I've been a Michigan Wolverine fan for all of my life, and I've never been so disappointed with the football program as I have been these last couple of years...
When Rich Rodriguez was hired to lead the football program at Michigan 3 years ago, non northerners here in the South cheered the change, while the old school southerners, knowing the extreme differences between the style of football played in the north vs the south, raised an eyebrow of questioning at the move. Personally, I was on the side of the those questioning the move.
Big 10 football is drastically different from that played in the south. True, Rodriquez didn't necessarily coach in "the south", but the style of football he utilized at West Virginia was very similar, if not identical in many ways, to that played in the south: small, fast, athletic linemen and linebackers on defensive combined with an athletic quarterback who could run at will and complete passes when necessary. In the north, its big, strong linemen, controlling the line of scrimmage to utilize a ground and pound running game to wear opponents out heading into the 4th quarter when defenses are too tired to get any sort of pass rush to slow down a balanced passing attack...
After 3 years at the helm of Michigan Football, it should be obvious to all U of M fans that this style of football just doesn't work in the Big 10. Over the last decade, multiple programs-from Ohio State to Indiana-have learned the hard truth that this is no way to consistently win in the Big 10, much less compete for the league or BCS championship coming out of the Big 10; and now we can add Michigan to that list.
The style just isn't conducive to winning in a northern climate, against teams who field big, strong linemen, and who can run the ball down your throat to wear you out. No where else should this be more evident than when Ohio State beat Miami for the BCS Championship almost a decade ago. Ohio State took traditional Big 10 football to Miami for 4 straight quarters, and when the game was on the line late, Miami-despite all their speed and athleticism-just didn't have the energy left to hold Ohio State off the scoreboard.
The bottom line is this: the style doesn't work in the Big 10.
Rich Rod has wasted 3 years of recruitment's on a style that has made the greatest football program in college football history a laughing stock to the rest of the Big Ten (and the nation). Teams like Minnesota, Illinois and Purdue no longer fear coming to the Big House with the hope of simply wanting to play "respectable" against a dominant college power. Now, those teams look at U of M on their schedule and, before the season even starts, tick them off as a probable win.
Who to replace Rodriquez with is a question that will be discussed to death over the coming weeks because the cry from most fans and media people nationwide is their for the removal of Rodriguez. Currently, the big name being tossed around as a possible replacement is Jim Harbough at Stanford, but I don't know if he is the answer either.
At this point, the Michigan Football program has serious ground to make up just to gain respectability again, and it is going to take years to fix-not 1, not 2; but, in all likelihood, 4 years to correct: a full student cycle by one coach to rid the program of the wrong talent, while replacing it with the right talent to compete in the league.
That process should start now.
Rich Rod-the experiment has failed. It is time for you to go.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Everblades week in review
With the way the team played the night before Thanksgiving, I thought I would give it some time before posting another blog-just to see if they were still playing well...
The 2 games at home last week were definitely Jekyll one night, and Hyde the next. Tuesday's game was awful. So awful in fact that it prompted Craig Brush to speak out during the interview session with the coach after the game. I know some of what Brush said was quoted in other writer's stories (my editor cut it from mine) but Brush said that it was opinion that the team has a certain amount of arrogance; of an expectation that, because they are so talented, they should just be able to show up on most nights and win. In the past, this could have been said to be true, when there were teams like the Ice Pilots and Lynx who were typically not very good. In those days, the league was watered down horribly at 30 teams; but with only 19 teams left in the ECHL this year, the talent pool is considerably more condensed. There are no more gimmies in this league anymore (which, in my opinion, is good for the fans and the league) and fans should look no further than Greenville-a first year expansion team who is only 1 point out of first in the division (and have the 2nd best record in the entire ECHL)-to see exactly how hard it is going to be for teams to be successful this year...
Brush's calling out of the team Tuesday night seems to have gotten the message through: since that time, the Blades have locked down on defense and played a much more balanced offensive attack. After the shut out Wednesday night, they went on the road to Reading and Elmira this past Saturday and Sunday, winning both, and tying their season best winning streak at 3. Based on what I have read from the game wrap press releases on these games (everyone can read them at http://www.floridaeverblades.com/), the team is playing solid defense and, through hard work, creating quality scoring chances which they are capitalizing on.
Florida's record is 12-9 as of today (11-29-10); they are by no means out of the playoff race, but they do have some catching up to do. Fortunately, they still have pivotal series against both Greenville and Gwinnett...
