the field. Now this does not mean go PA every I form, but we HAVE to use pa passing on 1st down. 1 out of every 3 1st downs should be a pass IMO. Some for quick dinks to 5 yds. 4-5 bombs to funchess/gallon. Hoke should express "concern" to the media about the amount of PI MSU does as well. plant the seed with the refs early and often in the game too. 2] If we have committed to consistent use of shotgun to move the chains (via short passing), Now is a good time to run the delayed draws, inverted veers, or simply 4 wide with a QB keeper. IE use shotgun to run the ball. Pref on 3rd down on their side of the 40. Gibbons has been shaky so 40+yd FGs should be a no go. this means more 4th down calls for us in and around their 30-40yd line. knowing this we should run a couple times on 3rd and medium knowing that we have 2 plays. [Title]

Output: Fully Expect Borges to play into their hand. run up the gut


Input: [Date] 1 year 40 weeks ago [Body] And that does not work with a marginal OL. I'll take your word on the 2011 game but Gardner is a better passer than denard. Sure he throws bad ints which could kill us but his best chance is throwing more in 1st down. Putting him in obs passing downs is exactly what you don't want. We gotta avoid 3rd and longs and I am convinced that 1st down passes to funchess and gallon are the key to 3rd and short. Running on early downs consistently will lead to 3rd and longs. MSU will sell out to stop the run. This is a fact. We shoul spread them out and go shotgun to give the team it's best chance. Or go unbalanced and throw a quick pa pass like we did vs IU. We have the play calls, we just saw them vs IU. Much more creativity in getting the ball to playmakers in the flats. [Title]

Output: TV does show 8-9 in the box stuffing runs


Input: [Date] 1 year 40 weeks ago [Body] you say you don't mean run on every 1st down but you know safe means manball running on 1st down and TFLs...that equals 3rd and 13s which are NOT SAFE. I can guarantee you that UM run/pass will be more run heavy vs. MSU on 1st down and they will blitz the A gap like crazy and get multiple TFLs in the 1st half. Why should the gameplan play into this? Why not PA pass or straight up shotgun on 1st down just like we did against IU? Would it not be more effective against an MSU team loading the box and leaving DBs on islands? Would manball be more effective than the screens we actually threw this game. The quick hitters to gallon in the flat? the rub route to get Funchess the edge outside the numbers? All these faster developing plays on the edge that WE DID NOT SEE vs PSU... why does reverting back to manball up the geu and 3rd and 13s seem like the better strategy against a load the box team with ball hawks at CB??? I ask why bc we know we will see it in 2 weeks. UM will go "safe" and put Gardner in very tough 3rd and longs.. [Title]

Output: why go conservative vs MSU?


Input: [Date] 1 year 40 weeks ago [Body] I could tell we passed a lot more on 1stdown. This is what ppl on the blog have been calling for since Akron. And it worked exactly like we thought it would. I just don't know why it took Borges Psu and 27 for 27 to figure it out. Instead we played to our weakness and it cost us an L. Just like MSU, Iowa, and OSU games before.... Let's see if he sticks with this type if game plan. he has done this before and reverted back to manball fail. Let's see if he continues with more shotgun and 1st down pa. I'm willing to bet he puckers up at MSU and crashes into the interior OL again for the entire first half [Title]

Output: That's what it felt like upon first watch


Input: [Date] 1 year 40 weeks ago [Body] By passing on 1st down. That was the difference . IU not much worse than Akron or Uconn... This game plan was just superior bc we set out to score from the get go. Lots more 1st down passing. Gave Gardner easy completions. Basically what the blog has called for all year. [Title]

Output: Borges gets props for learning from Psu


Input: [Date] 1 year 40 weeks ago [Body] IU can score 30+ on anyone. UM DBs just need to play the ball in the air better and it takes away at least 14 pts in this game. This was always going to be a high scoring game. [Title]

Output: DB's just need to play the ball in the air better


Input: [Date] 1 year 40 weeks ago [Body] UM seemed to have a lot more PA passing on 1st down. Stayed ahead of the chains that way. Kudos to Borges. Good chg from last week [Title]

Output: Diff was passing on 1st down


Input: [Date] 1 year 41 weeks ago [Body] better late then never. Mgoblog was right from the get go though [Title]

Output: hmm shit hits the fan. we blitz and run spread O..


Input: [Date] 1 year 41 weeks ago [Body] all pass plays are 7 step drops? We have gallon and dileo...two slot ninjas. why can't we dink and dunk it somemore. PSU is shading everything to gallon so the other half of the field has to be open. BOth picks were thrown to bracket coverage on gallon. [Title]

Output: why isn't there a quick passing game?


Input: [Date] 1 year 41 weeks ago [Body] MSU in driver seat for legends with us having to go there. They have the best schedule and you could argue have played the best ball in the last 3-4wks. really hoping for some sparty nooo and a miracle IU upset. admit it or not MSU has a lot of momentum right now. [Title]

Output: yup


Input: [Date] 1 year 42 weeks ago [Body] please. more of this. Guy can't block. get him the ball instead [Title]

Output: Funchess getting looks...finally!


Input: [Date] 1 year 42 weeks ago [Body] about time. MSU is playing man and loading up the box like they always do. Nice to see Iowa just sling it. Playing against MSU you are going to have to get yards in big chunks. You can't consistently run against that loaded box with LBs constantly crashing. Hopefully Michigan doesn't get stubborn with the run against MSU. [Title]

Output: Iowa going to Air Raid O


Input: [Date] 1 year 43 weeks ago [Body] unless we are in a jam with serious foul trouble. At least I hope not. Not in the Big Ten. UM needs a four that can bang, get rebounds, and pick & pop from the outside. Rebounding in HS is a whole other level to rebounding in the Big Ten. GRIII struggled at the 4 in half court sets all year. This kid is even skinner. Granted he will fill out some but bball players (esp perimerter guys) don't bulk up like football players. He looks like Levert frosh year in terms of being WAY too skinny. He should step in at the 3 nicely with GRIII going pro. He will also get to bring the ball up the court some and initiate the offense. Good insurance as far as PG duties going forward.1/2/3 kids all the way. No skinny 4's please. [Title]

Output: no way this kids plays the 4


Input: [Date] 1 year 43 weeks ago [Body] Kurt Warner won super bowls and was MVP. came from arena league. There are other avenues. Sounds like you whole argument is based on the NFL age limit. Well lets drop that and see what changes... I'm guessing not much. Maybe 10 guys will get a sniff at the NFL out of HS per year. The rest will go to low cost, low quality niche market that is semi-pro OR Go to big time unviersities with built in fans that number in the millions with which to market your talents (at little cost of your own). And then go to the NFL. [Title]

Output: then why are they joining the cartel?


