Roger That

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Maize & Blue and Green & White

It's time for an audible.

This week, the Wolverine fans (Brandon and Roger) are joined by two Spartans (David and Matthew) for some reflection on the first eight weeks of football.

(This is a much-condensed version of a lengthy conversation -- originally more than 10,000 words -- and if some of it is indecipherable, that's your problem. Catch up.)

--

Roger: Let’s start with a cyber congratulations to the Spartans on a great season so far. Before the year, did you think they could be sitting here at 8-0? I know Matt did. 13-0, national championship prediction, every year.

Matt: Well I can't help what I believe. I enter every game with the thought that we can win.

David: Could they? Absolutely ... we've played eight games. Would they? No, I didn’t think we would be.

Matt: I think most U of M fans would have taken a 5-2 start with no hesitation, agreed?

David: You mean a 5-0 start ...

Roger: The fans that are upset with 5-2 are delusional. What is upsetting is the way they play in stretches, but 5-2 ... we have to accept that.

Brandon: The season is definitely at a crossroads. To quote one Ken "Hawk" Harrelson, "Let's just start where we are at, and go from there."

David: How profound.

Roger: Even the wins are upsetting to watch because there is zero chance of us stopping anyone.

David: I think UCONN put some of the pre-season talk to rest ... but UMASS brought it all back. Even ND was tolerable, but 37 to UMASS? Ominous cloud cover ...

Matt: Do you guys think it is something that can change with another recruiting class? Or does this issue run deeper?

Brandon: I think it goes as deep as Greg Robinson allows it to.

Roger: The defense is a lost cause, in my eyes. We just need to outscore people.

Matt: Can you do that with Denard?

Roger: Yes. His pros far outweigh his cons. But the play calling has become so predictable and, in big situations, ill-suited for him. If he ran more and stuck to outs and slants, the ball control factor would've allow us to compete for longer stretches in the last two games.

Brandon: I think we have a better chance if Obi Ezeh becomes the David Cone of 2010. Maybe a slightly larger headset ...

Matt: Are you concerned that Tate looked better the other week?

Brandon: Why would that be a concern? (if it's true...)

Matt: Well he is not your starter.

Brandon: Would it concern you if Keith Nichol were good enough to play quarterback?

Roger: Tate had two picks. He passed better than Denard did. But we already know that. Playing Denard and Tate together for a few downs every quarter would please me, simply because it would get Tate in the flow when a bump and bruise at some point to Denard is likely. And then Tate wouldn't have as much pressure on him late if he was needed.

Matt: I wouldn't feel good about my backup coming in, looking much better than my starter ...

Roger: Your perception of Denard is skewed. He's still one seam away from a touchdown, every play, and there aren't very many players in football like that. He needs to be utilized differently, not like a traditional QB, and Rod has gotten away from that. He drops back like Peyton Manning 10 times a game. That needs to be ripped from the playbook.

Brandon: I would generally save my criticism for the defense, but watching the last game, I think there's validity to that. The defense in the first half played well ENOUGH. The offense didn't capitalize on opportunities, which clearly they need to do.

Matt: Oh I understand that his talents make him the most dangerous weapon in college football, but that doesn't mean he is the best starting quarterback for your offense. No one had any idea what the kid was capable for the first five games. There was little to no tape of him.

Brandon: He puts more stress on defenses than any other player we have; why not give him the ball every play?

Roger: There's no use in abandoning him because they've lost two games. He'll be fine. So what's gonna be the key at Iowa this week, Red Cedar brothers?

Brandon: I think for you guys it's gotta be find a way to get Dantonio in the press box. Y’all play better when he's up there anyway. Tell me I’m wrong.

David: Matt, lead off and I'll clean up your mess.

Matt: Well against Northwestern I think the weather hurt our running game a lot. I think our running game is best when using cutback runs. Second, I think the continued improvement of Tyler Hoover our great DE from NOVI will keep their running game in check, which is huge.

David: To start the game (for reference’s sake, the first quarter), we need to win/tie the turnover margin, win field position early, and most most importantly, we need to depress the crowd ... early. With highlighted focus on the last two games, we have started extremely slow and we cannot let Kinnick take us out of the game in the first 15.

Matt: And I am very curious to hear what happens with Chris L Rucker, as he is to be released from jail soon.

Roger: Is he really in jail?

Matt: Yep, served a 10-day sentence with 2 days already served.

David: He's out Thursday.

Roger: No way he plays.

David: Reserve at best.

Roger: Stanzi can torch some folks, now. Y’all might need Chris L. D. U. I. Rucker.

David: Eh ... what did Grady blow, with the car in drive, while passed out in the driver’s seat. No stones in glass houses.

Roger: That Grady is no longer a member of our football team. Chris L. D. U. I. Rucker remains a Spartan. For now.

David: Due to eligibility, but that bro played. Plus, .10 isn't egregious, in my opinion.

Roger: OK, favorite three moments of the season so far, go.

David: “Little Giants” is a clear #1. Michigan -- year three, at your place, with all the hype -- was something. Locally, they couldn't stop talking about it all week. Nard Dog for Heisman everywhere. And K-Mart’s punt return on Wisky was huge in grand perspective of the season.

Roger: 1. Denard for 87 in South Bend. 2. Denard to Roy against ND. Perfect play call up the
seam. Had everyone fooled. 3. The late bomb to Hemingway in the Indiana game down to the goal line.

Matt: 1. MSU beating ND in OT. 2. Watching Bama lose is always great, FU Saban. 3. Taylor Martinez as the most exciting player in the game.

Roger: Now, I'm curious how the Big Ten race will unfold if several teams finish with one loss, which is realistic. ‘Sconsin and the Bucks win out, and then the Spartans lose one more. Who goes to the Rose Bowl?

Brandon: Invitation, right?

David: Ohio State, highest BCS ranking. Highest BCS gets Rose. Iowa’s out, in my opinion. So between us and OSU, Iowa’s out, in my opinion. They'll lose again and have the sole loss out of conference.

