The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL Michigan Opponents Once Again Respect The Wolverines Entering the 2011 season, the Michigan mystique had been trashed. The Wolverines, coming off a 7-6 campaign that represented the high-water mark of the Rich Rodri- guez tenure, no longer garnered respect from their Big Ten competitors. "I think we were pretty surprised just how easy it was to tion where you have to carry the team on your back at times, and everyone is going to make mistakes. But I think Denard is a great player. He's elusive and he can really hurt you with his legs or his arm, and that gives defenses problems. "You have to show respect. He has produced every year. " go up and down the field against them," an anonymous opponent told The Wolverine in July 2011. "You're always supposed to respect Michigan and Ohio State, but there was nothing to fear about Michigan's defense [in 2010]. They had maybe one or two guys you had to account for, but we didn't think those guys alone could slow us down — and they didn't. The opponents interviewed for the story were equally unimpressed with the U-M offense, es- pecially the offensive line: "It wasn't like playing against Ohio State. With those guys, you know you're going to get worn down physically because they just maul you. I didn't think Michigan was one of the toughest offensive lines we faced. " in Chicago for Big Ten Media Day has changed dramatically. On the heels of an 11-2 campaign, including a Sugar Bowl victory over Virginia Tech, the Maize and Blue have reclaimed their swagger, and their foes' reverence. "Last year was the first time I played Flash-forward 12 months and the talk " Michigan, and they came with it," an opponent said at this year's Windy City gathering. "They have a lot of talent on the field, and they have playmakers. "Last year, it seemed like they wanted Now he just has to keep taking the next step. He's obviously going to have — I wouldn't say a breakout year, because he's always been good, but he can take it to the next level. "When you're playing Denard, it's about playing disciplined " team defense. If you have enough guys on the field who are doing their job, there is nowhere to run. There are bound to be mistakes and mishaps, and he can take advantage of it. When he takes off, it's about containment, making it a five- yard gain instead of a 25-yard gain." On Michigan's offense having more weapons than just Robinson: "In 2010, you pretty much knew the ball was go- ing to be in Denard Robinson's hands. They were dangerous last year. He really developed as a passer, and they're get- ting the ball in other guys' hands. You can't just contain him anymore. He's go- ing to make plays, but now that they've kind of diversified the offense, there is so much more to game plan for. petitors in the Big Ten to gauge their opinions on Michigan heading into the 2012 season. Here are their comments. On the impact of head coach Brady Hoke: "They're a dis- ciplined team. I'm not saying they weren't under Rich Rod, but I'm not sure they really knew what kind of team they could be under him. I'm sure they had their own expecta- tions, but when Hoke came, he really put his foot down and said what he wanted the system to be. "I met Brady in high school. He was recruiting me, when it more, and they finally rose back to the top of the Big Ten, and I'm sure they're going to be up there again. They have good coaching and they don't want to let go of their top spot. Everyone is gunning for them again; them and Michigan State are the two best teams in our division." The Wolverine spoke to at least one athlete from all 11 com- he was at Ball State, and ever since that day, I have a ton of respect for him. He was a good guy. Unfortunately, he was at Ball State and that wasn't the program I wanted to go to, but he seemed so determined, and he was so confident in his team. And that's the best thing he brings to Michigan, especially since it's such a storied program." On quarterback Denard Robinson (three different 60 THE WOLVERINE SEPTEMBER 2012 One U-M opponent said of quarterback Denard Robinson, "You have to show respect. He has produced every year." PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL ment from 2010 to 2011: "I wasn't ex- actly surprised by their success. When Bo Pelini came to Nebraska, you saw how drastically better our defense played right away. It was a complete turnaround. If you have players who are willing to buy into the system and put in the effort, then you can see a big change on the field. "You could tell they had bought into it, On Michigan's defensive improve- " you have good players and coaches, you can see what can happen." On the biggest hole to fill defensively (two views): and that was a big part of their success. The turnaround can be difficult, but if "Mike Martin took control out there, and he's a great leader up front. He had a great year. And if someone wasn't doing something right, he would take them aside. When we were playing, I saw him showing other guys where to go — and that contributed to their success. "Mike Martin — I didn't have to block him, but my fellow linemen were saying how talented he was. " On what they can expect from Michigan defensively based on last year's performance (three views): "They're not necessarily extremely fast up front, but very strong and athletic. Their linebackers knew exactly what they were do- ing, and they had a great game plan." "They're a tough team. The defense was powerful. They're " fighters. I didn't really know the other era. I didn't play them when Rich Rod was there, but they are a feisty team." "They were flying around. They had a relentless motor and views): "The turnovers he had were just part of growing up, especially at the quarterback position. You're put into a posi- energy, and it seemed like they were everywhere. It was a great competition, and that's all you can ask for in the Big Ten."