It’s time for OSU fans to – (gulp) – rally behind coach Carr.

Now, before you take me outside and stone me, hear me out.

We’ve made our jibes at Carr, even had him as Tressel’s second banana from time to time, but we only mock that which we respect. The fact is that Carr has done a better job of coaching these past few games than what reactionary UM fans (and ESPN analysts) are giving him credit for.

For instance, in the past four games, Michigan has put up about 1600 yards of offense and scored almost 100 points. Three of the teams they’ve done this against have had excellent defenses (including two of the top five Ds in the country last year). They have a handful of future NFL draft picks – perhaps as many as three first rounders.

Of course, the problem is that the UM defense has given up just about 2000 yards and 150 points in these same four games. Yeah, yeah, “it’s been against all these spread offenses.” But Carr has faced and beaten spread offenses in the past. OSU fans will hate me for bringing up all those wide-open-spread-offense OSU teams from the late 90s that Carr had no problem with beating. He also beat a WSU spread offense for his title in 1997. He destroyed a highly touted spread-offensed Notre Dame team last year, (a ND team that was no doubt overrated, but still much better than I-AA App State).

At any rate, even if Carr is giving up a lot of points… does that automatically make him a bad coach? Rich Rodriguez of West Virginia has what is universally considered to be a pathetic, gimmicky defense, yet he is considered an up-and-coming star of Div. I-A. No, it’s not points and yards that matter, but wins and losses.

There’s no doubt that Carr is still effective in the non-tangible ways of being a coach; anyone who has watched Mike Hart’s post-game comments knows that motivation and leadership isn’t a problem in the UM locker room.

Sure, Carr is ultimately responsible as the “head” coach, and if he can’t fix the problem(s), he should be let go. But he’s earned a shot at trying to fix things. The first thing he should do is fire Ron English, who is primarily responsible for these recent losses. UM’s offensive schemes have been plenty good enough to win, but the preparedness & execution hasn’t been there on the other side of the ball.

So OSU fans should rally behind Carr. I have no problem admitting that this motivation primarily comes from a desire to keep the status quo in the modern “Scowler vs. the Sweatervest” era. Trust me, if they get rid of Carr, it’s going to be Tressel vs. Jeff Tedford or Les Miles, and no OSU fan would want that year in and year out.

However, I also say this as a Big Ten fan. This 1950s, ironman, baby boomer, buick-with-fins, asbestos-insulation-and-nuclear-testing-is-good-for-you, polio-vaccine-era style of football that Ron English is using is making a mockery of the Big Ten. Fall on your sword, Ron, so Carr can have an opportunity to hire a defensive coordinator that actually designs schemes and prepares athletes to play 21st century football.

Please don’t make us add “2007” to the MotSaG Carr tombstone:

 

Okay, so obviously a lot of OSU fans are displaying a bit of shadenfreude over UM’s loss to App State. Even we at MotSaG couldn’t resist rubbing it in a little bit (see the earlier post from el Kaiser). There’s something satisfying about seeing a big, proud, overconfident bully that’s always teasing and taunting everyone get taken down by the littlest kid on the block.

But putting that aside for a moment, UM’s shameful loss is terrible for OSU, too – not to mention the rest of the Big Ten.

First, it will diminish the OSU/UM rivalry. That game is always best when one (or both) of the teams is playing for all the marbles. Make no mistake – UM will not be allowed into the BCS title game, even if it wins the next 11 games by 100 points. Any true OSU fan wants every season to be like last one – the two teams meeting, undefeated, to settle everything once and for all.

Also, the last thing anyone wants is for Carr to go. I’ll guarantee you that the phone was ringing off the hook in the UM athletic department today, with every rich & powerful alumnus demanding answers. His days may be numbered, which is not good for the continued one-sided dominance in the OSU/UM rivalry. However, in the mind of this writer, the blame for this loss should rest squarely on the shoulders of Ron English. Quite simply, his ineptitude has reached critical mass. Giving up 108 points in the last three games is unacceptable by any standard.

The loss is also terrible for the Big Ten. Holy cow, the last thing the Big-Ten haters of the nation need is proof that the conference is overrated.

Think of it this way: in a conference that includes teams like Indiana, Northwestern, and Minnesota, it’s MICHIGAN that is embarrassing the conference. Let that sink in for a moment.

The BCS will suffer. Some might argue that this isn’t a bad thing, but we’re stuck with it for the foreseeable future, so it’d be nice if it wasn’t undermined any further. UM is likely to put together a decent season, perhaps even win the Big Ten and go to the Rose. If that happens, there will always be the “yeah-but-App-State” argument.