Brandon: It's a travesty MSU doesn't play OSU. Ohio State would handle the Spartans. I believe they are taking advantage of an easy schedule, which is to their credit, but still.

David: We beat Wisky convincingly, who beat OSU and Iowa

Roger: Ohio State's offensive line is fantastic, its defense pounds the lesser teams, but that quarterback who wears No. 2 is still mistake-prone. I don't think they'd blow out any top caliber team

Matt: And I do agree that not playing OSU is a bit unfortunate. I would like to play them too.

David: I was in C-Bus last weekend and I'll say this, OSU is glad they don't play us too. Not saying we're as good as OSU, but we're a good football team.

Brandon: You telling me they wouldn't want a shot at beating a 0-loss team to allow them the CHANCE to pull even?

David: Of course they would, but if they were undefeated at the moment, they wouldn't want to play us. It's convenient now ... to pull them back into the race. To Wolvie's credit, you should have played in the 2006 title game against OSU. Bullshit media stole it from you. No more hype ever than that football game in 2006.

Roger: It’s a near-perfect sport with a ridiculously imperfect postseason. Just give me a damn bracket, even if it’s four teams. Please.

David: Super-4 conference, 16 teams each, a champ from each league, there's your four-team playoff.

Matt: No thanks go BCS!!!

David: Barff all over the effing place.

Roger: So Matt, if you win out, you probably won't make the national title game, and you're supporting that?

Matt: Yes, go BCS, it makes college football so exciting all year long.

David: NO NO NO NO NO NO.

Brandon: Whoa, struck a nerve.

Roger: Matt, I agree, but how would a playoff make it less exciting?

Matt: Because two-loss teams will get hot and win the title.

David: More hype would result from a playoff, and Cinderellas have a chance.

Roger: The fact is, it would be even better. Teams with one loss would continue to have an interest all the way through. Even if they do, that doesn't make the season less exciting.

Matt: Sure it does -- you can play to be # 8 all year long. It should be your goal to win all your games, not win enough to get in. I do not want to see OU sitting players in the Big 12 Championship Game because they know even if they lose they will get in the “playoffs.”

Roger: I understand your point, that every game should have the world riding on it, but I could never see any team having that mindset: "If we lose, we're still in." Because so many more teams would be knocking on that door for a chance.

David: Exactly. Then Boise doesn't have to go out and try to schedule big boys who don't want to play them Also, they join the Pac 10, and they're playing a legit schedule all of a sudden. Big 12 goes away. Big East goes away. The four-team playoff makes the most sense to me at the outset -- ACC, Big 10, SEC, Pac 10, 16 in each. Let’s get after it. And the best part of the four 'BCS' conference scenario is it’s really an eight-team playoff, in that the 1 and 2 in each league play in the conference championship game. BOOM. Also, you could get rid of out-of-conference scheduling.

Roger: With that, Matt just left. Since he refuses to make predictions, let's each make three bold ones for the rest of the Big Ten season.

David: Northwestern wins out, Penn State doesn't make a bowl game, and Michigan doesn't make a bowl game.

Brandon: Michigan will make a Bowl game. MSU goes to a BCS Bowl, and Illinois WINS a bowl game.

Roger: Wow, no predictions for your own team, Dave? Not surprising.

David: We are 0-0 and play Iowa this week.

Brandon: Earlier you said the Spartans have a new feel about them. That comment right there proves its same ole: terrified of success.

David: No, not at all, embracing it actually.

Roger: 1) Michigan will finish 8-4 with wins over the Nittany Lions, the Boilermakers and the Buckeyes. 2) Michigan State will finish 11-1 with a loss at Penn State. 3) Rich Rodriguez will not keep his job in the offseason.

David: Loss @ PSU would be horrible. Hope that doesn't come true

Roger: Never won there since they joined the Big Ten.

Brandon: 8 wins and a termination? That's BOLD.

David: See ya, Rich.

Brandon: The NCAA sanctions have not dropped, and that's the elephant.

Roger: I have a strong feeling that Dave Brandon will judge Rich Rod on more than wins. He’ll look at the quality of play, the recruiting, the perception of the program.

Brandon: I would love to see the contract Les Miles has with Lucipher ... and maybe see him with one in AA.

David: So, who's Rod's replacement (top 3)?

Brandon: Miles, Petersen, Schiano.

David: Schiano already said ‘No.’

Brandon: Ask him again.

Roger: Miles, Harbaugh or Kiffin.

Brandon: I'm interpreting that last one as an illustration of your dissatisfaction with Rod.

David: Kiffin!?! Shut the front door.

Roger: Joking.

David: Rog, how does Harbaugh make up for his comments in the past?

Roger: It all depends on whether he gets along with Brandon. One introductory press conference where he acknowledges the comments and takes responsibility for them and for creating a new culture at Michigan will help people forget.

Brandon: Holtz? Anyone?

David: I would personally love it. How could you got against those half time prep talks

Brandon: He may be just what the doctor ordered.

David: Wow many wins make you happy and is that the same number as how many save Rod's job?

Brandon: I could do one over OSU, make a bowl game, and fire Rod -- as long as the next coach would keep this offense in tact, in some semblance

David: Really like that answer

Roger: Nine total wins will make me happy because the offense is good enough to win that many, but I want Rod gone.

David: Second question: What will you two do with your Rodfather T's ...?

Roger: Give it to you, of course. You would wear it, too. I know how you and Matt praise the man.

David: “Praise” is not the right word.

Roger: How about "appreciate" ... ? He has provided you with much joy over the past three years.

David: Ehhh ... seeing Michigan being terrible isn't fun for me, Matt, or the Big 10. I want to beat you guys when you're good, and the Big 10 wants you at its best. I’m all for you returning to WWII form as soon as possible

Brandon: Penn State is a BIG game. An absolute must win. There is no excuse for losing that

David: Personally, I enjoyed Lombardi recently.

Roger: Rod is so long winded but never says anything of substance.

David: Alright, another question: buy or sell Dantonio>

Roger: He's smug, that's about all that bothers me. But so many coaches are. Dantonio is a good football coach.

Brandon: I'll buy Don Treadwell hard.

