Toledo Blade: Article by Joe Vardon

Rodriguez says Wolverines soft
Doesn't question effort, however

By JOE VARDON
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

ANN ARBOR - About a week ago, Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez disclosed what he thought would be the worst thing an outsider could say about a team he coached.

It had something to do with being "soft and lazy."

Fast forward to yesterday, when he offered his assessment of the Wolverines' 45-20 loss to Illinois last weekend.

"I'm not saying we were being lazy, but we played soft," Rodriguez said.

Not good.

The UM coach said fumbles, missed assignments and blown coverages all played a role in the Wolverines' lopsided defeat last weekend. But he also said a fundamental adjustment was needed in his team's mental and physical approach.

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