Giving thanks
I know that this is normally done before Thanksgiving, but since there is little normal about me...
Fans, I think, should be thankful for team president Craig Brush. There aren't many team presidents like Brush in all of sports, of any level. In my opinion, Brush is in the caliber of the Joe Dumars', Bill Parcels, and Ken Hollands of the sports world. I think fans sometime forget just how hard it is for any sports team to make their league playoffs 13 straight years-a feat doubly hard at the ECHL level because rosters are never the same month to month. True, the Blades have yet to win it all, but all fans should be thankful that we get to watch hockey into late April-early May every year.
This year, the team should thankful for Mitch Fadden. The kid is sick on the ice almost every night. He leads the league in points and assists. His passing ability is off the charts for this league (Wednesday's pass to Reid in the corner for their 2nd goal was, without a doubt, NHL caliber). In sum, the team, and the fans, should be glad to have him for as long as we do-because the way he handles the puck, its not going to be for much longer.
Personally, I'd like to give thanks to everyone who reads my blog and my stories online. I make no claims of being a great writer-I just try to do my job with the passion of fan; all I know is that every time I post a link to my blog, I get dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of hits to it. For that, I say thank you-I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and are looking forward to a wondering Christmas and new year :).
The 2 games at home last week were definitely Jekyll one night, and Hyde the next. Tuesday's game was awful. So awful in fact that it prompted Craig Brush to speak out during the interview session with the coach after the game. I know some of what Brush said was quoted in other writer's stories (my editor cut it from mine) but Brush said that it was opinion that the team has a certain amount of arrogance; of an expectation that, because they are so talented, they should just be able to show up on most nights and win. In the past, this could have been said to be true, when there were teams like the Ice Pilots and Lynx who were typically not very good. In those days, the league was watered down horribly at 30 teams; but with only 19 teams left in the ECHL this year, the talent pool is considerably more condensed. There are no more gimmies in this league anymore (which, in my opinion, is good for the fans and the league) and fans should look no further than Greenville-a first year expansion team who is only 1 point out of first in the division (and have the 2nd best record in the entire ECHL)-to see exactly how hard it is going to be for teams to be successful this year...
Brush's calling out of the team Tuesday night seems to have gotten the message through: since that time, the Blades have locked down on defense and played a much more balanced offensive attack. After the shut out Wednesday night, they went on the road to Reading and Elmira this past Saturday and Sunday, winning both, and tying their season best winning streak at 3. Based on what I have read from the game wrap press releases on these games (everyone can read them at http://www.floridaeverblades.com/), the team is playing solid defense and, through hard work, creating quality scoring chances which they are capitalizing on.
Florida's record is 12-9 as of today (11-29-10); they are by no means out of the playoff race, but they do have some catching up to do. Fortunately, they still have pivotal series against both Greenville and Gwinnett...
Giving thanks
I know that this is normally done before Thanksgiving, but since there is little normal about me...
Fans, I think, should be thankful for team president Craig Brush. There aren't many team presidents like Brush in all of sports, of any level. In my opinion, Brush is in the caliber of the Joe Dumars', Bill Parcels, and Ken Hollands of the sports world. I think fans sometime forget just how hard it is for any sports team to make their league playoffs 13 straight years-a feat doubly hard at the ECHL level because rosters are never the same month to month. True, the Blades have yet to win it all, but all fans should be thankful that we get to watch hockey into late April-early May every year.
This year, the team should thankful for Mitch Fadden. The kid is sick on the ice almost every night. He leads the league in points and assists. His passing ability is off the charts for this league (Wednesday's pass to Reid in the corner for their 2nd goal was, without a doubt, NHL caliber). In sum, the team, and the fans, should be glad to have him for as long as we do-because the way he handles the puck, its not going to be for much longer.
Personally, I'd like to give thanks to everyone who reads my blog and my stories online. I make no claims of being a great writer-I just try to do my job with the passion of fan; all I know is that every time I post a link to my blog, I get dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of hits to it. For that, I say thank you-I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and are looking forward to a wondering Christmas and new year :).
Monday, November 22, 2010
Everblades week in review
An FYI
Because the paper I cover the team for doesn't ask me to do coverage for the Everblades while they are on the road, I become a little disassociated from them while they are on the road. It is a feeling I don't like because I do enjoy covering the team, and to provide the best product for those who enjoy my coverage, it is best that I stay as engaged with what is going on with the team as much as possible; to that end I always at least try to talk to the coach every week-whether they are in town or not...
