One of the best board posts I've seen. Thanks Nashville.
I still can't wrap my head around why so many highly touted recruits just haven't been successful here or transferred. Just reinforces how badly the staff is doing with development of talent, because recruiting has certainly not been the problem
Perfectly stated. Each point you made are exactly how it needs to be done. Especially your points about building competition, conditioning, demanding growth and development, and a culture that has the Will to Win.
We have had plenty of talented recruits who were awesome prospects that just didn't get developed up to their potential. Yes, even at quarterback. (And Shea Patterson was the #4 ranked overall in 2016, did very well before transferring here in 2018, then... well we all remember).
The problem isn't the kids who come to play for UM. The problem is that we lack the conditioning and skills development of the elite programs like Bama, Clemson, OU, Ohio, etc. Heck, just look at what Wiscy does with their much lower level recruits. They turn them into record setting RBs, and send entire rosters of linemen into the NFL. Sure, maybe Wiscy isn't at the level of elite like Ohio and Bama, etc., but they do so much more with so much less.
I honestly believe that if the university puts as much effort into prioritizing strength / conditioning and getting the best talent development we can find, then we will compete evenly with teams like Ohio again.
Agreed. I used to believe the myth that our academic standards were applied evenly across the university; but I was disappointed to learn that it isn't so for those in the scholarship athletics programs. Besides, teams like Ohio and Wiscy have the same requirements for undergrad admissions, and also have more nationally recognized academic athlete awardees every year; so we can't claim some sort of education high ground with that either.
As those of us who attended our Alma Mater will attest, undergrad requirements and difficulty are much easier than the truly high standards for making the cut into the Masters and Professional Degree programs. THAT's where UM's academic gold standard exists. And that has nothing at all to do with players being recruited into our football or basketball team.
Definitely looks like a three team battle to win the B1G this season. UM, Rutgers and Wiscy are the class of the conference. Illinois, Purdue, Iowa and Minny look like the mid-tier, then there's everyone else. But the whole conference is really strong. I'm really looking forward to the dance this year! I really feel good about getting to the final four
Yes! I said before that he's True Blue! I know that with his measurables that he would have been selected in the 3rd or 4th rounds of the draft. I respect Aidan's fidelity to our team over the $$$ and hope for more good news like this about others who could leave in the near future.
I think there is a misunderstanding. From what I read previously, revenue sharing is from profits rather than total revenues. Obviously profit is the amount remaining after expenditures, so costs for scholarships, coaching and staff salaries are already accounted for prior to determining the total profits. It's not feasible to remove 50% of total revenues from any university's athletics department. I don't think that even Texas, UM or OSU spend less than 50% of their revenues to run all of their sports programs.
Being fairly new to the blog, I was unsure of the differences between Diary and Board. Reading through various pieces, I fail to see the difference. Any insights provided are most appreciated.
umgo, yes I'd love to see what you have to say about it. I've wondered for a while about how recruiting will be impacted and what changes it will create.
Very well said. Definitely the most cogent post I've seen regarding Coach Harbaugh in context.
I actually have a positive outlook about the future of UM football, because Coach has still managed to recruit well. Fans also shouldn't discount the culture of our school, which will always enable it to attract the talent and leadership to improve the program. (You don't have to look too far in the past to see the down years and elite years for other blueblood program universities... USC, Bama, etc. have all had these low points). I believe that Coach Harbaugh will hire some better assistant coaches and strength program coaches to develop the recruited talent and compete with Ohio for Division and Conference championships.
Good get. Having agile but powerful DTs is important. The days of 320 lb earthmovers in the middle of the line are gone since the explosive spread offenses took over the game. Think about Ohio's "rushmen", that's what it's based on. Quick, explosive D-linemen who still have the power to use their hands and leverage to push into the backfield to disrupt plays.
At least we have the #9 class for 2021 so far. But yeah, I'm shocked we haven't gotten a single 4* CB in the class. I'm thinking that we get a new DB coach for next season
There could be any number of reasons for why Carpenter is leaving that have nothing at all to do with Coach H. Maybe a family situation back home. Maybe he knows that Vastardis is definitely returning for another season and he knows he can start for another program right away. Or it could be a combination of those sorts of things that all add up together to make it a wise choice for his future.
