Maize & Blue and Green & White

It's time for an audible.

This week, the Wolverine fans (Brandon and Roger) are joined by two Spartans (David and Matthew) for some reflection on the first eight weeks of football.

(This is a much-condensed version of a lengthy conversation -- originally more than 10,000 words -- and if some of it is indecipherable, that's your problem. Catch up.)

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Roger: Let’s start with a cyber congratulations to the Spartans on a great season so far. Before the year, did you think they could be sitting here at 8-0? I know Matt did. 13-0, national championship prediction, every year.

Matt: Well I can't help what I believe. I enter every game with the thought that we can win.

David: Could they? Absolutely ... we've played eight games. Would they? No, I didn’t think we would be.

Matt: I think most U of M fans would have taken a 5-2 start with no hesitation, agreed?

David: You mean a 5-0 start ...

Roger: The fans that are upset with 5-2 are delusional. What is upsetting is the way they play in stretches, but 5-2 ... we have to accept that.

Brandon: The season is definitely at a crossroads. To quote one Ken "Hawk" Harrelson, "Let's just start where we are at, and go from there."

David: How profound.

Roger: Even the wins are upsetting to watch because there is zero chance of us stopping anyone.

David: I think UCONN put some of the pre-season talk to rest ... but UMASS brought it all back. Even ND was tolerable, but 37 to UMASS? Ominous cloud cover ...

Matt: Do you guys think it is something that can change with another recruiting class? Or does this issue run deeper?

Brandon: I think it goes as deep as Greg Robinson allows it to.

Roger: The defense is a lost cause, in my eyes. We just need to outscore people.

Matt: Can you do that with Denard?

Roger: Yes. His pros far outweigh his cons. But the play calling has become so predictable and, in big situations, ill-suited for him. If he ran more and stuck to outs and slants, the ball control factor would've allow us to compete for longer stretches in the last two games.

Brandon: I think we have a better chance if Obi Ezeh becomes the David Cone of 2010. Maybe a slightly larger headset ...

Matt: Are you concerned that Tate looked better the other week?

Brandon: Why would that be a concern? (if it's true...)

Matt: Well he is not your starter.

Brandon: Would it concern you if Keith Nichol were good enough to play quarterback?

Roger: Tate had two picks. He passed better than Denard did. But we already know that. Playing Denard and Tate together for a few downs every quarter would please me, simply because it would get Tate in the flow when a bump and bruise at some point to Denard is likely. And then Tate wouldn't have as much pressure on him late if he was needed.

Matt: I wouldn't feel good about my backup coming in, looking much better than my starter ...

Roger: Your perception of Denard is skewed. He's still one seam away from a touchdown, every play, and there aren't very many players in football like that. He needs to be utilized differently, not like a traditional QB, and Rod has gotten away from that. He drops back like Peyton Manning 10 times a game. That needs to be ripped from the playbook.

Brandon: I would generally save my criticism for the defense, but watching the last game, I think there's validity to that. The defense in the first half played well ENOUGH. The offense didn't capitalize on opportunities, which clearly they need to do.

Matt: Oh I understand that his talents make him the most dangerous weapon in college football, but that doesn't mean he is the best starting quarterback for your offense. No one had any idea what the kid was capable for the first five games. There was little to no tape of him.

Brandon: He puts more stress on defenses than any other player we have; why not give him the ball every play?

Roger: There's no use in abandoning him because they've lost two games. He'll be fine. So what's gonna be the key at Iowa this week, Red Cedar brothers?

Brandon: I think for you guys it's gotta be find a way to get Dantonio in the press box. Y’all play better when he's up there anyway. Tell me I’m wrong.

David: Matt, lead off and I'll clean up your mess.

Matt: Well against Northwestern I think the weather hurt our running game a lot. I think our running game is best when using cutback runs. Second, I think the continued improvement of Tyler Hoover our great DE from NOVI will keep their running game in check, which is huge.

