University of Michigan Wolverines (NCAA 10)

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  • OliDegu2008
    MVP
    • Jul 2008
    • 2290

    #1

    University of Michigan Wolverines (NCAA 10)


    REMEMBERING 2008

    The 2008 Michigan Wolverines team represented the University of Michigan in the college football season of 2008-2009. The team's head football coach was Rich Rodriguez. The Wolverines played their home games at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The 2008 season marked Rodriguez's first season as Michigan head coach, having replaced long time head coach Lloyd Carr following Carr's retirement at the end of the 2007 season. Rodriguez installed his trademark spread option offense, a marked departure from Michigan's prior offensive approaches.
    Rodriguez's first season was one of adjustment, with Michigan suffering its first losing season since 1967, and more losses (9) in a single season than in any other in the program's 129 year history. In addition, Michigan's loss to Ohio State on November 22 was the fifth straight, the most consecutive losses by Michigan to the Buckeyes - WIKIPEDIA.COM

    A LOOK AHEAD TO THE FUTURE -
    Michigan Wolverines

    Preview 2009
    By Pete Fiutak

    Interested in blogging about Michigan football? Let us know

    - 2009 CFN Michigan Preview |
    2009 Michigan Offense
    - 2009 Michigan Defense | 2009 Michigan Depth Chart
    - 2008 Michigan Preview | 2007 Michigan Preview | 2006 Michigan Preview
    Head coach: Rich Rodriguez
    2nd year: 3-9
    9th year: 63-35
    Returning Lettermen:
    Off. 30, Def. 19, ST 2
    Lettermen Lost: 19
    Ten Best UM Players
    1. DE Brandon Graham, Sr.
    2. LB Obi Ezeh, Jr.
    3. RB Brandon Minor, Sr.
    4. LB Jonas Mouton, Jr.
    5. S Stevie Brown, Sr.
    6. CB Donovan Warren, Jr.
    7. P Zoltan Mesko, Sr.
    8. QB Tate Forcier, Fr.
    9. WR Martavious Odoms, Soph.
    10. WR Greg Mathews, Sr.
    .
    2009 Schedule
    CFN Prediction: 6-6
    2009 Record: 0-0
    9/5 Western Michigan
    9/12 Notre Dame
    9/19 Eastern Michigan
    9/26 Indiana
    10/3 at Michigan State
    10/10 at Iowa
    10/17 Delaware State
    10/24 Penn State
    10/31 at Illinois
    11/7 Purdue
    11/14 at Wisconsin
    11/21 Ohio State
    11/28 OPEN DATE
    2008 Schedule CFN Prediction: 7-5
    2008 Record:
    3-9
    8/30 Utah L 25-23
    9/6 Miami Univ. W 16-6
    9/13 at Notre Dame L 35-17
    9/20 OPEN DATE
    9/27 Wisconsin W 27-25
    10/4 Illinois L 45-20
    10/11 Toledo L 13-10
    10/18 at Penn State L 46-17
    10/25 Michigan State L 35-21
    11/1 at Purdue L 48-42
    11/8 at Minnesota W 29-6
    11/15 Northwestern L 21-14
    11/22 at Ohio State L 42-7
    You knew it was going to take a while before the right pieces were put in place.

    You knew the Rich Rodriguez era was going to need at least a year before it started to produce.

    You knew the Big House program needed to be torn down to be built back up again.

    Now, after a disastrous debut that even the most pessimistic of Maize and Bluers couldn’t have predicted, there are three major questions. 1) Was it a case of Michigan needing to start from scratch, with all the bumps that come with it, in order to try to become an annual national championship contender, 2) was there anything positive to come out of last year, and 3) is it possible the hiring of RichRod a gigantic mistake?

    It’s not the 3-9 record that was such a problem; it’s that nothing worked and that the team wasn’t even close to being productive after beating Florida in a bowl game the year before.

