Over the past couple weeks there have been quite a few articles written on this website about how the Michigan Wolverines next year will be just as bad or improve little at all. Now while I do believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion, these articles were obviously written by someone who doesn't follow the Wolverines regularly and not surprisingly were by fans that despise Michigan—Buckeyes.
Now as the Wolverines pulled off a pitiful 3-9 record this year, marking their worst season ever, their program appears to the naked eye like it is taking a turn for the worst. The future to those who know the program better looks bright.
The 2009 Wolverines are going to improve greatly from their pitiful 2008 campaign, and there are a couple reasons for it.
1. Experience on offense and running the spread.
Michigan's offense was probably the most disappointing aspect of their play this year, as Rodriguez's spread-option offense only averaged 290 ypg this year compared to the 297 rushing ypg his West Virginia offense averaged in 2007. This poor play can be attributed some to growing pains, but also the fact that Michigan had only one returning starter on offense, RT junior Stephen Schilling.
Next year the Wolverines will return eight starters on their offense, including all their wide receivers, running backs, and half of their offensive line. They will also return their two quarterbacks Stephen Threet and Nick Sheridan, although they will have to compete with incoming freshmen Tate Forcier and Shavodrick Beaver for the starting position.
- B/R Ticket Guide
The offense has gotten their growing pains done and should be in full force next year.
2. Rodriguez will now have "his players."
Rodriguez's offense requires a different type of player than the traditional pro-style player Michigan has always recruited. Michigan's number one priority in recruiting this year was to pick up a dual-threat quarterback, and they did just that—in fact, they picked up two.
Late spring Michigan picked up their first QB when Shavodrick Beaver pledged his services. After the first game of the season, Michigan picked up their second QB when Tate Forcier committed to the Maize & Blue. Forcier is a premier dual-threat QB who not only runs a 4.4 40-yard dash but is also ranked as the most accurate QB in his class with a completion percentage of 77 percent in high school.
Rodriguez also got the defenders he needed. Although big, bruising linebackers are the normal stereotype for the Big Ten, Rodriguez, like on offense, requires something different.
For his defense Rodriguez needed small, quick linebackers, and he got that with Brandin Hawthorne and Jordan Barnes. Isaiah Bell is projected as a safety by many recruiting websites but will most likely make the switch to linebacker next year.
3. Defensive problems will be fixed.
Now I will normally be the first one to tell you that when a defense doesn't perform well no one should be singled out, but this year might've totally changed my philosophy on that. The Wolverines have had some safety problems the past couple years, but none could match the horrid play this year.
I came into this year thinking Morgan Trent would be our worst secondary player. I left knowing Stevie Brown and Brandon Harrison were the worst. These two together blew deep coverage continually throughout the season and missed tackles time and time again that resulted in big plays. I will highlight just one.
Our first game against Utah, Michigan scored on their first drive. We followed that up by forcing Utah into a 3rd-and-19. On the third and long, Brian Johnson connected with Jereme Brooks for a 55-yard gain. This play didn't only include blown coverage by Stevie Brown, but also a missed tackle by Brandon Harrison. Utah scored on their next play.
If you would like to see more of these, look no further than last Saturday, where Brown was again blowing coverage and Harrison continued to miss tackles. These plays continued throughout the season and thankfully will be fixed next year.
Brandon Harrison graduates this year and will be replaced by sophomore Brandon Smith, a hard-hitting safety that isn't afraid to tackle. Meanwhile, Brown will be a senior but should be replaced by star freshman Justin Turner, who bears a striking resemblance to Michigan great Charles Woodson, or Vladimir Emilien, a speedy safety from Florida.
Michigan fans can look forward to a more successful season next year. Although we will not contend for a national title, a trip to the Capital One Bowl may be in order.
A word to the Buckeyes writers out there: You keep writing about Buckeye football, and we will keep writing about Michigan.