David: Despite looking like an Alopecia patient, Treadwell's solid in speech. I still don't get this smug thing.

Roger: Dave, watch Dantonio’s interviews. "It's called little giants." Evil little smile.

Brandon: Dantonio is lucky his fake field goal worked, because this season easily could've tanked had it failed, and he would've been on his way out. And his assistant coach has proved far better on the field than he has.

David: NO NO NO NO NO, Brandon, the fake field goal fails, we play Wisconsin

Brandon: Remember history ... MSU has not traditionally rebounded well from tough losses. That's what I'm going off, not my own bias.
David: I was hoping to get to this, but we would be 4-4 right now under any other Spartan coach in the 80's, 90's, 00's.

Brandon: You are 8-0 under two coaches right now.

David: Right ... two 'right' coaches who've instilled something that has been lacking for decades. You're telling me we beat NW this past saturday with John L, Bobby Will?

Roger: All I know is Dantonio owns us. I can't really say much.

David: Well, getting past us with Dantonio at the helm will be tough, he hates you and that Mike Hart comment so much. He'll never let that die, even if we're on top of the rivalry. I can still watch that You Tube clip and see his blood boiling. We will always be up for that game

Brandon: I do not believe that ... I believe it's Michigan's lack of effectiveness that's led to the last 3 years, always will.

Roger: Those Dantonio comments, the whole “Pride comes before the fall” thing was warranted, but then he gets on a a high horse and calls out Hart specifically. Take the high road, guy. That's a 21-year-old kid and you're supposed to be a man.

Brandon: I still contend he's immature for engaging a college student. Be a Grown Ass Man and stay above it.

Roger: Walk away. Let your blood boil. And walk away. You just lost.

David: Hart spoke on behalf of the team, and Dantonio addressed it. No “attack.”

Brandon: It's an ad hominem attack on a college student

Roger: And that's smug: contentedly confident of his superiority. In that case, superior because he's older and he's a coach.

David: Ehhh, please.

Roger: What Hart did was smug, too ... of course. But he's a young kid. You're a Division I head coach. Keep it classy. And that's all I have to say about that.

David: He did -- all in body language and tone. Although the 'height comment' was too much. I did laugh, but low brow for a coach.

Brandon: That's what he's referencing

Roger: It's old news. We're 0-3 in three years. And now State can go 9-0! Unheard of.

Brandon: I would like their chances better if Iowa won last week.
David: MSU loses if we allow Kinnick to take control of the game early, we lose the turnover battle, and we lose time of possession MSU wins if we contend early in the 1st quarter and (at the very least) win field position throughout the first quarter, (in extension of the previous point) are allowed to run the ball freely due to a lead, and win the turnover battle. In my opinion, especially in college, turnovers = win/lose ... buy or sell?

Roger: They've killed us the past two weeks. But why is it so important to play well early? State is a second half team.

David: On the road, in a hostile environment (i hardly call Evanston that), you need to humble the crowd to keep moxie and composure

Roger: Moxie. Always crucial. Moxie. B, what we gotta do to snap this slide?

Brandon: Win turnover battle and time of possession, simple as that.

Roger: It’s almost impossible for us to win TOP. We'll win the yardage battle. I will say that.

David: I should hope so.

Brandon: TOP is more important for Michigan than any other team in the country because of our defense -- and our coach could give two shits less about it. I have no problem with the offense, but don’t go so fast.

Roger: Against Indiana we had the ball for 17 minutes to their 43 or something ridiculous.

Brandon: D was on the field for 98 plays.

Roger: Well boys, we're already over 9,000 words

Brandon: It's a thesis

David: This was seriously a blast, though. Let’s make this a regular.

Brandon: Enjoyable, yes.

David: On the banks ...

Brandon: Go Blue

Roger: Go Blue.

Saturday, October 02, 2010

R&B Sling the Blue (Oct. 2, at Indiana)

ROGER GARFIELD: Well, 4-0 is great. It's grand. Can't do better than that. But through a month, I feel like I only know two things about this team: The defense is putrid, and Denard Robinson is remarkable. Now it's time to see whether Rich Rod has truly improved this team and made it ready for the Big Ten. He has only ever won three Big Ten games. Let's make it four in Bloomington.

BRANDON FALK: And ironically, the defense has performed to the level of competition. Let’s hope that holds true when we keep playing teams that are better than the non-conference competition we've faced.

RG: I'd like to think these are guys who can raise their level of play with increased competition, but we just don't know. Too many question marks on defense. That’s why I’m nervous for tomorrow.

BF: I’m excited. We get a couple guys back this week, Marvin Robinson and Carvin Johnson, some freshmen who have contributed early, and hopefully they can help. The offense is obviously clicking well, regardless of quarterback. I loved seeing Tate get in there and perform at a high level last week.

RG: Yeah, great to see Tate -- and his attitude about the whole situation couldn't be better. You said Saturday that if there's a game up in the air and Denard is hurt for whatever reason, you'd much rather have Tate in there than Devin. I couldn't agree more. Although Devin didn't look too shabby against BG.

BF: Also great to see our corners give less than 25 yard cushions ... but I digress. Tate's been there before, he's become a grizzled veteran of sorts. You're right about the question marks being on the defensive side of the ball. It's almost like the offense isn't even worth talking about, it's going so well.

RG: Yeah, but it's more fun to talk about the offense. Even then, they haven't played any good defenses. So we'll figure out a lot in these next couple weeks. Heading to Indiana, I think a big key is getting to the quarterback. Ben Chappell is poised and pretty dangerous back there, and they run that pistol offense pretty well. Almost beat us in Ann Arbor last year. With the corners playing unreliably, our D line and our linebackers need to rattle this guy early, or it could be a painfully long day for us U-M fans. I’m not looking to relive the UMass game.

BF: A few of our Spartan friends believe that the offense won't hold up in the Big Ten! I think that's fallacious. But yes, Chappell can play, and if we can get pressure with those front three and drop eight, we'll be in great shape. Just like before, I think Craig Roh is critical to the success of this defense. Speaking of the D line, how great has Mike Martin been? Unreal.

