He is a “Michigan man.”
Hoke embraces everything that Michigan fans want in a
head coach and the rivalries that the Wolverines have.
Along with that, he has been a strong recruiter
nationally.
Despite all those things, Michigan isn’t doing
what it
hired Hoke to do, and that is win Big Ten titles.
On Saturday, Michigan State physically manhandled
Michigan’s offensive line, as the Spartans beat Michigan 29-6.
The loss drops Michigan to 2-2 in the Big Ten and
essentially eliminates the Wolverines from contention in the Legends Division.
Michigan seems to be regressing each season under Hoke,
which is really the bigger issue.
Hoke took Michigan to 11 wins in 2011 and a win in the
Sugar Bowl, but did so largely with Rich Rodriguez’ roster.
Last season, the Wolverines went just 8-5 overall and 6-2
in the Big Ten, once again falling shy of even a division title.
This year, Michigan already has two conference losses,
one of which came against Penn State. That loss just can’t happen to a program
of Michigan’s caliber.
Saturday’s loss wasn’t surprising, which in turn makes it
surprising. It was surprising that all week, those that looked at the game on
paper felt Michigan was going to get physically manhandled, and was.
Michigan is a program built on black-and-blue football
and “bullying” the opponent. On Saturday, the Wolverines were bullied into
silence by the Spartans.
Where is the talent that Hoke was bringing into this
program? If it is there, why isn’t it developing?
Recruiting rankings are great, but championships are what
matter and Michigan is not winning those.
I am not saying Hoke should be fired, but certainly the
fanbase needs to stop treating him like he can do no wrong.
This is serious gut-check time for Hoke. Michigan has to
show something the rest of the year, and the Wolverines certainly have to show
more in 2014.
It is not like Hoke walked into a challenging Big Ten
conference. Outside of Ohio State, the conference is pretty weak. Michigan
State has a great defense, but the Spartans’ offense keeps it from being a
great team.
The Wolverines are a mediocre team surrounded by a fan
base looking for greatness. Perhaps the fans should temper their expectations,
or perhaps Hoke just isn’t getting the job done. I find it hard to believe this
is the best product he can put on the field.
Brady Hoke is not the answer. The answer is down in Baton Rouge. A change needs to happen now or bring back Lloyd carr.
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