Aged-Wolverine Question & Other Big Ten Teams Fans?

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Aged-Wolverine,

It is my opinion Jim Harbaugh is going to take "No Prisoners" at Michigan. What I mean by that is Harbaugh is not just going to put Great Players on Great Teams, but go right for the throat of other Programs. He knows if he can beat them badly with big wins they usually change Coaches and that just disrupts those Programs more having to adjust to new Head Coaches.

Pitt understands this problem of adjusting and adapting to new Coaches due to the mistakes of our previous Athletic Director mistakes more than just getting beat badly. Pederson caused many of Pitt's Self-Wound so we know what happens when Coaches come and go!

My Question to you is......Do you agree that one thing Harbaugh after one year and maybe even this year, will set out to do is to run up the scores on MSU's Dantonio, PSU's Franklin, and some other Big Ten Programs so as to cut down their own success at recruiting over time and then when those Coaches no longer win 10+ Games, they make a change?

I fully suspect Harbaugh will target MSU, PSU, and OSU, although it will be harder to badly beat Meyer's and Dantonio's Teams. I think he will jump all over Franklin's Staff and Teams and that will be a challenge Franklin will grow on or go on and that way makes PSU change Coaches within 4 to 5 years?

Second Question?:
What do you expect this year of Harbaugh Team Record total? I have predicted 10 wins but I am overrating Harbaugh's First Year I am told by some others Posters that I respect and have to agree now, I may be quite wrong! But Still sticking with 10 Wins anyway?

Here is how is how I see Michigan's Season:
(MICHIGAN QB SR, A FEW YOUNG OL, YOUNG DB'S & DL'S MIX)
All Close Wins Not Many Blowouts as Harbaugh forms his Team all season long. I can see him winning just 7 Games too, but I just think he has talent he can mold into a pretty good Teams by the end of this year?

Michigan Schedule:
W-@Utah (JR QB) (AVERAGE COACH) 23-21
W-Oregon State (JR QB NEW COACH) 19-17
W-UNLV (N/A) AVERAGE COACH 43-19
W-BYU (N/A) OK-GOOD COACH 33-29
W-@UMD (SR QB) GOOD COACH 19-18
W-NW (SR QB) GOOD COACH 23-20
L-MSU (JR QB) (TOUGH GREAT COACH 27-29
W-@MINNESOTA (SOPH QB) GREAT COACH 27-24
W-RUTGERS (SR QB) OK COACH 34-26
W-@INDIANA (SR QB) (AVERAGE COACH 43-19
W-@PENN STATE (JR QB) GREAT RECRUITER 44-21
L-OSU (JR QB) BEST COACH IN CFB 23-34

I say this because I think Harbaugh knows along with D'Antonio and Meyers they have to beat Penn state with big scores to cut down Franklin's Great recruiting. They along with Maryland and Rutgers are recognizing Franklin has a dynamic personality and attracting great talent.

The way to upset that kind of recruiting personality is to run up scores and beat Penn State big and undercut Franklin's Coaching and recruiting that way.

Harbaugh like his Brother will do everything to gain an edge and undermine the other programs by just outworking them.

Now before any Penn State Posters attack my views. They should know this is actually a compliment to Franklin and Penn State for his superb recruiting and becoming a threat to Michigan, MSU and OSU.

Moreover, Meyers loved running up the scores on his Rivals, yet, Franklin and Penn State Defense last year had OSU. The National Champs, on the Ropes, and that may not be so easy to do against Franklin & Staff?

Finally, I am on record that Franklin will be a Great Coach too not just a Great Recruiter and this is not going to be easy to beat him that way either! Others differ, and I respect their views as well.

 

[BlueBand]

If anyone will try to run up the score, it's Meyer. He's into style points. He wants to look good to others, it's about how he's perceived nationally.

Harbaugh is also hyper competitive. He'll try to win by as much as he can but I don't think it's to make a statement. He's just out to show you he's better than you. I don't get the sense it's because he cares what anyone else thinks, aside from that days opponent. He could be competing to win at Monopoly, it would be the same thing. But I could be wrong.

I don't think it has to do with recruiting, at least head to head. We seem to be going after more of the same players as Ohio State, rather than Michigan. I think it's more geographic than anything. I'm sure he wants to win any head to head recruiting battles, but I don't think he wants other conference teams to start recruiting lesser players.