RG: I'd like to think those three can get to Chappell, but I just don't see it. I want to rush four and five and six and force him into making mistakes. Maybe Mike "the animal" Martin can do it on his own. I don't see the hoosier line stopping him too consistently. The guy is relentless. I thought we'd have a huge void there after Brandon Graham left, but Martin has filled it well.

BF: We have a true freshman out of Ohio named Jibreel Black wearing BG's No. 55, and he's performed very admirably in it. Need more consistent play out of Obi Ezeh! Mouton has looked great. We'll find out a lot in this game, though. It's nice to get in conference so we can really start silencing some critics.

RG: All that matters is we keep the zero on the right side of that W-L column. At least for another few weeks. What do you think of the state of the Big Ten four weeks in to the season? I was impressed through two weeks, but now I'm not so sure. We have beaten up on some patsies and not won any significant games, unless you count Ohio State topping Miami.

BF: The Big Ten looks great, and I think we'll show out well in Bowl season. Notre Dame is looking more and more pedestrian; that's maybe not as great a win as we thought it was initially. But you'll still take it, obviously.

RG: May the Irish cry themselves to sleep every Saturday night.

BF: Couple injuries this week: Mike Shaw and Fitz Touissant out, need some other backs to step up. I'm looking for Vince Smith and Mike Cox to play well, and Stephen Hopkins to hold onto the rock.

RG: I hope we get Smith the ball moving North and South. He doesn’t go sideways very well. Either way, with Shaw out, we’ll need another big day from the ‘Nard Dog.

BF: A real quick recruiting piece: Demetrius Hart makes his "Decision" this weekend. Nabbing him will be big if we do.

RG: I look at our style of play and think it helps recruiting in two ways: No. 1, the offense is so high-powered and fun, why wouldn't you want to play in that style and put up astronomical numbers? And No. 2, the defense is so bad and porous, the plausibility of coming in and playing right away is very real.

BF: OK, prediction time.

RG: Michigan 49, Indiana 28.

BF: Michigan 36, Indiana 30.

RG: Go Blue.

BF: Go Blue.

Roger Garfield and Brandon Falk are Michigan football fans excited for the Big Ten schedule to begin. They know the Hoosiers have some offensive pop, but they hope Denard and the boys will expose Indiana for the football school it really is and give the Hoosiers a customary home loss to the Maize and Blue. They hope. They can be reached at rlouisgar@gmail.com and hbrandonfalk@gmail.com.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

R&B Sling the Blue (Sept. 25, Bowling Green)

ROGER GARFIELD: You called me Saturday just after the game and asked, “Have you ever felt more furious after a win?” I don’t recall many more frustrating afternoons where we came out on top. An escape. That’s what that was.

BRANDON FALK: Well, let’s put it in a nutshell: Offense looks great, defense looks terrible.

RG: Didn’t we say that last week?

BF: This is the offense everybody thought we’d see from Rich Rod when he came over. I think it’s fair to say the offense has arrived.

RG: Keep in mind they did play UMASS. But the offense was appreciated, and much-needed. And fun to watch. That spurt just before halftime -- the two Denard-to-Stonum touchdowns when things were looking bleak -- made it feel like we can throw far more than 42 up there on the big board. It may come this week.

BF: Recapping, I thought the O-line played well, opening up some room for Mike Shaw and others to have a big day -- 284 yards rushing as a team. Talking personnel, Mark Huyge is in a fight with Taylor Lewan for the starting spot at left tackle. They put Lewan in for 20 snaps last game, and he was just leveling guys. Regardless, the O-line looked great, Mike Shaw looked great.

RG: And we would have had a whole rack of additional yards if UMass hadn’t hogged the ball for 37 minutes of the game. But you’re right, it’s great to see Shaw emerge, for the sake of confidence as much as anything else. He’s no Brandon Minor or Anthony Thomas -- he won’t bruise you -- but he’s elusive and reliable. He’s the only ball carrier not to fumble so far, I believe. We haven’t seen too many guys take the ball, though.

BF: Rod wants to play more backs. He said they want to get Mike Cox, who’s a redshirt sophomore, and freshman Stephen Hopkins -- they want to get those guys in the game, but they don’t know the playbook yet.

RG: I like the rotation of Denard and Shaw, Shaw and Denard.

BF: I would like to see Hopkins. I don’t think he’s at a Brandon Minor level, but he could be at some point. Man, don’t you just wish that we had a healthy B. Minor for one more year with this offense -- the way it looks now?

RG: B. Minor wasn’t just a good back for this system -- he was a good back, period. But Shaw looks solid. Vincent Smith, on the other hand, hasn’t done much. He’s fast, but when your tendency is to run into the line and get stalled, speed matters nada. I’d like to see him get fewer touches.

BF: He’s a bit of an overachiever. His breakaway speed isn’t that much faster than Shaw’s. I don’t even think he’s as fast as Shaw. He’s a small guy; he’s an average to above average back. I think that’s just what he is.

RG: With the amount of carries Denard gets, I don’t see the need to mix it up with a whole lot of backs, especially when Shaw seems durable and would benefit from the chance to get in a rhythm. I did like the end around to Kelvin Grady. Reminded me of Lloyd. For as conservative as that man was, he always loved mixing in at least one reverse per game -- usually to a guy like Braylon or Calvin Bell or David Terrell.

BF: I’d like to see one of the running backs separate themselves to the point that there’s no question who you want in the game. It looks like Mike Shaw is that guy. Now, Fitzgerald Toussaint is pretty close to returning from an injury. I’d like to see what he has to offer.

RG: Fitz T is a pretty big fella -- 5-10, 200 -- who could bring the boom like some of our locomotives of yesteryear.

BF: I think I speak for a lot of Michigan fans who are still holding on to the Anthony Thomases and the guys who really lowered the shoulder -- those big power backs.

RG: Even in Rod’s offense, there’s a time and place when you get in that red zone, or you need to kill the clock, where you need that. Let’s hope we take care of our needs for Bowling Green this Saturday in the first half. But after Saturday, I’m counting no chicks before they hatch. There are so many areas that have made me cringe continually through three weeks. Special teams is still looking shaky.