David: To start the game (for reference’s sake, the first quarter), we need to win/tie the turnover margin, win field position early, and most most importantly, we need to depress the crowd ... early. With highlighted focus on the last two games, we have started extremely slow and we cannot let Kinnick take us out of the game in the first 15.

Matt: And I am very curious to hear what happens with Chris L Rucker, as he is to be released from jail soon.

Roger: Is he really in jail?

Matt: Yep, served a 10-day sentence with 2 days already served.

David: He's out Thursday.

Roger: No way he plays.

David: Reserve at best.

Roger: Stanzi can torch some folks, now. Y’all might need Chris L. D. U. I. Rucker.

David: Eh ... what did Grady blow, with the car in drive, while passed out in the driver’s seat. No stones in glass houses.

Roger: That Grady is no longer a member of our football team. Chris L. D. U. I. Rucker remains a Spartan. For now.

David: Due to eligibility, but that bro played. Plus, .10 isn't egregious, in my opinion.

Roger: OK, favorite three moments of the season so far, go.

David: “Little Giants” is a clear #1. Michigan -- year three, at your place, with all the hype -- was something. Locally, they couldn't stop talking about it all week. Nard Dog for Heisman everywhere. And K-Mart’s punt return on Wisky was huge in grand perspective of the season.

Roger: 1. Denard for 87 in South Bend. 2. Denard to Roy against ND. Perfect play call up the
seam. Had everyone fooled. 3. The late bomb to Hemingway in the Indiana game down to the goal line.

Matt: 1. MSU beating ND in OT. 2. Watching Bama lose is always great, FU Saban. 3. Taylor Martinez as the most exciting player in the game.

Roger: Now, I'm curious how the Big Ten race will unfold if several teams finish with one loss, which is realistic. ‘Sconsin and the Bucks win out, and then the Spartans lose one more. Who goes to the Rose Bowl?

Brandon: Invitation, right?

David: Ohio State, highest BCS ranking. Highest BCS gets Rose. Iowa’s out, in my opinion. So between us and OSU, Iowa’s out, in my opinion. They'll lose again and have the sole loss out of conference.

Brandon: It's a travesty MSU doesn't play OSU. Ohio State would handle the Spartans. I believe they are taking advantage of an easy schedule, which is to their credit, but still.

David: We beat Wisky convincingly, who beat OSU and Iowa

Roger: Ohio State's offensive line is fantastic, its defense pounds the lesser teams, but that quarterback who wears No. 2 is still mistake-prone. I don't think they'd blow out any top caliber team

Matt: And I do agree that not playing OSU is a bit unfortunate. I would like to play them too.

David: I was in C-Bus last weekend and I'll say this, OSU is glad they don't play us too. Not saying we're as good as OSU, but we're a good football team.

Brandon: You telling me they wouldn't want a shot at beating a 0-loss team to allow them the CHANCE to pull even?

David: Of course they would, but if they were undefeated at the moment, they wouldn't want to play us. It's convenient now ... to pull them back into the race. To Wolvie's credit, you should have played in the 2006 title game against OSU. Bullshit media stole it from you. No more hype ever than that football game in 2006.

Roger: It’s a near-perfect sport with a ridiculously imperfect postseason. Just give me a damn bracket, even if it’s four teams. Please.

David: Super-4 conference, 16 teams each, a champ from each league, there's your four-team playoff.

Matt: No thanks go BCS!!!

David: Barff all over the effing place.

Roger: So Matt, if you win out, you probably won't make the national title game, and you're supporting that?

Matt: Yes, go BCS, it makes college football so exciting all year long.

David: NO NO NO NO NO NO.

Brandon: Whoa, struck a nerve.

Roger: Matt, I agree, but how would a playoff make it less exciting?

Matt: Because two-loss teams will get hot and win the title.

David: More hype would result from a playoff, and Cinderellas have a chance.

Roger: The fact is, it would be even better. Teams with one loss would continue to have an interest all the way through. Even if they do, that doesn't make the season less exciting.