It's clear that he would become a solid contributor for the team, so I'm disappointed that he's leaving. But, we have a LOT of talented O-linemen / Centers on the roster with more coming in future classes. Next man up.
This article is saying everything I've been telling my friends who are worried about the decision not already happening. And while I don't know anything at all about the NFL, I do hope that Coach Harbaugh lands an opportunity there at the end of this season.
As for the future of the Michigan coaching staff, I'm really hoping that we do get Campbell. He's proven to be able to develop players and immediately turn around failing football programs, and that's what Michigan needs most.
This article is saying everything I've been telling my friends who are worried about the decision not already happening. And while I don't know anything at all about the NFL, I do hope that Coach Harbaugh lands an opportunity there at the end of this season.
As for the future of the Michigan coaching staff, I'm really hoping that we do get Campbell. He's proven to be able to develop players and immediately turn around failing football programs, and that's what Michigan needs most.
I sure hope Austin Davis doesn't have a high ankle sprain (it sure looked like it though). That injury can really hang around and haunt a player for a long time, similar to how an achilles tendon strain can. He means an awful lot to this roster.
Gob, like you, I remember that game all too well (hated seeing Coach Elliott go out that way). And I posted a similar comment earlier about a 6th game being meaningless and arbitrary in this case. As much as it galls me to say it, Ohio has won our Division and earned the right to play for the CCG.
For me, seeing comments from our fans hoping Ohio would be left out of the B1G CCG and/or the CFP because of the Wolverines cancelling The Game, was just sad. I look forward to the day when Michigan Nation once again knows that we can and will end Ohio's opportunities for championships by besting them on the gridiron. We really need for our team to regain their culture, a Will to Win, a refusal to lose, and regain their rightful place among the elites in CFB. And like you said, that takes a daily commitment to excellence 24/7/365.
I have to agree with you on this (as I just puked in my mouth a little).
It's the right thing that the best teams represent their divisions in the B1G CCG, and like it or not Ohio is undefeated. Besides, even if they played a sixth game and lost, they would still have the best record and go play in Indianapolis since they have the head-to-head win over the Hoosiers.
So in this case, the 6 game "rule" is meaningless, and we all know it was arbitrary from it's inception anyway
I think Bama looks like the best team too. Other than some defensive issues in their earliest games, they've looked excellent in all three phases. BUT, I can't assume they're the best until the CFP games are played. We honestly can't know who is really best.
The Domers look really solid to me too, especially in the trenches. I think they stand a chance against any team this year. I expect they'll beat Clemson again. Yes, I know, they won last time without having to face Lawrence, but the backup QB did every bit as well as Lawrence could have. The Domers beat the Tiger defense and special teams, while their defense was excellent against the run.
Ohio hasn't played enough games against anybody (Hoosiers are good, but don't have the skilled roster that the elite programs have); But we don't know that they aren't actually better than Bama, Clemson and ND either. Show of hands: Who here thought they could have beaten #1 Bama and #2 Oregon to win the first CFB championship like they did (with a 3rd string QB)?
This really sucks. I know most of you want this season to be over, but I want to see our team compete in every game possible. They're young and inexperienced and deserve as many chances to play and get better as they can get. I hate that this covid pandemic has hurt our program so badly.
Prayers for all of our players and staff that they will recover and return to full health.
I've felt exactly the same way. Been a fan for even longer with my first game being at E. Lansing in 64 (what a fantastic season that was!). But everyone should understand that those of us who bleed Maize and Blue will never stop buying season tickets and cheering for our team. Those who do give up the opportunity will just make way for others who haven't been fortunate enough to already have those seats.
What is a mountain without the valley? What is an island without the sea?
Hold true during the low times. It makes the peaks prominent and so much more exhilarating!!!
No doubt that Hafley would immediately elevate every aspect of the team. Recruiting, development, and demanding excellence are his main focuses. We do have talent on the roster. A coach like Hafley would get the most out of them.
Mgoczar is correct on every point here. JH is a good, but not great coach. His biggest fault seems to be in not developing and retaining talented recruits. He HAS recruited at a high level though. There has been some bad luck with injuries, and players leaving early. But other elite teams face the same misfortunes (just look at Ohio). The fact that those teams can still continue at a high level while we aren't tells me there is something else. I think the lack of development is the crux of the problem. We need to get the best strength and conditioning coaches like Ohio has; and also get the best assistants we can get. Say what you want about JH, but we all know how much he loves our team and UM. Yes, it's his fault that he doesn't have the right assistants, but the AD should be able to help him with that (Meyer and Day at Ohio get rid of any bad ones each year with the help of Gene Smith).
