i know theres tons of reasons to be concerned, but i'd like just one thread for to enjoy the reasons to be excited. so baker, bukdow really can just ignore this thread.


1) first the obvious: RR's trackrecord suggests no one should have been suprised by 3-9, and that also he's turned that around year 2. why not here?

2) things couldnt have gone much worse last year. close losses, terrible, unforced turnovers (especially off kickoffs). so, if nothing else were due some luck.

3) there are two big reasons to be concerned: a) true frosh qb, b) a paper thin defense that is weak in quantity and quality.

but, we have a very strong RB crew coming back, and i think we'll ride that hard. minor should have a huge year, and hopefully shaw makes up for losing mcguffie. i think these guys will beable to take the pressure off forcier, and also the defense. it helps that the line got stronger as the year went on last year.

4) the defense could be better even with less talent. im not basing this off the new coordinator (though that does have potential), but that the offense will control the ball more.

there it is, i came up with 4 off the top of my head. i probably could come up with a good dozen, and im not half the football geek most of the posters on this board are.

I have the ability to actually discuss. What is the offensive line like? How much experience?

I have the ability to actually discuss. What is the offensive line like? How much experience?

The offensive line was the only unit that people across the board agree showed continued improvement last year, and should be much better this year. Even a dickhead like you who is busy getting grilled and drilled at RCMB or Spartantailgate should know that the unit had one starter back, and together at the beginning of last year had started a combined 12 games.

There is depth and talent there and this unit should be one of the best, if not the best, in the Big Ten. It's gonna be a :SHIT STORM!: BITCHSLAP in East Lansing this year. I'm really thinking Greg Jones is going to end up paralyzed from the eyebrows down after a tremendous illegal crackback block by Tim McAvoy, and then Perry Dorestein is going to fall on Jones and twist his ankle until he hears TWO snaps. BooM. Game, set, match. Jones' career over in one huge dirty play.
I'm loving it, and I hope I get pictures of the bone sticking out of Jones' spine.

I have the ability to actually discuss. What is the offensive line like? How much experience?

To answer you question in a non-douche way...........

All 5 starters are back as well as a few key backups and there is a trio of RS Freshmen that are all putting pressure on the starters which gives the team something it lacked last year........competition!!! Last year's offensive line was obviously inexperienced, but they also had nobody to push them in practice and there was only one real battle all year long and it was between a converted D-tackle and a starting guard.

Now instead of having 320 lb. tackles and 310 lb. guards we have guys that are more like 290-300 lbs and can actually get to the second level when necessary. I think it'll be interesting to see if all 5 guys start the entire year or if there will be any fluidity within the line.

But if there was ANY reason to be optimistic the Offensive Line is without question the #1 reason because of the improvement!!!

The offensive line was the only unit that people across the board agree showed continued improvement last year, and should be much better this year. Even a dickhead like you who is busy getting grilled and drilled at RCMB or Spartantailgate should know that the unit had one starter back, and together at the beginning of last year had started a combined 12 games.

There is depth and talent there and this unit should be one of the best, if not the best, in the Big Ten. It's gonna be a :SHIT STORM!: BITCHSLAP in East Lansing this year. I'm really thinking Greg Jones is going to end up paralyzed from the eyebrows down after a tremendous illegal crackback block by Tim McAvoy, and then Perry Dorestein is going to fall on Jones and twist his ankle until he hears TWO snaps. BooM. Game, set, match. Jones' career over in one huge dirty play.
I'm loving it, and I hope I get pictures of the bone sticking out of Jones' spine.

ahhh, i remember the good thread about helmet on helmet hits and what a wonderful part of football they are. kind of ironic that someone who loves helmet on helmet hits took offense to a (joke) prediction of a player contracting aids.

but thats not part of the optimism.

heres another reason:

tate forcier on his worst day will be a better fit for RR's offense than steve threet's best day. throw in d. robinson and i think we'll get alot better production from the qb spot, even if they are true froshies.

i've been studying robinson's highlight reels on youtube. i believe he will be one of the fastest players in college football next year. should be lots of fun. i wish he could have enrolled early, but then he would have missed T/F season.