To be the best, you have to beat the best. While you can overload the schedule, do you want to play all patsies? Players want to play in big games. So does he want to hurt recruiting for other programs on the schedule? I don't think so. A strong OSU, PSU, Michigan State, etc. raises the reputation of the conference and provides big games (it also raises revenues via the conference TV contracts). Also, it's easier to recruit top players to come to a top conference. Especially if trying to pull talent from the south to come north. Come to Michigan, play all mediocre opponents, play in an average at best conference, get subpar media coverage--not a strong sales pitch. I'm sure he'd rather sell playing big games against great opponents, in a top conference, with lots of love and attention from the media. Much easier sell. Leave the patsies for the OOC (and some conference bottom dwellers).

I doubt Harbaugh's ego is such that he's "afraid" of strong opponents. And unlike the old days where a gaudy record gets you a nice bowl game, to reach the playoffs, especially if limited to 4 teams, you need a strong resume. Ask the Big12. If there's one thing the B1G is good at, it's understanding how having strong conference mates is good for everyone. That doesn't mean each school is any less competitive and doesn't want to win every game. But the top teams push each other in all sports and try to raise the bar.

Harbaugh is inheriting a lot of talent in the junior and senior classes. However, Hoke's recruiting dropped off the past couple of years. He might make a splash his first year, and drop off after that before bouncing back. On the other hand, first year in a new system can be somewhat of a challenge for players, and the disruption can hurt the won/loss record. Sometimes that disruption is good (say, if the team was a big mess previously). But usually it causes setbacks. The other issue is does he have the right players to run his system? Or will he tailor the gameplan to match the talent, even if he ultimately doesn't want run the kind of offense and/or defense. Will the team (especially upperclassmen) buy in? He also needs to find a QB.

Teams with new coaches are crap shoots most of the time. I can see Michigan rebounding and winning 9-10 games if all the pieces come together. However, the team has issues, most coaches first year with a team are not the best, even if ultimately they do well. So, it's probably a more likely scenario he wins 7-8 games.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"BlueBand, post: 234954, member: 5962"]If anyone will try to run up the score, it's Meyer. He's into style points. He wants to look good to others, it's about how he's perceived nationally.
Meyer's loves being feared by his players, and he takes no Prisoners, much like Pete Carroll did at USC running up scores but he did not coach by fear with his Players?

Harbaugh is also hyper competitive. He'll try to win by as much as he can but I don't think it's to make a statement. He's just out to show you he's better than you. I don't get the sense it's because he cares what anyone else thinks, aside from that days opponent. He could be competing to win at Monopoly, it would be the same thing. But I could be wrong.
Agree and another view not wrong and a very good comment! Why I put it up to get feedback, and Thank You! We shall see is my point, I really don't know either!

I don't think it has to do with recruiting, at least head to head. We seem to be going after more of the same players as Ohio State, rather than Michigan. I think it's more geographic than anything. I'm sure he wants to win any head to head recruiting battles, but I don't think he wants other conference teams to start recruiting lesser players.
I disagree, Penn State used to get onlya few Top recruits from Big Ten Country even after it joined the Big Ten. But the Big Ten Schools came into the East and took some mighty fine Players away from Penn State too and they help beat Paterno!

However, today the Big Ten is now in New Jersey and Maryland. and Franklin is taking recruits in the Midwest and even Florida, he is a very dynamic personality and recruiter. Just my opinion!

To be the best, you have to beat the best.
Yes, but it is better put one has to play the Best anytime and at anyplace like Dr. Jock Sutherland used to say! Franklin Schedule both at Vanderbilt and now at Penn State is not one of the Best right now on OCC? They have added Notre Dame though for the future!

While you can overload the schedule, do you want to play all patsies?
Ask Franklin that?

Players want to play in big games. So does he want to hurt recruiting for other programs on the schedule? I don't think so.
Franklin recruited at Maryland (Assistant Coach In Head coach Waiting), Vandy and Penn State and did a great job at all 3 schools. I think he always will. However, can he beat MSU, Michigan and OSU and other big ten Schools, he better go 10 wins or all his recruiting won't matter is my question. I know Harbaugh has proven he can Coach and win in the Top 10 and NFL!

A strong OSU, PSU, Michigan State, etc. raises the reputation of the conference and provides big games (it also raises revenues via the conference TV contracts). Also, it's easier to recruit top players to come to a top conference. Especially if trying to pull talent from the south to come north.
Well, Duh, no one disagree with the obvious?

