Iceberg? What Iceberg?
by BSD on Jan 20, 2009 3:39 PM EST
in Big Ten Conference
43 comments
It turns out God does answer prayer. Unless you are from Michigan. Then he gives you a small penis, a blog, a crappy defensive coordinator, and laughs in your face.
Two reliable sources are reporting that Greg Robinson is indeed the guy at defensive coordinator; unless there's an unexpected derailment an official confirmation should come sometime soon.I've said my piece on Robinson already—in a word: yikes—and am pretty skeptical of the hire. However, I am not a football coach or even that familiar with Robinson's work except in a macro "holy God what happened to Syracuse?" sense. Rich Rodriguez is, and he's basically gambled his career on his future performance. All hail Gamblor!
After searching for a month this was the best guy Rich Rodriguez could come up with? Yeah ok he won two Super Bowls with the Broncos a decade ago. He also had John Elway and Terrell Davis on his team. Since then he puttered around before landing in Syracuse where he completely leveled the Orange to a 10-37 record in four years. In his entire tenure the guy won three conference games in the Big East. THREE! In a league of creampuffs, they were the creamiest.
This is the man you choose to lead your defense. Good luck with that, Michigan. I hate to say it, but I told you Rich Rodriguez was going to be a disaster. Let's review.
He's pissed off prominent alumni. He's run off his star players. 2009 was a failure of historic proportions for the Maize and Blue. He let his defensive coordinator take the fall for the dismal 3-9 season, even though we all know it was the offense that sucked. To date they've had eight kids decommit from their verbal agreements and there are possibly more on the way.
I know some Michigan fans are still keeping the faith. They still believe that Rich Rodriguez is the man to turn around their program and restore them at the top. But as an objective observer looking in from the outside, I see just one thing.
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What?
No siren?
There is a tractor in the parking lot, West Virginia license EIEIO. Your lights are on.
by leeharvey418 on Jan 20, 2009 3:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hadn't thought about it
But I do feel all giddy like we just landed a five star recruit.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 20, 2009 3:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's official:
http://michigan.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=902589
And now, I would like to quote the greatest “Gregism” of all time as selected by the readers of Syracuse blog TNIAAM.
“It can maybe snowball into something that can catch fire.”
Bless you, Michigan.
"They haven't played us yet."
by ReadingRambler on Jan 20, 2009 3:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I voted for that one
all the way through.
BSD
by Kevin HD on Jan 20, 2009 6:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My favorite Greg Robinson moment
during his last press conference when he read that childrens book to the press…no one can compete with that…
PSU Softball
by QBsneak12 on Jan 20, 2009 3:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
He thinks he can...
He thinks he can.
by Sean Keeley on Jan 21, 2009 12:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Reminds me of......
what Jamie Dukes said on the NFL N the other night. He was talking about TO I think……and he said……“Hey…..like my wife always says…….messy in messy out”.
Eric Watters Atlanta, Ga.
by ech2os on Jan 20, 2009 4:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The idea of michigan being terrible for awhile
Make me feel all warm inside. I could give a shit about how it makes the big ten look, in the end Michigan is a program like any place else and will have their respective dark ages. Hopefully this is humbling for them and in a few years we see a nicer version of the scUM that I will not hate quite as much(but still a good deal)
by Roland86 on Jan 20, 2009 4:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
KC Chiefs Defensive Coordinator from 2001-2003
The joke around Kansas City is that he ran the 3-2 defense, because it ranked 32nd in every statistical category during his time here.
I could fart cash right now and not be any happier.
by Cairo on Jan 20, 2009 4:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don't know, I'd be pretty happy farting cash right now
so I could finish paying off these Christmas bills.
by NJ lion on Jan 20, 2009 7:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Also, can we call that picture:
the struggleboat???
by Cairo on Jan 20, 2009 4:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The best part
From now on whenever a Michigan fan gives us crap about Jay Paterno, all we have to do is respond, “Greg Robinson.”
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 20, 2009 4:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
And Greg isn't even DickRod's son
John Madden told me 90% of the game was half-mental...