    There were bad losses in the past, Appalachian State happened on Lloyd Carr’s watch, but that was like losing to USC compared to last year’s 13-10 gack to a miserable Toledo squad. The three wins came against a Miami University team that might have been the MAC’s worst team, over Wisconsin in what was more of an epic choke from the Badgers than a great second half from the Wolverines, and at Minnesota against a Gopher team that didn’t seem like it wanted to play football ever again the week after a season-killing, last-minute pick six that loss to Northwestern.

    The good stable of backs were supposed to be able to get things moving on the ground if all else failed. It didn’t happen.

    The terrific group of veterans on the defensive line was supposed to dominate games to keep the scores low enough to give the offense a chance. It didn’t happen.

    Last year was about discovering talents for this year to go forward and start to improve starting now. That didn’t happen either.

    Last year might have been a lost season considering no quarterbacks were developed, several top defenders where were counted on so heavily have to be replaced, and the record was so bad that it didn’t allow for any semblance of a grace period going into this season. And then came the 2009 recruiting class to provide a ray of sunshine.


    After the Terrelle Pryor fiasco of last year, when Rodriguez put all his eggs for the season in the prep quarterback’s basket, even though almost everyone knew Pryor was going to put on the hat with the O on it, he and his staff came out roaring with a tremendous class that showed, if nothing else, that he can recruit big-time talents. Fine, so recruiting well at Michigan is about as difficult as finding a pitchy singer on American Idol, but it was still a major positive sign that there’s an influx of talent coming in that should form the base of a new Michigan.

    The stodgy program needed a jolt to the system, and if a 3-9 record was needed to potentially take a giant leap forward, so be it. With that in mind, will there be any sort of understanding if this year is less-than-stellar with all the new players in place?

    Yeah, right.

    What to watch for on offense … Tate Forcier. The true freshman quarterback has more pressure on his shoulders than any player in America. Recruited specifically to be the main man for the Michigan offense from the moment he set foot on campus, he showed off a great combination of arm strength, running ability, and talent for the Rich Rodriguez attack this off-season. There will be a grace period for him considering he’s so young, but it’s not a stretch to say the entire season revolves around his development.

    What to watch for on defense … the 3-4. There are linemen, but most of the best ones are young and inexperienced. New defensive coordinator Greg Robinson, the former Syracuse head coach, will use a variety of alignments including a hybrid safety/linebacker position to take advantage of the one area on the defense, safety, with a glut of talent. Every defensive coordinator likes to say there will be more blitzing and more aggressiveness, but it should actually happen this year for the Wolverines with all the speed and athleticism in the back eight.

    The team will be far better if … it stops giving the ball away. It was almost like the team was getting paid to put the ball on the ground at times. The team lost 18 fumbles and finished 104th in the nation in turnover margin, putting itself behind the eight-ball time again killing an offense that had no offensive firepower to catch up (with the notable exception the Wisconsin choke). There’s no margin for error for this team. It either has to win the turnover battle each and every week, or it’s going to lose.
    The Schedule: Starting out with four straight home games and six in the first eight should give Rodriguez time to get his team ready for the tough finishing kick. If the Wolverines can beat Notre Dame, they'll likely be 4-0 in non-conference play (but don't assume an opening day win over a potent Western Michigan). If they can somehow split the back-to-back road trips against Michigan State and Iowa, they have a chance at a nice bounceback season. Penn State and Ohio State come to Ann Arbor, but going to Illinois and Wisconsin, especially with the Badgers thinking revenge after last year's choke, will be tough. Michigan almost never misses the truly good teams, and this year Minnesota and Northwestern aren't going to be elite.

    Best Offensive Player: Senior RB Brandon Minor. At the moment, Minor is the best offensive player by default. Everyone would love it if it turned out to be Forcier or fellow true freshman quarterback Denard Robinson, but Minor leads a strong stable of backs full of size, speed, and talent. He has been hit or miss as far as his production throughout his career, but when he’s on he’s among the Big Ten’s best offensive weapons.

