If there was anything to take away from Michigan's loss to Toledo on Saturday, it would be that it cannot get much worse.
The Toledo Rockets pulled off an upset of sorts when it went into the "Big House" and outplayed Michigan. And don't let the final score fool you, fans. While the Wolverines only lost by three, it was not nearly as close as the score indicated.
If anyone thinks that all of us Buckeye fans are taking pleasure in what has occurred in Ann Arbor, you would be wrong. That is at least one Ohio State fan who is not reveling in the Wolverines' latest debacle.
As an outsider, I am even a bit bewildered by what has taken place with that team up north. To say that it is surprise would be an understatement. Anyone who saw the game a few weeks back against Wisconsin realized that there is some talent at Michigan.
Regardless of how bad Wisconsin QB, Allen Evridge, has played, Michigan made a statement. But after getting bested off their home field in consecutive weekends, it leaves one Buckeye fan left scratching his head.
Why does Rich Rodriguez insist on making Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan continue to run his spread offense?
Lloyd Carr never ran the spread or anything close to it. But the only thing that has become evident at Michigan is that no matter how ineffective the Wolverine offense looks, Rodriguez is not going to change his game plan.
Watching the offensive performance on Saturday afternoon, was like watching a high school team. It's not even just Michigan's lack of offensive attack, but the fact that a team like Toledo could shut them down, makes me sit and wonder.
I understand Rodriguez runs the spread option, and that is what he was successful with in West Virginia. But when a coach clearly does not have the athletes to run that system, it kind of makes you think.
I am not saying the Wolverines should abandon the spread completely, but I have always been taught a good coach tailors his game plan to the athletes he has.
I have been able to watch Coach Jim Tressel closely since he started his career in 2001, and he always tries to construct game plans with the type of athletic talent he has. Ohio State has had quarterbacks of different skill sets play since Tressel began with the Buckeyes.
Bellisari, Krenzel, Troy Smith, Boeckman, and now Pryor all have been different athletes who all run different offensive sets. But you rarely saw Craig Krenzel run the option, and you have rarely seen the Buckeyes in the "power I" since Pryor has been named the starter.
Do I think Michigan will be back? Sure, but how long it will take is another story. Rodriguez has tried to find the right combination, but it is clear never of his QB's can run that style of offense.
Even more perplexing is with a lack of experience on this year's squad, why toy with their collective confidence, which is very fragile? Threet and Sheridan are not Pat White. McGuffie and Grady are not Steve Slaton or Noel Devine.
Why would it be hard to line them up in the I formation and hand the ball off? Why can't Michigan come out and let Threet or Sheridan drop back to pass without seven option reads?
I'm amazed Michigan fans are putting up with the lack of adjustments that Rodriguez and company have not made.
After hitting rock bottom Saturday afternoon, it can't get much worse in Ann Arbor. But maybe Rodriguez will swallow his pride this week, and make some adjustments so his team can be competitive.
If he does not. how far will the Wolverines drop? Here's one Buckeye fan, who hopes it is not too much further.
comments (34) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
Sam McGuffie is actually playing quite well considering A. He doesn't have a proper spread option QB, and B. His offensive line is mediocre.
It's a tough pill to swallow, I mean Toledo? Seriously? But then again, fans always expect a lot, and at Michigan it's no different. Along with Ohio State, USC, Notre Dame, we are still a premiere program in the country. It's easy to say, "Yeah, just wait till next year", but that doesn't make the present any easier.
from about 1 month ago
I agree Jeff. I know fans at OSU wouldn't put up with that. I can't help but wonder why Michigan fans would. They drove Lloyd Carr out of town for some new life, and yet they get this in return. I wonder how Lloyd would be doing this year.
from about 1 month ago
Actually I think Lloyd knew it was time to go. He wanted to go on his own time, something he saw Bo couldn't do (because of his heart problems). A lot of fans have struggled with the transition because Carr was such a lovable and respectable figure, while Rodriguez tends to be a stubborn figure.
from about 1 month ago
Excellent point. I think the UM admin thought Rodriguez would be a little edgier. But I don't think they realized how stubborn he was going to get
about 1 month ago
While I hate the thought of losing to scUM, I was really hoping Tress and RichRod would bring both teams on the verge of another "Ten Years War" (not to take anything away from the games between Woody and Bo). Don't think its going to happen this year, but once Rodriguez gets the players he needs for his system, they're gonna be one helluva team to stop. Hopefully by then Heacock, or another defensive coordinator, will have taught Ohio State how to stop the spread option.
from about 1 month ago
They did good stopping the spread today. I'm not sure if that is Painter or the Buckeye defense.
