Over the past few months, the attitude in Ann Arbor has been gloomy to say the least. The majority opinion is that without a mobile quarterback, the Michigan Wolverines are destined for a season of disappointment.
For the first time, Michigan will mainly be operating under the spread offense, which promotes the passing game and a running quarterback. In addition, with newly hired coach Rich Rodriguez comes unexpected baggage: that in the sum of $2.5 million that the school had to pay his former employer, West Virginia.
To be specific, the expectations of Michigan took a turn for the worse on May 19, 2008. On that day, the hopes of every Michigan fan plummeted.
Terrelle Pryor, the nation's top-ranked quarterback, announced that he would commit to a school not named Michigan. To make matters worse, Pryor would be attending bitter rival Ohio State come fall.
With a new defensive coordinator, a completely different offensive scheme, and an attention-grabbing controversy, what good could come in 2008?
Well, it might not be as bad as it looks. Lloyd Carr already formed a top-15 recruiting class before announcing his retirement, and Rodriguez has only added to that.
Michigan snagged dynamic running back Sam McGuffie, the nation's second-ranked RB, elusive wide receiver Darryl Stonum, and speedy cornerback Boubacar Cissoko en route to an 11th ranked class according to SI.com.
One of the most impressive freshmen in spring practice was tackle Dann O'Neill. Many have compared him to former Michigan tackle Jake Long, which is not such a bold comparison. O'Neill's deceptively good feet and tenacious mentality make him one of the most coveted prospects in Michigan's stacked class.
Although Michigan's recruiting class is one of its strong suits, the Wolverines boast a strong defense. Leading the secondary is senior cornerback Morgan Trent.
Trent, an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention, will start opposite sophomore corner Donovan Warren, who was named to every Freshman All-American team last year.
In the trenches, though, is where Michigan looks to make its greatest impact on defense, with returning starters Terrence Taylor, Tim Jamison, and Brandon Graham leading the way. The Taylor-Jamison-Graham trio looks to pose a significant problem for many offensive lines next year.
With a stout defense in place, the concern lies on Rodriguez's newly imposed spread offense. Now-sophomore Ryan Mallet looked to be the starter coming into the 2008 season before he transferred to Arkansas. With the loss of Mallet and Henne, the only quarterbacks to take a snap for Michigan in 2007, there is a gaping hole behind center.
Freshman Steven Threet should see the majority of the snaps in practice since he has the tools to lead a spread attack. But can a freshman quarterback lead the Wolverines to any notable success in 2008?
Conversely, Columbus, Ohio has been bustling with hope and promise regarding their football program. A favorite to compete for the national championship, Ohio State will be relishing the next few years with Terrelle Pryor at the helm and Chris Wells three yards behind him.
Nonetheless, the mood has been a somber one in Ann Arbor lately as "Michigan Fans" pre-mourn the death of a perennial college football powerhouse.
7 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
NICK SHERRICK 11 months ago
YEA OK WHAT EVER IT IS MICHIGAN AND IT WILL ALWAYS BE A POWER HOUSE SO WHY DONT YOU JUST GO LIVE IN COLUMBUS IF YOU THINK THINGS ARE SO BAD IN ANN ARBOR AND AS SOON AS YOU MOVE YOU WILL SEE MICHIGAN COME IN AND DO THE IMPOSSIBLE BEAT OHIO STATE THEY DO THE BEST WHEN THE MAYORITY DONT THINK THEY HAVE A CHANCE I SAY 9-3 BUT THE 3 GAMES THEY LOSE WILL NOT BE IN COLUMBUS THEY WILL BEAT OHIO STATE THIS YEAR
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Dick Gritter 11 months ago
Actually the feeling among all of the Michigan alums and fans I know is very upbeat. Our program was getting a litte stale and it was time for a change. We know there will be a period of adjustment and likely some bumps in the road this year, but the future looks very bright. With all due credit to Lloy Carr, this change is like a breath of fresh air.
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Markusr2007 11 months ago
I think most Michigan fans are very excited about the future of the football program including the 2008 season. Sure, some are worried about the QB and OL positions because they are going to be filled by newbies. But this has happened before at Michigan and it won't be the last time the team has had to reload at multiple positions.
College football prognosticators see all of these UM players graduating in 2007, and then for some reason are under the distinct impression that Lloyd Carr left the cupboards completely bare in Ann Arbor, and/or that RR's entrance somehow emptied them further (attrition). A down year? Perhaps. But all out Notre Dame-esque Armageddon? I'm not buying it. My opinion is that Michigan is being sold way short this fall.
And yYes, Terrelle Pryor and Justin Boren both chose Ohio State over Michigan. But Ryan Mallett and Jake Long chose Michigan. Troy Smith and Kirk Barton chose Ohio State. But Boubacar Cissoko and Sam McGuffie chose Michigan. Do we go on forever with these silly examples, or do we just keep rehashing the Pryor and Boren stories as if they are supposed to be some negative indicator about Michigan. Why are there no stories about the rest of the 80 players who decided to stick it out. No, that's not newsworthy.
Michigan is going to be alright and probably much better than anyone wants to admit.
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TJ Carson 11 months ago
The only dreary days that lie ahead are for the inconclusive pundits that will overlook Michigan or even think that this wont be a explosive team young on offense or not. Defensively we have a big time defense on par with OSU's defense. Most of these gloomy"predictions" are based on whats on paper.
Everyone knows whats on paper doesnt mean anything hardly..its how those guys will go out and perform on Saturday's. I can't remember the last time I was as excited for Michigan Football as I am now. This will be an interesting season but I am sure this Michigan team will be a spoiler for any teams with big hopes this year. Rich likes to win and our roster is laden with top flight talent that took him and Barwis years to remacate at WV, and now its in his hands. This team is going to be scary one way or another either for us Wolverines or for the foes that lie ahead. I'm pretty sure it will be that second conclusion.
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Ryan Staab 11 months ago
I get the feeling most Michigan fans feel the way most Ohio State fans felt in the latter years of John Cooper's reign of terror. At least Carr (a coach as classy as they come) left on his own terms.
For the sake of the rivalry, I hope That School Up North can get their mojo back (although beating Florida last January was a welcome surprise) to keep things interesting.
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Brendan Gillespie 11 months ago
Ryan, thank you. As a Michigan fan, I can truly appreciate your comment about Coach Carr, especially coming from an OSU fan. It's heartening to see a fellow Big Ten fan, and an OSU one at that, hope for better times for Michigan. I don't necessarily think that Michigan has dreary days ahead. We have a lot of things going for us. While most Michigan fans won't accept having a "rebuilding year" that is exactly what this will be. Anyone ignoring that fact is just plain ridiculous. I'm not saying I'm not optimistic for a winning season though. I'm just hoping we can get most of the "rebuilding" out of the way before the season even starts. Mike Barwis seems to be doing a pretty damn good job so far, based on the reports coming out of the weight rooms.
C.... wow. Comments like yours never cease to amaze me, and your lack of professionalism should be taken somewhere else. I fully expect stuff like this on an open source sports site, but really? C'mon.
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J Roc 10 months ago
Michigan football=garbage! Youve had it coming for years with your crappy recruiting and overhyped sense of self. Your traditions are over! Except for the new one of losing. Do you really think good, fast receivers and skill position guys are gonna go play in that weather? yeah right. I know this because I'll be suiting up next fall for an ACC school and Rich knows he didnt have a chance to get me when he came down to ATL. He tried to pitch me on how great it is there. I know and so do tons of players who just left, that its not the place that you people make it out to be. Peace. Wont be seeing you on any natl stages for the next 10 years.
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