2009 TSUN News (football only discussion)

[jwinslow]

Originally Posted by BB73

The interest in Paulus makes RR's lack of interest in keeping Mallett in AA look even more unwise.

and Arrington likely stays with Mallett there. He'd at least be an upgrade at the outside blocking position

[BrutusBobcat]

Regarding DRod and his apparent disregard and ignorance of defense -- I think this is deliberate. In the "unstoppable force versus immovable object" debate, his goal seem to be to have an offense that can score nearly at will, and count on the opposing offense making mistakes, rather than counting on his defense to hold. I'd have to look at stats for his WVU and Tulane teams, but if I find that they gave up 3-4 TDs a game on average, I will not be surprised.

So, his goal is to stack up on offense, hoping that one of the slot dots, 15 QBs and army of undersized backs pans out into a playmaker, like White or Slaton. How many RBs did he take in the Slaton and Gwaltney class? If I remember, it was five or six. All he needed to do was score a hit with one.

Now, it's not a winning philosophy for the Big Ten, but it's a philosophy that works in conferences with weak defenses, and one that can help you catch lightning in a bottle in your bowl game (if you make it that far). You could look at certain eras in the Pac 10, along with the entire history of the WAC, MWC and C-USA, and the post Miami/VT/BC era of Big East football. Obviously, DRod developed his philosophy while coaching in two of those conferences.

It's clear that he's not planning on adapting or changing in any way. scUM truly is WVU Northern Branch, and that's just not going to fly against teams that recruit defense first, like tOSU, State Penn, scUM State, Battery Chuck Madison and Iowhere.

[muffler dragon]

Originally Posted by osugrad21

I have heard numerous times that RR is oblivious to defense...he wants athletes and counts on finding them a spot. Hence, the odd front defenses are more forgiving in that type of recruiting philosophy.

This baffles me. I've been under the impression that in order to have a successful offense, it's just about necessary to have a good understanding of defenses (particularly weaknesses). Therefore, as one become more knowledgeable of defenses; then they can create an even better offense (and vice versa). Is this not the case? Or has RR never played a game of chess in his life?

[buckiprof]

Originally Posted by muffler dragon

This baffles me. I've been under the impression that in order to have a successful offense, it's just about necessary to have a good understanding of defenses (particularly weaknesses). Therefore, as one become more knowledgeable of defenses; then they can create an even better offense (and vice versa). Is this not the case? Or has RR never played a game of chess in his life?

C'mon man. In a word, you know the answer is "no". Dickwad is a checkers man.

[zwem]

Originally Posted by brutus2002

I could give a [censored] who they freakin get...I guess after RR ass gets fired in 2010 their gonna hire coach K...GMAFB. RR saw that train wreck of a spring game and knows his ass is in serious trouble. Their program is a joke and is in shambles. This is a stupid ass ploy for attention...RR is a magnet for attention and most of it is either from his stupidity(like this) or negative because hes an unethical prick.

I look at it this way. Waste the schoalrship for as long as you want RR. I hope their class this year is 15 offense and 5 defense. This dumbass keeps neglecting his defense...[censored] I would be looking at Paulus as a DB because they didn't have one Saturday worth a damn.

RR will be at Michigan for 2 more years at least due to his contract.

Michigan is spending too much time on offense as far as recruiting goes.........I will admit that. However, they aren't neglecting the defense. They have offered several good players, but they aren't giving much attention to Michigan and are signing with other top programs right now. So Michigan has to sign the 2nd tier players right now. Michigan has lost recruits to Tulsa and UCF.........what else needs to be said.

[NFBuck]

Originally Posted by zwem

RR will be at Michigan for 2 more years at least due to his contract.

Michigan is spending too much time on offense as far as recruiting goes.........I will admit that. However, they aren't neglecting the defense. They have offered several good players, but they aren't giving much attention to Michigan and are signing with other top programs right now. So Michigan has to sign the 2nd tier players right now. Michigan has lost recruits to Tulsa and UCF.........what else needs to be said.

/thread

[jwinslow]

As posted in his thread, the poorly kept secret is over... bluechip S Marvin Robinson is officially a wolverine. He's been destined for this for many years, dating back to Lloyd's tenure. Top-10 player in FL, may slide down to LB or S/LB hybrid, but he's a player.

In other news, Caleb Lavey is an Oklahoma State Cowboy. Held ND, UM, Okl offers. UM felt pretty good about their shot there.

Still waiting on quality & quantity in the front 7. DB is addressed nicely, and may continue to be (Cullen Christian, Dior Mathis, etc). Lavey was their best realistic target at LB.

[goblue15]

Originally Posted by jwinslow

They're having a tough time maintaining momentum.

Big step forward with spring game & tate's performance... Paulus-gate hits two days later.
Big pickup in Marvin Robinson (at a position of strength)... coincides with a big loss of LB Lavey committing elsewhere (a very thin position).

The safety spot is not a position of strength for Michigan. Im actually more worried about our safety play, than i am about our linebacker play.

[NFBuck]

Originally Posted by goblue15

The safety spot is not a position of strength for Michigan. Im actually more worried about our safety play, than i am about our linebacker play.

I would say the entire defense is not a position of strength for you guys. Dick is doing a decent job of DB recruiting (he's sitting in good position for a couple of recruits), but I don't see many impressive true LB or DL prospects he's really in on. Is he gonna rely on "sleepers" and "projects" again? I'd be very concerned with this guys recruiting philosophy if I were one of you...

[jwinslow]

Originally Posted by goblue15

The safety spot is not a position of strength for Michigan. Im actually more worried about our safety play, than i am about our linebacker play.

I'm looking more long term.

You have Vlad Emilien, Marvin Robinson, JT Turner & Woolfolk... and basically had the last 3 wrapped up before RR changed schools. There are more than enough quality safeties, assuming they are developed properly. CB will remain solid with Christian and Mathis likely added this year.

So far, it looks like the two DE verbals (Roh '09, Kinnard '10) are both actually spinners, at least for the time being. Derrick Bryant is probably the best DE UM will land this year, along with some depth guys. Lalota is not a defender.

LB remains a question mark to me until Fitzgerald emerges. LB & DE remain a long term concern. As for the spinner position, I'm not sold on Herron being more than a tweener at this point.

DT has very little depth, but with RR only playing one, that is less of a concern.

[NFBuck]

Originally Posted by jwinslow

DT has very little depth, but with RR only playing one, that is less of a concern.

I'm curious how long this will remain their primary scheme after they get tore apart a few times this fall. Is this Robinson's defensive philosophy, or DR's? I seem to remember his days in Denver and at Texas running a 4-3 base.

[jwinslow]

He used the spinner at Texas & Syracuse. It blends well with RR's 3-3-5 preference.

[NFBuck]

Originally Posted by jwinslow

He used the spinner at Texas & Syracuse. It blends well with RR's 3-3-5 preference.

I still can't believe they're going to run that as a base package in the Big-10.

[jwinslow]

It worked in 04 with Derrick Johnson, Rodrigue Wright, Aaron Ross, Michael Huff... other than against Henne & co. Of course, Auburn's DC improved upon his results defensive, IIRC.

In 2005, Syracuse was 97th against the run. This would be their high point. The next 3 seasons under Robinson (as a head coach), they would not make the top-100 in total defense or rushing defense.

[OregonBuckeye]

Originally Posted by jwinslow

It worked in 04 with Derrick Johnson, Rodrigue Wright, Aaron Ross, Michael Huff...

Unfortunately for him, he doesn't have any players anywhere close to that caliber.