ahhh, i remember the good thread about helmet on helmet hits and what a wonderful part of football they are. kind of ironic that someone who loves helmet on helmet hits took offense to a (joke) prediction of a player contracting aids.

but thats not part of the optimism.

heres another reason:

tate forcier on his worst day will be a better fit for RR's offense than steve threet's best day. throw in d. robinson and i think we'll get alot better production from the qb spot, even if they are true froshies.

i've been studying robinson's highlight reels on youtube. i believe he will be one of the fastest players in college football next year. should be lots of fun. i wish he could have enrolled early, but then he would have missed T/F season.
You have GOT to be kidding! You are monumentally pitiful.

like i said buk, you dont need to post on this thread. lets just say only members of a club are welcome on the thread. a club that is not exclusive but does exclude you.

another reason for optimism: i think the front of our schedule is soft, and that could be huge. the last thing we need after a 3-9 season is a bad start. i think that the ND game is potentially huge this year, if we can win our first 3 games that would be a nice emotional boost to the season. if we go out to a slow start, another 3-9 ish season would be possible.

JT Turner MIGHT qualify for the 2011 season.

That's optimistic, right?

like i said buk, you dont need to post on this thread. lets just say only members of a club are welcome on the thread. a club that is not exclusive but does exclude you.

another reason for optimism: i think the front of our schedule is soft, and that could be huge. the last thing we need after a 3-9 season is a bad start. i think that the ND game is potentially huge this year, if we can win our first 3 games that would be a nice emotional boost to the season. if we go out to a slow start, another 3-9 ish season would be possible.
I think your frontal lobe is soft.

All kidding aside, UM`s key to a relatively successful season is running the football. UM has a good stable of running backs and a good OL. However, will Hillbilly shelve his ridiculous notions about "football" and instead play football? Or, will it be a replay of last year, forcing a square peg in a round hole and causing Forcier to be this year`s McGuffie?

All kidding aside, UM`s key to a relatively successful season is running the football. UM has a good stable of running backs and a good OL. However, will Hillbilly shelve his ridiculous notions about "football" and instead play football? Or, will it be a replay of last year, forcing a square peg in a round hole and causing Forcier to be this year`s McGuffie?

wow, buk, i didnt think you had it in you.

i think the whole thing about tate is he is viewed as our elusive round peg, or atleast far rounder than threet.

i seem to recall a comment he made last year around the time of his commitment that M's offense was terrible because threet was a horrible fit, but that the offense was tailor made for him (tate).

wow, buk, i didnt think you had it in you.

i think the whole thing about tate is he is viewed as our elusive round peg, or atleast far rounder than threet.

i seem to recall a comment he made last year around the time of his commitment that M's offense was terrible because threet was a horrible fit, but that the offense was tailor made for him (tate).
If Forcier is UM`s second or third rushing option, UM will have another bad season and Forcier will get hurt.

wow, buk, i didnt think you had it in you.

i think the whole thing about tate is he is viewed as our elusive round peg, or atleast far rounder than threet.

i seem to recall a comment he made last year around the time of his commitment that M's offense was terrible because threet was a horrible fit, but that the offense was tailor made for him (tate).

Just when Bukdow starts to get sassy, b-diddy puts him in his place

like i said buk, you dont need to post on this thread. lets just say only members of a club are welcome on the thread. a club that is not exclusive but does exclude you.

another reason for optimism: i think the front of our schedule is soft, and that could be huge. the last thing we need after a 3-9 season is a bad start. i think that the ND game is potentially huge this year, if we can win our first game that would be a nice emotional boost to the season. if we go out to a slow start, another 3-9 ish season would be possible.

the qb is the most important position, so having a true frosh qb is going to be tough. but we return 10 starters to offense this year (im not sure, is sheridan one of the ten?) so i think that gets offset, somewhat.

will campbell (that uncoachable kid we recruited with the bad work ethic and attitude) apparently has been barwisized and has slimmed down to 318 from (330).

i myself slimmed down 12 lbs from summer morning workouts and feel great. i predict not only will will get regular playing time, but will also regularly win the punt pass and kick competition at half times.