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Jan 20, 2009 10:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
unless...
time-travelling scandal!!!
by The JuggerNitt on Jan 22, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
For fun
Go back and watch the Cuse run onto the field before our game with them. His attempts to fire up his team before they ran out were laughable. He did this whole ‘shadow boxing’ bit where he was bobbing and weaving and acting like he was fake-boxing his players. His face got all red and you could tell that was his big schtick. And by the reaction from the players you could tell he wasn’t firing anyone up except himself, in fact it was so funny I’m not sure how they kept a straight face.
"We hugged as grown men do. It was a great moment. Then, it was business as usual." -- LJ Sr.
by millzners on Jan 20, 2009 4:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I would laugh
but that would so totally be me if I were a head coach of a crappy program. Way too enthusiastic, trying to fire up guys who are probably hung over, and just want the game to be over with so they can go home and watch the rest of the day’s games on TV.
by The JuggerNitt on Jan 20, 2009 4:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I really don't know what is giving me this huge smile today
Obama is our president
Greg Robinson is Michigan’s new premier Defensive Coordinator
or all the great comments in this thread (especially the ones that actually quote Robinson!)
by The JuggerNitt on Jan 20, 2009 4:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Should we hug?
Like grown men do?
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 20, 2009 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Mike, your 2nd sentence made me
start feeling really bad for the Michigan guys. Then I thought of the Michigan girls.
pinkertonpark.com - you owe yerself a laugh.
by rahpsu92 on Jan 20, 2009 4:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Aint Life Grand
Love the Picture.. it send the factual message… Its been a blessing watching the arrogant AnnArborites flounder.. and this DC choice just continues the clumsy transition from Lloyd to something else.. Its like watching the Mrs Kravitz , the neighbor slip on a banana peel.. Where you didn’t like he in the first place, so its just that much more enjoyable see her hit the pavement… Only thing with Meeechigan.. don’t see them getting back up any time soon…
by SpartyMSU on Jan 20, 2009 5:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Here's a good question
Do we have any chance at all of getting that sweet 5-star DT they have, who is apparently going to be back on the market?
I think LJ should be making a house-call the moment that kid puts himself back on the market.
"We hugged as grown men do. It was a great moment. Then, it was business as usual." -- LJ Sr.
by millzners on Jan 20, 2009 5:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Since when did he run off McGuffie? Or Mallett for that matter?
McGuffie had issues with leaving home since he committed. The multiple concussions didn’t help. Carr made references to Mallett leaving before the Rodriguez hire due to not getting along with his teammates during the 07 season. But whatever…
Anyways, the Rodriguez hire was in the middle of a perfect storm to cause problems for anyone who would have taken over. Rodriguez just amplified that problem with the shift in offensive philosophy. Despite the recruiting rankings (while alright, they are something I think we could all agree aren’t the best of measuring sticks), Michigan had a pretty bare cupboard of talent on defense and quarterback at Rodriguez’s arrival.
As for the verbal decommitments, I’m not worried or shocked about any of them thus far. Eighteen year old kids are funny like that some times. With the high number of scholarships we are trying to fill, there is inevitably going to be some kids revolving in and out. The idea of having less competition to earn a starting role has to be attractive to some of the players. And the fact this season (and next) look to be such great wastes, its not shocking there have been questions raised from the kids. Rodriguez still has a supposedly very strong recruiting class coming in this year (again, weak measuring stick).
As far as Robinson goes, he’s not that attractive as a candidate. I think most all Michigan fans can openly admit that. There aren’t many other names out there that would have been any better. Much like the Shafer hire, I look at this as meh. What is worrisome for Michigan, and good for all of you, is this year’s Michigan defense will be much worse than last year’s.
What I’m more interested in seeing is the future of Jay Hopson. Rumors have flown around that he wants to return closer to home himself. Hopson has been a leading recruiter for many of the high level prospects on defense.
As for the 5* DT, he is most definitely with Michigan now. The kid has come to almost every Michigan football game for the last 2 years, as well as several basketball games. His is already enrolled in classes.