Bad trends?
Florida's recent 2 week road trip was a tale of 2 weeks: in the first week, they took 2 of 3 from the Stingrays; week 2 they were swept in Greenville.
Just going on records, the Growl are the 4th best team in the conference, and only a game out of first place in the south division. South Carolina is in last place in the south division and one of the 3 worst teams in the conference.
Last week, the Blades hosted Toledo 3 times, beating them twice-Toledo is also in the bottom 3 of the conference.
The supposition I"m drawing is obvious: the year is still relatively young, but so far, the Everblades have yet to take more than one game against an oppenent with a winning record, that they play multilple times in one week.
Poss was particular after every game last week...
The 4-2 win Wednesday night he was not happy with at all. Yes, they got the win, but he was not happy at all with the teams overall play-particularly on defense. It was obvious to me, at least, that in his view, Wednesday night was a lucky win.
There was nothing to be upset about in Friday's game: when you score 8 goals in less than 30 shots, it is easy to overlook the almost 40 shots that you give up defensively.
Saturday, however, was another thing altogether.
Poss took Saturday's play by the team very personal. He was angry and depressed at the same time, and it was obvious in his mood and his words: the team doesn't have enough grit or physical presence, in his opinion, to win on a consistent basis during the regular season, much less win in the playoffs. Poss didn't go so far as to say that he didn't think the Blades were gonna miss the playoffs, but he seemed pretty clear that, if they were to make it that far, they most likely couldn't win a series with their current roster. To that end, he more than implied that he was going to take a long look at the current roster, and, if there was someone worth going after, he was going to pull the trigger and make the move. In sum, every defensemean (at the very least) should be put on notice, that the coach isn't happy with the teams overall defensive play.
The trends: no passion or physicality on defense, and an offense that can easily dominate the weaker teams in their division and conference...
Stars fiasco
If you have read all of my Blades blogs, then you are aware that the Naples Daily News writer does not participate in choosing the 3 stars after each game. It is not place to go into why this writer chooses not to participate, but that is their problem, not mine. However, it does become an issue when the News Press writer isn't at games-which happens often during the first 2-3 months of the season. As a result, I have no other input into the 3 stars than my own, and perhaps the gentleman who sits to my left that keeps track of hits, turnovers and quality scoring chances.
On Saturday night, I took a lot of heat from fans and officials for not including Florida's goalie-Jaroslav Janus-in the stars list for Friday night...
There is no question that Janus deserved to be on the list-the guy kicked away 40 freaking shots for crying out loud; but I had no other input in the stars that night.
I began writing my story 5 minutes into the 3rd period. At that time it 5-0, Janus had turned away 30 shots (pretty normal for an ECHL goalie), and hadn't faced very many quality scoring chances (5 or so, at that time). At that time, I had 2 guys with 4 points on the stat list and another with 3. In the end, those 3 guys: Fadden, McKenzie, and Lemieux, all made my stars list Friday night, and Janus-because, with the game already decided and I was trying to get my story done-missed out.
Janus wasn't the only one who deserved to be on the stars list that night: Ross Carlson deserved it as well.
Sure, his 2nd goal was basically in garbage time, but the guy played a hell of a game all night by playing outstanding on the penalty kill and causing general havoc for the Toledo offense when he was out there.
My point: I'm human, I make mistakes, and I'm not ashamed to admit to making them, but on that night I had no other input, and no one to even discuss the stars with-the NDN writer hasn't liked me from the day he met me, which is his prerogative; but, personal differences aside, he isn't even capable of being professional around me, which is his problem, not mine. Despite this persons attitude toward me, I am always polite and professional around him. Even when I cross a line in referencing him (as I did Saturday night), I am quick to apologize: the work environment is no place to hash out personal differences, or talk behind each others backs. This person knows exactly how I feel about his professionalism since I've made it clear to his face more than once, so I'm not saying anything here that he isn't already aware of...
Anyway, to all who were upset with the stars, or anything else you may have heard-my apologies. I can only say that I will try to do better next time when in that situation.
