Rich Rodriguez:

On Notre Dame: Players understand the rivalry. We’re fortunate to have many. This one is always first. There is a section of the state that always asks about this rivalry first. They have a new coach and I’m sure their riding that wave of emotion.

Playing At ND: They’re very passionate about football. Its a very intimate setting. It seems like it always rains. The grass is usually high, it will be interesting because we have very similar interesting styles offensively.

Playing Against Bryan Kelly: He was at Cincinnati, I was at West Virginia. He has had great success and they recruit nationally. They have a lot of talent in South Bend and they’ve recruited very well. In the past few years they’ve beaten us for a few recruits.

On Denard vs. UConn: I was really pleased with Denard’s play. He made a few mistakes, but he graded really high. His composure and vision of the field were really good. I was really pleased with how he took care of the football, ran north and south and took command of the game.

Playing a Road Game: The biggest obstacle is the noise. We’ll crank it up this week in practice. Last week, we were really crisp and didn’t have any procedure penalties or bad snaps. Our offense used a lot of signals.

Preparing for Next Week: We made a lot of turnovers last time vs. Notre Dame. We need to take care of the football. Face the adversity well. They will have big plays and we will need a few big plays to win next week.

On Tate Forcier: I would prefer to talk about Denard’s performance and how he plays rather than another guys disappointment. Its a team game and all our guys understand it. Sometimes television will sensationalize something, but I’m not concerned with it, I’m focused on preparing for next week.

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Finally. We're here. We can put all the negativity and "drama" as Rich Rodriguez calls it behind us, and begin another season anew. At least until the first loss, and the rumor mill spirals out of control. 
So much uncertainty surrounds the 2010 Wolverines. From the unproven talent in the secondary, to starters at the RB and QB positions. One thing is certain, we will find out a lot about the future of Michigan Football on Saturday.

When this game was announced as the "Re-dedication" game of the beautifully updated Big House, many, myself included, scoffed at the inclusion of UConn to our schedule. At that point, they were barely half a decade removed from Div 1-AA play, and hardly looked poised to make this game more than a tune up for ND.

Boy how things have changed. UM is embattled in a slide to a combined 8-16 record since, and UConn is winning bowl games against USC (South Carolina mind you lol).

Randy Edsall brings a very experienced team, littered with talent on both sides of the ball. ND transfer Zach Fraser leads the offense along with tailback Jordan Todman, and 4/5 of their offensive line from 2009.  While their leading receiver graduated, several candidates with extensive playing experience from last year return, along with big TE Ryan Griffin, who could give Michigan's LB and inexperienced secondary fits.

Key for Michigan will be in stopping the run. Like most games Michigan will be in this year, limiting carries to 2-3 yards, and forcing a more predictable 2nd and 3rd down call will be crucial. Due to lack of experience in the  secondary, expect to see more cover 2 and 3, and opponents dink and dunk to combat it. One advantage Michigan "SHOULD" have is overall team speed. Providing they take proper angles and converge on the ball, they can be ok. I fully expect UConn to put up 25+ points, as well as many teams on this years schedule. Not saying this defense won't eventually be dependable, but proof will be in the pudding so to speak. If injuries don't take its toll, the defense on the field in October and November could be much closer to the middle of the pack in the Big Ten, than where it stands today. There is no doubt there is talent in the secondary, but quite unproven and inexperienced. 

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Tate Forcier	Devin Gardner	Denard Robinson

Note: Follow the links below the pictures to watch the spring game performances by the quarterbacks in their entirety.

Tate Forcier:

@ the :38 mark: he shows pinpoint accuracy throwing the bubble screen out to Odoms.  Just slightly leading the receiver up the field is the difference between a 3-5 yd gain on 1st down, and a 7-9 yd gain on first down.

@ the :47 mark: he makes a very bad decision trying to fit that ball over the LB and under the safety.  That is a 1 in 5 throw.

@ the 1:30 mark: another gamble that was unnecessary.  Either we need to insert a better check down option for Tate, or he has to learn to get what he can with his legs and get out of bounds.

@ the 2:03 mark: another perfect throw on the run, this time out to the hitch route.  These plays will be huge on 2nd and 3rd down with medium yardage needed, especially early in the game.  DB's hate seeing those piddly passes in front of them, so they start to gamble and things open up down the field.

@ the 2:18 mark: this is where Tate's experience advantage over DR shows the most.  The mesh between him and the RB is much better.  Not only is it harder to pick up from the D's perspective, he keeps the ball in the RB's gut a split second longer, allowing him that extra instant to read the DE.

@ the 2:45 mark: his first throw that showed some good arm strength.  Some of the earlier passes really fluttered on him.

@ the 3:21 mark: he REALLY looks like Donovan McNabb to me on this play (maybe the #5?).  Creates time with his feet, all the while working back INTO the pocket where he can deliver a solid throw.  This is Tate's "can't teach that" moment.

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A Few Quick Notes from Rich Rodriguez’s Press Conference (8/19):

How long Woolfolk will be out: “I don’t know if we know all the details on the situation yet.”