BF: Oh boy. That’s ... jeez. First of all, you’ve got to take Jeremy Gallon off punt return. That’s three games, and he has two fumbles.

RG: Let’s call them egregious fumbles.

BF: Both of them. He missed one that was about two feet too high for him to get, and he missed one that was about 10 feet in front of him that he had to dive for. You might as well have Tate back there; you’re not using him for anything else.

RG: There’s an idea. But I don’t see him running away from too many guys.

BF: Put anybody back there. Put Vince Smith back there. Anybody who’s not gonna fumble.

RG: Last year it was Junior Hemingway. We may see him. Martavious would be fine. Or how about Grady? He’s a bit more expendable than the other wideouts, and I like what I see from him so far. He’s shifty.

BF: Terrence Robinson is another option. He’s got a little scoot to him. He looked good in the UConn game.

RG: The whole receiving corps has really impressed me. Steady. Catching most of balls thrown their way, blocking downfield. Other than Denard and the O-line, that’s our biggest strength.

BF: That’s one of the most noticeable differences in this offense: The emphasis on downfield blocking, especially by the receivers. Hemingway, Stonum, Odoms and Roundtree -- they’re all doing their jobs.

RG: And their only real deficiency is their height. I think they make up for it with speed and YAC. Now, defensively. F. Where do you even start?

BF: I think you’ve got to start with Greg Robinson.

RG: Has he been evicted from his southeastern Michigan home yet?

BF: Man. If it doesn’t turn around, he’s on his way. Put it this way: If you’re Dave Brandon, the AD, your focus has to shift from Rich Rod’s job to the D coordinator’s. He’s got to have a strong hand in that. You’ve got to realize Michigan has had its problems under Rod. The sanctions are going to come down soon. Hopefully the NCAA accepts what we’ve put on the table. But this much is clear: Rodriguez can recruit, and he can field an offense. That’s half the battle. It’s clear that his offense is a National Championship-caliber, Big Ten Championship-caliber offense.

RG: Ooo. I wouldn’t go there just yet, simply because we haven’t beaten anybody. I don’t see the Huskies, Irish or Minutemen having seasons they feel great about. Let’s just agree that our offense is better than our defense.

BF: Schematically, Robinson got out-coached Saturday. When you look at the 11 athletes that are on the field for us against the 11 that are on the field for them, they’re not stronger; they’re not faster; they’re not bigger; they’re not better. There’s no excuse for the defense to be that out of position. That’s coaching.

RG: But let’s not pretend that our personnel is the ‘85 Bears and Robinson is preventing them from succeeding. We have some serious lack of artillery in certain areas.

BF: Well, sure. When your secondary and your corners lose contain and they (UMass) get outside as many times as they did, it’s bad. The personnel is still problematic.

RG: Our defensive backs look like high schoolers half the time. And our linebackers. You’re telling me Obi Ezeh and Jonas Mouton are seniors? They were horrible. How can you be a senior at Michigan and not lay out for that QB at the goal line? That was an inexcusable lack of effort by Mouton. Imagine what Larry Foote would’ve done to that poor kid.

BF: He should’ve hit the ground with his helmet off. He should’ve been absolutely murdered on that play. That play is a microcosm of the difficulties. Now, if you’re looking for a silver lining, the biggest play the defense gave up all day was 19 yards.

RG: So what? UMass had the ball for like two-thirds of the game, and that was by design. They ate up the clock, and we let them.

BF: What bothers me are the 12-yard cushions we give opposing receivers. If you’re going to give up a 12-yard cushion and you’re not going to get consistent pressure on the quarterback, you’re doing your entire unit a disservice. You’re better off running a bump and run and rushing more guys.

RG: I think we should just blitz more. The 3-3-5 makes me sick. Why play five DBs when they’re your worst players? Give me a 5-2, or a 4-3, or any scheme where we can have another lineman or backer or head hunter out there who can get to the quarterback. I love the way Mike Martin, Craig Roh and most of the line is playing, but those guys need to be told “SIC!” more often. You don’t think they’d love to be sent on aggressive blitzes 20 times a game, and with some extra company? If we get burned deep, we get burned deep. But at least we get the ball back. That’s really our best defense.

BF: With the LBs, I give a pass to Mouton. He did enough in the first two games for me to turn my head. But Obi Ezeh, in my opinion, does not deserve to keep his job right now. He is slow-footed, he misreads plays, he’s just a non-factor at that position.

RG: Isn’t that a surprise? Because he looked so good as a sophomore. Really, I thought he was one of our best players in the 3-9 season.

BF: Kenny Demens deserves to play. That’s Ezeh’s backup. Generally, though, I don’t get some of these personnel decisions that are made. It just doesn’t add up.

RG: Well maybe we’ll be able criticize or praise Les Miles at that D coordinator position next year.

BF: I really think we need LSU to lose.

RG: Boo Tigers.

BF: My faith in Greg Robinson is in the cellar right now.

RG: How about your faith in Denard Robinson?

BF: Couldn’t be higher.

RG: He had what could’ve been perceived as a lackluster game for him, and he still had exemplary numbers: 10-for-14 for 241 yards and two TDs through the air; 17 carries for 104 and a rushing TD. I like this young man.

BF: God, he looks great, man. His decision-making, his accuracy. Complete command.

RG: I don’t see any reason to play Tate or Devin early in a game as long as Denard stays healthy.

BF: I agree with that. He hasn’t taken many monster hits, and there’s really no point in speculating on that stuff. It can happen to anybody on any play. I do want to see Devin Gardner play. I do because Denard isn’t going to be the Michigan quarterback forever.

RG: Don’t say that. DON’T SAY THAT!

BF: Gardner needs to get in there.

RG: Well, we need to blow out Bowling Green so we can see Devin, because that’s going to be our last “easy game.” I even hesitate to say that.

BF: Indiana could be a street fight.

RG: Indiana could be a rout, for them, if our defense plays like it did last week.