Matt: Sure it does -- you can play to be # 8 all year long. It should be your goal to win all your games, not win enough to get in. I do not want to see OU sitting players in the Big 12 Championship Game because they know even if they lose they will get in the “playoffs.”

Roger: I understand your point, that every game should have the world riding on it, but I could never see any team having that mindset: "If we lose, we're still in." Because so many more teams would be knocking on that door for a chance.

David: Exactly. Then Boise doesn't have to go out and try to schedule big boys who don't want to play them Also, they join the Pac 10, and they're playing a legit schedule all of a sudden. Big 12 goes away. Big East goes away. The four-team playoff makes the most sense to me at the outset -- ACC, Big 10, SEC, Pac 10, 16 in each. Let’s get after it. And the best part of the four 'BCS' conference scenario is it’s really an eight-team playoff, in that the 1 and 2 in each league play in the conference championship game. BOOM. Also, you could get rid of out-of-conference scheduling.

Roger: With that, Matt just left. Since he refuses to make predictions, let's each make three bold ones for the rest of the Big Ten season.

David: Northwestern wins out, Penn State doesn't make a bowl game, and Michigan doesn't make a bowl game.

Brandon: Michigan will make a Bowl game. MSU goes to a BCS Bowl, and Illinois WINS a bowl game.

Roger: Wow, no predictions for your own team, Dave? Not surprising.

David: We are 0-0 and play Iowa this week.

Brandon: Earlier you said the Spartans have a new feel about them. That comment right there proves its same ole: terrified of success.

David: No, not at all, embracing it actually.

Roger: 1) Michigan will finish 8-4 with wins over the Nittany Lions, the Boilermakers and the Buckeyes. 2) Michigan State will finish 11-1 with a loss at Penn State. 3) Rich Rodriguez will not keep his job in the offseason.

David: Loss @ PSU would be horrible. Hope that doesn't come true

Roger: Never won there since they joined the Big Ten.

Brandon: 8 wins and a termination? That's BOLD.

David: See ya, Rich.

Brandon: The NCAA sanctions have not dropped, and that's the elephant.

Roger: I have a strong feeling that Dave Brandon will judge Rich Rod on more than wins. He’ll look at the quality of play, the recruiting, the perception of the program.

Brandon: I would love to see the contract Les Miles has with Lucipher ... and maybe see him with one in AA.

David: So, who's Rod's replacement (top 3)?

Brandon: Miles, Petersen, Schiano.

David: Schiano already said ‘No.’

Brandon: Ask him again.

Roger: Miles, Harbaugh or Kiffin.

Brandon: I'm interpreting that last one as an illustration of your dissatisfaction with Rod.

David: Kiffin!?! Shut the front door.

Roger: Joking.

David: Rog, how does Harbaugh make up for his comments in the past?

Roger: It all depends on whether he gets along with Brandon. One introductory press conference where he acknowledges the comments and takes responsibility for them and for creating a new culture at Michigan will help people forget.

Brandon: Holtz? Anyone?

David: I would personally love it. How could you got against those half time prep talks

Brandon: He may be just what the doctor ordered.

David: Wow many wins make you happy and is that the same number as how many save Rod's job?

Brandon: I could do one over OSU, make a bowl game, and fire Rod -- as long as the next coach would keep this offense in tact, in some semblance

David: Really like that answer

Roger: Nine total wins will make me happy because the offense is good enough to win that many, but I want Rod gone.

David: Second question: What will you two do with your Rodfather T's ...?

Roger: Give it to you, of course. You would wear it, too. I know how you and Matt praise the man.

David: “Praise” is not the right word.

Roger: How about "appreciate" ... ? He has provided you with much joy over the past three years.

David: Ehhh ... seeing Michigan being terrible isn't fun for me, Matt, or the Big 10. I want to beat you guys when you're good, and the Big 10 wants you at its best. I’m all for you returning to WWII form as soon as possible

Brandon: Penn State is a BIG game. An absolute must win. There is no excuse for losing that

David: Personally, I enjoyed Lombardi recently.

Roger: Rod is so long winded but never says anything of substance.