I agree Rodriguez is going to make them a great team eventually, but I think it really takes alot of luster of this years game.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah you guys are going to dominate us.
I think Purdue is hurting from losing so many weapons from last year, and we are seeing the real Curtis Painter. Still, a good win for the Buckeyes. I will be looking forward to the big game... well, probably not lol.
from about 1 month ago
I hope that is not the case Jeff, but we shall see. I think Michigan will come in ready to play though.
from about 1 month ago
Just once it'd be nice if the Buckeye offense and defense were playing at the top of their game. Great showing from the defense today, but I don't know what was wrong with Pryor today.
from about 1 month ago
Pryor just is confused period. I think he is trying to be too fine with the ball, and make the big play on every down. One thing about Todd was that he was not the all or nothing attitude when he first took over last season.
from about 1 month ago
OSU shouldn't look ahead to the UM game, they still have MSU and then the unstoppable PSU.
I personally like Rodriguez. Excuse my language, but I think what happened is a respectable program with a proud tradition "UM" brought in some trash "Rich Rod" to coach them and he's failing. Remember, Rodriguez coached in an awful conference where no team could play offense or defense, but he was lucky enough to get a few recruits, which meant he was able to succeed in the Big East. How he beat Oklahoma in the BCS game is a mystery to me...wait...wasn't the new coach coaching the bowl game or something?
Rich Rod, welcome to the Big 10. Don't worry UM fans, as much as I hate UM, I am happy to say that the worst of the UM scum, Rich Rod, will most likely be fired in a few years. He will never be able to coach a big time program in a big time conference. Even when the Big 10 is not having its strongest year, such as this year except for Penn State, Rich could still never beat a team.
from about 1 month ago
No one said OSU was looking past either of those teams. I don't think anyone is looking past MSU or PSU. I think the Nittany Lions played a good game at Wisconsin, but I will be more impressed if they played a complete team. Wisconsin was down, and I think Evridge is a poor QB. I am not even sure that Ohio State is a complete team either. But Penn State has not done anything to "wow" me yet. If PSU wins in Columbus, I will think they are more legit than I do now.
from about 1 month ago
I know what you're saying. You're not sold on them yet. The game in the 'Shoe should be a great one, as both teams usually play good against each other. However, I think PSU is a complete team, a talented team, and a balanced team. I think OSU plays 'em tough at home, but PSU pulls out with a win by 7-10 points.
from about 1 month ago
That very well could happen Issac. But it will be one hell of a game, but we gotta take care of the Spartans and you guys gotta make sure you get Michigan.
about 1 month ago
Liked the article Chris but I gotta let you in on a couple of facts.
1. The Reason we don't line up in the i with McGuffie is because he is way too small to be a power back so the option is our only option.
2. You are smart to be worried about the future because Michigan is getting the athletes they need for their offense with QBs Tate Forcier and Shavodrick Beaver. And 2010 recievers Ricardo Miller and Jeremy Jackson.
3. You might have wanted to highlight the way the defense is playing so poorly because that is the biggest suprise to Michigan fans this year because we knew there were going to be growing pains in the offense but we thought our defense-line especially was going to be unstoppable.
4. Thanks for the sympathy but I still hate Pryor with a passion for choosing OSU over Michigan.
from about 1 month ago
Maybe McGuffie isn't an ideal I back but Grady is. Grady could be more effective out of a traditional set, but I think he is in Rod's dog house right now. I think the defense is just inconsistent too. Michigan is looked great against Wisconsin, and for all intensive purposed kept Toledo off the score board. But a telling thing I took away from the commentary during the game was the lack of leadership on the sidelines. It's hard to respond to when no one takes the reigns. And imagine what a difference Pryor would've made at Michigan this season. At least he could have kept them afloat.
about 1 month ago
Every game I watch whenever there is a play that a scrambling QB could've turned into a big play I always think if only we had Pryor. There were plenty of times even today that a talented QB would've been able to change the game. And yes right now we have no leaders. Rodriguez didn't name any captains for the team at the start of this year so I don't think any players feel that they are supposed to step up. At the games you see Threet try to step it up but he just isn't able too.