As always, I am available to all during intermissions in the smoking area outside section 110. I can be found standing outside the railings by the suite entrance, where I am usually talking to season ticket holders that have become friends of mine over the years. Don't be afraid to give it to me either-I'm a man, I can take it. All I ask is that you not be rude and say what you have to say to my face,
RR
Because the paper I cover the team for doesn't ask me to do coverage for the Everblades while they are on the road, I become a little disassociated from them while they are on the road. It is a feeling I don't like because I do enjoy covering the team, and to provide the best product for those who enjoy my coverage, it is best that I stay as engaged with what is going on with the team as much as possible; to that end I always at least try to talk to the coach every week-whether they are in town or not...
Bad trends?
Florida's recent 2 week road trip was a tale of 2 weeks: in the first week, they took 2 of 3 from the Stingrays; week 2 they were swept in Greenville.
Just going on records, the Growl are the 4th best team in the conference, and only a game out of first place in the south division. South Carolina is in last place in the south division and one of the 3 worst teams in the conference.
Last week, the Blades hosted Toledo 3 times, beating them twice-Toledo is also in the bottom 3 of the conference.
The supposition I"m drawing is obvious: the year is still relatively young, but so far, the Everblades have yet to take more than one game against an oppenent with a winning record, that they play multilple times in one week.
Poss was particular after every game last week...
The 4-2 win Wednesday night he was not happy with at all. Yes, they got the win, but he was not happy at all with the teams overall play-particularly on defense. It was obvious to me, at least, that in his view, Wednesday night was a lucky win.
There was nothing to be upset about in Friday's game: when you score 8 goals in less than 30 shots, it is easy to overlook the almost 40 shots that you give up defensively.
Saturday, however, was another thing altogether.
Poss took Saturday's play by the team very personal. He was angry and depressed at the same time, and it was obvious in his mood and his words: the team doesn't have enough grit or physical presence, in his opinion, to win on a consistent basis during the regular season, much less win in the playoffs. Poss didn't go so far as to say that he didn't think the Blades were gonna miss the playoffs, but he seemed pretty clear that, if they were to make it that far, they most likely couldn't win a series with their current roster. To that end, he more than implied that he was going to take a long look at the current roster, and, if there was someone worth going after, he was going to pull the trigger and make the move. In sum, every defensemean (at the very least) should be put on notice, that the coach isn't happy with the teams overall defensive play.
The trends: no passion or physicality on defense, and an offense that can easily dominate the weaker teams in their division and conference...
Stars fiasco
If you have read all of my Blades blogs, then you are aware that the Naples Daily News writer does not participate in choosing the 3 stars after each game. It is not place to go into why this writer chooses not to participate, but that is their problem, not mine. However, it does become an issue when the News Press writer isn't at games-which happens often during the first 2-3 months of the season. As a result, I have no other input into the 3 stars than my own, and perhaps the gentleman who sits to my left that keeps track of hits, turnovers and quality scoring chances.
On Saturday night, I took a lot of heat from fans and officials for not including Florida's goalie-Jaroslav Janus-in the stars list for Friday night...
There is no question that Janus deserved to be on the list-the guy kicked away 40 freaking shots for crying out loud; but I had no other input in the stars that night.
I began writing my story 5 minutes into the 3rd period. At that time it 5-0, Janus had turned away 30 shots (pretty normal for an ECHL goalie), and hadn't faced very many quality scoring chances (5 or so, at that time). At that time, I had 2 guys with 4 points on the stat list and another with 3. In the end, those 3 guys: Fadden, McKenzie, and Lemieux, all made my stars list Friday night, and Janus-because, with the game already decided and I was trying to get my story done-missed out.
Janus wasn't the only one who deserved to be on the stars list that night: Ross Carlson deserved it as well.
Sure, his 2nd goal was basically in garbage time, but the guy played a hell of a game all night by playing outstanding on the penalty kill and causing general havoc for the Toledo offense when he was out there.
My point: I'm human, I make mistakes, and I'm not ashamed to admit to making them, but on that night I had no other input, and no one to even discuss the stars with-the NDN writer hasn't liked me from the day he met me, which is his prerogative; but, personal differences aside, he isn't even capable of being professional around me, which is his problem, not mine. Despite this persons attitude toward me, I am always polite and professional around him. Even when I cross a line in referencing him (as I did Saturday night), I am quick to apologize: the work environment is no place to hash out personal differences, or talk behind each others backs. This person knows exactly how I feel about his professionalism since I've made it clear to his face more than once, so I'm not saying anything here that he isn't already aware of...
Anyway, to all who were upset with the stars, or anything else you may have heard-my apologies. I can only say that I will try to do better next time when in that situation.