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about 1 month ago
There's still going to be a ton of inexperience on the Oline and some at QB. Sheridan will probably never see the field again. Who knows if Threet will ever settle down and learn howto pass with confidence and intelligence (yes, he's a smart guy but so far showed he's not the best passer). And I have to disagree that the offense was the worst part of UM this year. I believe it was the D that let down this team this year.
from about 1 month ago
There will be some inexperience on the o-line but not nearly as much as this year. I believe Threet will be replaced by Forcier because he is enrolling in January and already runs the same offense in high school. Although I do believe the D was disappoiting much of it can get credited to the offense. The other team's average T.O.P. was one more quarter a game so naturally if they were on the field that long they were going to make mistakes and much of it was Harrison and Brown's fault. Thanks for the comment and the read.
from about 1 month ago
It's true that the D was often on the field too long, when the offense went through endless 3-and-outs, but it's not true that the opp. team had a huge time of possession advantage. Overall the TOP diff. was UM 27, opp. 32 -- a 5 minute diff, but nowhere near a quarter! And most of the game, the def. line played great and stopped the opp. offense. The crucial diff. came on numerous big plays, often on 3rd down, when opponents would break free with a pass or run that often covered 40 to 50 yards or more. Take away these 4-6 big plays each game, and UM's D played outstanding. And I don't think the time on the field alone caused them to wear down and be tired. I think some of it had to do with the schemes they were put in by the coaches -- either poor schemes, or schemes with which they were unfamiliar, or gambling blitzes that were exploited by the other team. I think it goes back to coaching.
Yes, there was plenty of poor tackling also, but it's weird to single out Stevie Brown, when he made several key INTs, including the one vs. OSU on their first drive when he returned the ball to OSU's 13 yard line. This should have been a gift TD, but the inept UM offense didn't even score a point off it.
about 1 month ago
I was way wrong about 2008. I may be wrong too about 2009.
Eleven plus starters back on offense and 7 plus starters back on defense.
Few teams in the Big Ten will have such high numbers coming back, but Michigan will enter the Big Ten in 2009 lacking either talent or experience at the most important position on the offense yet again: Quarterback.
Offensively, I think Michigan's strength will be the running game. Michigan's OL improved over the course of the season in 2008 (kudos to coach Greg Frey for this). With Minor, Brown, Shaw, Mike Cox and possibly the fastest corps of true freshmen Michigan has ever seen at runningback/slot coming in (all of these new backs will have an understanding of the spread offense), Michigan's rushing production should increase next year. Michigan should also score more than just 20 pts. a game.
As far as QB goes, I would expect another rough year for UM. Yes, Beaver and Forcier will likely start. They are faster, more mobile and can actually deliver the ball with some touch. But they will likely make a lot of freshman mistakes too, and some mistakes may very well cost Michigan victories. The passing game should improve dramatically next year and so too should the overall rushing attack (better OL, but also greater threat from faster, more agile QBs). The main questions are whether either QB can avoid injury (this was a problem in 2008), and secondly, can the Michigan QBs avoid making so many stupid, freshman mistakes?
Defensively, Michigan's D-line has been decimated by graduation in 2008. They are not talented nor very deep right now at DL or DE and this will be a problem in the coming 2 years (IMO), thanks to attrition the last 3 years. Graham and Martin return, but other than that, it's a pretty bleak picture. UM needs William Campbell like no tomorrow to commit.
The LB corp was probably the only aspect of the defense that improved or at least didn't screw up quite as much. Tackling technique was awful most of the season, however. Mouton and Ezeh returing should be counted as a plus. But who will play the 3rd or 4th linebacker? Evans? Fitzgerald? Hill? Seniors Logan, Panter and Thompson didn't set the world on fire last year, but UM's LB position needs more speed and talent, not to mention remedial instruction on how to wrap arms and drive through tackles.