Along the same lines, what will happen to UM in the polls? A loss like this exposes the major flaws in the poll system. There’s no question that UM does not deserve to be ranked. However, a little critical thinking reveals that this loss was most likely aberrant, and probably doesn’t give an accurate picture of how good UM actually is (nor enough credit to App State). The Wolverines will still likely beat a handful of good teams this year. So, should they be ranked according to their potential, or their results? Typically, the poll voters use the former for the bulk of the season, and the latter for the last month or so. Today’s loss will probably throw the polls out of whack as voters try to figure out – and argue about – what is fair.

I know that I personally feel bad for UM fans. I can empathize. In 1998, the championship-bound Bucks shockingly lost to the Spartans, which was like a blow to the stomach. Losing to a I-AA team in your home opener must be even worse. No undefeated season. No chance for a national title. You’re three hours into a three month season, and you find out that it’s already over & done with. That must stink.

What do you think?

Fowler: Welcome to the GameDay College Football preview, here on ESPN. We’ve got a dandy of a 2007 season waiting in the wings, and it looks to be another exciting, wide open season.

We’re joining you today from Blacksburg, Virginia, where we are in no way exploiting the grief of the sad events of last April. And we’ll prove that to you in an upcoming five-part ESPN series entitled “Massacre near a Football Stadium,” which will begin immediately following this edition of ESPN College GameDay. Check your local listings.

In the meantime, I’m Chris Fowler, here with my coanchors Lou Holtz, Kirk Herbstreit, and Lee Corso; we’ll be joined later by Desmond Howard and Mark May.

All co-anchors: Hi.

Fowler: Let’s get right into it. Are the athletes in the SEC the fastest humans in the history of the Universe, or just the Earth? Lou?

Holtz: The EthEC ith in a league above everyone elth. They are very fast. Except when they get tackled. Then they’re slower than the guy who did the tackling. Its quite thimple, really. Fasth young men.

Corso: I agree. I agree. Look out! Here comes some speeeeed!! And let me tell ya, let me tell ya, [slaps Herbie in the arm], once those boys hit the field, nobody can catch them! [Whistles through teeth] Whoo! Right down the field!! Nobody can beat them!

Herbie: Yeah, I agree that the SEC is known for speed, but historically, it’s a bit overstated. Take the Big Ten. Ron Zook said that the Big Ten is just as speedy as the southern schools he used to play against, and the conference went 4-1 against the SEC last year, so that famous SEC speed really didn’t help those southern schools that much overall. Speed is important, but so is toughness and coaching.

Howard: Yes, but that one loss was in the BCS title game, so nothing else matters.

Fowler: So we’re agreed… they’re the fastest in the Universe. Moving on to teams in the lesser..uh.. other conferences, do you think any of them are coached by men as fast as Urban Meyer?

Corso: Let me tell you something. Urban Meyer is a heck of a guy. I used to be a coach, so I know a little somethin’ about coachin’. Meyer won the championship last year. And he did it by calling plays, and by having players on the field. With the sweat and the oomph and the ZOOM! Listen to me [points pencil at camera]: Urban Meyer is a COACH.

Herbie: I agree. Meyer’s success comes from recruiting great players, like Tim Tebow. It’ll be fascinating to watch this young man take the reins to defend the title.

Holtz: Yes, he getsth great playerth. Fast oneth.

Howard: I’m looking forward to seeing how Meyer does against his ACC conference opponents. Watching Tebow match up against defenses like Virginia Tech and Boston College will be very interesting.

Fowler: Speaking of recruiting great players, Pete Carroll has assembled yet another team capable of winning the BCS national championship. Coach, will that happen?

Corso: Ho boy, watch out! That David Booty John has a cannon for an arm! USC will win the Pac 10, ’nuff said. ‘Nuff said!

Howard: I’m not so sure, Lee. [Talking over footage of Cody Paul] UCLA recruit Cody Paul, who some are calling the white Reggie Bush, should give the USC defense quite a scare this year.

Fowler: This just in to the ESPN news desk… Virginia Tech officials still have nothing further to comment on the tragic massacre in Blacksburg last spring that has nothing to do with football. And the bad news continues to flow here in America’s heartland. And speaking of tragedies, Kirk, how about Ohio State? Do they have a chance to be speedy, like the SEC, this year?