    Best Defensive Player: Senior DE Brandon Graham. Expect a drop-off in production and a disappointing season stat-wise for the sackmaster who came up with ten last year. As the lone star on the line, and with the defense likely to work more in a 3-4, teams will throw everything and the waterboy at him to keep him from getting into the backfield. That doesn’t mean he’s going to be any worse a player, it’ll just mean he might make a little bit less money after next year’s draft.

    Key player to a successful season: (Besides Forcier or Robinson) Senior OT Mark Ortmann. Or possibly junior Perry Dorrestein. Of course the quarterback will be the key to the Michigan season, but beyond Forcier or Robinson, the offensive line has to be far more effective. It got unfairly hammered on last year considering it had to replace so many starters and was taking on a new system, but now there’s no excuse. There’s experience, depth, and talent. Ortmann will likely hold down the left tackle job, but he’ll get a big push from Dorrestein. Whoever is on the outside has to produce more and do everything possible to give the quarterback time to work.

    The season will be a success if ... Michigan finishes in the top five of the Big Ten standings. Yeah, woooooo, the Leaders and Best want to finish in the upper-division, but a winning record and a bowl game would be a terrific step for a program and a team that, unlike last year, has the pieces to do what Rodriguez wants. The problem is that all the key parts of the equation are young and will need at least a year of season. With that said, there’s no one on the schedule that Michigan absolutely positively can’t beat, and that includes a rebuilding Ohio State and Penn State. Going to Michigan State, Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin will be tough to get through without at least two losses, but this is still Michigan. Anything less than a bowl game will be a disaster.
    Key game: Sept. 5 vs. Western Michigan. The Wolverines have to come out roaring to set the tone that this is a new year, a new team, and the true beginning of a new era. Western Michigan is no slouch, beating Illinois last year and Iowa the year before, and with a team good enough to win the MAC title. After the way the last two years started, with opening day losses to Appalachian State and Utah, and after losing to Toledo last season, yes, beating the Broncos to start things off would be a major plus.
    2008 Fun Stats:
    - Third quarter scoring: Opponents 80 – Michigan 20
    - Third down conversions: Opponents 76-of-196 (39%) – Michigan 48-of-176 (27%)
    - Passing yards per game: Opponents 230 – Michigan 143.2
    - PER SCOUT.COM
    Last edited by OliDegu2008; 09-04-2009, 09:32 PM.
    2010 WORLD CUP (FROM THE GROUND UP)
    2014 WORLD CUP (FROM THE GROUND UP)
  • OliDegu2008
    MVP
    • Jul 2008
    • 2290

    #2
    Re: University of Michigan Wolverines (NCAA 10)

    Game/Sliders Information
    • 2009 Michigan Wolverines
    • XBOX 360 / NCAA FOOTBALL 10
    • Playmakers Varsity Sliders 8 Minutes (gonna give them a try)
    • Will not red-shirt anyone during first season
    • Full recaps and I will do my best to fill everyone in on what is going on in the NCAA

    CHEERS
    2010 WORLD CUP (FROM THE GROUND UP)
    2014 WORLD CUP (FROM THE GROUND UP)

    Comment

    • rdnk
      All Star
      • Feb 2009
      • 5730

      #3
      Re: University of Michigan Wolverines (NCAA 10)

      I'd like to not remember last year...

      The games were usually close until the 2nd half, where we were blown out. It's still sad that we lost to Purdue and Toledo.

      Good luck, hopefully you can pull out a bowl game.
      Ottawa Senator's Dynasty (NHL 09)
      Rising From The Ashes: A Phoenix Coyotes Dynasty (EHM 07)
      The Coaching Career of James Aldridge (NFL Head Coach 09)

      Comment

      • WWF80sKid
        All Star
        • Nov 2008
        • 7095

        #4
        Re: University of Michigan Wolverines (NCAA 10)

        I'll definitely be following. From the looks of today's game against Western Michigan, you should have a pretty decent team on your hands. Good luck, and Go Blue!

        MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
        1901 | 1902 | 1903 | 1904 | 1918 | 1923 | 1932 | 1933 | 1947 | 1948 | 1997 | 2023

        MONTREAL CANADIENS
        1916 | 1924 | 1930 | 1931 | 1944 | 1946 | 1953 | 1956 | 1957 | 1958 | 1959 | 1960 | 1965
        1966 | 1968 | 1971 | 1973 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1986 | 1993

        Comment

        • kobe360x
          Rookie
          • Jul 2009
          • 418

          #5
          Re: University of Michigan Wolverines (NCAA 10)

          following and Tate Forcier played great!

          Comment

          • OliDegu2008
            MVP
            • Jul 2008
            • 2290

            #6
            Re: University of Michigan Wolverines (NCAA 10)

            2009 U of M Pre-Season Info
            P Zoltan Mesko named AA Pre-season NCAA 1st Team

            FB Mark Moundros, LE Brandon Graham, DT Mike Martin,
            P Zoltan Mesko, HB Brandon Minor and C David Molk named to
            BIG 10 Pre-Season Team

            Michigan picked to finish 9th in Big 10 conference outlook poll

            Michigan Football Records

            Individual school records


            Rushing records

            • Most rushing attempts, career: 1,015, Mike Hart (2004-07)
            • Most rushing attempts, season: 338, Chris Perry (2003)
            • Most rushing attempts, game: 51, Chris Perry (November 1, 2003 at Michigan State)
            • Most rushing yards, career: 5,040, Mike Hart (2004-07)
            • Most rushing yards, season: 1,818, Tim Biakabutuka (1995)
            • Most rushing yards, game: 347, Ron Johnson (November 16, 1968 vs. Wisconsin)
            • Most rushing touchdowns, career: 55, Anthony Thomas (1997-2000)
            • Most rushing touchdowns, season: 19, Ron Johnson (1968)
            • Most rushing touchdowns, game: 5, Ron Johnson (November 16, 1968 vs. Wisconsin)
            • Longest run from scrimmage: 92 yards (84 m), Butch Woolfolk (November 3, 1979 vs. Wisconsin)
            • Most games with at least 100 rushing yards, career: 28, Mike Hart (2004-07)
            • Most games with at least 100 rushing yards, season: 10, Jamie Morris (1987)
            • Most games with at least 200 rushing yards, career: 5, Mike Hart (2004-07)
            • Most games with at least 200 rushing yards, season: 3, Mike Hart (2004)


            Passing records

            • Most passing attempts, career: 1,387, Chad Henne (2004-07)
            • Most passing attempts, season: 456, John Navarre (2003)
            • Most passing attempts, game: 56, Tom Brady (November 21, 1998 at Ohio State)
            • Most passing completions, career: 828, Chad Henne (2004-07)
            • Most passing completions, season: 270, John Navarre (2003)
            • Most passing completions, game: 34, Tom Brady (January 1, 2000 vs. Alabama in Orange Bowl)
            • Most passing yards, career: 9,715, Chad Henne (2004-07)
            • Most passing yards, season: 3,331, John Navarre (2003)
            • Most passing yards, game: 389, John Navarre (October 4, 2003 at Iowa)
            • Most passing touchdowns, career: 86, Chad Henne (2004-07)
            • Most passing touchdowns, season: 25, Elvis Grbac (1991) and Chad Henne (2004)
            • Most passing touchdowns, game: 4, 17 times, most recently by Chad Henne (November 3, 2007 at Michigan State)
            • Longest pass completion: 97 yards (89 m), Ryan Mallett to Mario Manningham (November 10, 2007 at Wisconsin)
            • Most games with at least 200 passing yards, career: 28, John Navarre (2000-03)
            • Most games with at least 200 passing yards, season: 10, John Navarre (2003)
            • Most games with at least 300 passing yards, career: 5, Chad Henne (2004-07)
            • Most games with at least 300 passing yards, season: 3, John Navarre (2003) and Chad Henne (2004)