We now have a little less optimism today and we gained a little bit............

-RB Teric Jones has moved to CB which was not entirely unexpected.
-CB J.T. Turner has been cleared to play and will compete for the Nickle/Dime position at corner.

-Quick LB Marrell Evans has decided to transfer closer to home to get more playing time.
-FB/DT Vince Helmuth has decided to transfer in order to get more playing time (rumor has it that he will go to GVSU).

So today was a -2/+1 and a position change............kind of a weird day.

We now have a little less optimism today and we gained a little bit............

-RB Teric Jones has moved to CB which was not entirely unexpected.
-CB J.T. Turner has been cleared to play and will compete for the Nickle/Dime position at corner.

-Quick LB Marrell Evans has decided to transfer closer to home to get more playing time.
-FB/DT Vince Helmuth has decided to transfer in order to get more playing time (rumor has it that he will go to GVSU).

So today was a -2/+1 and a position change............kind of a weird day.
From what I understand, Helmuth was listed as the #2 NG, ahead of that flaming fucktard Will Campbell. Evans was not so quick as, from what I understand, he was beaten to the outside numerous times. Nonetheless, considering the lack of depth on defense, this is not good, especially Helmuth.

will campbell (that uncoachable kid we recruited with the bad work ethic and attitude) apparently has been barwisized and has slimmed down to 318 from (330).

i myself slimmed down 12 lbs from summer morning workouts and feel great. i predict not only will will get regular playing time, but will also regularly win the punt pass and kick competition at half times.
So, you are a fatass as well? No wonder you are such a coat-tail douche.

From what I understand, Helmuth was listed as the #2 NG, ahead of that flaming fucktard Will Campbell. Evans was not so quick as, from what I understand, he was beaten to the outside numerous times. Nonetheless, considering the lack of depth on defense, this is not good, especially Helmuth.

I don't think Michigan uses a NG as you call it. I'm guessing that this is the problem with the whole playing time thing.

So, you are a fatass as well? No wonder you are such a coat-tail douche.

as well?

what would my weight have to do with anything?

and you said you were like 5'9 185, do you really think you have less than 12 lbs of fat on you?

get out the clown nose again buk, your making an ass of yourself.

From what I understand, Helmuth was listed as the #2 NG, ahead of that flaming fucktard Will Campbell. Evans was not so quick as, from what I understand, he was beaten to the outside numerous times. Nonetheless, considering the lack of depth on defense, this is not good, especially Helmuth.

was listed as the #2 NG ahead of will campbell after 2 days of practices....

buk, i specifically said you werent part of the club that was allowed to post in this thread. there is an infinite number of other threads you can post dumb thoughts in, this one specifically was meant for you not to post.

Question, who is supposed to start at safety this year?

I know Stevie Brown has been moved to a 'hybrid' LB/S position or whatever, so I'm guessing Michael Williams & Brandon Smith will be the 2 safties? Or Troy Woolfolk, perhaps?

Also has Jonas Mouton recovered from his injury?

Diddy shut the fuck up...every single State thread that has ever been posted here has been hijacked by you and your crybaby Wolverine friends. So don't go into this "you can't post here Buk" bullshit. You're just as hypocritical as the other maize softies that love to talk shit, but can't handle it being given back to them.

Wil, that hybrid position is being called "spinner." I'm actually serious.

I believe Michigan is going to be much better in their skill positions. Their WRs will be deeper and more experienced. I also think their rb position will be consistent. Nothing spectacular but consistent.

The defense, the lack of depth, and the attrition are going to be problems though. I witnessed it in a much more f'd up way with JLS. We'd have some talent, but as soon as a kid or two went down it was a straight up circus having rbs converted to DBs and Oline converted to Dline, etc.

How is attrition going to be a problem?

Marell Evans was hardly an asset and was stealing time that should've gone to JB Fitzgerald in the first place. Vince Helmuth never played. Dann O'Neill & Kurt Wermers were never going to play. Justin Feagin, Toney Clemons & Zion Babb leaving mean absolutely nothing since WR is by far the teams deepest position.