Input: [Date] 1 year 43 weeks ago [Body] Nobody is saying they can't go play arena ball. go play there and you can come up with food and housing using your $30,000 (if that) from the arena league. try making the pros that way. Michigan will be just fine. Just like Wash U St. Louis is just fine and hundreds of other schools. U of Chicago..etc [Title]

Output: then go play for the Iowa Barnstormers


Input: [Date] 1 year 43 weeks ago [Body] this is completely false. and again, nobody is stopping HS grads: http://www.arenafootball.com/sports/a-footbl/spec-rel/open-tryouts.html DES MOINES – The Iowa Barnstormers will hold their annual open tryout on Sunday, October 20 at Soccer City in Palatine, Ill., the team announced today. The tryout in the Chicago suburb is open to any athlete at least 18 years of age. Try and make the NFL on your own. Get paid from day 1... just be cafeul what you wish for. [Title]

Output: umm no


Input: [Date] 1 year 43 weeks ago [Body] don't forget http://www.arenafootball.com/sports/a-footbl/spec-rel/open-tryouts.html DES MOINES – The Iowa Barnstormers will hold their annual open tryout on Sunday, October 20 at Soccer City in Palatine, Ill., the team announced today. The tryout in the Chicago suburb is open to any athlete at least 18 years of age. Denard and Lewan could have done this 4 years ago. Something tells me it worked out better to go to UM and get everything paid for for 4 years. By everything I mean school, room, board, travel..etc Note, nobody paid me when I wanted a late night pizza or had to pay rent in AA back in 2001. I had to get the money on my own or use my schollys just live football players. They get more than enough in schollys to "get by" in school. Get by means ramen some nights, just like the rest of us. [Title]

Output: yup


Input: [Date] 1 year 43 weeks ago [Body] well said. Many schools don't need big time cfb or bball. The one's that do to keep afloat are probably not that great of schools to begin with. someone mentioned Baylor and RGIII doing so much for that school. well guess what Baylor is a fine academic school that has done just fine its entire history. Just like John Hopkins, Ric, Wash U St louis, Tulane, Fordham..etc..etc None of these schools have revenue sports to speak of. There are 100s more. [Title]

Output: +1000


Input: [Date] 1 year 43 weeks ago [Body] The players (all of them, even scout players) probably come pretty close to this in the full ride they get. UM out of state room and board is what $60k a year. Add in all the benefits (equipment, tutoring, clothes, meal stipeds, travel..etc) and football players get a little under $400k in four years. every last one of them. Plus football in large part just funds the other non-revenus sports as the athletic department at UM is self funding (one of the few in the country). Take it away the the Univ loses its largest recruiting tool to students but it will still be there. It'd be like any other private school in the country. A lesser Ivy if you will. ie just fine. Finally, take out the 150 kids a year that are 5star recruits (really these are the only types that could go pro from HS) and college football wouldn't even notice. Arena league and the minor league texas rattlers team in waco might get a small bump in ticket sales. We all tuned in to watch Novak and Stu douglas right? Lester Abram and Dominic Ingerson in basketball. We'd do the same to watch 3 and 4 start UM football players. Heck, this would be the big tens best chance to pass the SEC. I agree with Delany. I say remove the age restriction and let the kids have a choice. Go pro or go to school. Get some chump change now (which is what 18yr old prospects would get given the 5star bust rate) or go to a school for a free ride, 100,000 fans a week, education, espn promotting you, and STILL a shot at the pros in 3 years once you develop. [Title]

Output: Even if you take this $470k at face value


Input: [Date] 1 year 44 weeks ago [Body] Neb D is terrible. We can outscore them. ryan doesn't play O. MSU O is terrible. That game will be on the O 100%. IU...see Neb. PSU and Iowa will be a close hard fought game. NW would beat the crap out of us right now without improvement acorss the board. Need better D (ie Ryan) and better O. OSU will probably destroy UM unless Gardner goes into "ND mode" and we get some turnovers on D. Ryan there helps. [Title]

Output: exactly


Input: [Date] 1 year 44 weeks ago [Body] I tore an ACL myself and I know these athletes are coming back better and better now but I still wouldn't want to risk a setback. Really just need him for Northwestern and Ohio State. Both late Nov games. Can't win those w/o him IMO. Other teams have weaknesses like us. Beatable w.o him IMO. [Title]

Output: hope they ease him in


Input: [Date] 1 year 44 weeks ago [Body] The question about Devin, then denard, and if he learned anything from Denard that helps with Devin was funny. It read like Hoke wanted to say STFU [Title]

Output: ha


Input: [Date] 1 year 44 weeks ago [Body] tired of the OL excuses myself. great point about last year which had all the experience in the world. Still had excuses then. Given the youth I'm not expecting world beaters but better than Akron and Ucoon DLs which they are not. [Title]

Output: +1000


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] Why 3 different CBs in as many weeks (on the outside no less)? Are they all really that even? Even if they are at some point we have to pick one and get him the reps. Will the OL stay the same or shuffle the deck? Will we keep lifting our best DL players Pipkins and QWash in the Nickel? QWash is banged up some it seems. If there was ever a time to change it up its now. UConn, bye, then Minny. Not that any game is a gimme but compared to the rest of the schedule it would appear these are the only possible games where there might be some margin for error. Not 4 TO / pick six errors but some. [Title]

Output: going to be curious at rotations


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] Neb can't stand having a defense that bad. I think he gets lit up again by a couple BIG teams (NU and UM probably) and then probably again on Jan1 vs an SEC team for the death nail. He will probably go 9-4 again.Remember Wyoming put up 34 on them in game 1 too. I mean its not like the BIG is the pac12 or Big 12. By in large the O is weak and yet neb still gets destroyed in almost every big game. [Title]

Output: I think he gets canned


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] thanks for the info. I have been watching too. I'm leaving from NYC so its a train ride for me (not much$) also have a free place to stay (fiancee has friends in CT). So I don't lose a whole lot by going and not getting cheap tix (just time). I guess I'm just suprised how much the tickets are. Its $100+ now for endzone seats so not even that good of tix. I expected a lot of UM fans but figured UConn fans would be unloading like crazy take some cash for bball tix or something. I know the 8pm time prob doesn't help things either, more Uconn fans prob want to experience a night game. [Title]

Output: thanks for the info


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] Tickets are still over $100 online. I can't imagine it'd be tough getting something cheaper at the stadium but then again I don't know what the scalper scene is like around there. Any idea form locals or people near by? [Title]

Output: think there will be many scalpers?


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] It hasn't all been dink and dunk. I've seen opposing QBs sit and wait in the pocket for ages against us this season. That is on the DL. Sure there has been pressures on stunts occasionally, but lets not play it up like we've had lots of QB hurries rushing 4 but just haven't gotten the "sack". I will agree there has definitely been soft coverage too but I definitely think the secondary has performed much better as a unit. Virtually all big plays have come from the secondary or off of a blitz. very few big plays from the DL. [Title]

Output: I've see opposing QB sit and wait for stuff to develop


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] There will always be 3 SEC teams and OSU with that kind of talent. Are we unrealistic for thinking UM should be at least in the same arena in terms of DL talent? UF has had 7 DL drafted in the top 4 rds since 2007 btw. Longest they've gone is two years btwn DL top 4rd draft picks. UGA has not but that has not been there team strength. They've sent more LBs and DBs in the top 4 rds (UM doesn't consistently do this either btw). PSU has had top 4rd DL drafted at least every two years since 07. Purdue has has a top 4rd DL drafted at least every two years since 07. Of that group UM has probaly been closest to Purdue/PSU (3 top 4 rd since 07, 2 in 07). Usually 1 stud at a time. Which is still pretty good. I just think some fans would like for something a little better. Esp if thats the unit the coaching staff is hanging their hat on. As of now this DL unit doesn't have a playmaker. I mean when Hoke says this is Michigan foregodsakes and everyone eats it up. Yet when we as fans have the same attitude (UM foregodsakes... we should destroy Arkon and have a good DL) then we get labelled as being unrealistic, not patient..etc..etc Hoke says big ten title or failure. I bet if I said this team is a bunch of failures this year if they happen to lose to Northwestern and OSU and don't go to the championship I bet ppl would say I'm not being realistic and pile on me. We have to wait two MORE years..etc..etc. Hoke won't say that though. He'll just call it what it is. Nothing wrong with fans saying the same thing. DL is not that good. That's fair at this point. DL hasn't been elite outside of 1 year in last 6-7. That's fair too. [Title]

