Michigan v Utah

[abuck76]

Thats true orestes, but the key thing here is, It hasn't and won't happen as long as Tress is there......I just love seeing Meatchicken get beat..............I mean they're becoming an embarassment to the Big Ten.................

[fuzzhead]

They might be this year's version of what Notre Dame was last year.
Michigan seriously might finish with a losing record. They could easily start out 1-4.

[LICKING COUNTY FAN]

It appears the team up North is in for a long, long year.

[Peake]

I am not happy by any means. WE lost and losing sucks. I can take away positives. I thought Threet should have started from play one. He see's the field much better and his arm strength is 100% better than Sheridan's. I think as the season goes along Threet will eventually be the #1 no question. I thought the young RB's did great. When there was a hole they ran through it, when they threw them the ball they cuaght it. The McGuffie fumble was Sheridan's fault, so you take that away and I see psoitives.

Get this straight about Utah. Utah is much much better than Appy State. Their coach said he believes this team is better than the one that went undefeated and finished 3rd in the country in 2004. How can anyone say they looked conservative? Their QB was 10-12 to start the game. They were picking apart the Linebackers. That is what the spread does, matches up LB with slots, and they took advantage and UM didn't. Minor was wide open in the first half matched up with a LB and Sheridan overthrew him; if Sheridan puts it on the money then it's a touchdown. Back to the subject at hand. Last year when Michigan was embarrassed at home by appy, than beat 38-7 by Oregon, now that was the lowest point. Michigan started #5 in the country and were expected to win a National Title.

Utah is good, they may go 12-0 if they get past BYU. Also what killed Michigan last year agianst spread teams, the QB running. They held him to 21 yards rushing.

If someone is picking Michigan State or Illinois over Utah than I question if you know anything about CFB. The Utah QB looked much much better than Juice throwing the ball. I said that Illinois would be lucky to win 7 games and I stand by that. PSU is so good now based on what? I am sorry Michigan didn't go out and play a team that just started a football program what 3 years ago. What does that game tell you about anything?

Teams historically will struggle at least once every ten years. Michigan has not had a losing season since 1967, it happends/ THe mighty Buckeyes were bad in 2000; USC won how many games in the late 90's? Oklahoma and Texas had losing seasons in the 90's. It happends! We lost to a top 25 team by 2, with 6 freshman starting, we will be ok.

[Brutus8907]

everybody knew coming into this season that the Michigan offense would struggle, no surprise there. but if their defense would have played the first half like they did the second, i think UM would have won fairly easily. i dont know the exact figures but i think Utah had over 200 yards of offense in the first half but was held to like 90 in the second

[Orestes]

I guess we'll see. Utah doesn't have to be very good to finish off their schedule with a great record.

However, before the season started, you seemed to think the idea of UM losing to Utah was laughable.

[fuzzhead]

Illinois could beat Michigan or Utah just by outscoring them. They put up 42 (or 36) on the supposed #6 team in the land last night. Utah's paperweight defense would be no match and UM looked stagnant for most of the game yesterday.
UM might be a middle-tier Big 10 team yet they nearly beat one of the non-BCS pretenders yesterday, which should be an early warning sign to the BCS: don't make the same mistake you did with Hawaii last year. BYU and Utah are paper champions.

[Just_A_Fan]

I saw some good in the game yesterday. But I did see alot of freshman mistakes. I think as the season goes along with time they will get better and better. The D play very well second half holding Utah to around 96 yards. But the first half Utah had over 300.

I belive Michigan will win about 6 game this year.
We can pull off a game cause we have Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan State at home. If we can pull off one of those game it would make 7 wins. The week we play Michigan St. they play Wisconsin the next week I wouldnt be surprized if we get over looked that game. And the week we play Wisconsin the next week they play OSU so it may happen there. IMO

It will just take some time before RR gets his type of players into his system he only won 3 games his first year at WV and the second year won 9.

[YOU'RE TIGER BAIT]

I WANTED SO BAD TO PICK UTAH, IN THIS GAME. I FELT THEY WERE DEAD EVEN. BUT I THOUGHT THAT MICHIGAN WOULD COME OUT ON FIRE, AFTER THEIR LOSS TO APPY STATE, LOSS TO OHIO STATE. THEN A WONDERFUL BOWL WIN OVER FLORIDA. I REALLY ALMOST CHANGED MY PICK TO UTAH. BUT DOWN DEEP WANTED MICHIGAN TO WIN, FOR THE SAKE OF NOT HAVING TO LISTEN , TO THAT MORON MARK MAYS.