Who else am I forgetting? Jason Kates...Avery Horn? Please, let's be real. Attrition will not be a problem.

Had an actual player who was an asset like Donovan Warren or RVB transferred, then I'd agree with you but since that didn't happen--you're just wasting your own time.

Mind shedding some light on that, baker?

buk, i specifically said you werent part of the club that was allowed to post in this thread. there is an infinite number of other threads you can post dumb thoughts in, this one specifically was meant for you not to post.[/

Question, who is supposed to start at safety this year?

I know Stevie Brown has been moved to a 'hybrid' LB/S position or whatever, so I'm guessing Michael Williams & Brandon Smith will be the 2 safties? Or Troy Woolfolk, perhaps?

Also has Jonas Mouton recovered from his injury?

Yes, Jonas is back from his injury. The two safeties right now are "most likely" going to be Troy Woolfolk and Mike Williams, but Vlad Emilien is pushing Williams very hard for playing time and that battle will go until September 5th more than likely.

Brandon Smith has been moved to LB by the way.

If I had to guess, I would say the starting defense looks like this.........

DE - B. Graham
DT - M. Martin
DT/DE - R. Van Bergen
Quick - B. Herron
Spinner - S. Brown
LB - O. Ezeh
LB - J. Mouton
CB - D. Warren
CB - B. Cissoko
FS - M. Williams
SS - T. Woolfolk

Basically its a 4-3 'most' of the time with a LB playing DE and a SS playing WLB. When we choose to go to a 3-4 it'll look more traditional as will a 3-3-5.

So Fitz hasn't cracked the starting lineup just yet then, huh.

How is attrition going to be a problem?

Marell Evans was hardly an asset and was stealing time that should've gone to JB Fitzgerald in the first place. Vince Helmuth never played. Dann O'Neill & Kurt Wermers were never going to play. Justin Feagin, Toney Clemons & Zion Babb leaving mean absolutely nothing since WR is by far the teams deepest position.

Who else am I forgetting? Jason Kates...Avery Horn? Please, let's be real. Attrition will not be a problem.

Had an actual player who was an asset like Donovan Warren or RVB transferred, then I'd agree with you but since that didn't happen--you're just wasting your own time.

Mind shedding some light on that, baker?

Every single kid that leaves the program was "never going to play, its no big loss" etc. etc. Just like Justin Boren who "couldn't cut it." BT Network was doing their piece on OSU camp and they spent a good 2-3 minutes just on him. The coaches were talking about how he has a unique blend of strength and intelligence and that he's very fun for the offensive cordinator to have to work with. He was a chump when he left Michigan, but he is a big piece to the Ohio State offense? hmmm

If some of these kids were 2nd stringers, and you already have depth problems...you are screwed if a first teamer gets hurt. How many non-freshmen DTs do you have now? You better hope for a very healthy 09.

Whoever said Boren couldn't cut it? He started on the OL as a true freshman, and was a tremendous loss for out OL. He is however a huge douche.

Every single kid that leaves the program was "never going to play, its no big loss" etc. etc. Just like Justin Boren who "couldn't cut it." BT Network was doing their piece on OSU camp and they spent a good 2-3 minutes just on him. The coaches were talking about how he has a unique blend of strength and intelligence and that he's very fun for the offensive cordinator to have to work with. He was a chump when he left Michigan, but he is a big piece to the Ohio State offense? hmmm

If some of these kids were 2nd stringers, and you already have depth problems...you are screwed if a first teamer gets hurt. How many non-freshmen DTs do you have now? You better hope for a very healthy 09.

Ok, Justin Boren is a different example. Only a fool would've said that his loss wasn't a setback. Losing Boren was absolutely a minor setback to the development of the O-Line, especially since Long & Kraus were both graduating the same year.

But comparing Boren, who was a starter when he decided to transfer, to guys like Avery Horn or Toney Clemons is just laughable, as the loss of the latter type players really aren't the types of players who had the types of roles on the team that it could have had a bearing on wins and losses.