Output: There will always be 3 SEC


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] Trying to pump up their team to justify UM's piss poor play. Talking about transfers..etc Transfers leave big time programs bc they can't hack it (See Marvin Robinson). UM just sucked it up. Plain and simple. Time to move on. Players say they sucked, fans can say it to. its OK to admit that. [Title]

Output: not how I read it


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] the only year we have had two DL studs at once has been 2006 and we know how that turned out. Then we had woodly and branch at their peak destruction. SEC teams and OSU have that kind of DL EVERY YEAR. 2+ playmakers. They reload on DL. Michigan has to build up a DL over time and get experience across the front four it seems ( 3 guys plus 1 NFL pick). IMO, UM should be one of the teams that reloads at DL. Esp with Mattison and Hoke as coach you breach manball 247 (it is year 3, and year 1 was a BCS win). Hopefully Hand gets realed in and can make an instant impact along with upperclassmen Pipkins. Pipkins has shown flashes IMO. UM needs to get with the big boys and have 2+ playmakers on the DL. I was hoping Pipkins and Clark could do it this year. [Title]

Output: agreed.


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] IMO, the only time the DL got pressue on its own was basically due to good coverage. Secondary is not the problem IMO. Executed the gameplan vs. ND and aside from J. Lewis getting burned a couple times has been fine. The DL has shown nothing in 3 games outside of Beyers with a good bull rush here and there. Nothing. Where is the F. Clark and Taco hype now? MIA. [Title]

Output: actually, yeah


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] DL really isn just a bunch of guys, Has been for mnany years now with usually 1 playmaker at a time (Graham, Martin..etc). The elite usually have 2+ B Graham types at a time. UM usually had 1 elite guy at a time. Right now we have ZERO. [Title]

Output: great post. confirms what the eyes are seeing IMO


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] Usually UM still ""sells out" but there are still empty seats. its pretty bad from a $ perspective that they couldn't get the "sell out" for this game. Will probably we a recurring issue for the weaker games, esp after BIG BIG games. [Title]

Output: There are always empty seats for MAC, but they still "sell out"


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] Lewan is flat out saying this was a joke and an embarrassment. If he can call a spade a spade why can't we as fans. THIS GAME WAS AN EMBARRASSMENT. Its true. Stop trying to sugar coat it with your blue kool-aid. It's OK if Akron sucks. I mean even using youe logic and they are good, does that mean our offense is worse than James Madison? We are worse than UCF? No, you will say transitive property blah blah and still try to defend your shady logic like a some kind of scientologist. Lets just call it what it was. A joke an embarrassment for the program and conference. Nothing we can do but move on at this point. Let's STOP acting like Akron is something. Their ceiling is Purdue level football. ie a JOKE. [Title]

Output: Please stop making excuses for the team. The players aren't


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] Line play is the heart of all problems. skill players have been suprisingly good IMO this year. or better than expected at least [Title]

Output: I'd plus you 1992 to get you positive but I can't


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] my bright spot of the game. that and Fitz. Looks real sharp, I don't expect to see much Green this year. [Title]

Output: at least Chesson got a catch...TD too with plenty of YAC


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] really? It was the Gardner/Gallon show. Ress played well. Gardner and Gallon played better. UM OL and DL were throughly outplayed. Today Gardner had a bad game and the OL and DL had a draw vs Akron. Akrons RBs ran on us better then Fitz did on them actually. And that wasnt on fitz either [Title]

Output: did you watch the ND game?


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] agree on all of it really. Fitz has run hard every play this season. He has been real sharp from the get go. [Title]

Output: agree on Fitz


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] unless we reshuffle the OL and find something; I think UM needs to spread it out more and let Gardner do his thing. With the current group playing smash mouth is a waste of a down. I'm watching A&M go 4 wide every play and march on Bama....I don't want to go full spread all the time but I think we need to be pass first from here on out. Chesson flash some playmaking skill, Dileo knows how to find gaps, Gallon is Gallon, Funchess is a mismatch. There are weapons there. [Title]

Output: going forward on O


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] For a coaching staff that talks about the trenches SOO much the level of play has been a disaster on the Lines for a while now. Now its bad even with 4-5* talent... That is the most concerning thing. [Title]

Output: I'm just puzzled with the OL and DL


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] He has blitzed more as the game went on the last two games. I think by now we know what we have on the DL, and its not much. I hope, expect to see more pressure going forward via blitz. Sending 5 or 6. [Title]

Output: seems like he is giving the front 4 a chance to prove it


Input: [Date] 1 year 45 weeks ago [Body] Seriously, all the pressure in game 1 was from teh blitz. As units the big guys in the trenches haven't been able to bring it. Story of the season so far. Gardner TOs yeah, but UM should be opening huge running lanes and sacking MAC teams with DL. Shouldn't need Gardner QB runs to move the ball. [Title]

Output: OL and DL are at a MAC level through 3 games


Input: [Date] 1 year 46 weeks ago [Body] People's idea of what is dual threat are way different. Player A) Makes all the throws, can move in the pocket, roll out and deliver strikes. This is NOT a dual threat. That's just a QB that is mobile. Pro-style all the way. (Every past UM great). Player B) Can make all the throws (less consistent then Player A), can pull on a zone read and get 15+yds, after 2nd progression he scrambles and is a weapon not a fumble/injury waiting to happen. This is a dual threat. (Troy Smith, Manziel, Forcier). Player C) Not a good passer. Much better runner. This is a running QB. (Denard, Pat White) The people here that want dual threats want Player B. We know that Player C won't win NCs. Player A can be great (a #1 overall pick) but IMO he has to have AA OL in the game and probably AA type WR talent to beat an elite SEC DL. The odds of having AA pro style QB, OL, and WR at the same time are slim. A Great player B can beat that same elite SEC DL with All Big Ten WR, OL, and WR talent IMO. much more likely, and repeatable. [Title]

Output: Examples of Dual Threat QBs


Input: [Date] 1 year 46 weeks ago [Body] I'll give you OU and FSU. But I put 2001 Miami in with the Bama disclaimer. ie immense talent that UM cannot expect to approach. 2001 and 2002 Miami was when in the middle of their hey day when they set the 1yr, 2yr, 3yr, and 4yr period record for 1st rd picks. That is not happening in a midwest school OSU 2002 is a huge astericks. BS IMO. I already gave USC the Bama disclaimer as well (immense talent) we can't expect to duplicate($). So really you have FSU, OU, and I guess OSU if you want but we all no they were very lucky that season. again, a major point to my argument is that UM can't recruit like Bama, LSU, and USC/Miami aat there peak. The former two bc of their local. The latter bc of $ and local. if you disagree with this premise then we will obs disagree on the greater idea on NC and Qbs. [Title]

Output: I'll give you OU and FSU. But


Input: [Date] 1 year 46 weeks ago [Body] Unless you switch to a Texas Tech air raid with quick 3 step drops the whole game. Whats more likely, UM shift to Air Raid offense or UM have the same offense with a mobile QB to have a couple wrinkle plays (zone read, scramble for 1st downs..etc). I forgot, running the option prob would work as a curve ball. ND has a better OL, better DL , the next 4 best WRs (after Gallon) and Rees played a HELL of a game. Not many teams win that matchup playing traditional O. Luckily UM had the two biggest playmakres (DG, Gallon). [Title]