WHAT IS FUNNY, SHORTLY AFTER AN UPDATE OF THE BUCKEYE PENGUIN GAME. OHIO STATE WAS ROLLING. MARK MAYS SAID. ------ LOOK WHO THEY ARE PLAYING, IT'S JUST YOUNGSTOWN STATE. THAT HIS NUMBER 25 RANKED PITT TEAM, WENT DOWN TO WHAT HE CALLED A LOWLY MAC TEAM, BOWLING GREEN.

WHAT COMES AROUND GOES AROUND.

[Peake]

By no means did I ever laugh at the fact Michigan could lose to Utah. Top to bottom Michigan is the more talented team. I still believe that aside from probably Wisconsin, and of course OSU, Michigan has as much talent as anyone on their schd.

You all act like you are telling me something I didn't already know. The offense is going to struggle throughout the season, and there will be games when this offense clicks and scores big points. This will be a difficult year, as it should be. New staff, a lot of freshman playing, inexperience, nothing I didn't see coming. I can also still see this team wining 8 or 9 games if they put it together. Michigan's special teams looked great yeasterday. Michigan special teams have not looked like this since 2003 when Breaston was a freshman. The defense was getting exploited as far as their one-on-one coverage with the LB's. They went in at the half and adjusted, I was happy with the way they played in the second half.

Michigan may struggle this season, but they are only a sleeping giant at the moment. In 3 years, come talk to me about the 2008 season, when they are competing for a National Title.

Next season Michigan will return 11 starters on offense and 7 on defense. This year will be rough, but they are building a program, not a one year wonder (i.e. Illinois, Kansas, etc.).

Utah is a paper champion? Ok, if history has taught us anything, it is that non-BCS teams can play with the Big Boys. 2004---Utah goes 12-0, beats Pitt the Big East Champion in the Fiesta, and finishes 3rd in the country. Boise beat Big 12 Champion Oklahoma.

[Orestes]

From a well-respected UM fan from an OSU insider board

Here are a few observations I had from the Big House yesterday.

1) I've been to the Big House for 95% of the home games since I became a fan of the program. That was the most energetic I've ever seen the Big House. With the caveat that only when there were things to be cheery about. As soon as we were getting down, it reverted to being old form.

2) We made some mistakes I didn't expect. Not the turnovers, but organizational/discipline/communication errors that plagued us in past games like App State. I hope it can be chalked up to being the first game.

3) Threet could be serviceable. Sheridan cannot be serviceable. Not a knock on Sheridan, but I think he's a D3 Quarterback. If we're relying on Sheridan I expect 4 wins.

Sheridan needs poise. Threet needs a sense of urgency. (That's putting a band aid on a gunshot).

4) The 2008 offense would be our Scout Team offense any other year.

5) I've always thought that the quality of defense/offense you go up against in practice is tantamount to your success on the field. Yesterday, I think you saw a Michigan defense that had been lulled to sleep by a Michigan offense that was unable to give them a realistic look. And, it took an entire half to recalibrate for the defense.

6) If this were a Lloyd Carr offense we would give up 12-15 sacks a game.

7) I'd expect to see more Minor than McGuffie from here on out. I think Mcguffie will find his niche, probably more than a niche, but not this year.

As I was walking out of the Stadium yesterday I was walking near Donovan Warren, Brandon Graham, and Tim Jamison. I didn't speak to them because I figured they would be furious, but I overheard them chomping at the bit to play Miami (OH) and Notre Dame. It was nice to hear.

9) Michigan will start a true freshman at quarterback next year.

[Peake]

This is from The Most Respected Poster on UM boards. Maizeman....

My inital observation and confirmed while watching the tape is that this game was not as close as score indicated. I will post my analysis of game later or discuss in Chat. But just a few postive comments:

1) Fitz is going to one heck of a football player at UM. Great size and speed---looked very good on ST's---looks like he enjoys the game. As well as Ezeh is playing---or maybe Fitz moves next yr---but the start of 2009--both have to be on the field at the same time.

2) RVB---I think this kid is going to really be a good football player. Of all the DE's in first half---he looked to be playing the best. Looked to have some sort of injury---hope it is not serious.

3) AP---Adam Patterson---had his first sack which caused a fumble in 2nd half. I think he is starting to progress nicely.

