U of M thread (in the Lions Forum) :)

[gjdodger]

So you're saying Rich Rodriguez' offense is exactly the same as that of Kirk Ferentz?

[chemiclord]

No.

I am saying that running the Spread wasn't what doomed Rodriguez.

[froot loops]

The whole problem is its all about the offense. The defense has been an afterthought. If you have a defense that you are comfortable with in the Big Ten to be able to win a low scoring affair then you can run any offense you want. But if you don't and have to win by score 35-45 points, it won't matter what offense you run. You won't be successful.

When you are in the Big East and you get the benefit of 5 non-conference games and a depleted conference after VT, BC and Miami left, you can put up a nice record and avoid getting exposed.

[Niffla]

Yep ^^

[chemiclord]

The lack of anything resembling a defense is what's doomed Rodriguez.

[WingsFan]

>It worked in the slewfooted Big East


It works in the Pac 10 too with Oregon. If the D and the SP were not pathetic the O would be put in more favorable field positions. 1 out of 3 is why Michigan can't beat the better teams.

[SeattleLionsFan]

It also works pretty well in the slewfooted SEC.

[Topweasel]

I'd argue that Top's argument is EXACTLY why you don't hire RichRod in the first place - and why you bring in a Harbaugh.

Last thing a school of Michigan's stature needed was to bring in a guy who "can't win without his players" and it's gonna take 5 years to get them. In the meantime you get relegated to being a laughing stock in the conference if not the nation.

Oh you don't hire RichRod and Harbaugh's style is exactly what you want at Michigan. Just Michigan isn't like Cincinatti and you shouldn't expect it to get new coaches every three years as they get better jobs. Michigan, much like most major schools should be the end of the line not a stepping stone. It is the better Job.

[Topweasel]

Ohio is still proof that the Spread can be great in the Big Ten. Problem is the attention placed on offense or lack on defense. Also the lack of Football players. Ohio's spread and D is loaded with players that can make it to the NFL. Michigan is actively recruiting the smallest players possible. You can get good speed with size and if speeds are similar size is always going to win. Its like the Tampa 2 that way, sure if you have great players they can be undersized, but undersized is no way to recruit.

[Mainevent]

The spread can work if you're patient and flexible with it, but you've also got to be able to get physical in the Big Ten when it matters. RR always seems to get impatient when the big play doesn't come. Sometimes you just have to be happy with your RB getting 4 yards a pop.

[froot loops]

What Rodrigues is running is much different than other spreads as well. Its too reliant on the QB. Can anyone ever see a guy like Denard Robinson lasting a full season playing full games?

[SeattleLionsFan]

Sure I could.

the problem I have with it, is I think there are too many moving pieces. I think this is what has lead to all the turnovers.

[Rocky Bleier]

I just hope that Brandon's "I'm waiting until the season (bowl season) is over to evaluate everything" is a smokescreen. You can't wait that long and expect to find a top tier head coach. My dream scenario is that Harbaugh is hired after he coaches his team in their bowl game. Avoid another Les Miles/Kirk Herbstriet type of blunder.

[froot loops]

Robinson went out of a lot of games this year. Too much wear and tear on the guy. I don't think its too many moving pieces though, its just a read option offense. The QB is always the moving piece, there is a lot of pressure on that position he has to make the correct reads and subject himself to the punishment.

[chemiclord]

I just hope that Brandon's "I'm waiting until the season (bowl season) is over to evaluate everything" is a smokescreen. You can't wait that long and expect to find a top tier head coach. My dream scenario is that Harbaugh is hired after he coaches his team in their bowl game. Avoid another Les Miles/Kirk Herbstriet type of blunder.

If Brandon is considering a coaching change, that is probably why he's holding off on making any concrete announcement. If he's considering a coaching change, I'm reasonably certain he's already asking around. Of course, Brandon doesn't have to deal with a vindictive Lloyd Carr trying to sabotage the search, so he has that going for him...