The ship at Michigan is sinking, but it will only last so long. Our conference doesn’t have the depth of good teams, nor will the talent level drop that much in Ann Arbor. Worst case scenario, in 3-4 years we are at the level of Penn State the last few years. A strong program that can’t quite ever get the great respect card on the national scene. We held that card for a time, but now its gone. Best case, all the propaganda ends up true. I’m not holding my breath. Like I said, it will be at least 2 years before we can see any sign of hope in Ann Arbor.
by formerlyanonymous on Jan 20, 2009 5:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
oh, and at least robinson can beat syracuse
so there is at least one silver lining in this dark dark dark mess of a cloud.
by formerlyanonymous on Jan 20, 2009 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You mean at least he can beat Notre Dame
by PSU Nick on Jan 20, 2009 7:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, whoops.
but i do maintain that he still can beat syracuse… i mean just look at the program.
by formerlyanonymous on Jan 20, 2009 10:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Comrades?
“Comrades, the parallels between the circumstances surrounding General George Washington and his revolutionary army and the Comrade Rodriguez and our Revolution are numerous.”
“Comrades, we stand at a similar juncture in our Revolution as did Washington and Paine during the cold Christmas season of 1776.”
Are Michigan fans so bad they’re Russians now?
by Mr. Rosewater on Jan 20, 2009 7:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I wonder, there is something weird going on there.
We just needed a couple players, a couple people to buy in to the fact and we were able to do it. --A.Q. Shipley
by psu on Jan 20, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ritterberg
likes the move and wrote about it on his blog today.
Not saying I necessarily agree, but thought I’d pass it along.
http://slovelace.blogspot.com - where journalism goes to die
by Deezy24 on Jan 20, 2009 11:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I Don't Get It
Not to cause a super tastic blog fight, but you guys were 26-33 from 2000 to 2004. Shouldn’t you at least wait until we either have 2 losing seasons in a row or you win 2 in a row before you start crowing about how right you were?
Per Rivals, our shitty ,decommit laden, 3-9 disaster of a season recruiting class is ranked…8th. Penn State, fresh of a Rose Bowl and excellent season all around…23rd. Last year we were 10th and PSU was…uhhh…43rd. Year before? Michigan 12th, Penn State 24th. The ’06 PSU class was pretty awesome though.
The point I’m trying to make is that you can rag on RR all you want, but Michigan is going to have a large amount of available talent next year, and then even more the year after. Next year is also year 2, which for RR’s career has been a season of vast improvement. I also expect our defense to be better due to much improved safety and linebacker play. I would, if you asked me right now, expect Michigan to be favored by around 6.5 next year against Penn State. I have a feeling you’ll be somewhat surprised by the team next year.
Last 2 things: the 3-3-5 stack is a run defense primarily Mike, not an anti-spread air defense as you said in your initial post about RR’s hiring.
2nd, thanks for linking (albeit in the comments) to the Charlie Weis Thanksgiving flash game. You were actually the only person I got a link on that from, which is a pity because everyone should laugh at Chuckles.
ShockFX
WLA
by ShockFX on Jan 21, 2009 1:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Rivals vs. Scout
However, per Scout.com, Penn State is #9 and Michigan is #12.
At least we all agree that laughing at Chuckles the Coach is fun!
"The sea was angry that day, my friends." G. Costanza
by NJ lion on Jan 21, 2009 6:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So the question is...
…with all these supposed top recruiting classes UM has pulled in over the last 3 years, how the hell could you have gone 3-9?
And all of your credibility was shredded by saying UM will be favored by 6.5 this next season.
Luring recruits with my new "Posting HD" scheme since '08.
by 06Lion on Jan 21, 2009 8:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dude
The train hasn’t wrecked yet, but everyone can see the bridge is out ahead and the engineer has no brakes. Meanwhile those back in the passenger car are oblivious to what’s going on up ahead.
We’ve won the Big Ten two out of the past four years, so I don’t exactly put a lot of stock in Rivals and Scout recruiting rankings. But as the other commenter said, if Michigan has been recruiting so well, how can they suck so bad? I know it’s a new system and all, but superior talent should still be good for seven or eight wins.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Jan 21, 2009 9:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They're Lloyd's recruits
In order for Rich Rod’s system to be fully effective, he needs to fill the roster with players who put the common good ahead of personal profit. It wouldn’t hurt if they are prone to seeing the occasional unicorn, either.
