MMBbones

January 6th, 2024 at 2:00 PM ^

I have a nephew (by marriage) who is a recent OSU graduate. Engineer (I didn't know they had an engineering school, but I guess they do and you probably have to be fairly bright to get through it. As opposed to their PhD's in milking cows. Anyway...) Four years ago he made the comment: "Is Michigan even a rival anymore?" I held my peace. And I continue to hold my peace, recognizing the young man has probably become very much more aware of reality of late.

Joined: 08/28/2008

MGoPoints: 9882

tybert

January 6th, 2024 at 2:56 PM ^

I'm a retired UM Chem Eng grad but had a chance to work with many B1G school engineers in the chemical industry over a 35 year career. Schools like Minny, Wis, Purdue, Illinois, NW, Ohio, PSU, etc. The Ohio engineers were indeed top notch (as were the MSU grads) but I suspected we were getting the top of the class. Ohio ranks decently for engineering, better than MSU, but not as good as UM, Minny, Illinois, etc.

I think in your case the relative experience of this young man (we went 2-17 from 2001 to 2019) plays a big part. Plus, most years we were CLEARLY inferior, unlike the Cooper years when he had some great teams (93-97) but lost 4 of 5.

We lost a game or two when we were clearly the better team going into the game (2004, perhaps 2016).

No one can convince me that Sweater Vest and Scuzball kicker kicker didn't consider us the Death Star. They spent 12 months getting ready for one game. 3rd base lucked into his job and now is finding out a new reality.

Joined: 11/17/2008

MGoPoints: 8453

JacquesStrappe

January 6th, 2024 at 6:18 PM ^

Are you saying that doing forward Day is going to be HC, OC, and QB Coach? That seems to be exactly the opposite direction he should be going. 

Talk about taking on all accountability. That’s actually pretty gutsy for Day but probably not too smart. He will be overwhelmed with responsibilities and have own the whole thing if everything goes sideways. Then again, he probably figures that he is out anyway if he loses to us again so maybe he doesn’t want to depend on anyone else.  

Joined: 04/19/2019

MGoPoints: 4994

Scarlatina

January 6th, 2024 at 2:18 PM ^

Probably a long time coming, last season there was a call for Ryan Day to start delegating more offensive coaching responsibilities and focus more on being a CEO-type head coach. Since taking over as head coach, Day maintained his offensive play-calling responsibilities, and is heavily involved in QB coaching still on a day-to-day basis. After the departure of long-time OC Kevin Wilson to be Tulsa's HC, and promotion of first-time OC Brain Hartline, I think Day was definitely stretched thinner trying to fill/support all 3 roles (HC, OC, and QB coach) this season.

Current QB coach, Corey Dennis, is known as a great recruiter, but always has been a confusing fit at QB coach due to his background as a former GaTech triple-option WR as a player. It is likely the bulk of the actual QB coaching is from Ryan Day. Dennis is a hold-over from the end of the Urban Meyer era (also happens to be Urban's son-in-law), and his contract is set to expire at the end of January, and it is unlikely to be renewed for 2024-2025.

Special teams coordinator, Parker Fleming is also the other coach rumored to be let go. Under Meyer, the special teams coaching was taken on by Urban Meyer himself, but Fleming was promoted internally to STC in 2021. Since then the special teams has been below average-to-average at best. Players line up in illegal formations, they miscommunicate on trick plays, and other execution mistakes. Many teams can get by without a full-time STC, and it seems strange to retain one that hasn't been able to build a strong special team (especially at the cost of a potential defensive asst. coach).

Who knows if any of the rumors are true though, despite Day readily making coaching changes on the defensive side of the ball almost every season, he has been slow to make any changes on the offensive side. I'll believe it when I actual see it.

Joined: 12/22/2011

MGoPoints: 2379

tybert

January 6th, 2024 at 3:00 PM ^

Fleming should have gotten axed after 2022. They had a lackluster season on special teams. The blown fake punt (which may have been a TD) in 2022 vs UM alone would have gotten other guys fired. Ruggles was a pretty good PK for them but badly missed the most important kick of his life vs UGA. The miss likely caused them a natty because TCU was no match for them. 

Joined: 11/17/2008

MGoPoints: 8453

Amazinblu

January 6th, 2024 at 2:05 PM ^

Another point regarding the Buckeyes season, if I may.

This team - and their fan base - which seems to be going through an internal meltdown - started this season with eleven consecutive wins.   IIRC, they might have even been ranked first in early CFP Selection Committee ranking releases.

Their culture is quite interesting.

Joined: 01/22/2010

MGoPoints: 41392

MGlobules

January 6th, 2024 at 2:05 PM ^

To dissatisfied fans, all change tends to loom as good. To institutions, not so much. They tend to be slow to change, slow to adjust. There's just no guarantee that when you shake things up that success follows. And it takes time. That's why I always welcome it for other teams and worry over the prospect for us, especially when things are going well.

 

Joined: 11/17/2008

MGoPoints: 47664

three_honks

January 6th, 2024 at 3:34 PM ^

Had OSU lost to Mizzou, say, 14-13 due to 3 fumbles and 2 ints, the Cotton Bowl would rightly be viewed as a "who cares" exhibition.

But that anemic offensive output has got to be greatly troubling as a foreshadowing of 2024.  A terrible OLine performance (losing just their center to a probable disciplinary action).  

I don't think Michigan would look that great this year if we had to play our 3rd string QB.  Not many would these days with the transfer portal.

Joined: 11/13/2023

MGoPoints: 6775