Season almost over and then we have to get through the month of December. Why is this important because by the second week of January we will know who will be returning. Most of the bad news will be behind us and recruiting will bring some positive news. No matter how it ends up and Coach Rod can start getting his real program going. In the meantime, here are some points of interest.
1) Coach Rod has told people and has almost admitted publicly about his second thoughts. He accepts the challenge and his mind understands the challenge what he fails to grasp is that Michigan faithful did not nor still thinks the challenge should of been this difficult. There lies the rub.
2) During spring practice, coach’s clinic to be exact Coach Rod used some language that some did not feel appropriate. They complained vehemently to Michigan administration. Coach Rod himself even admitted he probably went overboard that he was pushing the kids excessively hard to get his system put in and did not know the kids well enough to understand which kids you could push more than others. Therefore, he took the approach by being overbearing to everyone he has since claimed it was a mistake.
3) Have no idea if defensive coaches will be changed, but I sure hope we keep Hopson.
4) I disagree with recruiting and Coach Rod can say whatever he wants. And I have no doubt that he is now making recruiting a high priority, but he again (as I keep stating) informed everyone that recruiting would take a backseat this year because there was not enough time and that some coaches (ala Shafer) would not be spending time on recruiting. Since season started it has been different, but they lost ground on many kids early on.
Agree the economy has been a factor, but there has been some attempted cancellations due to people not liking new regime. I guess the old motto--"winning solves everything" is very appropriate here.
Regarding the team:
1) Defections:
They will continue. Defections really had begun back in October, but there are many who are sticking with team until the end of this semester. However, they have really cashed it in (as I reported on Chambers). Others really gave a true effort, but feel like they just simply do not fit in with new program or approach.
Personal Note:
I really feel badly for these kids. Babb was probably the one player who I kept predicting even back in spring that would not be around long not because of the scheme, but he was simply not a Michigan type kid. What has bothered me in the past few years (and I am sure it prevalent at every school) is the kids just have not seemed overly upset after losses. In addition, although I understand kids in college are going to party and go out even after games I have always wondered why they did not do this in private after games especially losses. Why do they party publicly where people who have an emotional connection with the team see them. (Probably nitpicking, but it just seems Michigan has accepted more and more mediocrity in the past few years and just maybe this PAINFUL overhaul is needed.
2) Speaking of defections:
I hope Cox is not one of them. It is well publicized that he seriously thought about leaving Michigan before classes started in fall and a decision will probably be forthcoming in the next month. I have no knowledge that he is planning to leave just hoping he stays because I have been impressed with Cox in practices. Although I personally never worry about running backs especially in this offense, Cox is really the only physical type we have after Minor leaves. He was a real sleeper in last years class and was probably rated low because of injury issues his senior year, but this kid can play and lets hope he stays.
3) Butler:
Two weeks ago, I was 50/50 on him staying. Now I think it will be a major turn around for him to be back next year. Butler has never really been able to keep himself out of the doghouse in either program for more than a couple weeks at a time. Biggest difference Coach Rod does not have patience nor does he want any bad influences around. So do not look for Butler to be back. (also just cant see Butler staying in school another year or be eligible).
Part 2 at 12:00pm EST. will have more details on kids, recruiting, etc.
written by MaizeMan and ErocWolverine