There will be a “big scrimmage” on Saturday.

Some safeties have already been moved to corner.

The running back race is neck and neck. “It will be an ongoing battle.”

“After the scrimmage on Saturday and another midway next week we will have our two deep depth chart.”

On Craig Roh: “He is in good shape. He’s bigger now, he’s carrying the extra weight pretty well.”

On LB: “We have a lot of players that are versatile.”

Could any wide receivers play in the secondary: “No, strickly defensive guys.”

Mood of the team: “Initially, everyone is concerned for their teammate. When they see he is ok, they bounce back. Young men are resilient and tend to bounce back quickly.”

On the playbook: “After the scrimmage, we’ll evaluate what we need to add and go forth.”

Reps being divided up among QB’s: “Right now, all three are getting equal reps, after Saturday that will change.”

On Tate Forcier: “Tates had a good camp. He’s gotten a lot better. You can tell he is a little bigger and stronger as are Denard and Devin.”

Could Devin start: “Yea, sure, it is possible. He ame in further behind and he hasn’t played in a game. It isn’t likely, but possible.”

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The following video is by InRichRodWeTrust:

Brian Cook, MGoBlog.com, has reported that according to a source, Michigan will play Alabama in a 2012 match-up @ Cowboys Stadium.

Head Coaching: Lets be honest, Nick Saban despises Michigan, he hated being the “little brother” during his time in East Lansing. He also has two national titles, as of now, and the Tide will have the advantage over the Wolverines tactically. Advantage - Alabama

Quarterback: Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson will be 4-year seniors & Devin Gardner will be in his 3rd year. Alabama will have current redshirt freshman A.J. McCarron & true freshman Philip Sims in their respective Junior/Sophomore years. Advantage – Michigan

Running Back: Trent Richardson will be a senior for the Tide. Enough said in my book. Advantage – Alabama

Wide Receivers/Tight End: None of Alabama’s current impact receivers will be around in 2012. They will have three four stars from 2009, one from 2010; another so far in the 2011 class. Michigan will have Jeremy Jackson, Jeremy Gallon, Ricardo Miller, Jerald Robinson, Je’Ron Stokes & D.J. Williamson. Sounds about even in the unproven talent category. But the nod goes to Michigan with Roy Roundtree. Tight End is a wash. Advantage – Michigan

Offensive Line: Michigan will have Rocko Khoury, Patrick Omameh, Christian Pace, Michael Schofield, Quinton Washington & Taylor Lewan all on board still. Alabama gets the nod with three of their current starters still be aboard two years from now. Higher rated prospects with more experience. Advantage – Alabama

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ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg broke down Michigan’s key stretch of games, Michigan State – Iowa – Penn State:

The Wolverines have the personnel to attack Michigan State's defense, but can they stop Kirk Cousins and the Spartans' numerous weapons? Iowa could be a top-10 team when it visits Ann Arbor, and Michigan will need a polished performance to pull off the upset. The Wolverines were one of few teams to run the ball well against Iowa, and Denard Robinson could be a big weapon in this one. After a well-placed bye week, the stretch concludes with a prime-time clash at Penn State, where Joe Paterno could be going for win No. 400. Michigan gets a big chance to show its improvement on a national stage.

Iowa Hawkeyes Blog BlackHeatGold Pants previews the Michigan Wolverines

Somebody on Yahoo! claims they have an actual hat worn by Bo Schembechler

All-American Bob Chappuis, John Greene, David Brandon & Lloyd Carr have all been honored with induction into the Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame.

Bengalsgab.com breaks down the linebacker position and Dhani Jones game.

Tyrone Wheatley recently said in an interview with MLive.com:

Sometimes, as a human being, you have to know your limitations. I've played in the Big House, and I know what it would take to run a program in the Big House. That is too much of a monster for me.

Wolverine Liberation Army’s ChiTownBlue has an interesting post called, “The All-Woulda/Coulda/Shoulda Team – Offense,” trust me its worth 3 minutes of your time.

So if you were doing a Big Ten Fantasy Football Draft, where would you take Forcier? Denard? Athlon Sports recently did one and here is where the Wolverines went in there 8-team draft:

Over at Black Show Diaries, Run Up The Score has a post reviewing Michigan and sums it up by saying:

“Prone to sudden outbursts of frustration and futility, yet there's a lurking sense that they'll be back and annoying us sooner than later.  Their success makes them even more unbearable.  Enjoy the quiet time while it lasts.”

Scout.com Recruiting Expert Evan Daniels recently said the following after witnessing Darius Morris workout:

“The biggest thing I noticed with Darius was how much physically bigger and stronger he looks. I got to talk to him a bit, and he's really excited about Michigan's season."

Big House Bob compares the tenures of Randy Shannon (Miami FL) and Rich Rodriguez.

Joseph Gunther, Minnesota Wild Blogger, breaks down the game of former Wolverine Andrew Ebbett.