BF: Well, there is a brief bit of good news on the recruiting front: Demetrius Hart, an Orlando running back, took an official visit to Auburn. He loved it. It’s down to Auburn and Michigan. That would be the final piece of the puzzle on offense. He’s got the whole package. Alabama and Florida also want him, by the way. But just to envision that offense with he and Denard running it? He’s a home run hitter, and that will help Denard -- especially considering we still may need to outscore some teams for another couple years.

RG: What do you want to see Saturday?

BF: I want to see some murderous play from the linebacker position. It’d be nice if the defense this week could resemble some of those defenses of old. When we were growing up, defense was exciting to watch. Lamarr Woodley, Prescott Burgess, Marlin Jackson, Charles Woodson.

RG: Sam Sword. Shante Orr. Victor Hobson. Jarrett Irons. Yes.

BF: It’s a totally different feel now. It’s anxiety.

RG: You’re not going to snap a finger and just conjure up the 1997 Michigan defense. But you hope a better defense shows up before long. And you hope it doesn’t take three more years, the amount of time it took Rod’s offense to form solidly.

BF: I think a lot of it rests with the coaches. Why is Jordan Kovacs the best player on our defense?

RG: We’ve discussed this. The kid is a blue-chip guy, a hard worker with a high football IQ and a nose for the ball. All the white cliches.

BF: I just want to see some shots at it this week. Send Cam Gordon on a free safety blitz. Pull some stunts. Overload one side of the line. Try something on defense instead of playing so cautious and so conservative. We see where that’s gotten us. Do something different.

RG: But keep winning. Predictions time. What say you?

BF: I’ll go 42-13, Michigan.

RG: OK. I’m going to try for a more realistic crystal ball gaze this week: Heroes 51, Villains 30. Bowling Green doesn’t scare me. But our defense does.

BF: I want one hit this week that’s gonna make me spill my beverage. That’s my goal.

RG: I want 4-0. Go Blue.

BF: Go Blue.

Roger Garfield and Brandon Falk are curious Michigan football fans who wonder whether Bowling Green’s offensive attack will befuddle the Wolverine defenders enough to force Greg Robinson out of town before September ends. They expect the Falcons to fail, but they aren’t putting anything past Greg Robinson. He’s pretty atrocious at what he does. They can be reached at rlouisgar@gmail.com and hbrandonfalk@gmail.com.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Saturday, September 18, 2010

R&B Sling the Blue (Sept. 18, Massachusetts)

ROGER GARFIELD: Since last Saturday I’ve been giddy every time I think about Michigan football. How have you felt about the Wolverines over the past seven days?

BRANDON FALK: I feel as though it’s better to learn form a win than a loss. I’m encouraged by the offense. The defense still makes me nervous. Any big-time recruit who plays free safety should probably know that he can play from Day 1 when he gets on campus next year. But hey, 2-0? We can’t complain.

RG: I have a few mini-complaints that mostly concern play calling and basic strategy, but those can sit on the shelf for a month or so. We indeed are 2-0, and it’s a beautiful thing. The ‘Nard Dog, Denard Robinson, is the talk of college football. We’re playing with a swagger that has been absent for quite some time. And we beat the Domers. Always a delightful feeling.

BF: Those are the kinds of games we lost the last two years. We found a way to lose them. It’s nice that we’re finding a way to win them.

RG: Looking at the schedule, it’s set up favorably now to where we could be anywhere from four to seven games into the fall with no blemishes. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Today we’ve got the Minutemen. I’d like to see a big first half from Denard, then a big second half of him drinking water and walking up and down the sideline perusing the crowd for hot girls. Also, a good defensive day would be excellent.

BF: Seriously, how about Cam Gordon, man? Take a good line on the ball. Jeez. He was singlehandedly responsible for two touchdowns against Notre Dame.

RG: Some venom. Yeah, you’re right, he was pretty, pretty bad. I liked Thomas Gordon, though -- No. 15. He was everywhere.

BF: He’s playing incredibly well. You know he’s not a starter -- he’s only playing because Carvin Johnson is hurt. He’s playing like Jordan Kovacs.

RG: Man, I like Kovacs, but he is SLOW. It’s like he’s running through quicksand with 20-pound weights on his ankles and a Jersey Shore grenade on his shoulders. But the dude makes plays. He has a nose for the ball.

BF: I read an article about Kovacs that was interesting. The coaches were saying how he’s not a long-term fix for us. “We gotta get somebody in that position with speed. We gotta find someone more athletic. We gotta get someone who can play there.” And you never do, because he never gets beaten out for the spot.

RG: And he’s a walk-on. Great story. I think his work ethic is rubbing off on the rest of the defensive unit. Let’s hope they return the favor and bless him with an extra 0.1 on his 40 time or something.

BF: You know what’s bothering me? Our running backs have got to get more production.

RG: Ehh, you can’t lose sleep over that. Our rushing stats are not exactly lacking. Denard simply monopolizes the ball.

BF: I’d still like to see those guys get more carries and Denard get less. Let’s get Stevie Hopkins 10-15 trips today.

RG: Denard needs less wear and tear. Today will be a good chance for him to sit back after he throws up his 300 yards rushing on 13 carries. Then, your boy Stevie should get a few carries. You know, I thought there was a chance it would be close with these Minutemen this afternoon, but then I saw the comments that player made about the Big House being “the little house on the prairie.” If I’m that guy’s coach, I leave him in Amherst. Don’t rile a sleeping giant.

BF: Your best hope at coming into Ann Arbor is that Michigan is going to overlook you. The last thing you want to do is drum up a little motivation.

RG: Well, let’s cue the michigan band and have them drum up the Victors about 42, 43 times today, shall we? Michigan 70, UMass 15.

BF: I say 50-14, Michigan.

RG: I wouldn’t mind seeing Devin Gardner for the entire second half. And I wonder if Tate Forcier will play, because if he is the clear No. 3 on this team, perhaps Rich Rod will save his eligibility by not playing him -- and encourage him to transfer. For Tate’s own good.