Output: few other game plans would work


Input: [Date] 1 year 46 weeks ago [Body] With the team we have now. Only a handful of QBs would win that game for us. And they are all mobile. way too much pressure from ND DL for a traditional drop back to handle. unless he had Megatron avail.. [Title]

Output: yup


Input: [Date] 1 year 46 weeks ago [Body] I think so. Not to put words in the OP's mouth but I think when he says dual threat he wants a guy who can actually run a zone read, pull, and pick up 15yds once or twice a game. Doesn't have to be Gardner. Forcier could do that. I too would actually like a QB who can move..and I mean more than just move in the pocket to by time (Rees was great at extending the play). I'd like a QB that can get 3rd downs by checking down to "run" and picking up that 3rd and 7 when he gets past his second read. Henne, Navarre for example could not do that. if the play wasn't executed at all levels then it didn't work. I don't think we need/want: Dennis Dixon, Denard, Tebow, Braxton Miller...etc. no arms. But: Forcier, Manziel, Wilson, Taji Boyd, Troy Smith all fit the bill IMO. IMO, it takes that to win it all unless you recurit like Bama (or old USC) and not even Hoke has done that yet (but he his close). A playmaker at QB can make up for potential shortcomings at WR or OL or RB. In the BCS era, really outside of Bama and LSU all teams have had a somehwat mobile QBs. With guys in the trenches like Bama and LSU you can have just about anyone at QB. I don't think UM has ever had DL talent like those two schools and don't think it'll happen soon. And those teams win with D (but thats for another post). Notice I'm not mentioning Newton, RGIII, VY, or Gardner as I think those guys really are usually the best in class type of player that you can't expect to get every 2 years or so. Forcier, Manziel, Wilson, Taji Boyd, Troy Smith types can be had though IMO. [Title]

Output: Question: Does a "third play guy" per Borges need to be mobile?


Input: [Date] 1 year 46 weeks ago [Body] I know you forget more about football from a hangover then I even know. But it's just hard to hear and see hype on Funchess constantly (sleeper pick for a breakout game the last 10 games probably) when: A) he can't block and B) doesn't catch many passes (more than 2 in a game). Point A and B can't be refuted at this point (1 year plus 2 games). Most valuable decoy award I suppose works but I don't see/hear people touting Funchess bc of his decoy ability unless its to defend him in an argument about his role. Note, I'm sure Funchess will have a Air Force type game against Akon or Uconn and the hype train will get more steam but against tough opponents his mismatch potential is needed. Gallon can't do it alone forever. Real question, doesn't Butt play more H back bc he can actually block? If Funchess could block he'd get more H back duty right? I mean H backs have to pass protect, be a lead blocker, also run routes and catch passes. Sounds pretty complicated/versitile to me. How do you see Butt and Funchess' roles playing out this year? I just think if Funchess was as good as advertised in the pass catching game he would get more looks. Maybe thats ignorant, but at a ceratin point guys who are good recievers actually catch passes. Norfleet is getting as many looks it seems like and he's been a WR for 2 games. [Title]

Output: great points


Input: [Date] 1 year 46 weeks ago [Body] He's looking like Marvin Robinson / Furman Part 2 here. Outside of the Air Force game last year what has he really done as a pass-catcher? If we aren't getting him rec's then we might as well bench him bc he sure as hell can't block. He should be getting 2nd or 3rd WR type production on this team instead of 1-2 catch every once in a while, if that. He has 3+ catches in a game I believe twice, ever. "he won't learn if he's not in there" is BS too. He can learn to block better than what he is doing now in practice. He looks lost in blocking, like Nick Sheridan at QB lost. I'd rather have a guy in there helping Fitz out (a known playmaker) then a guy who catches 1 pass a game. Again, physically he is talented and looks like he should be a stud at catching the ball but if we aren't throwing to him then he really shouldn't be on the field. Butt is already getting as many looks in the passing game and is a better blocker. I mean we already go to Butt in the redzone more than Funchess which is crazy given funchess physical ability but Borges has got to be calling it for a reason. We know that he likes fades and Gallon, Roundtree, and Butt now have gotten them called often. None of them present matchups like Funchess. [Title]

Output: Funchess is a liab, yes i said it. way too much hype.


Input: [Date] 1 year 46 weeks ago [Body] Ticket prices were a lot lasta week; was hoping even more Uconn fans look to unload tickets between now and gametime. Any recommendations as far as traffic and parking for games a Uconn? What are other people planning on doing? I'm planniong on leaving NYC friday afternoon. Going to be staying at a friends place about 1hr away from the stadium (New London, CT area). [Title]

Output: thinking about going


Input: [Date] 1 year 46 weeks ago [Body] I'm expecting the secondary to get gashed several times. Bless Mattison but we have yet to see the secondary really contain a good passing O. Granted injuries have been an issue (Countess..etc). Until they do it though, I'm going to assume Rees gets 300+ and probably 3TDs. The key will be DL pressure/sacks/forced TOs. Don't think ND rush will do much. SC had a pretty stout DL with several weapons too. Their 3rd down DL with all DEs was particulary good and I expect ND to blitz and try and get pressure. UM OL held up well vs. SC, pressue rarely came quick and allowed for Gardner to find a man or tuck and go. Roll outs and O schemed helped. I think the UM game plan will be similar but with a little more success on the ground as I think the OL is better (even now) than any time last year. The key for UM O is for someone other than Gallon to make plays. Need Funchess to make plays or Need MSU Dileo, or Nortfleet to bust a couple. Prefably all three but only really need 1 to step up. I see high scoring close shoot-out. Hoping UM D causes TO fiesta like Neb at home a few years back and UM wins big. [Title]

Output: For some reason I invision this a lot like the SC bowl game


Input: [Date] 2 years 5 weeks ago [Body] hate to knock Burke but that is a severe lack of strength for a big time athlete. How or if that even translates to the NBA game who knows but that is definitely going to be a red flag to scouts bc Burke is not a super athlete. If he can't get away from his man (like Craft stuck to him like glue) that he's going to have to atleast body them up and play through contact. crazy bc THjr had some of the highest bench press of all players. I know diff players diff body types but you think they would have similar weight room programs from the S&C coach. Plus THjr is more wirey which usually translates to weaker lifting totals. Like others said I'd rather Burke go to a better team and be asked to just run the O be a 3rd option type player. He is very smart and finds the open man. Him on the pacers makes them instant contenders. If he's asked to be a #1 or #2 option as well as create I think he struggles. [Title]

Output: the 3 reps of 185 is incredibly weak


Input: [Date] 2 years 10 weeks ago [Body] Similar size. Both can score big or get lots is assist. Both great controlling the ball in half court or running the break. Burke prob better 3pt shooter. KJ maybe more athletic. [Title]

Output: How about Kevin Johnson from the suns?


Input: [Date] 2 years 14 weeks ago [Body] When it was crunch time Coach B ran with Levert in the tourney. That's why I think Stauskas could be hurt most by these announcements. Levert brings a more diverse skill set at this point and that's saying a lot bc Levert still clearly has room to grow. He was scout team until late last season. Also you underestimate Irvin. He is better than Stauskas on Day 1. I think he sits initially just out of respect for Stauskas but like Stauskas pushed out Vogrich he will get pushed out of starting spot early. The question is what does Coach B want off the bench first: Stauskas - sniper, spread the floor, hit threes, nice passer into low block (McGary to get more looks in O). Levert - second ball handler, better defense, better rebounding, better slasher. That's all assuming neither improve. I think Levert puts on weight and works on his 3 ball. Stauskas wil have to get LOTS better at D, become a playmaker with the ball in his hands(make plays for himself AND others). all and all a great problem to have. I like how many different types of weapons the team will have at the 2-4 spot. Some bigs, slashers, snipers, all with length, all with 1 yr in system except 5 star Mr. Indiana. Heck Donnal could make noise at the 4 too. [Title]

Output: Stauskas sat a lot in Final 4...