Last, and I'm sorry to say this, but stats just don't lie - Michigan's secondary doesn't have a designated coach. And it shows. Aside from not knowing what they were doing out there on any given play, the coverage techniques of Trent, Stewart, Warren and Brown in 2008 were embarrassing. 3rd down was cause for celebration....for UM's opponents! The Michigan secondary looks very shaky yet again for 2009. Brandon Smith at safety should be a positive from a talent perspective, but he's probably behind Michael Williams in terms of experience. Cissoko, Warren, Michael Williams, and Stevie Brown back in the UM secondary? Be afraid. Be very afraid. Hopefully some of the incoming freshman (Justin Turner) can show at least Brown how to never let anyone get behind the secondary, or how to take the right pursuit angle (Hell, even PK Jason Gingell knows geometry!) Talent is certainly there, but the coverage techniques needs serious coaching attention.
6-6 or 7-5-0 is my guess for 2009 and possible bowl eligibility, and Michigan fans should be pleased with that outcome.
from about 1 month ago
I agree the running-game will be vastly improved. I believe Minor will start the first couple games but eventually Shaw takes over. Forcier will make some freshman mistakes but not many because I've seen him play and he is much more accurate and alot smarter player probably due to two older brothers who play college ball and have taught him well. Plus he runs the same offense in high school so he already knows it.
There D-line did take a hit but the freshmen they have coming in are the most impressive D-Line class in the country: Anthony LaLota, Craig Roh, Pearlie Graves, Dequinta Jones, possibly Montgomery(not likely but possible), and most likely Campbell. They will be decent but don't expect them to be horrid especially if Graham does choose to come back.
LB play shouldn't be horrible. Ezah, Mouton Hawthorne/Bell, and Fitzgerald/Jenkins is the way I see it. Jenkins starts if he does choose Michigan which I hear we will be in his final four and recieve a visit.
Isiah Bell is said to be a safety but projects to be a fantastic LB.
I know our secondary sucks but that can be mainly attributed to our former D-coordinator Ron English. English was fantastic at teaching Linemen and LBs, but was horrible at safety development. I believe Warren will have a breakout year and Cissoko really hasn't gotten a chance to prove himself. Williams has more experience but I see Smith's Talent and athleticism beating him out. Turner and Emilien will both compete with Brown for the free safety position and we know Rodriguez isn't afraid to start underclassmen over seniors, he showed that this year when he started Kroger over Butler and a handful of other times. Watch for Rodriguez to add a secondary coach and special teams coach in the off-season.
The fact was this year was laden with freshman playmakers who could've done a good job had the ball actually gotten to them but our QBs never could. That will change next year. I stick by my 9-3 prediction and will breakdown there schedule in my next article. Fact is if they do go 6-6 or 7-5 they will definitely make a bowl becuase Michigan is too much of a money-maker to turn them down.
Thanks for the comment and the read.
about 1 month ago
i think the maize and blue go 8-4 with a bowl win next year. they will also win the national championship in 2011. coach rod knows how to recruit an win he did it in wvu so he should be able to do it easily here with the kids that will come just because it is michigan. i bleed maize an blue i think the guys that were there from carr just quit on coach rod and he is getting it all lined out an getting his guys in. they will be fine and i am sure about that. the buckeyes are way overrated an we will expose them next year GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
from about 1 month ago
Welcome to bleacher report Adam. Yeah 8-4 with a bowl win is reasonable. I think the nat' championship might actually come in 2010 but it could be '11. Yeah we have the eighth ranked recruiting class in a 3-9 year imagine what it will be next year. They did quit on him and Minor and Taylor even said that after the last game. I doubt Buckeyes get ranked in the Preseason top ten next year because they are losing alot of their D and O-line. I also expect them to beat OSU next year. Thanks for the comment and read.
about 1 month ago
Wow, you obviously took the exact opposite position as me on predicting next season but you show some flaws in your arguments.