Come to Michigan, play all mediocre opponents, play in an average at best conference, get subpar media coverage--not a strong sales pitch. I'm sure he'd rather sell playing big games against great opponents, in a top conference, with lots of love and attention from the media. Much easier sell. Leave the patsies for the OOC (and some conference bottom dwellers).
franklin Versus HARBAUGH
temple, UTAH
buffalo, OREGON STATE
san diego state, Unlv
army, BYU

I doubt Harbaugh's ego is such that he's "afraid" of strong opponents.
Agree never was at Stanford!

And unlike the old days where a gaudy record gets you a nice bowl game, to reach the playoffs, especially if limited to 4 teams, you need a strong resume. Ask the Big12. If there's one thing the B1G is good at, it's understanding how having strong conference mates is good for everyone. That doesn't mean each school is any less competitive and doesn't want to win every game. But the top teams push each other in all sports and try to raise the bar.
If Baylor & TCU had played in Big-12 Champ game Ohio State would not have been invited to NCS!

Harbaugh is inheriting a lot of talent in the junior and senior classes. However, Hoke's recruiting dropped off the past couple of years. He might make a splash his first year, and drop off after that before bouncing back. On the other hand, first year in a new system can be somewhat of a challenge for players, and the disruption can hurt the won/loss record. Sometimes that disruption is good (say, if the team was a big mess previously). But usually it causes setbacks.
Agree, but Harbaugh is proven as a Head coach and in CFB & NFL too!

The other issue is does he have the right players to run his system? Or will he tailor the gameplan to match the talent, even if he ultimately doesn't want run the kind of offense and/or defense. Will the team (especially upperclassmen) buy in? He also needs to find a QB.
Harbaugh should be winning more in his last 6 games than his first in my opinion. Great coaches do that!

Teams with new coaches are crap shoots most of the time. I can see Michigan rebounding and winning 9-10 games if all the pieces come together. However, the team has issues, most coaches first year with a team are not the best, even if ultimately they do well. So, it's probably a more likely scenario he wins 7-8 games.
We shall see?

Thanks very good post!

 

[aged_wolverine]

OK second time typing this reply. doh



The D side of the ball should be OK as it has been the past few seasons. Our DC Mattison is back, although he isn't the head guy any longer. Jake Ryan is a huge loss at LB, although Desmond Morgan notched double digits tackles in spring game, and looks to be a leader in his senior season.


Blake Countess left for Auburn. Supposedly he got pissed with the new 5th yr transfer from Stanford. Blake is an awesome defender in zone, but is a liability in man to man coverage. Hopefully he can run better this season. He was the guy that tore acl in the bama game. We get back Peppers and the aforementioned transfer to help cover for his departure in the backfield.

On offense, pay attention to these names......Butt and Wheatley. Butt is a 3rd yr guy, and Wheatley was supposed to be a DE, but does play TE as well. I got a feeling they will be the brunt of our passing game, and they are huge mismatches lining up at TE. Wheatley is a freak of nature like his dad was. We will not be able to afford an injury to either.

We don't have any established deep threats. Drake Harris was fast....3 yrs ago before his senior HS season. He has basically sat out 2 yrs. They say his hamstring issues are gone, but I doubt it. If he was healthy, I guess that kid could fly. Mostly slower possession types. They will block for run game though.

The season comes down to O line ability, as it has for several yrs now. Same guys, new line coach, and a head coach who runs ya like you are in boot camp. It should be interesting.

As far as running up the score? He did on USC when Petey was there. Harbs has that alpha male mentality. I think he is as likely to run up the score as he is to punch an opposing coach. Ask Jim Kelly.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

aged_wolverine, post: 237999, member:
The season comes down to O line ability, as it has for several yrs now. Same guys, new line coach, and a head coach who runs ya like you are in boot camp. It should be interesting.
Like anything, the Michigan OL should be pretty good by game 8 or 9 in my opinion due to Harbaugh making that happen with the staff.
As far as running up the score? He did on USC when Petey was there. Harbs has that alpha male mentality. I think he is as likely to run up the score as he is to punch an opposing coach. Ask Jim Kelly.
This is how I see it, I fully expect Harbaugh establishing himself as you say the Alpha Male in the Big Ten with only a challenge from Meyers and Dantonio.