Input: [Date] 2 years 14 weeks ago [Body] Yuu heard it here first. By big ten season Stauskas will be the back up and first guy off the bench behind Irvin and GR3. No way Irvin is not starting at the 2 by B1G play and that doesn't leave room on the court for Stauskas. I actually think Levert could pass Stauskas for 6th man too. Levert was getting big boy minutes late in the tourney while Staukas sat. Levert plays better D and get always get his shot off and can even run the offense as the 2 guard. Stauskas just stands in the corner and can't guard his shadow. 2-3 spots will be interesting. [Title]

Output: Stauskas will be 6th man..maybe 7th


Input: [Date] 2 years 15 weeks ago [Body] But man his compeition looked like they were a bunch of 12 yr olds. I liked the alley oops and dunks though. Shows that he likes to try and play above the rim at least. Once he adds to his frame he will be a a nice big (assuming he can rebound at Big Ten Level). I think based on his height and O skill set he passes Max early likely resulting in a Max transfer. Irvin and Walton look like studs. Hopefully Walton can hit the 3 in Big Ten play. We saw what a PG shooting 3s does for the spacing on this team with Burke. Helps a lot. McGary and GR3 come back and UM could win the Big Ten / get a 1-3s seed. McGary and GR3 leave and it will be 8 seed. Too much talent not to make the tourney. While ours bigs outside of McGary are role players they are solid. I'm expecting big things from Stauskas and Levert next year. Mini leaps for Stauskas and big LEAP from Levert. I think Burke and THjr are long gone. I agree with Brian, staying for a senior year is a stigma at this point. Usually reserved for Euro league type players on most occassions. I don't think THjr wants that. [Title]

Output: Donnal looked like he has skills


Input: [Date] 2 years 16 weeks ago [Body] B/c I think they will pretty much eliminate all QB designed run plays given the QB depth chart. Probably tell Gardner not to run unless its 3rd down scrambles. Hopefully Gallon and Dileo get on the same page as Gardner for some sweet check-downs or audibles. Both guys are slippery in the open field. [Title]

Output: good


Input: [Date] 2 years 17 weeks ago [Body] sounds like irvin is a 2-3. If that is the case and THjr stays where does that effect the rotation? Does he back up THjr and Stauskas for 10-15mins? Do one of them sit and he starts? Is playing time more evenly distributed among the 3? Looks like a good problem to have. Seems like most reports indicate that Irvin is immediately one of the best players so you'd think he starts...and Coach B doesn't suually use much of a bench...but can't imagine he'd take Stauskas shooting off the court much. I'm thinking the 3 share time equally with Zak not starting but who knows. [Title]

Output: sounds like Irvin is a 2-3.


Input: [Date] 2 years 18 weeks ago [Body] I don't see how UM keeps it under 15 TOs. Really. I think the difference is UM will make them pay with just enough 3s to get the W (I hope). I just don't see how Spike, THjr, and Stauskas won't have 12 TOs between them. Seriously. Not feeling good about that. Doesn't help that Spike and Burke are short and will have VERY long players on them. McGary and the bigs are going to be huge. They are going to post up mid court as the safety value while Spike and Burke pass and cut to get the ball back. Frankly, I want Stauskas and THjr to touch the ball in the back court as little as possible. I know when we break we will make them pay with the 3 ball though. There will be lots of open looks. Hopefully McGary and Horford crash the boards hard. [Title]

Output: The more I think about it the uglier its going to be


Input: [Date] 2 years 18 weeks ago [Body] You don't beat a press (at least a good one) with just your PG. Too many people here saying Burke will handle the press. Burke is going to be passing the ball before he gets past the FT (on OUR end). Its going to be up to our 2 and 3 and probably McGary to pass their way out of it. THAT is what should make us nervous. I'm sure Burke will come off a few curls and will be able to sneak up court but for the most part its going to take 2 or 3 passes to get it up court for a good look. It's going to be on Spike, Stauskas, and THjr to avoid the TOs. Burke will be fine but we won't be brining it up much. Thank God GR3 got warm...he's going to have a lot of looks once we break the press. We need to fnish with DUNKS or 3s. [Title]

Output: People don't know squat about a press


Input: [Date] 2 years 19 weeks ago [Body] Go to the next level (take the promotion) and don't forget the people that got you there (don't burn bridges). I'm completely find with guys going pro, hopefully they are super successful while repping UM on national TV. Then they can retire and maybe be a talking head on TV and rep UM some more. Asking kids to forego millions so our alma mater is a little better is selfish. It's on the HIGHLY paid coaches to get the next one in recruiting. [Title]

Output: or they do what any one of us would do


Input: [Date] 2 years 19 weeks ago [Body] This is why this season (B1G season) has been a disappointment. Too much talent to be 5th in the B1G. Too much athletisicm to be this bad at D. I think Belien is learning a lot about coaching these Frosh who come in so highly touted. They are NOT highly ranked because of Defense and probably never practiced it or are eager to. When you get the lower ranked kids they eat it up bc they want PT and don't get it handed handed to them. Just need to look at the hustle on D between Stauskas/GR3 and Levert to see it. Hopefully with the wings staying and getting the message and Belien learning how to coach them we will be better on both ends next year. Also will be good if/when we have talented enough players that prevent 3-4 frosh from getting 30+minutes. 1-2 frosh getting start minutes is ideal. speaking of drills, WSJ had an article on B-Ball and coaching. OSU runs a nice rebounding drill that Belien needs to run. Ohio State runs a drill in practice called "war rebounding," which is about as delicate as it sounds. Coaches cover the basket with a bubble so the shots can't go in, thus forcing the defense to battle the offense for every loose ball. The torture lasts until the defense claims a certain number of rebounds, or head coach Thad Matta has mercy on the panting, sweating souls of his players. The drill's maximum length: about 45 minutes. [Title]

Output: not bad for 5th team in B1G


Input: [Date] 2 years 19 weeks ago [Body] Levert will get the call to guard Wolters I'm sure. Spike will be needed to help out on VCU's press. Burke will have to be his usualy self and carry the offense but these to frosh and their play will go a long way to determining UM's chances. Not looking forward to a VCU matchup. [Title]

Output: Looks like getting to the sweet 16 will be on Levert and Spike


Input: [Date] 2 years 19 weeks ago [Body] UM will be the upset pick of opening weekend... 5-5 in the last 10 games with no O rhythm and consistently bad D. [Title]

Output: for the 2nd year in a row, UM will be the upset pick


Input: [Date] 2 years 19 weeks ago [Body] Rebounding is the key. The bigs and GR3 and Stauskas all chiiped and UM wins comforably. Rebounds = win. Even if perimeter D is below average (ie Bad). Second chance points is what kills this team, limit those through TEAM rebounding and we win. [Title]

Output: Horford and McGary were the story


Input: [Date] 2 years 19 weeks ago [Body] not possible. need D to get a lead [Title]

Output: with this pathetic defense


Input: [Date] 2 years 19 weeks ago [Body] UM is not good at the first part...DEFENSE. [Title]

Output: You blow teams out with good DEFENSE and transition points


Input: [Date] 2 years 19 weeks ago [Body] UM won at home 79-71 in a game where Burke kept the team afloat in the first half. UM lost on the road in a must win 84-78. PSU is just not good at D so I think UM will get to 75. The question is can UM keep PSU under 75? being a homer (but much less than most on here) I'll say 75-73 UM win. UM will get out rebounded yet again and PSU will hit more 3's than us do to successful drives and kicks. UM eeks it out riding Burke all the way... a couple timely 3s from Stauskas and THjr will help. [Title]

Output: I just hope UM wins... I say 75-73 UM


Input: [Date] 2 years 20 weeks ago [Body] Its not based on one GIF. Its based on the ENTIRE Big Ten Season. UM is the 8th/9th best rebounding team and we HAVE good athletes. There is no excuse [Title]

Output: its been a problem for a while


Input: [Date] 2 years 20 weeks ago [Body] you telling me you still get mental lapses (multiple per game) after 3 years? At a certain point is comes down to desire to rebound.... [Title]

Output: but is been 3 yrs for THjr...