You're operating on the assumption that returning starters automatically means improvement. Having 11 players back from a terrible offense is not something to throw a party over. All you're doing when it comes to discussing the offense is regurgitating the same crap that ESPN shoves in your face every time the topic comes up.
Even if Forcier is exactly the player everyone is hoping for, as others pointed out he will be making freshman mistakes.
The O line is going to be riddled with inexperience again next season but will still be better. I fully expect 2 or 3 lineman to be supplanted by RR recruits from last class (or this one).
To say that they have the top D line class is hilarious. They may be quite good, but no way is it the best. How can you have a top group with no 5 star players. We will see how things pan out but I would at least put LSU above Michigan with there being arguments for several other schools. Even if they are as good as you believe there is no way that inexperienced of a group will dominate.
I'll give you from you're comment on my article that Schafer is going to put together a good defense, but he still won't be working with a fully stocked group of players yet.
Predicting national championships 2-3 years out off of the worst season in Michigan history is pretty absurd. So much has to fall into place for a very good team to make it that far and both Adam and Ryan aren't accounting for the possibility of issues. There will be injuries and their will be recruits who are busts. Really all you are using to predict are recruiting rankings for the 08 and 09 classes.
Your criticisms against myself and others are low blows that only hurt your credibility even if they appeal to your readers. Cut out the cheap shots if you want people to take you seriously. You also show you know very little about Ohio State with your comments about where our program will be at next season. You have done exactly what you are trying to criticize me for doing except I am up front and honest with my opinions. I did plenty of research and presented by viewpoints from a logical outsiders perspective.
from about 1 month ago
Actually it is something to get excited for when you go from 1 returning starter to eight returning starters. Not all of the players are going to impove but the majority of them will. So you can expect them to be better. Even through the last couple games (if you actually watched them) the o-line was showing improvement in getting holes for Minor and not allowing the QB to be rushed as much. I didn't say noy at all but it wasn't nearly as bad as before. So yeah I'm going to be excited about wight returnin starters.
Forcier will make freshman mistakes but not nearly as many. Forcier is only a 4-star QB and would be a five star if it wasn't for one thing and that is his size. He is a great QB that is very precise in what he does and won't throw those int's most freshmen will.
The o-line will be the most improved area next year. We only had one returning starter this year on the line. Next year we will have 3 and two of the new starters will be red-shirt freshmen who have had a chance to learn the blocking schemes.
Yeah we do have the best D-line class. LSU may have the best Defensive-tackles, I will admit that but they have only one defensive-end commited. Michigan has two four-stars commited for Defensive-Tackle, and two four-stars commited for defensive-end. Plus 5-star William Campbell will announce at the A.A. bowl and is likely to go blue.
Schafer's defense will be much improved next year. Everywhere he goes the people have a hard first year learning it but eventually adapt. Although like I stated in my article the problems were blown coverage and missed tackles by our safeties which you would know if you watched all the games. These safeties will be replaced next year and that big play problems we had this year should be gone.
There will be issues with some injuries but RR has done a great job getting depth at every position. If one QB goes down we will have another to get put in placewith Shavodrick Beaver. Not to mention Devin Gardner or Christian Green in 2010 who both favor Michigan. We have huge depth at running-back. The only issue would be wide-reciever and that looks like it will be fixed next year.
Why are they low blows? I didn't cuss you out. I didn't say you knew nothing about football and were stupid. I just said write what you know best. Yeah I'm not an expert on OSU football thats why I wrote that thing in a comment, I didn't write an entire article about it.
If you are gojng to write a prediction on a team actually watch the team first. I did, in fact I haven't missed a game this decade.
Yours wasn't written from a logical outsiders perspective. It was written from a buckeye perspective. You guys like to see us suffer, I know I live in Dayton Ohio, everybody I go to college with and everybody I work with were all excited that Michigan was horrible this year. And what better way to make yourself feel good than predict another horrible year. Thats why you predicted what you did.
about 1 month ago
I personally miss having the game mean something nationally. I enjoy 5 straight wins, but not nearly as much as having an epic game such as 06. Not only that, Ohio State needs a better conference schedule to make them better for a bowl game, so from a selfish perspective we need Michigan to be better. That game didn't prepare us for someone like Georgia or Texas Tech at all.