As always, I am available to all during intermissions in the smoking area outside section 110. I can be found standing outside the railings by the suite entrance, where I am usually talking to season ticket holders that have become friends of mine over the years. Don't be afraid to give it to me either-I'm a man, I can take it. All I ask is that you not be rude and say what you have to say to my face,
RR
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Everblades week in review
Firstly, my apologies to all the Blades fans who have been reading these for getting this done so late. It is my intention to get these posted before the Tuesday following the Blades' weekend home games, but I am very busy and since this is something I am doing for fun, and for the fans, it is getting lost in the shuffle that is my ever changing schedule. So that these can be counted on in a more timely manner by you who are reading them, I will here on put them in my Sunday schedule and look to have them posted earlier because of that. As an FYI, with the Blades being on the road for the next 2 weeks don't expect a post from me-I might try and throw something together after I conduct my phone interview with the coach, but I doubt I will have anything worth blogging about...
Now that we are 8 games into the regular season, we can say there are some definite trends developing around this years version of the Everblades, the most disturbing of which is their tendency to let their opponent score first. It took until their last game this past week against the K-Wings before they finally were first to score.
Their power play and penalty kill made noticeable improvements this last week.
For those that were at Florida's open weekend set of games, their special teams were, in a word, lousy. They couldn't score, and they weren't doing a good job of clearing the puck and closing the shooting lanes on the PK. Poss has obviously worked the team hard in practice to change that because against the K-Wings, special teams was a primary reason why the Blades got the sweep.
They also got better at winning face offs as the week went on.
All of these things point to coaching and should give all Blades fan's hope that this coach could be the one to bring the Kelly Cup to Germain Arena...
Of their 3 games last week, Wednesday's stood out to me the most. I know that from a fan perspective it was a very boring game until the 3rd period (a friend of mine showed up to see the game, only to leave after the 1st period because it was "the worst sporting event I've ever been too"-don't worry, I handed it to to him afterward). That game the Blades fell behind early, played a terrible 2nd period, and stole it in the 3rd. Looking back at this game after the way they won the following 2, Wednesday's contest was a true reflection of the personality of this years Blades team-this team isn't going to fold at any point of a game.
They are going to fight to the bitter end (which they had to do in Saturday's game) and give everything they have, collectively, as a team...
My offer still stands: I will Tweet the Blades if you would like me too. As of now, I know many of you have read that particular post but I have gotten no response back as to whether or not some of you would like me to Tweet the Blades. I will leave the offer open until the New Year-either approach me at the games or leave me a comment here...
Sorry for not having more behind the scenes stuff for you this week, I promise to do better next time and not let it go so late.
Now that we are 8 games into the regular season, we can say there are some definite trends developing around this years version of the Everblades, the most disturbing of which is their tendency to let their opponent score first. It took until their last game this past week against the K-Wings before they finally were first to score.
Their power play and penalty kill made noticeable improvements this last week.
For those that were at Florida's open weekend set of games, their special teams were, in a word, lousy. They couldn't score, and they weren't doing a good job of clearing the puck and closing the shooting lanes on the PK. Poss has obviously worked the team hard in practice to change that because against the K-Wings, special teams was a primary reason why the Blades got the sweep.
They also got better at winning face offs as the week went on.
All of these things point to coaching and should give all Blades fan's hope that this coach could be the one to bring the Kelly Cup to Germain Arena...
Of their 3 games last week, Wednesday's stood out to me the most. I know that from a fan perspective it was a very boring game until the 3rd period (a friend of mine showed up to see the game, only to leave after the 1st period because it was "the worst sporting event I've ever been too"-don't worry, I handed it to to him afterward). That game the Blades fell behind early, played a terrible 2nd period, and stole it in the 3rd. Looking back at this game after the way they won the following 2, Wednesday's contest was a true reflection of the personality of this years Blades team-this team isn't going to fold at any point of a game.
They are going to fight to the bitter end (which they had to do in Saturday's game) and give everything they have, collectively, as a team...
My offer still stands: I will Tweet the Blades if you would like me too. As of now, I know many of you have read that particular post but I have gotten no response back as to whether or not some of you would like me to Tweet the Blades. I will leave the offer open until the New Year-either approach me at the games or leave me a comment here...
Sorry for not having more behind the scenes stuff for you this week, I promise to do better next time and not let it go so late.
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