4) I think all the frosh looked as advertised---very good athletic ability---but as I have tried to state in past---athleticism is slowed down when kids have to think too much.

5) S. Brown----I know in first half he stunk. But the good news is he came back and had a solid 2nd half. A yr ago----his confidence would of been shot. The fact he rebounded is a very good sign for him and UM for reamining of yr.

6) Segesse was solid---he really blew some plays up. He looks to be in very good shape and will factor in the mix this yr.

7) Right side of OL played much better than left. In fact---I was not unhappy with Moose, Schilling, and Ortman's play. Molk and McAvoy struggled to say the least.

I was very impressed with the way kids acted. No nonsense--very little taunting--no trash talking---they just played hard. As I said before the game---I knew this team was going to be prepared and in shape---the key would be "execution"---now maybe that statement makes more sense.

9) A little thing---but Molk did a nice job hiking the ball yesterday. This believe it or not was a major worry.

10) McGuffie---He is going to be a player. He will hold onto the ball unlike Minor, and that is why he will continue to start. Shaw showed promise, and I am glad that he is at UM instead of anywhere else.

Some issues that concern me:

1) Threet----As I have stated since spring---if Threet did not start---it was not because coaches did not give him every opportunity. The problem with Threet is exactly what you saw---a kid who has some ability ---but gets way too excited in tough situations. the problem coaches have is they know the only way he overcomes this---(in other words--play with more poise)---is to actually get game experience. Threet will be a much better QB by the end of yr---but it will be ugly getting there. And once again---I tried to explain his fundamental problems---notice the high throws when throwing left--and the 2 tipped balls.

2) OL seemingly never go to 2nd line of defenders. I think this will be a big surprise and main talking point during film work. And I simply did not understand why we did not attempt to run the ball up the middle more-----only running plays that were effective were "belly plays"

3) Evans----horrible game---but dont get down on the kid. He will bounce back---and he will be a good player at UM. He knows he stunk---but he is the type of kid that will keep working till he overcomes his issues. And he is also the type of kid who wont pout if demoted to 2nd team---he will keep competing.

4) To borrow a phrase from our former coach---"it is what it is". That is how I felt watching and reviewing the spread offense. If there was anytime we needed to control the ball---it was yesterday---but that is not what the spread is all about. This has been the biggest adjustment for me personally. The key to the game (late)---was when we got the ball back deep in our territory with about 5 minutes left. We ran 3 straight running plays and made a first down. I thought Utah looked tired--that or up tempo play may have taken a toll on them. We only needed a FG---but we never ran the ball again---and Threet was sacked---the rest is history.

5) Ezeh was a man possessed yesterday. But you can bet in film session he is going to hear it from Hopson concerning his pass defense. As well as he ran down the qB and defended the run---his pass defense was just as bad. And UTah's obvious game plan was to attack our LB's---exactly what I discussed--(our LB's in practices had obviously improved---but coaches worried about their ability to defend the pass)----Hence Mouten and Chambers played major snaps. And Mouten really showed some promise in 2nd half---as a blitzer.

6) Are we going to see more 3-4 in the future. I think it depends on who we play. but you can bet when we play spread teams---they wont wait as long to go to a 3-4 as they did yesterday.

[claypantherfan]

There is no way that Michigan will be the Notre Dame of last year! They will pick it up and will have a winning season this year.

And who is the True Freshmen you speak of that will start next year.

[Orestes]

Forcier. The kid with the self-promoting website.

[Just_A_Fan]

Another thing I notice was the sideline of Michigan. When they showed RR he was energetic something i haven't seen in while at least not from loyd carr.

[mister b]

"...come and talk to me in 3 years when we are competing for a national championship..."

And what makes you think that Michigan will be playing for a national championship in 3 years? Surely not Rodriguez's resume.

1st 4 years as head coach at Salem and Glenville State...13-24-2.

1st 4 years at WVU...28-21 with 1 appearance each in the Continental Tire Bowl and the Gator Bowl, both were losses.

Rodriguez may have helped put WVU on the college football map, but he is no savior for a program. Nehlen was successful before Rod, he even beat Pitt and played for a national championship. Michigan has talent but Rod is so bullheaded he will continue to run HIS offense even if he doesn't have HIS players to run it successfully. Will the Michigan faithful what 3-4 years to attract the talent needed and give them a chance to learn it?

