Rutgers @ Michigan, Saturday, September 28th, Noon EDT, BTN/Fox Video

[AlabamAlum]

[hack]

No, but at this point there's nothing you can hang your hat on -- there's nothing you can say for certain is going to be a strength next Saturday. The way forward here is to recognize that they've been trying out out-strategize the opposition and have been completely ignoring the basic risk-reward calculations that every football coach makes. Don Brown solves his problems with aggression, and creates just as many in the process. The offense has a fumbing issue, so on the first crucial run play of the game they hand it off in the red zone to a guy who hasn't carried it yet this year. That's just a pure refusal to acknowledge the laws of physics. People crazy enough to do that week in/week out aren't sane enough to suddenly own up to it and stop. But that's what they need to do. Shrink the playbook down; focus on execution and ball security. Stop trying to win the game by being smarter, because you're not that smart. Maybe you once were, but that time is in the past.

[Tom W]

The offense has a fumbing issue, so on the first crucial run play of the game they hand it off in the red zone to a guy who hasn't carried it yet this year. That's just a pure refusal to acknowledge the laws of physics. People crazy enough to do that week in/week out aren't sane enough to suddenly own up to it and stop. But that's what they need to do. Shrink the playbook down; focus on execution and ball security. Stop trying to win the game by being smarter, because you're not that smart. Maybe you once were, but that time is in the past.

Well, Mason hadn't fumbled before, so... LOL. I don't have as much problem with this as everyone else with this play- except for the fact hat they obviously hadn't properly prepared to run it and/or it was a reactionary call. But that lack of control may be even more troubling than the insistence on putting magic tricks into the play book.

It s amazing what fundamentals can do to talented players- of which Michigan has.plenty of. They do make you look smarter and the magic tricks aren't travelling carnival grade..

[hack]

JMO but they are related. The magic tricks are inserted because there's no lack of control in the first place. There's have been no need for it had Michigan stressed ball security in the first place. Maybe if Michigan could field blocking RBs that pick up the blitz, and punt returners and QBs that don't fumble, it wouldn't have had to run Charbonnett 33 times, and maybe Charbonnett would therefore have been available to take that 2nd and 7 handoff instead of resorting to the desperation stuff.

[THE_WIZARD_]

M 15 Ruts-gers 5

[Tom W]

Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. - Arthur C. Clarke

IOW, well coached talent is the best trick of all.

[Hannibal]

M 15 Ruts-gers 5

You think that we are that good?!

[THE_WIZARD_]

You think that we are that good?!

No.

[Hannibal]

We're a 27.5 point favorite. Another weekend of very easy money betting against Michigan.

[THE_WIZARD_]

tOSU is only -15 vs. UNL. Easy money there too. Lay the points...make some Benjis

[Hannibal]

Agreed

[THE_WIZARD_]

It's now tOSU -17.5...glad I got in at 15...heh

[Hannibal]

The bettors must have Post Bauserman Stress Disorder.

[THE_WIZARD_]

Yes I still miss Bauserman...and Fickell...

[Hannibal]

Yes I still miss Bauserman...and Fickell...

I might start the Fickell to Michigan campaign soon.