It's not easy to replace Justin Boren, but players like Horn, Clemons, Babb, Kates, Evans, Helmuth, Chambers, let's face it---these aren't guys that anybody views as a big loss for the program. While they were all decent recruits and whatnot, none were going to affect any outcomes. Even Sam McGuffie, after an unspectacular, mediocre frosh campaign, really didn't prove to be irreplaceable. I'm sure UM's record would be the same this year regardless of whether or not McGuffie or any of the other transfers were still here.

Schools lose seniors & juniors to graduation and the NFL every year, so why would losing 'depth' players to transfers have anymore of a 'premium' on the way it affects your team? And considering UM didn't lose many seniors in the first place, the numbers almost even out as if it were anyother season.

Of all the players who left, only Marell Evans, Sam McGuffie, and Toney Clemons would've for sure seen the field. Hardly names worth crying over.

Not getting Pryor was a bigger loss than any transfer.

^NOT OPTIMISM

Honest question, what about O'neal? I know the word was he wasn't impressing anybody, but he was a superstar recruit, yes?

I'm not saying any of these guys were superstars, I'm just saying that a team with depth issues can't afford to lose players. There is a big difference between bringing in a 2nd teamer when an injury occurs then bringing in a true freshman or moving a player from another position. I just know this burned MSU often when depth was a problem. Maybe it won't hurt UM, but I doubt it.

I'm not saying any of these guys were superstars, I'm just saying that a team with depth issues can't afford to lose players. There is a big difference between bringing in a 2nd teamer when an injury occurs then bringing in a true freshman or moving a player from another position. I just know this burned MSU often when depth was a problem. Maybe it won't hurt UM, but I doubt it.

Nobody in the Big Ten has the type of depth to perfectly fill the void of an injured starter. The notion that UM is more likely to suffer under the wrath of this obvious statement is laughable because you don't have any clue as to who will and won't be injured during the duration of the upcoming season.

Nobody in the Big Ten has the type of depth to perfectly fill the void of an injured starter. The notion that UM is more likely to suffer under the wrath of this obvious statement is laughable because you don't have any clue as to who will and won't be injured during the duration of the upcoming season.

Nobody said they would be more likely to suffer injuries (outside of the undersized fresmen possibly playing too early). What I'm saying is that they have serious depth problems and any injuries could cause serious problems because they don't have the 2nd-3rd string depth of OSU, PSU, and MSU. I'm obviously not going too far out on a limb because Denardo and the crew on the BT network said the exact same thing. They said that the teams that pound Michigan are going to wear them down because of lack of depth on the Dline in perticular. You can't predict injuries and things of that sort, but you can almost bank on injuries of some sort and the good teams have the depth to cover their ass until health returns. I've witness the good (last year, 99) and the very very bad (most of the time) of this situation with MSU.
Damn, you guys don't have to defend anything and everything Michigan. I didn't say they are going to be horrible, I just pointed out strengths and weaknesses IMO. Saying they have depth problems is like saying the sky is blue. Denying it is beyond bias.

Since this is the optimism thread I'll finish by saying Minor looks ripped as hell and will pry have a good year.

Apparently Denard Robinson is fast.

According to RB's coach Fred Jackson-

I know one thing I promise you this, there's nobody in the country who is ever going to catch him [from behind]," said Jackson. "In my 18 years here, I've never seen a kid that fast. Nowhere. And I've seen some fast kids on other teams. I've never seen anybody that fast. It's scary."

That, of course, quickly brought out the comparisons.

"I've seen [former USC and current New Orleans Saint] Reggie [Bush] play; I saw him in high school. Reggie can't be running that fast. I coached against [Florida State cornerback Deion Sanders] when I was at South Carolina, he returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown. I don't think he's that fast. I've seen Rocket [Ismail, Notre Dame] I don't think they are as fast as this kid."

YEAH, BUT WHAT'S HIS MAJOR!?!?

RR is saying well uxe 3 qbs vs wmu... it would be suprising if we did that by design, and im skeptical.

i dont put much stock in what coaches tell the media. but reading into it, it sounds like blue has a good qb battle, and RR likes it that way (even saying starters will change week to week).

its close, and hes pushing both. normally, you like to see someone emerge. but i like that bernard is battling, since i thought tate had a ton of advantages. and as moodini said, if b.r. is at all credible throwing, he is going to be amazing.