I am not sure Franklin & Staff can stay with him right now. I know Franklin can match him on recruiting, but coaching is another matter and still undetermined in my view, although I believe Franklin will be a good coach, but that is just my opinion?

Yet, in my opinion the Coaching Elite of the Big Ten right now is on a scale of 1 to 10, and just my opinion.
1. OSU, Meyers 10
2. Michigan's Harbaugh 10
3. MSU Dantonio 9.5
4. Jerry Kill Minnesota 9
4. James Franklin, Penn State 9
6. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa 8.5
6. Pat Fitzgerald, NW 8.5
6. Randy Edsall, Maryland 8.5
9. Paul Chryst, Wisconsin 8
9. Mike Riley, Nebraska 8
11. Kevin Wilson, Indiana 7.5
11. Kyle Flood, Rutgers 7.5
13. Tim Beckman, Illinois 4.0
14. Darel Hazell, Purdue 3.0

ACC:
1. Bobby Petrino, Louisville 9.5
1. Jimbo Fisher, Florida State 9.5
3. Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech 9
4. Dabo Swinney, Clemson 8.5
4. David Cutcliffe, Duke 8.5
6. Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech 8
6. Brian Kelly, Notre Dame, 8
8. Dave Doeren, NC State 7.5
8. Pat Narduzzi, PITT 7.5
8. Larry Fedora, UNC 7.5
11. Al Golden, Miami, 7
12. Mike London, Virginia 6.5
13. Steve Addazio, Boston College, 6
14. Dave Clawson, Wake Forest. 4
15. Scott Shafer, Syracuse, 3

BIG-12:
1. Gary Patterson, TCU 10
1. Bill Synder, KSU 10
1. Art Briles, Baylor, 10
4. Charlie Strong, Texas 9.5
5. Bob Stoops, OU 9
6. Mike Gundy, OKSU 8.5
7. Dana Holgrosen, WVU 7
8. Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech 5
9. Paul Rhoads, Iowa State 4
10. David Beaty, Kansas 3

PAC-12:
1. Jim Mora, UCLA, 9.5
1. David Shaw, Stanford, 9.5
3. Rich Rodriguez, Arizona, 9
4. Mark Helfrich, Oregon, 8.5
4. Mike Leach, Washington State, 8.5
4. Steve Sarkisian, USC, 8.5
4. Chris Petersen, Washington, 8.5
8. Todd Graham, ASU, 8
8. Kyle Whittingham, Utah, 8
8. Gary Andersen, Oregon State, 8
11. Sonny Dykes, California, 3
12. Mike MacIntyre, Colorado, 2

SEC:
1. Mark Richt, Georgia 10
1. Nick Saban, Alabama 10
1. Gus Malzahn, Auburn 10
4. Les Miles, LSU 9.5
4. Gary Pinkel, Missouri 9.5
4. Dan Mullen, Mississippi State 9.5
7. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina 9
8. Hugh Freeze, Ole Miss 8.5
9. Mark Stoops, Kentucky 8
9. Butch Jones, Tennessee 8
9. Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M 8
9. Bret Bielema, Arkansas 8
13. Jim McElwain, Florida 7
14. Derek Mason, Vanderbilt 3

 

[BlueBand]

Yet, in my opinion the Coaching Elite of the Big Ten right now is on a scale of 1 to 10, and just my opinion.
1. OSU, Meyers 10
2. Michigan's Harbaugh 10
3. MSU Dantonio 9.5
4. Jerry Kill Minnesota 9
4. James Franklin, Penn State 9
6. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa 8.5
6. Pat Fitzgerald, NW 8.5
6. Randy Edsall, Maryland 8.5
9. Paul Chryst, Wisconsin 8
9. Mike Riley, Nebraska 8
11. Kevin Wilson, Indiana 7.5
11. Kyle Flood, Rutgers 7.5
13. Tim Beckman, Illinois 4.0
14. Darrel Hazell, Purdue 3.0


I think this is about right, based on body of work to date. I would move Fitzgerald up-- I don't think he gets enough credit sometimes for the job he does with the admissions restrictions he's working with. Edsall is a wildcard. He did great things building up the CT program, but at Maryland hadn't looked as good, except for last year.