Not a whole lot of difference in his record pre or post 2016 OSU when you look at it. He did have more top rated talent on the team then, but not by much.
In my opinion, Coach Harbaugh seems to have lost his optimism about his ability to forge the players into a national championship level team. He used to be a real believer. Today, he just looks deflated and tired of treading water.
Next year, I hope that we hire a young, fired up coaching staff with ideas about how to win in the new era of college football. Look at what Dabo did at Clemson. He started off with a much lower level of talent on his roster and zero historical tradition. Just think about what a similar type of coaching can accomplish with a true blue blood program like ours. We may not have the most elite talent on the team, but they are top ten. Much better than what Dabo had to begin with.
I agree with ckersh. There is something that has happened that is not being discussed. The coaches didn't suddenly forget how to develop and motivate players. And the players were excellent recruits, despite the nonsense folks keep saying about a lack of talent. It has nothing at all to do with the 2016 Game or the call against Coach Harbaugh in that game. Get real folks
I'm just sad that the players aren't performing as they should be. Looking at the recruiting rankings of the players on the field, it just doesn't match up. I'm tired of hearing people claiming that this team lacks the talent, because it's untrue. What they lack is pride, leadership, and a will to win. None of that is on Coach Harbaugh, except that maybe he is just too nice to the players and not demanding enough of them.
Never. I really thought we were in great position to win this one until they got hot at the same time as the wheels fell off. Hopefully we get to knock them out of the B1G tourney
Dantonio shouldn't be allowed to walk away while he is the subject of investigations; and he most certainly shouldn't be handed a $4.3 million dollar bonus to do so. MASU needs to step in and stop this from happening. Those are MI education tax dollars being wasted.
Recent Comments
One of the best board posts I've seen. Thanks Nashville.
I still can't wrap my head around why so many highly touted recruits just haven't been successful here or transferred. Just reinforces how badly the staff is doing with development of talent, because recruiting has certainly not been the problem
Perfectly stated. Each point you made are exactly how it needs to be done. Especially your points about building competition, conditioning, demanding growth and development, and a culture that has the Will to Win.
We have had…
^^^ THIS ^^^
We have had plenty of talented recruits who were awesome prospects that just didn't get developed up to their potential. Yes, even at quarterback. (And Shea Patterson was the #4 ranked overall in 2016, did very well before transferring here in 2018, then... well we all remember).
The problem isn't the kids who come to play for UM. The problem is that we lack the conditioning and skills development of the elite programs like Bama, Clemson, OU, Ohio, etc. Heck, just look at what Wiscy does with their much lower level recruits. They turn them into record setting RBs, and send entire rosters of linemen into the NFL. Sure, maybe Wiscy isn't at the level of elite like Ohio and Bama, etc., but they do so much more with so much less.
I honestly believe that if the university puts as much effort into prioritizing strength / conditioning and getting the best talent development we can find, then we will compete evenly with teams like Ohio again.
Agreed. I used to believe the myth that our academic standards were applied evenly across the university; but I was disappointed to learn that it isn't so for those in the scholarship athletics programs. Besides, teams like Ohio and Wiscy have the same requirements for undergrad admissions, and also have more nationally recognized academic athlete awardees every year; so we can't claim some sort of education high ground with that either.
As those of us who attended our Alma Mater will attest, undergrad requirements and difficulty are much easier than the truly high standards for making the cut into the Masters and Professional Degree programs. THAT's where UM's academic gold standard exists. And that has nothing at all to do with players being recruited into our football or basketball team.
Definitely looks like a three team battle to win the B1G this season. UM, Rutgers and Wiscy are the class of the conference. Illinois, Purdue, Iowa and Minny look like the mid-tier, then there's everyone else. But the whole conference is really strong. I'm really looking forward to the dance this year! I really feel good about getting to the final four
Yes! I said before that he's True Blue! I know that with his measurables that he would have been selected in the 3rd or 4th rounds of the draft. I respect Aidan's fidelity to our team over the $$$ and hope for more good news like this about others who could leave in the near future.