Input: [Date] 2 years 20 weeks ago [Body] Simply do not want to rebound and play way too soft. I can tolerate some of the steal attempts or reach ins getting you out of position (at least that is aggressive). But as soon as the ball is up get between your man and the hoop (which is where you should be anyways) and put a body on him. Oladipo is what 6-4 and crashes the boards. MSU wings have done this for 10+ years. Look at Stauskas on the gif. Sheehy is bossing him around even when Stauskas is paying attention. Robinson routinely gets out muscled (more than Novak even did). Mental lapses are excusable for the frosh (probably shouldn't be this late in the season but whatever). But the lack of intensity is troubling. And the fact that THjr still can't do this makes me think this is on coaching and doesn't bode well for Robinson and Stauska's future.THjr has started for 3 years now and obviously its not getting drilled in. Just being a good shooter shouldn't guarantee you PT at the 2-4. Maybe with more depth Belein will be able to bench people who do not hustle on both ends. Would Belien bench a shooter for a wing that plays D and rebs??? I dunno. [Title]

Output: The wings (2-4)


Input: [Date] 2 years 20 weeks ago [Body] A good shooting team that doesn't turn the ball over but also can't rebound or play perimeter D. McGary can't stay on the floor vs. good bigs so UM is STILL small out there most of the time. This is a recipe for DISASTER in the NCAA tourney. To boot FT shooting is suspect... UM needs a 4 that is 6'9''+, I know Belien likes 4's that can hit the three but it can't be at the expense of rebounding ability. [Title]

Output: UM is what we thought they were


Input: [Date] 2 years 20 weeks ago [Body] I don't care at all about the Big Tourney. I would rather UM lose a close game and be motivative then win it and crash out in the real tourney. That being said this team should and probably will bow out in the sweet 16. The lack of rebounding and weak permiter D gives too many teams a fighting chance. UM could lose in the 1st round again, they could make a run....There will likely be no easy wins for UM at all. With the right draw UM could make a Final Four but the same could be said for literally 12-15 teams this year. What would be needed for me to say "awesome, this season is just gravy?" I'd say that means what would make me feel the team exceeded expectations. For me UM would exceed expectations by reaching the Final Four. If/when they crash out in Sweet 16 I'll say "that's about right", Anything before sweet 16 and its a disappointment. [Title]

Output: If I had to call it UM bows out in sweet 16


Input: [Date] 2 years 20 weeks ago [Body] and let them know what;s going on. If they just look at the voting results starting last night it will be obvious there is cheating. If we can get 100 tweets and emails and keep it up for a couple days they will notice. We should also tweet a link to the A&M cheating video. I'm at work so can't do anything now. But if someone can get the ball running that would be great... [Title]

Output: Don't cheat. Lets bombard EAs twitter feed and email them


Input: [Date] 2 years 21 weeks ago [Body] If Levert gets more mins then Stauskas I think UM wins. That being said, if I had to make a prediction I would say Purdue wins and UM turns around and beats IU at home. That's the way the season has been going and is most likely IMO. Hope I'm wrong. I think it will take a THjr vs OSU type performance to eek out a win b/c I'm not confident the D will be there. [Title]

Output: On the road you need DEFENSE


Input: [Date] 2 years 24 weeks ago [Body] OSU did better regionally and nationally than UM in 2013. It's ok b/c UM still got their's and more importantly did very well in the trenches; but we shouldn't spin it like UM's haul was more than it was. UM's 2013 haul has to be the norm going forward to just keep up with OSU and elite SEC. To Magnus' point UM did have the recuriting "lead" early but that was largely due to having a larger class virtually the entire recruiting season. The avg avg I believe had UM consistently behind the OSU, elite SEC, and ND. [Title]

Output: I agree. A little too much spinning going on here


Input: [Date] 2 years 25 weeks ago [Body] Until the B1G starts winning the NATIONAL TITLES than we should try and be all S-E-C chanting it. Granted its harder to win it in NCAA BB but the B1G hasn't one many titles in the last 30 yrs let alone last 10. Hopefully we can string together several FF appearences as a conf and spinkle in a few titles. Nobody gives a shit what you were ranked in Feb or how many teams you had ranked in Feb. It's all for nothing if the Big Ten doesn't win the title. They have to this year and with four legit final four quality teams they have a good of a shot as anyone. Dream scenario is 5 in the elite 8 and 3 in final four. Big Ten champ. FWIW, I'd rather UM NOT play a big ten team if possible. Esp late in the tourney, Def do not want OSU. They are UM's worst matchup. [Title]

Output: The SEC meme hold water bc of NATIONAL TITLES


Input: [Date] 2 years 28 weeks ago [Body] The initial play is on G Rob. He did cut too early and basically took himself out of the play and left Burke hanging by just continuing down low and sitting under the rim after his initial cut. If he A) waits to cut at the right time he MIGHT be open for a lob but there is too much traffic in there for a bounce pass to get through. Note, all the bounce/ chest passes UM tried early in the game that led to TOs and OSU fast breaks. WAY too much threading the needle being tried early. B) Once he made the early(bad cut) he could have reserved back out to the corner to help Burke out. Its clear btwn screenshot 3-4 that G Rob is not going to get the ball via lob or back door cut so he should be flairing out to help Burke in the Corner/wing. His man is clearly ball watching at this point and if he flairs out G Rob get a corner 3. The play gets reset. Or when Burke shoots thats one less OSU guuy down low fighting for a Reb. Instead G Rob stays under the hoop brining his man into the traffic and cutting off all angles. Terrible movement/wing play plus a little bit of an ichy trigger finger by burke when things broke down(instead of resetting) put UM in a HUGE hole. The ichy trigger finger showed up once it was tied 46-46 too. [Title]

Output: disagree


Input: [Date] 2 years 28 weeks ago [Body] Once there was nothing after the pick why not bring it back out and try another play. UM bailed on plays and went into Improv mode or jack up a 3 mode WAY WAY to quick in this game. probably bc they were flustered. Burke could have easily reset this instead of try to get to the corner(that works against OOC scrubs not OSU/MSU/Minny/IU). Burke called his number several times again late which led to ill advised shots. UM should just RUN the offense. make sure everyone is getting touches until the best shot develops. They didn't make OSU play D long enough IMO most of this game. [Title]

Output: The problem is why is Burke jacking up the shot with 25s left?


