Mailbag question: The program being setback
Mailbag question: The program being setback
First off, let me say how much I love the site and all of the information it has.
My question is do you think the program will be set back tremendously if they were to fire Coach Rod at this point? I just think we would be stuck with a bunch of guys that were recruited to run the spread. That would be O.K. if Michigan hired another spread coach. I just think all of this fire Coach Rod talk is from shortsighted people who want results now (or yesterday). I am not happy with the way things are right now, but I do understand it is a marathon and not a sprint. I look forward to your comments.
Thanks and Go Blue
Jason R.
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Thanks for the question.
To be honest, a somewhat yes or no answer is the best we can offer currently. Only time will truly answer some of the possibilities cited above.
So, is the program on a marathon or sprint footing? Only David Brandon will have the definitive say.
Many have already concluded that if the administration makes a change after this season it will be doom and gloom for many more years, but we have to ask why so and is this underlying assumption of doom even close to being infallible?
There are high expectations at a place like Notre Dame this year that has changed coaches and offensive scheme, similar to what Michigan did in 2008
As far as Michigan goes: We believe the offensive line would be fine in any system. They are a group that could play in a pro style offense, a spread offense, pretty much whatever. This group is not much different than the past offensive linemen groups size-wise. The 2010 crop is probably more athletic across the board than some of the past offensive lines.
The split ends would need at least one more true vertical threat and a couple of tight ends would need to be added. This is something we believe this team is missing now no matter what system is being used. We also believe the tight ends need to be a bigger part of the offensive game plan.
Slot receivers still could be used in other offenses more than people think or believe. They could be used just as Steve Breaston was at Michigan as the third wide receiver.
We contend the running backs would be fine because they could be used in almost any type of offense. If UM went to a power game, a good fullback, who is willing to sacrifice himself to create holes in a power game, would be a must.
Devin Gardner is the type of quarterback who like a Vince Young can succeed in any type of system. We believe he is the type of quarterback who can run a pro style offense and use his feet to scramble out of bad situations, or he could be used in a spread type offense in which he is being counted on to use his legs as a weapon, like the current system.
What kind of defense would the new staff want, what type of players will be needed for a new system? We believe the defense might be a bigger issue than the offense and more difficult to change right away.
Michigan would need to add a couple of defensive tackles and another pure edge rusher, something we would like to see in any system, including the current one.
Some of the hybrids would have problems finding a home.
We also would have concerns at the linebacker position, but we have issues with them now as well.
Could a new coordinator keep most of the players?
That was Coach Rod’s biggest issue/problem and this part of the success equation did not start off very well. UM lost too many key football players.
A team is hard-pressed to succeed when losing a potential first round quarterback, two NFL caliber split ends, four or five solid offensive linemen, and two big body defensive tackles and not have these losses take a toll.
Recruiting is the life-blood of any program and talent helps win games. No matter how much fans want to say that ratings do not matter — they do in most cases.
Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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