Denard Robinson would be an Olympian if he weren't a football player for sure. He is faster than some US track athletes on the Olympic team right now.

Very very intersted in the 3 qbs playing situation. If Sheridan is playing in the first game, Forcier and Robinson are fing up big time. Sheridan shouldn't be playing major DII football. That WMU game is not going to be a joke at all, especially if they play 3 qbs.

upon further readingm i think br's olympic quality running is overblown. i believe the times that got us excited were 10.28 and 10.18. which are too good to be true. those times were hand timed, and his time at states was 10.7 ish.

i recall from my track days we would regularly be going up against all world talents (in hs) during regionals. this was because your lane was determined by your best time, and your best time was self reported. so embellishment often got to absurd levels.

br may have had a bad states, and his pr may be better than 10.7, but he isnt faster than some olympic sprinters (yet), like we thought months ago.

but optimism: his track running form is pretty sloppy. thats bad for track, but i'd think that means hell lose less track speed on the football field than otherwise.

upon further readingm i think br's olympic quality running is overblown. i believe the times that got us excited were 10.28 and 10.18. which are too good to be true. those times were hand timed, and his time at states was 10.7 ish.

i recall from my track days we would regularly be going up against all world talents (in hs) during regionals. this was because your lane was determined by your best time, and your best time was self reported. so embellishment often got to absurd levels.

br may have had a bad states, and his pr may be better than 10.7, but he isnt faster than some olympic sprinters (yet), like we thought months ago.

but optimism: his track running form is pretty sloppy. thats bad for track, but i'd think that means hell lose less track speed on the football field than otherwise.

Hand times are ridiculously inaccurate, but if he is even considered remotely close to Olympians, that is saying something. I'm nervous about that. I just hope he doesn't get free too often.

FWIW, ESPN Magazine has UM finishing 5th in the Big Ten this year. They have Michigan St finishing 7th.

1- PSU
2- OSU
3- Ill
4- Iowa
5- UM
6- NW
7- Mich St
8- Wisc
9- Minn
10- Purd
11- Ind

FWIW, ESPN Magazine has UM finishing 5th in the Big Ten this year. They have Michigan St finishing 7th.

1- PSU
2- OSU
3- Ill
4- Iowa
5- UM
6- NW
7- Mich St
8- Wisc
9- Minn
10- Purd
11- Ind

That is the only publication I've seen like that. Most have MSU #3 or #4 behind Iowa. UM usually around 7th. I guess we will see.

Rodriguez: "Our goal is to compete for championships," he said. "But that's a long way away. A lot of things would have to go right for us. And a lot of things would have to go wrong for other people."

This quote surprised the hell out of me. A guy in his second year at Meeeeechigan doesn't think he can compete for a championship yet? I'm sorry but I just don't see this lasting long with comments like that.

Did you even stop to think that maybe, just maybe, he's talking about national championships?

I'm sorry

Forgiven.

Solid.

Did you even stop to think that maybe, just maybe, he's talking about national championships?

Maybe he was, but I'm guessing a coach coming off a 3-9 season with a loss to Toledo wouldn't be referring to National Championships this year. When he said "alot would have to go wrong for other people" that clued me in to the BT because I don't think he'd say alot would have to go wrong for the rest of the country. I don't know, maybe thats just me though. lol

in rival's latest rankings, devin gardner is now ranked #53 player in the country, #1 qb overall (pro style and dual), and #1 player in the state of michigan.

nice to see rivals finally treating gardner like the hyped athlete everyone around here thought he was.

so he's passed jake heaps?

Some sort of announcement coming up. Watch here. Supposively coming at about 7 Detroit time

http://all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=mich&media=136370

2 games in and i can confidently say we've seen the best 120 minutes of rodriguez football this season.

last year, i think we got worse as the season went on, not better. injuries, frustration, getting worn down from forcing a square peg into a round hole.

i think as good as we look now, we'll be better in november. RR is a good coach, and good coaches improve their teams, ala michigan basketball last year. the guys who really can improve are the true freshmen, i think. tate, denard, roh will hopefully be eating people's soles in columbus.