Input: [Date] 2 years 29 weeks ago [Body] I don't see morgan strating at ILB all year. or at least I'd rather be get beat out by someone more athletic at least before we get to Nov. The OSU spread will be in full effect next year and UM will need athletes that can move. Bolden > Morgan. first offseason is usually the biggest leap right? Let's hope so. Like others mentioned Ross will be a monster. The great one's hit the ground running their true freshman year or at least show flashes. Ross did this in bunches despite being undersided. He will not be undersized next year and will not be learning the playbook from scratch. Ross and Ryan both All Big Ten. If UM can uncover an All Big Ten DL men then they will be in business. [Title]

Output: agreed


Input: [Date] 2 years 29 weeks ago [Body] until UM gets a DL pass rush it doesn't matter how good the LBs or safetys are. UM will not get off the field on 3rd downs and continue to give up HUGE plays over the top against good teams (see all 5 losses this year). simple as that really. The only pass rusher I see on the roster is Super Mario. My hope is that he bulks up and explodes on the scene next season. Frank Clark and can be a good SDE on passing downs bringing the occasional heat but Mario has shown flashes that he could be a legit WDE pass rushing threat. If he doesn't develop UM is pretty much screwed and will have to out scheme top notch opponents with Mattison craziness. That can only take you so far and with new safeties coming in they will likely get burnt trying to execute it. DL pass rush and the OL jellying before Big Ten play are key. Everyone knows the OL RS frosh have the talent if they can put it together the O will be fine. I like that Justice Hayes passed Rawls on the depth chart and hopefully Derrick Green can come in make a splash. Also don't want to hear about experince for skill players. Bama led the nation in yds by Freshman this season. Elite teams play freshman studs all the time and then watch them go pro. UM needs to start landing these types instead of hopeing we can "build" an upper classman team of 4 stars. UM is not PSU or Iowa. They shouldn't have to wait for upperclassmen-laden teams to compete at elite levels. [Title]

Output: exactly..no pass rush


Input: [Date] 2 years 29 weeks ago [Body] w/o the lucky roundtree jump bowl at home to beat NU, UM didn't beat a ranked team all year. What makes you think they could beat anyone ranked 1-24 so easily? UM fans need to acccept this team for what it was, extremely flawed. We just need to move on and be thankful for all the roster turnover so that more talent can see the field (regardless of experience). Wish Denard could stay forever but thats not legal! haha. [Title]

Output: we didn't beat a good team all year


Input: [Date] 2 years 29 weeks ago [Body] Unfortunately what I feared happended. ND blow out. No undefeated Big Ten team will be picked to play in the NC until the playoff rolls around. MAYBE OSU but that's just bc their coach is Urban so they will get a slight bump. Next year NC is already set. It will be ALL SEC unless Oregon runs the table. The A&M and Bama blow outs will basically pull up the rest of the conf 2-3 spots in the preseason poll so that any 1 loss SEC team will make the championship. with Bama and A&M guaranteed a spot if they have 1 loss. The only other team that could slip in is Oregon since they usually run up the score so if they can actually go undefeated they will get a shot. UM's dream season at this point would be beating OSU twice and winning the B1G championship. Not a bad goal, UM is light years from beating Bama or A&M though. I honestly don't even think the All Big Ten team would beat Bama considering the lack of playmakers. [Title]

Output: NC...no way


Input: [Date] 2 years 29 weeks ago [Body] I was at a UM bar in NYC for a couple games this year and heard racial slurs at Denard from fellow UM fans. we all have them. Some schools more than others (SEC). [Title]

Output: eh


Input: [Date] 2 years 29 weeks ago [Body] I was talking about the perception as a northern/midwest team. The MSM has this view as do most CFB fans. I mean we compete with them in recruiting right and we recruit the midwest heavily with some CA, and FL sprinkled in. Nobody looks at ND and thinks SPEED. ND winning will help debunk some of the perception of the SEC which is a positve for UM and the B1G. At this point anything hurting the SEC is positive for the B1G. What good is beating ND in recruiting if the SEC has 2 or 3 teams in the CFB top 4/playoffs every year? As it stands now the SEC will get 2 every year so everyone else (B1G included) is figting for 2 spots. In that world do you like UM's chances? In that world the B1G championship isn't enough, you need to be undefeated. Or at least not lose after October. [Title]

Output: I wasn't talking about academics


Input: [Date] 2 years 29 weeks ago [Body] As a whole the 13 year span is impressive. But most agree that its a tale of two periods with the first through 2001when we won big games (beating OSU and winning Rose, Orange, and Citrus Bowls) vs. the end through 2008 when UM couldn't win the big game (like this season). Everyone would take Carr's first 6-7 years, fans grumbled at the last 6ish years for not winning the big game and losing 4ish games a year. To the OP's question. My ideal dream scenario would be: 9-11 win seasons. In the 13 game world we live in now this should be the norm. Esp when you consider how weak the B1G is. Btw a 9-4 record is 69% winning % so accepting 4 losses (or expecting 9 wins) isn't a stretch. At least a split between OSU and the Bowl game most years (3 out of 4 years). This is a tall order, but again this is my ideal. Obviously beating OSU is the priority vs. the bowl game. Losing the last two really just puts a bad taste in the mouth and hurts perception. Esp if the bowl loss is in a Florida bowl against the SEC #3-4 team. Years we lost both and win both offsetting would be nice. I'm assuming most years we split. B1G championship every 3 years. Those who stay will be champions. This sounds like a lot but like you mentioned Moeller and Carr won 8 in 18 seasons for a 44% B1G championship rate. so its doable. Also, OU has won the Big 12 8x times since 2000...so there is a precedent in other conferences. I think the Big12 vs. B1G are good comps as well. [Title]

Output: Perhaps have two sub groups for Carr's years


Input: [Date] 2 years 29 weeks ago [Body] As much as it does the HYPE and the 1 month build up of the NC game. In this sense ND already has the recruiting benefit whether they win or not. They have been near the top of the polls for 3 mths now. They will get the recurting bump no matter what. What matters is the polls and league perceptions. ND to many is considered a northern B1G like school. Then beating the SEC does more for Michigan and has te potential to lower the rankings of pre season SEC teams next year then Bama winning and another summer of SEC media hype. Perception is also key heading into the 4 team playoff in a couple years. [Title]

Output: Recruiting doesn't have as much to do with the game score


Input: [Date] 2 years 29 weeks ago [Body] They basically fit the mold of a B1G team and a win by them will help out everyone not in the SEC, esp the B1G bc we will get to play them next season. Also, the SEC is 3-3 in bowls right now. They lose the NC and that means UF, LSU, and Bama all lost. These are consistently considered the best teams in the SEC. They all lose and maybe we won't see 5 of the top 7 on next years poll in the SEC. Esp if OU beats a&m and the SEC has a losing bowl record... This will go along way to helping out the B1G as well. As far as ND recruiting vs. UM, the damage is already done. Win or lose they will be a tough beat on the recruiting trail. For the above reasons I say go ND. [Title]

Output: Pulling for ND


Input: [Date] 2 years 29 weeks ago [Body] my friend said the same thing. I really think he can be a Wes Welker type in the Pro's. He's really quick and great at setting up DBs with his route running. Importantly, he does not drop balls and snatches them. Would love to see him blow up next year and make some noise in the pros thereafter. He's been our best non-Denard athlete for a couple years now. [Title]

Output: haha


Input: [Date] 2 years 29 weeks ago [Body] I think UM will be good vs. the run for a long time with the pipeline in place at DL and LB. Need to get off the field on 3rd downs though. [Title]

Output: agreed. DL looks very stout against the Run.