BF: Nodody who supports Michigan football should want Tate Forcier to transfer. We need him. As much as people are high on Denard, Denard is one hit away from being out of the game. Then you’ve got Devin, but what if Devin doesn’t perform? We need Tate. He’s a good football player. Lest we remind each other of the day of Nick Sheridan and Steven Threet. We don’t want to go back there.

RG: Well put. Although Threet is now starring for the Sun Devils of Arizona State. Don’t ask me how. Good for him.

BF: Go Blue.

RG: Go Blue. We shall dissect the program and the college football landscape more in a few days. For now, let’s enjoy a rout.

Roger Garfield and Brandon Falk are loyal Michigan football fans who believe this team can soon develop into a national title contender again. In the meantime, they will sit back and enjoy the ride, commenting hopefully and accurately as it progresses, with Mr. Robinson manning the controls. They can be reached at rlouisgar@gmail.com and hbrandonfalk@gmail.com.

Labels: , , , , ,

Thursday, September 09, 2010

R&B Sling the Blue (Sept. 11, at Notre Dame)

ROGER GARFIELD: All right: Three adjectives to describe Michigan’s win Saturday over UConn, go.

BRANDON FALK: Impressive, luck-ridden, fast. Boys in Blue played well, don't get me wrong, but UConn left some points on the field. We'll need to clean some things up to escape South Bend with a W on Saturday.

RG: I'll say enjoyable, assuring, and small. Enjoyable for the obvious reasons -- the sheer glee that Denard Robinson brought to every fan as he went wild. And because we hadn’t seen a nice home win in a long time. Assuring because I felt we could be AWFUL this season, and it appears now that we'll at least be competitive. Small because while it was a big win for confidence, it’s insignificant on the schedule and in the context of this long, trying season that lies ahead.

BF: Your last point is telling. Let us not forget we began undefeated a year ago in the non-conference portion of the schedule, and we all know how the season turned out. Last week was huge for confidence, as well as recruiting. And assuming we drop this game to the Irish, we have to assume we can take care of UMass and Bowling Green in the two games afterwards to begin conference play 3-1. Remember the days when Michigan fans weren't nervous to play FCS opponents or MAC schools? I think those days are back, to be sure.

RG: Saturday's outcome assures me of that, yes. But we still don't know how good or bad UConn is. My guess is they're better than they showed Saturday. And Michigan's ceiling is also much higher. Whether the Wolverines can keep improving at a steady rate remains to be seen. Let's hope they don't get worse and worse each week, like they did after October arrived last year.

BF: Lets dive right into this Saturday's game against the Irish, shall we? I guess I'll begin with some red flags I saw last week, and some encouraging signs that give me hope for a W.

RG: Kick that baby off.

BF: One could argue that a defense is only as good as the number of points it allows, and by that standard, the D last week was pretty good. I still have questions about the secondary. Jordan Kovacs, while a sure tackler, has sub-par athleticism and it will be tested this week. True freshman Carvin Johnson, who grabbed a starting safety/linebacker hybrid position in the opener last week, is out this week with a sprained knee. He'll be replaced by walk-on Floyd Simmons. J.T. Floyd will have to defend an air assault from Notre Dame QB Dayne Crist headed for Michael Floyd, a surefire top 5 receiver on Mel Kiper Jr.'s Big Board. Safety Cam Gordon found himself in position for some big hits last week and missed; I'd love see him separate helmet from head one of these times.

RG: Yeah, Floyd torched us in the Big House last year. Granted, he had another Alpha Dog on the other side of the field -- Golden Tate, now a receiver for the Seahawks -- which diverted the defense's attention. Still, Floyd is nasty, and how the Michigan secondary performs against him in South Bend should provide everyone with a good gauge of that unit's capabilities. I was pleased with the front seven against the Huskies. Craig Roh and Obi Ezeh (both below) had their hands in a lot of plays, and Mike Martin was an animal.

BF: You're right. The importance of Roh and that front seven getting a consistent pass rush can't be understated, and they did a pretty good job of it last week. You know when the D was at its best, though? When it was on the sideline. Let's talk a little about the importance of Time of Possession for this week’s game.

RG: Well, if we monopolize the ball and orchestrate 7, 8 and 9-minutes drives multiple times per game, we're going to demoralize defenses. We're also going to allow our young defense to ease in to the season and build confidence slowly and surely. Denard's decision-making was a big reason we put together those long drives Saturday, and he'll need to keep protecting the ball throughout the season for obvious reasons. While many teams emphasize winning the turnover battle, it's especially important for this group because of its blatantly unproven defense.

BF: One point in which I'm critical of Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez is his obsession with the big play and the quick strike. There IS such a thing as scoring too quickly, and I have no problem with slow, methodical drives down the field -- albeit with a hurry-up offense. Winning the turnover battle and T.O.P. are absolutely keys to victory against the Fighting Irish. The most important two words for Saturday, though? Keep scoring.

RG: Keep pouring it on. Nothing more discouraging for an offense than to work hard for points only to see them answered on an opponents' ensuing drive. Now, I didn't think Michigan went for the big strike too often Saturday. They had drives of 6 and 8 minutes, and the other three were around 3-minute drives. And it's not like Denard was airing it out to Braylon Edwards and Mercury Hayes up top. He doesn't have those guys. But he does have YOUR BOY Martavious Odoms.

BF: Didn't the slot receivers look great Saturday? Terrence Robinson (right). Tay Odoms. Jeremy Gallon also figures to work his way into the mix at some point. Speaking of the notorious JG, how about that headfirst screamer of a dive to muff the first touch of the pig in his collegiate career?

RG: It wasn't exactly graceful.

BF: That one had the hand of Millen all over it. But hey, at least he's a fast wide receiver right?

RG: Faster than most. Did you see any “Fire Millen” signs in the Big House, by the way? I digress. Let me ask you this: Rich Rod said this week that the key to Michigan beating Notre Dame is executing on offense. It's clear he's an offensive-minded coach. But is he too hopeful in hammering home to the team "score, score, score" -- in denial of a poor defense? Or is that a healthy emphasis?