Chryst's record may end up being better than he is, by virtue of playing in the weaker division, and assuming he recruits and develops to the system that works for Wisconsin. With Alvarez there, I'm sure he will.

I think Hazell is a better coach than his record, but the situation he inherited at Purdue was so bad. Not sure he'll get enough time and support to turn it around.

I think Franklin will be one of those new breed of CEO coaches. Runs the program, face of the program, PR, takes the heat, recruiting guru, fundraiser, and makes sure the staff is doing their jobs. Most important, hire REALLY good people. Let the coordinators run the show. He sets the tone, they do the bulk of the coaching.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

The dominatrix is too busy interviewing lunch ladies and checking out assistant coaches WAGs to coach! Yeah, new breed of coach i.e. CEO….LOL

 

[thebadby2]

Yet, in my opinion the Coaching Elite of the Big Ten right now is on a scale of 1 to 10, and just my opinion.
1. OSU, Meyers 10
2. Michigan's Harbaugh 10
3. MSU Dantonio 9.5
4. Jerry Kill Minnesota 9
4. James Franklin, Penn State 9
6. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa 8.5
6. Pat Fitzgerald, NW 8.5
6. Randy Edsall, Maryland 8.5
9. Paul Chryst, Wisconsin 8
9. Mike Riley, Nebraska 8
11. Kevin Wilson, Indiana 7.5
11. Kyle Flood, Rutgers 7.5
13. Tim Beckman, Illinois 4.0
14. Darrel Hazell, Purdue 3.0


I think this is about right, based on body of work to date. I would move Fitzgerald up-- I don't think he gets enough credit sometimes for the job he does with the admissions restrictions he's working with. Edsall is a wildcard. He did great things building up the CT program, but at Maryland hadn't looked as good, except for last year.

Chryst's record may end up being better than he is, by virtue of playing in the weaker division, and assuming he recruits and develops to the system that works for Wisconsin. With Alvarez there, I'm sure he will.

I think Hazell is a better coach than his record, but the situation he inherited at Purdue was so bad. Not sure he'll get enough time and support to turn it around.

I think Franklin will be one of those new breed of CEO coaches. Runs the program, face of the program, PR, takes the heat, recruiting guru, fundraiser, and makes sure the staff is doing their jobs. Most important, hire REALLY good people. Let the coordinators run the show. He sets the tone, they do the bulk of the coaching.

Agree Fitzgerald should be at #4, he has worked some miracles at NWU. I think Harbaugh is an excellent coach, one of the best, but he's been in the pros for the past several years and the U of M program is at its lowest level in my lifetime. Let's see what he does at U of M the next three years before we put him ahead of Dantonio, who has proven about all he needs to prove at this point to be considered one of college football's elite coaches. U of M has the components, the cupboard isn't bare by any means but it will take a while. Harbaugh has to overcome the culture of mediocrity that his two predecessors created.

 

[thebadby2]

Aged-Wolverine,

It is my opinion Jim Harbaugh is going to take "No Prisoners" at Michigan. What I mean by that is Harbaugh is not just going to put Great Players on Great Teams, but go right for the throat of other Programs. He knows if he can beat them badly with big wins they usually change Coaches and that just disrupts those Programs more having to adjust to new Head Coaches.

Pitt understands this problem of adjusting and adapting to new Coaches due to the mistakes of our previous Athletic Director mistakes more than just getting beat badly. Pederson caused many of Pitt's Self-Wound so we know what happens when Coaches come and go!

My Question to you is......Do you agree that one thing Harbaugh after one year and maybe even this year, will set out to do is to run up the scores on MSU's Dantonio, PSU's Franklin, and some other Big Ten Programs so as to cut down their own success at recruiting over time and then when those Coaches no longer win 10+ Games, they make a change?

I fully suspect Harbaugh will target MSU, PSU, and OSU, although it will be harder to badly beat Meyer's and Dantonio's Teams. I think he will jump all over Franklin's Staff and Teams and that will be a challenge Franklin will grow on or go on and that way makes PSU change Coaches within 4 to 5 years?

Second Question?:
What do you expect this year of Harbaugh Team Record total? I have predicted 10 wins but I am overrating Harbaugh's First Year I am told by some others Posters that I respect and have to agree now, I may be quite wrong! But Still sticking with 10 Wins anyway?