Urban Meyer won right out of the gate at Bowling Green (8-3) with Blackney's players (2-9 the year before Meyer), not his. He won at Utah (10-2) with McBride's players (5-6 the year before Meyer), not his and he won at Florida (9-3) with Zook's players (7-4 the year before Meyer), not his.

Meyer can adapt his coaching style and offense to fit the players he has inherited, Rod can't.

Rod needs to adapt his style to fit the players he has now and win some games to keep the heat off of his back.

Michigan did not get to be the winningest program in college football history by standing around and waiting for talent to come to it.

[Peake]

You sound like every WVU fan that comes over to the UM boards to post. SO you are basing your opinion on not being able to win quicker than later for RR. You are talking about programs not at the D1 level in Salem and Gelnnville. You ever checked your boys Tressel's record the first few seasons at YSU? After his first 3 years Tressel was 14-20, and also had a 3-8 season in 1995. That may be the most ignorant basis for starting an argument I have ever heard.

Nehlen. I love that you brought that up. The 1988 team that was destroyed in the National Title game and played one ranked team the entire season (#14 Syracuse). I have heard CFB experts say that 1988 in the Big East was the weakest year ever in that conference. There was no Miami, FL, on the schd that year, and than they were destroyed by ND. It was also stated that Nehlen hada QB that was his most mobile while coaching at WVU (Major Harris), and that he changed his offense to fit around his skills. In 1993, WVU played four Ranked teams and only two of them would actually stay in the top 25, not to mention 3 of the 4 were in Morgantown. Florida again would destroy the Mountaineers.

What makes me think that he will win quickly? One he will have the most experienced group possibly in the nation by next season. This group will be led by defense both this season and next. If you remember back to Tressel, who most people hated his style, he won with defense and running the football. Michigan will soon do the same. By next season Michigan will have 3 QB's who have rushed for more than 1,000 in their career. That offensive line that is inexperienced and what some have called weak will feature Schilling who will be a Junior, O'Neal who will be a soph, Mosseman who will be a senior, Molk soph, Barnum Soph, and Koury soph. At the skilled positions Michigan will have the guys it needs to run this so-called high school offense. I think people once called the triple option a high school offense, Paul Johnson has done an outstanding job running it. Urban Myer run a similar High School Offense, as does Illinois, and both beat you.

Lloyd Carr, would he have had any impact on this seasons team had he stayed? Mallett would be here, as would probably Arrington and Boren. Mallett would still be handing off to the same people, with the same offensive line (exception Boren). You get Arrington which helps, but with RB's who are not between the tackle guys are you any better?

Michigan is Michigan. WVU is WVU. When Pat White is gone, WVU will struggle. Michigan will continue to recruit the top players in the country.

Michigan also leads for Devin Gardner(6'4, 200) out of Cass Tech, same school as Boubacar Cissoko and WIll Campbel, who is the Terrel Pryor of the 2010 class, and out of the state of Michigan. BTW, he was at the game Saturday, and is planning to be at the next game as well.

RRod is adapting his offense. Did you see him trying to run it with his QB's? He was throwing it all over the place. I think his team jsut ran into a tam that was better that day, it happends.

I don't understand what you are saying in your last comment. Do you think that RR is sitting around waiting for talent. He got a verbal after the game from Tate Forcier, 4 star QB, completed 77% of his passes last season, and is a dual threat. Craig Roh, 6'4, 240, DE from Arizona also indicated that Michigan now leads for him and he wants to end the recruiting process in 2 or 3 weeks.

Michigan got the way it was because they became stagnate, they were not adapting to the changing college football world. They were cocky and arrogant, and thought they could win on talent alone. The scene Lloyd Carr painted was much like the one Bump Elliot painted before Bo came in and changed everything. I am proud and confident of RR and this Michigan team. I think he is making great strides and I know that in the future Michigan is going to be back in the top 5 year in and out.

[Peake]

For anyone who thinks Utah is a paper Champ just ask UCLA about that. 44-6 at UCLA last year.

Utah is good, and I knew they would be, but I still think Michigan is better top to bottom.

I am very proud of Michigan and RR.

[abuck76]

proud of meatchicken and RR..............Its 10:36 p.m. and meatchicken still sucks......

[huedawg]

Michigan will lucky to break even this year . Just a gut feeling . They have the talent , but RR needs to make the correct adjustments and I am sure he will .