It'll help with recruiting, thats fo sho

U-M football team on SI cover, praise for team inside http://bit.ly/AWvc3

http://cmsimg.freep.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C4&Date=20090915&Category=SPORTS06&ArtNo=90915051&Ref=AR&Profile=1054&MaxW=320&MaxH=300&Q=50

Michigan got Adrain Peterson? Sweet!

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/5582/10033916.jpg

Av worthy?

Is that techmo bowl?

Is that techmo bowl?
What a disgrace to the legendary Tecmo Bowl and/or Tecmo Super Bowl. Can't stand it when cats call it "Super Tecmo Bowl" either. I know, I'm a nerd.

I have the optimism.

this thread has never been cogenter.

6 to 12 (http://www.insidemichiganfootball.com/website/Michigan/)

AWESOMENESS!

And then Bo at the end.

A volcano of optimism?

Watching that shit gives me goose bumps. I dont think I'm a Walmart Wolverine fan.

michigan's d was on the field all day today. i think it was about 40 minutes. not too impressive (especially when martin went down), but they never looked gassed like they did vs ND (albeit, EMU's offense is several steps down from ND's).

perhaps a step in the right direction. i think a bend dont break defense would be acceptable for the year.

also, cissoko was solid today. there was a bs pass intererference call on him, otherwise very quiet.

michigan's d was on the field all day today. i think it was about 40 minutes. not too impressive (especially when martin went down), but they never looked gassed like they did vs ND (albeit, EMU's offense is several steps down from ND's).

perhaps a step in the right direction. i think a bend dont break defense would be acceptable for the year.

also, cissoko was solid today. there was a bs pass intererference call on him, otherwise very quiet.

You still have to be concerned about the Dline. Not having Mouton did show, and the second half shutout was encouraging.

I watched MSU today--unless they come in emotionally drained after two tough road games, they are going to be very tough.

Offensively, the transformation is a MAIZE ing. Weapons abound--expecially if healthy. WE HAVE to get Minor back for MSU, though.

Looking forward to next week's game.

Loved seeing Sparty blow another one out of their asses.

im worried msu loses next week and suddenly there season becomes the michigan game. though i suppose its dumb to worry too much about another team's mindset. im worried about msu too, since a power running game with depth could be a real pain in the ass for our defense, but from what i've read about the CMU game, it was pretty much the spread offense that beat sparty. and if sparty had trouble with a half-breed spread like the chips, a vintage version should rip them up.

and minor might be our best back, and therefore a big loss, its hard to call any of our offensive pieces huge losses right now. hemingway, matthews, stonum, odoms, grady, the TEs (both have impressed me so far), brown, minor, shaw (how much better does he look?), and even vincent smith is a ton of weapons for our qbs.

i also enjoyed sparty losing a game it had an excellent chance of winning in the final minute. you know what they say about teams that lose the close ones...

OK win today, not as dominant (especially on D) as I would have liked, but a 28 point win is solid. Not sure if I should be excited about the running game (380 yds) or worried about the passing game (68 yards). Definitely worried about the injury to David Molk. Sounds like it's pretty serious, maybe a broken foot.

I'm not too worried about the passing game - it looked like Rod knew that the ground game was working so he stuck with it. Charlie Weis should have thought that way last week...

Agree with Mo (what a surprise).

I'm concerned about the run defense more than anything else.

Denard should not through passes. Maybe we can get a rule change that doesn't let the other team run or throw the ball (translation: our defense sucks).

Agree with Fool about Denard. Every time he throws, I die a little inside.

Didn't get to practice with the team until recently.

i finally heard forcier pun i enjoyed: tate fourthier.

pretty good.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k201/PacificBluez/09-5gmsTotals.jpg

Or another way to put it...

2008 = No Tate
2009 = Tate arrived

I love me anything made by Wizzle. 2010 might be YoW...

thanks fool but I can't take credit for that one.....just bringin' it to the people