Input: [Date] 2 years 29 weeks ago [Body] Most the DL commits have been DT or SDE types but no pure pass rushers. Of the ones listed Taco is the only one that might fit the bill but he is listed as very raw so doubt he will do much in year 1. Hope I am proved wrong. UM needs a pash rush NEXT season though. Or else we are going to be forced to use Mattison trickery in order to get pressure, leaving the DBs exposed. ND, OSU, and OSU have taken turns gashing us b/c of that in the last 2 years. UM needs the next B Graham or Woodley pretty bad. Obs, speed also needed at WR and RB. Gallon is doing his best Wes Welker out there but he needs help. Don't get me wrong I like the beef cakes Hoke is bringing in but I don't want to be Wisc Part 2. That's what the recruiting at DL, WR, and RB is looking like. Every commit has size but "needs speed". Need t sprinkle in some explosive players. [Title]

Output: UM needs a pass rusher big time though


Input: [Date] 2 years 30 weeks ago [Body] Looking at the roster. I'm not sure they will be. Mario can hopefully step up but doon't see him being much better than a Frank Clark type. Roh and Campbell were not spectacular but solid. Mattison likes to rotate a lot so lossing that depth could hurt. PeWee was decent but didn't show flashes of greatness. Hopefully he can make a leap, otherwise he might just be a guy. Can anyone shed some light onto how the DL unit might improve in 2013? [Title]

Output: Will DL be any better next year?


Input: [Date] 2 years 30 weeks ago [Body] crazyy how often UM had to blitz this game to get anything. When the DL did appear to make a play they couldn't get the sack. Ryan, Clark, and Black all failed to sack the QB on plays that could have won the game. Got to bring him down. Gardner, also not too sharp most the game. Played good enough to win, but could have controlled the game if he makes better throws. Gallon got open ALL game long. Just like against Bama and OSU. Gallon is the only WR who can make plays and get open vs. good teams. Prob should have had 200yds if Gardner is on point. Overall, UM coaches called as good a game as [ossible. UM just needs more playmakers and a little more consistency from Gardner. He was just good enough to win though. D couldn't close the deal [Title]

Output: DL are just a bunch of guys on UM


Input: [Date] 2 years 30 weeks ago [Body] Didn;t know if it were scheme based or injury. [Title]

Output: true


Input: [Date] 2 years 30 weeks ago [Body] . [Title]

Output: Where is Kenny Demens? Bolden getting lots of PT


Input: [Date] 2 years 32 weeks ago [Body] Seriously, if weed is more important to you then the Michigan football team then Hoke and Co should just boot him off the field already. Give him plenty of free time to smoke up with mommy and daddy paying for his school. 3 strikes is plenty. Obviously missing games is not punishment enough for this kid. [Title]

Output: kick Hagerup off the team already


Input: [Date] 2 years 32 weeks ago [Body] Smaller fast players have a place in offense in this league. Would be nice for the O to give Norfleet that chance. Esp considering the utter LACK of playmakers on O. The only playmaker on O other than Denard is Gallon who also happens to be small but elusive. It can be done. Gallon made plays against Bama. Made plays against OSU. The Frosh WRs or Hayes really better show us something to justify this move. [Title]

Output: Venric Mark just lit up the B1G at Rb


Input: [Date] 2 years 32 weeks ago [Body] I have no idea why since I have never bought one. Not a big fan since I usually view from work and the pics are not that appropriate. Like girl in a tishirt and just underwear bottoms. [Title]

Output: I always get the hot chick/funny tshirts ads


Input: [Date] 2 years 33 weeks ago [Body] It's a horrible coaching change for him personally. Dantoni wants his PG to be able to shoot 3's and that is not what D Mo does. [Title]

Output: Dantoni likes shooters. D Mo can;t shoot


Input: [Date] 2 years 33 weeks ago [Body] The only article I could find said that Kovacs liked Norfleet at RB. http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2012/12/wrs_amara_darboh_jehu_chesson.html Kovacs said other young players who have impressed him are Norfleet at tailback, Jarrod Wilson at safety and Ross and Joe Bolden at linebacker. [Title]

Output: Kovacs liked Norfleet at RB per article - LINK


Input: [Date] 2 years 33 weeks ago [Body] Only saw Bellomy make one throw and it was a INT too. yikes. Denard getting a toss sweep is nice though. I think we will see a true Percy Harvin role for Denard. Hoepfully he tears it up and gets the NFL scouts attention. [Title]

Output: saw that too. Gardner very gimpy on that angle


Input: [Date] 2 years 33 weeks ago [Body] We can't hope everyone is bad, ND has been bad forever they are do a good run. UM just needs to step up in recruiting and on the field. We are top 5 in recruiting this season, just need to finish strong like the other big boys. At this point I'm down for anyone but the SEC winning. Perception is swayed so far in the SEC's favor that anything to put a dent in that is good for the Big Ten. If it wasn't for ND we'd have a repeat ALL SEC championship...again. That's just bad for the sport. Prob 4- 5 SEC teams will start preseason top 10 again next year which means they just need 1 or 2 of them to have 1 or fewer losses and they are guaranteed at least one if not two teams in the championship. Thats BS. Only way to stop it is to beat them on the field. In bowl games. In recruiting. UM is one of only a handful of teams that has any chance at that (OSU, ND, UM, USC, Texas, OU, Oregon). That's about it. Anyone one of these teams is against SEC then I'm pulling for them. If anything just to change perception and give other teams a fair shake each season. [Title]

Output: at a certain point UM has to step up


Input: [Date] 2 years 33 weeks ago [Body] UM needs a big time skill guy. I think Funchess will be elite at TE but could use more weapons. Props to ND though. Its clear ND and OSU are carrying the torch for superprograms in the North. I think if UMs OL recruits pan out they can join them. [Title]

Output: Big get for ND...hopefully UM follows suit with a WR or RB


Input: [Date] 2 years 34 weeks ago [Body] obs not a college comparison but watching Stauskas plays and seeing his potential reminds me of a little bit of Ginoboli. Not super athletic but can get to his spots on the floor. Above average passer and clutch from 3pt range. I didn't look at any of the stats but I imagine Stauskas will have a higher 3pt% then Ginoboli. The latter is more just clutch whereas to this point Stauskas has just been a sniper of late. I guess I just would like to see him evolve to a player with Manu's skill set. Probably won't get as many playmaking opportunities until Burke is gone though. Probably when it's he and GRIII's team in a couple years. [Title]

Output: How about Ginoboli?


Input: [Date] 2 years 34 weeks ago [Body] I think you underestimate how terrible the big ten is right now. To compare it to carr years is not legit IMO. We witness terrible offensive play in the conf. I mean who is a decent pro on offense in the ENTIRE conf?? Name one future pro bowler? Maybe ball? Thats it. For an entire conf. Sure there are a couple good OL. A few good DL and LBs. the latter the big ten still churns out but it's slim pickings after that. Once again, We will be expected to lose every bowl game. This is not your daddy's big ten. Any team recruiting at a top 10 level will dominate it. I guess I'm just being optimistic assuming it will be UM and OSU. Make no mistake. OSU will roll. They did already with a flawed team. [Title]

Output: Agree to disagree on Neb


Input: [Date] 2 years 34 weeks ago [Body] I fully expect Michigan to lose ~1 conf game in the division going forward which would put them in the CGG most years. At least as Hoke continues to recruit at a Top 10ish (sprinkle in a few top 3) level going forward. UM beats Nebraska if Denard is healthy or Gardner starts that game. And that is with ZERO RBs and the weakest Oline we will have in the Hoke Era. Going forward, I'm imagining UM rolling the division. bc I think UM will be good but also bc the Big Ten SUCKs. Seriously, if UM isn't rolling the division then we will be Ofer our next 10 bowl games. [Title]

Output: I guess I should say going forward