The Mathlete, MGoBlog.com, breaks down what a great offense is and where Michigan is at.

CrazyHead posted some printable pictures of Denard Robinson & Tate Forcier for future NCAA Football 11 Fans.

Rip_City, SportsJabber.net, has a pretty good article entitled, Michigan: Time To Win Is Now

Ryan LaMarre was the first Michigan player selected in the MLB Draft: 2nd Round, 62nd Overall by the Cincinnati Reds. LaMarre batted .419 last year for the Wolverines.

Eleven Warriors ranks the best defensive lines in the Big Ten.

John Baldoni, FastCompany.com, wrote a really good article about Dave Brandon entitled, “Leadership Lesson: David Brandon at Michigan”

Connecticut paper, The Courant, takes a “A Look At The Michigan Wolverines” in its early preview of their match-up to open the season on September 4.

Elitekickoff.com ranks their top ten impact freshman for the upcoming season with Devin Gardner coming in at #9.

• After being elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, Desmond Howard took time to criticize Michigan’s scheduling:

"When I was in school, our nonconference schedule didn't have teams like that on it. If it eliminates the cream puff games, the nonconference games which are games people look at just to get a mark in the win column, I'm all for that."

Blogger An Angry Dakota Democrat makes an argument for why if the Big Ten only adds one team in expansion, then it should be Nebraska.

Sporting News’ Dave Curtis gives a state-by-state primer on the upcoming football season and which states have the most storylines … Michigan is #1

• Donovan Warren, NY Jets, told Bart Hubbich, NY Post, that he blames the NFL Advisory Board for giving him bad advice:

“I definitely felt [the advisory board misled him] because they told me I would be drafted -- and drafted pretty high … It was definitely shocking and eye-opening when I didn't get drafted after that.”

Note: Back In December I hoped he wouldn’t become the next Ernest Shazor

Tim Hyland, About.com, writes about why Denard Robinson is the future at Michigan.

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Last night I put together Twitter Lists of former and current Michigan student athletes. So please subscribe to the lists and reply @UMGoBlog to inform us of anyone we are missing.

Michigan Wolverines Alumni:

Mike Cammalleri, Jim Mandich, Chad Henne, Rondell Biggs, Jeff Backus, Brent Petway, Jon Runyan, Jonathan Goodwin, Maurice Taylor, Chris Webber, Jay Riemersma, Jay Feely, Steve Breaston, Jim Harbaugh, Cato June, Jamie Morris, Braylon Edwards, DeShawn Sims, Charles Stewart, Jalen Rose, Donovan Warren, Brandon Minor, David Merritt, Brandon Graham, Dhani Jones, Chris Graham; Phil Brabbs

Current/Future Michigan Wolverines:

LaVal Lucas-Perry, Shawn Conway, Anthony Wright, Troy Woolfolk, Devin Gardner, Kenny Wilkins, Darius Morris, Evan Smotrycz, Cullen Christian, Zack Novak, Stephen Hopkins, Tate Forcier, Martell Webb, Vladimir Emilien, Elliott Mealer, Kelvin Grady; Martell Webb

NOTE: Mysteriously Zoltan Mesko’s Twitter Account disappeared. I’m betting Bill Belichick shot it down.

Re-watched the spring game this morning, here are a few things I got from it:

1.  Denard is our starting QB – he and Devin showed a great ability to stay in the pocket and scramble only when needed. Tate gets flustered to easily and does not understand how to step up into the pocket.  Instead Tate scrambles outside and puts our OT’s in bad position and also puts himself in bad position when DE’s running him down from behind while he is holding the ball at his knee.

2. Our running backs looked solid.  I saw great power out of Hopkins, Toussaint, Cox and even Gallon.  Shaw is still a bit tentative while running and I think that will cost him a starting job.  In all honesty, I think Hopkins is our starter against U-Conn unless Toussaint catches him.

3. Slots are great.  Roundtree, Gallon and Odoms played great all day.  Even Terrence Robinson had a few great plays (1 catch, 2 or 3 plays where his blocking were key).  I liked Gallons ability with the ball in his hands and the fact that he lowered his shoulder and plowed through Teric Jones was impressive.  Roundtree and Odoms had two wide open drops though.

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Quotes from Rich Rodriguez:

5 Minute Mash –

Spring Game Video Highlights

Spring Game QB Performance: “Today was an uneven performance. I thought we had practice better at the quarterback position. I don’t think we were really as sharp and they have played better and will. There are a lot of teachable moments you can take from this practice.”

What Denard Is Working On: “Grasp of the offense and recognition of the defense. Today was the only day they weren’t live. It limits them a little, are the QB’s slowing down/Defense slowing down. Tate and Denard are doing a good job understanding what the defense is doing.”

Quarterback Position: “No particular order on the quarterback rotation. I’m not giving you coachspeak. The competition at QB is wide open. Tate and Denard are a little ahead of Devin. Denard, overall, has had a few better practices than Tate and we believed he should get the nod to start today. The competition will go on at more positions in the fall.”

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