Michigan Football: Tidbits from MaizeMan — For Clarity Sake
Posted at 6:00am — 1/7/2014
Michigan Football: Tidbits from MaizeMan — For Clarity Sake
Just cannot get team #134 out of my system. Since spring I really felt we were going to see a breakout year in a couple areas.
1) and increase of physical play on defense.
2) a vastly improved running game.
Well we did not see either, so my thoughts
The issues currently associated with UM football I believe started a decade ago. It happened under Carr later years went through RR tenure and now is still with us under Hoke.
In a strange way, I feel it is 1969 all over again. History has repeated itself. UM back in those days were going through much of the same issues as today especially a lack of excitement when it came to our football program. Players back then had up and down years and at times seemed to go through the motions, many fans of UM football back then accepted disappointment and excuses were very much the same as today.
What was the remedy, we hired Bo. And what was the key to Bo, he brought something we desperately need now toughness and toughness throughout the program. He did not care whose feelings he hurt, who stayed around, he knew long term he needed to send some uncomfortable messages to everyone coaches, fans, players, you name it.
(IMO) this is why Hoke was hired. This is why Hoke spent much of his early days as coach at UM talking about bringing back football “the Michigan Way”. This is why David Brandon hired him because if Brandon knows one thing he knows this is the way back to success.
Dec 28, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke in the second half against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Kansas State defeated Michigan 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsThe problem we have is Hoke has talked about this aspect of Bo’s legacy, but so far he has been unsuccessful in implementing the necessary structure needed to ensure everyone is on this page. And this is why I believe Hoke can make all the changes he wants in his coaching staff, but it is Hoke himself who needs to re-access his approach.
It is also my opinion that at times when you want to send this message, initially have to step on many toes and especially make players very uncomfortable even at the expense of some leaving the program and even maybe losing a recruit or two.
2) Sometimes the problem I have with our discussions about changing coaches is most of the position coaches are operating under the directions of Hoke or the coordinators. I understand at times there is a need to have “fall guys”, but it is always difficult to see anyone lose a job.
3) So here we are start of year 4 of program. When Hoke took over his immediate job was to recruit and get our depth back to acceptable levels. He needed to upgrade our talent pool, he has done that. Now it is time to take the gloves off.
Nov 30, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller (5) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Ben Gedeon (42) in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports4) I think we will find out this off-season and into spring if there are signs of change within the program. I understand the argument those are making that we just need “more birthdays”, but older players does not mean tougher players at times older players can mean players who have become accustom and accepting mediocrity. I also understand the role of Seniors, but this message must start with Hoke.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — MaizeMan
Go Blue — Wear Maize!