I have been anxious this summer because of two things:
1. This NFL lockout had me under the impression that there would be no NFL season! The nonsense!
2. Michigan has a new Head coach!
For those who are not aware I am a Wolverine...it's in my blood! No, literally it is. My parents both graduated from the University of Michigan, my father in particular left his legacy by being the all time tackle holder (no one has come close to his record.) So, when I set foot in the Big House for the first time, it had a completely different meaning to me...but enough with sappiness. I loved Lloyd Carr as a coach. Even when seasons started to get a little rocky, I still supported him. I agreed that he needed to update his coaching style and become a little less predictable but I was not for rushing him out. For one, he was pretty established at recruiting and I knew that some of the players that committed to playing under him wouldn't be too happy with him leaving, and second it was clear that he could coach a spread offense (just ask Florida!) So when Coach Carr, left I was a little upset.
Then they decided to bring Rich Rodriguez on board. I have nothing against Coach Rod. I was a fan of what he accomplished at West Virgina! He is a great coach but I wasn't sold on how he would fit at Michigan. And sad to say my concern was warranted. The changes he made were devastating. The Big 10 is known for smash mouth football. The team Coach Rod was assembling was way too small. There was no way they would be able to convincingly win in The Big 10 (and I was right.) Those seasons were some of the hardest to watch. Not saying that everything was terrible...there was Denard "Shoelace" Robinson! He just electrifying to watch but he's also fragile. Too small and in need of a little more protection from his offensive line (well a lot more protection!)
AND THEN THERE WAS THE DEFENSE! I don't even want to speak on that atrocity! And yes, I do mean atrocity (my father had to stop watching games because of them!) No matter who Michigan played, their defense looked like little leaguers playing against grown men. I'm almost positive that the defense couldn't even defend Denard and the offense (that's terrible!) I'm pretty sure there was a game, or two, where former defensive coordinator Greg Robinson stood on the sideline scratching his head in disbelief and confusion at what was happening on the field.
After a few laughable seasons, (according to Michigan standards) it was time for Coach Rod to say his farewells. Don't get me wrong, I never disrespected Coach Rod. I consistently defended him even though I knew he wasn't the best fit at Michigan.
Then enters Brady Hoke! Now I'm not going to sing his praises yet because I haven't seen the team perform, but after listening to his philosophy, I feel that he will be a better fit (don't quote me on that though my feelings have been VERY wrong before!) To me, Hoke seems to understand Michigan and Big 10 football just a little bit better. I think he has made some improvements that will do nothing but better the team. I mean, he even recruited Greg Mattison! I'll be able to speak on the Wolverines a little more after the season has begun! But until then...
GO BLUE!!!
1. This NFL lockout had me under the impression that there would be no NFL season! The nonsense!
2. Michigan has a new Head coach!
For those who are not aware I am a Wolverine...it's in my blood! No, literally it is. My parents both graduated from the University of Michigan, my father in particular left his legacy by being the all time tackle holder (no one has come close to his record.) So, when I set foot in the Big House for the first time, it had a completely different meaning to me...but enough with sappiness. I loved Lloyd Carr as a coach. Even when seasons started to get a little rocky, I still supported him. I agreed that he needed to update his coaching style and become a little less predictable but I was not for rushing him out. For one, he was pretty established at recruiting and I knew that some of the players that committed to playing under him wouldn't be too happy with him leaving, and second it was clear that he could coach a spread offense (just ask Florida!) So when Coach Carr, left I was a little upset.
Then they decided to bring Rich Rodriguez on board. I have nothing against Coach Rod. I was a fan of what he accomplished at West Virgina! He is a great coach but I wasn't sold on how he would fit at Michigan. And sad to say my concern was warranted. The changes he made were devastating. The Big 10 is known for smash mouth football. The team Coach Rod was assembling was way too small. There was no way they would be able to convincingly win in The Big 10 (and I was right.) Those seasons were some of the hardest to watch. Not saying that everything was terrible...there was Denard "Shoelace" Robinson! He just electrifying to watch but he's also fragile. Too small and in need of a little more protection from his offensive line (well a lot more protection!)
AND THEN THERE WAS THE DEFENSE! I don't even want to speak on that atrocity! And yes, I do mean atrocity (my father had to stop watching games because of them!) No matter who Michigan played, their defense looked like little leaguers playing against grown men. I'm almost positive that the defense couldn't even defend Denard and the offense (that's terrible!) I'm pretty sure there was a game, or two, where former defensive coordinator Greg Robinson stood on the sideline scratching his head in disbelief and confusion at what was happening on the field.
After a few laughable seasons, (according to Michigan standards) it was time for Coach Rod to say his farewells. Don't get me wrong, I never disrespected Coach Rod. I consistently defended him even though I knew he wasn't the best fit at Michigan.
Then enters Brady Hoke! Now I'm not going to sing his praises yet because I haven't seen the team perform, but after listening to his philosophy, I feel that he will be a better fit (don't quote me on that though my feelings have been VERY wrong before!) To me, Hoke seems to understand Michigan and Big 10 football just a little bit better. I think he has made some improvements that will do nothing but better the team. I mean, he even recruited Greg Mattison! I'll be able to speak on the Wolverines a little more after the season has begun! But until then...
GO BLUE!!!
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