I think there is a misunderstanding. From what I read previously, revenue sharing is from profits rather than total revenues. Obviously profit is the amount remaining after expenditures, so costs for scholarships, coaching and staff salaries are already accounted for prior to determining the total profits. It's not feasible to remove 50% of total revenues from any university's athletics department. I don't think that even Texas, UM or OSU spend less than 50% of their revenues to run all of their sports programs.
Being fairly new to the blog, I was unsure of the differences between Diary and Board. Reading through various pieces, I fail to see the difference. Any insights provided are most appreciated.
True. I didn't think about format, just the ideas.
umgo, yes I'd love to see what you have to say about it. I've wondered for a while about how recruiting will be impacted and what changes it will create.
Very well said. Definitely the most cogent post I've seen regarding Coach Harbaugh in context.
I actually have a positive outlook about the future of UM football, because Coach has still managed to recruit well. Fans also shouldn't discount the culture of our school, which will always enable it to attract the talent and leadership to improve the program. (You don't have to look too far in the past to see the down years and elite years for other blueblood program universities... USC, Bama, etc. have all had these low points). I believe that Coach Harbaugh will hire some better assistant coaches and strength program coaches to develop the recruited talent and compete with Ohio for Division and Conference championships.
Good get. Having agile but powerful DTs is important. The days of 320 lb earthmovers in the middle of the line are gone since the explosive spread offenses took over the game. Think about Ohio's "rushmen", that's what it's based on. Quick, explosive D-linemen who still have the power to use their hands and leverage to push into the backfield to disrupt plays.
We do have an embarrassment of riches in the O-Line
We were all expecting this, right? He's ready and been a true blue contributor. Best of luck in the NFL.
We were all expecting this, right? He's ready and been a true blue contributor. Best of luck in the NFL.
At least we have the #9 class for 2021 so far. But yeah, I'm shocked we haven't gotten a single 4* CB in the class. I'm thinking that we get a new DB coach for next season
Didn't Ewers already commit to them?
There could be any number of reasons for why Carpenter is leaving that have nothing at all to do with Coach H. Maybe a family situation back home. Maybe he knows that Vastardis is definitely returning for another season and he knows he can start for another program right away. Or it could be a combination of those sorts of things that all add up together to make it a wise choice for his future.
It's clear that he would become a solid contributor for the team, so I'm disappointed that he's leaving. But, we have a LOT of talented O-linemen / Centers on the roster with more coming in future classes. Next man up.
This article is saying everything I've been telling my friends who are worried about the decision not already happening. And while I don't know anything at all about the NFL, I do hope that Coach Harbaugh lands an opportunity there at the end of this season.
As for the future of the Michigan coaching staff, I'm really hoping that we do get Campbell. He's proven to be able to develop players and immediately turn around failing football programs, and that's what Michigan needs most.
This article is saying everything I've been telling my friends who are worried about the decision not already happening. And while I don't know anything at all about the NFL, I do hope that Coach Harbaugh lands an opportunity there at the end of this season.
As for the future of the Michigan coaching staff, I'm really hoping that we do get Campbell. He's proven to be able to develop players and immediately turn around failing football programs, and that's what Michigan needs most.
I sure hope Austin Davis doesn't have a high ankle sprain (it sure looked like it though). That injury can really hang around and haunt a player for a long time, similar to how an achilles tendon strain can. He means an awful lot to this roster.
Gob, like you, I remember that game all too well (hated seeing Coach Elliott go out that way). And I posted a similar comment earlier about a 6th game being meaningless and arbitrary in this case. As much as it galls me to say it, Ohio has won our Division and earned the right to play for the CCG.
For me, seeing comments from our fans hoping Ohio would be left out of the B1G CCG and/or the CFP because of the Wolverines cancelling The Game, was just sad. I look forward to the day when Michigan Nation once again knows that we can and will end Ohio's opportunities for championships by besting them on the gridiron. We really need for our team to regain their culture, a Will to Win, a refusal to lose, and regain their rightful place among the elites in CFB. And like you said, that takes a daily commitment to excellence 24/7/365.
I have to agree with you on this (as I just puked in my mouth a little).
It's the right thing that the best teams represent their divisions in the B1G CCG, and like it or not Ohio is undefeated. Besides, even if they played a sixth game and lost, they would still have the best record and go play in Indianapolis since they have the head-to-head win over the Hoosiers.