If you include another commit in the defensive line class, then the discussion is a little different. I was going on only who has already committed. We'll see how it all pans out in February. Hopefully signing day will be more interesting than last year because the only big guy we were waiting on didn't make a decision. Same with the AA game, we didn't have anyone picking us at the game, although Pryor put out plenty of pro OSU signs which got buckeye fans excited.
from about 1 month ago
I too miss "The Game" meaning alot. I loved the 90's not only because we had Cooper's number but also because there were upsets and it made it interesting. Yeah it likes like if you guys do get an at-large bid for the BCS, which is likely, you will probably face Texas, Oklahoma, or Bama which I don't think you are prepared for.
I still say Michigan's is the best on what we have right now. and rivals.com and scout.com have them ranked as the best D-line class since they are the only ones in the top ten for both DTs and DEs.
I don't know what we can expect from signing day. The rules have changed and more players are changing there decisions on signing day nowadays so it will be interesting to see. There are rumors that the PA. Gateway duo Dorian Bell and Corey Brown may look around a bit so who knows.
I've noticed with Pryor that he loved the controversy because although he had a buckeye sticker on his helmet he showed up to the game in a Michigan hoodie.
Thanks for the comment and the read.
about 1 month ago
I say this because I actually have played with most of the guys on this team. I'm a Lloyd Carr guy, a real Michigan Man, so when I say these things I am saying it from a perspective that 2008 was an absolute embarrassment and this is what I think is going to happen under Rich Rodriguez and 2009's squad. Let me say one thing, I am a strong supporter of Rich Rodriguez and Bill Martin getting fired. Strong supporter. We are Michigan! We should never lose 9 games and we sure as hell should never lose to Toledo at home with over half the team still being Michigan Men! Embarrassing. I don't care what system you're running, whether or not you're new to the program, Rich Rodriguez and the 2008 season was straight up embarrassing.
1. Terrelle Pryor was named to the Big Ten 2nd Team because of Ohio State's play, not his. I knew Tate's older brother, Jason, and I would be one of the first to support him and hope that he has a great career at Michigan. However, I'm a realist, and any knowledgeable football fan would know that it is very hard to be successful or win a Big Ten championship as a freshman. You have to be a real good freshman. See Chad Henne and Terrelle Pryor. I think if Tate does start, lets not forget the other 3 legitimate quarterbacks, he could be an asset to the spread philosophy, but in no way, shape, or form will our passing attack greatly improve. Terrell Pryor, or any other freshman, have trouble throwing the football compared to those who have been coached at the college level for some time. Plus, not to mention, high school systems are like a memo compared to the novel like playbooks of college football. I wouldn't put all your money on Forcier or Beaver.
2. I don't blame Brandon Harrison at all, he is a great football player. If anyone is to blame, its Rich Rodriguez. Sure Stevie Brown and Charles Stewart had some poor plays, but to keep flip flopping defensive schemes during the season is retarded. Also, if you go back to the film, the big plays Michigan gives up are at times where the play called was not a very wise decision by any football coaches knowledge.
3. I do want to go back to the I-Form. Hell, I want to go back to Michigan Football. Remember when they were good? I think, actually it is a fact, Michigan's only success this season is when they took more of an I-Form approach and fully utilized the fullback compared to the spread option approach. See entire Minnesota game and first half of Penn State game. Once again, sure Forcier and Beaver are faster, but they are not Pat White fast. So, we'll see how that works out.
4. I wasn't calling anyone out, I just read alot of comments about the defensive line and how it will be damaged. It was a stupid comment and I corrected the person.