Here is how is how I see Michigan's Season:
(MICHIGAN QB SR, A FEW YOUNG OL, YOUNG DB'S & DL'S MIX)
All Close Wins Not Many Blowouts as Harbaugh forms his Team all season long. I can see him winning just 7 Games too, but I just think he has talent he can mold into a pretty good Teams by the end of this year?

Michigan Schedule:
W-@Utah (JR QB) (AVERAGE COACH) 23-21
W-Oregon State (JR QB NEW COACH) 19-17
W-UNLV (N/A) AVERAGE COACH 43-19
W-BYU (N/A) OK-GOOD COACH 33-29
W-@UMD (SR QB) GOOD COACH 19-18
W-NW (SR QB) GOOD COACH 23-20
L-MSU (JR QB) (TOUGH GREAT COACH 27-29
W-@MINNESOTA (SOPH QB) GREAT COACH 27-24
W-RUTGERS (SR QB) OK COACH 34-26
W-@INDIANA (SR QB) (AVERAGE COACH 43-19
W-@PENN STATE (JR QB) GREAT RECRUITER 44-21
L-OSU (JR QB) BEST COACH IN CFB 23-34

I say this because I think Harbaugh knows along with D'Antonio and Meyers they have to beat Penn state with big scores to cut down Franklin's Great recruiting. They along with Maryland and Rutgers are recognizing Franklin has a dynamic personality and attracting great talent.

The way to upset that kind of recruiting personality is to run up scores and beat Penn State big and undercut Franklin's Coaching and recruiting that way.

Harbaugh like his Brother will do everything to gain an edge and undermine the other programs by just outworking them.

Now before any Penn State Posters attack my views. They should know this is actually a compliment to Franklin and Penn State for his superb recruiting and becoming a threat to Michigan, MSU and OSU.

Moreover, Meyers loved running up the scores on his Rivals, yet, Franklin and Penn State Defense last year had OSU. The National Champs, on the Ropes, and that may not be so easy to do against Franklin & Staff?

Finally, I am on record that Franklin will be a Great Coach too not just a Great Recruiter and this is not going to be easy to beat him that way either! Others differ, and I respect their views as well.

Captain, with all due respect, this is a pretty silly post. You want posters' opinions as to whether Harbaugh will run up the scores against opponents when he hasn't coached a game at U of M yet? You think he will be in a position to embarrass or humiliate Michigan State any time soon, or for that matter, as long as Dantonio is there? I noticed you left OSU off your list of teams that he might try to embarrass-well -MSU isn't that far behind the OSU program at this point--2-2 in the last 4 meetings, with a 1 point loss one year and a closer than it looked 12 point loss to the dominant OSU team last year in a statistically even game. Point being, if you've been watching college football the past four years, it's going to be a long while before Harbaugh is in a position to run up a score against his in-state rival. It will never happen on Dantonio's watch. In fact, this year, I predict a 3 score-plus beatdown this year by the Spartans, who are loaded on both sides of the ball. Michigan is rebuilding and has no QB or O-line this season. U of M had big losses on the defensive side. Most of their best players next season will be young and unproven. That said, your point about trying to gain recruiting advantage etc. by running up scores is without any real world basis. Nothing in Harbaugh's coaching career would suggest that he has that mindset. He was a great hire and will eventually restore U of M to its historical place as one of the top programs in college football--but it will take some time, and his rivals are not sleeping on him. Take a look at Michigan State's recruiting class so far if you want some proof of that.

 

[vulcan80]

I'll be really impressed if he can run up the score on Penn State this year.They have a good core of defenders back and a very good DC!Does anyone else think Harbaughs a little weird?bwdik

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"BlueBand, post: 238101, member: 5962"]Yet, in my opinion the Coaching Elite of the Big Ten right now is on a scale of 1 to 10, and just my opinion.
1. OSU, Meyers 10
2. Michigan's Harbaugh 10
3. MSU Dantonio 9.5
4. Jerry Kill Minnesota 9
4. James Franklin, Penn State 9
6. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa 8.5
6. Pat Fitzgerald, NW 8.5
6. Randy Edsall, Maryland 8.5
9. Paul Chryst, Wisconsin 8
9. Mike Riley, Nebraska 8
11. Kevin Wilson, Indiana 7.5
11. Kyle Flood, Rutgers 7.5
13. Tim Beckman, Illinois 4.0
14. Darrel Hazell, Purdue 3.0
I think this is about right, based on body of work to date. I would move Fitzgerald up-- I don't think he gets enough credit sometimes for the job he does with the admissions restrictions he's working with.
Agree, I enjoy your opinions and posts and quite agree. Fitzgerald & Staff just knows how to teach his Players how to Execute on Game Day even when they don't always recruit in the Top 30 and their Admissions Office limits Recruits based on Academics more than just going for Talent. I also think once Franklin & Staff gets going with their recruits, there will be a bigger increase in his rating as well. Just a Hunch!

