<p>I don’t see bandwagon fans. Most of us on this forum were (and are) impressed by Robinson and the Offense, but we have all expressed extreme displeasure and concern about the defense from the begining of the season (since the UMass game anyway). Lack of talent on defense is only part of the problem. The real issue is poor coaching. Our defense has not been taught how to tackle. That’s fundamental. </p>
<p>There is no question that against rush-based offenses, Michigan’s defense can be relatively effective. But if you throw a competent passing game in there, Michigan’s defense is very vulnerable. That is to be expected mind you. We lost our four most talended and experienced DBs (Donovan Warren unsuccessfully tried to enter the NFL, J. T. Turner and Valdimir Emilien transfered our and Troy Woolfolk sustained a season-ending injury before the season started). With those four guys in there, our defense would have been much, much, much better. But with all four gone, nobody expected this ridiculously young and not-so-talented Defensive Backfield to contain anybody. The least our coaches could do is make sure that our experienced DL and LB know how to tackle surely and consistently. To be honest, I thinkour entire coaching philosophy is pathetic. We do not play according to the talent we have. Our coaches are the most selfish and stubborn I have ever seen. They insist on playing their own system, regardless of the players they have. A 3-3-5 defensive scheme without a killer defensive backfield simply CANNOT work. Michigan has solid DLs and LBs. We should play a 3-4-4 or 4-3-4 scheme. </p>
<p>At any rate, I think Iowa and OSU are definite losses. Miracles happen of course, but I won’t hold my breath. We are a one-man offense, with no durable and reliable RB and no excellent WR to help. Thankfully, the OL is solid. Even then, great defenses like Iowa and OSU will make quick work of DR. But even when we lose to those two teams, I still expect our defense to put up a fight and look good. If that does not happen, I will express disapointment and anger, and that does not make me a bandwagon fan. The other four games could go either way. I predict 2-2 in those four games with a 7-5 finish to the finish.</p>
<p>A 7-5 finish may not be enough to save RR. I am sure that our AD is talking to other coaches right now. Should RR not be able to finish 8-4 or better and should a good coach be interested in the job, RR is out of there!</p>