5. I know Marrell and he can cut it. He just has to really get himself into the game, not so much physically, but mentally. You're probably the typical guy who looks at Rivals and is like, oh, Marrell Evans was only a 3-star recruit, he can't be any good. Yeah, well let me know if you want me to compile you a list of 3-star recruits who kick the shit out of most 5-star recruits. Hmm...Mike Hart, David Harris, whatever. Evans will be good, but Jelani Jenkins and Isaiah Bell? One, why would Jelani Jenkins now want to come to Michigan with Rich Rod at the helm, and two, Isaiah Bell weighs 200 pounds? Are you kidding me, I actually would rather have Jason Gingell at outside linebacker.
6. Justin Turner might be a great high school player, which in all reality, means he will possibly be a good college player down the road. Not in 2009. Secondary coach? They have one, his name is Tony Gibson, and he is another West Virginia clown.
7. Thanks.
8. Okay, as long as Rich Rodriguez is at Michigan, Michigan will not win a National Championship. I hope you were kidding about 2010 or 2011, cause no way in hell that will happen, especially with a Forcier or any other quarterback on Michigan's current team. Ohio State will continue to run our shit for at least three more years, at least, which is sad because true Michigan Men like Greg Mathews, Obi Ezeh, and Stephen Schilling will never get to have the feeling of a victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Thank you for your time.
from about 1 month ago
You played with them, who are you?
1. Never said they were going to win the Big Ten championship.
3. Beaver actually does have Pat White speed and Forcier is getting there.
5. No I'm not one of those guys. Thats why I said play Bell who also is a 3-star recruit. Trust me I've watched every game this decade and I just don't see Evans starting again. Maybe your right but I don't see it happening.
6. I believe Gibson is going to be replaced. Seriously he needs to be and if Rodriguez values his job he will do something about it.
8. And yes I'm serious about that. Mark my words.
about 1 month ago
Fact Michigan sucked this year.
Fact you don't know what your talking about Harrison wasn't close enough.
Fact These are facts.
about 1 month ago
whats a matter Ryan, no more comments to post???? Can't think of something to argue. That's a shame. Did you finally admit the suck??? I knew you wolverines would come to your senses eventually. Every Michigan fan I've ever met are the most uneducated fans about the game. They think they know everything but they don't.
about 1 month ago
Ryan-
I wish to remain anonymous, I simply like to give my input. I simply was stating that it will take at least two more complete seasons, if that, to really have a chance at contending with not only the nation's big boys, but the Big Ten's. Shavodrick Beaver and Tate Forcier do not have Pat White speed, that was stupid, Pat White is the fastest guy on West Virginia and will play wide receiver in the NFL. I highly, highly doubt either Shavodrick or Tate has that kind of speed not to mention acceleration, instincts, and so on. I also believe it will be hard to fire Tony Gibson because he is Rich Rodriguez's best friend, their wives are best friends, and they have coached together a long time and Rich Rodriguez believes in Tony Gibson. Unfortunate as it is, Tony Gibson will probably be the last to go. Oh, and you said that you don't think they'll beat Ohio State next year, well actually you did, the 6th response on this article. Anyhow, I will mark your words, maybe Michigan will win a national championship in 2010 or 2011? Okay, we'll see.
John-
I'm the biggest Michigan fan you will meet and there is not a day in my life I have not bleed maize and blue. I hate Ohio State and Notre Dame more than anything. Michigan fans are very educated, simply because they go to one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Yes, Michigan sucked this year. Yes, Ohio State has had their number the past decade or so, however, Michigan will be back and "The Game" will have some importance in the future...I just doubt it is when Rich Rodriguez is at the helm.
from about 1 month ago
Alright I undersatnd. I don't know why I said I think they will win because in part 2 I break down the schedule and I have them losing to OSU.
I think Devine is a bit faster than White but whatever.
Thanks for the comments you were one of the few intelligent ones on here.
about 1 month ago
im intelligent to the tee.
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