Edsall is a wildcard. He did great things building up the CT program, but at Maryland hadn't looked as good, except for last year.
Quite agree, he did wonders at UConn and making them a FBS School but he is in the Big Ten now and at Maryland. He is a good coach but many good coaches don't always last in among Big Ten competition. So much depends on the Resources of the Schools too. Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State all invite over 3,000 Recruits and hold High School Coaching Clinics every year. Wisconsin and Nebraska just have great support systems within the States and great Athletic Support. Iowa, NW, and MSU Very Good Coaches. This makes coaching at Indiana, Illinois, Rutgers, Maryland, Purdue, Minnesota far tougher.

Chryst's record may end up being better than he is, by virtue of playing in the weaker division, and assuming he recruits and develops to the system that works for Wisconsin. With Alvarez there, I'm sure he will.
Amen, very well said and I Totally Agree, I want to see how he does on Special Teams, they were horrible at Pitt under his Tenure. I don't see Alvarez allowing him Total control, and will step in and tell him what to do on Defense and Special Teams. It is my belief and contention Alvarez is still the Head Coach and all under him, just putting in the time required to make sure they keep the System they have developed under Alvarez. As well as, why Bielema and Anderson left? Chryst is another Walt Harris in my opinion, not flashy but knows his stuff on Offense. Pitt rejected Alvarez when he wanted the job before Wisky took him?
I think Paterno should have done this at Penn State way back in 1998, but he wanted that win record and just wanted to continue be Head coach. he should have become the AD again like he once was, and just guide the program as Alvarez does today. Just my opinion, not Gospel.

I think Hazell is a better coach than his record, but the situation he inherited at Purdue was so bad. Not sure he'll get enough time and support to turn it around.
Spot on, I hated giving him such a low ranking, but it is hard to turn around any Program in the Big Ten unless it is Michigan, OSU, and PSU. MSU, Wisky, and Iowa did it with great coaching. Nebraska is in the process still correcting Osborne leaving and Steve Pederson's Poison in its system. Minnesota has the great Jerry Kill a Remarkable Coach but he has Health Issues? Illinois, Purdue, Rutgers, Maryland, and Indiana all will have a tougher time turning it around as Michigan and Penn State comeback, and OSU, MSU, and Wisky are doing just fine.

I think Franklin will be one of those new breed of CEO coaches. Runs the program, face of the program, PR, takes the heat, recruiting guru, fundraiser, and makes sure the staff is doing their jobs. Most important, hire REALLY good people. Let the coordinators run the show. He sets the tone, they do the bulk of the coaching.
I cannot disagree and won't even try! Spot on, and I think the same. He and Penn State can have a long lasting relationship once he starts winning 10 Games again and I think he can do it this year, if the OL comes together early. The only thing that I see that chases him away is PSU Fans and the Paterno's that will undermine him, if they become upset with just 9 wins and demand 10+ every year????

Say what you may, but Sue still wants Jay Paterno to be Head Coach and won't rest until it happens or she goes to see Joe, and once that happens, the Paterno's will be finished in Happy Valley and relegated to Old War Story Status of what "Has Beens" often become among politicians. Once the lawsuits are over they will go away too!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"thebadby2, post: 238419, member: 1492"]Agree Fitzgerald should be at #4, he has worked some miracles at NWU.
Enjoy your views too, always insightful.

I think Harbaugh is an excellent coach, one of the best, but he's been in the pros for the past several years and the U of M program is at its lowest level in my lifetime. Let's see what he does at U of M the next three years before we put him ahead of Dantonio, who has proven about all he needs to prove at this point to be considered one of college football's elite coaches.
The Harbaugh's are winners just like their Father that once coached at Pitt. I do think Harbaugh wore out his welcome among NFL Players that are different breed and under a Business Organization where Owners call the shots from College Players over all. Yet, as we discussed, Harbaugh won at Stanford and he will win at his Alma Mater at Michigan where he will be allow to do it his way.