BF: I think one could make the case that he's too offensively focused. The defections the program has had since Rod’s arrival seem to be tilted toward the defensive side of the ball, and he definitely tends to focus much more heavily on offense -- like it’s the offense’s responsibility to win the game regardless of anything else.

RG: But that’s not true, is it? I suppose you can always outscore somebody, even if you can't stop them.

BF: No. Offense is not as reliable as defense is, in any sport. The intricacy and precision rest with the offense, and if there's one thing I learned ... let's just say when a plan gets too complex, things can go wrong. Why do coaches always say passing is riskier than running?

RG: So “3 yards and a cloud of dust” is a philosophy you have no problem with? Where's the creativity?

BF: Well, a fullback trap is designed for 3 yards, and I would call it a creative play. I'd prefer “7 yards and a cloud of dust.” By no means do I want to see Denard take a knee on a breakaway after a 20-yard gain. But with THIS defense, milking the clock doesn't bother me a bit. I'm merely saying that Rodriguez's primary concern shouldn't be whether 30 points is enough, or how the offensive line’s downfield blocking is looking. Let's get some Lamarr Woodleys and Marlin Jacksons back there, score quickly, force a 3-and-out, and score again. Maybe get one of them little crystal footballs while we're at it?

RG: Yessir! To truly be "Champions of the West," we've got to be elite on both sides of the ball. But we don't necessarily need to do that Saturday. I'm optimistic, sure, but I like the Wolverines by a few touchdowns. I just don't think that slow Irish defense can keep up with Denard. Michigan 41, Notre Dame 18.

BF: Find me a National Champion that won with a poor defense, and I'll find you someone in East Lansing whose rooster hasn't crowed.

RG: Oooo. Ca-caw!

BF: I love that score, and man I hope I'm wrong and you're right, but I'll go 38-34, Michigan.

RG: That has a similar look to it. And a W’s a W. (Even if the scoreboard operator is yawning. Even if you kick the ball to keep it in the air and the ref says you didn’t.)

BF: Well, if we’re lucky, the human victory cigar for this week will be a Stephen Hopkins sighting. True frosh, big power back, in there bleeding clock against the Domers. Let's hope we get a whiff of the smoke, shall we?

RG: I'm coughing already.

BF: Go Blue.

RG: Go Blue.

Roger Garfield and Brandon Falk are longtime Michigan football fans who will try and provide accurate and hopeful weekly assessments of the state of the Wolverines for the remainder of the season. They can be reached at rlouisgar@gmail.com and hbrandonfalk@gmail.com.

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Time to pray, Notre Dame. Denard's waiting.





Eighteen months ago my good friend Brandon and I made a pact to travel from our respective homes at opposite ends of the country to attend a Michigan game. We settled on the contest between the Wolverines and the Fighting Irish last September at Michigan Stadium, and we chose wisely.

Michigan won a thriller, 38-34, after gutsy final drive led by then-freshman quarterback Tate Forcier. I’ve never seen the Big House in a frenzy quite like that.

The triumph was significant for Rich Rod’s bunch, which had no notable victories in his first season as the Michigan coach. It was a signature win, by all means, and it brought with it laughably premature and unwarranted national championship talk, as well as ill-conceived “Tate for Heisman” proclamations.

One year later, many Michigan fans no doubt feel similar positive feelings of promise and hope, although the quarterback they’re clamoring over dons dreads, not sun-streaked blonde hair.

Denard Robinson, not Forcier, is the new face of Michigan football. His performance in the Wolverines’ season-opening win Saturday over UConn was impressive, and he made it look effortless. The kid can play, but can he endure an entire season in the Big Ten -- against tougher and much more physical competition than he faced versus the Huskies? We shall see. (But if we see more of the same, then we can talk about that trophy that’s passed out every December -- and Denard’s chances of hoisting it.)

In the meantime, Notre Dame presents a major challenge for the young Wolverines, who will be without a few key guys after injuries suffered against Connecticut. If Denard can put up similar numbers to those ones he dropped in Week One, however, the injuries will not matter.

The Dreadlocked Wonder was wonderful, magnificent, glorious, great. There aren’t enough adjectives. I don’t know if I’m more impressed with his 197 rushing yards or his 19-for-22 day through the air. He did it all, and he was in full command every time he had the ball. He was the man. There should be no ambiguity for the remainder of the season about the team’s quarterback. Next to No. 1 on the QB depth chart there should always be a No. 16.

He will have his rough patches, and he may have them this week. Notre Dame’s defense is better now than it was a year ago in Ann Arbor, when it allowed 38 points and a-million-and-a-half yards of offense to the Wolverines. And the Irish also have a new coach in Brian Kelly, who has won wherever he has stopped. Say what you want about the guy, but he can coach, and he can win. He’ll have the Irish as ready as they can be.

(I personally think Kelly is a chop. He managed to rub Lloyd Carr the wrong way a few years back when Michigan considered him for its head job. He also left Cincinnati last season in cowardly fashion, lying to the kids who had bled in the Bearcats jerseys for him. Without that, he wouldn’t have had a shot to be Notre Dame’s guy.)

But how ready can you be for No. 16? I don’t know. Michigan still has its weak spots, but perhaps the quarterback play can trump all of the deficiencies this week and get the Wolverines off to another 2-0 start. I’d say it’s a safe bet -- even though some people in this universe of ours call Notre Dame “God’s team.”

I believe in God, but even He couldn’t tackle Denard Robinson.

You can contact Roger Garfield on Facebook or at rlouisgar@gmail.com.

Monday, September 06, 2010

Mother Jones piece

Today Mother Jones published a personal narrative I wrote about my first year of teaching, framed in the context of the ongoing challenges faced by everyone in DC Public Schools. I was pleased with how it turned out and grateful to have it put out there -- anywhere -- by a respected publication. There are so many factors discouraging kids from learning here in DC, yet many people believe they're not capable of learning. That bothers me seriously. Maybe this piece can help shed light on what our daily charge is here in DC -- and in many similar school districts around the country.

Confessions of a DC Teacher