about 1 month ago
Good article and interesting to hear from a Buckeye perspective. I am a Michigan fan so here is my take. The Wolverines needed a dramatic change/shift in philosophy. They have been running the same plays out of the same formations since the Schembechler days. Give Rodriguez some time to get his QB (Terrelle Pryor would have helped) with reinforcements on the way (Tate Forcier and Shavodrick Beaver committed this year). Tressel had Lloyd Carr's number just as Carr/Moeller had John Cooper's number. Here's hoping for a good game on Nov. 22, but I wouldn't count on it.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for commenting. I see your point, and I agree things were stale at Michigan. But I think shaking things up can really energize a program. But I still think you can make changes, and I think he alienated alot of people doing it the "my way or the highway" style. I think thats why Mallett transferred and why Boren transferred. I don't think the family values are gone, but you rub many people the wrong way when its all or nothing. I have witnessed a transition first hand, and I know new coaches are hired to make some changes most of the time. But to totally disrespect the previous regime just makes many people angry. I think that is what Rod did.
about 1 month ago
Good article, but as much as I, as a Michigan fan, hate to see the way this season is going, it has to happen. Of course we don't have the right personnel to run the spread, but Rodriguez is installing it because it will pay off in the future. If he just runs a normal power-I or pro-style offense this year, sure he may get more wins this year, but then that will put him next year in the same position...none of the current players will know the spread offense. Does he then wait 4 years until all of these players are gone, and all of his players are in to start running the spread?
He has to install the spread this year and keep running it so the players will learn it. Then next year when he gets his first real recruiting class, those players can help fill in with these players who already have a year of running it. I hate the growing pains this year as much as any Michigan fan does, but it just has to happen. Of course, we wouldn't be saying this if Michigan had hired Les Miles or anyone else, but I'm not going to look back and say we shouldn't have hired Rodriguez.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the compliment. I see where you are coming from. But why does it have to be all or nothing. I am not saying you can't run some spread optio stuff. But why can't you throw some more traditional offensive styles instead of just spread option only. You can teach your system, but I think you can do both and still accomplish your goals.
about 1 month ago
If you want to change, you have to live with the bad. The QB position might not be equipped to run the spread, but sooner or later they will be and you want to have that system installed, even if the QB can't run it. I'm perfectly fine with the set back. Justin is right on.
I'm not sure why there isn't more traditional type stuff thrown in.. My guess is this.. If it works, people will want more of it, but that will defeat the purpose of switching to the spread. So Rodriguez is going to stick to the game plan, 2008 be-damned, in order to establish his way of football and its either going to pay off big time, or it won't.
What I don't like is the lack-of-fire we played with yesterday. That should have been a game, even THAT offense could win. There was no emotion, no accountability, no fire what so ever. It was as if they were playing Toledo and they knew it. If they played like they did against Wisconsin, even half of that emotion, they win that game.
from about 1 month ago
Interesting that you guys are ok with 2008 going down. Not that there is anything wrong with your opinion, but I find it interesting that there is a complacency here with change. Maybe you are right, but I still believe you can do both and achieve your objectives. I know Ohio State fans would not stand for this turn around, and I am not sure why Michigan fans seem alright with calling 2008 a wash.
On the fire power issue, I believe that there is just no leader on the sidelines. I think you could see a defeatist attitude on the sideline, save McGuffie and a few others. But it appears that just calling your guys soft in the media room, isn't getting the job done.
from about 1 month ago
We aren't really okay with it, but I think most of us understand what things have to get bad before they can take off. We are willing to suffer a one year set back if things are really going to change for the better.
It will be next year, if things don't start looking like they are going somewhere, where we start to get complacent. A big reason for calling 2008 a wash is.. There wasn't much sitting around to begin with. Henne, Hart, Long, Manningham, Arrington, are all gone. So really we were going to be having problems anyway, why not make a switch and expect to be bad, rather than not make it and wonder.... what the hell is going on?
Threet was really fired up for the Wisconsin game.. Then we....... benched him? I understand his in-effectiveness but he is still shown a lot more leadership up to this point.. I'm mad Rodriguez has decided to reintroduce the dual QB thing.
from about 1 month ago
Chris, I'm not saying I'm ok with the way the season is going. We all expected 2008 to be a bad season anyway, but nobody expected it to be this bad (losing to Toledo is way worse than we expected). We were going to struggle this season whether Lloyd had stayed or not, given how many players we lost. It definitely wouldn't have been this bad, but we still wouldn't have been competing for a championship or anything.
Every single team in the nation has gone through growing pains in the past decade or so. This is just so shocking because it hasn't really happened to Michigan in 40 years.