David: Alright, another question: buy or sell Dantonio>

Roger: He's smug, that's about all that bothers me. But so many coaches are. Dantonio is a good football coach.

Brandon: I'll buy Don Treadwell hard.

David: Despite looking like an Alopecia patient, Treadwell's solid in speech. I still don't get this smug thing.

Roger: Dave, watch Dantonio’s interviews. "It's called little giants." Evil little smile.

Brandon: Dantonio is lucky his fake field goal worked, because this season easily could've tanked had it failed, and he would've been on his way out. And his assistant coach has proved far better on the field than he has.

David: NO NO NO NO NO, Brandon, the fake field goal fails, we play Wisconsin

Brandon: Remember history ... MSU has not traditionally rebounded well from tough losses. That's what I'm going off, not my own bias.
David: I was hoping to get to this, but we would be 4-4 right now under any other Spartan coach in the 80's, 90's, 00's.

Brandon: You are 8-0 under two coaches right now.

David: Right ... two 'right' coaches who've instilled something that has been lacking for decades. You're telling me we beat NW this past saturday with John L, Bobby Will?

Roger: All I know is Dantonio owns us. I can't really say much.

David: Well, getting past us with Dantonio at the helm will be tough, he hates you and that Mike Hart comment so much. He'll never let that die, even if we're on top of the rivalry. I can still watch that You Tube clip and see his blood boiling. We will always be up for that game

Brandon: I do not believe that ... I believe it's Michigan's lack of effectiveness that's led to the last 3 years, always will.

Roger: Those Dantonio comments, the whole “Pride comes before the fall” thing was warranted, but then he gets on a a high horse and calls out Hart specifically. Take the high road, guy. That's a 21-year-old kid and you're supposed to be a man.

Brandon: I still contend he's immature for engaging a college student. Be a Grown Ass Man and stay above it.

Roger: Walk away. Let your blood boil. And walk away. You just lost.

David: Hart spoke on behalf of the team, and Dantonio addressed it. No “attack.”

Brandon: It's an ad hominem attack on a college student

Roger: And that's smug: contentedly confident of his superiority. In that case, superior because he's older and he's a coach.

David: Ehhh, please.

Roger: What Hart did was smug, too ... of course. But he's a young kid. You're a Division I head coach. Keep it classy. And that's all I have to say about that.

David: He did -- all in body language and tone. Although the 'height comment' was too much. I did laugh, but low brow for a coach.

Brandon: That's what he's referencing

Roger: It's old news. We're 0-3 in three years. And now State can go 9-0! Unheard of.

Brandon: I would like their chances better if Iowa won last week.
David: MSU loses if we allow Kinnick to take control of the game early, we lose the turnover battle, and we lose time of possession MSU wins if we contend early in the 1st quarter and (at the very least) win field position throughout the first quarter, (in extension of the previous point) are allowed to run the ball freely due to a lead, and win the turnover battle. In my opinion, especially in college, turnovers = win/lose ... buy or sell?

Roger: They've killed us the past two weeks. But why is it so important to play well early? State is a second half team.

David: On the road, in a hostile environment (i hardly call Evanston that), you need to humble the crowd to keep moxie and composure

Roger: Moxie. Always crucial. Moxie. B, what we gotta do to snap this slide?

Brandon: Win turnover battle and time of possession, simple as that.

Roger: It’s almost impossible for us to win TOP. We'll win the yardage battle. I will say that.

David: I should hope so.

Brandon: TOP is more important for Michigan than any other team in the country because of our defense -- and our coach could give two shits less about it. I have no problem with the offense, but don’t go so fast.

Roger: Against Indiana we had the ball for 17 minutes to their 43 or something ridiculous.

Brandon: D was on the field for 98 plays.

Roger: Well boys, we're already over 9,000 words

Brandon: It's a thesis

David: This was seriously a blast, though. Let’s make this a regular.

Brandon: Enjoyable, yes.

David: On the banks ...

Brandon: Go Blue

Roger: Go Blue.