I also agree, i may have been over generous over saying he will have 10 Wins THIS YEAR, as you pointed but a while back, and you are more right, but I have to stand by my bad portending and we shall see, anything else would be on me not standing by my views and have no fear of being wrong and anyone else more right, just like I think you will be on Harbaugh.

I also agree Harbaugh biggest challenges will be as you say, Meyers, D'Antonio both OSU Guys, and Franklin. This is why I think he will run the score up on any of them if he can do it. The Harbaugh's play to win and go for any edge and not afraid to embarrass anyone, and that goes for his brother at Baltimore Ravens. Whether that will burn one of them out so far not seen???

U of M has the components, the cupboard isn't bare by any means but it will take a while. Harbaugh has to overcome the culture of mediocrity that his two predecessors created.
We shall see if he can work his magic sooner at his Beloved Big Blue Adopted Mother faster then he did after taking over Stanford. I agree with you more than I disagree, as always, and welcome your comments and insights, and fine analysis that often corrects my own.

 

[Dan from Howell]

I'm not sold on UM this year. I see 6-6 or 7-5. I don't think the talent's there, especially on the lines. Jake Ryan's a big loss, as well as Funchess. Gardner was an x-factor, but was good when he wasn't beat up the 2nd half of the season. I'm sure Harbaugh can at least have a functional RB with his coaching style, but can that line block for him? Rudock won't lost many games for UM, but how many will he win? Iowa hasn't been the same Iowa since 2008/2009. I do think however that Rudock may save the season from "no bowl."

I wouldn't put Harbaugh ahead of Dantonio just yet, either. I'd put him with Franklin. Good coaches at previous schools that have something to prove in the Big 10.
Jerry Kill may be the next Barry Alverez with what he's doing at Minnesota. Nobody does more with less.
Ferentz I think is overrated and hasn't been the same since Norm Parker passed away.
I'd move up Flood to middle of the pack, maybe higher. I don't see Rutgers as an easy out, although that's a tough division.
I'd switch Beckmann and Hazell. Both are at doormat teams, but Illinois shouldn't be one with the instate talent. Hazell has the toughest rebuild job in the Big 10 with the worst injury luck there is.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"Dan from Howell, post: 241428, I'm not sold on UM this year. I see 6-6 or 7-5. I don't think the talent's there, especially on the lines. Jake Ryan's a big loss, as well as Funchess.
Neither is a Lair Poster "Thebadby2," whose opinion I respect and told me the same thing and that I am overestimating Harbaugh's abilities to turn Michigan around in one season! Upon reflection, I believe you and him are more right, but I will stay at my prediction out of character. I will admit I am wrong if he wins less than 10 games, with some credit if he wins just 9, but anything less, I am toast with crow on it!

Gardner was an x-factor, but was good when he wasn't beat up the 2nd half of the season. I'm sure Harbaugh can at least have a functional RB with his coaching style, but can that line block for him?
This is my problem upon checking out that OL, to be fair, they did not post the Up To Date Depth Charts until well after my prediction. Yet, I see they may have some holes now? I still think by Game 8 and 9 Harbaugh will have a pretty good OL, but by then they will be playing PSU & OSU, both tough games in my view!

Rudock won't lost many games for UM, but how many will he win? Iowa hasn't been the same Iowa since 2008/2009. I do think however that Rudock may save the season from "no bowl." I wouldn't put Harbaugh ahead of Dantonio just yet, either. I'd put him with Franklin. Good coaches at previous schools that have something to prove in the Big 10.
Jerry Kill may be the next Barry Alverez with what he's doing at Minnesota. Nobody does more with less.
This is a very good observation and agree with you in part. These are the Top 5 coaches in the Big Ten with Meyers and Fitzgerald may be right under them? Michigan, OSU and PSI have the Money Resource Programs and Dantonio too now, but Kill and Fitzgerald have great coaching.

Ferentz I think is overrated and hasn't been the same since Norm Parker passed away. I'd move up Flood to middle of the pack, maybe higher. I don't see Rutgers as an easy out, although that's a tough division. I'd switch Beckmann and Hazell. Both are at doormat teams, but Illinois shouldn't be one with the instate talent. Hazell has the toughest rebuild job in the Big 10 with the worst injury luck there is.
Very good post, thank you!