            Receiving records

            • Most receptions, career: 252, Braylon Edwards (2001-04)
            • Most receptions, season: 97, Braylon Edwards (2004)
            • Most receptions, game: 15, twice by Marquise Walker (September 8, 2001 at Washington and November 24, 2001 vs. Ohio State)
            • Most receiving yards, career: 3,541, Braylon Edwards (2001-04)
            • Most receiving yards, season: 1,330, Braylon Edwards (2004)
            • Most receiving yards, game: 197, Jack Clancy (September 17, 1966 vs. Oregon State)
            • Most touchdown receptions, career: 39, Braylon Edwards (2001-04) (also a Big Ten Conference record)
            • Most touchdown receptions, season: 19, Desmond Howard (1991) (also a Big Ten Conference record)
            • Most touchdown receptions, game: 4, Derrick Alexander (October 24, 1992 vs. Minnesota)
            • Longest pass reception: 97 yards (89 m), Mario Manningham from Ryan Mallett (November 10, 2007 at Wisconsin)
            • Most games with at least 100 receiving yards, career: 17, Braylon Edwards (2001-04)
            • Most games with at least 100 receiving yards, season: 7, Braylon Edwards (2004) and Mario Manningham (2007)


            Kickoff return records

            • Most kickoff returns, career: 81, Steve Breaston (2003-06)
            • Most kickoff returns, season: 28, Steve Breaston (2004)
            • Most kickoff returns, game: 8, Todd Howard (January 1, 2002 vs. Tennessee in Florida Citrus Bowl)
            • Most kickoff return yards, career: 1,993, Steve Breaston (2003-06)
            • Most kickoff return yards, season: 689, Steve Breaston (2004)
            • Most kickoff return yards, game: 221, Steve Breaston (January 1, 2005 vs. Texas in Rose Bowl)
            • Most kickoff return touchdowns, career: 2, Desmond Howard (1989-91)
            • Longest kickoff return: 100 yards (91 m), Seth Smith (October 29, 1994 vs. Wisconsin)


            Punt return records

            • Most punt returns, career: 127, Steve Breaston (2003-06) (also a Big Ten Conference record)
            • Most punt returns, season: 45, Steve Breaston (2003)
            • Most punt returns, game: 9, Steve Breaston (September 23, 2006 vs. Wisconsin)
            • Most punt return yards, career: 1,599, Steve Breaston (2003-06) (also a Big Ten Conference record)
            • Most punt return yards, season: 619, Steve Breaston (2003)
            • Most punt return yards, game: 140, George Hoey (October 28, 1967 at Minnesota)
            • Most punt return touchdowns, career: 4, Gene Derricotte (1944-48), Derrick Alexander (1989-93), and Steve Breaston (2003-06)
            • Longest punt return: 93 yards (85 m), Desmond Howard (November 23, 1991 vs. Ohio State)



            Last edited by OliDegu2008; 09-07-2009, 09:34 PM.
            2010 WORLD CUP (FROM THE GROUND UP)
            2014 WORLD CUP (FROM THE GROUND UP)

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            • WWF80sKid
              All Star
              • Nov 2008
              • 7095

              #7
              Re: University of Michigan Wolverines (NCAA 10)

              You still going with this?

              MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
              1901 | 1902 | 1903 | 1904 | 1918 | 1923 | 1932 | 1933 | 1947 | 1948 | 1997 | 2023

              MONTREAL CANADIENS
              1916 | 1924 | 1930 | 1931 | 1944 | 1946 | 1953 | 1956 | 1957 | 1958 | 1959 | 1960 | 1965
              1966 | 1968 | 1971 | 1973 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1986 | 1993

              Comment

              • OliDegu2008
                MVP
                • Jul 2008
                • 2290

                #8
                Re: University of Michigan Wolverines (NCAA 10)

                Hey all, sorry for the hiatus. Been in and out getting my priorities straight I guess you could say.

                Will be starting this sometime today!!!
                Thanks for the follows.
                2010 WORLD CUP (FROM THE GROUND UP)
                2014 WORLD CUP (FROM THE GROUND UP)

                Comment

                • SuperChargers
                  Pro
                  • Aug 2009
                  • 591

                  #9
                  Re: University of Michigan Wolverines (NCAA 10)

                  i see you. im watching

                  Comment

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