So in this case, the 6 game "rule" is meaningless, and we all know it was arbitrary from it's inception anyway
I think Bama looks like the best team too. Other than some defensive issues in their earliest games, they've looked excellent in all three phases. BUT, I can't assume they're the best until the CFP games are played. We honestly can't know who is really best.
The Domers look really solid to me too, especially in the trenches. I think they stand a chance against any team this year. I expect they'll beat Clemson again. Yes, I know, they won last time without having to face Lawrence, but the backup QB did every bit as well as Lawrence could have. The Domers beat the Tiger defense and special teams, while their defense was excellent against the run.
Ohio hasn't played enough games against anybody (Hoosiers are good, but don't have the skilled roster that the elite programs have); But we don't know that they aren't actually better than Bama, Clemson and ND either. Show of hands: Who here thought they could have beaten #1 Bama and #2 Oregon to win the first CFB championship like they did (with a 3rd string QB)?
This really sucks. I know most of you want this season to be over, but I want to see our team compete in every game possible. They're young and inexperienced and deserve as many chances to play and get better as they can get. I hate that this covid pandemic has hurt our program so badly.
Prayers for all of our players and staff that they will recover and return to full health.
Go Blue
I've felt exactly the same way. Been a fan for even longer with my first game being at E. Lansing in 64 (what a fantastic season that was!). But everyone should understand that those of us who bleed Maize and Blue will never stop buying season tickets and cheering for our team. Those who do give up the opportunity will just make way for others who haven't been fortunate enough to already have those seats.
What is a mountain without the valley? What is an island without the sea?
Hold true during the low times. It makes the peaks prominent and so much more exhilarating!!!
No doubt that Hafley would immediately elevate every aspect of the team. Recruiting, development, and demanding excellence are his main focuses. We do have talent on the roster. A coach like Hafley would get the most out of them.
+1 for a perfect grunge reference to how this season has me feeling.
Mgoczar is correct on every point here. JH is a good, but not great coach. His biggest fault seems to be in not developing and retaining talented recruits. He HAS recruited at a high level though. There has been some bad luck with injuries, and players leaving early. But other elite teams face the same misfortunes (just look at Ohio). The fact that those teams can still continue at a high level while we aren't tells me there is something else. I think the lack of development is the crux of the problem. We need to get the best strength and conditioning coaches like Ohio has; and also get the best assistants we can get. Say what you want about JH, but we all know how much he loves our team and UM. Yes, it's his fault that he doesn't have the right assistants, but the AD should be able to help him with that (Meyer and Day at Ohio get rid of any bad ones each year with the help of Gene Smith).
THIS!!! So much, this
Not a whole lot of difference in his record pre or post 2016 OSU when you look at it. He did have more top rated talent on the team then, but not by much.
In my opinion, Coach Harbaugh seems to have lost his optimism about his ability to forge the players into a national championship level team. He used to be a real believer. Today, he just looks deflated and tired of treading water.
Next year, I hope that we hire a young, fired up coaching staff with ideas about how to win in the new era of college football. Look at what Dabo did at Clemson. He started off with a much lower level of talent on his roster and zero historical tradition. Just think about what a similar type of coaching can accomplish with a true blue blood program like ours. We may not have the most elite talent on the team, but they are top ten. Much better than what Dabo had to begin with.
I agree with ckersh. There is something that has happened that is not being discussed. The coaches didn't suddenly forget how to develop and motivate players. And the players were excellent recruits, despite the nonsense folks keep saying about a lack of talent. It has nothing at all to do with the 2016 Game or the call against Coach Harbaugh in that game. Get real folks
I'm just sad that the players aren't performing as they should be. Looking at the recruiting rankings of the players on the field, it just doesn't match up. I'm tired of hearing people claiming that this team lacks the talent, because it's untrue. What they lack is pride, leadership, and a will to win. None of that is on Coach Harbaugh, except that maybe he is just too nice to the players and not demanding enough of them.
Never. I really thought we were in great position to win this one until they got hot at the same time as the wheels fell off. Hopefully we get to knock them out of the B1G tourney
Dantonio shouldn't be allowed to walk away while he is the subject of investigations; and he most certainly shouldn't be handed a $4.3 million dollar bonus to do so. MASU needs to step in and stop this from happening. Those are MI education tax dollars being wasted.