Ohio State had a 6-6 season in 1999, which Michigan hadn't had since 1984. They went 8-4 the next year and everyone was calling for Cooper's head even though he had highly-ranked teams every year. Then Tressel struggled in his first year, going 7-5. Beating Michigan that year prevented them from a 6-6 season. The following year, he went 14-0 and won it all. '
I wish Michigan threw the ball downfield to Greg Mathews more. I wish the ran more conventional plays more often. I wish they could beat teams like Toledo. But the fact of the matter is this year, we don't have the offensive line to be an effective running team in any offensive system, and scrapping Rodriguez' spread offense isn't going to help the team in the long run. So for now, we've just got to suck it up.
from about 1 month ago
No doubt guys. I think we just see things differently.
A few things to remember about Ohio State. When Tressel was brought in, it wasn't just Cooper's lack luster performance on the field. It was the performace off the field as well. Conduct issues, grades, etc...But as an outsider, I see it as driving away many of the pieces that may have made the transition more successful. Firing all the coaches but one before a bowl game, little to no communication with Manningham, Arrington, Mallett, etc. These are things that turn people off, and especially with a young team, I think that moves psyches in the wrong direction. Thats why you saw the Justin Boren situation become what it was. Boren was wrong in how he handled the situation, but I think it was somewhat disrespectful the way Coach Rod did it. I hope you guys are right and we see a different team next year, but I haven't seen a ton of improvement.
Nino- Great point about the QB thing. There is no way either of those guys can go out and play without looking over their shoulder. Rod needs to commit to either Sheridan or Threet (I think U of M fans want Threet) and go from there.
from about 1 month ago
Threet is a much better quarterback. If you watch him, compared to Sheridan, Threet has a far better understanding of the offense, and he's still developing. That, and Sheridan can't throw to save his life. Personally I'm glad UM/OSU fans can have this conversation like this, it shows the true nature of both of our respective teams.
Here's to a hopefully renewed rivalry in the future!
from about 1 month ago
I agree with you jeff. Threet seems to be the better QB as well as the more consistent of the two. I think it is hard to take him seriously as a team leader when Rod keeps switching him in and out. It will be interesting to see who the starter is against Penn State.
about 1 month ago
Also, I think we missed Martavious Odoms a lot. Mathews is a good go-to guy, but he needs Odoms with him as well.
from about 1 month ago
lol..last year beaten by App. State..this year...at home by Toledo! wow....Michigan has turned into the laughing stock of college football.....
from about 1 month ago
I don't think they are the laughing stock anymore than Ohio State is. I think fans know it was going to be a tough year, just not this tough.
from about 1 month ago
anymore than ohio state? The Ohio State University has one loss..count it..one..to USC..for god sakes...you got killed by Notre Dame, beaten at home by Toledo. you got beaten by a mac school at home....Michigan is an embarrassment to the Big 10. Everyone was so critical about Notre Dame last year....the Wolverines will make everyone forget the 07' irish. Good Lord...stop drinking the Kool Aid. R. Rod is a joke of a coach...I just hope, for the well being of the Big 10, that Michigan doesn't turn into the butt of the joke! I do have to admit...i find myself sitting in my leather recliner, saturday afternoons...smirking..wondering how Michigan will make me laugh.
from about 1 month ago
Ed- Did you even read the article? I said I am an Ohio State fan. So I'm not sure what Kool Aid you think I am drinking. When I say Ohio State is a laughing stock, you may remember that the Buckeye have gained a reputation of not performing well in big games. By your reference to ND I am assuming you are an Irish fan. You overlook a huge difference in comparing Michigan and ND. This is Rich Rodriguez's first year at Michigan. Last season was Charlie Weis's third. The third year is the traditional year where coaches are judged on the direction of a program. It wasn't like ND was not a 9/10 win team in CW's first two seasons. They went to two BCS bowls. The third year was a huge drop off for CW at ND. So the two situations you are comparing are totally different that they don't even apply to each other.
about 1 month ago
Chris....first of all..i can't stand ND. I did do some research. ND was 10-2 and 9-3 Weiss's first two seasons. Two visits to BCS bowls...as much as it kills me...he had two good seasons his first two years. Trust me..last year with ND was enjoyable. However, we must realize that they are on the reboundgrowing into a stronger team....with next year looking even better. It is true The Ohio State University hasn't won the BCS game in a little while, but i still argue that losing to one team this year (USC), does not even compare to the debacle taking place in Ann Arbor.
write a new comment