Herbie: Well, any time you start a new quarterback there will be some challenges. And the Buckeyes haven’t had a power rushing game since the days Maurice Clarett was in the backfield, and they’re hoping that Beanie Wells will bring that classic Big Ten style of play back to the capital city. Tressel has put…

Holtz: Trethel is a coach, too.

Herbie: …has put together another team that may challenge for the Big Ten title.

May: Did someone say Clarett? I’m here.

Herbie: I look for this team to resemble the 2002 OSU team. Tresselball has returned to Columbus.

Fowler: Welcome, Mark. What do you think?

May: Look. Ohio State is going to have to overcome all the distraction brought on by Clarett. I mean, he’s in prison now, right? What does that say about the team he played six games for over five years ago? It’s simple. Reggie Bush will lead USC to the title game. It’s that simple.

Fowler: Uhh… Mark, Bush is a running back for the Saints, now. USC has a stable of new RBs.

May: I meant that the legacy of Bush will serve as motivation for USC to win the title.

Corso: That Reggie Bush. BOOM! Ha. Great kid.

Howard: I’m looking forward to seeing if Reggie Bush can beat Barbaro and win the Triple Crown next year.

Holtz: …..zzzzzzzz…fastyngmnnnnn…zzzzzz….

Fowler: This just in to the ESPN newsdesk: Virginia Tech officials, Maurice Clarett, Osama bin Laden, and Michael Vick have all been seen electrocuting dogs at a Caligula-inspired pool party hosted by Paris Hilton.

Herbie: Oh, for pete’s sake. That’s ridiculous. What does any of this have to do with college football?!?

Fowler: That’s what it says, Kirk. We are just reporting.

May: Kirk, are you a Clarett-lover or something?

Herbie: Bite my exquisitely tanned rear end, Mark.

Corso: ZING!

Alberts: Hey guys!

Fowler: Trev?!? How’d you get in here? How’d you get past security?

Alberts: Two words: Sewage. Line. Think “Shawshank” in reverse.

Howard: Ugh. You stink worse than Lloyd Carr in a bowl game.

Corso: Not so fast, my smelly friend! It’s the SEC with the zip and the zoom and the zhrka… Hah!! [singing] “HOT POOCKEETSS!” I Tivo the Teletubbies, my friend!! D’ya hear me, Tinkywinky?!? MMMmmmmbpthphlept!! Owuuuu!!

May: Trev?!? [their eyes lock]

Alberts: Why won’t you return my calls, Mark? How long were you planning to ignore me?!?

Herbie: [head in hands] No way is this happening again. God hates me. I can’t take this anymore.

May: [sniffs] Shut up, Trev. Just shut up [tear rolls down his face]. You had me at Shawshank, Trev. You had me at Shawshank. [sniffs]

Alberts: Oh, Mark!! [they embrace]

Holtz: zzzz… shwshnkkk… zzzzz

Herbie: [takes can of gasoline, pours contents over head, shoulders, and chest] Our father, who art in heaven…

Corso: Aaaughtphbltpgh!!! Hi-yaaaa! Schompquetzlptoooooooo!!!

Howard: [to the hugging couple] Does this mean I have to give up my chair?

Herbie: [lights match] *FOOM* HMMGGHRRFGHhhhh…*cough**gurgle* *hak* [dies]

Fowler: Well, that about wraps it up. For Lou Holtz, the misters Alberts, and the estate of Kirk Herbstreit, I’m Chris Fowler, and we’ll see you on GameDay. Go SEC.

 

 

 

 

Lloyd Carr, winter 2007:
“[Arrington’s return] is possible, but not probable.”

MotSaG, spring 2007:
“There are no specifics on Arrington’s violation… Which means, of course, Arrington will definitely be starting for UM later this fall.”

Lloyd Carr, summer 2007:
“Adrian has [been reinstated because he’s] proven to me that he wants to be at Michigan.”

Link

Last spring, six Penn State football players were arrested for crimes relating to an off-campus fight.

As a result, during the 2007 season, Joe Paterno will be punishing the entire football team by – I’m not making this up – making them clean up Beaver Stadium after each home game. After their Saturday afternoon game, the players will be required to report to the stadium first thing Sunday morning for cleaning detail.

“We’re all going to do it, everybody…” [said coach Paterno]. “Not just the kids that were involved. ‘Cause we’re all in it together. This is a team embarrassment. I wouldn’t call it anything much other than that.”

And he’s not through yet. The team will also have to build a house for Habitat for Humanity and volunteer for the Special Olympics this summer.

What do you think? Is Joe Pa being too rough? Or is this the type of thing that college football desperately needs more of?

Link