There is a tractor in the parking lot, West Virginia license EIEIO. Your lights are on.
by leeharvey418 on Jan 21, 2009 9:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Much of that talent...
Has been lost or bailed. The linebacking corp was not the strength of any of the previous four classes. Ezi was the closest thing to a good recruit Michigan has had (outside of one true freshman who just wasn’t ready to jump right in). Offensive linemen was a huge hole in those classes too. The upperclassmen who were supposed to bridge a gap to the freshmen and sophomores have all suffered injuries (or in one case, transfered to Ohio State). The cupboard was bare enough that a backup defensive tackle was forced into starting games at the end of the season. The quarterback who would quite possibly been the starter last year transfered to Stanford the same offseason Mallett committed (Jason Forcier, a 4* quarterback who would have been a junior, and older brother of current Michigan verbal commit, 4* QB Tate Forcier).
Part of the reason Michigan’s classes are ranked so highly over the last few years is the high talent at fewer positions. The receivers, defensive line, running back, and quarterback numbers have greatly increased the perception of the class overall. When Carr was skimping on safeties, offensive lineman, and linebackers, it went generally unnoticed.
It would be like recruiting 15 4* recruits in NCAA and all of them playing 3 positions, while only low 3*/high 2*s fill in the rest of your roster. Add in losing 3-10 players due to coaching changes and injuries over the years (including those from Carr era). Like I have said before, what happened to Michigan was the perfect storm of problems. Can the problems be fixed? I would imagine they can. It will just take time.
by formerlyanonymous on Jan 21, 2009 3:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
3-9 is easy
When you have a walk on sophmore QB starting. The Oline was horrible until mid year, and still was average at it’s absolute best. I mean, Threet led us to a 17-7 lead right before halftime, got hurt AGAIN (elbows) left the game up 17-14, Sheridan came in, 46-17 was the final right? Sheridan coming in meant there was almost no chance to score points. Sheridan is basically Morelli except with 10% of the arm strength.
I mean, christ, you guys suffered through Morelli for 2 years. Imagine taking away your awesome linebackers from the defense and then having Morelli run the SpreadHD except with 10% of the arm strength and a sophomore (not senior) offensive line.protecting him. No amount of 4*/5* WRs and RBs are going to make that team win many more games. Sure, beating Toledo (Threet injured again), Northwestern(100% Sheridan), and Purdue(Vince Young plays for Purdue?) would have made us a bowl team, but honestly, scoring 7 more points in each of those games would not make me feel any different about the team.
I like what I see from our program now, and I think you’ll be surprised at the results in 2009.
by ShockFX on Jan 21, 2009 9:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jordan Norwood was a one-star recruit, according to Scout. So was Deon Butler. In fact, Butler had to walk-on. Sean Lee? Only a three-star. Darryl Clark and Stephfon Green were two-stars, if memory serves correctly. Those guys turned out pretty well, I think. In fact Norwood and Butler graduate with two Big Ten Championships and 40 wins in four years.
scUM had all those top recruits and … what’s that? They decommitted? They transferred? Left school? Career ending injuries? Why couldn’t you keep them in school?
McGuffie to Rice? If he was that good, and missed home so much, why not transfer to Texas, aTm, TT, even TCU? And it’s too bad that one guy decommitted to Tulsa(!!!). Now we won’t be able to make fun of Ann Arbor’s Shav’d Beaver for four years. (Wait a second, a quarterback decommitted from scUM, where quarterbacks are desperately needed, to go to Tulsa? Heh.)
Can’t say I feel sorry for scUM. In fact I don’t. You knew what you were getting when you got DickRod. And now your DC has a coaching record of 10-39.
Enjoy another suck-tastic year in 2009, scUM.
WE ARE...
by dmoney350z on Jan 22, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He
changed for Tulane, Clemson, and WVU…
PSU Softball
by QBsneak12 on Jan 21, 2009 2:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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